Effect of fabrication process on contact resistance and channel in graphene field effect transistors.

Contact resistance, as one of the main parameters that limits the performance of graphene-based transistors, is highly dependent on the metal-graphene contact fabrication processes. These processes are investigated and the corresponding resistances are measured based on the transfer length method (TLM). In fabrication processes, when annealing is done on chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene samples that are transferred onto SiO2/Si substrates, the adhesion of graphene to the substrate is improved, and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) residues are also reduced. When the metal deposition layer is first applied to the graphene, and then, the photolithography process is performed to define the electrodes and graphene sheet, the graphene-metal contact resistance is better than that in other methods due to the removal of photoresist residues. In fact, by changing the sequence of the fabrication process steps, the direct contact between photoresist and graphene surface can be prevented. Thus, the contact resistance is reduced and conductivity increases, and in this way, the performance of graphene transistor improves. The results show that the fabrication process has a noticeable effect on the transistor properties such as contact resistance, channel sheet resistance, and conductivity.| Here, by using the annealing process and changing the order of photolithography processes, a contact resistance of 470 Ω µm is obtained for Ni-graphene contact, which is relatively favorable.

Predictors of Treatment Success After Periprosthetic Joint Infection: 24-Month Follow up From a Multicenter Prospective Observational Cohort Study of 653 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating condition and there is a lack of evidence to guide its management. We hypothesized that treatment success is independently associated with modifiable variables in surgical and antibiotic management. METHODS: The is a prospective, observational study at 27 hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. Newly diagnosed large joint PJIs were eligible. Data were collected at baseline and at 3, 12, and 24 months. The main outcome measures at 24 months were clinical cure (defined as all of the following: alive, absence of clinical or microbiological evidence of infection, and not requiring ongoing antibiotic therapy) and treatment success (clinical cure plus index prosthesis still in place). RESULTS: Twenty-four-month outcome data were available for 653 patients. Overall, 449 patients (69%) experienced clinical cure and 350 (54%) had treatment success. The most common treatment strategy was debridement and implant retention (DAIR), with success rates highest in early postimplant infections (119 of 160, 74%) and lower in late acute (132 of 267, 49%) and chronic (63 of 142, 44%) infections. Selected comorbidities, knee joint, and Staphylococcus aureus infections were independently associated with treatment failure, but antibiotic choice and duration (including rifampicin use) and extent of debridement were not. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment success in PJI is associated with (1) selecting the appropriate treatment strategy and (2) nonmodifiable patient and infection factors. Interdisciplinary decision making that matches an individual patient to an appropriate management strategy is a critical step for PJI management. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the role of rifampicin in patients managed with DAIR and the optimal surgical strategy for late-acute PJI.

Five-year outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty: A retrospective study.

Introduction: Studies have shown the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) as adjuvant therapy during short-term follow-up. However, few studies have assessed the long-term efficacy of SLT on preventing worsening Humphrey visual field (HVF) parameters and thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) with continued medical therapy. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 51 eyes of 39 patients with glaucoma treated with SLT at Boston Medical Center between 2012 and 2016 with 3- and 5-year follow-up. Outcome measures included IOP, visual acuity, number of glaucoma medications, number of months to subsequent surgical intervention. HVF outcome measures included mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) outcome measures included RNFL mean thickness, and superior and inferior thicknesses. Results: Twenty-five eyes received subsequent surgical intervention (mean time to intervention = 33.6 ± 20.0 months). In the eyes that did not receive another intervention, mean IOP was significantly decreased by 3.2 and 3.5 mmHg at 3- and 5-year after SLT, respectively. Mean number of glaucoma medications was significantly increased at 5-year (2.7 ± 1.6; P = 0.04), compared to pre-SLT (2.0 ± 1.1). Mean HVF MD was significantly higher at 5-year (-7.64 ± 6.57 dB) compared to pre-SLT (-5.61 ± 3.90 dB). Mean PSD significantly increased at 3-year (5.30 ± 2.91 dB) and 5-year (6.84 ± 2.62 dB), compared to pre-SLT (4.63 ± 2.70 dB; P = 0.04 and ≤0.01, respectively). On OCT, inferior quadrant RNFL thickness decreased significantly at 5-year (88.5 ± 19.3 µm), compared to pre-SLT (94.0 ± 23.2 µm). Discussion: Although 51% of eyes had IOP controlled at 5-year post-SLT, mean number of glaucoma medications was significantly higher. Also, there was progression of MD and PSD on HVF and inferior quadrant thinning on OCT at 5-year. We found a significant association between age at SLT and risk of subsequent surgical intervention over 5-year follow-up. Our study adds to our understanding of long-term outcomes of adjuvant SLT for glaucoma patients receiving medical therapy.

