al Improving 18F-FDG PET Quantification Through a Spatial Normalization Method By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Quantification of 18F-FDG PET images is useful for accurate diagnosis and evaluation of various brain diseases, including brain tumors, epilepsy, dementia, and Parkinson disease. However, accurate quantification of 18F-FDG PET images requires matched 3-dimensional T1 MRI scans of the same individuals to provide detailed information on brain anatomy. In this paper, we propose a transfer learning approach to adapt a pretrained deep neural network model from amyloid PET to spatially normalize 18F-FDG PET images without the need for 3-dimensional MRI. Methods: The proposed method is based on a deep learning model for automatic spatial normalization of 18F-FDG brain PET images, which was developed by fine-tuning a pretrained model for amyloid PET using only 103 18F-FDG PET and MR images. After training, the algorithm was tested on 65 internal and 78 external test sets. All T1 MR images with a 1-mm isotropic voxel size were processed with FreeSurfer software to provide cortical segmentation maps used to extract a ground-truth regional SUV ratio using cerebellar gray matter as a reference region. These values were compared with those from spatial normalization-based quantification methods using the proposed method and statistical parametric mapping software. Results: The proposed method showed superior spatial normalization compared with statistical parametric mapping, as evidenced by increased normalized mutual information and better size and shape matching in PET images. Quantitative evaluation revealed a consistently higher SUV ratio correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients for the proposed method across various brain regions in both internal and external datasets. The remarkably good correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient values of the proposed method for the external dataset are noteworthy, considering the dataset’s different ethnic distribution and the use of different PET scanners and image reconstruction algorithms. Conclusion: This study successfully applied transfer learning to a deep neural network for 18F-FDG PET spatial normalization, demonstrating its resource efficiency and improved performance. This highlights the efficacy of transfer learning, which requires a smaller number of datasets than does the original network training, thus increasing the potential for broader use of deep learning–based brain PET spatial normalization techniques for various clinical and research radiotracers. Full Article
al C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4-Directed Scintigraphy Using [99mTc]Tc-Pentixatec in Primary Aldosteronism: A Proof-of-Concept Study By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)–directed imaging has gained clinical interest in aiding clinical diagnostics in primary aldosteronism (PA). We retrospectively evaluated the feasibility of CXCR4-directed scintigraphy using the novel CXCR-4 ligand [99mTc]Tc-pentixatec in patients with PA. Methods: Six patients (mean age ± SD, 49 ± 15 y) underwent CXCR4-directed scintigraphy (including planar imaging and SPECT/CT) 30, 120, and 240 min after injection of 435 ± 50 MBq of [99mTc]Tc-pentixatec. Adrenal CXCR4 expression was analyzed by calculating lesion-to-contralateral ratios (LCRs). Imaging results were correlated to clinical information. Histopathology and clinical follow-up served as the standard of reference. Results: Three subjects showed lateralization of adrenal tracer accumulation, with a mean maximum lesion-to-contralateral ratio of 1.65 (range, 1.52–1.70), which correlated with morphologic findings on CT. One individual underwent adrenalectomy and presented with complete biochemical and clinical remission at follow-up. Histopathologic workup confirmed unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma. Conclusion: [99mTc]Tc-pentixatec scintigraphy with SPECT in patients with PA is feasible and might offer a valuable alternative to CXCR4-directed imaging with [68Ga]Ga-pentixafor PET. Full Article
al Design, Synthesis, and Preclinical Evaluation of a High-Affinity 18F-Labeled Radioligand for Myocardial Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor Before and After Myocardial Infarction By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 The peptide hormone ghrelin is produced in cardiomyocytes and acts through the myocardial growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) to promote cardiomyocyte survival. Administration of ghrelin may have therapeutic effects on post–myocardial infarction (MI) outcomes. Therefore, there is a need to develop molecular imaging probes that can track the dynamics of GHSR in health and disease to better predict the effectiveness of ghrelin-based therapeutics. We designed a high-affinity GHSR ligand labeled with 18F for imaging by PET and characterized its in vivo properties in a canine model of MI. Methods: We rationally designed and radiolabeled with 18F a quinazolinone derivative ([18F]LCE470) with subnanomolar binding affinity to GHSR. We determined the sensitivity and in vivo and ex vivo specificity of [18F]LCE470 in a canine model of surgically induced MI using PET/MRI, which allowed for anatomic localization of tracer uptake and simultaneous determination of global cardiac function. Uptake of [18F]LCE470 was determined by time–activity curve and SUV analysis in 3 regions of the left ventricle—area of infarct, territory served by the left circumflex coronary artery, and remote myocardium—over a period of 1.5 y. Changes in cardiac perfusion were tracked by [13N]NH3 PET. Results: The receptor binding affinity of LCE470 was measured at 0.33 nM, the highest known receptor binding affinity for a radiolabeled GHSR ligand. In vivo blocking studies in healthy hounds and ex vivo blocking studies in myocardial tissue showed the specificity of [18F]LCE470, and sensitivity was demonstrated by a positive correlation between tracer uptake and GHSR abundance. Post-MI changes in [18F]LCE470 uptake occurred independently of perfusion tracer distributions and changes in global cardiac function. We found that the regional distribution of [18F]LCE470 within the left ventricle diverged significantly within 1 d after MI and remained that way throughout the 1.5-y duration of the study. Conclusion: [18F]LCE470 is a high-affinity PET tracer that can detect changes in the regional distribution of myocardial GHSR after MI. In vivo PET molecular imaging of the global dynamics of GHSR may lead to improved GHSR-based therapeutics in the treatment of post-MI remodeling. Full Article
al The Emission of Internal Conversion Electrons Rather Than Auger Electrons Increased the Nucleus-Absorbed Dose for 161Tb Compared with 177Lu with a Higher Dose Response for [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 Than for [161Tb]Tb-DOTATATE By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Preclinical data have shown that 161Tb-labeled peptides targeting the somatostatin receptor are therapeutically more effective for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy than are their 177Lu-labeled counterparts. To further substantiate this enhanced therapeutic effect, we performed cellular dosimetry to quantify the absorbed dose to the cell nucleus and compared dose–response curves to evaluate differences in relative biological effectiveness in vitro. Methods: CA20948 cell survival was assessed after treatment with [161Tb]Tb- and [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE (agonist) and with [161Tb]Tb- and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-LM3 (antagonist) via a clonogenic assay. Cell binding, internalization, and dissociation assays were performed up to 7 d to acquire time-integrated activity coefficients. Separate S values for each type of particle emission (Auger/internal conversion [IC] electrons and β– particles) were computed via Monte Carlo simulations, while considering spheric cells. Once the absorbed dose to the cell nucleus was calculated, survival curves were fitted to the appropriate linear or linear-quadratic model and corresponding relative biological effectiveness was evaluated. Results: Although the radiopeptide uptake