King Abdulaziz University

Gallium-68 complexes with siderophores, typically isostructural with their iron(III) analogues and recognized by microbial Fe(III)-siderophore complex receptors, are candidates for PET imaging of microbial infection. Here we evaluate [68Ga]Ga-desferrioxamine-B complex ([68Ga]Ga-DFO) for imaging in patients with infected aortic grafts. The trial was registered on clinical trials.gov, NCT05285072 registered 16 March 2022. [68Ga]Ga-DFO was produced from 68Ga-generator eluate in acetate buffer and characterized by radioHPLC, iTLC and LCMS. Its stability in human serum was evaluated in vitro by protein precipitation and size exclusion chromatography, and its biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and dosimetry determined by PET imaging in healthy mice. PET imaging in two patients with aortic graft infections was performed over 90 min, with blood and urine sampling in one patient. Analysis of [68Ga]Ga-DFO identified it as a 1:1 complex of 68Ga with DFO, with > 95% radiochemical purity, stable in human serum in the absence of bicarbonate at high DFO: protein ratio, but not in the presence of bicarbonate with low DFO: protein ratio. It was rapidly cleared renally from healthy mice but in humans, clearance was much slower consistent with significant protein binding. There was no specific uptake at infection sites identified by [18F]FDG scanning. We conclude that future clinical evaluation of the [68Ga]Ga-siderophore approach to infection imaging requires a deeper understanding of the kinetics and thermodynamics of transchelation of 68Ga between the siderophores and transferrin.

BackgroundDespite the growing popularity of aerial sports, limited research has investigated musculoskeletal (MSK) injury incidence among female acrobatic athletes. Understanding injury prevalence is essential for implementing effective prevention strategies.ObjectiveTo investigate demographic characteristics, physical activity (PA) levels, and MSK injury occurrence in female aerial acrobatics athletes in the western region of Saudi Arabia.MethodsSixty female aerial acrobatics athletes (mean age: 28.66years) participated. We assessed PA using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and data on MSK injury history and sport-specific profiles were collected. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests examined correlations between injury occurrence and factors such as age, experience, and type of aerial activity.ResultsMost participants (60%) reported high PA levels. The majority (92%) performed warm-ups and cool-downs routines and mainly exercised under supervision. The current injury prevalence was 20%, with 12 participants reporting ongoing injuries. Common injury sites included the back 8(28.6%), knee 7(25%), and wrist 6(21.4%).ConclusionMusculoskeletal injury prevalence among participants was 20%, reporting a current injury related to aerial acrobatics sports. This study revealed low MSK injury rates and high PA levels among female aerial acrobatics athletes, primarily characterized by limited experience. To promote injury prevention, further research is needed with a larger sample and a focus on factors influencing injury frequency such as age, acrobatics type, and upper body strength. In addition, developing a reliable assessment tool designed for aerial acrobatics athletes' performance is recommended.