Due to their outstanding performance, low cost, ease of fabrication, diverse photonic, and optoelectronic applications, metal halides perovskite have attracted extensive interest in photodetector ...applications. Currently, devices made by metal oxides, metal sulfides, and 2D materials had achieved good responsivity, but suffered from high dark current, slow response speed, small on-off ratio, and poor stability. Whole performances of these photodetectors are not satisfactory. Here, a lateral perovskite (CH
3
NH
3
PbBr
3
)/Ethanolamine/TiO
2
(in ethanol) trilayer photodetector is designed for achieving high performance. EA treatment enhances electron extraction and reduces undesired recombination. This trilayer device shows good performances with low dark current of 1.5 × 10
−11
A, high on-off ratio of 2700, high photodetectivity of 1.51 × 10
12
Jones, high responsivity of 0.13 A W
−1
, and high stability, comparative to conventional single layer devices. This work provides the way to improve the performance of metal halide perovskite photodetectors.
Photovoltaic performances of CsPbI
2
Br solar cells are still lower than those of hybrid inorganic–organic perovskite solar cells, and researchers are exploring ways to improve their efficiencies. ...Due to its higher thermal stability in comparison with the generally studied hybrid inorganic–organic perovskites, all-inorganic CsPbI
2
Br has recently attracted great attention. By utilizing the combination of MnCl
2
and ZnCl
2
particles doping to modulate film growth, it is found that MnCl
2
and ZnCl
2
particles infiltrate into the holes of the CsPbI
2
Br lattice through the growth procedure, leading to suppressed nucleation and reduced growth rate. The combination assists to achieve higher CsPbI
2
Br crystalline grains for increased
J
sc
as high as 15.66 mA cm
−2
and FF as large as 73.37%. It is indicated that a specific combination of ZnCl
2
-MnCl
2
doping can fundamentally improve the film surface morphology, reduce trap density, and suppress the recombination of carriers. Consequently, power conversion efficiency (PCE) is significantly improved from 13.47 to 14.15% compared with the reference device without doping.
Camostat mesylate, an oral serine protease inhibitor, is a powerful TMPRSS2 inhibitor and has been reported as a possible antiviral treatment against COVID-19. Therefore, we aim to assess the safety ...and efficacy of camostat mesylate for COVID-19 treatment. A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, clinical trials.gov, and medrxiv until June 2023. The outcomes were pooled using Mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO with ID CRD42023439633. Nine RCTs, including 1,623 patients, were included in this analysis. There was no difference between camostat mesylate and placebo in producing negative PCR test results at 1-7 days (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.06 P = 0.1), 8-14 days (RR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.84, 1.23 P = 0.87), or 15-21 days (RR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.19 P = 0.90); clinical resolution of symptoms at 1-7 days (RR: 0.94 (95% CI: 0.58, 1.53) P = 0.81), 8-14 days (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.11 P = 0.33, ), or 15-21 days (RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.40, 1.51 P = 0.45); and time to symptom improvement (MD:-0.38 weeks (95% CI: -1.42, 0.66 P = 0.47, I.sup.2 = 85%). Camostat mesylate did not improve clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, compared to placebo.
COVID-19 household transmissibility remains unclear in Pakistan. To understand the dynamics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus disease epidemiology, this study estimated Secondary ...Attack Rate (SAR) among household and close contacts of index cases in Pakistan using a statistical transmission model.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using an inclusive contact tracing dataset from the provinces of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to estimate SAR. We considered the probability of an infected person transmitting the infection to close contacts regardless of residential addresses. This means that close contacts were identified irrespective of their relationship with the index case. We assessed demographic determinants of COVID-19 infectivity and transmissibility. For this purpose based on evolving evidence, and as CDC recommends fully vaccinated people get tested 5-7 days after close contact with a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Therefore we followed the same procedure in the close contacts for secondary infection.
During the study period from 15th May 2020 to 15th Jan 2021, a total of 339 (33.9%) index cases were studied from 1000 cases initially notified. Among close contact groups (n = 739), households were identified with an assumed mean incubation period of 8.2+4.3 days and a maximum incubation period of 15 days. SAR estimated here is among the household contacts. 117 secondary cases from 739 household contacts, with SAR 11.1% (95% CI 9.0-13.6). All together (240) SAR achieved was 32.48% (95% CI; 29.12-37.87) for symptomatic and confirmed cases. The potential risk factors for SAR identified here included; old age group (>45 years of age), male (gender), household members >5, and residency in urban areas and for index cases high age group. Overall local reproductive number (R) based on the observed household contact frequencies for index/primary cases was 0.9 (95% CI 0.47-1.21) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 1.3 (95% CI 0.73-1.56) in Punjab.
