Spin coating epitaxial heterodimensional tin perovskites for light-emitting diodes

Environmentally friendly tin (Sn) perovskites have received considerable attention due to their great potential for replacing their toxic lead counterparts in applications of photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, the device performance of Sn perovskites lags far behind that of lead perovskites, and the highest reported external quantum efficiencies of near-infrared Sn perovskite LEDs are below 10%. The poor performance stems mainly from the numerous defects within Sn perovskite crystallites and grain boundaries, leading to serious non-radiative recombination. Various epitaxy methods have been introduced to obtain high-quality perovskites, although their sophisticated processes limit the scalable fabrication of functional devices. Here we demonstrate that epitaxial heterodimensional Sn perovskite films can be fabricated using a spin-coating process, and efficient LEDs with an external quantum efficiency of 11.6% can be achieved based on these films. The film is composed of a two-dimensional perovskite layer and a three-dimensional perovskite layer, which is highly ordered and has a well-defined interface with minimal interfacial areas between the different dimensional perovskites. This unique nanostructure is formed through direct spin coating of the perovskite precursor solution with tryptophan and SnF2 additives onto indium tin oxide glass. We believe that our approach will provide new opportunities for further developing high-performance optoelectronic devices based on heterodimensional perovskites.

Post-operative vestibular and equilibrium evaluation in patients with cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistulas

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the pre- and post-operative vestibular and equilibrium functions of patients with cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistulas who underwent different management methods.

METHODS

Data from 49 patients with cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistulas who underwent one of three surgical procedures were retrospectively analysed. The three management options were fistula repair, obliteration and canal occlusion.

RESULTS

Patients underwent fistula repair (n = 8), canal occlusion (n = 18) or obliteration procedures (n = 23). Patients in the fistula repair and canal occlusion groups suffered from post-operative vertigo and imbalance, which persisted for longer than in those in the obliteration group. Despite receiving different management strategies, all patients achieved complete recovery of equilibrium functions through persistent efforts in rehabilitation exercises.

CONCLUSION

Complete removal of the cholesteatoma matrix overlying the fistula is reliable for preventing iatrogenic hearing deterioration due to unremitting labyrinthitis. Thus, among the three fistula treatments, obliteration is the optimal method for preserving post-operative vestibular functions.

Unraveling the Origin of Long-Lifetime Emission in Low-Dimensional Copper Halides via a Magneto-optical Study

The origin of the long lifetime of self-trapped exciton emission in low-dimensional copper halides is currently the subject of extensive debate. In this study, we address this issue in a prototypical zero-dimensional copper halide, Cs2(C18)2Cu2I4-DMSO, through magneto-optical studies at low temperatures down to 0.2 K. Our results exclude spin-forbidden dark states and indirect phonon-assisted recombination as the origin of the long photoluminescence lifetime. Instead, we propose that the minimal Franck-Condon factor of the radiative transition from excited states to the ground state is the decisive factor, based on the transition probability analysis. Our findings offer insights into the electronic processes in low-dimensional copper halides and have the potential to advance the application of these distinctive materials in optoelectronics.

[Epidemiological characteristics and survival analysis of reported pneumoconiosis in Chengdu, 2012-2021]

Objective: To explore theepidemiological characteristics and analyse the survival of pneumoconiosis in Chengdu from 2011 to 2021, providing scientific evidence for further prevention and control. Methods: In April 2022, the pneumoconiosis report card of Chengdu from 2012 to 2021 and survival data were collected from the China Disease Control and prevention information system and the occupational pneumoconiosis follow-up survey project.The data of the report card was reorganized and analyzed by R4.4.0 software. Chi-square test was used to compare the case composition ratio between groups. The annual trend of the number of new pneumo coniosis cases was analyzed by linear regression model Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and log-rank test was used for comparison of survival curves between groups. Results: 816 cases of pneumoconiosis were reported in Chengdu from 2011 to 2021, including 522 cases of stage Ⅰ (63.97%, 522/816), 148 cases of stage Ⅱ (18.14%, 148/816) and 146 cases of stage Ⅲ pneumoconiosis (17.89146/816) ; There were 596 cases of silicosis (73.04%, 596/816), 143 cases of coal worker's pneumoconiosis (17.52%, 143/816). New onset pneumoconiosis was mainly male (810 cases, 99.26%). The median age of diagnosis and the 25th and 75th percentile were 63 (51-71) years old, the median length of dust exposure were 12.00 (5.92-28.00) years, and the types of work were mainly rock drillers (24.63%, 201/816), tunneling workers (19.36%, 158/816) and coal miners (13.60%, 111/816). Among 816 cases of new pneumoconiosis, 35 cases were lost to follow-up (4.29%, 35/816), 605 cases survived and 176 cases died. The 5-year survival rate was 78.6% and the 10-year survival rate was 65.8%. Conclusion: The number of pneumoconiosis reported in Chengdu was relatively stable in recent years. The main type of pneumoconiosis was silicosis, which was concentrated in regions, industries and types of work. We should continue to strengthen the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis.

