Background: Early cancer detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Molecular imaging biomarkers offer the potential for non-invasive, early-stage cancer diagnosis. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of molecular imaging biomarkers for early cancer detection across various imaging modalities and cancer types. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus was performed, covering the period from January 2010 to December 2023. Eligibility criteria included original research articles published in English on molecular imaging biomarkers for early cancer detection in humans. The risk of bias for included studies was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool. The findings were synthesized through narrative synthesis, with quantitative analysis conducted where applicable. Results: In total, 50 studies were included. Positron emission tomography (PET)-based biomarkers showed the highest sensitivity (mean: 89.5%, range: 82–96%) and specificity (mean: 91.2%, range: 85–100%). Novel tracers such as [68Ga]-PSMA for prostate cancer and [18F]-FES for breast cancer demonstrated promising outcomes. Optical imaging techniques showed high specificity in intraoperative settings. Conclusions: Molecular imaging biomarkers show significant potential for improving early cancer detection. Integration into clinical practice could lead to earlier interventions and improved outcomes. Further research is needed to address standardization and cost-effectiveness.
Computed Tomography (CT) is vital for diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions. However, increased usage raises concerns about patient radiation exposure. Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) aim to minimize radiation doses in CT imaging. This study examines CT DRLs in India compared to other countries to identify optimization opportunities. A literature review was conducted to gather data from published studies, guidelines, and regulatory authorities. Findings show significant international variations in CT DRLs, with differences up to 50%. In India, DRLs also vary significantly across states. For head CT exams, Indian DRLs are generally 20–30% lower than international standards (27–47 mGy vs. 60 mGy). Conversely, for abdominal CT scans, Indian DRLs are 10–15% higher (12–16 mGy vs. 13 mGy). Factors influencing DRL variations include equipment differences, imaging protocols, patient demographics, and regulatory conditions. Dose-optimization techniques like automatic exposure control and iterative reconstruction can reduce radiation exposure by 25–60% while maintaining image quality. Comparative data highlight best practices, such as the United Kingdom’s 30% reduction in CT doses from 1984 to 1995 via DRL implementation. This study suggests that adopting similar practices in India could reduce radiation doses by 20–40% for common CT procedures, promoting responsible CT usage and minimizing patient exposure.
The opioid crisis has emerged as a significant public health concern globally, with India facing unique challenges in preventing and managing substance abuse. This systematic review aims to analyze the current state of the opioid crisis in India, evaluate existing prevention and management strategies, and propose evidence-based recommendations for addressing this complex issue. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion of 30 studies meeting the predefined criteria. The review highlights the multifaceted nature of the opioid crisis in India, influenced by factors such as socioeconomic conditions, cultural norms, and healthcare accessibility. Key findings include the need for comprehensive prevention programs, improved access to evidence-based treatments, and integration of harm reduction strategies. The review also emphasizes the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and the potential of community-based interventions in managing substance abuse. Challenges identified include stigma, limited access to treatment, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and lack of comprehensive policies. Recommendations for future directions include developing culturally appropriate prevention programs, assessing the long-term effectiveness of treatment modalities, exploring innovative approaches to reduce stigma, and investigating the role of technology in improving access to care. By implementing a multifaceted approach that considers the unique sociocultural context of India (including factors such as family structures, religious beliefs, economic disparities, and regional variations in drug use patterns), there is potential to significantly reduce the burden of opioid abuse and improve outcomes for affected individuals and communities.
20 March 2024 in Indian Journal of Science and Technology
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate MRI efficiency in diagnosing chronic shoulder pain causes. Chronic shoulder pain accounts for 5% of musculoskeletal consultations. Method: Thirty-four chronic shoulder pain patients (18-65 years) underwent shoulder MRI. Sequences included T1-weighted, T2-weighted, proton density, and STIR for comprehensive analysis. All patients were clinically diagnosed with chronic shoulder pain prior to imaging. Finding: One patient (1.96%) had normal MRI findings. Thirty-three patients (98.04%) had abnormalities. Rotator cuff injuries were most prevalent, especially partial supraspinatus tears (18.63%). Other findings included bursitis, joint effusion, AC arthropathy, Hill Sachs deformity, AC joint impingement, rotator cuff fatty atrophy, and biceps tendinopathy. Conclusion: MRI provided excellent visualization of soft tissue pathologies causing chronic shoulder pain, noninvasively without ionizing radiation. Combining MRI sequences accurately diagnosed various shoulder conditions. Fat suppression sequences were key for identifying rotator cuff tears. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing rotator cuff injuries, the most common chronic shoulder pain cause. Novelty: This study demonstrates MRI's utility for evaluating chronic shoulder pain causes. While no single sequence visualizes all shoulder pathologies, using T1-weighted, T2-weighted, proton density, and STIR sequences together provides a comprehensive analysis to guide appropriate patient treatment. Keywords MRI, Chronic shoulder pain, Rotator cuff, Joint effusion, frozen shoulder
The power of digital twins, virtual replicas of physical assets and systems that are revolutionizing the efficiency and performance is significant for optimization for renewable energy. Agriculture sector uses digital twins in the context of precision agriculture, fishing and reforestation, manufacturing can simulate machinery and robots predict maintenance breakdowns before they happen or calculate needs for supplies. Bringing new perspectives on cutting-edge technologies in the area of renewables it simulates wind turbine. With a real-time digital twin in place, energy operators can observe how the system behaves across diverse operating conditions, detect inefficiencies and work on data to make judicious decisions toward enhancing performance. In case of solar power systems, they monitor the performance efficiency of solar panels and predict probable failures which may result into loss from energy production.
The rapid advancement of nanotechnology presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation across various industries, including consumer markets. However, the commercialization and marketing of nanotechnology-based products pose unique challenges due to factors such as consumer awareness, ethical concerns, and regulatory frameworks. This paper aims to explore the key challenges and opportunities associated with marketing nanotechnology innovations in the consumer market. Through a comprehensive literature review and case study analysis, the research identifies critical factors influencing consumer acceptance and adoption of nanotechnology products. The study highlights the importance of transparent communication, consumer education, and ethical considerations in building trust and driving market growth. Additionally, the paper examines the role of government regulations and industry standards in shaping the market landscape. The findings provide insights for marketers, policymakers, and researchers on effective strategies to navigate the complexities of promoting nanotechnology innovations, ultimately contributing to the sustainable growth of this emerging sector.