Real-World Clinical Impact of Netarsudil 0.02% at an Urban Safety-Net Hospital.

Purpose: To analyze the efficacy, safety, and accessibility of netarsudil 0.02% in patients with glaucoma (suspect, open or closed) at a safety-net academic medical center, Boston Medical Center (BMC). Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients prescribed netarsudil 0.02% for uncontrolled glaucoma at BMC between December 2017 and September 2019. Outcome measures included change in intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline and evaluation of adverse events (AEs). Results: One hundred thirty patients (60% severe stage) were analyzed. The IOP reduction from baseline was about 3 mmHg. Fifty-four patients (42%) experienced an AE (eg, conjunctival hyperemia). Thirty-eight patients (29%) started netarsudil 0.02% in lieu of laser or surgery. Ninety-nine patients (71%) required prior authorization for insurance coverage of netarsudil 0.02%. Ten patients (7%) were unable to obtain netarsudil 0.02% due to issues with insurance coverage. Conclusion: Netarsudil 0.02% yielded significant IOP reduction in our cohort, however, to a smaller degree compared with prior studies that bore equivocal IOP reduction regardless of baseline IOP. Conjunctival hyperemia was the most common AE. In a limited number of patients, netarsudil 0.02% was not covered by insurance.

Clinical Characteristics, Etiology, and Initial Management Strategy of Newly Diagnosed Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Multicenter, Prospective Observational Cohort Study of 783 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of joint replacement surgery. Most observational studies of PJI are retrospective or single-center, and reported management approaches and outcomes vary widely. We hypothesized that there would be substantial heterogeneity in PJI management and that most PJIs would present as late acute infections occurring as a consequence of bloodstream infections. METHODS: The Prosthetic joint Infection in Australia and New Zealand, Observational (PIANO) study is a prospective study at 27 hospitals. From July 2014 through December 2017, we enrolled all adults with a newly diagnosed PJI of a large joint. We collected data on demographics, microbiology, and surgical and antibiotic management over the first 3 months postpresentation. RESULTS: We enrolled 783 patients (427 knee, 323 hip, 25 shoulder, 6 elbow, and 2 ankle). The mode of presentation was late acute (>30 days postimplantation and <7 days of symptoms; 351, 45%), followed by early (≤30 days postimplantation; 196, 25%) and chronic (>30 days postimplantation with ≥30 days of symptoms; 148, 19%). Debridement, antibiotics, irrigation, and implant retention constituted the commonest initial management approach (565, 72%), but debridement was moderate or less in 142 (25%) and the polyethylene liner was not exchanged in 104 (23%). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to most studies, late acute infection was the most common mode of presentation, likely reflecting hematogenous seeding. Management was heterogeneous, reflecting the poor evidence base and the need for randomized controlled trials.

Combined Endocyclophotocoagulation and Phacoemulsification in Patients with Glaucoma of African Descent.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of combined endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) and phacoemulsification regarding vision, refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), medication dependence, and complications in patients of African descent. A retrospective chart review was performed including all cases of ECP combined with phacoemulsification from October 2015 to March 2017. Exclusion criteria consisted of patients who were not of African descent and patients with <1 month follow-up. IOP was the primary outcome. Thirty-two eyes of 29 patients were included in the study. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of IOP decreased from 17.30 ± 6.30 mmHg preoperatively to 15.88 ± 4.23 mmHg at the last postoperative visit (P = 0.301). In 2 of eight patients who did not demonstrate a difference in pre- and postoperative IOP changes, all IOP lowering medications were stopped. The mean ± SD of follow-up was 5.05 ± 4.08 months with a range of 1 to 18 months. The mean ± SD number of medications used for each patient for IOP control decreased from 2.59 ± 1.01 preoperatively to 1.97 ±1.38 (P = 0.045). Average visual acuity improved from 20/50 preoperatively to 20/25 (P = 0.002). Postoperative complication rate was low. ECP combined with phacoemulsification was effective to decrease IOP lowering medication dependence in patients of African descent. We found that combined ECP and phacoemulsification can lead to a significantly decreased dependence on IOP lowering drops, with some patients demonstrating complete independence from drops following surgery. Although there was not a significant decrease in IOP postoperatively when analyzed collectively, larger studies might to find such an association. Combined ECP and phacoemulsification has been shown to be a safe combination in patients with refractive glaucoma and may be considered if a patient desire less dependence on IOP lowering drops once other first-line methods have failed, or as a bridge between conservative and more definitive surgical treatment.

