Decreased surface defects and non-radiative recombination via the passivation of the halide perovskite film by 2-thiophenecarboxylic acid in triple-cation perovskite solar cells.

Organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) attract great research interest due to their significant device performance and optoelectronic properties. However, reducing charge recombination and efficiency loss due to surface defects of the perovskite layer are still big issues to overcome for PSCs. Herein, we have employed a simple molecule, 2-thiophenecarboxylic acid (2TiCOOH), via post-treatment to passivate the uncoordinated Pb2+ on the perovskite film surface and improve the stability at the perovskite/Spiro-OMeTAD interface. The spectral results illustrate that the 2TiCOOH passivated devices exhibit higher carrier lifetime, charge extraction, and minimized defect induced recombination. Also, solar cells with 2TiCOOH show better charge collection, improved JSC, FF, and outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE). In addition, 2TiCOOH passivated solar cells show tremendously stable performance output with less than 1% PCE drop after 100 days. This work provides a facile surface passivation strategy for fabricating highly efficient, low cost, and stable perovskite solar cells, which can be used for large scale technology and commercialization.

Rubrene single crystal solar cells and the effect of crystallinity on interfacial recombination.

Single crystal studies provide a better understanding of the basic properties of organic photovoltaic devices. Therefore, in this work, rubrene single crystals with a thickness of 250 nm to 1000 nm were used to produce an inverted bilayer organic solar cell. Subsequently, polycrystalline rubrene (orthorhombic, triclinic) and amorphous bilayer solar cells of the same thickness as single crystals were studied to make comparisons across platforms. To investigate how single crystal, polycrystalline (triclinic-orthorhombic) and amorphous forms alter the charge carrier recombination mechanism at the rubrene/PCBM interface, light intensity measurements were carried out. The light intensity dependency of the JSC, VOC and FF parameters in organic solar cells with different forms of rubrene was determined. Monomolecular (Shockley Read Hall) recombination is observed in devices employing amorphous and polycrystalline rubrene in addition to bimolecular recombination, whereas the single crystal device is weakly affected by trap assisted SRH recombination due to reduced trap states at the donor acceptor interface. To date, the proposed work is the only systematic study examining transport and interface recombination mechanisms in organic solar cells produced by different structure forms of rubrene.

Anxiety and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Children Undergoing Esophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy Under Sedation.

OBJECTIVES: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) can cause fear and anxiety in children. Cortisol, which is the most important glucocorticoid hormone in humans, can increase under physiological stress. The purpose of this study was to measure the salivary cortisol level (SCL) and anxiety level in patients undergoing EGD and evaluate their effects on the procedure. METHODS: Children undergoing EGD under sedoanalgesia with propofol for various reasons were included. Their basal SCLs were compared with those of healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Moreover, SCL of the patient group at 30 minutes before EGD and 2 hours after the procedure were measured. Their anxiety scores were calculated using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale before EGD. Duration of endoscopy, sedation, and recovery and total propofol doses were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic properties of the patient group (n = 119; 10.9 ±â€Š3.2 years; 43.7% boys) and control group (n = 85; 11.8 ±â€Š2.8 years; 45.1% boys) were not significantly different. Basal SCLs of both groups were similar (16.9 ±â€Š0.7 vs 19.7 ±â€Š1.8 ng/mL, P = 0.16). SCL before EGD in the patient group was significantly higher than basal and post-EGD values (P < 0.001 for each). Pre-EGD SCL was positively correlated with anxiety level, propofol dose, and duration of sedation, procedure, and recovery. Anxiety levels of patients were positively correlated with propofol dose and duration of sedation and recovery, and negatively correlated with age. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood EGD is a significant stress factor, which was reflected by the pre-procedural SCL in this study. Increased anxiety resulted in increased propofol doses and sedoanalgesia-related procedural durations, which may cause potential complications.

