Retinitis after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation with multiple intraocular viral infections (cytomegalovirus, Epstein‒Barr virus and herpes simplex virus)- a case report.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of retinitis with multiple intraocular viral infections after second haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old female patient developed retinitis after a second haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Right eye was tested for three viral infections- cytomegalovirus, Epstein‒Barr virus and herpes simplex virus, while left was infected with cytomegalovirus. The patient was subsequently treated with vitreous cavity ganciclovir injections, and 1 week later both eyes tested negative for aqueous humour viruses. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: CMV, EBV and HSV belong to the herpes virus family. They are all commonly observed in the body and represent opportunity infectious viruses. The retinitis they cause have different characteristics. But simultaneous infection of the eye by multiple viruses is quite rare. In this case, three viruses were detected in the patient's eye, but whether the retina was caused by all three viruses at the same time could not be determined. A satisfactory outcome was achieved after treatment with vitreous cavity ganciclovir injection.

Prediction of 2D group-11 chalcogenides: insights into novel auxetic M2X (M = Cu, Ag, Au; X = S, Se, Te) monolayers.

Two-dimensional (2D) auxetic materials have recently attracted considerable research interest due to their excellent mechanical properties and diverse applications, surpassing those of three-dimensional (3D) materials. This study focuses on the theoretical prediction of mechanical properties and auxeticity in 2D M2X (M = Cu, Ag, Au; X = S, Se, Te) monolayers using first-principles calculations. Our results indicate that the dynamically stable monolayers include low-energy α-Cu2S, α-Cu2Se, α-Cu2Te, ß-Ag2S, ß-Ag2Se, α-Ag2Te, ß-Au2S, ß-Au2Se and α-Au2Te. These M2X monolayers possess positive Poisson's ratios (PR) ranging from 0.09 to 0.52, as well as Young's moduli ranging from 19.92 to 35.42 N m-1 in x and y directions. Specially, α-Cu2S exhibits the lowest negative PR in θ = 45° × n (n = 1, 2, 3, 4) directions. The Poisson's function (PF) can be adjusted by increasing tensile strains. The ß-phase monolayers exhibit positive PF with a linear change. Interestingly, the transition from positive to negative PF occurs in the α-Cu2S and α-Ag2Te monolayers at strains greater than +3% and +4%, respectively, while the α-Cu2Se, α-Cu2Te and α-Au2Te monolayers maintain positive PF within the range of 0% to +6% strains. Furthermore, taking α-Cu2S (α-Cu2Te) as an example, the mechanism underlying negative (positive) PF is demonstrated to involve increased (decreased) bond angles, decreased thickness, and weakened (enhanced) d(M)-p(X) orbital coupling. The findings of this study not only enrich the family of 2D group-11 chalcogenides but also provide insights into their mechanical properties, thereby expanding their potential applications in mechanics.

Giant anterior scleral staphyloma caused by blunt ocular trauma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Anterior scleral staphyloma is a relatively rare disease characterized by thinning and expansion of sclera. We described the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of a case with giant anterior scleral staphyloma caused by blunt ocular trauma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-years-old male, presented with a black cyst-like mass protruding from the right eyeball for 9 years after a history of glass crush contusion. The ultrasound biomicroscopy examination showed two cysts in the right eyeball. The larger one was about 5.92 mm*4.69 mm in size and the scleral lacerations were connected to the posterior chamber below the cyst. For treatment, resection of the anterior scleral staphyloma and the scleral patch graft transplantation was performed. The vision of the patient was improved compared with that before surgery. There were no obvious complications. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the case with giant anterior scleral staphyloma can provide a reference for the management of anterior scleral staphyloma. Surgical resection and scleral patch graft should be a good option for the treatment of giant anterior scleral staphyloma.

Tunable Schottky contacts in graphene/XAu4Y (X, Y = Se, Te) heterostructures.

