Highly stoichiometry-deviating chalcopyrite quantum dots: synthesis and copper defects-correlated photophysical properties.

Copper indium selenide (CISe) is a prototype infrared semiconductor with low toxicity and unique optical characteristics. Its quantum dots (QDs) accommodate ample intrinsic point defects which may actively participate in their rather complex photophysical processes. We synthesize CISe QDs with similar sizes but with distinct highly stoichiometry-deviating atomic ratios. The synthesis condition employing Se-rich precursors yields the Cu-deficient CISe QDs with special photophysical properties. The photoluminescence exhibits monotonic red shift from 680 to 775 nm when the ratio of Cu's proportion to In's decreases. The luminescence is found to stem from the copper vacancy and antisite defects. The CISe QDs exhibit Raman activity at 5.6, 6.9, and 8.7 THz that is separately assigned to Cu-Se and In-Se optical phonon modes and surface mode.

Cloning and functional verification of the CmHSP17.9 gene from chrysanthemum.

Small molecular heat shock proteins (sHSPs) belong to the HSP family of molecular chaperones. Under high-temperature stress, they can prevent the aggregation of irreversible proteins and maintain the folding of denatured proteins to enhance heat resistance. In this study, the CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 genes, which were cloned from chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum×morifolium 'Jinba') by homologous cloning, had a complete open reading frame of 480 bp each, encoding 159 amino acids. The protein subcellular localization analysis showed that CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 were located in the cytoplasm and mostly aggregated in granules, especially around the nucleus. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the relative expression level of the CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 genes was highest in the terminal buds of the chrysanthemum, followed by the leaves. CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 overex-pression vectors were constructed and used to transform the chrysanthemum; overexpression of these genes led to the chrysanthemum phenotypes being less affected by high-temperature, and the antioxidant capacity was enhanced. The results showed that chrysanthemum with overex-pression of the CmHSP17.9-1 and CmHSP17.9-2 genes had stronger tolerance than the wild type chrysanthemum after high-temperature treatment or some degree of heat exercise, and overex-pression of the CmHSP17.9-1 gene led to stronger heat resistance than that of the CmHSP17.9-2 gene, providing an important theoretical basis for the subsequent molecular breeding and pro-duction applications of chrysanthemum.

Case Report of Overlapping Pyloric Obstruction Due to Dichlorvos Poisoning and Cholelithiasis with Choledocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND Pyloric obstruction after dichlorvos poisoning causes repeated vomiting and inability to eat. Choledocholithiasis and cholelithiasis are the common digestive diseases, with high morbidity and relapse in elderly patients. However, the complex situation of these diseases' coexistence is a clinically intractable problem, and literature on selecting optimal surgical planning is scarce. CASE REPORT A thin 79-year-old woman took dichlorvos due to family conflicts. She improved after being urgently sent to local hospital for gastric lavage and detoxification. Over the next 3 months, she presented with intermittent nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and mental apathy, and was readmitted. Gastroscopy showed extensive scarring in the antrum, pyloric obstruction, and gastric retention. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed gallstones and choledocholithiasis. Also, she presented with gastric retention, hypertension, moderate anemia, hypoproteinemia, and electrolyte disturbances. After hospitalization, conservative treatment was performed, without improving vomiting, followed by surgical treatment. Gastrojejunostomy, Braun anastomosis, and nasojejunal feeding tube placement were performed for pyloric stenosis; cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis; and choledochotomy, intraoperative choledochoscopy examination, basket stone extraction, and primary suture of common bile duct without indwelling T tube for choledocholithiasis. Patient recovered and was discharged 9 days after surgery. She was recovered well, without vomiting, at 2-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Gastrojejunostomy plus Braun anastomosis is effective treatment of elderly patients with pyloric obstruction formed after pesticide-induced corrosion. Careful selection of choledocholithotomy with primary suture without indwelling T tube reduced postoperative pain and accelerated recovery. This complex case of pyloric obstruction with gallbladder and bile duct stones provides useful considerations for clinical treatment.

