Knot Architecture for Biocompatible and Semiconducting 2D Electronic Fiber Transistors.

Wearable devices have generally been rigid due to their reliance on silicon-based technologies, while future wearables will utilize flexible components for example transistors within microprocessors to manage data. Two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting flakes have yet to be investigated in fiber transistors but can offer a route toward high-mobility, biocompatible, and flexible fiber-based devices. Here, the electrochemical exfoliation of semiconducting 2D flakes of tungsten diselenide (WSe2) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is shown to achieve homogeneous coatings onto the surface of polyester fibers. The high aspect ratio (>100) of the flake yields aligned and conformal flake-to-flake junctions on polyester fibers enabling transistors with mobilities µ ≈1 cm2 V-1 s-1 and a current on/off ratio, Ion/Ioff ≈102-104. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of the MoS2 and WSe2 flakes with human keratinocyte cells are investigated and found to be biocompatible. As an additional step, a unique transistor 'knot' architecture is created by leveraging the fiber diameter to establish the length of the transistor channel, facilitating a route to scale down transistor channel dimensions (≈100 µm) and utilize it to make a MoS2 fiber transistor with a human hair that achieves mobilities as high as µ ≈15 cm2 V-1 s-1.

68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for In Vivo Imaging of CXCR4 Receptors in Glioma Demonstrating a Potential for Response Assessment to Radiochemotherapy: Preliminary Results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of 68 Ga-pentixafor PET/CT for in vivo CXCR4 receptors imaging in glioma and its possible role in response assessment to radiochemotherapy (R-CT). METHODS: Nineteen (12 men, 7 women) patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) underwent 68 Ga-pentixafor PET/CT, contrast-enhanced MR, and MR spectroscopy. Patients were divided in to 2 groups, that is, group I was the presurgical (n = 9) group in which the scanning was done before surgery, and PET findings were correlated with CXCR4 receptors' density. The group II was the postsurgical (n = 10) group in which the scanning was done before and after R-CT and used for treatment response evaluation. The quantitative analysis of 68 Ga-pentixafor PET/CT evaluated the mean SUV max , SUV mean , SUV peak , and T/B values. MR spectroscopy data evaluated the ratios of tumor metabolites (choline, NAA, creatine). RESULTS: 68 Ga-Pentixafor uptake was noted in all (n = 19) the patients. In the group I, the mean SUV max , SUV mean , SUV peak , and T/B values were found to be 4.5 ± 1.6, 0.60 ± 0.26, 1.95 ± 0.8, and 6.9 ± 4.6, respectively. A significant correlation ( P < 0.005) was found between SUV mean and choline/NAA ratio. Immunohistochemistry performed in 7/9 showed CXCR4 receptors' positivity (intensity 3 + ; stained cells >50.0%). In the group II, the mean SUV max at baseline was 4.6 ± 2.1 and did not differ (4.4 ± 1.6) significantly from the value noted at post-R-CT follow-up PET/CT imaging. At 6 months' clinical follow-up, 4 patients showed stable disease. SUV max and T/B ratios at follow-up imaging were lower (3.70 ± 0.90, 2.64 ± 1.35) than the corresponding values (4.40 ± 2.8; 2.91 ± 0.93) noted at baseline. Six (6/10) patients showed disease progression, and the mean SUV max , and T/B ratio in these patients were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher than the corresponding values at baseline and also higher than that noted in the stable patients. CONCLUSIONS: 68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT can be used for in vivo mapping of CXCR4 receptors in GBM. The technique after validation in a large cohort of patients may have added diagnostic value for the early detection of GBM recurrence and for treatment response evaluation.

