Cost-utility of real-time continuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose and intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring in people with type 1 diabetes receiving multiple daily insulin injections in Denmark.

AIMS: To determine the cost-effectiveness of the Dexcom G6 real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) system compared with both the self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 1 and 2 intermittently scanned CGM (is-CGM) devices in people with type 1 diabetes receiving multiple daily insulin injections in Denmark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis was performed using the IQVIA Core Diabetes Model, which associates rt-CGM use with glycated haemoglobin reductions of 0.6% and 0.36% based on data from the DIAMOND and ALERTT1 trials, respectively, compared with SMBG and is-CGM use. The analysis was performed from the payer perspective over a 50-year time horizon; future costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 4% per annum. RESULTS: The use of rt-CGM was associated with an incremental gain of 1.37 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) versus SMBG. Total mean lifetime costs were Danish Krone (DKK) 894 535 for rt-CGM and DKK 823 474 for SMBG, resulting in an incremental cost-utility ratio of DKK 51 918 per QALY gained versus SMBG. Compared with is-CGM, the use of rt-CGM led to a gain of 0.87 QALYs and higher mean lifetime costs resulting in an incremental cost-utility ratio of DKK 40 879 to DKK 34 367 per QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS: In Denmark, the rt-CGM was projected to be highly cost-effective versus both SMBG and is-CGM, based on a willingness-to-pay threshold of 1× per capita gross domestic product per QALY gained. These findings may help inform future policies to address regional disparities in access to rt-CGM.

Thoracic Imaging in Pediatric Trauma: Are CTs Necessary?

OBJECTIVES: Imaging algorithms for assessment of thoracic trauma in pediatric patients remain controversial, attempting to balance radiation dose and its associated risk with the need for thorough assessment of patients' injuries. This study reviewed the value of chest radiography in detecting traumatic injuries, and the impact that computed tomography (CT) had on clinical management. METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric trauma patients undergoing chest radiography and thoracic CT over a 2-year period at a level 1 trauma center was performed. The incidence of various traumatic injuries was documented, with measures of sensitivity and specificity on radiography. Clinical notes were reviewed to identify any changes in care based on CT findings. RESULTS: Eighty-one pediatric trauma patients underwent thoracic CT over a 2-year period, with 60 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Radiographs identified 47 traumatic injuries out of 117 seen on the subsequent CT examinations for a sensitivity of 41% and specificity of 91%. Radiographs were most sensitive in detecting osseous injuries with a sensitivity of 54%. Additional CT findings changed management in 2 of 60 cases, or 3.3% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: Use of thoracic CT in pediatric trauma patients identifies a significantly greater number of injuries compared with than radiography but significantly increases radiation dose while changing management in only a very small proportion of cases. Despite the relatively small sample size, the findings reflect 2 years of experience at a level 1 trauma center, and this study suggests that it may be reasonable to decrease the frequency of cross-sectional imaging.

Tough and Fatigue Resistant Cellulose Nanocrystal Stitched Ti3 C2 Tx MXene Films.

Ti3 C2 Tx MXene (or "MXene" for simplicity) has gained noteworthy attention for its metal-like electrical conductivity and high electrochemical capacitance-a unique blend of properties attractive toward a wide range of applications such as energy storage, healthcare monitoring, and electromagnetic interference shielding. However, processing MXene architectures using conventional methods often deals with the presence of defects, voids, and isotropic flake arrangements, resulting in a trade-off in properties. Here, a sequential bridging (SB) strategy is reported to fabricate dense, freestanding MXene films of interconnected flakes with minimal defects, significantly enhancing its mechanical properties, specifically tensile strength (≈285 MPa) and breaking energy (≈16.1 MJ m-3 ), while retaining substantial values of electrical conductivity (≈3050 S cm-1 ) and electrochemical capacitance (≈920 F cm-3 ). This SB method first involves forming a cellulose nanocrystal-stitched MXene framework, followed by infiltration with structure-densifying calcium cations (Ca2+ ), resulting in tough and fatigue resistant films with anisotropic, evenly spaced, and strongly interconnected flakes - properties essential for developing high-performance energy-storage devices. It is anticipated that the knowledge gained in this work will be extended toward improving the robustness and retaining the electronic properties of 2D nanomaterial-based macroarchitectures.

