Hitchhiking Nanoparticles: Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Delivery of Theranostic Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution to permanent elimination of cancer. However, nanoparticles themselves lack specificity to tumors. Due to enhanced migration to tumors, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were suggested as cell-mediated delivery vehicles of nanoparticles. In this study, we have constructed a complex composed of photoluminescent quantum dots (QDs) and a photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) to obtain multifunctional nanoparticles, combining cancer diagnostic and therapeutic properties. QDs serve as energy donors-excited QDs transfer energy to the attached Ce6 via Förster resonance energy transfer, which in turn generates reactive oxygen species. Here, the physicochemical properties of the QD-Ce6 complex and singlet oxygen generation were measured, and the stability in protein-rich media was evaluated, showing that the complex remains the most stable in protein-free medium. In vitro studies on MSC and cancer cell response to the QD-Ce6 complex revealed the complex-loaded MSCs' potential to transport theranostic nanoparticles and induce cancer cell death. In vivo studies proved the therapeutic efficacy, as the survival of tumor-bearing mice was statistically significantly increased, while tumor progression and metastases were slowed down.

Rodlike Particles of Polydopamine-CdTe Quantum Dots: An Actuator As a Photothermal Agent and Reactive Oxygen Species-Generating Nanoplatform for Cancer Therapy.

Herein, novel rodlike CdTe@MPA-PDA particles based on polydopamine (PDA) loaded with CdTe quantum dots (QDs) capped with mercaptopropionic acid (CdTe@MPA QDs) with atypical chemical features are evaluated as a potential actuator for photothermal therapy and oxidative stress induction. Under mild conditions established for the safe and efficient use of lasers, temperature increases of 10.2 and 7.8 °C, photothermal conversion efficiencies of 37.7 and 26.2%, and specific absorption rates of 99 and 69 W/g were obtained for CdTe@MPA-PDA and traditional PDA particles in water, respectively. The particles were set to interact with the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231. A significant cellular uptake with the majority of particles colocalized into the lysosomes was obtained at a concentration of 100 µg/mL after 24 h. Additionally, CdTe@MPA-PDA and CdTe@MPA QDs showed significantly different internalization levels and loading kinetics profiles. For the first time, the thermal lens technique was used to demonstrate the stability of particle-like CdTe@MPA-PDA after heating at pH 7 and their migration within the heating region due to the thermodiffusion effect. However, under acidic pH-type lysosomes, a performance decrease in heating was observed, and the chemical feature of the particles was damaged as well. Besides, the internalized rodlike CdTe@MPA-PDA notably enhanced the induction of oxidative stress compared with PDA alone and CdTe@MPA QDs in MDA-MB-231 cells initiating apoptosis. Combining these effects suggests that after meticulous optimizations of the conditions, the CdTe@MPA-PDA particles could be used as a photothermal agent under mild conditions and short incubation time, allowing cytoplasmatic subcellular localization. On the other hand, the same particles act as cell killers by triggering reactive oxygen species after a longer incubation time and lysosomal subcellular localization due to the pH effect on the chemical morphology features of the CdTe@MPA-PDA particles.

Stimuli-responsive azobenzene-quantum dots for multi-sensing of dithionite, hypochlorite, and azoreductase.

