Recently introduced PET systems using silicon photomultipliers with digital readout (dPET) have an improved timing and spatial resolution, aiming at a better image quality, over conventional PET (cPET) systems. We prospectively evaluated the performance of a dPET system in patients with cancer, as compared to high-resolution (HR) cPET imaging. Methods: After a single FDG-injection, 66 patients underwent dPET (Vereos, Philips Healthcare) and cPET (Ingenuity TF, Philips Healthcare) imaging in a randomized order. We used HR-reconstructions (2x2x2 mm³ voxels) for both scanners and determined SUV_max, SUVmean, lesion-to-background ratio (LBR), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and lesion diameter in up to 5 FDG-positive lesions per patient. Furthermore, we counted the number of visible and measurable lesions on each PET scan. Two nuclear medicine specialists blindly determined the Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) score from both image sets in 30 patients referred for initial staging. For all 66 patients, these specialists separately and blindly evaluated image quality (4-point scale) and determined the scan preference. Results: We included 238 lesions that were visible and measurable on both PET scans. We found 37 additional lesions on dPET in 27 patients (41%), which were unmeasurable (n = 14) or invisible (n = 23) on cPET. SUVmean, SUV_max, LBR and MTV on cPET were 5.2±3.9 (mean±SD), 6.9±5.6, 5.0±3.6 and 2991±13251 mm³, respectively. On dPET SUVmean, SUV_max and LBR increased 24%, 23% and 27%, respectively (p<0.001) while MTV decreased 13% (p<0.001) compared to cPET. Visual analysis showed TNM upstaging with dPET in 13% of the patients (4/30). dPET images also scored higher in image quality (P = 0.003) and were visually preferred in the majority of cases (65%). Conclusion: Digital PET improved the detection of small lesions, upstaged the disease and images were visually preferred as compared to high-resolution conventional PET. More studies are necessary to confirm the superior diagnostic performance of digital PET.

The accuracy of lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu) radiotracer concentration measurements using quantitative clinical software was determined by comparing in vivo results for a digital solid-state cadmium-zinc-telluride SPECT/CT (single photon emission computed tomography / x-ray computed tomography) system to in vitro sampling. First, image acquisition parameters were assessed for an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) body phantom emulating clinical count rates loaded with a "lung" insert and 6 hot spheres with a 12:1 target-to-background ratio of ¹⁷⁷Lu solution. Then, the data of 28 whole-body SPECT/CT scans of 7 patients who underwent ¹⁷⁷Lu prostate membrane antigen (¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA) radioligand therapy was retrospectively analyzed. Three users analyzed SPECT/CT images for in vivo urinary bladder radiotracer uptake using quantitative software (Q.Metrix, GE Healthcare). In vitro radiopharmaceutical concentrations were calculated using urine sampling obtained immediately after each scan, scaled to standardized uptake values (SUVs). Any in vivo/in vitro identity relations were determined by linear regression (ideally slope=1, intercept=0), within a 95 % confidence interval (CI). Phantom results demonstrated lower quantitative error for acquisitions using the 113 keV ¹⁷⁷Lu energy peak rather than including the 208 keV peak, given that only low-energy collimation was available in this camera configuration. In the clinical study, 24 in vivo/in vitro pairs were eligible for further analysis, having rejected 4 as outliers (via Cook’s distance calculations). All linear regressions (R2 ≥ 0.92, P<0.0001) provided identity in vivo/in vitro relations (95 % CI), with SUV averages from all users giving a slope of 1.03±0.09, an intercept of –0.25±0.64 g/mL, and an average residual difference of 20.4 %. Acquiring with the lower energy ¹⁷⁷Lu energy peak, solid-state SPECT/CT imaging provides an accuracy to within ~20 % for in vivo urinary bladder radiotracer concentrations. This non-invasive in vivo quantitation method can potentially improve diagnosis, improve patient management and treatment response assessment, and provide data essential to ¹⁷⁷Lu dosimetry.

Latest digital whole-body PET scanners provide a combination of higher sensitivity and improved spatial and timing resolution. We performed a lesion detectability study on two generations of Siemens Biograph PET/CT scanners, the mCT and Vision, to study the impact of improved physical performance on clinical performance. Our hypothesis is that the improved performance of the Vision will result in improved lesion detectability, allowing shorter imaging times or equivalently, lower injected dose. Methods: Data were acquired with the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Clinical Trials Network torso phantom combined with a 20-cm diameter cylindrical phantom. Spherical lesions were emulated by acquiring spheres-in-air data, and combining it with the phantom data to generate combined datasets with embedded lesions of known contrast. Two sphere sizes and uptakes were used: 9.89 mm diameter spheres with 6:1 (lung) and 3:1 (cylinder) and 4.95 mm diameter spheres with 9.6:1 (lung) and 4.5:1 (cylinder) local activity concentration uptakes. Standard image reconstruction was performed: ordinary Poisson ordered subsets expectation maximization algorithm with point spread function and time-of-flight modeling and post-reconstruction smoothing with a 5 mm Gaussian filter. The Vision images were also generated without any post-reconstruction smoothing. Generalized scan statistics methodology was used to estimate the area under the localization receiver operating characteristic curve (ALROC). Results: Higher sensitivity and improved TOF performance of Vision leads to reduced contrast in the background noise nodule distribution. Measured lesion contrast is also higher on the Vision due to its improved spatial resolution. Hence, the ALROC values are noticeably higher for the Vision relative to the mCT. Conclusion: Improved overall performance of the Vision provides a factor of 4-6 reduction in imaging time (or injected dose) over the mCT when using the ALROC metric for lesions >9.89 mm in diameter. Smaller lesions are barely detected in the mCT, leading to even higher ALROC gains with the Vision. Improved spatial resolution of the Vision also leads to a higher measured contrast that is closer to the real uptake, implying improved quantification. Post-reconstruction smoothing, however, reduces this improvement in measured contrast, thereby reducing the ALROC values for small, high uptake lesions.

