Mechanical Durability and Flexibility in Perovskite Photovoltaics: Advancements and Applications.

The remarkable progress in perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology has witnessed a remarkable leap in efficiency within the past decade. As this technology continues to mature, flexible PSCs (F-PSCs) are emerging as pivotal components for a wide array of applications, spanning from powering portable electronics and wearable devices to integrating seamlessly into electronic textiles and large-scale industrial roofing. F-PSCs characterized by their lightweight, mechanical flexibility, and adaptability for cost-effective roll-to-roll manufacturing, hold immense commercial potential. However, the persistent concerns regarding the overall stability and mechanical robustness of these devices loom large. This comprehensive review delves into recent strides made in enhancing the mechanical stability of F-PSCs. It covers a spectrum of crucial aspects, encompassing perovskite material optimization, precise crystal grain regulation, film quality enhancement, strategic interface engineering, innovational developed flexible transparent electrodes, judicious substrate selection, and the integration of various functional layers. By collating and analyzing these dedicated research endeavors, this review illuminates the current landscape of progress in addressing the challenges surrounding mechanical stability. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights into the persistent obstacles and bottlenecks that demand attention and innovative solutions in the field of F-PSCs.

Surface modulation for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.

Defects formed by halide ion escape and wettability of the perovskite absorber are essential limiting factors in achieving high performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a series of ionic organic modulators are designed to contain halide anions to prevent defect formation and improve the surface tension of the perovskite absorber. It was found that the surface modulator containing Br anions is the most effective one due to its capability in bonding with the undercoordinated Pb2+ ions to reduce charge recombination. Moreover, this surface modulator effectively creates a suitable energy level between the perovskite and hole transport layer to promote carrier transfer. In addition, the surface modulator forms a chemisorbed capping layer on the perovskite surface to improve its hydrophobicity. As a result, the efficiency of PSCs based on surface modulators containing Br anion enhances to 23.32% from 21.08% of the control device. The efficiency of unencapsulated PSCs with a surface modulator retains 75.42% of its initial value under about 35% humidity stored in the air for 28 days, while the control device only maintained 44.49% of its initial efficiency. The excellent stability originates from the hydrophobic perovskite surface after capping the surface modulator.

Bioconversion of Ginsenoside Rf into Its Hydrated Derivative with Elevated Anti-inflammatory Effect by a Highly Specific Biocatalytic System of Cordyceps Sinensis.

The presence of 25-OH moiety has been proved to enhance the bioactivity of dammarane saponins in many cases. However, such modification by previous strategies had compromised yield and purity of target products. Herein ginsenoside Rf was specifically transformed into 25-OH-(20S)-Rf with a conversion rate of 88.03 % by a Cordyceps Sinensis-mediated biocatalytic system. The formulation of 25-OH-(20S)-Rf was calculated by HRMS, whilst its structure was validated by 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, HSQC, and HMBC analysis. Time-course experiments unveiled straightforward hydration of the double bond on Rf with undetectable side reactions and maximum production of 25-OH-(20S)-Rf on the 6th day, which collectively suggested the suitable timing of harvesting this target compound. In vitro bioassay of (20S)-Rf and 25-OH-(20S)-Rf against lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages indicated a significant boost of anti-inflammatory effects after the C24-C25 double bond was hydrated. Therefore, the biocatalytic system in this article could be leveraged to deal with macrophage-mediated inflammation under defined circumstances.