Toughening Wet-Spun Silk Fibers by Silk Nanofiber Templating.

Regenerated silk fibers typically fall short of silkworm cocoon fibers in mechanical properties due to reduced fiber crystal structure and alignment. One approach to address this has been to employ inorganic materials as reinforcing agents. The present study avoids the need for synthetic additives, demonstrating the first use of exfoliated silk nanofibers to control silk solution crystallization, resulting in all-silk pseudocomposite fibers with remarkable mechanical properties. Incorporating only 0.06 wt% silk nanofibers led to a ≈44% increase in tensile strength (over 600 MPa) and ≈33% increase in toughness (over 200 kJ kg-1 ) compared with fibers without silk nanofibers. These remarkable properties can be attributed to nanofiber crystal seeding in conjunction with fiber draw. The crystallinity nearly doubled from ≈17% for fiber spun from pure silk solution to ≈30% for the silk nanofiber reinforced sample. The latter fiber also shows a high degree of crystal orientation with a Herman's orientation factor of 0.93, a value which approaches that of natural degummed B. mori silk cocoon fiber (0.96). This study provides a strong foundation to guide the development of simple, eco-friendly methods to spin regenerated silk with excellent properties and a hierarchical structure that mimics natural silk.

Spinning Regenerated Silk Fibers with Improved Toughness by Plasticizing with Low Molecular Weight Silk.

Low-molecular weight (LMW) silk was utilized as a LMW silk plasticizer for regenerated silk, generating weak physical crosslinks between high-molecular weight (HMW) silk chains in the amorphous regions of a mixed solution of HMW/LMW silk. The plasticization effect of LMW silk was investigated using mechanical testing, Raman spectroscopy, and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Small amounts (10%) of LMW silk resulted in a 19.4% enhancement in fiber extensibility and 37.8% increase in toughness. The addition of the LMW silk facilitated the movement of HMW silk chains during drawing, resulting in an increase in molecular chain orientation when compared with silk spun from 100% HMW silk solution. The best regenerated silk fibers produced in this work had an orientation factor of 0.94 and crystallinity of 47.82%, close to the values of natural degummedBombyx mori silk fiber. The approach and mechanism elucidated here can facilitate artificial silk systems with enhanced properties.

Highly Conductive Ti3 C2 Tx MXene Hybrid Fibers for Flexible and Elastic Fiber-Shaped Supercapacitors.

Fiber-shaped supercapacitors (FSCs) are promising energy storage solutions for powering miniaturized or wearable electronics. However, the scalable fabrication of fiber electrodes with high electrical conductivity and excellent energy storage performance for use in FSCs remains a challenge. Here, an easily scalable one-step wet-spinning approach is reported to fabricate highly conductive fibers using hybrid formulations of Ti3 C2 Tx MXene nanosheets and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate. This approach produces fibers with a record conductivity of ≈1489 S cm-1 , which is about five times higher than other reported Ti3 C2 Tx MXene-based fibers (up to ≈290 S cm-1 ). The hybrid fiber at ≈70 wt% MXene shows a high volumetric capacitance (≈614.5 F cm-3 at 5 mV s-1 ) and an excellent rate performance (≈375.2 F cm-3 at 1000 mV s-1 ). When assembled into a free-standing FSC, the energy and power densities of the device reach ≈7.13 Wh cm-3 and ≈8249 mW cm-3 , respectively. The excellent strength and flexibility of the hybrid fibers allow them to be wrapped on a silicone elastomer fiber to achieve an elastic FSC with 96% capacitance retention when cyclically stretched to 100% strain. This work demonstrates the potential of MXene-based fiber electrodes and their scalable production for fiber-based energy storage applications.

Acyl-CoA thioesterase-2 facilitates mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in the liver.

