Nitride-Based Microlight-Emitting Diodes Using AlN Thin-Film Electrodes with Nanoscale Indium/Tin Conducting Filaments.

Microlight-emitting diodes (µLEDs) are emerging solutions for both high-quality displays and lighting technologies. However, the overall light output power density of these devices is low, as the emission area is shielded by the p-electrodes required for current injection. In this study, instead of the more conventionally used indium tin oxide (ITO), an AlN thin film with nanoscale conducing filaments (CFs) is used, referred to as CF-AlN, as a transparent conducting electrode (TCE), to enhance the output power density from the same emission area. As a result of this modification, the electroluminescence intensity is enhanced by 10% at an injection current of 10 mA, and the current density is improved by 13% at a forward voltage of 4.9 V, in comparison to the parameters observed with ITO-based µLEDs. This improvement is attributed to the higher transmittance of CF-AlN TCEs, together with efficient hole injection from the p-electrode into the light-emitting layer, through the CFs formed in the AlN layer. In addition, using transmission electron microscopy analyses, the origin of the CFs is directly identified as the diffusion of In and Sn ions, which provides critical insight into the conduction mechanism of AlN-based TCEs.

Effect of pertussis toxin pretreated centrally on blood glucose level induced by stress.

In the present study, we examined the effect of pertussis toxin (PTX) administered centrally in a variety of stress-induced blood glucose level. Mice were exposed to stress after the pretreatment of PTX (0.05 or 0.1 µg) i.c.v. or i.t. once for 6 days. Blood glucose level was measured at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min after stress stimulation. The blood glucose level was increased in all stress groups. The blood glucose level reached at maximum level after 30 min of stress stimulation and returned to a normal level after 2 h of stress stimulation in restraint stress, physical, and emotional stress groups. The blood glucose level induced by cold-water swimming stress was gradually increased up to 1 h and returned to the normal level. The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or intrathecal (i.t.) pretreatment with PTX, a Gi inhibitor, alone produced a hypoglycemia and almost abolished the elevation of the blood level induced by stress stimulation. The central pretreatment with PTX caused a reduction of plasma insulin level, whereas plasma corticosterone level was further up-regulated in all stress models. Our results suggest that the hyperglycemia produced by physical stress, emotional stress, restraint stress, and the cold-water swimming stress appear to be mediated by activation of centrally located PTX-sensitive G proteins. The reduction of blood glucose level by PTX appears to due to the reduction of plasma insulin level. The reduction of blood glucose level by PTX was accompanied by the reduction of plasma insulin level. Plasma corticosterone level up-regulation by PTX in stress models may be due to a blood glucose homeostatic mechanism.

Effects of Early Initiation of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion Therapy in Patients with Cancer with Refractory Septic Shock.

Background: We aimed to analyze the correlation between in-hospital mortality and hemodynamic changes, using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) initiation time in patients with cancer with refractory septic shock. Methods: Forty-six patients with cancer who received PMX-DHP for refractory septic shock were retrospectively analyzed and classified into early (≤3 h between refractory septic shock and PMX-DHP; n = 17) and late (>3 h; n = 29) initiation groups. The vasopressor inotropic score (VIS), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and lactate clearance before and 24 h post-PMX-DHP were compared. Results: Overall, 52.17% died from multiple organ dysfunction, with a lower mortality rate in the early initiation group. The VIS and SOFA score decreased in both groups, but the magnitude of decrease was not significant. Lactate clearance improved in both groups, with greater improvement in the early initiation group. Univariable analysis identified associations of in-hospital mortality with early initiation, ΔC-reactive protein, lactate clearance, ΔSOFA score, and ΔVIS. Multivariable analysis demonstrated associations of in-hospital mortality risk with ΔSOFA score and early PMX-DHP initiation. Overall survival was higher in the early initiation group. Early initiation of PMX-DHP in patients with cancer with refractory septic shock reduced in-hospital mortality and improved lactate clearance.

Reaction-based dual signaling of fluoride ions by resorufin sulfonates.

We developed new reaction-based probes for the dual signaling of fluoride ions. Selective fluoride-assisted deprotection of resorufin nosylate to generate resorufin fluorochrome was used for signaling. Resorufin nosylate exhibited selective colorimetric and fluorogenic signaling of fluoride ions in acetonitrile. The response from sulfide ions was effectively masked by using the TPEN-Cu(2+) complex as a source of Cu(2+) ions for masking sulfide. Selective optical signaling of fluoride was possible in the presence of commonly encountered anions with a detection limit of 1.9 × 10(-6) M.