Multimodality imaging of carotid web: A case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: The carotid web is a compelling potential mechanism of cryptogenic stroke. It is easy for it to escape diagnosis or be misdiagnosed, since it rarely causes hemodynamic stenosis. Currently, there is a lack of consensus on the prevalence, etiology, imaging evaluation, and treatment strategy of carotid artery. We aimed to present the multimodal imaging of carotid web and comprehensively review the characteristics of carotid web. METHODS: A 38 year-old man with carotid web, who presented with acute left hemispheric syndrome, was not identified by computed tomography angiography and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in the initial report, but were identified in retrospect and then confirmed by digital subtraction angiography and histopathology. A literature review of carotid web was performed to identify prevalence, nature history, imaging tools, and optimal management of carotid web. RESULTS: 80 reports including 681 patients with carotid web were identified. The prevalence of symptomatic carotid web was 1.2% in patients with transient ischemic attack/stroke, 6.4% in patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke, 1.1% in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke, and 4.4% in patients who operated on for carotid stenosis. A total of 23.0% patients had bilateral carotid web. In most patients, carotid web was located on the posterior wall (87.3%) of the carotid artery (98.7%). The mean length was 3.3 mm and mean stenosis rate was 20.9%. A total of 31.6% percent patients had thrombus trapped in carotid web and 75.9% patients had large vessel occlusion. Computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography were favorable tools to detect carotid web. There were rare periprocedural complications and no recurrent strokes in carotid revascularization patients. CONCLUSIONS: carotid web is an under-recognized cause of ischemic stroke. It is easy to be missed or misdiagnosed. Carotid revascularization can effectively prevent recurrent stroke for patients with symptomatic carotid web. Clinicians should strength their learning and understanding of carotid web.

Cordyceps sinensis-mediated biotransformation of notoginsenoside R1 into 25-OH-20(S/R)-R2 with elevated cardioprotective effect against DOX-induced cell injury.

Notoginsenoside R1 is a dammarane saponin in Panax notoginseng with promising cardioprotective effects. The bioactivity-structure relationship of such saponins suggested that the presence of a hydroxyl group at C25 could elevate its performance. To fulfill that goal, bioconversion of notoginsenoside R1 was mediated by a biocatalytic system of Cordyceps sinensis that had successfully produced multiple 25-OH derivatives from ginsenoside Re and Rg1. The major metabolic products of notoginsenoside R1 were identified as 25-OH-20(S/R)-R2 via the techniques of HRMS, 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, HSQC and HMBC. Time-course experiments were designed to monitor the reaction process, establishing a biocatalytic pathway of "R1→20(S/R)-R2→25-OH-20(S/R)-R2". The bioconversion rate of these 25-OH derivatives added up to 69.87% which greatly precedes the previous report. Afterwards, the effect of these biocatalytic products against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was evaluated, indicating a significant increase in efficacy after the hydration of the C24-C25 double bond on the dammarane skeleton. In conclusion, the biocatalytic system employed in this paper is able to harvest 25-OH-20(S/R)-R2 in high yield from notoginsenoside R1, which will provide lead compounds or drug candidates to alleviate myocardial injury caused by doxorubicin.

Interaction Networks Converging on Immunosuppressive Roles of Granzyme B: Special Niches Within the Tumor Microenvironment.

Granzyme B is a renowned effector molecule primarily utilized by CTLs and NK cells against ill-defined and/or transformed cells during immunosurveillance. The overall expression of granzyme B within tumor microenvironment has been well-established as a prognostic marker indicative of priming immunity for a long time. Until recent years, increasing immunosuppressive effects of granzyme B are unveiled in the setting of different immunological context. The accumulative evidence confounded the roles of granzyme B in immune responses, thereby arousing great interests in characterizing detailed feature of granzyme B-positive niche. In this paper, the granzyme B-related regulatory effects of major suppressor cells as well as the tumor microenvironment that defines such functionalities were longitudinally summarized and discussed. Multiplex networks were built upon the interactions among different transcriptional factors, cytokines, and chemokines that regarded to the initiation and regulation of granzyme B-mediated immunosuppression. The conclusions and prospect may facilitate better interpretations of the clinical significance of granzyme B, guiding the rational development of therapeutic regimen and diagnostic probes for anti-tumor purposes.

Highly regioselective biotransformation of ginsenoside Rg1 to 25-OH derivatives of 20(S/R)-Rh1 by Cordyceps Sinensis.

25-OH ginsenosides are potent and rare prodrugs in natural sources. However current strategies for such modification always end up in undesirable side products and unsatisfied yield that hinders them from further applications. Herein, ginsenoside Rg1 was thoroughly converted into 20(S/R)-Rh1 and 25-OH-20(S/R)-Rh1 by Cordyceps Sinensis in an optimum medium. The chemical correctness of either 25-OH-20(S/R)-Rh1 epimers was validated by LC-IT-TOF-MSn and 13C NMR spectrometry. The biocatalytic pathway was established as Rg1 â†’ 20(S/R)-Rh1 â†’ 25-OH-20(S/R)-Rh1. The molar bioconversion rate for total 25-OH-20(S/R)-Rh1 was calculated to be 82.5%, of which S-configuration accounted for 43.2% while R-configuration 39.3%. These two 25-OH derivatives are direct hydration products from 20(S/R)-Rh1 without other side metabolites, suggesting this is a highly regioselective process. In conclusion, this biocatalytic system could be harnessed to facilitate the preparation of diversified 25-OH ginsenosides with high yields of the target compound and simple chemical background in the reaction mixture.