Graphene-based (G-based) heterostructures have recently attracted considerable research interest in the field of two-dimensional nanodevices owing to their superior properties compared with those of separate monolayers. In this study, the electronic properties and Schottky barrier heights (SBHs) of G/XAu4Y (X, Y = Se, Te) heterostructures were systematically analyzed through first-principles calculations. G/SeAu4Se, G/SeAu4Te, and G/TeAu4Se are n-type Schottky contacts with Φn = 0.40, 0.38, and 0.55 eV respectively, whereas G/TeAu4Te is a p-type Schottky contact with Φp = 0.39 eV. In G-based heterostructures consisting of SeAu4Te that has a 0.22-Debye intrinsic dipole moment, the intrinsic dipole moments in different directions enhance or weaken the interfacial dipole moments corresponding to the charge transfer at the interface, resulting in different Φn values of G/SeAu4Te and G/TeAu4Se. Furthermore, vertical strain and external electric field, which influence charge transfer, are applied to G/XAu4Y heterostructures to modulate their SBHs. Taking G/TeAu4Te as an example, the p-type contact transforms into an almost ohmic contact with decreasing vertical strain or positive external electric field. The findings of this study can provide insights into the fundamental properties of G/XAu4Y for further research.

Preparation of Heavily Doped P-Type PbSe with High Thermoelectric Performance by the NaCl Salt-Assisted Approach.

Thermoelectric (TE) technology, which can convert scrap heat into electricity, has attracted considerable attention. However, broader applications of TE are hindered by lacking high-performance thermoelectric materials, which can be effectively progressed by regulating the carrier concentration. In this work, a series of PbSe(NaCl)x (x = 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5) samples were synthesized through the NaCl salt-assisted approach with Na+ and Cl- doped into their lattice. Both theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that manipulating the carrier concentration by adjusting the content of NaCl is conducive to upgrading the electrical transport properties of the materials. The carrier concentration elevated from 2.71 × 1019 cm-3 to 4.16 × 1019 cm-3, and the materials demonstrated a maximum power factor of 2.9 × 10-3 W m-1 K-2. Combined with an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of 0.7 W m-1 K-1, a high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) with 1.26 at 690 K was attained in PbSe(NaCl)4.5. This study provides a guideline for chemical doping to improve the thermoelectric properties of PbSe further and promote its applications.

Value of PAPP-A combined with BMI in predicting the prognosis of gestational diabetes mellitus: an observational study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and clinical data in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Clinical data of 318 pregnant women with GDM and 200 healthy pregnant women were retrospectively analysed. The age, BMI and caesarean section in GDM were significantly higher than in normal group. Serum and placental levels of PAPP-A were significantly lower in GDM than in normal group. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that serum levels of PAPP-A were negatively correlated with BMI and blood glucose level. Binary logistic regression analysis displayed that PAPP-A were the potential factors influencing GDM. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for PAPP-A combined with BMI in predicting GDM was 0.941, significantly higher than that of the single one. The potential of PAPP-A in the first trimester is limited in predicting GDM. PAPP-A combined with BMI is highly conductive for predicting GDM.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? GDM not only increases the risk of perinatal morbidity, but also results in an increased risk of long-term sequelae for both mother and child including diabetes, cardiovascular disease obesity. Previous data indicate that besides glycemic control in the second trimester, interventions initiated early in pregnancy can reduce the rate of GDM in pregnant women. The expression of PAPP-A in serum of GDM pregnant women was decreased in the first trimester. Whereas, whether PAPP-A can be as an early predictor of GDM is not clear.What do the results of this study add? The present study shows that PAPP-A MoM was less than 0.6757 in the first trimester of pregnancy is more prone to GDM. The potential of PAPP-A in the first trimester is limited in predicting GDM. PAPP-A combined with BMI is highly conductive for predicting GDM.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Early GDM prediction is crucial for prevention and management of GDM, to cope with the rising prevalence of GDM and reduce later life chronic disease of both mother and child. Based on the level of PAPP-A MoM and BMI, interventions such as lifestyle changes initiated early in pregnancy shouldbeenabledin pregnant women.

Effects of sodium hyaluronate combined with rhEGF eye drops in patients with dry eye.