It was hypothesized that the brain β-amyloid buildup curve plateaus at an early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD) stage. Atrophy-related partial volume effects (PVEs) degrade signal in hot-spot imaging techniques, such as amyloid positron emission tomography (PET). This longitudinal analysis of amyloid-sensitive PET data investigated the shape of the β-amyloid curve in AD applying PVE correction (PVEC). We analyzed baseline and 2-year follow-up data of 216 symptomatic individuals on the AD continuum (positive amyloid status) enrolled in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (17 AD dementia, 199 mild cognitive impairment), including 18F-florbetapir PET, magnetic resonance imaging and mini mental state examination (MMSE) scores. For PVEC, the modified Müller-Gärtner method was performed. Compared to non-PVE-corrected data, PVE-corrected data yielded significantly higher regional and composite standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) changes over time (P=0.0002 for composite SUVRs). Longitudinal SUVR changes in relation to MMSE decreases showed a significantly higher slope of the regression line in the PVE-corrected as compared to the non-PVE-corrected PET data (F=7.1, P=0.008). These PVEC results indicate that the β-amyloid buildup curve does not plateau at an early symptomatic disease stage. A further evaluation of the impact of PVEC on the in-vivo characterization of time-dependent AD pathology, including the reliable assessment and comparison of other amyloid tracers, is warranted.

6 November 2019 , Volume 95, Number 6

Human antibody response studies are largely restricted to periods of high immune activity (e.g. vaccination). To comprehensively understand the healthy B cell immune repertoire and how this changes over time and through natural infection, we conducted immune repertoire RNA sequencing on flow cytometry-sorted B cell subsets to profile a single individual's antibodies over 11 months through two periods of natural viral infection. We found that 1) a baseline of healthy variable (V) gene usage in antibodies exists and is stable over time, but antibodies in memory cells consistently have a different usage profile relative to earlier B cell stages; 2) a single complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) is potentially generated from more than one VJ gene combination; and 3) IgG and IgA antibody transcripts are found at low levels in early human B cell development, suggesting that class switching may occur earlier than previously realized. These findings provide insight into immune repertoire stability, response to natural infections, and human B cell development.

The millions of customers, the short deadline: how the public service's digital revolution will start.

Collaborating with the public is the key for a more engaging government experience.

With regular host Matt Egan off ill, David Price steps in to discuss Microsoft Teams, the government's 'new' cyber security strategy and the collision of social media and insurance companies. First up, producer Chris is on to discuss Microsoft's recent Slack rival Microsoft Teams and wether it can win the market. Then Scott Carey, online editor at Computerworld UK, talks about the government's newest strategy for taking on cyber crime. Then Charlotte Jee, editor of Techworld, talks about UK insurer Admiral's misjudged attempt to use Facebook posts to offer discounts on insurance premiums.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The gang muck in to discuss the hottest tech topics of the week (as is tradition). Deputy Editor of Macworld UK David Price asks Jim Martin what was hot at MWC, where phones are birthed or something. Then Techworld Online Editor Thomas MacAuley chats about the government's digital strategy. First question: does it have one? Finally Tamlin Magee, Computerworld UK's Online Editor explains how to hack a robot and why people will almost certainly use this for EVIL. Thanks for listening.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Oh boy what a meaty session we have for you as Christina Mercer, Somrata Sarkar, David Price and Henry Burrell tackle three whopics (whopping topics) head on.

Somrata takes us into the sometimes scary thoughts of our own digital afterlives. Should we be worried that we'll end up as misrepresentative chat bots one day? Who will have the authority to police the companies that harvest our data?

Then Christina explains the knife edge America is on when it comes to net neutrality. Despite recent hope, there's still a chance the web across the pond will be ruthlessly metered and segmented.

Finally David asks us if we've checked our unused email accounts recently, as there might be a lot of desperate noodle companies in there begging you to stay on their mailing lists.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join host Scott Carey as the team dissects Tory meltdown and what it means for tech and the ministers we haven't heard of. What can they actually do to help the country? Charlotte Jee explains.

