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Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jun 2024Nickel oxide (NiO)-based inverted perovskite solar cells stand as promising candidates for advancing perovskite photovoltaics towards commercialization, leveraging their...
Nickel oxide (NiO)-based inverted perovskite solar cells stand as promising candidates for advancing perovskite photovoltaics towards commercialization, leveraging their remarkable stability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the interfacial redox reaction between high-valence Ni and perovskite, alongside the facile conversion of iodide in perovskite into I, significantly deteriorates the performance and reproducibility of NiO-based perovskite photovoltaics. Here, potassium borohydride (KBH) is introduced as a dual-action reductant, which effectively avoids the Ni/perovskite interface reaction and mitigates the iodide-to-I oxidation within perovskite film. This synergistic redox modulation significantly suppresses nonradiative recombination and increases the carrier lifetime. As a result, an impressive power conversion efficiency of 24.17% for NiO-based perovskite solar cells is achieved, and a record efficiency of 20.2% for NiO-based perovskite solar modules fabricated under ambient conditions. Notably, when evaluated using the ISOS-L-2 standard protocol, the module retains 94% of its initial efficiency after 2000 h of continuous illumination under maximum power point at 65 °C in ambient air.
PubMed: 38501909
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309111 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE Feb 2024Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a transparent, non-parasitic nematode with a simple biology, which makes it a great tool for biological sciences teaching through...
Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a transparent, non-parasitic nematode with a simple biology, which makes it a great tool for biological sciences teaching through the staining of the cells or their molecular content. Lugol dye (iodine-potassium iodide solution) has been widely used in biochemistry to stain glycogen stores. In this context, it is possible to observe differences between fed and starved animals, besides the effects of different conditions, such as different diets and oxygen levels. Erioglaucine is a blue dye that indicates the loss of the intestinal barrier. When the intestinal barrier is intact, the blue dye stains inside the lumen; however, when this integrity is disrupted, the dye leaks into the body cavity. Using a stereomicroscope or a microscope, teachers can demonstrate physiological and biochemical alterations, or they can instigate students to ask a scientific question and hypothesize and test their hypothesis using these assays. The present protocol describes two staining techniques in C. elegans that can be easily carried out by students.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Coloring Agents; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; Staining and Labeling; Glycogen
PubMed: 38465947
DOI: 10.3791/66084 -
Dental Materials : Official Publication... May 2024To evaluate the effects of an ammonia-based and a water-based silver-containing solutions on bonding performance and matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity of a... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of an ammonia-based and a water-based silver-containing solutions on bonding performance and matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity of a universal adhesive to dentin after 1 year of artificial aging.
METHODS
Mid-coronal dentin surfaces of 60 sound human molars were exposed and the following groups were formed according to the surface pre-treatment and etching mode of the universal adhesive (Zipbond Universal, SDI) (n = 10): G1) Zipbond in the self-etch mode (ZSE); G2) Riva Star (SDI) applied before ZSE; G3) Riva Star Aqua (SDI) applied before ZSE; G4) Zipbond in the etch-and-rinse mode (ZER); G5) Riva Star applied before ZER; G6) Riva Star Aqua applied before ZER. The specimens were sectioned and subjected to microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test at baseline (T) and after 12 months (T) of artificial storage. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis (EDS) were also conducted. Three additional molars per group were processed for the in situ zymography analysis at T and T. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05).
RESULTS
Dentin pre-treatments and aging decreased bonding values, regardless of the etching mode (p < 0.05). No differences in µTBS were observed between the two silver-containing solutions, both at T and T. Riva Star Aqua and etching significantly increased the MMPs activity, independent of the storage period (p < 0.05).
SIGNIFICANCE
Dentin surface pre-treatment with silver-containing solutions negatively affects the bonding performances of resin composite restorations placed with a universal adhesive. However, the ammonia-based product Riva Star might show better stability in the long term, due to lower activation of MMPs.
