D-π-A-Type Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-Based Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells: Effect of the Functionalization Position.

Donor−acceptor (D−A) small molecules are regarded as promising hole-transporting materials for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to their tunable optoelectronic properties. This paper reports the design, synthesis and characterization of three novel isomeric D-π-A small molecules PY1, PY2 and PY3. The chemical structures of the molecules consist of a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine acceptor core functionalized with one 3,6-bis(4,4'-dimethoxydiphenylamino)carbazole (3,6-CzDMPA) donor moiety via a phenyl π-spacer at the 3, 5 and 7 positions, respectively. The isolated compounds possess suitable energy levels, sufficient thermal stability (Td > 400 °C), molecular glass behavior with Tg values in the range of 127−136 °C slightly higher than that of the reference material Spiro-OMeTAD (126 °C) and acceptable hydrophobicity. Undoped PY1 demonstrates the highest hole mobility (3 × 10−6 cm2 V−1 s−1) compared to PY2 and PY3 (1.3 × 10−6 cm2 V−1 s−1). The whole isomers were incorporated as doped HTMs in planar n-i-p PSCs based on double cation perovskite FA0.85Cs0.15Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3. The non-optimized device fabricated using PY1 exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.41%, similar to that obtained using the reference, Spiro-OMeTAD, which demonstrated a maximum PCE of 12.58% under the same conditions. The PY2 and PY3 materials demonstrated slightly lower performance in device configuration, with relatively moderate PCEs of 10.21% and 10.82%, respectively, and slight hysteresis behavior (−0.01 and 0.02). The preliminary stability testing of PSCs is also described. The PY1-based device exhibited better stability than the device using Spiro-OMeTAD, which could be related to its slightly superior hydrophobic character preventing water diffusion into the perovskite layer.

Electrical and Optical Properties of CaTi1-yFeyO3-δ Perovskite Films as Interlayers for Optoelectronic Applications.

CaTi1-yFey O3-δ perovskite oxide films are promising candidate materials for p-type interlayers of third generation solar cells or light-emitting devices. The impact of atomic Ti substitutions by Fe on electrical and optical properties of CaTi0.5Fe0.5O3-δ perovskite films have been studied. The best compromise between a high transmission coefficient and the suitable electrical conductivity is obtained for a specific atomic composition of Ca (1) Ti (0.5) Fe (0.5) O (3-δ) perovskite films. This paper shows that CaTi1-yFeyO3-δ perovskite oxides can be integrated as p-type interfacial layers of optoelectronic devices through their work functions, electrical, and optical properties.

PI3K Signaling in Dendritic Cells Aggravates DSS-Induced Colitis.

Aberrant innate immune responses to the gut microbiota are causally involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The exact triggers and main signaling pathways activating innate immune cells and how they modulate adaptive immunity in IBD is still not completely understood. Here, we report that the PI3K/PTEN signaling pathway in dendritic cells enhances IL-6 production in a model of DSS-induced colitis. This results in exacerbated Th1 cell responses and increased mortality in DC-specific PTEN knockout (PTENΔDC) animals. Depletion of the gut microbiota using antibiotics as well as blocking IL-6R signaling rescued mortality in PTENΔDC mice, whereas adoptive transfer of Flt3L-derived PTEN-/- DCs into WT recipients exacerbated DSS-induced colitis and increased mortality. Taken together, we show that the PI3K signaling pathway in dendritic cells contributes to disease pathology by promoting IL-6 mediated Th1 responses.

Evaluation of the protective effect on enamel demineralization of CPP-ACP paste and ROCS by vibrational spectroscopy and SAXS: An in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to investigate human dental enamel surfaces using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques concerning differences between the demineralized enamel surface and remineralized enamel surface by casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate, Tooth mousse® (CPP-ACP) and remineralizing oral care systems (ROCS®) agents within the same tooth. For this purpose, 20 freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors without caries and defects were used. Labial surfaces of each of the teeth were divided into four sections, which were marked as follows: Group 1, normal enamel; Group 2, demineralized enamel with demineralization solution; Group 3, demineralized enamel + remineralization agent (ROCS for 10 teeth, CPP-ACP for 10 teeth); and Group 4, remineralization agent (ROCS for 10 teeth, CPP-ACP for 10 teeth). To describe the changes in tooth enamel, the phosphate group concentration within enamel was used as an indicator of the degree of mineralization. The phosphate and carbonate bands in the FTIR and Raman spectra were used to investigate the structural changes in the demineralized and remineralized enamel. Spectroscopic data were statistically analyzed in terms of CPP-ACP and ROCS using one-way analysis of variance. The carbonate content of demineralized enamel was higher than the carbonate content in the other groups (p < .03). The apatite carbonate-phosphate balance in the samples with only remineralizing agent-especially ROCS applied-changed significantly (p < .05) compared to the normal group. The average FTIR spectra of the groups were subjected to multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) conducted with the use of the OPUS 5.5 software. Nanosized surface morphologies of the samples were compared using pair distance distributions obtained through SAXS analyses. According to the SAXS analyses, applications of CCP + ACP and ROCS agents were effective on nanostructures for all groups.

