Benchmarking of three-dimensional multicomponent lattice Boltzmann equation

We present a challenging validation of phase field multi-component lattice Boltzmann equation (MCLBE) simulation against the Re = 0 Stokes flow regime Taylor-Einstein theory of dilute suspension viscosity. By applying a number of recent advances in the understanding and the elimination of the interfacial micro-current artefact, extending to 3D a class of stability-enhancing multiple relaxation time collision models (which require no explicit collision matrix, note) and developing new interfacial interpolation schemes, we are able to obtain data which show that MCLBE may be applied in new flow regimes. Our data represent one of the most stringent tests yet attempted on LBE-one which received wisdom would preclude on grounds of overwhelming artefact flow

Oxytocin and Early Parent-Infant Interactions: A Systematic Review

Objectives Social relationships throughout lifespan are critical for health and wellbeing. Oxytocin, often called the ‘hormone of attachment’ has been suggested as playing an important role in early-life nurturing and resulting social bonding. The objective of this paper is to synthesize the associations between oxytocin levels and interactions between infants and parents that may trigger oxytocin release, and in turn facilitate attachments. Methods A comprehensive cross-disciplinary systematic search was completed using electronic databases. The inclusion criteria included studies that focused on mother-infant and father-infant interaction and measured both baseline and post-interaction oxytocin levels. Results Seventeen studies were included in the final systematic review. The reviewed studies used mother-infant and/or father-infant play and skin-to-skin contact between maternal-infant and paternal-infant dyads to examine the oxytocin role in early life bonding and parenting processes. Studies showed a positive correlation between parent-infant contact and oxytocin levels in infancy period. Increased maternal oxytocin levels were significantly related to more affectionate contact behaviors in mothers following mother-infant contact, synchrony, and engagement. Meanwhile, increased paternal oxytocin levels were found to be related to more stimulatory contact behaviors in fathers following father-infant contact. Oxytocin levels significantly increased in infants, mothers and fathers during skin-to-skin contact and parents with higher oxytocin levels exhibited more synchrony and responsiveness in their infant interactions. Conclusion The review suggests that oxytocin plays an important role in the development of attachment between infants and parents through early contact and interaction. The complexities of oxytocinergic mechanisms are rooted in neurobiological, genetic, and social factors

Further validation to support clinical translation of [(18)F]FTC-146 for imaging sigma-1 receptors.

BackgroundThis study aims to further evaluate the specificity and selectivity of [(18)F]FTC-146 and obtain additional data to support its clinical translation.MethodsThe binding of [(19)F]FTC-146 to vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) was evaluated using [(3)H]vesamicol and PC12(A123.7) cells in an in vitro binding assay. The uptake and kinetics of [(18)F]FTC-146 in S1R-knockout mice (S1R-KO) compared to wild-type (WT) littermates was assessed using dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Ex vivo autoradiography and histology were conducted using a separate cohort of S1R-KO/WT mice, and radiation dosimetry was calculated from WT mouse data (extrapolated for human dosing). Toxicity studies in Sprague-Dawley rats were performed with a dose equivalent to 250× the anticipated clinical dose of [(19)F]FTC-146 mass.Results and discussionVAChT binding assay results verified that [(19)F]FTC-146 displays negligible affinity for VAChT (K i = 450 ± 80 nM) compared to S1R. PET images demonstrated significantly higher tracer uptake in WT vs. S1R-KO brain (4.57 ± 1.07 vs. 1.34 ± 0.4 %ID/g at 20-25 min, n = 4, p < 0.05). In S1R-KO mice, it was shown that rapid brain uptake and clearance 10 min post-injection, which are consistent with previous S1R-blocking studies in mice. Three- to fourfold higher tracer uptake was observed in WT relative to S1R-KO mouse brains by ex vivo autoradiography. S1R staining coincided well with the autoradiographic data in all examined brain regions (r (2) = 0.85-0.95). Biodistribution results further demonstrated high [(18)F]FTC-146 accumulation in WT relative to KO mouse brain and provided quantitative information concerning tracer uptake in S1R-rich organs (e.g., heart, lung, pancreas) for WT mice vs. age-matched S1R-KO mice. The maximum allowed dose per scan in humans as extrapolated from mouse dosimetry was 33.19 mCi (1228.03 MBq). No significant toxicity was observed even at a 250X dose of the maximum carrier mass [(19)F]FTC-146 expected to be injected for human studies.ConclusionsTogether, these data indicate that [(18)F]FTC-146 binds specifically to S1Rs and is a highly promising radiotracer ready for clinical translation to investigate S1R-related diseases

Further validation to support clinical translation of [18

BACKGROUND: This study aims to further evaluate the specificity and selectivity of [(18)F]FTC-146 and obtain additional data to support its clinical translation. METHODS: The binding of [(19)F]FTC-146 to vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) was evaluated using [(3)H]vesamicol and PC12(A123.7) cells in an in vitro binding assay. The uptake and kinetics of [(18)F]FTC-146 in S1R-knockout mice (S1R-KO) compared to wild-type (WT) littermates was assessed using dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Ex vivo autoradiography and histology were conducted using a separate cohort of S1R-KO/WT mice, and radiation dosimetry was calculated from WT mouse data (extrapolated for human dosing). Toxicity studies in Sprague–Dawley rats were performed with a dose equivalent to 250× the anticipated clinical dose of [(19)F]FTC-146 mass. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: VAChT binding assay results verified that [(19)F]FTC-146 displays negligible affinity for VAChT (K(i) = 450 ± 80 nM) compared to S1R. PET images demonstrated significantly higher tracer uptake in WT vs. S1R-KO brain (4.57 ± 1.07 vs. 1.34 ± 0.4 %ID/g at 20–25 min, n = 4, p < 0.05). In S1R-KO mice, it was shown that rapid brain uptake and clearance 10 min post-injection, which are consistent with previous S1R-blocking studies in mice. Three- to fourfold higher tracer uptake was observed in WT relative to S1R-KO mouse brains by ex vivo autoradiography. S1R staining coincided well with the autoradiographic data in all examined brain regions (r(2) = 0.85–0.95). Biodistribution results further demonstrated high [(18)F]FTC-146 accumulation in WT relative to KO mouse brain and provided quantitative information concerning tracer uptake in S1R-rich organs (e.g., heart, lung, pancreas) for WT mice vs. age-matched S1R-KO mice. The maximum allowed dose per scan in humans as extrapolated from mouse dosimetry was 33.19 mCi (1228.03 MBq). No significant toxicity was observed even at a 250X dose of the maximum carrier mass [(19)F]FTC-146 expected to be injected for human studies. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these data indicate that [(18)F]FTC-146 binds specifically to S1Rs and is a highly promising radiotracer ready for clinical translation to investigate S1R-related diseases. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13550-015-0122-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Additional file 1: Figure S1. of Further validation to support clinical translation of [18F]FTC-146 for imaging sigma-1 receptors

FTC-146, SN-56 and Vesamicol binding affinity to VAChT. (DOC 171 kb

Additional file 6: Table S3. of Further validation to support clinical translation of [18F]FTC-146 for imaging sigma-1 receptors

Summary of [19F]FTC-146 toxicity study in rats. (DOC 34 kb

Additional file 2: Figure S2. of Further validation to support clinical translation of [18F]FTC-146 for imaging sigma-1 receptors

Representative MR images showing how regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn for 1 = cortex; 2 = caudate putamen; 3 = hippocampus, 4 = cerebellum during PET/MR image analysis. Whole brain ROIs were drawn using the skull from the CT image as a guide. (DOC 573 kb