Designing donor/acceptor (D/A) interfaces that can efficiently generate free carriers is an attractive research target for organic photovoltaics (OPVs). While many reports suggest that the molecular ...orientation of the donor at the D/A interface influences the free-charge generation and recombination, the effects of the acceptor orientation on these processes remain elusive. In this work, we demonstrate that 6,6-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) changes its molecular orientation at the film surface on crystallization, resulting in the preferential surface exposure of the side chains. Photoelectron spectra of amorphous- and crystalline-PC61BM/sexithiophene (6T) interfaces and analysis of the external quantum efficiency and electroluminescence of bilayer OPVs in the charge-transfer absorption range reveal that the orientational change of PC61BM raises the energy of the charge-transfer state at the D/A interface. In addition, the PC61BM side chain at the crystalline-PC61BM/6T interface reduces the electronic coupling between the charge-transfer and ground states, suppressing carrier recombination without sacrificing photocurrent. These two factors lead to the higher open-circuit voltage of crystalline-PC61BM/6T OPV compared with its amorphous counterpart. This work directly links the interface and photovoltaic properties, highlighting the role of the acceptor’s orientation in determining the efficiency of OPVs.
The objective is to conduct a questionnaire survey regarding pharyngolaryngeal sensation evaluation in dysphagia to understand the current situation in Japan.
The questionnaire was sent to the ...councilor of the Society of Swallowing and Dysphagia of Japan and the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation-Certified Clinician. The prospective questionnaire survey included the questions listed below: Q1: What do you think of the importance of pharyngolaryngeal sensory evaluation? Q2: Select one of the essential swallowing sensations. Q3: Select one of the following regarding the frequency of sensory examination of the larynx. Q4: Select the proportion of cases the sensory test results affect. Q5: As a pharyngolaryngeal sensory evaluation method in swallowing function evaluation, please fill in the table below for the frequency, difficulty, and effectiveness of the following tests, such as gag reflex, touching the larynx by endoscopy, touching the larynx by the probe with endoscopy, cough reflex test, swallowing provocation test.
The essential swallowing sensations of mechanical stimulation, chemical stimulation, thermal stimulation were 84.9%, 5.4%, and 9.7%, respectively. The frequency of touching the larynx by endoscopy in the otolaryngology group and cough reflex test in dentistry was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). The correlation between the frequency and difficulty or effectiveness of the sensory tests indicated that the frequency and difficulty are significantly correlated between each item.
Our results aid in increasing understanding and selection of pharyngolaryngeal sensation evaluation for dysphagia patients.
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a persistent inflammatory disease of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Traditional classification is denoted by the presence (CRSwNP) or absence of nasal polyps ...(CRSsNP). Particularly, CRSwNP is distinguished by the presence of infiltrating cells and inflammatory markers in the nasal mucosa. Patients with CRSwNP in Western countries predominantly display a type 2 endotype, whereas those in Asian regions display a mixed type 2 endotype. Nevertheless, recent transcriptome analyses have revealed two types of nasal polyps - type 2 and non-type 2 polyps, suggesting that geographical differences in endotypes likely resulted from the different proportions of each endotype. Moreover, various endotypes of CRSsNP have been identified, making phenotype a crucial factor for predicting treatment efficacy. Type 2 endotypes, designated as eosinophilic CRS (ECRS) in Japan, are characterized by severe eosinophilic infiltration into the paranasal sinus tissue and are particularly refractory. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in ECRS. We also provide recent findings on the involvement of nasal epithelial cells in pathogenesis.
Post-upper respiratory tract infection related olfactory dysfunction typically occurs due to neural damage after an upper respiratory tract infection associated with a common cold or influenza. At ...present, Tokishakuyakusan, a Japanese traditional Kampo medicine, has been found to be effective for post-viral olfactory dysfunction. However, the pharmacodynamics of Tokishakuyakusan in the treatment of post-viral olfactory dysfunction remains unresolved. We investigated the effects of Tokishakuyakusan on the regeneration of olfactory neurons and expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in neural systems, using in vivo murine studies and in vitro cell culture studies. Eight-week-old BALB/C female mice were fed a pellet diet with or without Tokishakuyakusan. Degeneration of cells in olfactory epithelium was induced by intraperitoneal methimazole injection. Regeneration of olfactory neurons was observed by histological and immunohistochemical procedures. NGF expression in the olfactory bulb was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NGF gene and protein expression were measured using rat primary cultured astrocytes by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that olfactory marker protein, Ki-67, and NGF were more highly expressed in the olfactory epithelium during the regeneration period in mice receiving Tokishakuyakusan. In cultured astrocytes, Tokishakuyakusan as well as its individual components, Atractylodes lancea rhizome and Japanese angelica root, increased NGF expression. Screening assays revealed that NGF production was increased by atractylodin and levistolide A, which are ingredients in Atractylodes lancea rhizome and Japanese angelica root, respectively. These results suggest that Tokishakuyakusan promotes regeneration of olfactory neurons by increasing NGF expression in the olfactory bulb.
Background:
Although arthroscopic lateral ligament repair (ALLR) with suture anchors for chronic lateral ankle instability has become widely accepted, some complications have been reported as well. ...Establishment of a new technique is essential for better clinical outcomes after ALLR.
Purpose
To report a novel technique and good clinical results of ALLR using a knotless suture anchor.
Study Design:
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
We examined 30 patients (16 men and 14 women) who underwent ALLR. The mean age of the patients was 30.0 years, and the average period of postoperative monitoring was 21 months. The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle-hindfoot scale was used for clinical evaluation postoperatively, and the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) for patient-reported results. Surgical complications were also examined.
Results:
The JSSF ankle-hindfoot scale showed a significant improvement from preoperatively to follow-up (from 72.1 to 96.1; P < 0.001), and the SAFE-Q was significantly improved in all subscales (pain and pain-related, physical function and daily living, social function, shoe-related, and general health and well-being; P < 0.004 for all). Complications included residual joint pain due to remaining osteophytes in 1 case, scar pain of the accessory anterolateral portal in 2 cases, and positive Tinel sign indicative of superficial peroneal nerve irritation at the anterolateral portal in 1 case.
Conclusion:
The clinical results of the novel ALLR technique were overall satisfactory. Knot-related complications, one of the main reasons for postoperative complications, were reduced by using a knotless suture anchor.
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