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Science (New York, N.Y.) Jul 2024Rhombohedral-stacked transition-metal dichalcogenides (3R-TMDs), which are distinct from their hexagonal counterparts, exhibit higher carrier mobility, sliding...
Rhombohedral-stacked transition-metal dichalcogenides (3R-TMDs), which are distinct from their hexagonal counterparts, exhibit higher carrier mobility, sliding ferroelectricity, and coherently enhanced nonlinear optical responses. However, surface epitaxial growth of large multilayer 3R-TMD single crystals is difficult. We report an interfacial epitaxy methodology for their growth of several compositions, including molybdenum disulfide (MoS), molybdenum diselenide, tungsten disulfide, tungsten diselenide, niobium disulfide, niobium diselenide, and molybdenum sulfoselenide. Feeding of metals and chalcogens continuously to the interface between a single-crystal Ni substrate and grown layers ensured consistent 3R stacking sequence and controlled thickness from a few to 15,000 layers. Comprehensive characterizations confirmed the large-scale uniformity, high crystallinity, and phase purity of these films. The as-grown 3R-MoS exhibited room-temperature mobilities up to 155 and 190 square centimeters per volt second for bi- and trilayers, respectively. Optical difference frequency generation with thick 3R-MoS showed markedly enhanced nonlinear response under a quasi-phase matching condition (five orders of magnitude greater than monolayers).
PubMed: 38963849
DOI: 10.1126/science.ado6038 -
Analytical Methods : Advancing Methods... Jul 2024The determination of rare earth element (REE) content in different natural minerals is of high interest due to their extensive use in modern and sustainable...
Validation of microwave acid digestion, diffusive gradients in thin-film preconcentration and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry methodology for the determination of REEs in natural zeolites.
The determination of rare earth element (REE) content in different natural minerals is of high interest due to their extensive use in modern and sustainable technologies. The REEs occurring in natural zeolites are specific to each deposit. This study presents the validation and evaluation of the measurement uncertainty for the determination of REEs (Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, La, Lu, Nd, Pr, Sm, Y, and Yb) in natural zeolites using microwave-assisted acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after diffusive gradients in thin-film preconcentration. A mixture of HNO : HCl : HF of 3 : 9 : 2 (v/v/v) and microwave digestion provided suitable recoveries for the analysis of two certified reference materials, CRM BCS-CRM 375/1 and CRM OREAS 460. Good linearity over the calibration range of 0-2 μg mL, with correlation coefficients of 0.9995-1.0000, was obtained for each REE by ICP-OES. The limits of quantification (LOQ), calculated considering the instrumental LOQs and the sample preparation by microwave digestion, were in the range of 0.20-0.60 mg kg. A supplementary step of preconcentration/matrix separation based on the passive sampling by diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) technique improved the LOQs by about 20 times after three days of passive accumulation, allowing the measurement of the concentrations of all studied REEs in natural zeolite samples. The proposed methodology is a suitable approach for the measurement of REEs at low concentrations in natural zeolite samples by ICP-OES, and it can be extended to other geological samples. The measurement uncertainty was calculated based on the validation data. The proposed method provides reliable results for the measurement of REEs in natural zeolites and was used to measure the specific concentrations of REEs in natural zeolite samples from three Romanian quarries. The REE concentration can be used as a fingerprint for each deposit.
PubMed: 38963789
DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00745j -
Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and... Jul 2024infestation is a risk factor for several ocular surface diseases. However, the prevalence of ocular infection in the ultra-high altitude population is not clear. This...
