STMicroelectronics (United Kingdom)

We report a <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$54 \times 42$</tex>-resolution SPAD-based LIDAR receiver SoC leveraging 3D-stacked <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$65 / 40 ~\text{nm}$</tex> technology with high-frequency TDC and 2 counters for ToF and intensity exposure, with peripheral memories used for image signal processing (ISP) frame stores, point cloud generation & HDR management. A hybrid on-chip & package-embedded 25V boost converter is described integrating SPAD supply generation synchronized with sensor frame timing. The sensor is integrated in a LIDAR module for 9.6m ranging with <1cm error.

We present, for the first time, a state of the art compact 3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) module with a resolution of up to 2.3k zones. It provides accurate ranging from below 5cm up to 9m. The sensor can stream processed point cloud data at a stable frame rate of 60Hz, which makes it the fastest, truly integrated 3D LiDAR camera module on the market.

Photonic integrated devices are progressively evolving beyond passive components into fully programmable systems, notably driven by the progress in chalcogenide phase-change materials (PCMs) for non-volatile reconfigurable nanophotonics. However, the stochastic nature of their crystal grain formation results in strong spatial and temporal crystalline inhomogeneities. Here, the concept of spatially-controlled planar guided crystallization is proposed, a novel method for programming the growth of optically homogeneous low-loss Sb2S3 PCM, leveraging the seeded directional and progressive crystallization within confined channels. This guided crystallization method is experimentally shown to circumvent the current limitations of conventional PCM-based nanophotonic devices, including a multilevel non-volatile optical phase-shifter exploiting a silicon nitride-based Mach-Zehnder interferometer, and a programmable metasurface with spectrally reconfigurable bound state in the continuum. Precisely controlling the growth of PCMs to ensure optically uniform crystalline properties across devices is the cornerstone for the industrial development of non-volatile reconfigurable photonic integratedcircuits.

Thyroid carcinoma is an uncommon tumour in cats. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical presentation, response to treatment and outcome in a cohort of cats with thyroid carcinoma. This single-institute retrospective study reviewed medical records of cats histologically diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma between 2006 and 2023. Signalment, diagnostic tests, histopathological characteristics, treatment, and survival were evaluated. Twenty-five cats were included. The most common presenting clinical signs were a palpable cervical mass, and weight loss. Nineteen cats (76%) received medical treatment for hyperthyroidism at the time of thyroid carcinoma diagnosis, with 14 (74%) demonstrating persistently elevated total thyroxine levels. Twenty-three cats (92%) underwent curative-intent treatment including: thyroidectomy (n = 13), thyroidectomy followed by high-dose radioiodine (HD-RAI) (n = 9) and HD-RAI as single modality (n = 1). Hyperthyroidism resolved in 17 out of 22 cats (77%) after treatment. Follicular carcinoma was the most common histopathologic subtype (n = 10) followed by papillary (n = 2). Metastasis was present in 12 cats (48%); confirmed in 10 cats either by cytology or histopathology and suspected in two cats based on scintigraphy. Median tumour-specific survival for cats receiving curative-intent treatment was not reached, and when all-cause mortality was considered, median overall survival time was 795 days (95% CI 503 – 1086). No variable was associated with survival in cats receiving curative-intent treatment. Cats diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma can experience prolonged survivals and normalisation of thyroxine levels when receiving curative-intent treatment. Metastatic rate was moderate but did not impact outcome.

Single photon avalanche diodes have proven their usability for multiple applications such as time of flight (ToF), fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), or quantum communication. In recent years, a number of devices utilizing 3-D-stacking with top-tier wafers fully optimized for optimum sensing performance and advanced digital nodes in the bottom tier for control processing have been published. They significantly outperform the early generation of stacked back-side illuminated (BSI) devices, especially in terms of photon detection efficiency (PDE) [peak and in the near-infrared (NIR)] and dark count rate (DCR). Currently, PDE approaches 90% (with fill factor included) in the visible range and the reported DCR is often well below 1 cps/<inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text { m}^{{2}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) pixels have been also scaled-down compared to the older devices, with the smallest reported pitch below <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3~\mu $ </tex-math></inline-formula>m. A variety of manufacturing techniques, utilizing drift field engineering, deep trench isolation (DTI), and sensitivity enhancement features, are used to achieve this. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution of SPAD technology and important diode characteristics and compare the performance of the recent generation of 3-D-stacked BSI devices.