68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for in-vivo mapping of CXCR4 receptors as potential radiotheranostic targets in soft tissue and bone sarcoma: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of 68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for in vivo imaging of CXCR4 receptors in soft tissue/bone sarcoma. METHODS: Ten (7M: 3F; mean age = 24.7 ± 14.2 years) consecutive patients with clinical and radiological evidence of bone/soft tissue sarcoma were recruited prospectively whole body 68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging was performed at 60-min after tracer administration. After performing standard CT, PET acquisition from head to toe was done (3 min/bed position) in a caudocranial direction. PET/CT data was reconstructed and SUV max , SUV mean values, target-to-background ratio (TBR) and active tumor volume (cc) were computed for the tracer avid lesions. Histopathological and IHC analysis was performed on the surgically excised primary tumors. CXCR4 receptors' intensity was evaluated by visual scoring. RESULTS: The mean SUV max and SUV mean values in the primary tumors were 4.80 ±â€…1.0 (3.9-7.7) and 2.40 ±â€…0.60 (0.9-4.0). The mean TBR and tumor volume (cc) were 1.84 ±â€…1.3 and 312.2 ±â€…285. Diagnosis of osteosarcoma in 7, chondrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and synovial sarcoma in 1 patient each was confirmed on HP analysis. Distant metastatic lesions were seen in 3/10 patients. Nuclear CXCR4 receptors' positivity was seen in 5, cytoplasmic in 4 and both pattern seen in 1 patient. The mean CXCR4 receptors' intensity was found to be 7.6 ±â€…2. The highest SUV max value of 7.7 was observed in the patient having both cytoplasmic and nuclear CXCR4 expression. SUV max was found to be poorly correlated ( r  = 0.441) with CXCR4 expression. CONCLUSION: 68 Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT detects CXCR4 receptors over-expressed in sarcoma, its radio-theranostics potential needs detailed evaluation.

Cobalt Oxide 2D Nanosheets Formed at a Polarized Liquid|Liquid Interface toward High-Performance Li-Ion and Na-Ion Battery Anodes.

Cobalt oxide (Co3O4)-based nanostructures have the potential as low-cost materials for lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery anodes with a theoretical capacity of 890 mAh/g. Here, we demonstrate a novel method for the production of Co3O4 nanoplatelets. This involves the growth of flower-like cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) nanostructures at a polarized liquid|liquid interface, followed by conversion to flower-like Co3O4 via calcination. Finally, sonication is used to break up the flower-like Co3O4 nanostructures into two-dimensional (2D) nanoplatelets with lateral sizes of 20-100 nm. Nanoplatelets of Co3O4 can be easily mixed with carbon nanotubes to create nanocomposite anodes, which can be used for Li-ion and Na-ion battery anodes without any additional binder or conductive additive. The resultant electrodes display impressive low-rate capacities (at 125 mA/g) of 1108 and 1083 mAh/g, for Li-ion and Na-ion anodes, respectively, and stable cycling ability over >200 cycles. Detailed quantitative rate analysis clearly shows that Li-ion-storing anodes charge roughly five times faster than Na-ion-storing anodes.

Solution-Processed Heterojunction Photodiodes Based on WSe2 Nanosheet Networks.

Solution-processed photodetectors incorporating liquid-phase-exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets are widely reported. However, previous studies mainly focus on the fabrication of photoconductors, rather than photodiodes which tend to be based on heterojunctions and are harder to fabricate. Especially, there are rare reports on introducing commonly used transport layers into heterojunctions based on nanosheet networks. In this study, a reliable solution-processing method is reported to fabricate heterojunction diodes with tungsten selenide (WSe2 ) nanosheets as the optical absorbing material and PEDOT: PSS and ZnO as injection/transport-layer materials. By varying the transport layer combinations, the obtained heterojunctions show rectification ratios of up to ≈104 at ±1 V in the dark, without relying on heavily doped silicon substrates. Upon illumination, the heterojunction can be operated in both photoconductor and photodiode modes and displays self-powered behaviors at zero bias.

Genetic analysis of iron, zinc and grain yield in wheat-Aegilops derivatives using multi-locus GWAS.

