Covalent functionalization of 1D and 2D sp2-carbon nanoallotropes - twelve years of progress (2011-2023).

Carbon nanoallotropes have attracted significant attention in the field of materials science due to their unique combination of physicochemical and biological properties, with numerous applications. One-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) sp2-carbon nanoallotropes, such as carbon nanohorns (CNHs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene, have emerged as prominent candidates for a variety of technological advancements. To fully exploit their exceptional characteristics, the covalent functionalization of these nanostructures may alleviate the problems with the processing and final performance. This route of the carbon nanoallotrope functionalization is based on a covalent attachment of functional groups or molecules (via linkers of various strengths) to their surfaces, enabling precise control over physical, chemical, biological, and electronic properties. Such an approach opens up new avenues for tailoring the nanoallotrope characteristics, such as solubility/dispersibility, reactivity, and interactions with other materials. Over more than the last decade, significant progress has been made in the covalent functionalization of both 1D and 2D sp2-carbon nanoallotropes, paving the way for diverse applications in the nanoelectronics, energy storage, sensing, and biomedical fields. In this comprehensive review, we provide state-of-the-art advancements and achievements in the covalent functionalization of 1D and 2D sp2-carbon nanoallotropes during the past dozen years. We aim to highlight the key strategies, methodologies, and breakthroughs that have significantly contributed to this field. Eventually, we discuss the implications of those advancements and explore the opportunities for future research and applications.

Association of Parsonage-Turner syndrome with COVID-19 infection and vaccination: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The exact etiology of Parsonage-Turner syndrome is unknown, but it is known to be preceded by infection, vaccination, or surgical intervention. In this review, we describe associations of Parsonage-Turner syndrome with COVID-19 infection and vaccination. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Microsoft Excel was used for data extraction and statistical analysis. The quality of case reports and case series was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: We selected 44 case reports and 10 case series, including 68 patients (32 post-vaccination and 36 with post-COVID-19 infection Parsonage-Turner syndrome). Middle-aged males were predominantly affected in both groups. The most frequently administered vaccine was Comirnaty (Pfizer) (53%). The mean latency was 11.7 days in the post-vaccination group and 20.3 days in the post-infection group. The most affected nerves in both groups were the axillary, suprascapular, and musculocutaneous nerves; and 78.1% and 38.9% of patients showed partial amelioration of their symptoms in the post-vaccination and post-infection groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Post-vaccination Parsonage-Turner syndrome presents earlier than post-infection disease. Pain and sensorimotor deficits of the upper limb are common in both situations. Complete or partial recovery occurs in most cases.

Solitary and multiple thyroid nodules as predictors of malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The debate on whether or not there is a difference in the incidence of thyroid cancer between the patients with Solitary thyroid Nodule (STN) and Multinodular Goiter (MNG) has been constantly present for the last few decades. With newer studies yielding mixed results, it was imperative to systematically compile all available literature on the topic. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, ScienceDirect, GoogleScholar, International Clinical Trials registry, and reference lists of the included articles were systematically searched for article retrieval. No filter was applied in terms of time, study design, language or country of publication. Rigorous screening as per PRISMA guidelines was undertaken by 2 independent reviewers in order to identify the articles that were most relevant to the topic. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies spanning from 1992 to 2018 were included in this analysis and encompassed 50,321 patients, 44.2% of which belonged to the STN subgroup and 55.37% to the MNG subgroup. MNG was found to be associated with a significantly lower risk of thyroid cancer (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.61-0.96) when compared with STN. Papillary carcinoma was the most frequently occurring carcinoma across both groups, followed by follicular and medullary carcinomas. A subgroup analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of the two most commonly employed diagnostic tools i.e. surgery and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), however it yielded nonsignificant results, indicating a comparable usefulness of the two. Another subgroup analysis run on the basis of the presumed iodine status of the participants also yielded nonsignificant results. CONCLUSION: There is a higher incidence of thyroid cancer among patients of STN, however, given the low quality of existing evidence on the topic, it is crucial to conduct larger studies that can establish association with a greater precision.