SAR estimated here was high especially in the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. The results highlight the need to adopt rigorous preventive measures to cut the chain of viral transmission and prevent another wave of COVID-19.
The study aims at assessing the potential of graphene-based adsorbents to reduce environmental impacts of Iodinated Contrast Media Agents (ICMs). We analyze an extensive collection of ICMs. A ...modeling approach resting on molecular docking and Density Functional Theory simulations is employed to examine the adsorption process at the molecular level. The study also relies on a Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling framework to correlate molecular properties with the adsorption energy (Ead) of ICMs, thus enabling identification of the key mechanisms underpinning adsorption and of the key factors contributing to it. A collection of distinct QSAR-based models is developed upon relying on Multiple Linear Regression and a standard genetic algorithm method. Having at our disposal multiple models enables us to take into account the uncertainty associated with model formulation. Maximum Likelihood and formal model identification/discrimination criteria (such as Bayesian and/or information theoretic criteria) are then employed to complement the traditional QSAR modeling phase. This has the advantage of (a) providing a rigorous ranking of the alternative models included in the selected set and (b) quantifying the relative degree of likelihood of each of these models through a weight or posterior probability. The resulting workflow of analysis enables one to seamlessly embed DFT and QSAR studies within a theoretical framework of analysis that explicitly takes into account model and parameter uncertainty. Our results suggest that graphene-based surfaces constitute a promising adsorbent for ICMs removal, π-π stacking being the primary mechanism behind ICM adsorption. Furthermore, our findings offer valuable insights into the potential of graphene-based adsorbent materials for effectively removing ICMs from water systems. They contribute to ascertain the significance of various factors (such as, e.g., the distribution of atomic van der Waals volumes, overall molecular complexity, the presence and arrangement of Iodine atoms, and the presence of polar functional groups) on the adsorption process.
Display omitted
•DFT analyses of adsorption of a large set of Iodinated Contrast Media Agents (ICMs).•Detailed QSAR studies to model ICM adsorption on graphene.•Graphene effectively adsorbs ICMs, with π-π stacking as the key mechanism.•Joint use of QSAR, Maximum Likelihood and Model Discrimination for model evaluation.•Model discrimination criteria balance model complexity and quality of fit from QSAR.
Wallenberg syndrome, also known as a lateral medullary syndrome, is a rare neurological condition caused by an infarction in the brainstem's lateral medulla. There are subtypes of Wallenberg syndrome ...with distinctive and atypical symptoms, such as Opalski syndrome.
A 41-year-old hypertensive male arrived at the emergency department with abrupt onset of right-sided bodily weakness, vertigo, facial numbness, dysphagia, hoarseness of voice, and double vision. The neurological examination indicated right hemiparesis, right facial numbness, crossed sensory deficit, right limb ataxia, right uvulopalatal deviation, and vertical double vision. An MRI showed a lateral medullary infarct leading to the suspicion of the atypical lateral medullary syndrome. The patient was treated with physiotherapy and daily oral medications including aspirin, clopidogrel, atorvastatin, and Cap Risek. On follow-up 14 days later, the patient's condition had significantly improved.