was independent of the radionuclide, [161Tb]Tb-DOTATATE and [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 delivered a 3.6 and 3.8 times higher dose to the nucleus, respectively, than their 177Lu-labeled counterparts on saturated receptor binding. This increased nucleus-absorbed dose was mainly due to the additional emission of IC and not Auger electrons by 161Tb. When activity concentrations were considered, both [161Tb]Tb-DOTATATE and [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 showed a lower survival fraction than did labeling with 177Lu. When the absorbed dose to the nucleus was considered, no significant difference could be observed between the dose–response curves for [161Tb]Tb- and [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE. [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 showed a linear-quadratic dose response, whereas [161Tb]Tb-DOTATATE showed only a linear dose response within the observed dose range, suggesting additional cell membrane damage by Auger electrons. Conclusion: The IC, rather than Auger, electrons emitted by 161Tb resulted in a higher absorbed dose to the cell nucleus and lower clonogenic survival for [161Tb]Tb-DOTATATE and [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 than for the 177Lu-labeled analogs. In contrast, [161Tb]Tb-DOTATATE showed no higher dose response than [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE, whereas for [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 an additional quadratic response was observed. Because of this quadratic response, potentially caused by cell membrane damage, [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 is a more effective radiopeptide than [161Tb]Tb-DOTATATE for labeling with 161Tb. Full Article
al Theranostic GPA33-Pretargeted Radioimmunotherapy of Human Colorectal Carcinoma with a Bivalent 177Lu-Labeled Radiohapten By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Radiolabeled small-molecule DOTA-haptens can be combined with antitumor/anti-DOTA bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) for pretargeted radioimmunotherapy (PRIT). For optimized delivery of the theranostic - and β-emitting isotope 177Lu with DOTA-based PRIT (DOTA-PRIT), bivalent Gemini (DOTA-Bn-thiourea-PEG4-thiourea-Bn-DOTA, aka (3,6,9,12-tetraoxatetradecane-1,14-diyl)bis(DOTA-benzyl thiourea)) was developed. Methods: Gemini was synthesized by linking 2 S-2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-DOTA molecules together via a 1,14-diamino-PEG4 linker. [177Lu]Lu-Gemini was prepared with no-carrier-added 177LuCl3 to a molar-specific activity of 123 GBq/μmol and radiochemical purity of more than 99%. The specificity of BsAb-177Lu-Gemini was verified in vitro. Subsequently, we evaluated biodistribution and whole-body clearance for [177Lu]Lu-Gemini and, for comparison, our gold-standard monovalent [177Lu]Lu-S-2-(4-aminobenzyl)-DOTA ([177Lu]Lu-DOTA-Bn) in naïve (tumor-free) athymic nude mice. For our proof-of-concept system, a 3-step pretargeting approach was performed with an established DOTA-PRIT regimen (anti-GPA33/anti-DOTA IgG-scFv BsAb, a clearing agent, and [177Lu]Lu-Gemini) in mouse models. Results: Initial in vivo studies showed that [177Lu]Lu-Gemini behaved similarly to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-Bn, with almost identical blood and whole-body clearance kinetics, as well as biodistribution and mouse kidney dosimetry. Pretargeting [177Lu]Lu-Gemini to GPA33-expressing SW1222 human colorectal xenografts was highly effective, leading to absorbed doses of [177Lu]Lu-Gemini for blood, tumor, liver, spleen, and kidneys of 3.99, 455, 6.93, 5.36, and 14.0 cGy/MBq, respectively. Tumor–to–normal tissue absorbed-dose ratios (i.e., therapeutic indices [TIs]) for the blood and kidneys were 114 and 33, respectively. In addition, we demonstrate that the use of bivalent [177Lu]Lu-Gemini in DOTA-PRIT leads to improved TIs and augmented [177Lu]Lu-Gemini tumor uptake and retention in comparison to monovalent [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-Bn. Finally, we established efficacy in SW1222 tumor-bearing mice, demonstrating that a single injection of anti-GPA33 DOTA-PRIT with 44 MBq (1.2 mCi) of [177Lu]Lu-Gemini (estimated tumor-absorbed dose, 200 Gy) induced complete responses in 5 of 5 animals and a histologic cure in 2 of 5 (40%) animals. Moreover, a significant increase in survival compared with nontreated controls was noted (maximum tolerated dose not reached). Conclusion: We have developed a bivalent DOTA-radiohapten, [177Lu]Lu-Gemini, that showed improved radiopharmacology for DOTA-PRIT application. The use of bivalent [177Lu]Lu-Gemini in DOTA-PRIT, as opposed to monovalent [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-Bn, allows curative treatments with considerably less administered 177Lu activity while still achieving high TIs for both the blood (>100) and the kidneys (>30). Full Article
al Preclinical Evaluation of 177Lu-OncoFAP-23, a Multivalent FAP-Targeted Radiopharmaceutical Therapeutic for Solid Tumors By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is abundantly expressed in the stroma of most human solid tumors. Clinical-stage radiolabeled FAP ligands are increasingly used as tools for the detection of various cancer lesions. To unleash the full therapeutic potential of FAP-targeting agents, ligands need to remain at the tumor site for several days after administration. We recently described the discovery of OncoFAP, a high-affinity small organic ligand of FAP with a rapid accumulation in tumors and low uptake in healthy tissues in cancer patients. Trimerization of OncoFAP provided a derivative (named TriOncoFAP, or OncoFAP-23) with improved FAP affinity. In this work, we evaluated the tissue biodistribution profile and the therapeutic performance of OncoFAP-23 in tumor-bearing mice. Methods: OncoFAP-23 was radiolabeled with the theranostic radionuclide 177Lu. Preclinical experiments were conducted on mice bearing SK-RC-52.hFAP (BALB/c nude mice) or CT-26.hFAP (BALB/c mice) tumors. 177Lu-OncoFAP and 177Lu-FAP-2286 were included in the biodistribution study as controls. Toxicologic evaluation was performed on Wistar rats and CD1 mice by injecting high doses of OncoFAP-23 or its cold-labeled counterpart, respectively. Results: 177Lu-OncoFAP-23 emerged for its best-in-class biodistribution profile, high and prolonged tumor uptake (i.e., ~16 percentage injected dose/g at 96 h), and low accumulation in healthy organs, which correlates well with its potent single-agent anticancer activity at low levels of administered radioactivity. Combination treatment with the tumor-targeted interleukin 2 (L19-IL2, a clinical-stage immunocytokine) further expands the therapeutic window of 177Lu-OncoFAP-23 by potentiating its in vivo antitumor activity. Proteomics studies revealed a potent tumor-directed immune response on treatment with the combination. OncoFAP-23 and natLu-OncoFAP-23 exhibited a favorable toxicologic profile, without showing any side effects or signs of toxicity. Conclusion: OncoFAP-23 presents enhanced tumor uptake and tumor retention and low accumulation in healthy organs, findings that correspond to a strongly improved in vivo antitumor efficacy. The data presented in this work support the clinical development of 177Lu-OncoFAP-23 for the treatment of FAP-positive solid tumors. Full Article