Association between serum copper levels and stroke in the general population: A nationally representative study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to explore the association between serum copper levels and the prevalence of stroke. METHODS: Data were obtained from 3 consecutive National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles (2011-2016). Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between serum copper levels and self-reported stroke. RESULTS: A total of 5,151 adults met the inclusion criteria. A total of 181 (3.51%) stroke patients were identified. In comparison to individuals with serum copper levels in the lowest tertile (<16.4 µmol/l), those with levels in the middle tertile (16.4-19.8 µmol/l) had an odds ratio (OR) of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-2.25), while those with levels in the highest tertile (>19.8 µmol/l) had an OR of 2.36 (95% CI: 1.01-5.52). Furthermore, each standard deviation (SD) increase in serum copper was found to be positively associated with the prevalence of stroke, with an OR of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.11-1.86). Dose‒response analysis showed a positive linear association between serum copper levels and stroke (Pnonlinearity=0.554). CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional study suggested a positive association between serum copper levels and stroke among American adults.

Progress in physical therapy for sleep disorders in children and adolescents / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Sleep disorders are common in children and adolescents, especially in those with neurodevelopmental and mental disorders, but treatment strategies remain limited.The main therapeutic methods for sleep disorders in children and adolescents include cognitive behavioral therapy, surgical therapy, drug therapy, and physical therapy.Conventional cognitive behavioral therapy is expensive; plus, the number of qualified sleep physicians and therapists is limited, and patient′s compliance is low.Drug therapy is the most commonly used treatment for insomnia in children and adolescents, but it lacks evidence-based indications and safety and has many adverse reactions, and its long-term efficacy is unknown.Physical therapy that changes the activity of central and peripheral nerves through physical stimulation such as magnetism, electricity, sound and light can provide valuable alternative or complementary treatment for individuals with sleep disorders who can′t get conventional treatment, have poor tolerance or are ineffective.In this paper, 4 common clinical physical therapies (transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy) and their application in treating sleep disorders in children and adolescents are reviewed, providing scientific basis and new ideas for the future clinical treatment of sleep disorders in children and adolescents.

A phenomenological study on benefit finding of patients with age-related macular degeneration under adaptive challenges / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To find benefit of adaptive challenges in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients of long-term treatment in the challenge of vision decline, and provide new ideas for improving the quality of life of patients.Methods:It was a phenomenological study from qualitative research, selected by purpose sampling method and semi-structured interview which involved 20 AMD patients who received intravitreal treatment of drug in the Ophthalmology Department of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January to March 2023.Two interviewees comprehensively read and analyzed the transcript of the interview and its meaning, subsequently Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was used to classify and encode the transcribed data.Results:Among 20 patients, there were 9 males and 11 females, aged 56-81 years old. Patients with AMD experience a sense of benefit in their long-term management of the condition, adapting to the challenges posed by declining strength, which could be summarized into four main themes: moderate sense of decision control, satisfactory social support, active self-management of the disease, and an improvement in quality of life.Conclusions:Patients with AMD experience a sense of disease-related benefit during the long-term management of visual acuity challenges. Healthcare professionals should guide patients to seek this benefit from adverse events, identify the adaptive challenges patients face, and leverage their adaptive leadership skills. Furthermore, offering multi-channel low vision rehabilitation services can assist patients in enhancing their adaptive capabilities, ultimately contributing to further improving their quality of life.

The molecular mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Pill in the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency in a mouse model / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Most of the formulas for the clinical treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency have evolved from the basic formula of Liuwei Dihuang Pills,and have achieved good therapeutic efficacy.Currently,most of the experimental studies on Liuwei Dihuang Pills focus on morphological observations and physiological and biochemical detection of in vivo animal models,while fewer studies on molecular mechanisms have been reported. OBJECTIVE:To explore the molecular mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Pills in the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency based on the receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha/mitochondrial transcription factor A/reactive oxygen species pathway. METHODS:Premature ovarian insufficiency model was established in mice by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg combined with busulfan 12 mg/kg,and then Liuwei Dihuang Pill suspension was used to intervene in premature ovarian insufficiency mice.After 12 weeks of intervention,the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,estradiol,anti-Mullerian hormone,8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine,total antioxidant capacity and reactive oxygen species in serum of mice were detected by ELISA method.The morphological changes in mouse ovaries were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The ultrastructure of mouse follicular granulosa cells and the apoptosis of granulosa cell mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscopy.The expression levels of receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha and mitochondrial transcription factor A in mouse ovarian granulosa cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the model group,serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,reactive oxygen species,and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine were decreased in the experimental group(P＜0.05),and the levels of estradiol,anti-Mullerian hormone,and total antioxidant capacity were increased(P＜0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that in the model group,there were more atretic follicles and corpus luteum forms,some secondary follicles,and interstitial fibrosis and hyperplasia;in the experimental group,a large number of atretic follicles,few corpus luteum forms,primordial follicles were observed at the edges but there were few secondary follicles and no mature follicles.Transmission electron microscopy showed that the organelles in ovarian granulosa cells of mice in the experimental groups were relatively intact.Immunohistochemical results showed that compared with the model group,the expression level of receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha in the ovarian tissue of mice increased slightly in the experimental group at the 4th week,and there was no significant change at the 8th and 12th weeks.The expression level of mitochondrial transcription factor A in the ovarian tissues of mice in the experimental group was transiently increased at the 4th week,and then slightly decreased,which were all significantly different from those of the model group.To conclude,Liuwei Dihuang Pills inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in mice with premature ovarian insufficiency to a certain extent through the receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha/mitochondrial transcription factor A/reactive oxygen species signaling pathway,thereby improving the endocrine function of the ovary,enhancing the antioxidant capacity,and attenuating the degree of oxidative stress damage.