The comparison of single-dose preemptive intravenous ibuprofen and paracetamol on postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption after open septorhinoplasty: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Septorhinoplasty is performed in combination with septoplasty and rhinoplasty operations and is characterized by severe postoperative pain. The aim of this study is to evaluate preemptive effects of intravenous (IV) ibuprofen and IV paracetamol on opioid consumption and pain scores after open septorhinoplasty. METHODS: The study included 150 patients who had undergone elective open septorhinoplasty. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups; Group Control (Group C, n = 50) received 100 ml saline solution, Group Paracetamol (Group P, n = 50) received 1000 mg IV paracetamol in 100 ml solution, and Group Ibuprofen (Group I, n = 50) received 800 mg IV ibuprofen in 100 ml saline before surgery. Postoperative analgesia was achieved by opioid administration via patient-controlled analgesia. Visual analog scores (VASs), postoperative opioid consumption, additional analgesic requirements, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with Group C, VASs in Group P and Group I were statistically lower at all time points (p < 0.05). VAS was lower in Group I than in Group P at postoperative, 1st and 6th hours (p < 0.05). Opioid consumption in Group C was highest in all groups at all time periods (p < 0.05). At the 0-6 and 6-12 time intervals, total opioid consumption was significantly lower in Group I compared to Group P (p < 0.05). Total opioid consumption was highest in Group C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study has indicated that ibuprofen has more analgesic effect than paracetamol during first 12 h, but there is a non-inferiority between ibuprofen and paracetamol after first 12 h.

Is surgery a risk factor for separation anxiety in children?

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative anxiety symptoms are distressing for both family and child. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of postoperative anxiety symptoms in children. METHODS: 60 children aged 6-12 undergoing surgery were included in the study group. The study group was assessed three times in terms of separation anxiety disorder (SAD), at the time of presentation, 1 and 3 months postoperatively. A personal information form and the SAD section of the K-SADS-PL on the basis of DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for screening SAD symptoms were used. RESULTS: Study group consisted of 19 girls (31.7%) and 41 boys (68.3%) (mean age 8.9 ± 2.3). Four (6.6%) of the cases at the time of presentation and 13 (21.6%) in the study group met SAD diagnostic criteria in 1 month and 21 (35.0%) in 3 months. Anxiety disorder symptoms were significantly higher in the study group at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). There is significant correlation between both SAD symptoms and duration of hospitalization. There was also a positive correlation between duration of hospitalization and parental education and SAD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Greater SAD was observed in children undergoing surgical procedures. It will be useful to physicians to consider SAD after surgery in pediatric patients especially when the level of parental education and duration of hospitalization increase. Since SAD may persist long after surgery, it may cause constant fear in personality disorders and lead to psychological problems by significantly lowering quality of life.

Vitamin D Levels of Anesthesia Personnel, Office Workers and Outdoor Workers in Ankara, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Anesthesia providers or support personnel working in operating rooms might be considered at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. There is a small amount of information about 25(OH)D levels in people who work mainly indoors as an operating room. This study aimed to investigate whether there was a higher vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency rate among anesthesia personnel working indoors when compared with personnel working in an office or outdoors in Ankara, Turkey (39 degrees North, 32 degrees East). METHODS: This study consisted of 125 volunteer anesthesia personnel and 60 subjects as control groups (30 outdoor workers and 30 office workers). All of the individuals completed a questionnaire. Serum levels of total 25(OH)D were measured by a chemiluminescent immunoassay method. RESULTS: 74.4% of anesthesia personnel and 76.6% of control group 1 (outdoor workers) and 76.6% of control group 2 (office workers) had serum 25(OH)D concentrations < 10 ng/mL. 20.8% of anesthesia personnel and 23.4% of control group 1 and 23.4% of control group 2 had serum 25(OH)D concentrations levels 10 - 20 ng/mL. 4.8% of anesthesia personnel had serum 25(OH)D concentration levels 21 - 30 ng/mL. There was no significant difference in the mean serum 25(OH)D level between the groups (Anesthesia group: 8.98 ± 4.89 ng/mL, Control group 1: 8.18 ± 2.39 ng/mL, Control group 2: 8.37 ± 3.01 ng/mL) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge the present study is the first study to investigate the comparison of vitamin D levels of anesthesia personnel with outdoor and office workers. Our findings alarmingly emphasize that vitamin D deficiency is very common at the end of winter in Ankara, regardless of being anesthesia personnel in operating room or a worker in office or an outdoor worker. Vitamin D supplementation may be suggested in all groups in Ankara.