Aortic floating thrombi with lower limb ischemia and renal infarct in COVID-19: A remote thromboembolic complication.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, its novel complications are being increasingly recognized, and new mechanisms of the disease are being unraveled. Aortic free-floating thrombus is exceptionally rare, and prompt diagnosis is vital to alleviate its detrimental end organ effects. We present a patient who was previously discharged owing to COVID-19 pneumonia, admitted with acute onset of lower limb pain, and was diagnosed with aortic free-floating thrombus ended up with embolic events. Clinicians should be aware of COVID-19-related thromboembolic complications, and close monitoring of patients with risk factors is vital for a timely and accurate diagnosis and management.

Epicardial adipose tissue volume predicts long term major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active visceral fat depot that plays an important role in coronary atherosclerosis. In this study, our aim was to investigate the relationship between long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and EAT volume detected by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM) without previous coronary events. METHODS: A total of 127 patients with diabetes who underwent CCTA between 2012 and 2014 were enrolled retrospectively. The study population was divided into 2 groups according to whether they experienced or did not experience MACE, which was defined as cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or unstable angina requiring hospitalization, coronary revascularizations (percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery), heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, or ischemic stroke. In both groups, EAT volumes were measured by CCTA. RESULTS: During 60±7 months follow-up period, 22 participants experienced MACEs. Data were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Age, male sex, coronary artery disease, hemoglobin A1c, glucose, creatinine, C- reactive protein, and cholesterol levels were found to be associated with MACE. EAT volume (odds ratio [OR]: 1.027; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010‒1.044, p=0.002) and low-density lipoprotein (OR: 1.015; 95% CI: 1.000‒1.030, p=0.050) were found to be independent predictors for MACE. ROC analysis indicated that EAT volumes >123.2 mL had a 72.7% sensitivity and a 77.1% specificity for predicting long-term MACE in patients with T2-DM (area under the curve: 0.820; 95% CI: 0.733-0.908). CONCLUSION: EAT volume is an independent predictor of long-term MACE in patients with T2-DM without previous coronary events. EAT volume may be used additionally in risk stratification for MACE besides the well-known vascular risk factors in patients with T2-DM.

Evaluation of early electrocardiographic changes after successful percutaneous stent implantation to isolated coarctation of aorta.

BACKGROUND: Coarctation of aorta (CoA) is a congenital obstructive lesion characterized by narrowing of the aorta in which concludes as increase in afterload. Percutaneous stent implantation to CoA is a treatment of choice in older children and adults. Pathology related to CoA mainly caused by increased afterload and left ventricular hypertrophy. Electrocardiographic (ECG) findings are also related to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Evidence shows that, in variety of diseases, the correction of the pathology might normalize ECG findings and ventricular dysfunction related to increase in afterload. Therefore the aim of this study was to compare the pre- and postprocedural ECG findings of the patients who underwent percutaneous intervention for isolated CoA. METHODS: After exclusion criterion was applied, 30 patients were included into study, retrospectively. ECG records before the procedure and 3 months after the procedure of the patients were evaluated. The parameters related to LVH, ventricular and atrial conduction were evaluated and compared between pre- and post-procedural ECG records. RESULTS: The findings showed that parameters of atrial conduction including P wave maximum duration (p < 0.001) and p wave dispersion (p < 0.001) were significantly decreased after stent implantation. Additionally, ventricular repolarization parameters including QT duration (p = 0.039), Tpe interval (p < 0.001), Tpe / QT (p = 0.038) and Tpe / QTc (p = 0.003) were significantly decreased after stent implantation. Sokolow-Lyon criteria (p < 0.003) and voltage in selected leads were significantly decreased after intervention. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous intervention to CoA might regress LVH parameters in ECG and improve atrial and ventricular repolarization in ECG, which might lead to decreased event of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with isolated CoA.