BACKGROUND: Wheat is a major staple crop and helps to reduce worldwide micronutrient deficiency. Investigating the genetics that control the concentrations of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in wheat is crucial. Hence, we undertook a comprehensive study aimed at elucidating the genomic regions linked to the contents of Fe and Zn in the grain. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed the multi-locus genome-wide association (ML-GWAS) using a panel of 161 wheat-Aegilops substitution and addition lines to dissect the genomic regions controlling grain iron (GFeC), and grain zinc (GZnC) contents. The wheat panel was genotyped using 10,825 high-quality SNPs and phenotyped in three different environments (E1-E3) during 2017-2019. A total of 111 marker-trait associations (MTAs) (at p-value < 0.001) were detected that belong to all three sub-genomes of wheat. The highest number of MTAs were identified for GFeC (58), followed by GZnC (44) and yield (9). Further, six stable MTAs were identified for these three traits and also two pleiotropic MTAs were identified for GFeC and GZnC. A total of 1291 putative candidate genes (CGs) were also identified for all three traits. These CGs encode a diverse set of proteins, including heavy metal-associated (HMA), bZIP family protein, AP2/ERF, and protein previously associated with GFeC, GZnC, and grain yield. CONCLUSIONS: The significant MTAs and CGs pinpointed in this current study are poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing both the nutritional quality and yield of wheat, utilizing marker-assisted selection (MAS) techniques.

Effect of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media on Gustatory Function of chorda Tympani Nerve : A Prospective Study.

Introduction the ability to taste is among the life's finest pleasures and perception of taste can be altered by various disorders or therapeutic regimens as colds or dental procedures. Head trauma patients, patients on certain drugs such as phenylbutanone, carbamazepine and baclofen and patients with inflammatory diseases of the middle ear frequently complain about alterations in their ability to taste. So, assessment of gustatory sensitivity is the prerequisite for the correct diagnosis of taste dysfunction which uses taste strips impregnated with taste stimulants. Material and method in this prospective study, 40 patients were enrolled after assessment of history, general and local examination of ear and finally assessment of gustatory function was done according to Muller technique using taste strips. Results in present study out of 40 patients, 16 (40%) patients had COM squamous, 24 patients (60%) had COM mucosal. In the ipsilateral diseased ear (both COM squamous & mucosal) the mean taste score for various taste sensation was 11.65 ± 2.59. In the contralateral normal ear, the mean taste score was 15.42 ± 0.78. The difference between the two was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusion a significant difference was obtained in taste scores between diseased (ipsilateral) and normal (contralateral) ears both overall and also when subtypes were compared. Thus, the present prospective study indicates that COM squamous as well as mucosal can induce taste dysfunction. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03703-7.

High-Mobility Flexible Transistors with Low-Temperature Solution-Processed Tungsten Dichalcogenides.

The investigation of high-mobility two-dimensional (2D) flakes beyond molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) will be necessary to create a library of high-mobility solution-processed networks that conform to substrates and remain functional over thousands of bending cycles. Here we report electrochemical exfoliation of large-aspect-ratio (>100) semiconducting flakes of tungsten diselenide (WSe2) and tungsten disulfide (WS2) as well as MoS2 as a comparison. We use Langmuir-Schaefer coating to achieve highly aligned and conformal flake networks, with minimal mesoporosity (∼2-5%), at low processing temperatures (120 °C) and without acid treatments. This allows us to fabricate electrochemical transistors in ambient air, achieving average mobilities of µMoS2 ≈ 11 cm2 V-1 s-1, µWS2 ≈ 9 cm2 V-1 s-1, and µWSe2 ≈ 2 cm2 V-1 s-1 with a current on/off ratios of Ion/Ioff ≈ 2.6 × 103, 3.4 × 103, and 4.2 × 104 for MoS2, WS2, and WSe2, respectively. Moreover, our transistors display threshold voltages near ∼0.4 V with subthreshold slopes as low as 182 mV/dec, which are essential factors in maintaining power efficiency and represent a 1 order of magnitude improvement in the state of the art. Furthermore, the performance of our WSe2 transistors is maintained on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) even after 1000 bending cycles at 1% strain.