Increased heart rate on first day in Intensive Care Unit is associated with increased mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of maximum HR during the first day of intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality. METHODS: Data of 850 patients over 45 years of age, who were hospitalized in ICU, was retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups; Group-I, patients with maximum HR<100/min Group-II, patients with maximum HR≥100/min on first day. The groups were compared regarding age, sex, use of beta-blockers, use of inotropic and vasopressor drugs, hemodynamic parameters, anemia, mechanical ventilation, length of hospitalization (ICU and total), mortality (ICU and total), and CHARLSON & APACHE-II scores. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 63±12 years and 86% were after non-cardiac surgery. Maximum HR was 83±11 in Group-I and 115±14/min in Group-II (p=0.002). Group-II patients had more frequent vasopressor and inotropic drugs usage, (p<0.001), anemia, mechanical ventilation (p<0.005), higher CHARLSON & APACHE-II scores, stayed longer in ICU and hospital, and had higher ICU and hospital mortality compared to group-I (p<0.05). APACHE-II scores and maximum HR<100/min were independent variables predicting ICU mortality in multivariate logistic regression analysis whereas usage of beta-blockers was not. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that maximum HR less than100/minute during the first day of ICU is associated with decreased mortality in Intensive Care Unit.

Pheniramine Maleate is more effective than Lidocaine on Fentanyl Induced Cough.

OBJECTIVE: Fentanyl is frequently used during anesthesia induction. The use of fentanyl can cause cough through different mechanisms. Here, we aimed to investigate effects of pheniramine maleate (PM), an antihistaminic agent, and compare it with lidocaine on fentanyl induced cough. METHODS: This is a randomized double-blind prospective clinical study of ASA I-II, 120 patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery. Patients were administered drugs intravenously and randomly allocated into three groups: Group C (2 ml 0.9 % normal saline), Group L (1mg/kg lidocaine), and Group F (PM 45.5 mg). 90 seconds after administration, 2µ/kg fentanyl was applied in three seconds to all patients. Severity of cough (mild: 1-2, moderate: 3-5, severe> 5), time of the cough and vital parameters were recorded 90 seconds after fentanyl injection. RESULTS: Eight patients (25%) in Group C had fentanyl induced cough whereas three patients (7.5%) in Group L and one patient (2.5%) in Group F experienced this phenomenon. There was statistically significant difference between Group F and Group C (p<0.05); however, differences between Group L and Group C or Group F and Group L were not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pheniramine Maleate 45.5 mg is better that placebo and as effective as lidocaine to prevent fentanyl induced cough.

Comparison of the Baska and I-gel supraglottic airway devices: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal masks are increasingly used in place of endotracheal intubation or face masks for maintaining the airway during surgery. OBJECTIVES: Compare the insertion time and other features of the Baska and I-gel masks in patients undergoing general anesthesia for urological surgery. DESIGN: Randomized-controlled, single-blind study. SETTINGS: Urology surgical operating rooms of a tertiary care hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We enrolled concomitant patients whose surgery was expected to last less than two hours. Following premedication and adequate relaxation, subjects were randomly allocated to the I-gel mask or the Baska mask. Computer-generated random numbers were used for randomization with sealed opaque envelopes for allocation concealment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure of the study was the time required for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion. Also, the number of device placement attempts, the number of postoperative signs and symptoms (cough, breath holding, laryngeal spasm, lip trauma, blood on the mask), and laryngopharyngeal morbidity scores at 1 and 24 hours postoperatively. SAMPLE SIZE: 211 met inclusion criteria, 200 participants completed the study. RESULTS: Compared to I-gel, the Baska mask required a longer time for insertion, and its airway pressure was higher. The median (minimum-maximum) duration of LMA insertion in the Baska and I-gel groups was 14 (6-25) and 7 (5-12) seconds, respectively (z=-10.934; P<.001). The mean (SD) airway pressures were significantly different between the two groups (15.8 [1.9] and 14.9 [1.7] cm/H2O for Baska and I-gel, respectively; t=3.668; P<.001). Seal pressure was not significantly different between the groups (0.08 [0.2] vs. 0.07 [0.2] cm/H2O in the Baska and I-gel groups, respectively, (t=1.35; P=.194). CONCLUSIONS: The Baska and I-gel masks are similar in most respects. Both have reasonably acceptable insertion times and can be used for selected surgical procedures. LIMITATIONS: The requirement for more vigorous training is a limitation of the Baska mask. Results could differ with patients younger than 18 years of age or obese patients. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: Not registered.

