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1.
Embracing Defects and Disorder in Magnetic Nanoparticles.
Lak, A, Disch, S, Bender, P
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany). 2021;(7):2002682
Abstract
Iron oxide nanoparticles have tremendous scientific and technological potential in a broad range of technologies, from energy applications to biomedicine. To improve their performance, single-crystalline and defect-free nanoparticles have thus far been aspired. However, in several recent studies, defect-rich nanoparticles outperform their defect-free counterparts in magnetic hyperthermia and magnetic particle imaging (MPI). Here, an overview on the state-of-the-art of design and characterization of defects and resulting spin disorder in magnetic nanoparticles is presented with a focus on iron oxide nanoparticles. The beneficial impact of defects and disorder on intracellular magnetic hyperthermia performance of magnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery and cancer therapy is emphasized. Defect-engineering in iron oxide nanoparticles emerges to become an alternative approach to tailor their magnetic properties for biomedicine, as it is already common practice in established systems such as semiconductors and emerging fields including perovskite solar cells. Finally, perspectives and thoughts are given on how to deliberately induce defects in iron oxide nanoparticles and their potential implications for magnetic tracers to monitor cell therapy and immunotherapy by MPI.
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A global review of publicly available datasets for ophthalmological imaging: barriers to access, usability, and generalisability.
Khan, SM, Liu, X, Nath, S, Korot, E, Faes, L, Wagner, SK, Keane, PA, Sebire, NJ, Burton, MJ, Denniston, AK
The Lancet. Digital health. 2021;(1):e51-e66
Abstract
Health data that are publicly available are valuable resources for digital health research. Several public datasets containing ophthalmological imaging have been frequently used in machine learning research; however, the total number of datasets containing ophthalmological health information and their respective content is unclear. This Review aimed to identify all publicly available ophthalmological imaging datasets, detail their accessibility, describe which diseases and populations are represented, and report on the completeness of the associated metadata. With the use of MEDLINE, Google's search engine, and Google Dataset Search, we identified 94 open access datasets containing 507 724 images and 125 videos from 122 364 patients. Most datasets originated from Asia, North America, and Europe. Disease populations were unevenly represented, with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration disproportionately overrepresented in comparison with other eye diseases. The reporting of basic demographic characteristics such as age, sex, and ethnicity was poor, even at the aggregate level. This Review provides greater visibility for ophthalmological datasets that are publicly available as powerful resources for research. Our paper also exposes an increasing divide in the representation of different population and disease groups in health data repositories. The improved reporting of metadata would enable researchers to access the most appropriate datasets for their needs and maximise the potential of such resources.
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3.
Radioproteomics in patients with ovarian cancer.
McCague, C, Beer, L
The British journal of radiology. 2021;(1125):20201331
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Radioproteomics is the integration of proteomics, the systematic study of the protein expression of an organism, with radiomics, the extraction and analysis of large numbers of quantitative features from medical images. This article examines this developing field, and it's application in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Seminal proteomic studies in the area of ovarian cancer, such as the PROVAR and CPTA studies are discussed, along side recent research, such as that highlighting the central role of methyltransferase nicotinamide N-methyltransferase as the metabolic regulation of cancer progression in the tumour stroma. Finally, this article considers a novel, hypothesis generating approach to integrate CT-based qualitative and radiomic features with proteomic analysis, and the future direction of the field. Combined advances in radiomic, proteomic and genomic analysis has the potential to signal the age of true precision medicine, where treatment is centered specifically on the molecular profile of the tumour, rather than based on empirical knowledge, thus altering the course of a disease that has the highest mortality of all cancers of the female reproductive system.
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4.
Smartphone-Based Fundus Imaging-Where Are We Now?
Wintergerst, MWM, Jansen, LG, Holz, FG, Finger, RP
Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 2020;(4):308-314
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Abstract
With the advent of smartphone-based fundus imaging (SBFI), a low-cost alternative to conventional digital fundus photography has become available. SBFI allows for a mobile fundus examination, is applicable both with and without pupil dilation, comes with built-in connectivity and post-processing capabilities, and is relatively easy to master. Furthermore, it is delegable to paramedical staff/technicians and, hence, suitable for telemedicine. Against this background a variety of SBFI applications have become available including screening for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity and its applications in emergency medicine and pediatrics. In addition, SBFI is convenient for teaching purposes and might serve as a surrogate for direct ophthalmoscopy. First wide-field montage techniques are available and the combination of SBFI with machine learning algorithms for image analyses is promising. In conclusion, SBFI has the potential to make fundus examinations and screenings for patients particularly in low- and middle-income settings more accessible and, therefore, aid tackling the burden of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity screening. However, image quality for SBFI varies substantially and a reference standard for grading appears prudent. In addition, there is a strong need for comparison of different SBFI approaches in terms of applicability to disease screening and cost-effectiveness.
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5.
Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis: an update.
McMahan, ZH
Current opinion in rheumatology. 2019;(6):561-568
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides important updates in systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related gastrointestinal disease, specifically focusing on the most recent literature. RECENT FINDINGS In the past year, several studies were published that present interesting insights into SSc and gastrointestinal disease. Studies focusing on newly identified risk factors, novel approaches to diagnosis and assessment of disease activity, survival and quality of life demonstrate progress in our understanding of this challenging area. Additional data on specific SSc gastrointestinal-related topics, such as the link between gastrointestinal and pulmonary disease, nutrition, and the microbiome, are also now available. SUMMARY SSc gastrointestinal disease is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation, which presents a challenge in diagnosis and management. In the past year, several studies have evaluated risk factors and clinical features associated with specific gastrointestinal complications in SSc. Objective gastrointestinal testing may help to identify specific SSc gastrointestinal subgroups and provide diagnostic accuracy to guide targeted therapies. Survival in very early SSc is affected by the severity of gastrointestinal involvement. Other important gastrointestinal subsets, including patients with esophageal disease and interstitial lung disease, should carefully be considered when developing a management plan for this patient population.