A new fluorescence turn-on sensing platform has been developed applicable for sensitive profiling of multiple chemical and biological analytes, using azobenzene-quantum dot as a new stimuli-responsive optical nanoprobe. An azobenzene-carrying compound bis [4, 4'-(dithiophenyl azo)-1, 3-benzenediamine] (DTPABDA) is for the first time reported to be used for conjugation with CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) via the ligand exchange reaction. Due to the photo-induced electron-transfer (PET) effect, the electron-withdrawing azobenzene groups of DTPABDA can significantly cause the photoluminescence (PL) of QDs quenched. The QDs' PL can be subsequently reignited by the removal of azo moiety cleavable through three types of specific reactions: the dithionite reduction, hypochlorite oxidation, and azoreductase enzymatic catalysis, respectively. By monitoring of reaction-induced recovery of FL signals at 560 nm with an excitation of 450 nm, such azobenzene-QDs conjugates served as a new nanoprobe enabling the fluorescence turn-on sensing of dithionite, hypochlorite, and azoreductase with high sensitivity, broad linear range, and good selectivity. The successful detection of target analytes in real samples reveals the potential of our method in practical applications, such as biosensing, environmental and industrial monitoring. Graphical abstract A new stimuli-responsive fluorescence probe is reported for the sensitive detection of sodium dithionite, hypochlorite, and azoreductase. The probe consists of QDs with an azobenzene-carrying compound as a ligand. The fluorescence of QDs could be quenched by the azo group and subsequently recovered via the removal of azo group by these three compounds, resulting in the "turn-on" sensing of these compounds with high sensitivity, broad linear range, and good selectivity. The successful detection of azoreductase in serum samples reveals the practical use of this method.

Rolling circle amplification promoted magneto-controlled photoelectrochemical biosensor for organophosphorus pesticides based on dissolution of core-shell MnO2 nanoflower@CdS mediated by butyrylcholinesterase.

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensing platform is devised for sensitive detection of an organophosphorus pesticide based on dissolution of core-shell MnO2 nanoflower@CdS (MnO2 NF@CdS) by thiocholine (TCh). TCH is produced from the butyrylcholinesterase-acetylthiocholine system, accompanied by target-triggered rolling circle amplification (RCA). The core-shell MnO2 NF@CdS with excellent PEC performance was synthesized and employed as a photo-sensing platform. The target was detected on a functionalized magnetic probe with the corresponding aptamer. Upon malathion introduction, the aptamer was detached from the magnetic beads, while capture DNA (cDNA, with primer fragment) remained on the beads. The primer fragment in cDNA can trigger the RCA reaction to form a long single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Furthermore, a large number of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were assembled on the long ssDNA strands through the hybridization with the S2-Au-BChE probe. Thereafter, TCh generated from hydrolysis of ATCh by BChE can reduce MnO2 NF (core) to Mn2+ and release the CdS nanoparticles (shell) from the platform electrode, significantly enhancing the PEC signal. Under optimal conditions, the proposed aptasensor exhibited high sensitivity for malathion with a low detection limit of 0.68 pg mL-1. Meanwhile, it also presents outstanding specificity, reproducibility, and stability. Importantly, the sensing platform provides a new concept for detection of pesticide. Graphical abstract Herein, this work devised a photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensing platform for sensitive detection of organophosphorus pesticide based on dissolution of core-shell MnO2 nanoflower@CdS (MnO2 NF@CdS) by the as-produced thiocholine (TCh) from the butyrylcholinesterase-acetylthiocholine system, accompanying with the target-triggered rolling circle amplification (RCA).

Selective and sensitive visible-light-prompt photoelectrochemical sensor of Cu2+ based on CdS nanorods modified with Au and graphene quantum dots.

Nowadays, increasing the risk for copper leaching into the drinking water in homes, hotels and schools has become unresolved issues all around the countries such as Canada, the United States, and Malaysia. The leaching of copper in tap water is due to a combination of acidic water, damaged pipes, and corroded plumbing fixtures. To remedy this global problem, a triple interconnected structure of CdS/Au/GQDs was designed as a photo-to-electron conversion medium for a real time and selective visible-light-prompt photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for Cu2+ ions in real water samples. The synergistic interaction of the CdS/Au/GQDs enabled the smooth transportation of charge carriers to the charge collector and provided a channel to inhibit the charge recombination reaction. Thus, a detection limit of 2.27 nM was obtained, which is 10,000 fold lower than that of WHO's Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (∼30 µM). The photocurrent reduction was negligible after 30 days of storage under ambient conditions, suggesting the high stability of photoelectrode. Moreover, the real-time monitoring of Cu2+ ions in real samples was performed with satisfactory results, confirming the capability of the investigated photoelectrode as the most practical detector for trace amounts of Cu2+ ions.