Epidemiological Survey of Human Dermatophytosis due to Zoophilic Species in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytosis is known as one of the most frequent cutaneous infections that lead to public health problems to human and animals. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of human dermatophytosis due to zoophilic species in Tehran, Iran from 2014 to 2015. METHODS: Overall, 3989 patients with clinically suspected fungal infections were studied. Samples of skin, hair, and nails were examined by direct examination and culture. Direct microscopic examination was performed by KOH 15% for skin, KOH and DMSO for nail clippings and lactophenol for hair. Specimens were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and mycobiotic agar. RESULTS: Of 3989 patients, 755 (19%) suffered from dermatophytosis. Out of isolated dermatophytes, 716 (94.8%) anthropophilic, 35 (4.6%) zoophilic and 4 (0.5%) were geophilic species. Among of 35 patients with zoophilic dermatophyte infections, 65.7% were female. The most common type of zoophilic dermatophytosis according to anatomical areas was tinea manuum (34.3%) followed by tinea faciei (22.9%), tinea pedis (20%). Trichophyton verrucosum (57.1%) was the most commonly causative agents of zoophilic dermatophyte infections followed by Microsporum canis (42.9%). CONCLUSION: Our study showed epidemiological trends in the etiology of the agents causing dermatophytosis have changed in Tehran. Although the prevalence of zoophilic species declined in recent years, due to the tendency of most people to change lifestyles and increased urbanization, promotion of public health care and identification of new preventive and therapeutic strategies are necessary.

Ptosis after glaucoma surgery.

PURPOSE: Evaluate factors contributing to ptosis after glaucoma surgery. METHODS: Three-year retrospective chart review from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2015, 157 eyes, 3 surgeons, at Boston Medical Center, to determine the incidence of ptosis and the effects of each variable contributing to ptosis at 3 months after surgery. Each variable was analyzed using the chi-square or independent samples t-test analysis to determine statistical significance of ptosis compared with above variables. RESULTS: The t-test or chi-square analysis showed that gender, steroid duration, use of mitomycin C, duration of surgery, and prior surgeries were not statistically significant factors for ptosis. There was a statistically significant association between those <70 years of age and ptosis (P<0.05), non-combined surgery and ptosis (P<0.05), shunting surgery and ptosis (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Ptotic changes occurred more often in those who have shunting (Ahmed and Baerveldt) surgeries compared with filtering (trabeculectomy and Express) surgeries.

Synergistic Effect of Blended Components in Nonaqueous Electrolytes for Lithium Ion Batteries.

Application of different electrolyte components as blends in nonaqueous electrolyte formulations represents a viable approach towards improving the overall performance and reliability of a lithium ion battery cell. By combining the advantages of different electrolyte constituents, cell chemistry can be optimized and tailored for a specific purpose. In this paper, the current progress on possibilities, advantages, as well as limitations of blended nonaqueous electrolyte formulations, including solvent, salt and additive blends is reviewed and discussed. Emphasis is set on the physicochemical, electrochemical, and safety aspects. In addition, the aim of this review is to provide perspective and possible strategy for further and future development of blended nonaqueous electrolytes with long life, high energy density, high power, and adequate safety at competitive manufacturing costs. The provided overview and perspective on blended nonaqueous electrolyte formulations should encourage researchers to proceed with further and deeper investigations in this promising field of advanced batteries.