Effects of anterior maxillary distraction compared to LeFort-1 osteotomy and total maxillary distraction osteogenesis for treating hypoplastic maxilla in patients with cleft lip and palate- A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the treatment outcomes and effectiveness of Anterior Maxillary Distraction (AMD) with the LeFort I Osteotomy and Total Maxillary Distraction Osteogenesis (TMDO) to treat cleft maxillary hypoplasia. METHODS: (PROSPERO CRD42020223345) Thorough electronic search of seven databases, unpublished gray literature, and a hand search of the relevant studies reference lists was done. Studies assessing mid-facial skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft-tissue outcomes of AMD in patients >8 years of age, hypoplastic cleft maxilla, and with either TMDO/LeFort 1/ both as control groups were included. Seven included articles were assessed for the study characteristics and qualitative synthesis. Three studies were analyzed quantitatively using the RevMan 5.4 software. The quality of studies was assessed using Cochrane ROB2 and the overall certainty of evidence using GRADE. RESULTS: AMD was performed in 241 subjects, LeFort 1 in 145 subjects, and TMDO in 42 subjects. Maxillary advancement for AMD and LeFort 1 groups showed no statistically significant difference (Mean Difference, MD -0.64°) while TMDO showed statistically significant advancement than AMD (MD -1.44°). Statistically significant upward rotation of anterior maxilla was noted with AMD (MD -6.15 degrees) than Lefort 1. Upper incisor inclination improved in both AMD and TMDO groups (MD 1.5°). Improvement in the maxilla-mandibular relationship, convexity of face, lip and nose, and marked dentoalveolar changes in overjet and upper incisor position were noted in all the three groups. Discernible airway alterations were noted in LeFort 1 and TMDOs. Total relapse was the least with AMD. CONCLUSION: Distraction osteogenesis exhibited better dento-skeletal outcomes and minor skeletal relapse than LeFort 1. TMDO is a preferred modality in treating severe maxillary hypoplasia associated with CLP than AMD. Further long-term prospective comparative studies are required, possibly involving the patient-centric merits.

[68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging for in vivo CXCR4 receptor mapping in different lung cancer histologic sub-types: correlation with quantitative receptors' density by immunochemistry techniques.

PURPOSE: In vivo CXCR4 receptor quantification in different lung cancer (LC) sub-types using [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT and to study correlation with quantitative CXCR4 receptors' tissue density by immunochemistry analyses. METHODS: [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging was performed prospectively in 94 (77 M: 17F, mean age 60.1 ± 10.1 years) LC patients. CXCR4 receptors' expression on lung mass in all the patients was estimated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses. SUVmax on PET, intensity score on IHC, and mean fluorescence index (MFI) on FACS analyses were measured. RESULTS: A total of 75/94 (79.8%) cases had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 14 (14.9%) had small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and 5 (5.3%) had lung neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN). All LC types showed increased CXCR4 expression on PET (SUVmax) and FACS (MFI). However, both these parameters (mean SUVmax = 10.3 ± 5.0; mean MFI = 349.0 ± 99.0) were significantly (p = 0.005) higher in SCLC as compared to those in NSCLC and lung NEN. The mean SUVmax in adenocarcinoma (n = 16) was 8.0 ± 1.9 which was significantly (p = 0.003) higher than in squamous cell carcinoma (n = 54; 6.2 ± 2.1) and in not-otherwise specified (NOS) sub-types (n = 5; 5.8 ± 1.5) of NSCLC. A significant correlation (r = 0.697; p = 001) was seen between SUVmax and MFI values in squamous cell NSCLC as well as in NSCLC adenocarcinoma (r = 0.538, p = 0.031) which supports the specific in vivo uptake of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor by CXCR4 receptors. However, this correlation was not significant in SCLC (r = 0.435, p = 0.121) and NEN (r = 0.747, p = 0.147) which may be due to the small sample size. [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT provided good sensitivity (85.7%) and specificity (78.1%) for differentiating SCLC from NSCLC (ROC cutoff SUVmax = 7.2). This technique presented similar sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (71.4%) (ROC cutoff SUVmax = 6.7) for differentiating adenocarcinoma and squamous cell variants of NSCLC. CONCLUSION: The high sensitivity and specificity of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for in vivo targeting of CXCR4 receptors in lung cancer can thus be used effectively for the response assessment and development of CXCR4-based radioligand therapies in LC.