A distance-triggered signaling on-off mechanism by plasmonic Au nanoparticles: toward advanced photocathodic DNA bioanalysis.

An efficient signaling on-off mechanism was first proposed by integrating exciton-plasmon coupling and exciton energy transfer into cathodic PEC bioassays. This signaling on-off mechanism has endowed the cathodic PEC biosensor with powerful capability for ultrasensitive and specific detection of target DNA.

Performance optimization of CdS precipitated graphene oxide/polyacrylic acid composite for efficient photodegradation of chlortetracycline.

Here a CdS embedded poly acrylic acid (PAA)/graphene oxide (GO) polymeric composite was prepared for the efficient degradation of chlortetracycline (CTC) driven by visible light irradiation. The structure-activity relationship of GO/PAA-CdS was confirmed through the photocatalytic evaluation of a series of samples prepared by varying GO concentration, molar ratio of Cd:S and the amount of crosslinking agent. Through the composition, morphology, photoelectrochemical characterizations and degradation kinetic studies, it could be confirmed that the enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the controlled growth of CdS nanoparticles by polymer net structure and effective electron transfer along GO nanosheets. The photodegradation of CTC was confirmed to be mainly governed by O2- and OH radicals generated from GO/PAA-CdS. The degradation intermediates of CTC were confirmed by LC-MS, and possible degradation pathways were proposed based on the prediction of radical attacking sites according to Fukui function values obtained through Density Functional Theory (DFT). Moreover, it was found that the catalytic activity of the photocatalyst was maintained after several cycles confirming the enhanced anti-photocorrosion of GO/PAA-CdS. This research provided an efficient approach by a novel photocatalyst for the removal of CTC from wastewater.

Nitrofurazone degradation in the self-biased bio-photoelectrochemical system: g-C3N4/CdS photocathode characterization, degradation performance, mechanism and pathways.

In this study, a self-biased bio-photoelectrochemical system (SB-BPES) was constructed using a bioanode and the g-C3N4/CdS heterojunction photocathode for nitrofurazone (NFZ) degradation under solar irradiation. The physio-chemical properties and optical performance of photocatalysts were characterized, and photo-electrochemical properties of various photocathodes were analyzed. Results showed that g-C3N4/CdS exhibited the broadest visible light absorption range (to 594 nm) and the most efficient e--h+ separation; and its corresponding photocathode showed the highest photocurrent (9.8 µA), and the lowest charge transfer resistance (5.43 ☓ 103 Ω). In the solar-illuminated SB-BPES with g-C3N4/CdS photocathode, about 80% of NFZ removal rate was achieved within 10 h. More importantly, TOC removal of 62.6% was achieved in 24 h, which was 1.8 times of that from the open circuit SB-BPES, and 4.3 folds of that from microbial degradation; also, about 1.5 times of those from SB-BPES with g-C3N4 and CdS photocathodes. Besides, reproducible current generations (∼1.0 mA) were produced. These verified that it was a self-sustained system for spontaneously pollutants degradation and electricity generation. Moreover, possible degradation mechanism and pathways were proposed according to the identified intermediates. This study provides inspiration for synchronic improving refractory organics degradation and net energy recovery.

Radiation hardness of cadmium telluride solar cells in proton therapy beam mode.