Molecular Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms of Retinoids and Carotenoids in Alzheimer's Disease: a Review of Current Evidence.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered as one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive loss of mental function and ability to learn. AD is a multifactorial disorder. Various hypotheses are suggested for the pathophysiology of AD including "Aß hypothesis," "tau hypothesis," and "cholinergic hypothesis." Recently, it has been demonstrated that neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Neuroinflammation causes synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death within the brain. Excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators induces Aß peptide production/accumulation and hyperphosphorylated tau generating inflammatory molecules and cytokines. These inflammatory molecules disrupt blood-brain barrier integrity and increase the production of Aß42 oligomers. Retinoids and carotenoids are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents having neuroprotective properties. They are able to prevent disease progression through several mechanisms such as suppression of Aß peptide production/accumulation, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory mediator's secretion as well as improvement of cognitive performance. These observations, therefore, confirm the neuroprotective role of retinoids and carotenoids through multiple pathways. Therefore, the administration of these nutrients is considered as a promising approach to the prevention and/or treatment of AD in the future. The aim of this review is to present existing evidences regarding the beneficial effects of retinoids and carotenoids on AD's risk and outcomes, seeking the mechanism of their action.

Atomistic insights into deep eutectic electrolytes: the influence of urea on the electrolyte salt LiTFSI in view of electrochemical applications.

The influence of urea on the conducting salt lithium bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)-imide (LiTFSI) in terms of lithium ion coordination numbers and lithium ion transport properties is studied via atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Our results indicate that the presence of urea favors the formation of a deep eutectic electrolyte with pronounced ion conductivities which can be explained by a competition between urea and TFSI in occupying the first coordination shell around lithium ions. All simulation findings verify that high urea concentrations lead to a significant increase of ionic diffusivities and an occurrence of relatively high lithium transference numbers in good agreement with experimental results. The outcomes of our study point at the possible application of deep eutectic electrolytes as ion conducting materials in lithium ion batteries.

High Voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Li4Ti5O12 Lithium Ion Cells at Elevated Temperatures: Carbonate- versus Ionic Liquid-Based Electrolytes.

Thanks to its high operating voltage, the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) spinel represents a promising next-generation cathode material candidate for Lithium ion batteries. However, LNMO-based full-cells with organic carbonate solvent electrolytes suffer from severe capacity fading issues, associated with electrolyte decomposition and concurrent degradative reactions at the electrode/electrolyte interface, especially at elevated temperatures. As promising alternatives, two selected LiTFSI/pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethane-sulfonyl)imide room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) based electrolytes with inherent thermal stability were investigated in this work. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) profiles of the investigated LiTFSI/RTIL electrolytes display much higher oxidative stability compared to the state-of-the-art LiPF6/organic carbonate based electrolyte at elevated temperatures. Cycling performance of the LNMO/Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) full-cells with LiTFSI/RTIL electrolytes reveals remarkable improvements with respect to capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate maintained pristine morphology and structure of LNMO particles after 50 cycles at 0.5C. The investigated LiTFSI/RTIL based electrolytes outperform the LiPF6/organic carbonate-based electrolyte in terms of cycling performance in LNMO/LTO full-cells at elevated temperatures.

Fluorosis and periostitis deformans as complications of prolonged voriconazole treatment.

We describe a case of development of painful periostitis deformans in a 39-year-old woman who was receiving long-term voriconazole treatment for Aspergillus infection as a complication of orthotopic liver transplant. Measurement of fluoride levels strongly supports fluorosis to be the mechanism of the voriconazole-induced periostitis deformans and supports the concept that such measurements might be of use in predicting this complication of long-term voriconazole treatment.

The effect of single-dose administration of dexamethasone on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is considered as a reason of patient's delay in discharge and disability aggravation. Therefore, multimodal approaches have been suggested in order to mitigate pain and decrease postoperative side effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate analgesic effect of a single dose injection of dexamethasone on reducing postoperative pain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, prospective study, 122 patients aged 18-60 years old, whom were selected for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were classified into two case and control groups, and 61 patients were included in each group. The case (D) group underwent general anesthesia and a single- dose intravenous injection of dexamethasone. The Control (C) group received general anesthesia and intravenous injection of normal saline. Total dose of consumed meperidine and pain intensity during first 24 hours were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: No significant difference existed between two groups regarding age, sex, weight and operation time. Pain intensity in group D was significantly less than group C (P < 0.01) after two, six and 12 hoursof surgery. No significant difference existed in pain intensity between two groups at the beginning of and 24 hours after the surgery (P > 0.05). Meperidine consumption in group D was significantly less than group C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of present study showed that single dose of intravenous dexamethasone, led to less pain intensity and amounts of meperidine consumption, in comparison with placebo.