al [68Ga]Ga-RAYZ-8009: A Glypican-3-Targeted Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Molecular Imaging--A First-in-Human Case Series By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 To date, the imaging and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rely on CT/MRI, which have well-known limitations. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a cell surface receptor highly expressed by HCC but not by normal or cirrhotic liver tissue. Here we report initial clinical results of GPC3-targeted PET imaging with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-RYZ-GPC3 (RAYZ-8009), a peptide-based GPC3 ligand in patients with known or suspected HCC. Methods: [68Ga]Ga-RAYZ-8009 was obtained after labeling the peptide precursor with 68Ga from a 68Ge/68Ga generator and heating at 90°C for 10 min followed by sterile filtration. After administration of [68Ga]Ga-RAYZ-8009, a dynamic or static PET/CT scan was acquired between 45 min and 4 h after administration. Radiotracer uptake was measured by SUVs for the following tissues: suspected or actual HCC or hepatoblastoma lesions, non–tumor-bearing liver, renal cortex, blood pool in the left ventricle, and gastric fundus. Additionally, tumor–to–healthy-liver ratios (TLRs) were calculated. Results: Twenty-four patients (5 patients in the dynamic protocol; 19 patients in the static protocol) were scanned. No adverse events occurred. Two patients had no lesion detected and did not have HCC during follow-up. In total, 50 lesions were detected and analyzed. The mean SUVmax of these lesions was 19.6 (range, 2.7–95.3), and the mean SUVmean was 10.1 (range, 1.0–49.2) at approximately 60 min after administration. Uptake in non–tumor-bearing liver and blood pool rapidly decreased over time and became negligible 45 min after administration (mean SUVmean, <1.6), with a continuous decline to 4 h after administration (mean SUVmean, 1.0). The opposite was observed for HCC lesions, for which SUVs and TLRs continuously increased for up to 4 h after administration. In individual lesion analysis, TLR was the highest between 60 and 120 min after administration. Uptake in the gastric fundus gradually increased for up to 45 min (to an SUVmax of 31.3) and decreased gradually afterward. Conclusion: [68Ga]Ga-RAYZ-8009 is safe and allows for high-contrast imaging of GPC3-positive HCC, with rapid clearance from most normal organs. Thereby, [68Ga]Ga-RAYZ-8009 is promising for HCC diagnosis and staging. Further research is warranted. Full Article
al Dual Somatostatin Receptor/18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging in Patients with Well-Differentiated, Grade 2 and 3 Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Our purpose was to prospectively assess the distribution of NETPET scores in well-differentiated (WD) grade 2 and 3 gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and to determine the impact of the NETPET score on clinical management. Methods: This single-arm, institutional ethics review board–approved prospective study included 40 patients with histologically proven WD GEP NETs. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET and 18F-FDG PET were performed within 21 d of each other. NETPET scores were evaluated qualitatively by 2 reviewers, with up to 10 marker lesions selected for each patient. The quantitative parameters that were evaluated included marker lesion SUVmax for each tracer; 18F-FDG/68Ga-DOTATATE SUVmax ratios; functional tumor volume (FTV) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) on 68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-FDG PET, respectively; and FTV/MTV ratios. The treatment plan before and after 18F-FDG PET was recorded. Results: There were 22 men and 18 women (mean age, 60.8 y) with grade 2 (n = 24) or grade 3 (n = 16) tumors and a mean Ki-67 index of 16.1%. NETPET scores of P0, P1, P2A, P2B, P3B, P4B, and P5 were documented in 2 (5%), 5 (12.5%), 5 (12.5%) 20 (50%), 2 (5%), 4 (10%), and 2 (5%) patients, respectively. No association was found between the SUVmax of target lesions on 68Ga-DOTATATE and the SUVmax of target lesions on 18F-FDG PET (P = 0.505). 18F-FDG/68Ga-DOTATATE SUVmax ratios were significantly lower for patients with low (P1–P2) primary NETPET scores than for those with high (P3–P5) primary NETPET scores (mean ± SD, 0.20 ± 0.13 and 1.68 ± 1.44, respectively; P < 0.001). MTV on 18F-FDG PET was significantly lower for low primary NETPET scores than for high ones (mean ± SD, 464 ± 601 cm3 and 66 ± 114 cm3, respectively; P = 0.005). A change in the type of management was observed in 42.5% of patients after 18F-FDG PET, with the most common being a change from systemic therapy to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy and from debulking surgery to systemic therapy. Conclusion: There was a heterogeneous distribution of NETPET scores in patients with WD grade 2 and 3 GEP NETs, with more than 1 in 5 patients having a high NETPET score and a frequent change in management after 18F-FDG PET. Quantitative parameters including 18F-FDG/68Ga-DOTATATE SUVmax ratios in target lesions and FTV/MTV ratios can discriminate between patients with high and low NETPET scores. Full Article
al Composite Prediction Score to Interpret Bone Focal Uptake in Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Patients Imaged with [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Unspecific bone uptake (UBU) related to [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT imaging represents a clinical challenge. We aimed to assess whether a combination of clinical, biochemical, and imaging parameters could predict skeletal metastases in patients with [18F]PSMA-1007 bone focal uptake, aiding in result interpretation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT performed in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (PCa) patients at 3 tertiary-level cancer centers. A fourth center was involved in performing an external validation. For each, a volume of interest was drawn using a threshold method to extract SUVmax, SUVmean, PSMA tumor volume, and total lesion PSMA. The same volume of interest was applied to CT images to calculate the mean Hounsfield units (HUmean) and maximum Hounsfield units. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from electronic medical records. A composite reference standard, including follow-up histopathology, biochemistry, and imaging data, was used to distinguish between PCa bone metastases and UBU. PET readers with less (n = 2) or more (n = 2) experience, masked to the reference standard, were asked to visually rate a subset of focal bone uptake (n = 178) as PCa metastases or not. Results: In total, 448 bone [18F]PSMA-1007 focal uptake specimens were identified in 267 PCa patients. Of the 448 uptake samples, 188 (41.9%) corresponded to PCa metastases. Ongoing androgen deprivation therapy at PET/CT (P < 0.001) with determination of SUVmax (P < 0.001) and HUmean (P < 0.001) independently predicted bone metastases. A composite prediction score, the bone uptake metastatic probability (BUMP) score, achieving an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.87, was validated through a 10-fold internal and external validation (n = 89 bone uptake, 51% metastatic; AUC, 0.92). The BUMP score’s AUC was significantly higher than that of HUmean (AUC, 0.62) and remained high among lesions with HUmean in the first tertile (AUC, 0.80). A decision-curve analysis showed a higher net benefit with the score. Compared with the visual assessment, the BUMP score provided added value in terms of specificity in less-experienced PET readers (88% vs. 54%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The BUMP score accurately distinguished UBU from bone metastases in PCa patients with [18F]PSMA-1007 focal bone uptake at PET imaging, offering additional value compared with the simple assessment of the osteoblastic CT correlate. Its use could help clinicians interpret imaging results, particularly those with less experience, potentially reducing the risk of patient overstaging. Full Article