infestation is a risk factor for several ocular surface diseases. However, the prevalence of ocular infection in the ultra-high altitude population is not clear. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and factors associated with in populations residing in ultra-high altitude region and sea level areas. Consecutive patients who visited Shigatse People's Hospital (> 4,000 m) and Shanghai Tongren Hospital (sea level) for eye complaints between January 2023 and January 2024 were included. Subjects were divided into ultra-high altitude and sea level groups. All subjects underwent eyelash epilation for ocular identification and counting. Demographic and lifestyle information was also collected. A total of 517 subjects were eligible, including 255 subjects in the ultra-high-altitude group and 262 subjects in the sea level group. In the overall analysis, the prevalence of ocular infection was significantly different between the ultra-high-altitude and sea level groups (15.7% vs. 33.2%, < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that age, time spent outdoors, and makeup were associated with ocular infection in both groups. In addition, in the ultra-high-altitude group, people who wear sun hats outdoors were more likely to be infected with . The infection rate of ocular in the residents of ultra-high altitude area was significantly lower than that in the residents of sea level area, which may be related to lower ambient temperature, lower humidity, and higher solar radiation. Additionally, age, time spent outdoors, and makeup may be associated with ocular infection.
PubMed: 38963788
DOI: 10.1089/jop.2024.0038 -
United European Gastroenterology Journal Jul 2024Microscopic colitis (MC) is an inflammatory disorder of the colon. To date, the relationship between inflammatory eye diseases and MC is unclear.
BACKGROUND
Microscopic colitis (MC) is an inflammatory disorder of the colon. To date, the relationship between inflammatory eye diseases and MC is unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether inflammatory eye disease (iridocyclitis and episcleritis) is a risk factor for MC.
METHODS
We conducted a nationwide matched case control study in Sweden leveraging the ESPRESSO-study (a Swedish database containing data on all biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract from 1965 to 2017). In total, we identified 14,338 patients with biopsy-verified MC (diagnosed from 1981 to 2017). Patients with MC were matched (by age, sex, county and year of birth) with 68,753 controls from the general population and the occurrence of preceding inflammatory eye diseases (defined as diagnosis of episcleritis or iridocyclitis) in the two groups was compared. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression conditioned on the matching variables.
RESULTS
A majority of patients with MC were women (71.9%) and the median age at MC diagnosis was 63.3 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 50.7-72.6). Some 225 (1.6%) MC patients had an earlier record of inflammatory eye disease compared with 614 (0.9%) in controls. These figures corresponded to an aOR of 1.77 (95% CI = 1.52-2.07) for inflammatory eye diseases in patients with MC. Compared to siblings, the aOR for previous inflammatory eye diseases in MC was 1.52 (95% CI = 1.17-1.98) and patients treated with budesonide, as a proxy for clinically significant disease, had a somewhat higher aOR for previous inflammatory eye diseases.
CONCLUSION
Inflammatory eye diseases are more common in patients subsequently being diagnosed with MC. Our findings highlight that these conditions may have shared causes and inflammatory pathways and are of clinical interest to gastroenterologists, ophthalmologists and general practitioners.
PubMed: 38963730
DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12623 -
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics :... Jul 2024This study delves into the magneto-electronic and magneto-optical properties of stacking-modulated bilayer graphene. By manipulating domain walls (DWs) across AB-BA...
This study delves into the magneto-electronic and magneto-optical properties of stacking-modulated bilayer graphene. By manipulating domain walls (DWs) across AB-BA domains periodically, we unveil oscillatory Landau subbands and the associated optical excitations. The DWs act as periodic potentials, yielding fascinating 1D spectral features. Our exploration reveals 1D phenomena localized to Bernal stacking, DW regions, and stacking boundaries, highlighting the intriguing formation of Landau state quantization influenced by the commensuration between the magnetic length and the system. The stable quantized localization within different regions leads to the emergence of unconventional quantized subbands. This study provides valuable insights into the essential properties of stacking-modulated bilayer graphene.
PubMed: 38963725
DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01576b -
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical... Jul 2024Cancer immunotherapy is one of the most emerging and rapidly growing fields.Ocular side effects associated with these therapies are common and can be present in up to...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Cancer immunotherapy is one of the most emerging and rapidly growing fields.Ocular side effects associated with these therapies are common and can be present in up to 70% of patients.The cornea may be involved in different pathogenic mechanisms triggered by different immunotherapeutic agents, and corneal disease varies from mild symptoms to severe corneal ulceration and melting with visual loss.We aimed to review the incidence, mechanism, and management of ocular surface side effects in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
RECENT FINDINGS
With the recent use of immunotherapeutic agents in cancer patients, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, ocular surface and corneal involvement are common side effects.These patients can be at risk of sight threatening complications that warrant prompt diagnosis and careful monitoring and management.
