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Abstract: We present the case of a 60-year-old man admitted to the hospital presenting with high FUO (fever of unknown origin), strong headache, face erythematous-desquamative cutaneous lesions, long history of abdominal pain, and diffuse myalgia. He was also previously treated with immunosuppressants and currently managed with corticosteroids for a seronegative rheumatic disease. Given the immunocompromised state, an infective etiology was suspected. The patient was referred, as part of standard clinical practice, to perform an 18F-FDG PET/CT to identify potential causes of FUO., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cellulose-based paper separators are employed in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as a viable and economical substitute of conventional separators, owing to their sustainability, scalability, safety and cost-effectiveness. We design a full cell configuration having Na3V2(PO4)3 as the cathode and pre-sodiated hard carbon as the anode with different separators and compare the electrochemical performance of these ceramic-impregnated polymer-coated cellulose paper separators with that of commercial glass fiber separators. Notably, the paper-based multilayer separators provide desirable characteristics such as excellent electrolyte wettability, thermal stability up to 200 °C, and ionic conductivity, which are essential for the efficient operation of SIBs. The cellulose separator is coated with a layer of polyvinylidene fluoride polymer, followed by a second layer of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) polymer in which ferroelectric filler BaTiO3 is integrated, which interacts with the polymer hosts through Lewis acid–base interactions and improves the conduction mechanism for the Na+ ions. The final lamination is performed by varying the SBR concentrations (0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 w/v%). The incorporated polymer matrices improve the flexibility, adhesion and dispersion of the nanoparticles and affinity of the electrolyte to the electrode. The morphology of the paper separators shows uniform interconnected fibers with a porous structure. Interestingly, we find that the paper separator with 0.75 w/v% content of SBR exhibits decreased interfacial resistance and improved electrochemical performance, having retention of 62% and nearly 100% coulombic efficiency up to 240 cycles, as compared to other concentrations. Moreover, we observe the energy density to be around 376 W h kg−1 (considering the cathode weight), which was found to be comparable to that of the commercially available glass fiber separator. Our results demonstrate the potential of these multilayer paper separators towards achieving sustainability and safety in energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Numerous investigations have explored the diagnostic capability of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in detecting bone marrow involvement in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Most of these studies have utilized bone marrow biopsy as the sole reference standard to measure the diagnostic accuracy of [18F]FDG PET/CT. Despite its optimal specificity, bone marrow biopsy's sensitivity is hampered by the limited scope and extent of bone marrow evaluation, as well as its traumatic sequelae. In our study, we aimed to evaluate [18F]FDG PET/CT diagnostic accuracy using two reference standards: bone marrow biopsy and clinical follow-up. A retrospective examination of 262 patients with various non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes yielded promising results, indicating that PET/CT has the potential to provide comprehensive skeletal evaluation and non-invasive assessment of bone marrow. One of the main strengths of this hybrid imaging modality is its ability to identify extra-iliac involvement beyond the scope of bone marrow biopsy. Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) using bone marrow biopsy (BMB) and clinical follow-up as reference standards. It further identifies predictive factors for bone marrow involvement (BMI) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients. Methods: NHL patients who underwent [18F]FDG PET and BMB at diagnosis in a tertiary cancer center were included in this study. Diagnostic accuracy was analyzed, and logistic regression was performed to identify BMI predictors using Stata software version 17. A retrospective analysis of 262 NHL patients was conducted. Results: Concordance rates between [18F]FDG PET and BMB and between [18F]FDG PET and clinical follow-up were 75.6% and 88.1%, respectively. The primary cause of discordance between [18F]FDG PET and BMB was the detection of extra-iliac focal hypermetabolic bone marrow lesions by [18F]FDG PET, which were negative on BMB. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of [18F]FDG PET were 62.9%, 80%, and 75.6%, respectively, with BMB as a reference, and 74.1%, 97.5%, and 88.2%, respectively, with clinical follow-up as a reference. The focal bone marrow [18F]FDG pattern was the most reliable indicator of BMI. Univariate logistic regression showed that advanced NHL stage, elevated alkaline phosphatase, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase were significant predictors of BMI. Multivariate analysis revealed advanced NHL stage and thrombocytopenia as clinical predictors. Conclusions: [18F]FDG PET is a reliable tool for assessing BMI, providing comprehensive total-body evaluation and identifying extra-iliac involvement beyond the scope of BMB. The collective interpretation of molecular imaging, clinical, and biochemical factors is crucial for predicting BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the widespread application of electrochemical systems in bioproduction, their detailed effects on photosynthetic organisms remain to be explored. In this study, a three-chamber electrochemical ion membrane system (EIMs) was optimized for minimizing carbon resource interference in the cathode chamber, thereby elucidating the role of EIMs in the light reactions of photosynthesis. By applying intermittent electrical stimulation, the photosynthetic activity of microalgae was enhanced, manifesting as the promoted accumulation of intracellular ATP and