Performance of the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q) in COPD: Evidence from Clinical and Online Patient Interaction Studies.

Introduction: Patient perception of the burden of chronic bronchitis symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be assessed using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q) was developed and tested for this purpose. This study reviewed the performance of the CASA-Q in published online studies and tested a novel approach to complement traditional methods of qualitative content validation. Methods: A targeted literature search was performed to identify published clinical studies of COPD using the CASA-Q as an endpoint. The performance of the questionnaire was examined in relation to other study endpoints, including clinical and functional measurements and other PROMs. Assessment of the content validity of the CASA-Q was carried out by comparing the content and structure of the questionnaire with published qualitative patient data from previously conducted online social media listening (SML) and online bulletin board (OBB) studies. Results: In the interventional clinical trials, CASA-Q change scores were consistent with study objectives and other endpoints, including FEV1 and other PROMs. Two observational studies showed cross-sectional correlations with other PROMs like the St.-George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores. Qualitative data from the SML and OBB patient studies were consistent with the content and structure of the CASA-Q, supporting the content validity of the measure. Conclusion: Results suggest that the CASA-Q is appropriately responsive to changes in cough and sputum symptoms and clinical impact in trials of COPD. The mapping of qualitative findings from online SML and OBB studies to CASA-Q domains and items confirm the content validity of the instrument. These results suggest the CASA-Q can be a valuable tool for evaluating treatment effect in COPD trials.

Solution processed, vertically stacked hetero-structured diodes based on liquid-exfoliated WS2 nanosheets: from electrode-limited to bulk-limited behavior.

Vertically stacked metal-semiconductor-metal heterostructures, based on liquid-processed nanomaterials, hold great potential for various printed electronic applications. Here we describe the fabrication of such devices by spray-coating semiconducting tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets onto indium tin oxide (ITO) bottom electrodes, followed by spraying single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as the top electrode. Depending on the formulation of the SWNTs ink, we could fabricate either Ohmic or Schottky contacts at the WS2/SWNTs interface. Using isopropanol-dispersed SWNTs led to Ohmic contacts and bulk-limited devices, characterized by out-of-plane conductivities of ∼10-4 S m-1. However, when aqueous SWNTs inks were used, rectification was observed, due to the formation of a doping-induced Schottky barrier at the WS2/SWNTs interface. For thin WS2 layers, such devices were characterized by a barrier height of ∼0.56 eV. However, increasing the WS2 film thickness led to increased series resistance, leading to a change-over from electrode-limited to bulk-limited behavior at a transition thickness of ∼2.6 µm. This work demonstrates that Ohmic/Schottky behavior is tunable and lays the foundation for fabricating large-area 2D nanosheet-based solution-deposited devices and stacks.

Effect of various malocclusion on maximal bite force- a systematic review.

Objective: This systematic review evaluates the variation in molar bite force (MBF) with the type and severity of dental malocclusion in young adults with permanent dentition. Methods: We searched seven electronic databases until December 31, 2021, and identified 1898 articles, of which 22 full-texts were reviewed. Eight clinical studies with subjects having permanent dentition with various dental malocclusions and quantifying maximal bite force were included for the review. Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias and GRADE to study the certainty of evidence. Articles were evaluated for the primary outcome (variation of MBF in different malocclusion groups) and confounding factors affecting MBF. Results: All studies measured MBF in individuals with normal and malocclusion, with 2329 subjects having permanent dentition. A positive correlation of Class I normal occlusion with the bite force was seen compared to Class II and III malocclusion. Unilateral crossbite patients had lesser bite force. Six studies with 1023 males and 1175 females showed MBF more in males than females. In 3 studies (332 subjects), no significant difference for MBF between the right and left sides of the jaws was measured. Conclusion: MBF decreases significantly with vertical and transverse craniofacial and dental discrepancy. Normal sagittal occlusion has more molar bite force than patients with different malocclusions. Also, MBF is more in males than females, and it increases with age. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021249328.