al Clinical Factors That Influence Repeat 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT Scan Positivity in Patients with Recurrent Prostate Cancer Under Observation After a Negative 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT Scan: A Single-Center Retrospective Study By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 This analysis aimed to identify clinical factors associated with positivity on repeat 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT after a negative scan in patients with recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) under observation. Methods: This single-center, retrospective analysis included patients who underwent at least 2 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scans (PET1 and PET2) at UCLA between October 2016 and June 2021 for recurrent PCa with negative PET1 and no PCa-related treatments between the 2 scans. Using Prostate Cancer Molecular Imaging Standardized Evaluation criteria to define negative and positive scans, the final cohort was divided into PET2-negative (PET2-Neg) and PET2-positive (PET2-Pos). The same PET1 was used twice in the more than 2 PET cases with inclusion criteria fulfilled. Patient characteristics and clinical parameters were compared between the 2 cohorts using Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Areas under the curve (AUCs) of the receiver operating characteristic and the Youden index were computed to determine the discrimination ability of statistically significant factors and specific cut points that maximized sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Results: The final analysis included 83 sets of 2 PET/CT scans from 70 patients. Thirty-nine of 83 (47%) sets were PET2-Neg, and 44 of 83 (53%) sets were PET2-Pos. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) increased from PET1 to PET2 for all 83 (100%) sets of scans. Median PSA at PET1 was 0.4 ng/mL (interquartile range, 0.2–1.0) and at PET2 was 1.6 ng/mL (interquartile range, 0.9–3.8). We found higher serum PSA at PET2 (median, 1.8 vs. 1.1 ng/mL; P = 0.015), absolute PSA difference (median, 1.4 vs. 0.7 ng/mL; P = 0.006), percentage of PSA change (median, +270.4% vs. +150.0%: P = 0.031), and median PSA velocity (0.044 vs. 0.017 ng/mL/wk, P = 0.002) and shorter PSA doubling time (DT; median, 5.1 vs. 8.3 mo; P = 0.006) in the PET2-Pos cohort than in the PET2-Neg cohort. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed cutoffs for PSA at PET2 of 4.80 ng/mL (sensitivity, 34%; specificity, 92%; AUC, 0.66), absolute PSA difference of 0.95 ng/mL (sensitivity, 62%; specificity, 71%; AUC, 0.68), percentage of PSA change of a positive 289.50% (sensitivity, 48%; specificity, 82%; AUC, 0.64), PSA velocity of 0.033 ng/mL/wk (sensitivity, 57%; specificity, 80%; AUC, 0.70), and PSA DT of 7.91 mo (sensitivity, 71%; specificity, 62%; AUC, 0.67). Conclusion: Patients with recurrent PCa under observation after a negative 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scan with markedly elevated serum PSA levels and shorter PSA DT are more likely to have positive findings on repeat 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT. Full Article
al Optimizing the Therapeutic Index of sdAb-Based Radiopharmaceuticals Using Pretargeting By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) demonstrate favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for molecular imaging applications. However, their renal excretion and retention are obstacles for applications in targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT). Methods: Using a click-chemistry–based pretargeting approach, we aimed to reduce kidney retention of a fibroblast activation protein α (FAP)–targeted sdAb, 4AH29, for 177Lu-TRT. Key pretargeting parameters (sdAb-injected mass and lag time) were optimized in healthy mice and U87MG (FAP+) xenografts. A TRT study in a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model was performed as a pilot study for sdAb-based pretargeting applications. Results: Modification of 4AH29 with trans-cyclooctene (TCO) moieties did not modify the sdAb pharmacokinetic profile. A 200-µg injected mass of 4AH29-TCO and an 8-h lag time for the injection of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-PEG7-tetrazine resulted in the highest kidney therapeutic index (2.0 ± 0.4), which was 5-fold higher than that of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-4AH29 (0.4 ± 0.1). FAP expression in the tumor microenvironment was validated in a PDAC PDX model with both immunohistochemistry and PET/CT imaging. Mice treated with the pretargeting high-activity approach (4AH29-TCO + [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-PEG7-tetrazine; 3 x 88 MBq, 1 injection per week for 3 wk) demonstrated prolonged survival compared with the vehicle control and conventionally treated ([177Lu]Lu-DOTA-4AH29; 3 x 37 MBq, 1 injection per week for 3 wk) mice. Mesangial expansion was reported in 7 of 10 mice in the conventional cohort, suggesting treatment-related kidney morphologic changes, but was not observed in the pretargeting cohort. Conclusion: This study validates pretargeting to mitigate sdAbs’ kidney retention with no observation of morphologic changes on therapy regimen at early time points. Clinical translation of click-chemistry–based pre-TRT is warranted on the basis of its ability to alleviate toxicities related to biovectors’ intrinsic pharmacokinetic profiles. The absence of representative animal models with extensive stroma and high FAP expression on cancer-associated fibroblasts led to a low mean tumor-absorbed dose even with high injected activity and consequently to modest survival benefit in this PDAC PDX. Full Article
al Evaluating the Utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Cancer of Unknown Primary By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) represents a heterogeneous group of metastatic tumors for which standardized diagnostic work-up fails to identify the primary site. We aimed to describe the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre experience with 18F-FDG PET/CT in extracervical CUP with respect to detection of a primary site and its impact on management. A secondary aim was to compare overall survival (OS) in patients with and without a detected primary site. Methods: CUP patients treated between 2014 and 2020 were identified from medical oncology clinics and 18F-FDG PET/CT records. Information collated from electronic medical records included the suspected primary site and treatment details before and after 18F-FDG PET/CT. Clinicopathologic details and genomic analysis were used to determine the clinically suspected primary site and compared against 2 independent masked reads of 18F-FDG PET/CT images by nuclear medicine specialists to determine sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the rate of detection of the primary site. Results: We identified 147 patients, 65% of whom had undergone molecular profiling. The median age at diagnosis was 61 y (range, 20–84 y), and the median follow-up time was 74 mo (range, 26–83 mo). Eighty-two percent were classified as having an unfavorable CUP subtype as per international guidelines.18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a primary site detection rate of 41%, resulted in a change in management in 22%, and identified previously occult disease sites in 37%. Median OS was 16.8 mo for all patients and 104.7 and 12.1 mo for favorable and unfavorable CUP subtypes, respectively (P < 0.0001). Median OS in CUP patients when using 18F-FDG PET/CT, clinicopathologic, and genomic information was 19.8 and 8.5 mo when a primary site was detected and not detected, respectively (P = 0.016). Multivariable analysis of survival adjusted for age and sex remained significant for identification of a potential primary site (P < 0.001), a favorable CUP (P < 0.001), and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status of 1 or less (P < 0.001). Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET/CT plays a complementary role in CUP diagnostic work-up and was able to determine the likely primary site in 41% of cases. OS is improved with primary site identification, demonstrating the value of access to diagnostic 18F-FDG PET/CT for CUP patients. Full Article