Prognostic value of obesity in patients with cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: An updated meta­analysis and systematic review.

Accumulating interest has been surging over the past few years regarding the effects of obesity on immunotherapy. In addition to the body mass index (BMI), imaging-quantified body fat compartments have been investigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the BMI and computed tomography (CT)-based body fat in patients with cancer receiving immunotherapy. For this purpose, the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched from January 2017 to July 2022. Clinical studies evaluating the association between BMI or body fat and survival of patients with cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were included. In total, 15 studies reporting on the BMI were included in the meta-analysis and 16 studies evaluating body fat were included in the systematic review. According to the classification of the World Health Organization, overweight and obese patients with ICI treatment showed improved overall survival [overweight vs. normal: Hazard ratio (HR)=0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.64-0.98, P=0.03; obese vs. normal: HR=0.75, 95% CI=0.60-0.94, P=0.013] and progression-free survival (overweight vs. normal: HR=0.82, 95% CI=0.70-0.97, P=0.02; obese vs. normal: HR=0.81, 95% CI=0.65-1.02, P=0.07). Among the articles investigating the effect of body fat composition on the efficacy of immunotherapy, a number of studies included various CT analysis techniques and cutoffs to define body fat composition. Associations of body fat with survival were contradictory in different patients with cancer treated with immunotherapy. Obesity was associated with better survival in patients with cancer treated with ICIs. Further analyses are required to demonstrate the prognostic value of body fat in patients with cancer immunotherapy.

Orbital Interactions in 2D Dion-Jacobson Perovskites Using Oligothiophene-Based Semiconductor Spacers Enable Efficient Solar Cells.

2D Dion-Jacobson (DJ) perovskites have emerged as promising photovoltaic materials, but the insulating organic spacer has hindered the efficient charge transport. Herein, we successfully synthesized a terthiophene-based semiconductor spacer, namely, 3ThDMA, for 2D DJ perovskite. An interesting finding is that the energy levels of 3ThDMA extensively overlap with the inorganic components and directly contribute to the band formation of (3ThDMA)PbI4, leading to enhanced charge transport across the organic spacer layers, whereas no such orbital interactions were found in (UDA)PbI4, a DJ perovskite based on 1,11-undecanediaminum (UDA). The devices based on (3ThDMA)MAn-1PbnI3n+1 (nominal n = 5) obtained a champion efficiency of 15.25%, which is a record efficiency for 2D DJ perovskite solar cells using long-conjugated spacers (conjugated rings ≥ 3) and a 22.60% efficiency for 3ThDMA-treated 3D PSCs. Our findings provide an important insight into understanding the orbital interactions in 2D DJ perovskite using an organic semiconductor spacer for efficient solar cells.

Transcriptome analysis during axillary bud growth in chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum×morifolium).

The chrysanthemum DgLsL gene, homologous with tomato Ls, is one of the earliest expressed genes controlling axillary meristem initiation. In this study, the wild-type chrysanthemum (CW) and DgLsL-overexpressed line 15 (C15) were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of axillary bud development in chrysanthemum. Transcriptome sequencing was carried out to detect the differentially expressed genes of the axillary buds 0 h, 24 h and 48 h after decapitation. The phenotypic results showed that the number of axillary buds of C15 was significantly higher than CW. A total of 9,224 DEGs were identified in C15-0 vs. CW-0, 10,622 DEGs in C15-24 vs. CW-24, and 8,929 DEGs in C15-48 vs. CW-48.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that the genes of the flavonoid, phenylpropanoids and plant hormone pathways appeared to be differentially expressed, indicating their important roles in axillary bud germination. DgLsL reduces GA content in axillary buds by promoting GA2ox expression.These results confirmed previous studies on axillary bud germination and growth, and revealed the important roles of genes involved in plant hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction, aiding in the study of the gene patterns involved in axillary bud germination and growth.