Liquid Processing of Interfacially Grown Iron-Oxide Flowers into 2D-Platelets Yields Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes with Capacities of Twice the Theoretical Value.

Iron oxide (Fe2 O3 ) is an abundant and potentially low-cost material for fabricating lithium-ion battery anodes. Here, the growth of α-Fe2 O3 nano-flowers at an electrified liquid-liquid interface is demonstrated. Sonication is used to convert these flowers into quasi-2D platelets with lateral sizes in the range of hundreds of nanometers and thicknesses in the range of tens of nanometers. These nanoplatelets can be combined with carbon nanotubes to form porous, conductive composites which can be used as electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. Using a standard activation process, these anodes display good cycling stability, reasonable rate performance and low-rate capacities approaching 1500 mAh g-1 , consistent with the current state-of-the-art for Fe2 O3 . However, by using an extended activation process, it is found that the morphology of these composites can be significantly changed, rendering the iron oxide amorphous and significantly increasing the porosity and internal surface area. These morphological changes yield anodes with very good cycling stability and low-rate capacity exceeding 2000 mAh g-1 , which is competitive with the best anode materials in the literature. However, the data implies that, after activation, the iron oxide displays a reduced solid-state lithium-ion diffusion coefficient resulting in somewhat degraded rate performance.

Evaluation of Reconstruction Algorithms to Validate the NEMA Phantom Results in Clinical Scenario - A Comparative Study Using Time-of-Flight versus Non-Time-of-Flight Positron Emission Tomography Imaging.

Objectives: The objective is to standardize the reconstruction parameters for the time-of-flight (TOF) versus non-TOF positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging data and validation of the same in a clinical setting. Methods: The four spheres (10.0/13.0/17.0/22.0 mm) of the PET phantom (NEMA IQ Nu 2-2001) were filled with four times higher activity of [18F]-NaF than the background (5.3kBq/mL). Imaging (image matrix - 128 × 128 × 47, 2 min, 3D model) was done using two different (TOF/non-TOF) PET scanners. Phantom data were reconstructed in TOF and non-TOF modes for lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate and non-TOF mode for bismuth germanate-based PET scanners. The reconstructed data (by varying iteration and subsets) that provided the best image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were evaluated. The whole-body [18F]-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT scans (7-8 frames; 2.0 min/frame) in 16 lymphoma patients were acquired at 60 min after injecting the radioactivity (370.0-444.0 MBq of [18F]-FDG. The clinical PET/CT data were reconstructed using phantom-derived reconstruction parameters and evaluated for image contrast and SNR of the detected lesions. Results: TOF reconstruction at second iteration provided significantly (P ≤ 0.02) higher SNR (20.7) and contrast (contrast recovery coefficient/background variability = 3.21) for the smallest hot lesions (10.0 mm) in the phantom than the non-TOF system. Similarly, in patient data analysis for the selected FDG avid lesions, the SNR values were significantly (P = 0.02) higher (13.3 ± 6.49) in TOF than (11 ± 6.48) in non-TOF system. Further, the small (≤10.0 mm) lesions were seen more distinctly in TOF system. Conclusion: It is thus observed that TOF reconstruction converged faster than the non-TOF, and the applicability of the same may impact the image quality and interpretation in the clinical PET data. The validation of the phantom-based experimental reconstruction parameters to clinical PET imaging data is highly warranted.