To analyze the effects of sodium hyaluronate combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) eye drops in patients with dry eye. Totally 97 patients who suffered dry eye after cataract surgery in our hospital from March 2018 to June 2020 were selected and randomly assigned into control group (n=57, sodium hyaluronate eye drops) and intervention group (n=63, sodium hyaluronate combined with rhEGF eye drops). The clinical efficacy, Break Up Time (BUT), schirmer I test (SLt), fluorescent test (FL) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI), the scale of quality of life for disease with visual impairment (SQOL-DVI), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) level of the two groups were compared. The intervention group yielded remarkably higher effective rate than the control group (p<0.05). Markedly higher BUT, SLt, SQOL-DVI scores and lower OSDI scores were witnessed among patients in the intervention group than the control group (p<0.05). The clinical effect of sodium hyaluronate combined with rhEGF eye drops in the treatment of dry eye is superior to sodium hyaluronate alone, in terms of enhancing the stability of tear film, accelerating corneal healing, inhibiting the level of inflammatory factors and improving patients' quality of life.

Compression sutures combined with intracameral air injection versus thermokeratoplasty for acute corneal hydrops: a prospective-randomised trial.

AIMS: To compare the efficacy of compression sutures combined with intracameral air injection (CSAI) and thermokeratoplasty (TKP) for the management of acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus. METHODS: In this multi-centre randomised clinical trial, 20 patients with keratoconus (20 eyes) with acute corneal hydrops were enrolled and randomised to receive either CSAI or TKP and followed-up for a period of 6 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient demographics, severity of corneal hydrops and preoperative duration of symptoms between the two groups. In both groups, corneal oedema resolved within 2 weeks. The maximum thickness of the corneal scars following CSAI and TKP was not significantly different. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was superior in the CSAI group at 6-month follow-up (CSAI vs TKP, 0.52 (0.37, 0.85) vs 0.96 (0.70, 1.34) LogMAR, p=0.042). CSAI resulted in greater corneal endothelial cell density (CSAI vs TKP, 2677.8±326.7 vs 1955.3±298.1 cells/mm2, p<0.001) and flatter corneal curvature (CSAI vs TKP: mean keratometry value, 52.13±4.92 vs 63.51±5.83D, p<0.001; maximum keratometry value, 65.21±7.42 vs 77.13±12.01D, p=0.016) at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although both CSAI and TKP resulted in resolution of acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus, CSAI was associated with superior clinical outcomes in this study. CHINESE CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-IOR-17013764.

Hollow Co3 O4 Nanosphere Embedded in Carbon Arrays for Stable and Flexible Solid-State Zinc-Air Batteries.

Highly active and durable air cathodes to catalyze both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are urgently required for rechargeable metal-air batteries. In this work, an efficient bifunctional oxygen catalyst comprising hollow Co3 O4 nanospheres embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanowall arrays on flexible carbon cloth (NC-Co3 O4 /CC) is reported. The hierarchical structure is facilely derived from a metal-organic framework precursor. A carbon onion coating constrains the Kirkendall effect to promote the conversion of the Co nanoparticles into irregular hollow oxide nanospheres with a fine scale nanograin structure, which enables promising catalytic properties toward both OER and ORR. The integrated NC-Co3 O4 /CC can be used as an additive-free air cathode for flexible all-solid-state zinc-air batteries, which present high open circuit potential (1.44 V), high capacity (387.2 mAh g-1 , based on the total mass of Zn and catalysts), excellent cycling stability and mechanical flexibility, significantly outperforming Pt- and Ir-based zinc-air batteries.

ALD TiO2-Coated Flower-like MoS2 Nanosheets on Carbon Cloth as Sodium Ion Battery Anode with Enhanced Cycling Stability and Rate Capability.

We report the fabrication of 3D flower-like MoS2 nanosheets arrays on carbon cloth as a binder-free anode for sodium ion battery. Ultrathin and conformal TiO2 layers are used to modify the surface of MoS2 by atomic layer deposition. The electrochemical performance measurements demonstrate that the ALD TiO2 layer can improve the cycling stability and rate capability of MoS2. The MoS2 nanosheets with 0.5-nm TiO2 coating electrode show the highest initial discharge capacity of 1392 mA h g-1 at 200 mA g-1, which is increased by 53% compared with that of bare MoS2. After 150 cycles, the capacity retention rate of the TiO2-coated MoS2 achieves 75.8% of its second cycle's capacity at 200 mA h g-1 in contrast to that of 59% of pure MoS2. Furthermore, the mechanism behind the experimental results is revealed by ex situ scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterizations, which confirms that the ultrathin TiO2 modifications can prevent the structural degradation and the formation of SEI film of MoS2 electrode.