al Predicting Pathologic Complete Response in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer with [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET, [18F]FDG PET, and Contrast-Enhanced MRI: Lesion-to-Lesion Comparison with Pathology By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Neoadjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has achieved good pathologic complete response (pCR) rates, potentially eliminating the need for surgical intervention. This study investigated preoperative methods for predicting pCR after neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) combined with immunochemotherapy. Methods: Treatment-naïve patients with histologically confirmed LARC were enrolled from February 2023 to July 2023. Before surgery, the patients received neoadjuvant SCRT followed by 2 cycles of capecitabine and oxaliplatin plus camrelizumab. 68Ga-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor ([68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04) PET/MRI, [18F]FDG PET/CT, and contrast-enhanced MRI were performed before treatment initiation and before surgery in each patient. PET and MRI features and the size and number of lesions were also collected from each scan. Each parameter’s sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic cutoff were derived via receiver-operating-characteristic curve analysis. Results: Twenty eligible patients (13 men, 7 women; mean age, 60.2 y) were enrolled and completed the entire trial, and all patients had proficient mismatch repair or microsatellite-stable LARC. A postoperative pCR was achieved in 9 patients (45.0%). In the visual evaluation, both [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI and [18F]FDG PET/CT were limited to forecasting pCR. Contrast-enhanced MRI had a low sensitivity of 55.56% to predict pCR. In the quantitative evaluation, [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 change in SULpeak percentage, where SULpeak is SUVpeak standardized by lean body mass, had the largest area under the curve (0.929) with high specificity (sensitivity, 77.78%; specificity, 100.0%; cutoff, 63.92%). Conclusion: [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI is a promising imaging modality for predicting pCR after SCRT combined with immunochemotherapy. The SULpeak decrease exceeding 63.92% may provide valuable guidance in selecting patients who can forgo surgery after neoadjuvant therapy. Full Article
al Diagnostic Accuracy of [18F]FDG PET/MRI in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 This study evaluates the diagnostic utility of PET/MRI for primary, locoregional, and nodal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through systematic review and metaanalysis. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus to identify studies on the diagnostic accuracy of PET/MRI for HNSCC. The search included specific terms and excluded nonhybrid PET/MRI studies, and those with a sample size of fewer than 10 patients were excluded. Results: In total, 15 studies encompassing 638 patients were found addressing the diagnostic test accuracy for PET/MRI within the chosen subject domain. Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx was the most observed HNSCC subtype (n = 198). The metaanalysis included 12 studies, with pooled sensitivity and specificity values of 93% and 95% per patient for primary disease evaluation, 93% and 96% for locoregional evaluation, and 89% and 98% per lesion for nodal disease detection, respectively. An examination of a subset of studies comparing PET/MRI against PET/CT or MRI alone for evaluating nodal and locoregional HNSCC found that PET/MRI may offer slightly higher accuracy than other modalities. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: PET/MRI has excellent potential for identifying primary, locoregional, and nodal HNSCC. Full Article
al Development of 18F-Fluoromisonidazole Hypoxia PET/CT Diagnostic Interpretation Criteria and Validation of Interreader Reliability, Reproducibility, and Performance By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Tumor hypoxia, an integral biomarker to guide radiotherapy, can be imaged with 18F-fluoromisonidazole (18F-FMISO) hypoxia PET. One major obstacle to its broader application is the lack of standardized interpretation criteria. We sought to develop and validate practical interpretation criteria and a dedicated training protocol for nuclear medicine physicians to interpret 18F-FMISO hypoxia PET. Methods: We randomly selected 123 patients with human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal cancer enrolled in a phase II trial who underwent 123 18F-FDG PET/CT and 134 18F-FMISO PET/CT scans. Four independent nuclear medicine physicians with no 18F-FMISO experience read the scans. Interpretation by a fifth nuclear medicine physician with over 2 decades of 18F-FMISO experience was the reference standard. Performance was evaluated after initial instruction and subsequent dedicated training. Scans were considered positive for hypoxia by visual assessment if 18F-FMISO uptake was greater than floor-of-mouth uptake. Additionally, SUVmax was determined to evaluate whether quantitative assessment using tumor-to-background ratios could be helpful to define hypoxia positivity. Results: Visual assessment produced a mean sensitivity and specificity of 77.3% and 80.9%, with fair interreader agreement ( = 0.34), after initial instruction. After dedicated training, mean sensitivity and specificity improved to 97.6% and 86.9%, with almost perfect agreement ( = 0.86). Quantitative assessment with an estimated best SUVmax ratio threshold of more than 1.2 to define hypoxia positivity produced a mean sensitivity and specificity of 56.8% and 95.9%, respectively, with substantial interreader agreement ( = 0.66), after initial instruction. After dedicated training, mean sensitivity improved to 89.6% whereas mean specificity remained high at 95.3%, with near-perfect interreader agreement ( = 0.86). Conclusion: Nuclear medicine physicians without 18F-FMISO hypoxia PET reading experience demonstrate much improved interreader agreement with dedicated training using specific interpretation criteria. Full Article
al Association Between CA 15-3 and 18F-FDG PET/CT Findings in Recurrent Breast Cancer Patients at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Kenya By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 The tumor marker cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is that most commonly used to monitor metastatic breast cancer during active therapy and surveillance for disease recurrence after treatment. The association of CA 15-3 and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings can be considered complementary, since any significant rise may indicate the presence of disease and imaging is able to map the tumor sites. Although current guidelines do not recommend the routine performance of CA 15-3 in asymptomatic patients being followed up after definitive breast cancer treatment, most oncologists perform serial assessment of the tumor markers as part of routine follow-up of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between CA 15-3 levels and 18F-FDG PET/CT scan findings in patients with recurrent breast cancer. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected retrospectively. Patients being evaluated for breast cancer recurrence with 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and CA 15-3 level were included. Evaluation of the association between CA 15-3 levels and 18F-FDG PET/CT scan findings was then done. Results: In total, 154 cases were included in this study; 62 patients had recurrence (positive) on the 18F-FDG PET/CT scans, whereas 92 patients had normal (negative) findings on follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT scans. There was an association between CA 15-3 levels and the presence or absence of recurrence on 18F-FDG PET/CT scans, with 84.4% (27/32) of patients who had elevated CA 15-3 levels having disease recurrence on 18F-FDG PET/CT and 84.4% (27/32) of patients who had elevated CA 15-3 levels having disease recurrence on 18F-FDG PET/CT as well as a correlation with the burden of metastases. Most patients with disease recurrence on 18F-FDG PET/CT, however, had normal CA 15-3 levels. Conclusion: Higher CA 15-3 levels correlate with breast cancer recurrence on 18F-FDG PET/CT as well as with burden of metastasis. Notably, CA 15-3 levels within the reference range do not exclude breast cancer disease recurrence since more than half of patients with recurrence had normal CA 15-3 levels. 18F-FDG PET/CT should therefore be considered in patients with suspected breast cancer recurrence but normal CA 15-3 levels. Full Article
al 1,090 Publications and 5 Years Later: Is FAP-Targeted Theranostics Really Happening? By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-01T04:08:08-07:00 Full Article