Effects of adult male circumcision on premature ejaculation: results from a prospective study in China.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of adult male circumcision on premature ejaculation (PE). Therefore, between December 2009 and March 2014, a total of 575 circumcised men and 623 uncircumcised men (control group) were evaluated. Detailed evaluations (including circumcision and control groups) on PE were conducted before circumcision and at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up visits after circumcision. Self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), Patient-Reported Outcome measures, and 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function were used to measure the ejaculatory and erectile function for all subjects. The results showed that, during the one-year follow-up, men after circumcision experienced higher IELT and better scores of control over ejaculation, satisfaction with sexual intercourse, and severity of PE than men before circumcision (P < 0.001 for all). Similarly, when compared with the control group, the circumcised men reported significantly improved IELT, control over ejaculation, and satisfaction with sexual intercourse (P < 0.001 for all). These findings suggested that circumcision might have positive effects on IELT, ejaculatory control, sexual satisfaction, and PE severity. In addition, circumcision was significantly associated with the development of PE.

Relationships between intravaginal ejaculatory latency time and national institutes of health-chronic prostatitis symptom index in the four types of premature ejaculation syndromes: a large observational study in China.

INTRODUCTION: Besides lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) and acquired premature ejaculation (APE), Waldinger and Schweitzer proposed two addition PE syndromes (variable PE [VPE] and subjective PE [SPE]). AIM: We assessed the associations between intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) in men with different PE syndromes. METHODS: From September 2011 to September 2012, a total of 4,000 men were enrolled from the Anhui province of China. Subjects were required to complete a verbal questionnaire, including demographic information, medical and sexual history (e.g., IELT), and self-estimated scales (e.g., NIH-CPSI). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: IELT; NIH-CPSI; the new classification of PE syndromes. RESULTS: Of 3,016 of the men evaluated, 25.80% complained of PE. Distribution of the four PE syndromes among men with complaints of PE was as follows: LPE, 12.34%; APE, 18.77%; VPE, 44.09%; and SPE, 24.81%. Men with complaints of PE reported worse NIH-CPSI scores and lower IELT than men without complaints of PE (P < 0.001 for all). Moreover, total and subdomain scores of NIH-CPSI were higher in men with APE, and IELT was higher in men with SPE. IELT was negatively associated with NIH-CPSI scores in men with complaints of PE. Negative relationships between total and subdomain scores of NIH-CPSI and IELT were stronger in men with APE (total scores: adjusted r = -0.68, P < 0.001; pain symptoms: adjusted r = -0.70, P < 0.001; urinary symptoms: adjusted r = -0.67, P < 0.001; quality of life impact: adjusted r = -0.64, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Men with complaints of PE reported worse NIH-CPSI scores than men without complaints of PE. Relationships between IELT and NIH-CPSI scores were strongest in men with APE.

The impact of intravaginal ejaculatory latency time and erectile function on anxiety and depression in the four types of premature ejaculation: a large cross-sectional study in a Chinese population.

