Electron Spectroscopy and Microscopy: A Window into the Surface Electronic Properties of Polycrystalline Metal Halide Perovskites.

In the past years, an increasing number of experimental techniques have emerged to address the need to unveil the chemical, structural, and electronic properties of perovskite thin films with high vertical and lateral spatial resolutions. One of these is angle-resolved photoemission electron spectroscopy which can provide direct access to the electronic band structure of perovskites, with the aim of overcoming elusive and controversial information due to the complex data interpretation of purely optical spectroscopic techniques. This perspective looks at the information that can be gleaned from the direct measurement of the electronic band structure of single crystal perovskites and the challenges that remain to be overcame to extend this technique to heterogeneous polycrystalline metal halide perovskites.

How Photogenerated I2 Induces I-Rich Phase Formation in Lead Mixed Halide Perovskites.

Bandgap tunability of lead mixed halide perovskites (LMHPs) is a crucial characteristic for versatile optoelectronic applications. Nevertheless, LMHPs show the formation of iodide-rich (I-rich) phase under illumination, which destabilizes the semiconductor bandgap and impedes their exploitation. Here, it is shown that how I2 , photogenerated upon charge carrier trapping at iodine interstitials in LMHPs, can promote the formation of I-rich phase. I2 can react with bromide (Br- ) in the perovskite to form a trihalide ion I2 Br- (Iδ- -Iδ+ -Brδ- ), whose negatively charged iodide (Iδ- ) can further exchange with another lattice Br- to form the I-rich phase. Importantly, it is observed that the effectiveness of the process is dependent on the overall stability of the crystalline perovskite structure. Therefore, the bandgap instability in LMHPs is governed by two factors, i.e., the density of native defects leading to I2 production and the Br- binding strength within the crystalline unit. Eventually, this study provides rules for the design of chemical composition in LMHPs to reach their full potential for optoelectronic devices.

High-Riding Inominate Artery: Challenge During Tracheostomy.

An aberrant vessel presenting as a pulsatile neck mass poses a significant challenge intraoperatively if overlooked during the pre-operative period. We present a case of a high-riding innominate artery (HRIA) just above the suprasternal notch, with the right common carotid artery crossing the midline just inferior to the thyroid gland in a 72-year-old lady referred for tracheostomy. The surgeon operating on the anterior part of the neck must be aware of the HRIA and equipped with sufficient knowledge of interventions that may be adapted to prevent injury. We aim to highlight the importance of careful investigations of subtle signs which may lead to the diagnosis and treatment with a review of various interventions for this unusual condition.

Effects of high incubation temperature on tight junction proteins in the yolk sac and small intestine of embryonic broilers.

During the transition from incubation to hatch, the chicks shift from obtaining nutrients from the yolk sac to the intestine. The yolk sac tissue (YST) and small intestine serve as biological barriers between the yolk or gut contents and the blood circulation. These barriers must maintain structural integrity for optimal nutrient uptake as well as protection from pathogens. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of high incubation temperature on mRNA abundance of the tight junction (TJ) proteins zona occludens 1 (ZO1), occludin (OCLN), claudin 1 (CLDN1), and junctional adhesion molecules A and 2 (JAMA, JAM2) and the heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP90) in the YST and small intestine of embryonic broilers. Broiler eggs were incubated at 37.5°C. On embryonic day 12 (E12), half of the eggs were switched to 39.5°C. YST samples were collected from E7 to day of hatch (DOH), while small intestinal samples were collected from E17 to DOH. The temporal expression of TJ protein mRNA from E7 to DOH at 37.5°C and the effect of incubation temperature from E13 to DOH were analyzed by one-way and two-way ANOVA, respectively and Tukey's test. Significance was set at P < 0.05. The temporal expression pattern of ZO1, OCLN, and CLDN1 mRNA showed a pattern of decreased expression from E7 to E13 followed by an increase to DOH. High incubation temperature caused an upregulation of ZO1 and JAM2 mRNA in the YST and small intestine. Using in situ hybridization, OCLN and JAMA mRNA were detected in the epithelial cells of the YST. In addition, JAMA mRNA was detected in epithelial cells of the small intestine, whereas JAM2 mRNA was detected in the vascular system of the villi and lamina propria. In conclusion, the YST expressed mRNA for TJ proteins and high incubation temperature increased ZO1 and JAM2 mRNA. This suggests that the TJ in the vasculature of the YST and intestine is affected by high incubation temperature.

Defect Engineering to Achieve Photostable Wide Bandgap Metal Halide Perovskites.