SUMMARY
Immunotherapy- related corneal complications in cancer patients are associated with a decreased quality of life. Prompt recognition and an interdisciplinary approach between ophthalmologists and oncologists are crucial to handle immune related ocular adverse events in these patients, in order to maintain ocular surface integrity and avoid a vision threatening complication.
PubMed: 38963724
DOI: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000001007 -
Journal of Esthetic and Restorative... Jul 2024To evaluate the effect of the deterioration of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) burs during zirconia milling, on surface roughness, contact...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of the deterioration of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) burs during zirconia milling, on surface roughness, contact angle, and fibroblast viability.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ceramic blocks were milled and 75 ceramic disks (8 × 1.5 mm) made and allocated into three groups (n = 25): G1-brand new 2L and 1L burs, G2-2L bur at the end of lifetime and brand new 1L bur and G3-both burs at the end of their lifetimes. Roughness (Ra, Rq, and Rz) was evaluated using a 3D optical profilometer, the contact angle by the sessile drop method and the cell viability of the mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblast, using the Alamar Blue assay at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h (ISO 10993-5). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p ≤ 0.05).
RESULTS
Roughness increased as the burs deteriorated and G3 (0.27 ± 0.04) presented a higher value for Ra (p < 0.001). The highest contact angle was observed in G3 (86.2 ± 2.66) when compared with G1 (63.7 ± 12.49) and G2 (75.3 ± 6.36) (p < 0.001). Alamar Blue indicated an increase in cell proliferation, with no significant differences among the groups at 24 and 72 h (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The deterioration of the burs increased the surface roughness and decreased the wettability, but did not interfere in cell viability and proliferation.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The use of custom zirconia abutments represents an effective strategy for single crowns restorations. Our findings suggest that these abutments can be efficiently milled using CAD/CAM burs within their recommended lifetime.
PubMed: 38963682
DOI: 10.1111/jerd.13277 -
International Ophthalmology Jul 2024To understand factors affecting visual prognosis and the number of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections needed to stabilize wet...
PURPOSE
To understand factors affecting visual prognosis and the number of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections needed to stabilize wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
METHODS
In this retrospective cohort, 119 treatment-naïve wet AMD patients were followed for two years. In patients with bilateral disease, the eye with worse best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) or that received more intravitreal injections was recruited as the study eye. In all visits, BCVA was recorded, ophthalmological examination was performed including macular optical coherence tomography imaging. Twenty health status/lifestyle questions were asked to the patients via phone as potential risk factors. All patients received 3 loading doses of intravitreal bevacizumab injections and received repeat injections of aflibercept or ranibizumab when the eye had a new, active neovascular lesion.
RESULTS
Patients who took regular micronutrition had similar visual outcome and injection numbers compared to the ones who did not. Patients with bilateral disease needed less intravitreal injections compared to unilateral AMD patients (p = 0.016) and women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) required less injections compared to the women who were not (p = 0.024). Female patients had a mean gain of 2.7 letters while male patients lost 3.8 letters (p = 0.038). Wet AMD started at an earlier age in smokers (p = 0.002). Patients with a better education level presented earlier with better BCVA (p = 0.037).
CONCLUSION
HRT and anti-VEGF injections to the fellow eye improved the prognosis of wet AMD, while male patients had slightly worse prognosis. Estrogen's protective effects and potential contribution in wet AMD needs further attention. Retrospectively registered: 2020/0622.
Topics: Humans; Male; Intravitreal Injections; Retrospective Studies; Female; Wet Macular Degeneration; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Visual Acuity; Aged; Ranibizumab; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Bevacizumab; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Prognosis; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Aged, 80 and over; Follow-Up Studies; Middle Aged; Fluorescein Angiography
PubMed: 38963653
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03243-1 -
The Egyptian Heart Journal : (EHJ) :... Jul 2024Over recent years, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as a no longer rare cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). On the other hand, coronary...