INTRODUCTION: A new classification of premature ejaculation (PE) has been proposed, including the categories of lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED). AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and erectile function on anxiety and depression among patients with PE in general and according to the four types of PE. METHODS: Between September 2011 and September 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study in the Anhui province of China. We enrolled 4,000 men aged over 18 years, each of whom had been in a stable, monogamous, heterosexual relationship with the same partner for at least 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Self-estimated IELT, the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scales (SAS/SDS) were used to measure PE, erectile dysfunction (ED), anxiety, and depression, respectively, among the entire study population. RESULTS: Of the 3,016 men evaluated, 25.80% complained of PE. Distribution of the four types of PE among men with PE was as follows: LPE, 12.34%; APE, 18.77%; NVPE, 44.09%; PLED, 24.81%. Men with PE presented lower IIEF-5 scores and higher SAS and SDS scores vs. men without PE (P < 0.001 for all). Similar findings were observed in men with APE when compared with other PE syndromes. After adjustment for age in men with PE, IELT was negatively associated with SAS and SDS scores (SAS, adjusted r = -0.42, P < 0.001; SDS, adjusted r = -0.45, P < 0.001). IIEF-5 score was negatively associated with SAS and SDS scores (SAS, adjusted r = -0.54, P < 0.001; SDS, adjusted r = -0.50, P < 0.001). These negative relationships were strongest in men with PLED (IELT vs. SAS: adjusted r = -0.63, P < 0.001; IELT vs. SDS, adjusted r = -0.60, P < 0.001; IIEF-5 vs. SAS: adjusted r = -0.57, P < 0.001; IELT vs. SDS, adjusted r = -0.55, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: APE patients reported higher rates of ED, anxiety, and depression than men with other types of PE. The negative relationships between IELT/IIEF-5 and SAS/SDS were strongest in men with PLED.

Prevalence rate and risk factors of depression in outpatients with premature ejaculation.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence rate and risk factors of depression in outpatients who were diagnosed with PE. Therefore, between September 2009 and September 2011, 1801 outpatients at andrology clinics were enrolled and consented to participate in our survey by completed a verbal questionnaire. It included the following: (1) demographic data (e.g., age, body mass index), (2) PE duration, medical history, and sexual history, (3) self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency times, (4) the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and (5) the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and (6) the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). The results showed that a total of 1,206 patients were diagnosed with PE. The prevalence rate of depression in these PE patients was 26.78%. Depression was associated with PE duration, NIH-CPSI score, and IIEF-5 score. Risk factors for depression specifically included PE durations for 13-24, 25-60, or ≥61 months, CPSI scores of 15-30 or ≥31, and IIEF-5 scores <22. These findings suggested that several associated factors (PE duration, CPSI scores, and IIEF-5 scores) were the risk factors of depression in men with PE.

Relationship between sexual dysfunction and psychological burden in men with infertility: a large observational study in China.

INTRODUCTION: Although infertility is known to be associated with psychological and sexual problems, the relationship between these two aspects in infertile men has not been well investigated. AIM: To investigate the incidence of sexual dysfunction and psychological burden, and their possible associations in infertile men. METHODS: From June 2009 to June 2012, a total of 1,468 infertile men and 942 fertile men were evaluated. Premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED) were measured by the PE diagnostic tool (PEDT), the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and the international index of erectile function (IIEF)-5. Anxiety and depression, which reflect the degree of psychological burden, were measured by the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS), respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PE and ED were measured by the PEDT, IELT, and IIEF-5. Anxiety and depression were measured by the SAS and SDS, respectively. RESULTS: The incidences of PE and ED in the infertile group were significantly higher than those in the fertile group (PE: 19.01% vs.10.93%, P < 0.001; ED: 18.05% vs. 8.28%, P < 0.001). In addition, anxiety and depression were more prevalent in infertile than fertile men (Anxiety: 38.01% vs. 26.65%, P < 0.001; Depression: 15.74% vs. 10.08%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, after adjusting for age in the infertile group, the PEDT score was positively associated with anxiety (adjusted r = 0.57; P < 0.001) and depression (adjusted r = 0.54; P < 0.001). Moreover, the IELT were negatively associated with anxiety (adjusted r = -0.40; P < 0.001) and depression (adjusted r = -0.52; P < 0.001). Similar negative relationships were also observed between the IIEF-5 score and anxiety (adjusted r = -0.49; P < 0.001) or depression (adjusted r = -0.50; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to systematically evaluate the incidence of sexual dysfunction and psychological burden, and their possible associations in infertile men in China. Further in-depth studies are needed to confirm and extend these results.

Prevalence and factors associated with the complaint of premature ejaculation and the four premature ejaculation syndromes: a large observational study in China.