[Diagnostic values of conventional tumor markers and their combination with chest CT for patients with stageⅠA lung cancer]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic efficiency of conventional serum tumor markers and their combination with chest CT for stage ⅠA lung cancer. Methods: A total of 1 155 patients with stage ⅠA lung cancer and 200 patients with benign lung lesions (confirmed by surgery) treated at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to October 2020 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Six conventional serum tumor markers [carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), squamous cell carcinoma associated antigen (SCCA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and gastrin-releasing peptide precursor (ProGRP)] and chest thin-slice CT were performed on all patients one month before surgery. Pathology was taken as the gold standard to analyze the difference of positivity rates of tumor markers between the lung cancer group and the benign group, the moderate/poor differentiation group and the well differentiation group, the adenocarcinoma group and the squamous cell carcinoma group, the lepidic and non-lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma groups, the solid nodule group and the subsolid nodule group based on thin-slice CT, and subgroups of ⅠA1 to ⅠA3 lung cancers. The diagnostic performance of tumor markers and tumor markers combined with chest CT was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: The positivity rates of six serum tumor markers in the lung cancer group and the benign group were 2.32%-20.08% and 0-13.64%, respectively; only the SCCA positivity rate in the lung cancer group was higher than that in the benign group (10.81% and 0, P=0.022). There were no significant differences in the positivity rates of other serum tumor markers between the two groups (all P>0.05). The combined detection of six tumor markers showed that the positivity rate of the lung cancer group was higher than that of the benign group (40.93% and 18.18%, P=0.004), and the positivity rate of the adenocarcinoma group was lower than that of the squamous cell carcinoma group (35.66% and 47.41%, P=0.045). The positivity rates in the poorly differentiated group and moderately differentiated group were higher than that in the well differentiated group (46.48%, 43.75% and 22.73%, P=0.025). The positivity rate in the non-lepidic adenocarcinoma group was higher than that in lepidic adenocarcinoma group (39.51% and 21.74%, P=0.001). The positivity rate of subsolid nodules was lower than that of solid nodules (30.01% vs 58.71%, P=0.038), and the positivity rates of stageⅠA1, ⅠA2 and ⅠA3 lung cancers were 33.33%, 48.96% and 69.23%, respectively, showing an increasing trend (P=0.005). The sensitivity and specificity of the combined detection of six tumor markers in the diagnosis of stage ⅠA lung cancer were 74.00% and 56.30%, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.541. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined detection of six serum tumor markers with CT in the diagnosis of stage ⅠA lung cancer were 83.0% and 78.3%, respectively, and the AUC was 0.721. Conclusions: For stage ⅠA lung cancer, the positivity rates of commonly used clinical tumor markers are generally low. The combined detection of six markers can increase the positivity rate. The positivity rate of markers tends to be higher in poorly differentiated lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, or solid nodules. Tumor markers combined with thin-slice CT showed limited improvement in diagnostic efficiency for early lung cancer.

A highly efficient open-shell singlet luminescent diradical with strong magnetoluminescence properties

Developing open-shell singlet (OS) diradicals with high luminescent properties and exceptional single-molecule magnetoluminescence (ML) performance is extremely challenging. Herein, we propose a concept to enhance luminescent efficiency by adjusting the donor conjugation of OS diradicals, thereby achieving a highly luminescent diradical, DR1, with outstanding stability and making it a viable option for use in the emitting layer of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). More importantly, the 0.5 wt%-DR1 doped film demonstrates significant single-molecule magnetoluminescence (ML) properties. A giant ML value of 210% is achieved at a magnetic field of 7 T, showing the great potential of DR1 in magneto-optoelectronic devices.