Association of serum copper (Cu) with cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality in a general population: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Copper (Cu) homeostasis and Cu-induced cell death are gaining recognition as crucial processes in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Circulating Cu associated with CVD and mortality is yet to be fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: This national prospective cohort study is to estimate relationship between serum Cu and the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. METHODS: This study included participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2016. Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and exposure-response curves were applied. RESULTS: This included 5,412 adults, representing 76,479,702 individuals. During a mean of 5.85 years of follow-up (31,653 person-years), 96 CVD and 356 all-cause mortality events occurred. Age and sex-adjusted survival curves showed that individuals with higher levels of serum Cu experienced increased CVD and all-cause death rates (tertiles, p < 0.05). Compared with the participant in tertile 1 of serum Cu (< 16.31 mol/L), those in tertile 3 (≥ 19.84 mol/L) were significantly associated with CVD mortality (HR: 7.06, 95%CI: 1.85,26.96), and all-cause mortality (HR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.66,4.87). The dose-response curve indicated a linear relationship between serum Cu and CVD mortality (p -nonlinear = 0.48) and all-cause (p -nonlinear = 0.62). A meta-analysis included additional three prospective cohorts with 13,189 patients confirmed the association between higher serum Cu and CVD (HR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.63,2.65) and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.89, 95%CI: 1.58,2.25). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests excessive serum Cu concentrations are associated with the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in American adults. Our findings and the causal relationships require further investigation.

Nucleation and Crystallization in 2D Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskites using Formamidinium-based Organic Semiconductor Spacers for Efficient Solar Cells.

The conjugated organic semiconductor spacers have drawn wide attention in two-dimensional (2D) perovskites and formamidinium (FA) has been widely used as A-site cation in high-performance 3D perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the FA-based semiconductor spacers have rarely been investigated in 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskites. Here, we developed two FA-based spacers containing thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (TT) and 2,2'-bithiophene (BT) units, namely TTFA and BTFA, respectively, for 2D RP PSCs. The nucleation and crystallization kinetics of TTFA-Pb and BTFA-Pb from sol-gel to film were investigated using in situ optical microscopy and in situ grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) measurements. It is found that the TTFA spacer could reduce the energy barrier of nucleation and induces crystal vertical orientation of 2D perovskite by forming larger clusters in precursor solution, resulting in much improved film quality. Benefiting from the enlarged crystal grains, reduced exciton binding energy, and decreased electron-phonon coupling coefficient, the photovoltaic device based on (TTFA)2 MAn-1 Pbn I3n+1 (n=5) achieved a champion efficiency of 19.41 %, which is a record for 2D RP PSCs with FA-based spacers. Our work provides deep understanding of the nucleation and crystallization process of 2D RP perovskite films and highlights the great potential of FA-based semiconductor spacers in highly efficient 2D PSCs.

[Influence of Polystyrene Microplastics on the Formation and Structural Change of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm].

Microplastic pollution in the water environment is becoming increasingly serious, impacting the growth and development of aquatic organisms. There are limited studies on the mechanisms of microplastic effects on biofilm formation. Therefore, in this study, the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) were investigated on the biofilm formation and development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Different concentrations and particle sizes of PS-MPs were selected for exposure tests to explore the effects on biofilm biomass, oxidative stress levels, biofilm structure, and population sensing system. The results showed that PS-MPs induced severe oxidative stress and inhibited biofilm formation and development, and the smaller the particle size, the stronger the inhibitory effect was. The inhibition effect was 0.1 µm>0.5 µm≈1 µm>5 µm. PS-MPs caused severe physical damage through contact with bacteria. The thickness of the biofilm was significantly reduced, damaging the structural stability. The bacteria in the biofilm secreted extracellular polymers to resist the stress of PS-MPs. Meanwhile, PS-MPs interfered with the QS system of P. aeruginosa; down-regulated the expression levels of key genes lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR; inhibited the synthesis and secretion of signal molecules and related virulence factors; and ultimately affected the formation and structural stability of biofilms.