al Webinar: Turkey’s Challenging Post-COVID 19 Outlook By www.chathamhouse.org Published On :: Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:05:01 +0000 Webinar: Turkey’s Challenging Post-COVID 19 Outlook 7 May 2020 — 1:00PM TO 2:00PM Anonymous (not verified) 17 April 2020 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has so far refused to impose a nation-wide lockdown to suppress the spread of coronavirus in the country. In late March, Turkish health officials announced that they expect the virus to peak in three weeks’ time and for Turkey to overcome it quickly. At the same time, Turkey has ruled out turning to the IMF for help in dealing with the crisis despite growing pressures on the Lira and the wider economy. The country’s relations with its traditional allies, the US and Europe, remain thorny. This event will focus on the likely impact of the epidemic on Turkey’s economy and politics. What are the reasons behind Erdogan’s reluctance to implement a comprehensive lockdown to break the chain of virus transmission? Why is Turkey resolutely opposed to agreeing a funding package with the IMF? What is the macro outlook for 2020 and beyond for the country’s economy? And how may the government’s long-term popularity be affected? Full Article
al Turkey Needs Radical New Direction to Save the Economy By www.chathamhouse.org Published On :: Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:45:06 +0000 Turkey Needs Radical New Direction to Save the Economy Expert comment NCapeling 23 November 2020 Turkey should emulate the reformist approach it adopted after the 2001 crisis to prevent an economic and financial breakdown - but this looks highly unlikely. Although Ankara has witnessed what appears to be an abrupt change of its top economic team with two fresh appointments to key positions – Naci Ağbal as governor of the central bank and Lütfi Elvan as finance and treasury minister – a cardinal rule of thumb in Turkish politics is that the more drama one sees, the less policy change there will actually be. Financial markets reacted positively to the moves in the expectation they will signal a change of Turkey’s overall economic approach, but the reality is Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is simply putting loyalists into key bureaucratic positions to help ensure the primary role of these functions becomes ‘selling’ his policies more effectively, rather than altering them. The hope from the markets – which saw the beleaguered Turkish lira appreciate against the US dollar at the news – is that Turkey adopts substantial interest rate increases as well as measures to repress liquidity expansion in order to temper its controversial so-called ‘Triple C’ approach of using cheap credit to stimulate growth with an unsustainable consumption and construction boom. But instead, Erdoğan’s declaration after the appointments were made indicates the new restrictions in which they will now operate, saying ‘we are in a historic struggle against those who want to force Turkey into modern capitulations through the shackles of interest rates, foreign exchange rates and inflation’. Learn from past successes To resolve its current underlying economic problems, Turkey should actually be looking to its recent past and aiming to emulate the approach pursued by former prime minister Bülent Ecevit during the 2001 financial crisis when he recruited Kemal Derviş, a senior World Bank official with extensive experience and international contacts in economic, financial, and monetary affairs. As economy minister with a broad mandate to spearhead a durable economic recovery plan, Dervis established independent market regulatory agencies covering banking, telecommunications, energy, and other key sectors, and strengthened the competition authority. He also either liquidated or merged insolvent banks, granted central bank autonomy to guarantee price stability, and ensured recruitment was based on competence, expertise, and meritocracy. Crucially, his productivity-enhancing restructuring blueprint was designed in Turkey rather than being imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or another external agency. Ecevit also turbocharged reforms motivated in part by a desire to join the EU with constitutional, political and legal modernization which widened personal freedom, significantly curtailed capital punishment, liberalized the cultural environment for Kurds, and fortified the rule of law. And one of his coalition partners in that work, the right-wing pro-Turkish National Action Party (MHP), is now allied with the current ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). His foreign minister Ismail Cem also enhanced Turkey’s relations with both Europe and the US, initiated the so-called ‘earthquake diplomacy’ with his Greek counterpart George Papandreou after twin tragedies struck both nations in 1999, and largely avoided entanglement in Middle Eastern conflicts. The net result of all these actions was that Turkey emerged from the crisis with greater resilience, a more robust regulatory framework, upgraded political and economic institutions, rapidly decreasing inflation, a credible central bank, a stronger financial system, closer relations with the EU and US, and heightened domestic and foreign investor confidence. But now that similar woes are engulfing Turkey anew, is Erdogan and the AKP/MHP alliance able – and willing – to repeat the Ecevit recipe? Present signs indicate they are highly unlikely to as they are too committed to entrenching the Triple C model. Although this model will likely further consolidate their power, it will also empty the civil service of qualified professionals, restrict civil liberties and freedoms, and create more ideological politics, affecting Turkey’s foreign policy. Such a stubborn refusal to shift direction is increasing the inevitability of a deep economic and financial breakdown and so, unless Turkey undertakes a serious policy departure instead of continuing to resort to the quick fix approach, there is real likelihood it will simply accelerate towards disaster. Full Article
al Turkey’s foreign and domestic policy: A story of mutual creation? By www.chathamhouse.org Published On :: Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:32:14 +0000 Turkey’s foreign and domestic policy: A story of mutual creation? 1 November 2022 — 2:00PM TO 3:00PM Anonymous (not verified) 12 October 2022 Online Panellists discuss the link between Turkey’s domestic and foreign policies under President Erdoğan. From Turkey’s ongoing rapprochement with its erstwhile Middle Eastern antagonists to its Syria policy and earlier approach towards the West, there has been extensive discussion on the domestic drivers behind Ankara’s foreign policy. Less discussed but no less important is how Turkish foreign affairs have shaped its internal politics. Under the rule of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey’s foreign and domestic policies have mutually reshaped each other. In this webinar, launching Gönül Tol’s new book Erdoğan’s War: A Strongman’s Struggle at Home and in Syria, panellists will take stock of how Turkey’s domestic and foreign policies under the leadership of President Erdoğan have influenced and shaped each other. Speakers will also discuss the internal drivers behind Turkey’s current reset in relations with the Middle East, and examine how Ankara’s foreign affairs play into the country’s political and identity fault lines. The event will be held on the record and will be live-streamed on the MENA Programme’s Facebook page. Full Article
al Mexico 'anxious' on eve of U.S. presidential election By www.upi.com Published On :: Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:39:25 -0500 Officials in Mexico and across Latin America are anxiously watching the outcome of Tuesday's U.S. Presidential contest in light of GOP candidate Donald Trump's campaign promise to "deport 11 million criminal aliens." Full Article
al Medical supply company McKesson to pay more than $400K over discriminatory hiring By www.upi.com Published On :: Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:57:18 -0500 McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc. entered into an agreement with the Labor Department on Monday resolving employment discrimination issues involving nearly 900 Black, Hispanic, and White applicants at a distribution center Full Article
al U.S. stocks surge in early trading after presidential election By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:53:25 -0500 The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 hit new highs in early trading on Wednesday as former President Donald Trump claimed victory in Tuesday's presidential election over Kamala Harris. Full Article