Impact of choice of inhalers for asthma care on global carbon footprint and societal costs: a long-term economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: While effective asthma control medications reduce the burden of asthma, a significant subgroup of these treatments, namely metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), produce substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thus contributing to climate change. This study quantified the global climate impact (i.e. carbon dioxide equivalent [CO2e] emissions) and costs of long-term status quo asthma inhaler use versus alternative scenarios substituting MDIs with propellant-free dry powder inhalers (DPIs). METHODS: Three scenarios were evaluated across 10-year (2020-2030) and 50-year (2020-2070) time horizons: A (status quo inhaler use), B and C (2% and 5% year-over-year substitution of MDIs with DPIs, respectively). Global inhaler volumes and costs at baseline were sourced from IQVIA, then projected using UN and WHO trends in per capita GDP, urbanization, and asthma population growth. Inhaler spending was assumed to fall by 90% following generic entry in 2030. The carbon footprint per inhaler and health damage factors for disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were derived from literature. The US government's central and high-impact estimates for the social cost of carbon (SCC) were used to calculate emissions costs. RESULTS: Over 50 years, scenario A resulted in 826 million tonnes of CO2e emissions globally, with an associated SCC between 21% and 65% of the projected global spending on asthma inhalers. In comparison, CO2e emissions were reduced by 38% and 58% in Scenarios B and C, respectively, and DALYs improved by 33 and 51%. Depending on SCC estimates, Scenarios B and C increased global costs by 7.3% and 16.5%, respectively (central SCC), or decreased costs by 4.2% and 2.6% (high-impact SCC) versus Scenario A. Over 10 years, Scenario A resulted in 97 million tonnes of CO2e emissions globally, with an associated SCC between 4.4% and 12.2% of projected spending. In comparison, Scenarios B and C were associated with 12% and 24% reductions in CO2e emissions and improvements in DALYs by 11.5% and 22.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Global efforts by environmental and health-policy decision-makers to substitute currently available MDIs with DPIs for asthma control would result in substantial reductions in GHG emissions with manageable costs, or potential cost savings, depending on the SCC. Policies that decrease use of MDIs warrant global attention.

Imaging CXCR4 receptors expression for staging multiple myeloma by using 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT: comparison with 18F-FDG PET/CT.

OBJECTIVES: 68Ga-Pentixafor positron emission tomography (PET) imaging targets CXCR4 expression which is overexpressed in multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic utility of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for imaging CXCR4 expression in MM and compared results with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT. METHODS: 34 (21M; 13F; median age = 57.5 years) treatment naive multiple myeloma patients were recruited. All the patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging. Freshly prepared 68Ga-Pentixafor (148-185 MBq) was injected intravenously and whole-body PET/CT (low-dose CT) was acquired at 1 h post-injection. The pattern of uptake (diffuse, focal or mixed) and the mean SUVmax value of all the lesions (when lesions were ≤5) or of the five most tracer avid lesions (when lesions was >5) were evaluated. Tumor to background ratio (TBRmax) was calculated for both the tracers. Durie Salmon plus staging (DSPS) was used for disease staging on PET and the results were compared with International staging system (ISS). RESULTS: 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT showed higher disease extent than seen on 18F-FDG PET/CT in 23/34 patients (68.0%), lesser disease extent in 2/34 (6%) and similar disease extent in 9/34 (26%) patients. Significantly (p < 0.001) higher TBRmax values (5.7; IQR 8.8) were observed on 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT as compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT values (2.9; IQR = 4.0). Both the techniques detected extramedullary lesions in six patients. On the other hand, 68Ga-Pentixafor detected medullary lesions in five, whereas, 18F-FDG PET in three patients. Further, only 68Ga-Pentixafor TBRmax correlated significantly (ρ = 0.421; 0.013) with bone marrow plasma cell percentage. 68Ga-Pentixafor PET upstaged more number (9/29) of patients as compared to (4/29) 18F-FDG PET imaging. On the other hand, 18F-FDG PET down-staged 9/29, whereas 68Ga-Pentixafor PET downstaged only 3/29 patients. CONCLUSION: 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT evaluated the whole-body disease burden of CXCR4 receptors non-invasively which is not possible by tissue sampling methods. This novel PET tracer has also implication for disease staging. Dual 68Ga-Pentixafor/18F-FDG PET/CT imaging may help in determining the tumor heterogeneity in MM. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This CXCR4 targeting PET tracer has a promising role in the development of CXCR4 targeting theranostics and also for response assessment to these therapies including the conventional treatment.