Topics: Humans; Water; Dental Bonding; Dentin-Bonding Agents; Materials Testing; Silver; Ammonia; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Tensile Strength; Surface Properties; Dentin; In Vitro Techniques; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Resin Cements; Molar; Acid Etching, Dental; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Dental Stress Analysis
PubMed: 38458917
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.03.003 -
Cureus Feb 2024Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is a rare condition related to autoimmune origin characterized by high titers of antithyroid antibodies. Steroids are effective for...
Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is a rare condition related to autoimmune origin characterized by high titers of antithyroid antibodies. Steroids are effective for treatment of HE, suggesting the autoimmunity as an underlying mechanism. In addition, anti-NH2-terminal of α-enolase antibodies (anti-NAE antibodies) is useful for diagnosis of HE. This report describes a 69-year-old woman developing both HE and thyroid storm (TS), following diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and acute pancreatitis. She had a history of Basedow's disease and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, and her serum hemoglobin A1c was 10%. She complained of nausea and visited our hospital. She was diagnosed with DKA and acute pancreatitis. After admission, she went into cardiopulmonary arrest and she was diagnosed with TS after resuscitation. In addition, blood test collected during acute phase of TS revealed positive for not only anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies and thyroid stimulating antibodies, but also anti-NAE antibodies. She was treated with intravenous steroids, potassium iodide and thiamazole under respirator and recovered sufficiently to do daily activities of life. We should keep in mind that there might be cases of HE in cases of TS presenting with central nervous system symptoms.
PubMed: 38455797
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53659 -
Pediatric Dentistry Jan 2024To determine the effect of potassium iodide (KI) on the black/gray staining caused by silver diammine fluoride (SDF) when applied to carious lesions. Extracted...
To determine the effect of potassium iodide (KI) on the black/gray staining caused by silver diammine fluoride (SDF) when applied to carious lesions. Extracted caries-free molar surfaces had caries induced to examine the use of SDF and SDF followed by KI (SDF+KI) on extracted permanent molars that had caries induced on their surfaces and were monitored for a period after application. To monitor the color changes, CIELAB color space readings???a color space defined by the International Commission on Illumination???were used. The system is composed of three values, of which the L* measures black to white across a span of zero (black) to 100 (white). Measurements were taken at eight intervals between days zero to 72. L* values were found to be significantly different between SDF and SDF+KI groups and from baseline. On average, the SDF+KI group versus the SDF group was 9.47 units lighter. The findings indicate the application of silver diammine fluoride followed by potassium iodide can reduce the black staining SDF alone causes, potentially making it a viable esthetic option for patients with anterior tooth caries.
Topics: Humans; Potassium; Potassium Iodide; Fluorides; Dental Caries; Staining and Labeling; Ammonia; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Fluorides, Topical; Silver Compounds
PubMed: 38449037
DOI: No ID Found -
Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC Dec 2023Neutrophilic dermatosis of the hands (NDDH) is a localized variant of Sweet's syndrome which has been recently introduced. Strutton et al.in 1996 and then in Galaria et...