We evaluated the durability of cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells upon proton beam irradiation as well as the possibility of achieving a dosimeter usable in proton beam therapy by applying 100 MeV of pencil beam scanning (PBS) irradiation. Specifically, a 100 MeV proton PBS beam was applied at irradiation doses of 0, 1012, 1013, 1014, and 1015 cm-2. According to the results, the remaining factors (defined as the ratio of the degraded value to the initial value) of open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Jsc), fill-factor (FF), and efficiency (ƞ) which are solar cell performance parameters, were approximately 89%, 44%, 69%, and 30%, respectively, compared to those of the reference cell (without irradiation) at the highest dose of 1×1015 cm-2. In particular, the conversion efficiency, which is the main factor, was approximately 70% of that of the reference cell even at a high fluence of 1×1014 cm-2. In addition, we observed the projected range of the hydrogen atoms based on the PBS beam energy using the Tool for Particle Simulation software and assessed the amount of fluence accumulated in a CdTe cell. As the energy increased, the fluence accumulated inside the cell tended to decrease owing to the characteristics of the Bragg peak of the proton. Thus, the radiation damage to the cell induced by the proton beam was reduced. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable reference information for research on dosimetry sensors composed of thin-film solar cells, serving as the basis for future application in proton beam therapy with CdTe solar cells.

Cu2+-Modulated in situ growth of quantum dots for split-type photoelectrochemical immunoassay of prostate-specific antigen.

A split-type photoelectrochemical immunosensor was designed for the ultrasensitive monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) based on a Cu2+-mediated catalytic reaction for inhibiting the in situ generation of CdS quantum dots (QDs) coupled with the enhancement of the CdS/MoS2 heterojunction; it was constructed by the stepwise modification of MoS2 QDs and CdS QDs onto an ITO electrode surface. In the presence of PSA, CuO NP-labeled anti-PSA antibodies were immobilized onto an anti-PSA antibody-modified 96-well plate via a sandwich immunoreaction and dissolution by hydrochloric acid to obtain a large number of Cu2+ ions. As the Cu2+-triggered catalytic oxidization of glutathione occurred, the in situ growth of CdS QDs as a signal indicator was significantly suppressed, resulting in reduction in the photocurrent response. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor exhibited desirable linearity in the range from 0.5 pg mL-1 to 10 ng mL-1, low detection limit of 0.29 pg mL-1, satisfactory selectivity, and good stability. It was applied to PSA detection in human serum, suggesting a great potential for early diagnostics of some cancers.

Photoelectrochemical DNA biosensor based on g-C3N4/MoS2 2D/2D heterojunction electrode matrix and co-sensitization amplification with CdSe QDs for the sensitive detection of ssDNA.

A novel enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) DNA biosensor, based on a compact heterojunction g-C3N4/MoS2 and co-sensitization effect with CdSe quantum dots (QDs), was first proposed for simple and accurate analysis of a short ssDNA. In this work, the g-C3N4/MoS2 was successfully synthesized and used as the electrode matrix material to construct PEC biosensor. 2D/2D heterojunction was formed between g-C3N4 and MoS2, which could promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs resulting in an enhanced photocurrent. In the presence of target DNA, CdSe QDs labeled reporter DNA was complementary pairing with target DNA which was specific recognized by capture DNA loading on self-assembled CdS QDs film, leading to close contact between CdSe QDs and g-C3N4/MoS2 modified electrode surface, thereby resulting in the enhanced photocurrent intensity due to the co-sensitization effect. Under the optimal operating conditions, the photoelectrochemical biosensor demonstrated favorable accuracy and could respond to 0.32 pM (S/N = 3) with a linear concentration range from 1.0 pM to 2.0 µM. Moreover, the proposed PEC DNA biosensor exhibits high sensitivity, excellent specificity, acceptable reproducibility and accuracy, showing a promising potential in DNA bioanalysis and other relative fields.

Dual-Channel Photoelectrochemical Ratiometric Aptasensor with up-Converting Nanocrystals Using Spatial-Resolved Technique on Homemade 3D Printed Device.