Clinical Outcomes with GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there remains uncertainty about the efficiency of GLP-1 RAs in patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: Randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) that reported the effect of GLP-1 RAs on prognosis in patients with HF were identified by searching databases. The primary outcome was defined as MACE. Trail Sequential Analysis (TSA) was used to evaluate the reality and authenticity. RESULTS: Nine RCTs involving 8920 patients with HF were included. GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced the risk of MACE compared with placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.98) in HF coexisting with T2DM. The benefit was not observed in all-cause death (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.84-1.15), hospitalization for heart failure (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.89-1.22), cardiovascular death (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.79-1.16), myocardial infarction (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.71-1.08), stroke (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.75-1.43) and death or hospitalization for HF (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.78-1.46). GLP-1 RAs did not improve the change in LVEF (mean difference [MD]): - 0.86, p = 0.12, left-ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (MD: 3.54, p = 0.11), left-ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) (MD: 2.78, p = 0.07) or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (MD: - 140.36, p = 0.08). However, GLP-1 RAs significantly increased the change in the 6-min walk test (MWT) distance (MD: 19.74, p = 0.002). In the subgroup analyses, human GLP-1 RAs, but not nonhuman GLP-1 RAs, reduced the risk of MACE in patients with HF (p interaction = 0.11). Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) showed moderate certainty for MACE, all-cause death and hospitalization for HF. Trail Sequential Analysis revealed that there may be a high possibility of false positive results for MACE. CONCLUSION: Compared with placebo, GLP-1 RAs may reduce the risk of MACE in patients with HF coexisting with T2DM, with a more significant efficiency of human GLP-1 RAs. More RCTs are needed to assess the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 RAs in HF, regardless of T2DM. REGISTRATION: The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered on PROSPERO [CRD42022357886].

Reactive Cutaneous Capillary Endothelial Proliferation Caused by Camrelizumab: Sixteen Case Reports.

To investigate the regularity and characteristics of adverse drug reaction (ADR) of reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation caused by Camrelizumab, so as to provide reference for clinical rational use of drugs. Searching for case reports of Camrelizumab-induced reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP) in databases such as China Biology Medicine disc, VIP Database, CNKI, Wanfang Medical, PubMed, Wiley online library, Embase with "Carritzumab/Ericab," "SHR-1210," "Reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation," "Reactive capillary hemangiomas," and "Capillary proliferation" as search terms. The retrieval time is from the establishment of the database to February 2022. After eliminating clinical trials and incomplete literature, information of patients included in the literature was analyzed, which included gender, age, reason for medication, usage and dosage, time of ADR, concomitant medication, clinical manifestations, intervention measures, outcomes of patients, etc. A total of 11 articles involving 16 patients were included, including 11 males and five females, with an average age of 60.5 years. Reasons for medication included nine cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), four cases of liver cancer, one case of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), one case of synovial sarcoma, and one case of Hodgkin lymphoma. Thirteen patients recorded in detail that the dosage of Camrelizumab was 200 mg, and the frequency of medication was q2w~q4w. Eight patients were treated with Camrelizumab alone, and eight patients were treated with combined medication. RCCEP occurred in nine patients after the first medication, and in seven patients after two-four cycles of medication, the average medication cycle was two cycles, and the average occurrence time was 12.5 days after the last medication. The main clinical manifestations were that several different sizes of growths such as red nevus-like, pearl-like, and mulberry-like growths appear on the head, face, neck, torso, limbs, and other parts of the body, all of which were grade 1-2. The RCCEP of all patients was controlled after treatment. During the treatment, 11 patients were stable and five patients were local remission. RCCEP is caused by Camrelizumabis a special skin immune response, which will not cause life-threatening to patients. However, clinicians and pharmacists should be familiar with the characteristics and regularities of the adverse reaction, to do a good job in medication monitoring and management, as for ensuring the safety of patients with medication.

Influence of the charge transport layers on charge extraction and interface recombination in quasi-two-dimensional perovskite solar cells.