Long-Term Outcomes of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Treating Posterior Stroma-Implicated Herpetic Corneal Opacities.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for the management of deep stromal corneal opacities after herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) infection. METHODS: Case records of patients who underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty between January 2006 and June 2012 to treat HSK-related deep stromal corneal scars were retrospectively analyzed. The cases were divided into folds-on, folds-off, and no-folds groups based on the presence of stromal folds intraoperatively. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients (89 eyes; 54 men and 35 women; 47.1 ± 12.9 years old) were included. Based on intraoperative events, 48 eyes had no stromal folds, 27 eyes had folds that were centrally peeled off, and 14 eyes had folds that could not be peeled. The average follow-up period was 50.4 ± 12.7 months. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.63 ± 60.52 logMAR preoperatively to 0.44 ± 0.31 logMAR at the last visit (P < 0.001). Mean postoperative endothelial cell density was 1738 ± 573 cells per square millimeter. Eight eyes experienced HSK recurrence, 3 eyes had an episode of stromal rejection, and 3 eyes developed corneal endothelial decompensation. Cases in the folds-off group had a significantly higher rate of Descemet membrane microperforations compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty is a viable alternative for the management of HSK-related deep stromal opacity. Although posterior corneal folds can be relieved intraoperatively in some of these cases, folds near Descemet membrane should be left in situ because of the high risk of Descemet membrane perforation.

Three-Dimensional NiCo2O4@Polypyrrole Coaxial Nanowire Arrays on Carbon Textiles for High-Performance Flexible Asymmetric Solid-State Supercapacitor.

In this article, we report a novel electrode of NiCo2O4 nanowire arrays (NWAs) on carbon textiles with a polypyrrole (PPy) nanosphere shell layer to enhance the pseudocapacitive performance. The merits of highly conductive PPy and short ion transport channels in ordered NiCo2O4 mesoporous nanowire arrays together with the synergistic effect between NiCo2O4 and PPy result in a high specific capacitance of 2244 F g(-1), excellent rate capability, and cycling stability in NiCo2O4/PPy electrode. Moreover, a lightweight and flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device is successfully assembled using the hybrid NiCo2O4@PPy NWAs and activated carbon (AC) as electrodes, achieving high energy density (58.8 W h kg(-1) at 365 W kg(-1)), outstanding power density (10.2 kW kg(-1) at 28.4 W h kg(-1)) and excellent cycling stability (∼89.2% retention after 5000 cycles), as well as high flexibility. The three-dimensional coaxial architecture design opens up new opportunities to fabricate a high-performance flexible supercapacitor for future portable and wearable electronic devices.

Three-dimensional SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes on carbon cloth as a flexible anode for lithium-ion batteries.

In this study, three-dimensional SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes on carbon cloth are synthesized by a combination of the hydrothermal method for ZnO nanorods and a subsequent SnO2 and TiO2 thin film coating with atomic layer deposition (ALD). The as-prepared SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes are further tested as a flexible anode for Li ion batteries. The SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes/carbon cloth electrode exhibited a high initial discharge capacity (e.g. 778.8 mA h g(-1) at a high current density of 780 mA g(-1)) and good cycling performance, which could be attributed to the 3D double-layer nanotube structure. The interior space of the stable TiO2 hollow tube can accommodate the large internal stress caused by volume expansion of SnO2 and protect SnO2 from pulverization and exfoliation.

Improvement of light extraction of LYSO scintillator by using a combination of self-assembly of nanospheres and atomic layer deposition.