Acyl-CoA thioesterase (Acot)2 localizes to the mitochondrial matrix and hydrolyses long-chain fatty acyl-CoA into free FA and CoASH. Acot2 is expressed in highly oxi-dative tissues and is poised to modulate mitochondrial FA oxidation (FAO), yet its biological role is unknown. Using a model of adenoviral Acot2 overexpression in mouse liver (Ad-Acot2), we show that Acot2 increases the utilization of FA substrate during the daytime in ad libitum-fed mice, but the nighttime switch to carbohydrate oxidation is similar to control mice. In further support of elevated FAO in Acot2 liver, daytime serum ketones were higher in Ad-Acot2 mice, and overnight fasting led to minimal hepatic steatosis as compared with control mice. In liver mitochondria from Ad-Acot2 mice, phosphorylating O2 consumption was higher with lipid substrate, but not with nonlipid substrate. This increase depended on whether FA could be activated on the outer mitochondrial membrane, suggesting that the FA released by Acot2 could be effluxed from mitochondria then taken back up again for oxidation. This circuit would prevent the build-up of inhibitory long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters. Altogether, our findings indicate that Acot2 can enhance FAO, possibly by mitigating the accumulation of FAO intermediates within the mitochondrial matrix.

Cost-utility of real-time continuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose in people with insulin-treated Type II diabetes in France.

Aim: Clinical trials and real-world data for Type II diabetes both show that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and hypoglycemia occurrence can be reduced by real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) versus self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). The present cost-utility study investigated the long-term health economic outcomes associated with using rt-CGM versus SMBG in people with insulin-treated Type II diabetes in France. Materials & methods: Effectiveness data were obtained from a real-world study, which showed rt-CGM reduced HbA1c by 0.56% (6.1 mmol/mol) versus sustained SMBG. Analyses were conducted using the IQVIA Core Diabetes Model. A French payer perspective was adopted over a lifetime horizon for a cohort aged 64.5 years with baseline HbA1c of 8.3% (67 mmol/mol). A willingness-to-pay threshold of €147,093 was used, and future costs and outcomes were discounted at 4% annually. Results: The analysis projected quality-adjusted life expectancy was 8.50 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for rt-CGM versus 8.03 QALYs for SMBG (difference: 0.47 QALYs), while total mean lifetime costs were €93,978 for rt-CGM versus €82,834 for SMBG (difference: €11,144). This yielded an incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of €23,772 per QALY gained for rt-CGM versus SMBG. Results were particularly sensitive to changes in the treatment effect (i.e., change in HbA1c), annual price and quality of life benefit associated with rt-CGM, SMBG frequency, baseline patient age and complication costs. Conclusion: The use of rt-CGM is likely to be cost-effective versus SMBG for people with insulin-treated Type II diabetes in France.

Interfacial Modification of Lithium Metal Anode by Boron Nitride Nanosheets.

Metallic lithium (Li) is the most attractive anode for Li batteries because it holds the highest theoretical specific capacity (3860 mA h g-1) and the lowest redox potential (-3.040 V vs SHE). However, the poor interface stability of the Li anode, which is caused by the high reactivity and dendrite formation of metallic Li upon cycling, leads to undesired electrochemical performance and safety issues. While two-dimensional boron nitride (BN) nanosheets have been utilized as an interfacial layer, the mechanism on how they stabilize the Li-electrolyte interface remains elusive. Here, we show how BN nanosheet interlayers suppress Li dendrite formation, enhance Li ion transport kinetics, facilitate Li deposition, and reduce electrolyte decomposition. We show through both simulation and experimental data that the desolvation process of a solvated Li ion within the interlayer nanochannels kinetically favors Li deposition. This process enables long cycling stability, reduced voltage polarization, improved interface stability, and negligible volume expansion. Their application as an interfacial layer in symmetric cells and full cells that display significantly improved electrochemical properties is also demonstrated. The knowledge gained in this study provides both critical insights and practical guidelines for designing a Li metal anode with significantly improved performance.