A near-infrared light-activated ratiometric photoelectrochemical aptasensor was fabricated for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) coupling with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)-semiconductor nanocrystals-based spatial-resolved technique on a homemade 3D printing device in which a self-regulating integrated electrode was designed for dual signal readout. The as-prepared NaYF4:Yb,Er UCNPs@CdTe nanocrystals were initially assembled on two adjacent photoelectrodes, then CEA aptamer 1 (A1) and capture DNA (CA) were modified onto two working photoelectrodes (WP1 and WP2) through covalent binding, respectively, and then gold nanoparticle-labeled CEA aptamer 2 (Au NP-A2) was immobilized on the surface of functional WP2 for the formation of double-stranded DNA. Upon target CEA introduction, the various concentrations of CEA were captured on the WP1, whereas the binding of the CEA with Au NP-A2 could be released from the WP2 thanks to the highly affinity of CEA toward A2. The dual signal readout with the "signal-off" of WP1 and "signal-on" of WP2 were employed for the spatial-resolved PEC (SR-PEC) strategy to detect CEA as an analytical model. Combining NaYF4:Yb,Er UCNPs@CdTe nanocrystals with spatial-resolved model on 3D printing device, the PEC ratiometric aptasensor based on steric hindrance effect and exciton-plasmon interactions (EPI) exhibited a linear range from 10.0 pg mL-1 to 5.0 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection of 4.8 pg mL-1 under 980 nm illumination. The SR-PEC ratiometric strategy showed acceptable stability and reproducibility with a superior anti-interference ability. This approach can provide the guidance for the design of ratiometric, multiplexed, and point-of-care biosensors.

One-step in situ hydrothermal fabrication of octahedral CdS/SnIn4S8 nano-heterojunction for highly efficient photocatalytic treatment of nitrophenol and real pharmaceutical wastewater.

Octahedral CdS/SnIn4S8 nano-heterojunctions were fabricated by a facile and simple one-step in situ hydrothermal method, and the molar ratio of CdS to SnIn4S8 was optimized. The optimal (0.5:1)CdS/SnIn4S8 heterojunctions exhibit the highest visible-light photocatalytic activity with 97.1% degradation efficiency of 2-nitrophenol in 120min, which is much higher than those of individual CdS and SnIn4S8. The enhanced photocatalytic performance could be attributed to the effective separation and transfer of photogenerated charges originating from the well-matched band gap structures. Of special significance is that (0.5:1)CdS/SnIn4S8 can effectively mineralize 2-nitrophenol and real pharmaceutical wastewater. Moreover, CdS/SnIn4S8 nano-heterojunctions show excellent reusability in five cycles due to the stable surface composition and chemical valence state.

Performance of cardiac cadmium-zinc-telluride gamma camera imaging in coronary artery disease: a review from the cardiovascular committee of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM).

The trade-off between resolution and count sensitivity dominates the performance of standard gamma cameras and dictates the need for relatively high doses of radioactivity of the used radiopharmaceuticals in order to limit image acquisition duration. The introduction of cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT)-based cameras may overcome some of the limitations against conventional gamma cameras. CZT cameras used for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion have been shown to have a higher count sensitivity compared to conventional single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) techniques. CZT image quality is further improved by the development of a dedicated three-dimensional iterative reconstruction algorithm, based on maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM), which corrects for the loss in spatial resolution due to line response function of the collimator. All these innovations significantly reduce imaging time and result in a lower patient's radiation exposure compared with standard SPECT. To guide current and possible future users of the CZT technique for myocardial perfusion imaging, the Cardiovascular Committee of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, starting from the experience of its members, has decided to examine the current literature regarding procedures and clinical data on CZT cameras. The committee hereby aims 1) to identify the main acquisitions protocols; 2) to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of CZT derived myocardial perfusion, and finally 3) to determine the impact of CZT on radiation exposure.

Toxicological impact of cadmium-based quantum dots towards aquatic biota: Effect of natural sunlight exposure.

