Prof Yen-Hung Lin

Abstract:

Objective

Tafamidis has shown potential in slowing disease progression in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). This study aimed to evaluate serial changes on [^99mTc]Tc-pyrophosphate (PYP) scintigraphy during tafamidis treatment for hereditary ATTR-CM.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively collected cohort of Ala97Ser (A97S) hereditary ATTR-CM patients treated with tafamidis (61 mg/day) and a control group comprising A97S hereditary ATTR-CM patients who had not received disease-modifying medications. The tafamidis group was further divided into two cohorts: cohort A received [^99mTc]Tc-PYP SPECT/CT scans at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years; cohort B at baseline, 2 years, and 3 years. Visual score, planar heart to contralateral lung (H/CL) ratio, and volumetric heart to lung (H/L) ratio were measured.

Results

Nineteen patients were enrolled in the tafamidis group and nine in the control group. After 2 years of follow-up, a significant decrease in volumetric H/L ratio (3.86 ± 0.91 to 3.01 ± 0.19, p < 0.001) was noted in the tafamidis group, while there was no significant change in the control group. When evaluated over time, a significant decrease in volumetric H/L ratio was observed during the first year of tafamidis treatment (3.75 ± 0.37 to 2.82 ± 0.15, p = 0.004), followed by stable [^99mTc]Tc-PYP uptake in the subsequent two years (2.82 ± 0.15 to 2.83 ± 0.18, p = 0.934 and 3.20 ± 0.14 to 3.09 ± 0.16, p = 0.404, respectively).

Conclusion

A significant reduction in [^99mTc]Tc-PYP uptake was observed in hereditary ATTR-CM patients after tafamidis treatment, particularly within the first year. While the effect appeared to be sustained, stable [^99mTc]Tc-PYP uptake without further significant reductions was observed in the subsequent years.

Abstract:

Developing strategies to manage ion-migration-induced phase segregation in wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskites is crucial for achieving high-performance perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs). However, maintaining continuous suppression of phase segregation from the film crystallization process to device operation remains a significant challenge. The present study demonstrates an efficient strategy of activating halogen circulation in WBG perovskite by using halogen circulation agents (HCA) of N-halosuccinimide molecules as the sustainable stabilizers, in order to achieve dynamic halogen equilibrium within the precursor solution and perovskite film, which blocks the migration path of Br^-/I^- ions both in crystallization and aging of WBG perovskites. Attempts on in situ dynamic monitoring of halide migration visually verified the enhanced stability by activated halogen circulation in both WBG films and devices. Consequently, present work achieves a champion efficiency up to 23.25% with a low V_oc loss of 0.39 V in the 1.67-eV-bandgap device, and the HCA-based devices can maintain 88% and 93% of their initial efficiencies over 1000 h under continuous illumination and 2500 h at 85 °C in N₂ atmosphere, respectively. As a proof of concept, the perovskite/silicon monolithic TSCs are fabricated to demonstrate a high V_oc of 1.99 V and a high power conversion efficiency of 33.2%.

Abstract:

This 2025 updated consensus outlines the diagnostic strategy for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Given that ATTR-CM is a significant contributor to heart failure, this article emphasizes the importance of making an early and precise diagnosis, particularly as new therapeutic options become available. Highlighting the critical importance of an early and accurate diagnosis, particularly in light of emerging therapeutic modalities, this consensus underscores the central role of ^99mTc-pyrophosphate (PYP) scintigraphy as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. The consensus calls for the adoption of standardized imaging protocols and interpretation criteria to ensure consistency and reliability across diverse clinical settings. The integration of qualitative and quantitative imaging techniques within a structured diagnostic framework places particular focus on the use of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging to enhance diagnostic precision by minimizing blood pool activity and eliminating overlapping interference. Three-hour imaging is considered to be critical for accurate evaluations and to reduce false-positive findings, and it is recommended for its superior diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, quantitative assessments are also considered to be essential for evaluating myocardial amyloid deposition. This updated consensus provides comprehensive guidelines for clinicians, with the aim of optimizing patient outcomes through precise diagnosis and effective management of ATTR-CM. The consensus concludes by advocating for continued research and refinement of imaging methodologies, particularly to enhance the clinical applicability of ^99mTc-PYP scintigraphy and other future developments in nuclear molecular imaging.

Abstract:

Perovskite/organic tandem solar cells (POTSCs) have garnered significant attention due to their potential for achieving high photovoltaic (PV) performance. However, the reported power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and fill factors (FFs) are still subpar due to the challenges associated with charge extraction in the organic bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) and significant energy losses in the interconnecting layers (ICLs). Here, a quaternary organic BHJ blend is developed to enhance the charge extraction in the organic subcell, contributing to an increased FF of ≥78% under 1 sun illumination and even more under lower illumination intensities. Meanwhile, energy losses in the ICLs are reduced via the incorporation of a self-assembly monolayer (SAM), (4-(3,6-Dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl)phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz), in organic BHJ to form a MoO_x/SAM interface and the thorough control of the MoO_x thickness to suppress parasitic absorption. The resultant POTSCs achieve a remarkable PCE of 25.56% (certified: 24.65%), with a record FF of 83.62%, which is among the highest PCEs of POTSCs and the highest FF of all types of perovskite-based tandem solar cells (TSCs) till now. This work proves the optimization of charge extraction and ICLs are effective strategies to promote the performance of POTSCs to surpass other solution-processed perovskite-based TSCs in the near future.