Bandgap tuning is a crucial characteristic of metal-halide perovskites, with benchmark lead-iodide compounds having a bandgap of 1.6 eV. To increase the bandgap up to 2.0 eV, a straightforward strategy is to partially substitute iodide with bromide in so-called mixed-halide lead perovskites. Such compounds are prone, however, to light-induced halide segregation resulting in bandgap instability, which limits their application in tandem solar cells and a variety of optoelectronic devices. Crystallinity improvement and surface passivation strategies can effectively slow down, but not completely stop, such light-induced instability. Here we identify the defects and the intragap electronic states that trigger the material transformation and bandgap shift. Based on such knowledge, we engineer the perovskite band edge energetics by replacing lead with tin and radically deactivate the photoactivity of such defects. This leads to metal halide perovskites with a photostable bandgap over a wide spectral range and associated solar cells with photostable open circuit voltages.

Research Note: Junctional adhesion molecule A is expressed in epithelial cells of the crypt and villi whereas junctional adhesion molecule 2 is expressed in vascular cells.

A functional intestinal barrier is essential for a healthy intestine. This barrier includes an apical tight junctional complex between adjacent intestinal epithelial cells. The tight junctions (TJ) are multiprotein junctional complexes that consist of a number of members of the occludin, claudin, zona occludens, and junctional adhesion molecule families. The mRNA expression of junctional adhesin molecule A (JAMA) and junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) are 2 TJ mRNAs that are often used to assess intestinal barrier integrity. The objective of this study was to use in situ hybridization to identify cells that express JAMA and JAM2 mRNA in the small intestine of chickens. In the jejunum of a 21 d old broiler, JAMA mRNA was highly expressed in the epithelial cells of the villi and crypt. By contrast, JAM2 mRNA was located in the vascular system in the center of the villi and in the lamina propria. These results demonstrate that JAMA and not JAM2 is the appropriate gene to use when assessing TJ between intestinal epithelial cells.

Structural effects on the luminescence properties of CsPbI3 nanocrystals.

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are promising for photovoltaic and light-emitting applications. Due to the softness of their crystal lattice, structural modifications have a critical impact on their optoelectronic properties. Here we investigate the size-dependent optoelectronic properties of CsPbI3 NCs ranging from 7 to 17 nm, employing temperature and pressure as thermodynamic variables to modulate the energetics of the system and selectively tune the interatomic distances. By temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy, we have found that luminescence quenching channels exhibit increased non-radiative losses and weaker exciton-phonon coupling in bigger particles, in turn affecting the luminescence efficiency. Through pressure-dependent measurements up to 2.5 GPa, supported by XRD characterization, we revealed a NC-size dependent solid-solid phase transition from the γ-phase to the δ-phase. Importantly, the optical response to these structural changes strongly depends on the size of the NC. Our findings provide an interesting guideline to correlate the size and structural and optoelectronic properties of CsPbI3 NCs, important for engineering the functionalities of this class of soft semiconductors.

A novel approach using electroacupuncture for erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Research shows that electrical stimulation to damaged peripheral nerves has promising effects on nerve regeneration and recovery of function. DESCRIPTION: A 71 yr. old male, who was 12 months post left intrafacial and right incremental nerve sparing robotic radical prostatectomy received 6 sessions of sacral electroacupuncture/acupuncture at weekly intervals, commencing 12 months post operatively. METHODS: CARE guidelines informed the case study report. Positive changes in erectile function after electroacupuncture was recorded using validated scores (IIEF-5 and EHS). Qualitative information was collected via a feedback box. DISCUSSION: Given that current treatments for post radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction are invasive and largely unsuccessful, further investigation into electroacupuncture for this population should be pursued.

Ten-year refractive and visual outcomes of intraocular lens implantation in infants with congenital cataract.