Heteroatom-free arene-cobalt and arene-iron catalysts for hydrogenations.

75 years after the discovery of hydroformylation, cobalt catalysts are now undergoing a renaissance in hydrogenation reactions. We have evaluated arene metalates in which the low-valent metal species is--conceptually different from heteroatom-based ligands--stabilized by π coordination to hydrocarbons. Potassium bis(anthracene)cobaltate 1 and -ferrate 2 can be viewed as synthetic precursors of quasi-"naked" anionic metal species; their aggregation is effectively impeded by (labile) coordination to the various π acceptors present in the hydrogenation reactions of unsaturated molecules (alkenes, arenes, carbonyl compounds). Kinetic studies, NMR spectroscopy, and poisoning studies of alkene hydrogenations support the formation of a homogeneous catalyst derived from 1 which is stabilized by the coordination of alkenes. This catalyst concept complements the use of complexes with heteroatom donor ligands for reductive processes.

A tetradentate metalloligand: synthesis and coordination behaviour of a 2-pyridyl-substituted cyclobutadiene iron complex.

The salt [K([18]crown-6){Cp*Fe(η(4)-C4py4)}] (K1, py = 2-pyridyl, Cp* = C5Me5) is accessible by the reaction of an iron(0) naphthalene precursor and bis(2-pyridyl)acetylene. Cyclic voltammetry and preparative investigations demonstrate the electron-rich nature of K1, which is reversibly oxidized to neutral [Cp*Fe(η(4)-C4py4)] (1) at a low potential. The first coordination studies with iron(II) and zinc(II) chloride show that all four 2-pyridyl units may be employed for metal coordination.

Long-term filtration and visual field outcomes after primary glaucoma triple procedure with and without mitomycin-C.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of glaucoma management in patients undergoing primary glaucoma triple procedure (PGTP) with and without adjunctive subconjunctival mitomycin-C (MMC). DESIGN: Case-controlled study. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 203 eyes of 203 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients who had undergone PGTP and in whom reliable Humphrey visual fields had been obtained both before and after surgery at 13.5 +/- 8.9 and 27.9 +/- 8.9 months, 124 of the 144 eyes that received MMC during surgery were matched to the other 59 eyes that did not with respect to cup-to-disc ratio and risk factors for filtration failure in addition to other variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Both preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), Humphrey visual fields and their global indices, number of glaucoma medications, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups (P > 0.05 for each). Whereas both the control and the MMC groups attained significant decreases of mean IOP (18.5 +/- 5.7 mmHg-;15.6 +/- 4.6 mmHg, P = 0.0014; 19.3 +/- 7.0 mmHg-13.7 +/- 4.9 mmHg, P = 0.0001) and mean number of medications (2.1 +/- 1.3-1.3 +/- 1.3, P = 0.0001; 2.3 +/- 1.2-1.0 +/- 1.3, P = 0.0001) at 36 months after surgery, the MMC group had significantly lower mean IOP than the control group at all postoperative visits (P < 0.05 for each). The MMC group also tended to have less medical dependency after surgery than the control group. There was no significant difference in postoperative BCVA between the two groups. Patients in both groups had mean visual acuity of 20/30 or better. There was a significant worsening of corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD) in the control group (3.97 +/- 3.18-5.17 +/- 3.36, P = 0.001) compared with no significant change in the MMC group (5.07 +/- 4.11-5.23 +/- 3.36, P = 0.93). The mean deviation did not change significantly in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term glaucoma management in POAG patients with cataract undergoing PGTP indicates a successful outcome in final IOP, medical dependency, and BCVA. Furthermore, the MMC group had better IOP control and stable visual fields (CPSD), whereas the control group had a significant worsening of CPSD.