Then Henry Burrell chats on the new Microsoft Surface Go, an 'affordable' Surface tablet that actually still breaks the bank. Who is it for, and is Microsoft really chasing the iPad market?

David Price rounds up the pod with Musk Corner as everyone's favourite Twitter megalomaniac flies off to Thailand to help with a cave rescue - but should he stay out of it?

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Recent studies using mouse models suggest that interaction between the gut microbiome and IL-17/IL-22 producing cells plays a role in the development of metabolic diseases. We investigated this relationship in humans using data from the prediabetes study of the Integrated Human Microbiome Project (iHMP). Specifically, we addressed the hypothesis that early in the onset of metabolic diseases there is a decline in serum levels of IL-17/IL-22, with concomitant changes in the gut microbiome. Clustering iHMP study participants on the basis of longitudinal IL-17/IL-22 profiles identified discrete groups. Individuals distinguished by low levels of IL-17/IL-22 were linked to established markers of metabolic disease, including insulin sensitivity. These individuals also displayed gut microbiome dysbiosis, characterized by decreased diversity, and IL-17/IL-22-related declines in the phylum Firmicutes, class Clostridia, and order Clostridiales. This ancillary analysis of the iHMP data therefore supports a link between the gut microbiome, IL-17/IL-22 and the onset of metabolic diseases. This raises the possibility for novel, microbiome-related therapeutic targets that may effectively alleviate metabolic diseases in humans as they do in animal models.

We’re back for the December Talk Evidence, and this month we’re being very digital Firstly,(1.20) Helen tells us about arthritic fingers - should we be using prednisolone for treatment when people have painful osteoarthritis of the hand Then (13.30) Carl gets us all to check our fingers for clubbing, and we find out how useful it is as a test...

Children at increased genetic risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D) after environmental exposures may develop pancreatic islet autoantibodies (IA) at a very young age. Metabolic profile changes over time may imply responses to exposures and signal development of the first IA. Our present research in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study aimed to identify metabolome-wide signals preceding the first IA against GAD (GADA-first) or against insulin (IAA-first). We profiled metabolomes by mass spectrometry from children’s plasma at 3-month intervals after birth until appearance of the first IA. A trajectory analysis discovered each first IA preceded by reduced amino acid proline and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), respectively. With independent time point analysis following birth, we discovered dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) contributing to the risk of each first IA, and -aminobutyric acid (GABAs) associated with the first autoantibody against insulin (IAA-first). Methionine and alanine, compounds produced in BCAA metabolism and fatty acids, also preceded IA at different time points. Unsaturated triglycerides and phosphatidylethanolamines decreased in abundance before appearance of either autoantibody. Our findings suggest that IAA-first and GADA-first are heralded by different patterns of DHAA, GABA, multiple amino acids, and fatty acids, which may be important to primary prevention of T1D.

DESPITE TUMBLING sales and challenges with hire-purchase accounts, two of the largest retailers of home furniture and appliances, Courts Jamaica and Singer Jamaica, have found glimmers of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s because work-from...

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand the longitudinal relationship between financial, psychosocial, and neighborhood social determinants and glycemic control (HbA_1c) in older adults with diabetes.

As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to take root in Africa, experts say that digitizing financial services could help keep the continent safe

Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine opened Dec. 5 its Center for Implant and Digital Technology, which will serve as a state-of-the-art space for digital dentistry-focused education, patient care and research.

The ADA Board of Trustees traditionally holds six meetings a year at Association Headquarters in Chicago, but this year, for the first time, the Board held its April meeting via Zoom — an all digital meeting.

OBJECTIVE

Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM) occurs during the 1st year of life and remits during childhood. We investigated glucose metabolism and socioeducational outcomes in adults.

*my legit questions

Every business begun before the Internet now faces the same challenge: How to transform to compete in a digital economy? This is the leadership challenge examined by BRITE founder and Columbia Business School faculty member David Rogers in his newest book, The Digital Transformation Playbook (April 5, 2016; Columbia Business School Publishing). In the book, […]

Award-winning short documentary about the benefits of digital health tools for mental health.

School districts are competing against each other for purchases of digital devices as remote learning expands to schools across the country.

"The objective of this audit was to examine the extent to which Australian Government entities have implemented the Digital Continuity 2020 policy, and how effectively the National Archives of Australia is monitoring, assisting, and encouraging entities to meet the specified targets of the policy."--Pages 7-8.

Information technology -- Political aspects.

Business enterprises -- Computer networks -- Management.

The Historical Dietary Guidance Digital Collection (HDGDC) combines more than 900 documents on diet and nutrition published by the U.S. Government , representing more than 100 years of history. Materials in this collection include historical nutrition education materials, such as posters, recipes, and radio transcripts, as well as current nutrition education materials reviewed by the Dietary Guidance Review Committee.

Dijon : Darantiere, 1893.

Breslau : E. Morgenstern, 1882.

Berlin : A. Hirschwald, 1865.

Wiesbaden : J.F. Bergmann, 1897.

Leipzig : F.C.W. Vogel, 1866.

Leipzig : F. Deuticke, 1908.