The identification of electronic processes at the charge-selective contact buried interface is very important for photovoltaic research. The main loss of perovskite solar cell (PeSCs) is generally bound up with its charge transfer layer. Especially, the current record for the highest power conversion efficiency of quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) PeSCs is achieved by inverted device configurations, compared with the efficiency of upright structures. This study investigated, the carrier recombination and charge extraction in quasi-2D PeSCs by leveraging scanning probe microscope technology, steady-state photoluminescence (PL) measurements, and time-resolved PL spectroscopy. The built-in potential in quasi-2D bulk perovskite can be regarded as a budget to hinder energy loss in inverted device configurations. Interface photogenerated recombination in quasi-2D PeSCs can be fully comprehended only when the complete device is under consideration. Our work underlines the significance of considering restructuring loss from the perspective of the complete device instead of individual layers or interfaces in quasi-2D PeSCs.

Glycated albumin and risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality in patients with and without dialysis: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that glycated albumin (GA) is a more accurate measure of short-term blood sugar control in patients with dialysis. We aim to investigate the relationship between GA and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and mortality in patients both with and without dialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched cohort studies of associations between GA level and CVD and mortality in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases. The effect size was summarized by the random effects model, and the dose-response association was determined by robust error meta-regression method. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included data from 80 024 participants in 17 cohort studies, 12 of which were prospective and five were retrospective. The results showed that higher levels of GA were associated with increased risk of CV mortality [hazard ratio = 1.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.98], all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 1.64; 95% CI 1.41-1.90), major adverse cardio-cerebral events (risk ratio = 1.41; 95% CI 1.17-1.71), coronary artery disease (odds ratio = 2.24; 95% CI 1.75-2.86) and stroke (risk ratio = 1.72; 95% CI 1.24-2.38). The dose-response analysis showed that GA levels were positively and linearly associated with the risk of CV mortality (p = .38), all-cause mortality (p = .57) and coronary artery disease (p = .18). Subgroup analysis showed that high levels of GA were associated with the risk of CV and all-cause mortality, regardless of dialysis status, with significant differences between subgroups of dialysis (CV mortality: p = .02; all-cause mortality: p = .03). CONCLUSION: High GA levels are associated with an increased risk of CVDs and mortality, regardless of dialysis status.

Association between triglyceride glucose index and arterial stiffness and coronary artery calcification: a systematic review and exposure-effect meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index has been linked to various cardiovascular diseases. However, it's still unclear whether the TyG index is associated with arterial stiffness and coronary artery calcification (CAC). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies until September 2022 in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. We used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled effect estimate and the robust error meta-regression method to summarize the exposure-effect relationship. RESULTS: Twenty-six observational studies involving 87,307 participants were included. In the category analysis, the TyG index was associated with the risk of arterial stiffness (odds ratio [OR]: 1.83; 95% CI 1.55-2.17, I2 = 68%) and CAC (OR: 1.66; 95% CI 1.51-1.82, I2 = 0). The per 1-unit increment in the TyG index was also associated with an increased risk of arterial stiffness (OR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.35-1.69, I2 = 82%) and CAC (OR: 1.73, 95% CI 1.36-2.20, I2 = 51%). Moreover, a higher TyG index was shown to be a risk factor for the progression of CAC (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.21-2.27, I2 = 0, in category analysis, OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.29-1.68, I2 = 41% in continuity analysis). There was a positive nonlinear association between the TyG index and the risk of arterial stiffness (Pnonlinearity < 0.001). CONCLUSION: An elevated TyG index is associated with an increased risk of arterial stiffness and CAC. Prospective studies are needed to assess causality.

Insights into monkeypox pathophysiology, global prevalence, clinical manifestation and treatments.

On 23rd July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the ongoing monkeypox outbreak as a public medical crisis. Monkeypox virus (MPV), the etiological agent of monkeypox, is a zoonotic, linear, double-stranded DNA virus. In 1970, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported the first case of MPV infection. Human-to-human transmission can happen through sexual contact, inhaled droplets, or skin-to-skin contact. Once inoculated, the viruses multiply rapidly and spread into the bloodstream to cause viremia, which then affect multiple organs, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, genitals, lungs, and liver. By September 9, 2022, more than 57,000 cases had been reported in 103 locations, especially in Europe and the United States. Infected patients are characterized by physical symptoms such as red rash, fatigue, backache, muscle aches, headache, and fever. A variety of medical strategies are available for orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox. Monkeypox prevention following the smallpox vaccine has shown up to 85% efficacy, and several antiviral drugs, such as Cidofovir and Brincidofovir, may slow the viral spread. In this article, we review the origin, pathophysiology, global epidemiology, clinical manifestation, and possible treatments of MPV to prevent the propagation of the virus and provide cues to generate specific drugs.