The effect of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) on the photoelectrochemical water splitting performance of CuWO4 is studied here for the first time. CuWO4 thin films were functionalized with well-defined ...Au NPs in two composite configurations: with the NPs (I) at the CuWO4–electrolyte interface and (II) at the CuWO4 back contact. In both cases, the incident photon to current conversion efficiency of the film was increased (∼6-fold and ∼1.2-fold for configurations I and II (at λ = 390 nm), respectively). Two important advantages of placing the NPs on the CuWO4–electrolyte interface are identified: (1) Au NPs, coated with a 2 nm TiO2 layer, are found to significantly enhance the surface catalysis of the film, decreasing the surface charge recombination from ∼60% to ∼10%, and (2) the NP’s near-field can promote additional charge carriers within the space charge layer region, where they undergo field-assisted transport, essentially avoiding recombination. Our study shows that Au NPs, coated with a 2 nm TiO2 layer, can significantly mitigate the catalytic and optical photoelectrochemical (PEC) limitations of CuWO4. An increase from 0.03 to 0.1 mA cm–2 in the water-splitting photocurrent was measured for a 200 nm film under simulated solar irradiation at 1.23 V vs RHE.
The 2017 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification suggested that the term “genetic generalized epilepsies” (GGEs) should be used for the broad group of epilepsies with so-called ...“generalized” seizure types and “generalized” spike-wave activity on EEG, based on a presumed genetic etiology. Within this framework, idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) are described as a subset of GGEs and include only four epileptic syndromes: childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone. The recent 2022 ILAE definition of IGEs is based on the current state of knowledge and reflects a community consensus and is designed to evolve as knowledge advances. The term “frontiers of IGEs” refers to the actual limits of our understanding of these four syndromes. Indeed, among patients presenting with a syndrome compatible with the 2022 definition of IGEs, we still observe a significant proportion of patients presenting with specific clinical features, refractory seizures, or drug-resistant epilepsies. This leads to the discussion of the boundaries of IGEs and GGEs, or what is accepted within a clinical spectrum of a definite IGE. Here, we discuss several entities that have been described in the literature for many years and that may either constitute rare features of IGEs or a distinct differential diagnosis. Their recognition by clinicians may allow a more individualized approach and improve the management of patients presenting with such entities.
This is an Italian single-center retrospective study evaluating safety and efficacy of biologic agents in psoriatic patients with a previous diagnosis of malignant cancer.
Management of moderate and ...severe psoriasis patients with a past medical history of malignancies could be difficult because biologic agents are historically associated with a presumptive increased risk of neoplastic reactivation or of a new incoming cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the safety of biologics in patients with a previous cancer diagnosis.
The study analyzed 16 moderate to severe psoriasis patients with a diagnosis of malignant cancer in the previous 10 years treated with biologic agents for up to at least 96 weeks. In five of these patients, cancer was diagnosed in the previous 5 years.
We observed a rapid decrease in PASI (psoriasis area severity index) reaching a 90% improvement in 100% of patients. Oncologic follow up did not show any worsening or reactivation of cancer during the entire observation period. No new malignancies were observed in the analyzed sample.
Biologic agents in our experience have demonstrated to be safe and effective in psoriatic patients with a past medical history of malignant cancer.
Children with autism are characterized by an impairment of social interaction and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Autism is a heterogeneous span of disorders with unknown aetiology. Research has ...grown significantly and has suggested that environmental risk factors acting during the prenatal period could influence the neurodevelopment of offspring. The literature suggests that the maternal diet during pregnancy has a fundamental role in the etiopathogenesis of autism. Indeed, a maternal diet that is high in some nutrients has been associated with an increase or reduction in the risk of develop Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The diet of ASD children is also a key factor for the worsening of ASD symptoms. Children with autism have food selectivity and limited diets due to smell, taste, or other characteristics of foods. This determines eating routines and food intake patterns, with consequent deficiency or excess of some aliments. Several studies have tried to show a possible relationship between nutritional status and autism. In this review we describe, emphasizing the limits and benefits, the main current empirical studies that have examined the role of maternal diet during gestation and diet of ASD children as modifiable risk factors at the base of development or worsening of symptoms of autism
While the global coronavirus crisis impacts society and the economy in a myriad of ways, it provides, what is likely to be, a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to rethink our response to climate ...change. According to the 2020 Global Risk Register, extreme weather and climate action failure are the two most likely and impactful risks to the global economy, which now more than ever needs to be avoided. Addressing the major challenges that we face from climate change can often appear to conflict with economic priorities. Add to this the fact that environmental mitigation steps can inadvertently exclude sections of the population and the enormity and complexity of climate change responses can result in paralysis. In contrast, the Stirling Protocol provides the framework for rapid, effective action and comprises three pillars: Environment, Economy & Inclusion. By addressing and balancing these three pillars, the simple protocol can be adopted throughout organisations putting the environment at the heart of sustainable prosperity and inclusion and provide a benchmark for positive action.
The three pillars of the Stirling Protocol that must be considered to put the environment at the heart of sustainable economic prosperity and inclusion. Display omitted
•Addressing climate change can appear to conflict with economic priorities.•Environmental mitigation steps can inadvertently exclude sections of the population.•The Stirling Protocol will prompt decision makers to put the environment at the heart of inclusive economic decision making.
IntroductionThe COVID-19 outbreak had significant implications worldwide, including mental health. Consultations in the Emergency Service of the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona varied in terms of ...reasons for consultations, psychopathology, and other aspects, before and during the pandemic.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess differences in the profile of patients admitted within the last three years to the Psychiatric Emergency Service of a third-level hospital, in order to analyze variations in the number of patients visited, diagnoses and admissions throughout the different seasons.MethodsAll adults admitted from 2019 to 2021 to the Psychiatric Emergency Service of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Spain, were retrospectively included for analysis and divided into three groups depending on the year they attended the Emergency Service. SPSS v25.0 and R statistics were used in order to compare differences between groups.ResultsA total of 13677 adult individuals who attended the psychiatric emergency service of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona between 2019 and 2021 were included in the analysis. 4814 patients were visited in 2019, 4007 in 2020 and 4856 in 2021. The majority of patients were male (50.1%), with a mean age of 40.47 years (SD 15.83). In terms of acute admission rates, 24.6% of the total sample were hospitalized in an acute psychiatric unit, whereas in the spring of 2020, 34.3% of patients attending the Emergency Service were hospitalized. This revealed significant differences when compared with spring of 2019 and 2021 and with the rest of seasons (p<0.05). With regard to suicide attempts and intentional poisonings, significant differences were only observed between winter of 2019, with the lowest rate, and autumn of 2020, with the highest proportion. In spring of 2019, the lowest rate of patients attending with suicidal ideation was observed, which showed significant differences compared to winter of 2020, spring of 2021, summer of 2021 and autumn of 2021 (p<0.05). Also, statistically significant differences between winter of 2019 and summer of 2021 and also between summer of 2019 and summer of 2021 were observed, with the highest rate in the last one. No significant differences were observed in rates of patients with severe mental disorders visited.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic and the situation of lockdown lead to an overall reduction in the overall consultations to the Emergency Service, being this reduction non-significant in patients with severe mental disorders, such as psychotic disorders. In addition, our study shows a decrease in consultations with suicidal ideation in summer of 2019 and a significant increase in summer of 2021. In contrast, an increased tendency in suicide attempts was not observed.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
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