Cadmium-based quantum dots (QDs) are increasingly applied in existent and emerging technologies, especially in biological applications due to their exceptional photophysical and functionalization properties. However, they are very toxic compounds due to the high reactive and toxic cadmium core. The present study aimed to determine the toxicity of three different QDs (CdS 380, CdS 480 and CdSeS/ZnS) before and after the exposure of suspensions to sunlight, in order to assess the effect of environmentally relevant irradiation levels in their toxicity, which will act after their release to the environment. Therefore, a battery of ecotoxicological tests was performed with organisms that cover different functional and trophic levels, such as Vibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Chlorella vulgaris and Daphnia magna. The results showed that core-shell type QDs showed lower toxic effects to V. fischeri in comparison to core type QDs before sunlight exposure. However, after sunlight exposure, there was a decrease of CdS 380 and CdS 480 QD toxicity to bacterium. Also, after sunlight exposure, an effective decrease of CdSeS/ZnS and CdS 480 toxicity for D. magna and R. subcapitata, and an evident increase in CdS 380 QD toxicity, at least for D. magna, were observed. The results of this study suggest that sunlight exposure has an effect in the aggregation and precipitation reactions of larger QDs, causing the degradation of functional groups and formation of larger bulks which may be less prone to photo-oxidation due to their diminished surface area. The same aggregation behaviour after sunlight exposure was observed for bare QDs. These results further emphasize that the shell of QDs seems to make them less harmful to aquatic biota, both under standard environmental conditions and after the exposure to a relevant abiotic factor like sunlight.

Hierarchical Layered WS2 /Graphene-Modified CdS Nanorods for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Graphene-based ternary composite photocatalysts with genuine heterostructure constituents have attracted extensive attention in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Here we report a new graphene-based ternary composite consisting of CdS nanorods grown on hierarchical layered WS2 /graphene hybrid (WG) as a high-performance photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. The optimal content of layered WG as a co-catalyst in the ternary CdS/WS2 /graphene composites was found to be 4.2 wt %, giving a visible light photocatalytic H2 -production rate of 1842 µmol h(-1) g(-1) with an apparent quantum efficiency of 21.2 % at 420 nm. This high photocatalytic H2 -production activity is due to the deposition of CdS nanorods on layered WS2 /graphene sheets, which can efficiently suppress charge recombination, improve interfacial charge transfer, and provide reduction active sites. The proposed mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of CdS nanorods modified with hierarchical layered WG was further confirmed by transient photocurrent response. This work shows that a noble-metal-free hierarchical layered WS2 /graphene nanosheets hybrid can be used as an effective co-catalyst for photocatalytic water splitting.

Clinical significance of right ventricular activity on treadmill thallium-201 myocardial single-photon emission computerized tomography using cadmium-zinc-telluride cameras.

OBJECTIVE: Identification of right ventricular (RV) abnormalities is important in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). RV activity can be better visualized on myocardial single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) using a higher sensitivity cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detector. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of RV/left ventricular (LV) uptake ratios during exercise thallium-201 SPECT using CZT detectors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 102 patients underwent treadmill ECG-gated SPECT, coronary angiography, and echocardiography. SPECT myocardial perfusion was interpreted using a 17-segment model and a 0-4-point scale. RV/LV uptake ratios were calculated on the basis of maximum counts per pixel within the entire RV and LV walls. The relationships between RV/LV uptake ratio and gated SPECT, presence of CAD (≥50% stenosis in the left main or ≥70% in the main branches), demographics, and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Stress RV/LV ratios correlated positively with the presence of left main or multivessel disease, and tricuspid regurgitation maximum pressure gradient. After multivariate regression, stress/rest RV/LV ratios correlated positively with mitral flow deceleration time, age, female sex, and use of ß-blockers. CONCLUSION: RV/LV uptake ratios on the basis of exercise myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging using CZT cameras are useful for the detection of severe CAD and could serve as an indicator of pulmonary hypertension and LV diastolic dysfunction.

Left Ventricular Function Assessment Using 2 Different Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Cameras Compared with a γ-Camera with Cardiofocal Collimators: Dynamic Cardiac Phantom Study and Clinical Validation.