To assess the effects of cross-education on strength and motor function in post stroke rehabilitation: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cross-education refers to the increase in motor output of the untrained limb following unilateral training of the opposite limb. Cross education has been shown to be beneficial in clinical settings. OBJECTIVES: This systematic literature and meta-analysis aims to assess the effects of cross-education on strength and motor function in post stroke rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, ClinicalTrails.gov and Cochrane Central registers were searched up to 1st October 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Controlled trials using unilateral training of the less affected limb in individuals diagnosed with stroke and English language. DATA SYNTHESIS: Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tools. Quality of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4.1. RESULTS: Five studies capturing 131 participants were included in the review and three studies capturing 95 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Cross education was shown to have a statistically and clinically significant effect on upper limb strength (p < 0.003; SMD 0.58; 95% CI 0.20-0.97; n = 117) and upper limb function (p = 0.04; SMD 0.40; 95% CI 0.02-0.77; n = 119). LIMITATIONS: Small number of studies, with all studies identified as having some risk of bias. Quality of evidence graded 'low' due to limitations and imprecision. CONCLUSION: Cross education may be beneficial in improving strength and motor function in the more affected upper limb post stroke. Further studies are needed as the research into the benefits of cross education in stroke rehabilitation is still limited. Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO (CRD42020219058).

Applications of X-Ray-Based Characterization in MXene Research.

X-rays are a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 10 pm to 10 nm. Similar to visible light, X-rays provide a powerful tool to study the atoms and elemental information of objects. Different characterization methods based on X-rays are established, such as X-ray diffraction, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, and X-ray-based spectroscopies, to explore the structural and elemental information of varied materials including low-dimensional nanomaterials. This review summarizes the recent progress of using X-ray related characterization methods in MXenes, a new family of 2D nanomaterials. These methods provide key information on the nanomaterials, covering synthesis, elemental composition, and the assembly of MXene sheets and their composites. Additionally, new characterization methods are proposed as future research directions in the outlook section to enhance understanding of MXene surface and chemical properties. This review is expected to provide a guideline for characterization method selection and aid in precise interpretation of the experimental data in MXene research.

Mid-Infrared Electrochromics Enabled by Intraband Modulation in Carbon Nanotube Networks.

Tuneable infrared properties, such as transparency and emissivity, are highly desirable for a range of applications, including thermal windows and emissive cooling. Here, we demonstrate the use of carbon nanotube networks spray-deposited onto an ionic liquid-infused membrane to fabricate devices with electrochromic modulation in the mid-infrared spectrum, facilitating control of emissivity and apparent temperature. Such modulation is enabled by intraband transitions in unsorted single-walled carbon nanotube networks, allowing the use of scalable nanotube inks for printed devices. These devices are optimized by varying film thickness and sheet resistance, demonstrating the emissivity modulation (from ∼0.5 to ∼0.2). These devices and the understanding thereof open the door to selection criteria for infrared electrochromic materials based on the relationship between band structure, electrochemistry, and optothermal properties to enable the development of solution-processable large-area coatings for widespread thermal management applications.

Cost-utility of real-time continuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose in people with insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes in Canada.

Aim: Clinical trials and real-world data for Type 2 diabetes have shown that real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) lowers glycated hemoglobin (A1c) and reduces hypoglycemia relative to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). This analysis examined the long-term health and economic outcomes associated with using rt-CGM versus SMBG in people with insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes in Canada. Materials & methods: Clinical data were sourced from a real-world study, in which rt-CGM reduced A1C by 0.56% versus continued SMBG. The analysis was performed using the IQVIA Core Diabetes Model, from a Canadian payer perspective over a lifetime horizon for a cohort aged 65 years with an A1C of 8.3% at baseline. Future costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 1.5% annually. Results: Projected total mean lifetime costs were CAD 207,466 for rt-CGM versus CAD 189,863 for SMBG (difference: CAD 17,602) and projected mean quality-adjusted life expectancy was 9.97 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for rt-CGM versus 9.02 QALYs for SMBG (difference: 0.95 QALYs), resulting in an incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of CAD 18,523 per QALY gained for rt-CGM versus SMBG. Findings were sensitive to changes in the A1C treatment effect, annual cost and quality of life benefit associated with using rt-CGM, SMBG frequency, and baseline age, but ICURs remained below CAD 50,000 per QALY in all analyses. Conclusion: For people in Canada with insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control, use of rt-CGM is likely to be cost-effective relative to SMBG.