The self-assembled monolayer periodic array of polystyrene spheres conformally coated with TiO2 layer using atomic layer deposition is designed to obtain a further enhancement of light extraction for LYSO scintillator. The maximum enhancement is 149% for the sample with polystyrene spheres conformally coated with TiO2 layer, while the enhancement is only 76% for the sample with only polystyrene spheres. Such further enhancement could be contributed from the additional modes forming by TiO2 layer due to its high refractive index, which can be approved by the simulation of electric field distribution. The experimental results are agreement with the simulated results. Furthermore, the prepared structured layer exhibits an excellent combination with the surface of scintillator, which is in favor of the practical application. Therefore, it is safely concluded that the combination of self-assembly method and atomic layer deposition is a promising approach to obtain a significant enhancement of light extraction for a large area. This method can be extended to many other luminescent materials and devices.

Highly-ordered silicon inverted nanocone arrays with broadband light antireflectance.

In this work, highly-ordered silicon inverted nanocone arrays are fabricated by integration of nanosphere lithography with reactive ion etching (RIE) method. The optical characteristics of as-prepared Si inverted nanocone arrays are investigated both by experiments and simulations. It is found that the Si nanocone arrays present excellent broadband light antireflectance properties, which are attributed to the gradient in the effective refractive index of nanocones and enhanced light trapping owing to optical diffraction. The inverted Si nanocone arrays might find a variety of applications in solar cells and photodetectors.

A three-dimensional hierarchical TiO2 urchin as a photoelectrochemical anode with omnidirectional anti-reflectance properties.

In this communication, we report an innovative electrode design of 3D hierachical TiO2 urchin assembled with a hollow TiO2 spheres core and radial TiO2 nanorod shell prepared via a facile colloid template route combined with atomic layer deposition and a hydrothermal growth process. The periodically hierarchical TiO2 urchin exhibits excellent omnidirectional anti-reflectance properties in a wide range of wavelengths and angles of incidence (AOI). When tested as a photoanode for PEC water splitting, a greatly improved photoelectrochemical water splitting performance is obtained in comparison to that of TiO2 microspheres due to the improved light harvesting and charge collection efficiency.

A combination of exosomes carrying TSA derived from HLA-A2-positive human white buffy coat and polyI:C for use as a subcellular antitumor vaccination.

To improve its antitumor effect, we used human leukocyte antigen -A2 (HLA-A2)-positive human dendritic cell (DC)-derived DEXs (DC-derived exosomes) to support NY-ESO-1 antigen and polyI:C, with the aim of increasing the proliferation of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in transgenic mice. Mature dendritic cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from the blood of healthy adults with positive HLA-2A. Using centrifuge and membrane ultrafiltration, EXO (exosomes) were extracted from the supernatant of DCs secretions. Transgenic C57 mice were immunized with human-derived tumor testis antigen NY-ESO-1/EXO, with or without polyI:C. Mice were sacrificed four weeks after immunization, and spleen cells were isolated and tested for function. The experiments included antigen-specific CTL proliferation, as tested by dimerization and antitumor effects for K562 cells as well as melanoma, tested at different ratios of effected cells:target cells (0:1, 10:1, 50:1, and 100:1). Dimerization experiments indicated that the effect of DEX/TSA (tumor specific antigens) + PolyI:C was 2.36 ± 1.10% and the control was 0.38 ± 0.31%, while the effect of DEX/TSA was 1.97 ± 0.63% and the control was 0.36 ± 0.07%. Antitumor effects by DEX/TSA: PolyI:C for the cell ratios of 0:1, 10:1, 50:1, and 100:1 were 11.14 ± 1.36%, 14.17 ± 0.62%, 15.71 ± 2.48%, and 24.31 ± 2.91%, respectively, for K562 cells. The antitumor effects for DEX/TSA for the cell ratios of 0:1, 10:1, 50:1, and 100:1 were 12.23 ± 2.25%, 13.10 ± 1.57%, 15.27 ± 2.93%, and 19.87 ± 2.72%, respectively, for K562 cells. With ratios of 10:1 and 100:1, the antitumor effects of DEX/TSA + PolyI:C were better than for the DEX/TSA group (P < 0.05). However, higher ratios of effecter cells to target cells increased, and there were no significant improvements in antitumor effect for control cells. Combining PolyI:C with DEX/TSA derived from healthy human blood positive for HLA-A2 is a promising strategy for developing new subcellular antitumor vaccination.