UNLABELLED: This study compared two SPECT cameras with cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detectors to a conventional Anger camera with cardiofocal collimators for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) function in a phantom and patients. METHODS: A gated dynamic cardiac phantom was used. Eighteen acquisitions were processed on each CZT camera and the conventional camera. The total number of counts within a myocardial volume of interest varied from 0.25 kcts to 1.5 Mcts. Ejection fraction was set to 33%, 45%, or 60%. Volume, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), regional wall thickening, and motion (17-segment model) were assessed. One hundred twenty patients with a low pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease and normal findings on stress perfusion SPECT were retrospectively analyzed to provide the reference limits for end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction, and regional function for each camera model. RESULTS: In the phantom study, for each ejection fraction value, volume was higher for the CZT cameras than for the conventional camera, resulting in a decreased but more accurate LVEF (all P < 0.001). In clinical data, body-surface-indexed EDV and ESV (mL/m(2)) were higher for one of the CZT cameras (Discovery NM 530c) than for the other (D-SPECT) or the conventional camera (respectively, 40.5 ± 9.2, 37 ± 7.9, and 35.8 ± 6.8 for EDV [P < 0.001] and 12.5 ± 5.3, 9.4 ± 4.2, and 8.3 ± 4.4 for ESV [P < 0.001]), resulting in a significantly decreased LVEF: 70.3% ± 9.1% vs. 75.2% ± 8.1% vs. 77.8% ± 9.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The new CZT cameras yielded global LV function results different from those yielded by the conventional camera. LV volume was higher for the Discovery NM 530c than for the D-SPECT or the conventional camera, leading to decreased LVEF in healthy subjects. These differences should be considered in clinical practice and warrant the collection of a specific reference database.

Mo2 C as Non-Noble Metal Co-Catalyst in Mo2 C/CdS Composite for Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution under Visible Light Irradiation.

Co-catalysts are a major factor to enhance photocatalytic H2 activity; they are mainly composed of expensive noble metals. Here, we reported a new non-noble-metal co-catalyst Mo2 C that efficiently improves the photocatalytic H2 evolution of CdS under visible light irradiation. Mo2 C is prepared by temperature-programmed reaction with molybdenum oxide as precursor, and the Mo2 C/CdS composite is prepared by deposition of CdS on Mo2 C. The optimum composite 2.0 % Mo2 C/CdS shows a high H2 evolution rate of 161 µmol h(-1) , which is ten times higher than that of CdS alone and 2.3 times higher than the optimum for 1.0 % Pt/CdS. Moreover, the Mo2 C/CdS is stable for 50 h. This study presents a new low-cost non-noble-metal co-catalyst as a photocatalyst to achieve highly efficient H2 evolution.

Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production of Flower-like Cadmium Sulfide Decorated by Histidine.

Morphology-controlled synthesis of CdS can significantly enhance the efficiency of its photocatalytic hydrogen production. In this study, a novel three-dimensional (3D) flower-like CdS is synthesized via a facile template-free hydrothermal process using Cd(NO3)2•4H2O and thiourea as precursors and L-Histidine as a chelating agent. The morphology, crystal phase, and photoelectrochemical performance of the flower-like CdS and pure CdS nanocrystals are carefully investigated via various characterizations. Superior photocatalytic activity relative to that of pure CdS is observed on the flower-like CdS photocatalyst under visible light irradiation, which is nearly 13 times of pure CdS. On the basis of the results from SEM studies and our analysis, a growth mechanism of flower-like CdS is proposed by capturing the shape evolution. The imidazole ring of L-Histidine captures the Cd ions from the solution, and prevents the growth of the CdS nanoparticles. Furthermore, the photocatalytic contrast experiments illustrate that the as-synthesized flower-like CdS with L-Histidine is more stable than CdS without L-Histidine in the hydrogen generation.