A Highly Luminescent Metallo-Supramolecular Radical Cage

Luminescent metal-radicals have recently received increasing attention due to their unique properties and promising applications in materials science. However, the luminescence of metal-radicals tends to be quenched after formation of metallo-complexes. It is challenging to construct metal-radicals with highly luminescent properties. Herein, we report a highly luminescent metallo-supramolecular radical cage (LMRC) constructed by the assembly of a tritopic terpyridinyl ligand RL with tris(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl (TTM) radical and Zn2+. Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), traveling-wave ion mobility-mass spectrometry (TWIM-MS), X-ray crystallography, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) confirm the formation of a prism-like supramolecular radical cage. LMRC exhibits a remarkable photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 65%, which is 5 times that of RL; meanwhile, LMRC also shows high photostability. Notably, significant magnetoluminescence can be observed for the high-concentration LMRC (15 wt % doped in PMMA film); however, the magnetoluminescence of 0.1 wt % doped LMRC film vanishes, revealing negligible spin-spin interactions between two radical centers in LMRC.

Continuous-Wave Lasing in Perovskite LEDs with an Integrated Distributed Feedback Resonator

Realization of electrically pumped laser diodes based on solution-processed semiconductors is a long-standing challenge. Metal halide perovskites have shown great potential toward this goal due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. Continuous-wave (CW) optically pumped lasing in a real electroluminescent device represents a key step to current-injection laser diodes, but it has not yet been realized. This is mainly due to the challenge of incorporating a resonant cavity into an efficient light-emitting diode (LED) able to sustain intensive carrier injection. Here, CW lasing is reported in an efficient perovskite LED with an integrated distributed feedback resonator, which shows a low lasing threshold of 220 W cm-2 at 110 K. Importantly, the LED works well at a current density of 330 A cm-2 , indicating the carrier injection rate already exceeds the threshold of optically pumping. The results suggest that electrically pumped perovskite laser diodes can be achieved once the Joule heating issue is overcome.

Effect of Anemia on Tumor Response to Preoperative Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and total rectal mesenteric resection (TME) are the primary treatment options for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), but their efficacy varies. This study aimed to investigate the impact of anemia on the tumor response of patients with LARC receiving preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of clinical and pathological data from patients with LARC who underwent nCRT and TME from January 2019 to May 2022 at a single institution. The tumor response was evaluated based on the tumor regression grade (TRG) and T-stage change of the primary tumor. Hemoglobin concentration was measured and graded to determine the presence of anemia. Anemia was categorized into four groups based on the hemoglobin levels: mild anemia (90-120 g/L), moderate anemia (60-90 g/L), severe anemia (30-60 g/L), and extreme anemia (less than 30 g/L). Finally, tumor response was quantified histologically using the AJCC 8th edition tumor regression grading system for rectal cancer and pre- and post-treatment T-grading.

RESULTS

A total of 88 patients with LARC who received nCRT and TME were included in the study, with 17 females and 71 males. Of these patients, 9 were moderately anemic and 37 were mildly anemic. The radiation therapy regimen was administered at a dose of 1.8-2 Gy per fraction, five times a week, for a total dose of 45-50.4 Gy. Capecitabine chemotherapy was also administered orally (825 mg/m2, twice a day) on the days of radiation therapy. Other chemotherapy regimens included XELOX and mFOLFOX6. The TRG was significantly different in anemic patients compared to non-anemic patients (P = 0.039). Only 2 out of 46 anemic patients (4%) showed an excellent response (TRG0), while 8 out of 42 non-anemic patients (19%) showed an excellent response (p = 0.043). There was also a significant difference in the incidence of anemia between cT3 and cT4 stages (p = 0.048), with 44% of cT3 patients and 67% of cT4 patients being anemic. The number of patients with poor response (TRG2-3) decreased as the degree of anemia decreased, but no significant difference was found. The incidence of TRG3 was 11% in patients with moderate anemia and 7% in non-anemic patients (P = 0.863). There was no significant difference in postoperative pathological T-stage between anemic and non-anemic patients. 89% of anemic patients had a pathological stage of ypT3 or less after chemoradiotherapy, while 95% of non-anemic patients did (P = 0.167). The pre- and post-treatment pathological staging did not significantly differ between anemic and non-anemic patients. 67% of anemic patients had descending tumors, while 59.5% of non-anemic patients had descending tumors (p = 0.509).