al Federal Reserve to announce potential rate cut decision Thursday By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:33:50 -0500 Prognosticators anticipate the Federal Reserve on Thursday will announce a second rate cut after lowering the federal lending rate by 0.5% in September. Full Article
al Australia to legislate social media ban for those under 16 By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:54:48 -0500 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday his government will introduce legislation to ban children under 16 years of age from social media. Full Article
al FDA says commonly used decongestant 'not effective,' proposes removal By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:52:29 -0500 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined commonly used oral phenylephrine is "not effective" and has proposed its removal from over-the-counter nasal decongestants. Full Article
al More than 500,000 space heaters sold on Amazon recalled By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 08 Nov 2024 10:45:36 -0500 More than 500,000 space heaters from GoveeLife and GoveeSmart Electric are being recalled because of safety issues, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Full Article
al Tesla regains $1 trillion in market capitalization in post-election surge By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:37:28 -0500 Tesla Friday reached a $1 trillion market capitalization value for the first time since 2022 in a post-election stock rally. Full Article
al Trump calls rumors he may sell $3.5B Trump Media stake 'illegal,' calls for investigation By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:37:49 -0500 President-elect Donald Trump wants legal authorities to investigate what he said were possibly illegal rumors he is going to sell his majority stock stake in Trump Media. He claims he won't sell. Full Article
al SS United States to be towed from Phila., launching transition into artificial reef By www.upi.com Published On :: Mon, 11 Nov 2024 05:00:06 -0500 The historic ocean liner SS United States, whose fate had been in limbo for years, will begin its transition into the world's largest sunken artificial reef beginning this week in Philadelphia, its owner says. Full Article
al Report: SpaceX signs battery deal with South Korea-based LG Energy Solution to power Starship By www.upi.com Published On :: Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:29:20 -0500 SpaceX has reportedly struck a deal with LG Energy Solution Ltd. to supply cylindrical lithium-ion batteries for Elon Musk's Starship rocket, expected to launch early next year, according to industry sources. Full Article
al Five additional monkeys from S.C. research lab recovered; 13 remain at large By www.upi.com Published On :: Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:01:15 -0500 An additional five rhesus macaque monkeys that escaped from a South Carolina research facility last week have been recovered, meaning about a dozen of the rhesus macaque primates remain at large. Full Article
al Shell wins appeal against landmark court-ordered emissions reductions in The Hague By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:36:53 -0500 Oil giant Shell emerged victorious Tuesday from a Dutch court where it was appealing a ruling ordering it to slash its global carbon emissions by 45% by the end of the decade in line with the Paris climate agreement. Full Article
al Costco recalls nearly 80,000 pounds of butter due to possible mislabeling By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:31:56 -0500 Costco voluntarily recalled 79,200 pounds of two types of its store-brand butter over the past month because their labels may not have said the products contain milk. Full Article
al 11 hospitalized after explosion at Louisville food-coloring factory By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:00:56 -0500 An explosion at a food-coloring factory in Louisville, Ky., hospitalized at least 11, including two in critical condition, on Tuesday afternoon. Full Article
al 2025 Luis J. Alvarez and Admiral Grace M. Hopper Postdoc Fellowship in Computing Sciences By careers.hpcwire.com Published On :: Fri, 20 Sep 2024 02:15:13 EST 2025 Luis J. Alvarez and Admiral Grace M. Hopper Postdoc Fellowship in Computing Sciences - 102564 Division: AC-Computing Luis J. Alvarez Postdoctoral Fellowship and Admiral Grace M. Hopper Postdoctoral Fellowship in Computing Sciences The Computing Sciences Area (https://cs.lbl.gov/) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (https://www.lbl.gov) is now accepting applications for two distinguished postdoctoral fellowships in Computing Sciences: ⢠Luis W. Alvarez Postdoctoral Fellowship, and â¢Â Admiral Grace M. Hopper Postdoctoral Fellowship. Researchers in computer science, mathematics, data science, or any computational science discipline who have received their Ph.D. no earlier than January 1, 2022 but no later than September 30, 2025 are encouraged to apply. Only one (1) application is needed and it will be considered for both postdoctoral fellowships. The successful candidates will participate in research activities in computer science, mathematics, data science, or any computational science discipline of interest to the Computing Sciences Area and Berkeley Lab. Alvarez Fellows apply advances in computer science, mathematics, computational science, data science, machine learning or AI to computational modeling, simulations, and advanced data analytics for scientific discovery in materials science, biology, astronomy, environmental science, energy, particle physics, genomics, and other scientific domains. Hopper Fellows concentrate on the development and optimization of scientific and engineering applications leveraging high-speed network capability provided by the Energy Sciences Network or run on next-generation high performance computing and data systems hosted by the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center at Berkeley Lab. Since its founding in 2002, Berkeley Labâs Luis W. Alvarez Postdoctoral Fellowship (go.lbl.gov/alvarez) has cultivated exceptional early career scientists who have gone on to make outstanding contributions to computer science, mathematics, data science, and computational sciences. The Admiral Grace Hopper Postdoctoral Fellowship (go.lbl.gov/hopper) was first awarded in 2015 with the goal of enabling early career scientists to make outstanding contributions in computer science and high performance computing (HPC) research. About Computing Sciences at Berkeley Lab: Whether running extreme-scale simulations on a supercomputer or applying machine-learning or data analysis to massive datasets, scientists today rely on advances in and integration across applied mathematics, computer science, and computational science, as well as large-scale computing and networking facilities, to increase our understanding of ourselves, our planet, and our universe. Berkeley Labs Computing Sciences Area researches, develops, and deploys new tools and technologies to meet these needs and to advance research in our core capabilities of applied mathematics, computer science, data science, and computational science. In addition to fundamental advances in our core capabilities, we impact such areas as astrophysics and cosmology, accelerator physics, chemical science and materials science, combustion, fusion energy, nuclear physics, biology, climate change, and HPC systems and network technology. Research areas in Computing Sciences include but are not limited to: â¢Â Developing scientific applications and software technologies for extreme-scale and energy-efficient â¢Â Developing mathematical modeling for complex scientific problems â¢Â Designing algorithms to improve the performance of scientific applications â¢Â Researching digital and post-digital computer architectures for science â¢Â Developing and advancing extreme-scale scientific data management, analysis, and visualization â¢Â Developing and advancing next-generation machine learning, AI, and data science approaches for science â¢Â Advancing quantum computing and networking technologies, software, algorithms and applications â¢Â Evaluating or developing new and promising HPC systems and networking technologies â¢Â Researching methods to control and manage next-generation networks â¢Â Managing scientific data and workflows in distributed environments Qualifications: â¢Â Requires a Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, computational science, or related discipline. â¢Â Candidates must have no more than 3 years of Postdoctoral Researcher or similar experience. â¢Â Expertise with advanced algorithms, software techniques, HPC systems and/or networking in a related research field. â¢Â Demonstrated creativity and the ability to perform independent research. â¢Â Demonstrated excellence in a related research field. â¢Â Ability to develop new cross-disciplinary partnerships that use advanced computational and/or mathematical techniques to produce unique lab capabilities. â¢Â Excellent communication skills with the ability to facilitate communications and collaborations with internal and external stakeholders. Additional Desired Qualifications: â¢Â Knowledge of advanced computing and high-performance computing. Application Process: 1. As part of your application process, you must upload and submit the following materials with your online application. 