BACKGROUND
Over recent years, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as a no longer rare cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). On the other hand, coronary artery spasm (CAS) is the main cause of ischemic heart disease with non-obstructive coronary lesions. Clinical manifestations of both vary from stable angina to ACS or, rarely, sudden cardiac death. These entities may be underdiagnosed on a coronary angiography.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the case of a young woman presenting with acute chest pain and no coronary risk factors. Angiography revealed a focal subcritical stenosis of the right coronary artery. Coronary wiring resulted in diffuse and critical spasm. However, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) showed extensive SCAD. She was therefore treated conservatively. On the fourth day, cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) excluded disease progression, and then she was discharged on medical therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Combined IVI plays a vital role in providing accurate and detailed visualization of the coronary anatomy and thus allowing for more precise diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment planning. CCTA can be considered a valuable tool in the noninvasive follow-up of SCAD.
PubMed: 38963642
DOI: 10.1186/s43044-024-00514-1 -
Graefe's Archive For Clinical and... Jul 2024Abnormalities in lipid metabolism have been proposed in Bietti's crystalline dystrophy (BCD). We aim to characterize the lipid profiles in a case-control study.
PURPOSE
Abnormalities in lipid metabolism have been proposed in Bietti's crystalline dystrophy (BCD). We aim to characterize the lipid profiles in a case-control study.
METHODS
All participants were genetically confirmed by CYP4V2 gene sequencing and underwent chorioretinopathy evaluation by calculating the percentages of AF atrophy (PAFA). Fasting blood samples of BCD patients and controls were collected, and plasma was analyzed for routine lipid profiles. Targeted lipidomic evaluation includes long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and associated eicosanoid metabolites.
RESULTS
Routine lipids profiles showed elevated plasma levels of triglyceride (P = 0.043) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.024) in BCD patients. Lipidomic analysis showed significantly decreased levels of ω-3 LCPUFA including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6, P = 0.00068) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, P = 0.0016), as well as ω-6 LCPUFA arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4, P < 0.0001) in BCD patients. Eicosanoid metabolites, either derived from ω-3 and/ or ω-6 LCPUFAs via cyclooxygenase (COX) or lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, including 5-HEPE, 12-HEPE, 13-HDHA, 15-HETE, 12-HETE, 5-HETE, 6k-PGF1a, PGE2, PGJ2, and TXB2, exhibited significant differences (P < 0.0001) between BCD patients and controls. Genotypes of CYP4V2, specifically the biallelic null mutations, were observed to correlate with more remarkably reduced levels of oxylipins, involving major LOX pathway metabolites including 5-HETE, 5-HEPE, 12-HEPE and LTB4.
CONCLUSIONS
BCD patients demonstrated significant decreases in plasma levels of ω-3 and ω-6 LCPUFA (DHA, EPA, and ARA), as well as their downstream metabolites via the COX and LOX pathways, suggesting that these might be implicated in BCD pathogenesis and could serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of the disease.
KEY MESSAGES
What is known BCD is a vision-threatening hereditary disease the causative gene of which is CYP4V2. Abnormalities in lipid metabolism have been proposed and demonstrated previously in BCD studies. The detailed pathogenesis remains unclear and controversial. What is new We observed prominent lipidomic alterations in the circulation when compared with age, gender, and bodymass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls. BCD patients demonstrated significant decreases in plasma levels of ω-3 and ω-6 LCPUFA (DHA, EPA, and ARA). Remarkable changes were observed in the downstream metabolites of the LCPUFA via the COX and LOX pathways. Genotypes of CYP4V2, specifically the biallelic null mutations, were observed to correlate with more remarkably reduced levels of oxylipins, involving major LOX pathway metabolites.
PubMed: 38963460
DOI: 10.1007/s00417-024-06554-2