To investigate clear aligner therapy (CAT) practice among orthodontists in the British Orthodontic Society (BOS). A cross-sectional online survey. An electronic survey was distributed to members of the BOS in 2022. The survey comprised questions regarding respondent demographics, general use of CAT, the choice of proprietary CAT appliances, CAT planning, case selection, treatment protocols and orthodontist-reported CAT problems. Overall, there were 233 (19.5%) respondants with the majority (n = 121, 53.1%) being female. Most respondents reported practising in England (n = 171, 74.7%). The majority (n = 177, 77.3%) indicated that they used CAT in their practice, with 48.1% (n = 81) treating 1-20 patients with CAT annually. The most frequently prescribed CAT system was Invisalign (n = 138, 81.2%). One to three changes to the initial digital treatment plan were made by 72.9% (n = 121) with final tooth positions being the most common reason for adjustment (64.4%). Most (n = 97, 60.3%) rarely or never performed premolar extractions with CAT. Of the respondents, 23 12.7%) reported that they always or mostly used a remote monitoring system in conjunction with CAT, with a wide range of aligner change protocols reported. The median number of months required to complete non-extraction CAT reported by the respondents was 12. Most respondents (n = 77, 51.7%) did not feel that CAT provides superior outcomes compared with fixed appliance therapy. CAT practice varied widely among the surveyed orthodontists. A predilection for the use of Invisalign and utility in less severe cases was noted.

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) occurs through proteolytic remodelling within the periodontium following the application of external force to the tooth. This study describes the first characterization of the salivary peptidome and protease profile during the alignment stage of fixed appliance orthodontic treatment. Unstimulated whole mouth saliva from 16 orthodontic patients (10 males, 6 females, mean (SD) age 15.2 (1.6) years) was collected prior to fixed appliance placement (T1), 1-h (T2), 1-week (T3) following fixed appliance placement and on completion of mandibular arch alignment (T4). Salivary peptides were extracted using filtration followed by mass spectrometry to identify amino acid sequences. Protease prediction was carried out in silico using Proteasix and validated with gelatin zymography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 2852 naturally-occurring peptides were detected, originating from 436 different proteins. Both collagen and statherin-derived peptide levels were increased at T2. Proteasix predicted 73 proteases potentially involved in generating these peptides, including metalloproteinases, calpains and cathepsins. Changes in predicted activity of proteases over time were also observed, with most metalloproteinases showing increased predicted activity at T2–T3. Increased gelatinolytic activity and MMP8/MMP9 levels were detected at T3. Collectively, multiple protein targets and changes in protease-predicted activity during OTM have been identified.

Stem cells in the anterior pituitary gland can give rise to all resident endocrine cells and are integral components for the appropriate development and subsequent maintenance of the organ. Located in discreet niches within the gland, stem cells are involved in bi-directional signalling with their surrounding neighbours, interactions which underpin pituitary gland homeostasis and response to organ challenge or physiological demand. In this review we highlight core signalling pathways that steer pituitary progenitors towards specific endocrine fate decisions throughout development. We further elaborate on those which are conserved in the stem cell niche postnatally, including WNT, YAP/TAZ and Notch signalling. Furthermore, we have collated a directory of single cell RNA sequencing studies carried out on pituitaries across multiple organisms, which have the potential to provide a vast database to study stem cell niche components in an unbiased manner. Reviewing published data, we highlight that stem cells are one of the main signalling hubs within the anterior pituitary. In future, coupling single cell sequencing approaches with genetic manipulation tools in vivo, will enable elucidation of how previously understudied signalling pathways function within the anterior pituitary stem cell niche.

To reduce bias associated with selective reporting, the registration and publication of clinical trial protocols before or at the time of patient enrolment has been advocated. The aim of this investigation was to assess the frequency of registration and reporting adherence of orthodontic trial protocols pre- and post-introduction of the Standard Protocol Items Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) Statement. Trial protocols registered in four online registries were sourced at two time periods: (1 January 2010-1 January 2013) and (1 January 2017-1 January 2021). Protocols were screened and data extracted, in duplicate and independently. The reporting adherence of each protocol was assessed in relation to the thirty-three item SPIRIT statement. Fisher's exact test was used to determine associations between time periods and trial protocol characteristics. Median regression was implemented to assess potential associations between the percent score per protocol and protocol characteristics. A total of 100 protocols were analysed. Thirty-three and sixty-seven protocols were registered in the first and second time periods, respectively. An association between period and the timing of registration (prospectively or retrospectively) (P < 0.001) and funding source (University or Company) (P < 0.001) was evident. Overall, 25 of the 33 (75.5%) SPIRIT statement items were not reported in either timeframe. The median percent reporting quality score was 26.9 (IQR 6.9). The type of registry was associated with percent scores and published studies received better percent scores compared to unpublished studies and academic or private protocol submissions. There is a general lack of awareness of the importance and relevance of the SPIRIT statement. Registration of orthodontic trial protocols has apparently improved; however, 75.5% SPIRIT statement items were not reported in either study time period. The registration and reporting of orthodontic trial protocols should be advocated to circumvent issues relating to selective reporting and outcome reporting bias.