1. Cover letter 2. CV, with publication list included 3. Research Statement (no more than five (5) pages in length when printed using standard letter-size (8.5 inch x 11 inch) paper with 1-inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right) and a font size not smaller than 11 point; figures and references cited, if included, must fit within the five-page limit) 4. Contact information (name, affiliation, and email address) of at least three (3) individuals who will be able to provide letters of reference. 2. Application deadline: October 31, 2024. * It is highly advisable that you have all the required application materials and information ready and available prior to completing and submitting your application. Your application will not be considered complete if any of the above information is missing. Tentative Application Timeline: The Computing Sciences Fellowship Selection Committee is made up of a diverse representation of scientists and engineers across Berkeley Labâs Computing Sciences Area who will conduct a thorough review of all applications received. ⢠Application deadline: October 31, 2024 â¢Â Review and Selection: October 2024 - December 2024 ⢠Decisions made: January/February 2025 Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov How To Apply Apply directly online at http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=290341 and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process. Berkeley Lab is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Labs mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here (http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm) for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf) under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Full Article
al Supermicro Introduces JBOF Storage Platform Powered by NVIDIA BlueField-3 for Scalable AI and HPC By www.hpcwire.com Published On :: Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:04:21 +0000 SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 16, 2024 — Supermicro, Inc. is launching a new optimized storage system for high performance AI training, inference and HPC workloads. This JBOF (Just a Bunch […] The post Supermicro Introduces JBOF Storage Platform Powered by NVIDIA BlueField-3 for Scalable AI and HPC appeared first on HPCwire. Full Article
al Ciena Powers SC24’s SCinet with High-Speed Connectivity and Advanced Optical Solutions By www.hpcwire.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Nov 2024 14:47:50 +0000 HANOVER, Md., Nov. 5, 2024 — Ciena has announced that its optical and routing and switching innovations will once again support the SCinet network at SC24, taking place November 17–22 […] The post Ciena Powers SC24’s SCinet with High-Speed Connectivity and Advanced Optical Solutions appeared first on HPCwire. Full Article
al American woman killed in Budapest allegedly by man she met on vacation By www.upi.com Published On :: Sun, 10 Nov 2024 09:52:18 -0500 An American woman who was traveling in Hungary was killed in Budapest last week allegedly by a man she met on vacation. Full Article
al Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille fired by transitional council By www.upi.com Published On :: Mon, 11 Nov 2024 02:55:50 -0500 Haiti's ruling transitional council has fired Prime Minister Garry Conille, six months after the doctor and former UNICEF Latin America head was appointed to lead the troubled nation. Full Article
al Bill to legalize assisted-sying introduced in British Parliament By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 07:50:10 -0500 The British parliament published an assisted-dying draft bill Tuesday that would give terminally ill adults with less than six months to live the legal right to end their lives with the help of medical professionals. Full Article
al Shell wins appeal against landmark court-ordered emissions reductions in The Hague By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:36:53 -0500 Oil giant Shell emerged victorious Tuesday from a Dutch court where it was appealing a ruling ordering it to slash its global carbon emissions by 45% by the end of the decade in line with the Paris climate agreement. Full Article
al Zapata Computing, Early Quantum-AI Software Specialist, Ceases Operations By www.hpcwire.com Published On :: Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:57:02 +0000 Zapata Computing, which was founded in 2017 as a Harvard spinout specializing in quantum software and later pivoted to an AI focus, is ceasing operations, according to an SEC filing […] The post Zapata Computing, Early Quantum-AI Software Specialist, Ceases Operations appeared first on HPCwire. Full Article Short Takes
al UC San Diego Doctoral Graduate Recognized for Achievement in Astronomy By www.hpcwire.com Published On :: Thu, 17 Oct 2024 20:20:36 +0000 Oct. 17, 2024 — UC San Diego Alumnus Roman Gerasimov, who recently earned his doctorate from the university, has received the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Stars and Stellar Physics Division Award […] The post UC San Diego Doctoral Graduate Recognized for Achievement in Astronomy appeared first on HPCwire. Full Article
al Dallas Cowboys trade for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:21:27 -0500 The Dallas Cowboys agreed to trade a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a seventh-round pick, a league source told UPI on Tuesday. Full Article
al College Football Playoff: Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia, Miami top first rankings By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:33:16 -0500 Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia and Miami lead the first edition of the 2024-25 College Football Playoff rankings, the selection committee announced. Full Article
al Capitals' Alex Ovechkin nets game winner vs. Predators, extends goal streak By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:11:02 -0500 Alex Ovechkin calmly slid into the right circle and sniped a snapshot past a blinded Juuse Saros to lead the Washington Capitals to a 3-2 triumph over the Nashville Predators. Full Article
al Tagovailoa, Jones among 5 must-start fantasy football quarterbacks for Week 10 By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:25:00 -0500 Tua Tagovailoa and Daniel Jones are among UPI senior sports writer Alex Butler's five must-start fantasy football quarterbacks for Week 10. Full Article
al U. of Florida football to keep coach Billy Napier despite lackluster record By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:31:51 -0500 Billy Napier will remain in place as head football coach at Florida, despite the Gators producing another lackluster campaign during his third season, athletic director Scott Stricklin announced Thursday. Full Article
al Fantasy football: Gesicki, Smith among 4 must-start Week 10 tight ends By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:50:46 -0500 Mike Gesicki and Jonnu Smith are among UPI senior sports writer Alex Butler's four must-start fantasy football tight ends for Week 10. Full Article