CONCLUSION

Patients with LARC who have normal hemoglobin concentrations during nCRT have better tumor regression compared to patients with anemia. Additionally, the incidence of anemia was higher among patients with advanced T-stage prior to treatment.

Correlation between Lymph Node Regression Grading and Tumor Regression Grading after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study aimed to determine the relationship between tumor regression grading (TRG) and lymph node regression grading (LRG) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

The study was a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of LARC patients who underwent preoperative nCRT at one institution. A total of 101 rectal cancer patients who received nCRT and underwent total rectal mesenteric excision (TME) were included. Pathologists independently assessed the pathological response of the primary tumor and lymph nodes (LN) to nCRT using TRG and LRG, respectively. The highest LRG score for each patient was defined as LRGmax, and LRGsum was the overall tumor burden of all LNs in the specimen.

RESULTS

The study included 101 LARC patients who underwent nCRT and TME. The patient population consisted of 65 males and 36 females with an average age of 54.86 years (range 20-81 years), of which 68 were aged 60 years or younger and 33 were older than 60. The radiotherapy treatment plan consisted of 1.8-2Gy per dose, administered 5 times per week for a total dose of 45-50.4Gy, along with oral capecitabine chemotherapy (825 mg/m2, bid) on the day of radiation therapy. The chemotherapy treatment plan included XELOX, mFOLFOX6, and FOLFOX4. The cTNM stage of the tumor before surgery was cT2 in 2 cases, cT3 in 63 cases, and cT4 in 36 cases. Eight cases were cN0 and 93 were cN+. After surgery, the ypTNM stage was T0 in 19 cases, T1 in 4 cases, T2 in 27 cases, T3 in 45 cases, and T4 in 6 cases. The N stage was N0 in 76 cases, N1 in 20 cases, and N2 in 5 cases. TRG was 0 in 17 cases (16.8%), 1 in 15 cases (14.9%), 2 in 61 cases (60.4%), and 3 in 8 cases (7.9%). LRGmax scores were 0 in 66 cases (65.3%), 1 in 17 cases (16.8%), 2 in 5 cases (5.0%), 3 in 3 cases (3.0%), 4 in 5 cases (5.0%), and 5 in 5 cases (5.0%). LRGsum scores were ≤3 in 85 cases (84.2%), 4-9 in 11 cases (10.9%), and ≥10 in 5 cases (5.0%). Correlation analysis showed that LRGmax was significantly correlated with TRG, ypT, and ypN (P = 0.038, P = 0.015, P < 0.01), with correlation coefficients of 0.184, 0.212, and 0.626, respectively. There was no significant correlation between LRGmax and cT and cN+. Similarly, LRGsum was significantly correlated with TRG, ypT, and ypN (P = 0.022, P = 0.002, P < 0.01) with correlation coefficients of 0.212, 0.276, and 0.707, respectively. There was no significant correlation between LRGsum and cT and cN. The results of our study indicate a significant correlation between LRG and TRG (P = 0.022). Additionally, LRG was found to be positively correlated with the ypT and ypN stages of the primary tumor and lymph nodes post-surgery, with correlation coefficients of 0.276 and 0.707, respectively (P = 0.002 and P<0.01). No significant correlations were observed between LRG and cT and cN+ stages.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate a significant association between LRG and TRG, as well as a positive correlation between LRG and the ypT and ypN stages of the primary tumor and lymph nodes following surgery.

[Epidemiological characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Chengdu City from 2012 to 2021]