Neutrophilic dermatosis of the hands (NDDH) is a localized variant of Sweet's syndrome which has been recently introduced. Strutton et al.in 1996 and then in Galaria et al. in 2000 reported cases with violaceous papulonodules on the dorsal surfaces of the hands with histopathological findings of a neutrophilic dermatosis in association with leukocytoclasia, but clinically and histologically without true vasculitis findings. Eventually, they proposed the term NDDH for these lesions (1,2). A 46-year-old man was referred to our outpatient dermatology clinic with a painful ulcerative lesion on the dorsal side of the left hand that had been present for one year. Initially, the lesion had appeared as a small purulent papule, which gradually extended to a large ulcer. The patient underwent frequent referrals to several physicians and had taken a variety of topical and systemic antibiotics, meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime), and amphotericin with the clinical diagnosis of cutaneous bacterial or fungal infections, or leishmaniasis. All of these therapeutic regimes were ineffective in eradicating the lesion. Given the history, he denied any trauma to the site of lesion; he also did not report any similar lesions in his family. The physical examination revealed an extensive tender ulcer of 4×7 cm2 in size, with a shallow violaceous border superimposed on an edematous region on the dorsal side of the left hand. Atrophic scars resulting from old similar lesions were visible on the dorsal aspects of the 3rd and 4th proximal and middle metacarpal joints (Figure 1). The examination of the other parts of the body was unremarkable. Laboratory tests showed an impaired white blood cell count and their differentiation, including leukocytosis (white blood cell count of 16.12/mm3) with neutrophilia (neutrophil percent at 65.9%). Additionally, altered liver function tests were remarkable for high serum levels of AST (SGOT) (105 IU/L) and ALT(SGPT) (355 IU/L), while the total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were within normal limits. Hemoglobin levels (13.90 g/dL) and platelet count (272/mm3) were within normal range. The other laboratory tests, including serological tests for fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, creatinine, BUN, and an immunoassay for ruling out vasculitis lesions (anti-MPO (P-ANCA) and anti-PR3 (C-ANCA)) revealed no remarkable results. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 16 mm/h was reported. A biopsy was performed. Histologic features demonstrated a dense, diffuse dermal infiltrate comprised almost entirely of neutrophils. The epidermis was slightly acanthotic and showed small foci of spongiosis, but the inflammatory infiltrate remained largely in the dermis. Sheets of neutrophils were present, admixed with karyorrhectic debris. The infiltrate did not appear to be peri-vascular, and most vessels that could be observed clearly appeared to be undamaged. However, some vessels appeared to show some neutrophils infiltrating vessel walls (Figures 2a, b). Based upon histopathologic examination, the diagnosis of neutrophilic dermatosis of the hands (NDDH) was suggested. The work-up findings for ruling out neoplastic diseases were unremarkable. Clinically, patients with NDDH show various morphologic patterns of the lesions on the dorsal aspect of the hands, including violaceous edematous plaques or ulcers with undermined borders, hemorrhagic bullae, necrotic pyoderma-like lesions with pseudovesiculation, and atypical pyoderma gangrenosum-like lesions (1). This disease is more common in women (70%) than in men (3). NDDH has been reported in association with malignancies (such as leukemia and lymphoma), myelodysplasia, inflammatory bowel diseases, seropositive arthritis, sarcoidosis, HCV infection, and medications (such as lenalidomide, thalidomide, vaccinations, fertilizer, etc.) (1). Among them, neoplastic diseases are the most common association, which has been reported in 27% of the cases. It may thus represent a paraneoplastic phenomenon (3). Histopathological study is mandatory for achieving a definite diagnosis of NDDH. Its pathological findings include subepidermal edema, a dense and diffuse dermal infiltration of neutrophils along with leukocytoclastic debris, and extravasated erythrocytes, which are not associated with true vasculitis (1,3). However, the presence or absence of some vasculitic features as a histopathological finding depends on the time of biopsy with regard to the evolutionary phases of the lesion (3). In our case, the diffuse nature of the infiltrate was somewhat indicative against the diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Additionally, the possibility of infection was excluded empirically (due to the ineffectiveness of previous therapies without doing cultures or PCR), and indirectly through biopsy. Cohen (4) and Cohen and Kurzrok (5) explained the presence of vasculitis in Sweet's syndrome and NDDH as an epiphenomenon in which the damaged vessel is as an "innocent bystander" in the background of an inflammatory dermatosis. Eventually, they concluded that the presence or absence of vasculitis has a secondary importance in the diagnosis of NDDH. The following entities should be considered in the differential diagnoses of NDDH: cutaneous infections, vesiculobullous pyoderma gangrenosum (atypical), bullous erythema multiforme, pustular drug reactions, rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatosis, bowel-associated dermatosis-arthritis syndrome, and erythema elevatum diutinum (1-3). In our case, based on the pathological examination, the differential diagnosis included neutrophilic dermatosis such as Sweet's syndrome or neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands. It is essential to exclude an infectious etiology that might include a bacterial infection, or less likely a fungal or atypical mycobacterial infection, given the lack of any granulomatous component. However, some atypical mycobacterial infections can demonstrate a brisk neutrophilic infiltrate and relatively sparse granulomatous responses (6). For the same reason (lack of significant histiocytes), we thought that palisaded neutrophilic and granulomatous dermatosis associated with connective tissue disease was less likely. The relationship between this disease entity and a superficial variant of pyoderma gangrenosum remains unclear. The treatment of NDDH includes systemic corticosteroids, dapsone, methotrexate, potassium iodide, colchicine, and minocycline (2). NDDH is often misdiagnosed as an infectious condition, which can result in inappropriate antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement, and even amputation (7). Therefore, early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment should be mainstay of its treatment.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Pyoderma Gangrenosum; Sweet Syndrome; Ulcer; Dermatitis; Vasculitis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Arthritis; Hemoglobins; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous
PubMed: 38439725
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Biomolecular Structure &... Mar 2024Gambogic acid (GA), a xanthanoid compound, is derived from Garcinia Hanbury gamboge resin. Studying GA's DNA binding and targeting processes is crucial to understanding...