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus regarding optimal target refraction after intraocular lens implantation in infants. This study aimed to clarify relationships of initial postoperative refraction with long-term refractive and visual outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective review included 14 infants (22 eyes) who underwent unilateral or bilateral cataract extraction and primary intraocular lens implantation before the age of 1 year. All infants had ≥10 years of follow-up. RESULTS: All eyes exhibited myopic shift over a mean follow-up period of 15.9 ± 2.8 years. The greatest myopic shift occurred in the first postoperative year (mean=-5.39 ± +3.50 dioptres [D]), but smaller amounts continued beyond the tenth year (mean=-2.64 ± +2.02 D between 10 years postoperatively and last follow-up). Total myopic shift at 10 years ranged from -21.88 to -3.75 D (mean=-11.62 ± +5.14 D). Younger age at operation was correlated with larger myopic shifts at 1 year (P=0.025) and 10 years (P=0.006) postoperatively. Immediate postoperative refraction was a predictor of spherical equivalent refraction at 1 year (P=0.015) but not at 10 years (P=0.116). Immediate postoperative refraction was negatively correlated with final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (P=0.018). Immediate postoperative refraction of ≥+7.00 D was correlated with worse final BCVA (P=0.029). CONCLUSION: Considerable variation in myopic shift hinders the prediction of long-term refractive outcomes in individual patients. When selecting target refraction in infants, low to moderate hyperopia (<+7.00 D) should be considered to balance the avoidance of high myopia in adulthood with the risk of worse long-term visual acuity related to high postoperative hyperopia.

A systematic review of interventions in the early course of bipolar disorder I or II: a report of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Taskforce on early intervention.

BACKGROUND: Given the likelihood of progressive illness in bipolar disorder (BD), it is important to understand the benefits and risks of interventions administered early in illness course. We conducted a systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions in the early course of BD I or II. METHODS: We completed a systematic search on MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL and Google Scholar from 1/1/1979 till 14/9/2022. We included controlled trials examining intervention effects on symptomatic, course, functional and tolerability outcomes of patients in the 'early course' of BD I or II. We classified patients to be in early course if they (a) were seeking help for the first time for a manic episode, (b) had a lifetime history of up to 3 manic episodes, or (c) had up to 6 lifetime mood episodes. Evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: From 4135 unique publications we included 25 reports representing 2212 participants in 16 randomized studies, and 17,714 participants from nine non-randomized studies. Available evidence suggested that in early illness course, lithium use was associated with lower recurrence risk compared with other mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers were also associated with better global functioning, compared with the use of antipsychotics in the medium term. While summative findings regarding psychological therapies were limited by heterogeneity, family-focused and cognitive-behavioral interventions were associated with reduced recurrence risk or improved symptomatic outcomes. There was some evidence that the same pharmacological interventions were more efficacious in preventing recurrences when utilized in earlier rather than later illness course. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: While there are promising initial findings, there is a need for more adequately powered trials to examine the efficacy and tolerability of interventions in youth and adults in early illness course. Specifically, there is a compelling need to compare the relative benefits of lithium with other pharmacological agents in preventing recurrences. In addition to symptomatic outcomes, there should be a greater focus on functional impact and tolerability. Effective pharmacological and psychological interventions should be offered to those in early course of BD, balancing potential risks using shared decision-making approaches.

Temporal expression of avian ß defensin 10 and cathelicidins in the yolk sac tissue of broiler and layer embryos.

The yolk sac is a multifunctional organ, which not only participates in nutrient absorption, but also plays an important role in immune function. The objective of this study was to compare the mRNA abundance of avian ß-defensin 10 (AvBD10) and 3 cathelicidins (CATH1, CATH2, and CATH3) in the yolk sac tissue (YST) of commercial broilers and white egg and brown egg commercial layers. AvBD10 and CATH mRNA abundance was analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test, with P < 0.05 being considered significant. AvBD10 and CATH mRNA showed similar temporal expression patterns in the YST of both broiler and layers, with an increase from embryonic day (E) 7 to E9 through E13 followed by a decrease to day of hatch. AvBD10 mRNA showed a breed × age interaction with greater expression in the YST of both layers compared to broilers at E9 and E11. CATH1 mRNA was greater in the YST of brown egg layers than broilers. CATH2 mRNA showed a breed × age interaction, with greater expression in the YST of brown egg layers than broilers at E11. CATH3 mRNA showed no difference in the YST between layers and broilers. Because broilers and brown egg layers are genetically related, these results show that selection for production parameters (broiler vs. layer) and not genetic relatedness (white egg layer vs. brown egg layer and broilers) is the basis for the differences in AvBD10, CATH1, and CATH2 mRNA in the YST of broilers and layers. The yolk-free body weights of broiler embryos were greater than that of both brown and white egg layers from E9 to 17. One possible explanation is that the reduced expression of AvBD10, CATH1 and CATH2 mRNA in the YST of broilers compared to layers at E9 and 11 may be due to faster embryonic growth at the expense of host defense peptide expression in broilers compared to layers.

Near-Monochromatic Tuneable Cryogenic Niobium Electron Field Emitter.