Systemic immune-inflammation index predicts mortality in infective endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) at admission in predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with infective endocarditis. METHODS: 133 definite IE patients (≥18 years) according to modified Duke criteria, treated in our tertiary care hospital between December 2009 and May 2019, were retrospectively analysed. Symptoms, comorbidities, predisposing valvular diseases, prosthetic valve, device, history of injectable drug use, blood culture results, echocardiography findings, and complications were collected. We calculated the SII as follows: SII = platelet count × neutrophil count/lymphocyte count at admission. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 56 (40-66) years. Prosthetic valve disease was the most frequent predisposing valve lesion. Staphylococcus species were the most common microorganisms. The most frequent complication was in-hospital mortality (22%) followed by renal failure. Older population, syncope, increased inflammatory markers, high systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAPs), heart failure, renal failure, and septic shock were associated with high mortality. However age, syncope, hypocalcemia, not going to surgery, and SII were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal SII cut-off value for predicting mortality was 2314 (area under the curve 0.641; P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that high SII levels are independently associated with in-hospital mortality. The SII may be a promising prognostic predictor for patients with infective endocarditis.

Effect of lung resection on electrocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative changes in electrocardiography (ECG) after lung surgery have been investigated in prior researches. We have limited data about benign physiologic changes in ECG after lung surgery, specifically after lung resection. The aim of our study was to investigate relationship in between lung resection with minimally invasive robotic or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and its effect on ECG after lung resection. METHODS: After exclusion criteria had been applied, a total of 133 patients were enrolled in the present study. Operational information such as amount of resected segment and side of resection was recorded. Lung resections were divided into two groups. One group included surgeries with lung resections <3 segments and other group included surgeries with segmentectomy ≥3 segments. Pre-operative and postoperative (in between 2nd and 3rd months) ECG data of the patients were compared. The location of resected segments as left-sided and right-sided resections were noted to compare the ECG changes for sub-analysis. RESULTS: Among 133 patients, 101 patients were male (75.9%). There was no significant difference between parameters including ventricular rate, P wave, QRS wave and T wave axis in degrees, PR, QRS, QT and QTc durations, Tpe interval, ratio of Tpe interval to QT and QTc interval and fQRSTa. There was significant difference between before and after resection in terms of degree of QRS axis (before resection =37.3 ± 52.7 vs. after resection = 26.2 ± 55.7, P = .026). Sub-analysis regarding to amount of resected segments, there was no significant difference identified in terms of QRS axis in degrees between before and after resection for patients who underwent lung resection <3 segments (p = .885). However, there was significant difference in QRS axis in degrees for patients who underwent lung resection ≥3 segments (before resection = 47.3 ± 57.5 vs. after resection = 23.7 ± 66.2, P = .010). There was significant rightward axial change after left-sided lung resections (before resection =32.0 ± 52.4 vs. after resection = 49.4 ± 47.1, P = .005) and leftward axial change after right-sided lung resection (before resection = 41.7 ± 53.0 vs. after resection = 7.1 ± 55.2, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Understanding and recognition of possible ECG changes are crucial during post-operative follow-up of the patients who underwent lung resection. These changes might be benign changes, which are related to anatomical and geometrical changes within thoracic cavity.

The prognostic value of fQRSTa in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR) is the ultimate therapy for severe aortic stenosis (AS) in suitable patients. Prognostic factors of sAVR are great interest in recent studies. Frontal QRS-T angle (fQRSTa) is a novel marker of ventricular repolarization abnormalities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of fQRSTa in patients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing sAVR. METHODS: A total of 372 patients with severe degenerative AS who underwent successful sAVR were included in this retrospective study. Then, patients were divided into two groups: patients with narrow fQRSTa (≤90°) as group 1 and wide fQRSTa (>90°) as group 2. Perioperative and postoperative clinical evaluation and time of death were recorded from all subjects. RESULTS: The incidence of total mortality was higher in patients with wider fQRSTa (13.8% [15]; 4.9% [9], P = .013) compared to patients with narrow fQRSTa. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.054; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.004-1.106; P = .034), dyspnea (OR = 7.687; 95% CI = 2.296-25.729; P = .001), lower efection fraction (OR = 0.924; 95% CI = 0.884-0.966; P = .001), in-hospital duration (OR = 1.051; 95% CI = 1.016-1.088; P = .004) and wider fQRSTa (OR = 4.029; 95% CI = 1.383-11.740; P = .011) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. Additionally, a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis also revealed that long-term survival was found to be significantly decreased in patients with wider fQRSTa (log-rank P = .014). CONCLUSION: fQRSTa was related with poor prognosis in patients with AS undergoing sAVR. fQRSTa was also an independent predictor of mortality in this population.

Investigation of serum thiol/disulphide homeostasis in patients with abortus imminens.