NADPH, while allowing the collection of hydrogen and oxygen as by-products. These findings suggest that EIMs not only facilitate photosynthesis by enhancing both light and dark reactions but also provide new avenues for improving the efficiency of photosynthetic production and advancing sustainable biotechnological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a platform that enables the automated manipulation of individual droplets of sizes ranging from nanoliter to microliter and can be coupled with numerous techniques, including colorimetry. However, although the DMF electrode architecture is highly versatile, its integration with different analytical methods often requires either changes in sample access, top plate design, or the integration of supplementary equipment into the system. As an alternative to overcome these challenges, this study proposes a simple integration between paper-based analytical devices (PADs) and DMF for automated and eco-friendly sample processing aiming at the colorimetric detection of creatinine (CR, an important biomarker for kidney disease) in artificial urine. An optimized and selective Jaffé reaction was performed on the device, and the reaction products were delivered to the PAD, which was subsequently analyzed with a bench scanner. The optimal operational parameters on the DMF platform were a reaction time of 45 s with circular mixing and image capture after 5 min. Under optimized conditions, a linear behavior was obtained for creatinine concentrations ranging from 2 to 32 mg dL−1, with limits of detection and quantitation equal to 1.4 mg dL−1 and 2.0 mg dL−1, respectively. For the concentration range tested, the relative standard deviation varied from 2.5 to 11.0%, considering four measurements per concentration. CR-spiked synthetic urine samples were subjected to analysis via DMF-PAD and the spectrophotometric reference method. The concentrations of CR determined using both analytical techniques were close to the theoretical values, with the resultant standard deviations of 2–9% and 1–4% for DMF-PADs and spectrophotometry, respectively. Furthermore, the recovery values were within the acceptable range, with DMF-PADs yielding 96–108% and spectrophotometry producing 95–102%. Finally, the greenness of the DMF-PAD and spectrophotometry methods was evaluated using the Analytical Greenness (AGREE) metric software, in which 0.71 and 0.51 scores were obtained, respectively. This indicates that the proposed method presents a higher greenness level, mainly due to its miniaturized characteristics using a smaller volume of reagent and sample and the possibility of automation, thus reducing user exposure to potentially toxic substances. Therefore, the DMF-PADs demonstrated great potential for application in the clinical analysis of creatinine, aiding in routine tests by introducing an automated, simple, and environmentally friendly process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe independent factors related to the interaction of FTO rs9939609, TMEM18 rs6548238, leptin, and adiponectin in children/adolescents with asthma, under the influence of obesity. Methods: The authors performed a cross-sectional study with 57 children/adolescents, ages 8-19 years, at a tertiary hospital, from 2017 to 2018. Participants were classified by nutritional status, performed spirometry with a bronchodilator test and completed an asthma questionnaire, higher scores indicated more asthma symptoms. Two asthma groups were formed: Group 1 (G1)-normal-weight; Group 2(G2)-overweight/obese. Serum was collected for adipokines (n = 32) and genetic polymorphisms (n = 53) dosages. Results: Age and body mass index (BMI) correlated directly in normal-weight (p = 0.009) and obese participants (p = 0.004). Girls reported more asthma complaints (p = 0.044). Participants with negative bronchodilator responses presented lower BMI (14.55-17.16) than responders (19.4-26.84) (p = 0.049). Leptin dosages are related directly to BMI (5,34-40 ng/ml in obese £ 0,54-42 ng/ml in nonobese) (p = 0.003). Levels were high in girls (4.78-17.55 mg/ml) (p = 0.029) and low in nonobese boys (0.54-6.92 mg/ml) (p = 0.006). In obese, low leptin levels (< 10 ng/ml) were found in small airway dysfunction carriers (p = 0.025); elevated adiponectin (> 5 mg/ml) correlated with FEV1/FVC > 80 % (p = 0.035) and positive bronchodilator tests (8.84-13 mg/ml) (p = 0.039); and FTO A allele correlated with low adiponectin 0-8.84 mg/ml (p = 0.021) and low FEV1/FVC (46 %-88 %) (p = 0.023). Conclusion: BMI correlated directly with age and leptin levels. Obese participants presented high serum levels of leptin and FTO A allele correlated with low FEV1/FVC. Larger cohorts are necessary for better elucidation of the role of adipokines and polymorphisms in the pathophysiology of asthma and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is a substantial source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are the primary biomarkers which inform breast cancer treatment. Although endocrine therapy for ER+ patients is widely available, there is a need for increased access to low‐cost, rapid, and accurate ER testing methods. In this work, we designed a near‐infrared optical nanosensor using single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) as the transducer and an anti‐ERα antibody as the recognition element. We evaluated the nanosensor in vitro prior to testing with 26 breast cancer samples which were collected by scraping the cut surface of fresh, surgically resected tumors. Twenty samples were ER+, and six ER−, representing 13 unique patients. We found that the nanosensor can differentiate ER− from ER+ patient biopsies through a shift in its center wavelength upon sample addition. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve analyses determined that the strongest classifier with an AUC of 0.94 was the (7,5) SWCNT after direct incubation and measurement, and without further processing. We anticipate that further testing and development of this nanosensor may push its utility toward field‐deployable, rapid ER subtyping with the potential for additional molecular marker profiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The accurate assessment of inflammatory activity of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is crucial for formulating subsequent treatment strategies and prognostic judgments. This study aims to explore the efficacy of using [ 68 Ga]DOTATATE PET/CT to assess the inflammatory activity of EOMs in TAO patients., Procedures: This study enrolled 22 TAO patients and 6 healthy volunteers, all of whom underwent orbital [ 68 Ga]DOTATATE PET/CT. Among these, 18 patients underwent orbital [ 99m Tc]DTPA SPECT/CT within one week, and the other 4 patients received orbital MRI. All imaging data were independently assessed, followed by comparative data analysis. The patients then received different treatment schemes, and their prognosis was followed up., Results: [ 68 Ga]DOTATATE PET/CT could effectively evaluate the inflammatory activity of the EOMs in TAO patients and demonstrate good consistency with [ 99m Tc]DTPA SPECT/CT and orbital MRI, but show a better resolution to distinguish EOMs and surrounding structure. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for each EOM, treated as individual research units, exhibited an area under the curve (AUC) exceeding 0.9. The medial rectus demonstrated the highest involvement and diagnostic accuracy(AUC = 0.976, P < 0.001). Patients treated with glucocorticoids showed significantly higher SUVmax in EOMs compared to those receiving symptomatic treatment (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: [ 68 Ga]DOTATATE PET/CT is a reliable method for assessing the inflammatory activity of EOMs in TAO patients, providing strong objective evidence for the precise diagnosis and treatment., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical Approval: This study and included experimental procedures were approved by Medical Research Ethics Committee of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (approval no.202401025). The procedures used in this study adhere to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki, and all patients provided written informed consent. Consent for Publication: Patients signed informed consent regarding publishing their data. Conflicts of Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to World Molecular Imaging Society.)

Introduction: Diagnosing and managing biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer (PCa) following primary radical treatment remain a challenge. Implementing next-generation imaging (NGI) techniques has improved metastases detection. However, access to these techniques is heterogeneous, and controversies surround their use and subsequent treatment decisions. In November 2023, a multidisciplinary expert meeting was organized to discuss these aspects. This information was further reviewed in November 2024., Areas Covered: NGI-specific tracers' selection, evidence supporting patient selection for NGI after BRC, current treatment strategies in patients with BRC, and the role of NGIs in current and future therapeutic approaches., Expert Opinion: Despite improved detection performance compared to conventional imaging techniques, the application of NGIs to treatment decision-making and the impact on patient outcomes are yet to be proven. Given the lack of guidance, opinions and recommendations from multidisciplinary expert panels are valuable for diagnosing and adequately treating patients with BRC after radical treatment., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors have no conflict interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article. Ethical approval and Informed consent: This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Federación de Sociedades Españolas de Oncología (FESEO).)

Abstract: We present a case of a 60-year-old woman diagnosed with metastasized small bowl NET G3 with high hepatic tumor burden and highly glucometabolic (FDG-avid) disease. In the postchemotherapy setting with progressive disease, the patient underwent PRRT with 177Lu-DOTA-octreotate and 225Ac-DOTA-octreotate initially resulting in stable disease. In a novel approach, 225Ac-DOTA-LM3 (somatostatin receptor antagonist) was administered, leading to a favorable treatment response in the 18F-FDG PET/CT scan. This interesting image illustrates the promising antitumor potential of alpha-sst2 antagonist PRRT with 225Ac-DOTA-LM3, and to the best of our knowledge, it is the first documented evidence of superiority over standard alpha-PRRT from intraindividual comparison., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chemotherapy can cause vascular and metabolic liver injury in patients with liver metastases, but scarce data are available. We aimed to (i) describe the prevalence of porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD) among patients undergoing resection for liver metastases; and (ii) assess whether liver (LSM) and spleen stiffness measurements could diagnose PSVD and predict postoperative complications. This is a prospective single-center study enrolling consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resection for metastases at a tertiary center. For each patient, we evaluated previous exposure to chemotherapy, comorbidities, elastography, type of surgery, histological features at the resection specimen, morbidity (post-hepatectomy liver failure and major complications according to Clavien-Dindo), and 90-day survival. Sixty-eight patients were included, of whom 60 (88%) had received chemotherapy. Twenty-nine (44%) patients had PSVD. Spleen stiffness measurements <21 kPa (negative predictive value 87%) and >40 kPa (positive predictive value 100%) could accurately diagnose PSVD. PSVD significantly increased the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (22% vs. 45%) and major complications (11% vs. 31%). Preoperative LSM was associated with postoperative morbidity. The cutoff LSMs <4.5 and >8 kPa predicted the risk of clinically significant post-hepatectomy liver failure (0%, 11%, and 33% in LSM <4.5, 4.5-8, and >8 kPa, respectively) and major complications (0%, 25%, 44% in LSM <4.5, 4.5-8, and >8 kPa, respectively). PSVD is very common among patients undergoing liver surgery for metastases, and it is associated with increased morbidity. LSM and spleen stiffness measurements can correctly identify patients with PSVD and those at risk of clinically relevant postoperative complications., (Copyright © 2024 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.)