Preparatory information reduces gastroscopy-related stress in children as confirmed by salivary cortisol.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to determine whether the anxiety levels of pediatric patients who undergo endoscopy are reduced after receiving preparatory information about the endoscopic procedure by monitoring their salivary cortisol (s-cortisol) levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 184 children undergoing gastroscopy under sedoanalgesia were included in the study. All the patients received a brief explanation of the endoscopic procedure. Patients were divided into two groups; Group Unexplained did not receive any further information other than a brief explanation of the procedure, Group Explained received more detailed explanation of the procedure. To determine anxiety levels, saliva specimens were taken on the day before the procedure to examine cortisol levels before and after endoscopy. Anxiety scores before endoscopy were calculated by the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. Patients were monitored throughout sedoanalgesia, including during the endoscopy, sedation and recovery, and total propofol dosages were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-nine children undergoing gastroscopy (age 11.55 ± 2.52 years; 50.5% girls) constituted Group Explained and 95 children undergoing gastroscopy (age 11.44 ± 2.66 years; 56.8% male) constituted Group Unexplained. The anxiety score, duration of sedation, endoscopy and recovery, propofol dose, pre- and post-endoscopy s-cortisol levels were significantly reduced in Group Explained. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that when endoscopic procedure is explained broadly to a child, the procedural stress is significantly less, as measured by the s-cortisol levels and the anxiety questionnaire. It is important for the attending physician to explain all aspects of examination carefully.

Structural and spectroscopic characterization of a new luminescent NiII complex: bis{2,4-dichloro-6-[(2-hydroxypropyl)iminomethyl]phenolato-κ3O,N,O'}nickel(II).

The design and preparation of transition-metal complexes with Schiff base ligands are of interest due to their potential applications in the fields of molecular magnetism, nonlinear optics, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), sensing and photoluminescence. Luminescent metal complexes have been suggested as potential phosphors in electroluminescent devices. A new luminescent nickel(II) complex, [Ni(C10H10Cl2NO2)2], has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis, UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and photoluminescence spectroscopies, and LC-MS/MS. Molecules of the complex in the crystals lie on special positions, on crystallographic binary rotation axes. The NiII atoms are six-coordinated by two phenolate O, two imine N and two hydroxy O atoms from two tridentate Schiff base 2,4-dichloro-6-[(2-hydroxypropyl)iminomethyl]phenolate ligands, forming an elongated octahedral geometry. Furthermore, the complex exhibits a strong green luminescence emission in the solid state at room temperature, as can be seen from the (CIE) chromaticity diagram, and hence the complex may be a promising green OLED (organic light-emitting diode) in the development of electroluminescent materials for flat-panel-display applications.

Enhanced Device Efficiency and Long-Term Stability via Boronic Acid-Based Self-Assembled Monolayer Modification of Indium Tin Oxide in a Planar Perovskite Solar Cell.

Interfacial engineering is essential for the development of highly efficient and stable solar cells through minimizing energetic losses at interfaces. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been shown as a handle to tune the work function (WF) of indium tin oxide (ITO), improving photovoltaic cell performance and device stability. In this study, we utilize a new class of boronic acid-based fluorine-terminated SAMs to modify ITO surfaces in planar perovskite solar cells. The SAM treatment demonstrates an increase of the WF of ITO, an enhancement of the short-circuit current, and a passivation of trap states at the ITO/[poly(3,4ethylenedioxylenethiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid)] interface. Device stability improves upon SAM modification, with efficiency decreasing only 20% after one month. Our work highlights a simple treatment route to achieve hysteresis-free, reproducible, stable, and highly efficient (16%) planar perovskite solar cells.

Microstructural differences between single-species and dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Veillonella parvula, before and after exposure to chlorhexidine.

Dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Veillonella parvula are less susceptible to antimicrobials than single-species biofilms of the same microorganisms. The microstructure of single and dual-species biofilms of S. mutans and/or V. parvula was visualized to find out whether the spatial arrangement of bacteria in biofilms is related to survival strategies against antimicrobials. Biofilms were grown in glass-bottomed 96-well microtiter plates and exposed to chlorhexidine at 48 h. Fluorescent probes were used for staining. The microstructure of biofilms was analyzed by confocal scanning laser microscopy at 48, 96, 192, and 264 h. Spatial arrangement analysis was performed using DAIME software for 48 h biofilms. A decrease in the viability and thickness in all types of biofilms was detected after chlorhexidine treatment in time. In untreated biofilms, clustering was observed. In chlorhexidine-treated single-species biofilms, bacteria were dispersed. However, the most prominent clustering was observed in chlorhexidine-treated dual-species biofilm bacteria, which had a higher survival rate compared with chlorhexidine-treated single-species biofilms. Bacteria in dual-species biofilms establish a specific spatial arrangement, forming clusters within distances below 1.2 microm as a survival strategy against antimicrobials while the same bacteria lack this defensive construction in a single-species biofilm.