Gambogic acid (GA), a xanthanoid compound, is derived from Garcinia Hanbury gamboge resin. Studying GA's DNA binding and targeting processes is crucial to understanding its tumor-targeting potentiality. This study used spectroscopic and in silico methods to investigate the GA-calf thymus DNA-binding interaction. The results of the UV-visible absorbance spectroscopy revealed that GA binds to DNA and forms a complex. Investigation of fluorescence quenching using ethidium bromide-DNA revealed that GA displaced ethidium bromide, and the type of quenching was static in nature, as determined by Stern-Volmer plot data. Thermodynamic analysis of the DNA-GA complex revealed a spontaneous, favorable interaction involving hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Quenching experiments with potassium iodide, Acridine orange, and NaCl verified GA's groove-binding nature and the presence of weak electrostatic interactions. The thermal melting temperature of DNA in its native and bound states with GA did not differ significantly (69.27° C to 71.25° C), validating the binding of GA to the groove region. Furthermore, the groove-binding nature of GA was confirmed by studying its interaction with ssDNA and DNA viscosity. The methods of DSC, FT-IR, and CD spectroscopy have not revealed any structural aberrations in DNA bound with GA. Molecular docking and modeling studies revealed that GA has a groove-binding nature with DNA, which is consistent with prior experimental results. Finally, the findings shed information by which GA attaches to DNA and provide insights into its recognized anticancer effects topoisomerase inhibition causing DNA cleavage, inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
PubMed: 38433426
DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2323694 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Feline sporotrichosis is an endemic disease with high occurrence in Brazil. Itraconazole (ITZ) remains the drug of choice for treating this disease in cats, despite the...
Feline sporotrichosis is an endemic disease with high occurrence in Brazil. Itraconazole (ITZ) remains the drug of choice for treating this disease in cats, despite the increasing reports of therapeutic failure. A controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed on 166 naive cats with sporotrichosis to assess the effectiveness and safety of the combination therapy with ITZ and potassium iodide (KI) compared with ITZ monotherapy. Cats were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: G1-ITZ 100 mg/cat/day-and G2-ITZ 100 mg/cat/day + KI 2.5-20 mg/kg/day. Cats treated in G2 presented 77% more risk of reaching a clinical cure (a positive effect) than those treated in G1, even when controlled by negative predictors. The survival curves of the two treatment protocols indicate that a clinical cure was achieved faster in G2. An increase in the KI dose was necessary in 28 cats due to the persistence of clinical signs. Adverse reactions were equally frequent in both groups and manageable with a temporary drug suspension and/or a hepatoprotective therapy. The combination therapy was associated with a higher cure rate and a shorter treatment time, suggesting that ITZ+KI arises as a better option for treating feline sporotrichosis and should be considered the first-line treatment, especially in the presence of negative predictors.