INTRODUCTION: Although the new classification of premature ejaculation (PE) has been proposed by Waldinger et al., there have been few studies investigating the four PE syndromes in China. AIMS: We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with the complaint of PE and the four PE syndromes in Anhui province, China. METHODS: Between September 2011 and September 2012, subjects were selected from five cities in Anhui province, China. They participated in this survey by completing a detailed verbal questionnaire regarding their demographic data and medical and sexual history. Men with PE complaint were diagnosed as lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PE complaint was divided into four PE syndromes. Anxiety, depression, and erectile dysfunction were independently assessed by the self-rating anxiety/depression scale and the international index of erectile function-5, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 3,016 men evaluated, 25.80% complained of PE. The distribution of the four PE syndromes in men with PE complaint was in the order of NVPE (44.09%), PLPE (24.81%), APE (18.77%), and LPE (12.34%). Patients with PE complaint were older and more likely to smoke, had more comorbidities, and a higher body mass index (BMI) than patients without the complaint (P < 0.001 for all). Similar findings were also observed in patients with APE compared with other PE patients (depression P = 0.012, cardiovascular P = 0.003, others P < 0.001). In addition, the rates of counseling by a doctor in men with LPE and APE were higher than those in men with NVPE and PLED (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PE complaint in male population of Anhui province, China, was 25.80%, with the highest PE syndromes being NVPE and PLPE. Patients with PE complaint or APE were older and more likely to smoke, had more comorbidities, and a higher BMI.

Distribution and factors associated with four premature ejaculation syndromes in outpatients complaining of ejaculating prematurely.

INTRODUCTION: Because available definitions of premature ejaculation (PE) were unable to encompass the various forms of PE, Waldinger et al. proposed a new classification that distinguished four PE syndromes. However, few studies have examined the prevalence rates of these four PE syndromes. AIMS: The study aims to analyze the prevalence of and factors associated with four PE syndromes in outpatients who complained of ejaculating prematurely. METHODS: Between December 2009 and December 2011, outpatients who complained of PE completed a detailed verbal questionnaire regarding their demographic data and medical and sexual history. Each patient was classified as having one of four PE subtypes: lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Based on the new classification scheme, PE was classified into four subtypes. The anxiety/depression status of patients was assessed by the Zung self-rating anxiety/depression scales, and erectile function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 instrument. RESULTS: This study included 1,988 male outpatients who complained of PE, with mean ages and body mass index (BMI) scores of 35.52 ± 10.38 years and 25.34 ± 4.51 kg/m(2), respectively. Prevalence rates of PE syndromes were 35.66% for LPE, 28.07% for APE, 12.73% for NVPE, and 23.54% for PLED. Patients with APE had the highest mean ages and BMI scores, and they more frequently reported several comorbidities, including sexual desire disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic prostatitis, and erectile dysfunction. The PLED group had a lower mean frequency of sexual intercourse than other groups and higher rates of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LPE was higher than that of other PE subtypes in an outpatient setting. Several comorbidities were more common in patients with APE and PLED. In particular, a lower frequency of intercourse and higher frequencies of anxiety and depression were found in patients with PLED.

[Menopause-like symptoms among old and middle-aged males in Hefei area].

OBJECTIVE: To access the prevalence of menopause-like symptoms, and their related factors in old and middle-aged males in the area of Hefei. METHODS: This study included 1 026 males aged over 45 years that came to the clinic for health examination. We collected their personal data, and evaluated their general health status and the results of the questionnaire investigation using the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale. RESULTS: The total incidence of menopause-like symptoms was 64.7% among the old and middle-aged males in Hefei area, of which 58.1% were mild, 30.9% moderate and 11.0% severe. The average AMS score was 31.2 +/- 6.8, in which the scores on psychological, physical and sexual function symptoms were 8.3 +/- 2.1, 12.4 +/- 4.8 and 9.3 +/- 4.5, respectively. Sexual function symptoms were increased significantly with the increase of age (P < 0.05), but psychological and physical symptoms showed no obvious correlation with age (P > 0.05). The main risk factors of menopause-like symptoms included age, smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity, but physical exercise was an important protective factor against them. CONCLUSION: With the increase of age, the prevalence of male menopause-like symptoms rises and sexual function declines gradually, but psychological and physical scores are not affected significantly. Age, general health status and lifestyle are closely associated with the prevalence of menopause-like symptoms among old and middle-aged males.