2011 ISSVD Terminology and classification of vulvar dermatological disorders: an approach to clinical diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to formulate an easy clinical approach that may be used by clinicians of all backgrounds to diagnose vulvar dermatological disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease appointed a committee with multinational members from the fields of dermatology, gynecology, and pathology and charged the committee to formulate a clinically based terminology and classification of vulvar dermatological disorders. The committee carried out its work by way of multiple rounds of e-mails extending over almost 2 year's time. RESULTS: The committee was able to formulate a consensus report containing terminology, classification, and a step-wise approach to clinical diagnosis of vulvar dermatological disorders. This report was presented and approved by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease at the XXI International Congress held in Paris, France, on September 3 to 8, 2011. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that the approach to terminology and classification as well as clinical diagnosis contained in this article allows clinicians to make highly accurate diagnoses of vulvar dermatological disorders within the clinical setting. This, in turn, will reduce the need for referrals and will improve the care for women with most vulvar disorders.

Sensory substitution for orthopaedic gait rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis for clinical practice guideline development.

Introduction: Sensory Substitution is a biofeedback intervention whereby at least sensory system is utilised to supplement environmental information which is traditionally gathered by another sense. Objective: To present an evidence-based overview of the feasibility and effectiveness of wearable Sensory Substitution devices on gait outcomes in orthopaedic patient populations. Methods: This Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis was reported according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of science and PEDro were searched for relevant published literature. Inclusion criteria limited the search strictly to patients diagnosed with an orthopaedic condition and who were randomly grouped to a Sensory Substitution intervention or conventional therapy/training or an equivalent placebo intervention. Results: Nine Randomised Controlled Trials and three Crossover Trials investigating the effectiveness of Sensory Substitution supplemented gait training were identified and included participants with a variety of orthopaedic conditions. Meta-Analyses revealed positive findings of feasibility as well as statistical and clinical effect of the interventions in improving measures of gait speed, weight-bearing control, measures of functionality and subjective self-reporting. Meta-Analyses also revealed the interventions effects were not significant in the management of pain and retention of gait speed. Negatively reinforced Sensory Substitution biofeedback was statistically and clinically effective, whilst positively reinforced biofeedback was not. Conclusion: For orthopaedic patient populations to improve gait speed, weight-bearing control, functionality, pain and self-report measures, the authors recommend a Sensory Substitution supplemented gait training programme with negative biofeedback on performance. The intervention should be undertaken for 20 min per day, 3 days per week for 5 weeks. The intervention should coincide with structured analgesia administration to facilitate effective pain management. Limitations of the data included some low sample sizes and large age-ranges. No financial support was provided for this study.

Association Between Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitor Use and Diabetes-Related Medical Costs for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Little is known about the impact of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) on diabetes-related medical costs within the type 2 diabetes (T2D) population. A retrospective analysis of administrative claims data from the Optum Research Database was conducted. Changes in diabetes-related health care resource utilization costs were expressed as per-patient-per-month (PPPM) costs. A total of 571 T2D patients (90% insulin treated) met study inclusion criteria. Average PPPM for diabetes-related medical costs decreased by -$424 (95% confidence interval [CI] -$816 to -$31, P = 0.035) after initiating rtCGM. These reductions were driven, in part, by reductions in diabetes-related inpatient medical costs: -$358 (95% CI -$706 to -$10, P = 0.044). Inpatient hospital admissions were reduced on average -0.006 PPPM (P = 0.057) and total hospital days were reduced an average of -0.042 PPPM (P = 0.139). These findings provide real-world evidence that rtCGM use was associated with diabetes-related health care resource utilization cost reductions in patients with T2D.

Environmentally stable MXene ink for direct writing flexible electronics.

MXene inks are promising candidates for fabricating conductive circuits and flexible devices. Here, MXene inks prepared from solvent mixtures demonstrate long-term stability and can be employed in commercial rollerball pens to write electronic circuits on flexible substrates. Such circuits exhibit a fast and accurate capacitive response for touch-boards and water level measurement, indicating the excellent potential of these MXene inks in electrical device fabrication.