68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT Demonstrating In Vivo CXCR4 Receptor Overexpression in Rare Lung Malignancies: Correlation with Histologic and Histochemical Findings.

68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT imaging allows noninvasive assessment of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) expression in various malignancies, but its use in rare lung cancer variants has not been reported. Methods: 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT imaging was performed on 6 patients (3 men, 3 women; mean age, 57.0 ± 16.8 y) with suspected lung masses. Whole-body PET/CT images were acquired 1 h after intravenous injection of 148.0-185.0 MBq of the tracer. PET/CT images were reconstructed and analyzed. The image findings were correlated with histopathologic and quantitative (CXCR4) fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Results: Histopathologic diagnosis of hemangioendothelioma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, and hemangiopericytoma was confirmed in 1 patient each. Lung metastasis was diagnosed in the remaining 3 of 6 patients with primary sarcoma (n = 1), renal cell carcinoma (n = 1), and unknown primary (n = 1). Increased uptake in the primary lung mass, with an SUVmax of 3.0, 6.34, and 13.0, was noted in the hemangiopericytoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma and hemangioendothelioma cases, respectively. The mean SUVmax, mean fluorescence intensity, and percentage of stained cells were highest in hemangioendothelioma. Among 3 patients with lung metastases, the highest SUVmax, 9.5, was in the primary sarcoma patient. Conclusion: 68Ga-pentixafor selectively targets the in vivo whole-body disease burden of CXCR4 receptors. This approach thus holds promise for developing suitable radiotheranostics for lung cancers expressing these targets.

The threshold of acceptability of excessive gingival display by laypersons: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive gingival display ('gummy smile') is often an esthetic concern for the patient. There is a difference in perception of smile esthetics between dentists and laypersons. Understanding what is acceptable to laypersons is critical to achieve patient satisfaction in terms of smile esthetics. The present study aimed to identify the ideal and acceptable range of excessive gingival display as defined by laypersons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic English language literature search was carried out in the following electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Web of Science, and EMBASE, according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The quality of the articles was assessed using the AXIS tool as well as 11 additional criteria that were specifically designed for the study. RESULTS: Out of the 1263 potentially eligible articles selected in the initial search, 34 were included in the final review. A total of 16 articles identified both the ideal values and the range of acceptance of excessive gingival display, 10 only the range of acceptance, and 8 only the ideal values. From the pooled sample, the mean threshold of acceptance was -0.84 ± 1.43 mm, the range of acceptance was +3 to -2.7 mm, and the median was 0.0 mm. CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that laypersons considered minimal gingival exposure (GE) or minimal tooth coverage (TC) to be the most esthetic. However, a smile falling in the range of 3 mm of GE to 2.7 mm of TC was considered acceptable. Knowledge of laypersons' threshold of acceptance of excessive gingival display can guide clinicians in evidence-based dental esthetic treatments.

Liquid-Phase Exfoliation of Nonlayered Non-Van-Der-Waals Crystals into Nanoplatelets.

For nearly 15 years, researchers have been using liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) to produce 2D nanosheets from layered crystals. This has yielded multiple 2D materials in a solution-processable form whose utility has been demonstrated in multiple applications. It was believed that the exfoliation of such materials is enabled by the very large bonding anisotropy of layered materials where the strength of intralayer chemical bonds is very much larger than that of interlayer van der Waals bonds. However, over the last five years, a number of papers have raised questions about our understanding of exfoliation by describing the LPE of nonlayered materials. These results are extremely surprising because, as no van der Waals gap is present to provide an easily cleaved direction, the exfoliation of such compounds requires the breaking of only chemical bonds. Here the progress in this unexpected new research area is examined. The structure and properties of nanoplatelets produced by LPE of nonlayered materials are reviewed. A number of unexplained trends are found, not least the preponderance of isotropic materials that have been exfoliated to give high-aspect-ratio nanoplatelets. Finally, the applications potential of this new class of 2D materials are considered.