AIM: The aim of our study is to compare serum thiol/disulphide homeostasis of women diagnosed with abortus imminens (AI) and healthy pregnant women, and to determine whether it has a role in the pathogenesis of the disease or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 pregnant women were included in the study. The study group consisted of 50 patients with AI whereas 50 healthy pregnant women were chosen as the control group. All of the patients in the two groups were matched for age, gestational age, and body mass index. Thiol/disulphide levels were analyzed with a newly developed automated spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: We found significantly reduced levels of native thiol (SH) (370.2 ± 35.2 µmol/l versus 397.6 ± 29.3 µmol/l) and total thiol (406 ± 37.1 µmol/l versus 434.5 ± 29.9 µmol/l), in the sera of the study group compared to the control group (p < .001). But serum levels of disulphide (SS) were statistically insignificant between the two groups (17.9 ± 5.9 µmol/l versus 18.4 ± 4.9 µmol/l, p: .612). Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of SS/SH, SS/total thiol and SH/total thiol ratios (all p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: We found a decrease in thiol levels which have antioxidant properties in patients with AI. Decreased antioxidant level in the body is thought to play a role in the etiology of AI. In this regard, further studies are needed to elucidate the potential role of dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis in the pathogenesis of AI.

Congenital Gingival Granular Cell Tumor: A Case Report.

The congenital gingival granular cell tumor (CGCT), also as known as congenital epulis, is an unusual benign oral mucosal lesion in newborns. A two-day-old female patient was admitted to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey with her family, and an intraoral examination showed a CGCT located in the buccal region of the maxillary right first primary molar. In this report, we present a case of CGCT in a newborn.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Formocresol, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Portland Cement, and Enamel Matrix Derivative in Primary Teeth Pulpotomies: A Two Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of 4 materials (formocresol, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Portland cement and enamel matrix derivative) using in primary teeth pulpotomies. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-five patients aged 5-9 years (32 female, 33 male) were included in this study. A total of 140 primary first and second molars with deep caries were treated with pulpotomy. All teeth were then restored with stainless steel crowns. The treated teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. RESULTS: At 24 months, the clinical success rates of formocresol, MTA, Portland cement, and enamel matrix derivative were 96.9%, 100%, 93.9%, and 93.3%, respectively. The corresponding radiographic success rates were 84.4%, 93.9%, 86.7% and 78.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although there were no statistically significant differences in clinical and radiographic success rates among the 4 groups, MTA appears to be superior to formocresol, Portland cement, and enamel matrix derivative as a pulpotomy agent in primary teeth.

The use of platelet rich plasma in the treatment of immature tooth with periapical lesion: a case report.

This study describes the treatment of an immature permanent tooth with periapical lesion which was treated with regenerative approach using platelet rich plasma (PRP). The root canal of immature human permanent tooth with periapical lesion was gently debrided of necrotic tissue and disinfected with 2.5% NaOCl, and then medicated with triple antibiotic paste comprised of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline. When the tooth was asymptomatic, PRP and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) were placed into the root canal. Six months after PRP treatment, radiographical examination revealed resolution of the radiolucency and progressive thickening of the root wall and apical closure. Our findings suggest that PRP can be used for the treatment of immature permanent teeth with periapical lesion, as part of a regenerative endodontic treatment procedure.

Does magnetic resonance imaging affect the microleakage of amalgam restorations?

BACKGROUND: The effect of MRI on microleakage of amalgam restorations is an important health issue that should be considered. If MRI application causes increase of microleakage, amalgam fillings should be reassessed after MRI and replaced if necessary. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on microleakage of class II bonded amalgam versus classical amalgam restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class II cavities (3 mm width × 1.5 mm depth) with gingival margins ending 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) were prepared in 40 permanent molar teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups. Cavities in the first and second groups were restored with dentin adhesive and amalgam (bonded amalgam), and those in the third and fourth groups with amalgam only. MRI was performed with the teeth specimens from the first and third groups. All specimens were then thermocycled at 5° to 55° C with a 30-second dwell time for 1000 cycles. The samples were then immersed in 0.5% methylene blue dye for 24 hours and sectioned longitudinally. Dye penetration at the occlusal and gingival margins was quantified by 15× stereomicroscopy. IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 21.0 (IBM Corp., Released 2012., IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) and MS-Excel 2007 programs were used for statistical analyses and calculations. "nparLD" module was used for F2_LD_F1 design analysis at R program. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In teeth with amalgam filling, there were no significant differences of occlusal and gingival surface microleakage after MRI exposure. Occlusal and gingival surface microleakages were also similar with and without MRI in teeth with bonded amalgam filling. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that MRI does not increase microleakage of amalgam restorations.