Cost-Effectiveness of a Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Versus Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in People with Type 2 Diabetes on Insulin Therapy in the UK.

INTRODUCTION: Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) involves the measurement and display of glucose concentrations, potentially improving glucose control among insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The present analysis aimed to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of rt-CGM versus self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) based on a USA retrospective cohort study in insulin-treated people with T2D adapted to the UK. METHODS: Long-term costs and clinical outcomes were estimated using the CORE Diabetes Model, with clinical input data sourced from a retrospective cohort study. Patients were assumed to have a baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 8.3%. Patients using rt-CGM were assumed to have a 0.56% reduction in HbA1c based on the mean difference between groups after 12 months of follow-up. Reduced fingerstick testing when using rt-CGM was associated with a quality of life (QoL) benefit. The analysis was performed over a lifetime time horizon from a National Health Service (NHS) perspective, including only direct costs from published data. Future costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 3.5% per annum. Extensive sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Projections showed that rt-CGM was associated with increased quality-adjusted life expectancy of 0.731 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and increased mean total lifetime costs of Great British pounds (GBP) 2694, and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of GBP 3684 per QALY compared with SMBG. Key drivers of outcomes included HbA1c reduction and reduced fingerstick testing QoL benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Over patient lifetimes, rt-CGM was associated with improved clinical outcomes and is highly likely to be cost effective versus SMBG in people with T2D on insulin therapy in the UK.

Tuneable synthetic reduced graphene oxide scaffolds elicit high levels of three-dimensional glioblastoma interconnectivity in vitro.

Three-dimensional tissue scaffolds have utilised nanomaterials to great effect over the last decade. In particular, scaffold design has evolved to consider mechanical structure, morphology, chemistry, electrical properties, and of course biocompatibility - all vital to the performance of the scaffold and how successful they are in developing cell cultures. We have developed an entirely synthetic and tuneable three-dimensional scaffold of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) that shows good biocompatibility, and favourable mechanical properties as well as reasonable electrical conductivity. Importantly, the synthesis is scaleable and suitable for producing scaffolds of any desired geometry and size, and we observe a high level of biocompatibility and cell proliferation for multiple cell lines. In particular, one of the most devastating forms of malignant brain cancer, glioblastoma (GBM), grows especially well on our rGO scaffold in vitro, and without the addition of response-specific growth factors. We have observed that our scaffold elicits spontaneous formation of a high degree of intercellular connections across the GBM culture. This phenomenon is not well documented in vitro and nothing similar has been observed in synthetic scaffolds without the use of response-specific growth factors - which risk obscuring any potential phenotypic behaviour of the cells. The use of scaffolds like ours, which are not subject to the limitations of existing two-dimensional substrate technologies, provide an excellent system for further investigation into the mechanisms behind the rapid proliferation and success of cancers like GBM. These synthetic scaffolds can advance our understanding of these malignancies in the pursuit of improved theranostics against them.

Nanosheet-Stabilized Emulsions: Near-Minimum Loading and Surface Energy Design of Conductive Networks.

Here, we develop a framework for assembly, understanding, and application of functional emulsions stabilized by few-layer pristine two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets. Liquid-exfoliated graphene and MoS2 are demonstrated to stabilize emulsions at ultralow nanosheet volume fractions, approaching the minimum loading achievable with 2D materials. These nanosheet-stabilized emulsions allow controlled droplet deposition free from the coffee ring effect to facilitate single-droplet devices from minute quantities of material or assembly into large-area films with high network conductivity. To broaden the range of compositions and subsequent applications, an understanding of emulsion stability and orientation in terms of surface energy of the three phases is developed. Importantly, this model facilitates determination of the surface energies of the nanosheets themselves and identifies strategies based on surface tension and pH to allow design of emulsion structures. Finally, this approach is used to prepare conductive silicone emulsion composites with a record-low loading level and excellent electromechanical sensitivity. The versatility of these nanosheet-stabilized emulsions illustrates their potential for low-loading composites, thin-film formation and surface energy determination, and the design of functional structures for a range of segregated network applications.