The hazardous interactions of copper-dyed patient gowns with MRI: Two cases of superficial abdominal burns.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a commonly used imaging modality in medical procedures. Despite its prevalent use, unexpected adverse events such as burns can occur during an MRI procedure. The majority of the transmitted Radio Frequency power can be converted into heat within the patient's tissue due to resistive losses, leading to such incidents. In this study, we present an intriguing case of a patient who experienced an MRI-induced burn, presumably caused by the copper dye in the patient's gown. Notably, we observed frequent distortion of the MR image due to the patient's gown. The awareness and understanding of such potential adverse events are critical for clinicians and technicians to prevent future occurrences. Through this study, we aim to contribute to this critical area of patient safety during MRI procedures.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of 1-thia-4b-aza-cyclopenta[b]fluorene-4,10-diones.

1-Thia-4b-aza-cyclopenta[b]fluorene-4,10-diones were synthesized and tested for in vitro antifungal activity against two pathogenic strains of fungi. Among them tested, many compounds showed good antifungal activity. The results suggest that 1-thia-4b-aza-cyclopenta[b]fluorene-4,10-diones would be antifungal agents.

Synthesis and antifungal evaluation of pyrido[1,2-a]indole-1,4-diones and benzo[f]pyrido[1,2-a]indole-6,11-diones.

Pyrido[1,2-a]indole-1,4-diones and benzo[f]pyrido[1,2-a]indole-6,11-diones were synthesized and tested for in vitro antifungal activity against two pathogenic strains of fungi. Among them tested, many compounds showed good antifungal activity. The results suggest that pyrido[1,2-a]indole-1,4-diones and benzo[f]pyrido[1,2-a]indole-6,11-diones would be potent antifungal agents.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of 6,7-bis(arylthio)-quinazoline-5,8-diones and furo[2,3-f]quinazolin-5-ols.

6,7-Bis(arylthio)-quinazoline-5,8-dione and furo[2,3-f]quinazolin-5-ol derivatives were synthesized and tested for in vitro antifungal activity against Candida, Aspergillus species, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Among them tested, many of furo[2,3-f]quinazolin-5-ols and 6,7-bis(arylthio)-quinazoline-5,8-diones showed good antifungal activity. The compounds completely inhibited the growth of all against Candida and Aspergillus species tested at the MIC level of 12.5µg/mL. The results suggest that furo[2,3-f]quinazolin-5-ols and 6,7-bis(arylthio)-quinazoline-5,8-diones would be promising antifungal agents.

Methylprednisolone and 60 Days in Hospital Survival in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine methylprednisolone's dose, duration, and administration from onset of symptoms and association with 60 days in hospital survival of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Thirteen hospitals in New Jersey, United States during March to June 2020. PATIENTS: Seven-hundred fifty-nine hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients. INTERVENTIONS: We performed a propensity matched cohort study between patients who received methylprednisolone and no methylprednisolone. Patients in the methylprednisolone group were further differentiated into dose (high dose and low dose), duration, and administration from onset of symptoms. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In the propensity matched sample, 99 out of 380 (26%) in no methylprednisolone, 69 out of 215 (31.9%) in low-dose methylprednisolone, and 74 out of 164 (55.2%) high-dose methylprednisolone expired. Overall median survival for no methylprednisolone (25.0 d), low-dose methylprednisolone (39.0 d), high-dose methylprednisolone (20.0 d), less than or equal to 7 days duration (19.0 d), 7-14 days duration (30.0 d), greater than 14 days duration (44.0 d), onset of symptoms less than or equal to 7 days (20.0 d), and onset of symptoms 7-14 days (27.0 d) were statistically significant (log-rank p ≤ 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression showed nursing home residents, coronary artery disease, and invasive mechanical ventilation were independently associated with mortality. Methylprednisolone was associated with reduced mortality compared with no methylprednisolone (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.27-0.59; p < 0.001) but no added benefit with high dose. Low-dose methylprednisolone for 7-14 days was associated with reduced mortality compared with less than or equal to 7 days (hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22-0.91; p = 0.0273), and no additional benefit if greater than 14 days (hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.60-2.69; p = 0.5434). Combination therapy with tocilizumab was associated with reduced mortality over monotherapy (p < 0.0116). CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose methylprednisolone was associated with reduced mortality if given greater than 7 days from onset of symptoms, and no additional benefit greater than 14 days. High dose was associated with higher mortality.