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Congenital X-Linked Retinoschisis: An Updated Clinical Review.
Rao, P, Dedania, VS, Drenser, KA
Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 2018;(3):169-175
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We present an updated clinical review of the pathophysiology, progression, and current treatments in pediatric patients with congenital X-linked retinoschisis (CXLRS). CXLRS is an X-linked inherited retinal degeneration characterized by splitting of the superficial layers of the retina. Most recent classification divides CXLRS into 4 distinct clinical phenotypes: type 1, foveal; type 2, foveolamellar; type 3, complex; and type 4, foveoperipheral. The majority of retinoschisis cavities remain stable throughout life and may spontaneously collapse. However, a select number of patients progress to macula-involving peripheral retinoschisis, rhegmatogenous, and combined tractional-rhegmatogenous detachments that require further intervention. Although several advances have been made over the past several decades, medical therapy remains limited to case series‒based carbonic anhydrase therapy and prophylactic laser retinopexy. Recent advances in genetic-based clinical trials with the retinoschisis gene are promising. Vitreoretinal surgical approaches remain complex, case-based, and require careful planning depending on the configuration and location of the retinoschisis cavity.
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A Perspective on the Evolving Story of PSMA Biology, PSMA-Based Imaging, and Endoradiotherapeutic Strategies.
O'Keefe, DS, Bacich, DJ, Huang, SS, Heston, WDW
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine. 2018;(7):1007-1013
Abstract
In this review, we cover the evolution of knowledge on the biology of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and its translation to therapy. The usual key to discovery is a realistic model for experimentation and for testing a hypothesis. A realistic model is especially needed in the case of the human prostate, which differs significantly from the prostate of species often used as research models. We will emphasize the genetic characterization of PSMA, the nature of the PSMA protein, and its role as a carboxypeptidase, with differing important substrates and products in different tissues. We give special prominence to the importance of PSMA as a target for imaging and therapy in prostate cancer and its underdeveloped role for imaging and targeting the neovasculature of tumors other than prostate cancer. Lastly, we bring attention to its importance in other nonprostatic tissues.
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Reasons for inadequate or incomplete imaging techniques.
Caraiani, C, Dong, Y, Rudd, AG, Dietrich, CF
Medical ultrasonography. 2018;(4):498-507
Abstract
Even if imaging has developed considerably during the last decades there still exist several factors which limit its capacities. These factors can either limit the usage of a technique or degrade images making them difficult to interpret. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has, as an absolute contraindication, the presence of metallic devices marked as "MRI unsafe" and metallic foreign bodies close to the eye or vital structures. Claustrophobia and artefacts reduce the application and performance of MRI in a significant proportion of patients. The major disadvantages of computed tomography(CT) are the exposure to ionizing radiation inducing malignancies especially in pediatric patients and the risk of contrast induced allergies and nephropathy. Ultrasound is a safe, easily available and low-cost imaging technique without significant side effects for the patient. Obesity or bloating can severely limit ultrasound capacities.This paper written by radiologists and clinicians, highlights the main reasons leading to inadequate imaging and points out solutions to avoid inaccurate diagnosis due to incomplete imaging or presence of artifacts.
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Plaque imaging to refine indications for emerging lipid-lowering drugs.
Alkhalil, M, Chai, JT, Choudhury, RP
European heart journal. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. 2017;(1):58-67
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Abstract
Statins have been effective in reducing adverse cardiovascular events. Their benefits have been proportional to the level of plasma LDL-cholesterol reduction and seem to extend to patients with 'normal' levels of cholesterol at outset. Statins are also inexpensive and have a favourable side-effect profile. As a result, they are used widely (almost indiscriminately) in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease, and in those at risk of disease. Next generation lipid-modifying drugs seem unlikely to offer the same simplicity of application. The recent trials of new classes of lipid modifying drugs underline the need for a risk stratification tool which is not based on patients' category of diagnosis (for example, post-myocardial infarction) but based on the characterization of disease in that individual patient. Mechanistic staging, a process that matches the target of the drug action with an identifiable disease characteristic, may offer an opportunity to achieve more precise intervention. The upshots of this targeted approach will be greater efficacy, requiring smaller clinical trials to demonstrate effectiveness; a reduced number needed to treat to yield benefits and more cost-effective prescribing. This will be important, as purchasers require ever more rigorous demonstration of both efficacy and cost-effectiveness. In this context, we will discuss available pharmacological strategies of lipid reduction in anti-atherosclerotic treatment and how plaque imaging techniques may provide an ideal method in stratifying patients for new lipid-modifying drugs.
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Ultra-wide-field imaging in diabetic retinopathy.
Ghasemi Falavarjani, K, Tsui, I, Sadda, SR
Vision research. 2017;:187-190
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Abstract
Since 1991, 7-field images captured with 30-50 degree cameras in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study were the gold standard for fundus imaging to study diabetic retinopathy. Ultra-wide-field images cover significantly more area (up to 82%) of the fundus and with ocular steering can in many cases image 100% of the fundus ("panretinal"). Recent advances in image analysis of ultra-wide-field imaging allow for precise measurements of the peripheral retinal lesions. There is a growing consensus in the literature that ultra-wide-field imaging improves detection of peripheral lesions in diabetic retinopathy and leads to more accurate classification of the disease. There is discordance among studies, however, on the correlation between peripheral diabetic lesions and diabetic macular edema and optimal management strategies to treat diabetic retinopathy.