Optimization of Precursor Preparation in PSMA-11 Radiolabeling to Obtain a Highly Reproducible Radiochemical Yield

[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer because of its higher sensitivity and detection rate compared with traditional choline PET/CT. A highly reproducible radiochemical yield of the radiopharmaceutical to be used in the clinical routine is an important parameter for planning and optimization of clinical activity. During radiometallation of PSMA-11, the presence of metal ion contaminants in the peptide precursor may cause a decrease in the [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 radiochemical yield because of metal ion contaminants competition with gallium-68. To optimize the radiochemical yield of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 radiosynthesis, data obtained by preparing the solution of the PSMA-11 precursor with three different methods (A, B, and C) were compared. Methods A and B consisted of the reconstitution of different quantities of precursor (1000 µg and 30 µg, respectively) to obtain a 1 µg/mL solution. In Method A, the precursor solution was aliquoted and stored frozen, while the precursor solution obtained with Method B was entirely used. Method C consisted of the reconstitution of 1000 µg of precursor taking into account net peptide content as described in European Pharmacopoeia. Radiosynthesis data demonstrated that reconstitution methods B and C gave a consistently higher and reproducible radiochemical yield, highlighting the role of metals and precursor storage conditions on the synthesis performance

Agroecosystem Performances of Livestock Farms in a Mountain Area of Sicily

Agroecosystem performance indicators (APIs) represent instruments for studying agroecosystem performance via an input/output approach and a knowledge base, with the aim of improving the sustainability level of the farm\u27s activity (Tellarini & Caporali, 2000). This research used APIs to evaluate the influence of stocking rate on the performance (in terms of energy) of farms in a mountainous area of northern Sicily, Italy

The Timing of Daily Grazing on Annual Ryegrass or Sulla Forage: The Effects on Milk Yield and Composition of Comisana Ewes

The timing and duration of grazing greatly affect the response of animals. Night grazing, in addition to grazing during the day, seems to be one of the most important practices for improving animal performance (Bayer et al., 1987). Many authors have already underlined the major benefits of night grazing, such as improved body condition, reduced heat stress, increased forage intake and milk production. However, labour constraints, insecurity, damage to crops by animals are considered as the main reasons for not practising day and night grazing. The aim of this research was to improve knowledge about the effects of daily grazing time in ryegrass or sulla forage on milk yield and composition of Comisana ewes

Cognitive Neuropsychology of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

Advances in the treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have dramatically improved survival rates over the past 10 years, but HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain highly prevalent and continue to represent a significant public health problem. This review provides an update on the nature, extent, and diagnosis of HAND. Particular emphasis is placed on critically evaluating research within the realm of cognitive neuropsychology that aims to elucidate the component processes of HAND across the domains of executive functions, motor skills, speeded information processing, episodic memory, attention/working memory, language, and visuoperception. In addition to clarifying the cognitive mechanisms of HAND (e.g., impaired cognitive control), the cognitive neuropsychology approach may enhance the ecological validity of neuroAIDS research and inform the development of much needed novel, targeted cognitive and behavioral therapies