Various clinical conditions can mimic Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in pediatric patients in endemic regions.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne disease with high mortality. Many disorders can mimic CCHF. It is important to recognize the condition and to perform differential diagnosis in endemic countries. Twenty-one children aged 18 years or less with a preliminary diagnosis of CCHF were retrospectively evaluated. Real-time PCR and a confirmatory indirect immunofluorescence assay for negative results were performed. The diagnoses determined that 9 patients had (42.9%) CCHF; 7 patients had (33.3%) viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTI); 2 patients had (9.5%) brucellosis; 1 patients had (4.7%) periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome episode; 1 patient had (4.7%) cerebral palsy, diabetes insipidus, acute gastroenteritis, and hypernatremic dehydration; and 1 patient had (4.7%) cellulitis after a tick bite. The mean age of patients with CCHF was greater than that of the other patients (116.1±53.6 vs. 94.1±52.1 months, p=0.02). Seventeen (81%) of the children included had a history of tick bites, 2 (9.5%) had a history of contact with a patient with CCHF, and 2 (9.5%) had no exposure, but were living in an endemic region. Three patients had an underlying disorder: cerebral palsy and diabetes insipidus, epilepsy, or PFAPA. All of the children experienced fever. Other frequent symptoms were malaise, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, but none of these differed statistically between the patient groups. CCHF patients had a longer mean duration of symptoms (10.56±1.42 vs. 6.75±3.62 days, p=0.008) and a longer mean length of hospitalization (8.00±2.08 vs. 3.58±1.56 days, p<0.001) than the other patients. At laboratory examination, patients with CCHF had statistically significant lower leukocyte and platelet counts, more prolonged coagulation parameters, and greater AST, ALT, LDH, and CK levels than the other patients. No mortality or complications occurred in the study. Both infectious causes, such as URTI, cellulitis, and brucellosis, and non-infectious causes may resemble CCHF. Although they are not pathognomonic, some indicators, including a longer symptom duration and hospitalization, cytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, creatine kinase and prolonged coagulation parameters, were found to be in favor of CCHF.

Giant vulvar schwannoma: a case report.

Schwannoma is a solitary, slow growing,  benign tumour of the peripheral  nerve sheath, and it is most common locations are the head, neck, the flexor surfaces of the extremities, retroperitoneal and posterior mediastinium. External female genital organs are the least common location site of the schwannoma. Only a few cases of vulvar schwannoma have been reported.We report 65 year- old woman presented with a left vulvar swelling, which had been present for several years. The tumor size is 15x12 cm and slowly increased but it prevent patient activities such as walking and sitting. The tumor was resected for treatment and the histological examination confirmed to be a vulvar schwannoma. In our best knowledge, vulvar schwannoma in this case is the largest size in the literature.  

Differences between single- and dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Veillonella parvula in growth, acidogenicity and susceptibility to chlorhexidine.

Streptococcus mutans, considered a primary pathogen in dental caries, thrives in dental plaque, which is a multispecies biofilm. Metabolic interactions between S. mutans and Veillonella parvula have been suggested. In this study we developed a biofilm model to quantify single-species (S. mutans or V. parvula) and dual-species (S. mutans and V. parvula) biofilm formation, and we identified the differences between the respective biofilms in terms of growth, acid formation, and response to chlorhexidine. Polystyrene 96-well microtiter plates were used for biofilm formation. These biofilms were exposed to various chlorhexidine concentrations (0.025-0.4 mg ml(-1)) and treatment conditions. Growth of the biofilms and the effects of chlorhexidine were evaluated by viable counts. Viability of the two species in all biofilm types was similar ( approximately 10(8) colony-forming units per well) after 72 h. Lactic acid accumulation of dual-species biofilms was significantly lower at 48 and 72 h than single-species biofilms of S. mutans. Dual-species biofilms were less susceptible to chlorhexidine than single-species biofilms when a neutralization step was included. These results indicate that bacteria in dual-species biofilms have different properties from bacteria in single-species biofilms.