Creating, manipulating, and detecting coherent electrons is at the heart of future quantum microscopy and spectroscopy technologies. Leveraging and specifically altering the quantum features of an electron beam source at low temperatures can enhance its emission properties. Here, we describe electron field emission from a monocrystalline, superconducting niobium nanotip at a temperature of 5.9 K. The emitted electron energy spectrum reveals an ultranarrow distribution down to 16 meV due to tunable resonant tunneling field emission via localized band states at a nanoprotrusion's apex and a cutoff at the sharp low-temperature Fermi edge. This is an order of magnitude lower than for conventional field emission electron sources. The self-focusing geometry of the tip leads to emission in an angle of 3.7°, a reduced brightness of 3.8×10^{8} A/(m^{2} sr V), and a stability of hours at 4.1 nA beam current and 69 meV energy width. This source will decrease the impact of lens aberration and enable new modes in low-energy electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and high-resolution vibrational spectroscopy.

Anxiety, depression and stress among internally displaced persons and host community in an armed conflict region: A comparative study.

This study compares the psychological profile of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and individuals living in host communities in the war-affected setting. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from October-November 2019. Subjects were recruited from six IDPs camps and the surrounding host communities within the metropolis of Maiduguri, Nigeria by convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Hausa version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, and analysed by logistic regression using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% Confidence Interval (CI). A total of 562 subjects were recruited. Living in IDP camp was the most significantly predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. The common predictors were living in an IDP camp, and marital status (separated). Aged 18-29years was a protective factor compared to those ≥50years. Living in IDP camps, separated from partners, lack of education and pre-conflict employment were significant predictors of depression, anxiety and stress.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric properties of the Hausa version of the Insomnia Severity Index among internally displaced persons in Africa.

BACKGROUND: Although sleep disturbances and insomnia are common among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), these disorders remain largely understudied among victims fleeing ethnoreligious genocide. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), though a widely used measure of insomnia, has not been translated, cross-culturally adapted, nor validated in common African languages. This paper aimed to translate, adapt and validate the ISI scale into Hausa, the most widely spoken non-Indo-European language in African continent. METHODS: A six-stage validation model was used for the translation and adaptation of the ISI into Hausa [(ISI-Hausa), Item-Content Validity Index (I-CVI)=0.9 to 1.0]. The tool was administered among IDPs residing in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria, from October to November 2019. A total of 281 participants from six camps were recruited via convenience sampling. The psychometric properties of the scale were assessed using an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Cronbach's alpha (α) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) for determining factor structure, internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. RESULTS: Exploratory factor reduction resulted in a two-factor solution, with " severity of insomnia " identified as the construct for Factor 1 and " impact of insomnia " as the construct for Factor 2. Factor 1 consisted of four scale items and Factor 2 consisted of three items. Factor loadings for each item ranged from 0.535-0.812. The scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α=0.72) and good test-retest reliability (ICC=0.72) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The ISI-Hausa scale is a psychometrically sound and culturally relevant tool for assessing the severity and impact of insomnia among Hausa speaking IDPs in Africa.

Thoracic ultrasound for TB diagnosis in adults and children.

Thoracic ultrasound is an appealing alternative to chest radiography for the diagnosis of TB. Based on research experience conducting thoracic ultrasound for adults and children in South Africa, three key considerations for potential scale-up were identified. First, thoracic ultrasound requires a comprehensive training programme for novice users; artificial intelligence may be used to simplify training and interpretation. Second, a robust ultrasound device is needed with good subpleural resolution and a probe suitable for children. Third, comprehensive scanning of the lungs is time-intensive, and shorter scanning protocols may be more feasible in clinical practice.

L'échographie thoracique est une alternative attrayante à la radiographie pulmonaire pour le diagnostic de la TB. En prenant appui sur l'expérience acquise lors d'études ayant utilisé l'échographie thoracique chez l'adulte et l'enfant en Afrique du Sud, trois considérations clés pour une éventuelle utilisation accrue de cet outil ont été identifiées. Premièrement, tout nouvel utilisateur d'un échographe thoracique doit suivre un programme de formation exhaustif. L'intelligence artificielle pourrait être utilisée pour simplifier la formation et l'interprétation des résultats. Deuxièmement, un échographe de qualité est nécessaire, avec une bonne résolution sous-pleurale et une sonde adaptée à l'enfant. Troisièmement, une scannographie exhaustive des poumons est chronophage ; des protocoles de scannographie plus courts pourraient être plus faciles en pratique clinique.