PubMed: 38392773
DOI: 10.3390/jof10020101 -
Optimized 3D printed zirconia-reinforced leucite with antibacterial coating for dental applications.Dental Materials : Official Publication... Apr 2024This study aims to produce by robocasting leucite/zirconia pieces with suitable mechanical and tribological performance, convenient aesthetics, and antibacterial...
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to produce by robocasting leucite/zirconia pieces with suitable mechanical and tribological performance, convenient aesthetics, and antibacterial properties to be used in dental crown replacement.
METHODS
Leucite pastes reinforced with 12.5%, 25%, and 37.5% wt. ZrO nanoparticles were prepared and used to print samples that after sintering were characterized in terms of density, shrinkage, morphology, porosity, mechanical and tribological properties and translucency. A coating of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and potassium iodide (KI) was applied over the most promising material. The material's antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity were assessed.
RESULTS
It was found that the increase of ZrO reinforcement up to 25% enhanced both microhardness and fracture toughness of the sintered composite. However, for a superior content of ZrO, the increase of the porosity negatively affected the mechanical behaviour of the composite. Moreover, the composite with 25% ZrO exhibited neglectable wear in chewing simulator tests and induced the lowest wear on the antagonist dental cusps. Although this composite exhibited lower translucency than human teeth, it was three times higher than the ZrO glazed material. Coating this composite material with SDF+KI conferred antibacterial properties without inducing cytotoxicity.
SIGNIFICANCE
Robocasting of leucite reinforced with 25% ZrO led to best results. The obtained material revealed superior optical properties and tribomechanical behaviour compared to glazed ZrO (that is a common option in dental practice). Moreover, the application of SDF+KI coating impaired S. aureus proliferation, which anticipates its potential benefit for preventing pathogenic bacterial complications associated with prosthetic crown placement.
Topics: Humans; Ceramics; Staphylococcus aureus; Materials Testing; Zirconium; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Surface Properties; Aluminum Silicates
PubMed: 38369404
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.02.021 -
Transplantation Proceedings Apr 2024Inappropriate matching of motor and sensory fibers after nerve repair or grafting can lead to nerve recovery failure. Identifying the motor and sensory fascicles enables...
BACKGROUND
Inappropriate matching of motor and sensory fibers after nerve repair or grafting can lead to nerve recovery failure. Identifying the motor and sensory fascicles enables surgeons to match them accurately and correctly align nerve stumps, which is crucial for neural regeneration. Very few methods have been reported to differentiate between the sensory and motor nerve fascicles, and the replicability of these techniques remains unestablished. In this study, we aimed to assess the accuracy of axonal cholinesterase (CE) histochemical staining in distinguishing motor and sensory nerve fibers.
METHODS
The femoral and sciatic nerves were harvested from rats. The specimens were immediately cut, frozen in isopentane, and cooled with liquid nitrogen. Nerve serial cross-sections were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, followed by CE histochemistry. The staining protocol solutions included acetylthiocholine iodide, phosphate buffer, cobalt sulfate hydrate, potassium phosphate monobasic, sulfuric acid, sodium bicarbonate, glutaraldehyde, and ammonium sulfide.
RESULTS
Cross-sections of nerves containing efferent and afferent nerve fibers in segregated fascicles showed that CE activity was confined to motor neurons. A histochemical study revealed that motor fibers with high cholinesterase activity can be differentiated from sensory fibers. The motor branches of the femoral and sciatic nerves showed specific axonal staining, whereas the sensory branch did not show any specific staining.
CONCLUSION
CE histochemical staining is a useful technique for distinguishing between motor and sensory nerve fibers. It can be potentially useful in improving the outcomes of nerve grafts or extremity allotransplantation surgery.
Topics: Animals; Sciatic Nerve; Rats; Cholinesterases; Staining and Labeling; Motor Neurons; Axons; Sensory Receptor Cells; Male; Femoral Nerve; Rats, Sprague-Dawley
PubMed: 38355371
DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.01.035