This case study demonstrates the significance of recognizing atypical variants of Wallenberg syndrome, such as Opalski syndrome, in order to provide a correct diagnosis and the most effective treatment. Our patient's condition improved as a result of the therapy measures used, however, people with Opalski syndrome may have a poor prognosis and require continuous monitoring.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rarely occurring condition. Pregnancy and postpartum are both known risk factors for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Early detection and treatment are ...critical, as CVST can be potentially life-threatening. Here, we present a case of a patient who developed left transverse and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis 15 days after normal vaginal delivery. The patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of irritability and an altered state of consciousness for two days. The patient also developed seizures extending from the lower limb to the upper body. Laboratory investigations revealed abnormalities in the complete blood count report and urine complete examination. The patient's coagulation profile was totally abnormal, indicating a presence of a thrombus. All the other diagnostic techniques, including Electrocardiogram, Carotid Doppler Scan, and Ultrasound abdomen, revealed no findings. However, Magnetic resonance venography + Magnetic resonance imaging showed partial superior sagittal sinus thrombosis in the anterior and upper parietal regions, right internal jugular vein thrombosis, and left transverse thrombosis with associated left parietal infarcts. The presence of thrombosis in sinuses and jugular vein resulted in seizures, altered state of consciousness, and other associated symptoms. The patient was treated with sodium valproate, heparin, and other medications accordingly. The above-mentioned case was unique due to the involvement of unusual sinuses (transverse sinus) as previous studies have only reported cases of thrombus presence in the superior sagittal sinus. This case study will discuss patient diagnosis and management with Heparin and Diazepam to stop altered state of consciousness and seizures in females.
Abstract
In order to incorporate agile manufacturing (AM) in materials and systems, the manufacturing sectors have drivers to face obstacles. Agility is generally accepted for satisfying diverse ...consumer demands as a new strategic principle in the automotive industry. There has now been a prerequisite for evaluating AM in industry. An organization’s effectiveness relies on their ability to find and pay special attention to the crucial success drivers to achieve a high level of efficiency. This paper suggests a number of Agile Manufacturing Drivers (AMDs) to evaluate AM that is deemed suitable to the production industry. In order to prioritise performance drivers, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach is used to summarise the perspective of an expert. The proposed AMDs are believed to encourage and assist the manufacturing sector in producing agile products to achieve higher efficiency so as to improve competition.
To determine the outcomes of coronavirus disease-2019 lockdown pertaining to clinical skills among undergraduate medical students.
The cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted after ...approval from the Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, at 6 public and private medical education institutions in Karachi from July 3 to August 3, 2021, and comprised undergraduate students from the 3rd, 4th and final academic years. Data was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.
Of the 383 subjects, 260(67.9%) were females and 123(32.1%) were males. The overall age range was 20-25 years. There were 145(37.9%) students from the 3rd year, 154(40.2%) from 4th and 84(21.9%) from the final year. Among them, 251(84.2%) accepted having decreased efficiency in clinical skills because they were not being able to train in person, 157(41%) claimed that certain topics related to clinical study were given in exams even though they were not taught, and 164(72.6%) faced difficulty in exams related to clinical skills.
Coronavirus disease-2019 caused disruption in routine life, and medical education was not an exception. E-learning modality was found to be insufficient, and patient exposure elevates confidence, eliminates hesitation, and improves clinical skills.
With the rapid development of nanotechnology, personal care products with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) or zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are being widely used because of their superior ...antibacterial efficacies. Biological fluids would thus inevitably interact with Ag-NPs or ZnO-NPs. Human tear fluid is an important model that was ignored in past studies, restricting the comprehensive understanding of the stability and health risks of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs. Herein, two simulated tear fluid models were examined, allowing us to understand potential transformations that can affect the properties and toxicity of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs. Both Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs exhibited high chemical stability in the simulated tear fluid containing proteins even after an incubation time of 168 h due to the formation of biocoronae on the particles, resulting in inferior antibacterial activities of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs to
E. coli
. Nevertheless, Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs could gradually transform into AgCl and Zn
5
(CO
3
)
2
(OH)
6
respectively in the simulated tear fluid without protein, wherein AgCl or Zn
5
(CO
3
)
2
(OH)
6
accounted for 59.7% of silver or 91.7% of zinc through a selective dissolution method established in this study. The size of AgCl particles was far smaller than that of pristine Ag-NPs, whereas Zn
5
(CO
3
)
2
(OH)
6
exhibited a needle-crossed morphology with a large size compared to pristine ZnO-NPs. An enhanced antibacterial efficacy was observed for the transformed Ag-NPs relative to that for pristine Ag-NPs, since high concentrations of dissolved silver were detected in the culture medium with the transformed Ag-NPs. Compared to pristine ZnO-NPs, in contrast, the transformed ZnO-NPs showed moderate antibacterial activity to
E. coli
. In total, the chemical stability of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs in the simulated tear fluid was highly affected by the protein, which would further influence their antibacterial efficacies.
The chemical stability of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs in simulated tear fluid was highly affected by proteins, which would further influence their antibacterial efficacies.
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