Objective: To explore the present situation and epidemiological characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Chengdu City from 2012 to 2021, and to provide scientific evidence for further prevention and control. Methods: In January 2022, the pesticide poisoning report cards of Chengdu City from 2012 to 2021 were collected from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System. The data of the report card was reorganized and the distribution characteristics of pesticide poisoning such as time, region, gender, age and pesticide types were analyzed. Results: 14326 cases of pesticide poisoning were reported in Chengdu City from 2012 to 2021, 651 deaths, and the fatality rate was 4.54%. The cases of productive pesticide poisoning and unproductive pesticide poisoning were 504 and 13822, respectively. The fatality rates of productive and unproductive pesticide poisoning were 1.39% and 4.66%, which were significant different (χ(2)=11.99, P=0.001). The highest reported cases of pesticide poisoning was in 2013 (1779) and the lowest in 2021 (1047). The number of reported cases showed a downward trend year by year (t=-12.30, P<0.001), and the fatality rates also showed a downward trend year by year (χ(2)(trend)=25.48, P<0.001). The fluctuation range of unproductive pesticide poisoning cases in each month of the year was small, and the productive pesticide poisoning mainly occurred from May to August. The regions with the largest number of reported poisoning cases were Pengzhou (1620), Jianyang (1393), Jintang (1266) and Qionglai (1158). The high incidence of poisoning was among 25-54 years old (50.21%, 7193/14326). The fatality rate in the age group 75-96 years old was the highest (8.98%, 95/1058), and the fatality rates increased gradually with age (χ(2)(trend)=186.03, P<0.001). The pesticides causing poisoning were mainly insecticide (43.86%, 6284/14326) and herbicides (35.75%, 5121/14326). Herbicides paraquat had the highest fatality rate (9.54%, 286/2998) . Conclusion: Pesticide poisoning in Chengdu City is mainly unproductive poisoning. Health education should be carried out for key areas and people, and the control of highly toxic pesticides such as insecticide and herbicides should be strengthened.

[Exposure level of neonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites in pregnant women in the suburb of Shanghai]

In 2021, a total of 151 pregnant women were selected from the suburb of Shanghai. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain data about maternal age, gestational week, total annual household income, education level and passive smoking among pregnant women and one spot urine was collected. The concentrations of eight neonicotinoid pesticides and four metabolites in urine were measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The differences in detection frequencies and concentrations of neonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites among pregnant women with different characteristics were compared, and the influencing factors of the detection of neonicotinoid pesticides in urine were analyzed. The results showed that at least one neonicotinoid pesticide was detected in 93.4% (141 samples) of urine samples. The detection frequencies of N-desmethyl-acetamiprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and N-desmethyl-clothianidin were high, about 78.1% (118 samples), 75.5% (114 samples), 68.9% (104 samples), and 44.4% (67 samples), respectively. The median concentration of the sum of all neonicotinoid pesticides was 2.66 μg/g. N-desmethyl-acetamiprid had the highest detection concentration with a median concentration of 1.04 μg/g. A lower urinary detection frequency of imidacloprid and its metabolites was seen in pregnant women aged 30-44 years [OR (95%CI): 0.23 (0.07-0.77)]. A higher detection frequency of clothianidin and its metabolites was seen in pregnant women with per capita annual household income≥100, 000 yuan [OR (95%CI): 6.15 (1.56-24.28)]. There was widespread exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites in pregnant women from the suburb of Shanghai, which might pose potential health risks to pregnant women, and maternal age and household income were potential influencing factors of the exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides.

Indirect Bandgap Emission of the Metal Halide Perovskite FAPbI3 at Low Temperatures

In this work, we provide a picture of the band structure of FAPbI₃ by investigating low-temperature spin-related photophysics. When the temperature is lower than 120 K, two photoluminescence peaks can be observed. The lifetime of the newly emerged low-energy emission is much longer than that of the original high-energy one by two orders of magnitude. We propose that Rashba effect-caused spin-dependent band splitting is the reason for the emergence of the low-energy emission and verify this using the magneto-optical measurements.

Carrier Dynamics Determines the Optimization Strategies of Perovskite LEDs and PVs

Metal halide perovskites have advanced greatly in both light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photovoltaics (PVs) through delicate device engineering. The optimization strategies of perovskite LEDs and PVs have been demonstrated to be quite different. Here, we show that this dissimilarity in device fabrications can be well understood based on the analysis of carrier dynamics in LEDs and PVs.

Nomograms for predicting survival in patients with gastric carcinoid or neuroendocrine carcinoma based on the SEER database

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to construct a competent model that can effectively predict the prognosis of patients with gastric carcinoid (GC) or neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of patients with GC or NEC were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 1975 to 2017. Univariable and multivariable Cox analysis was used to determine the independent factors for patients with GC or NEC. Nomograms were established based on the independent factors and the results were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients with GC and 65 patients with gastric NEC were extracted from the SEER database. Independent prognostic factors for patients with GC were M stage, gender, age, and chemotherapy. Independent prognostic factors for patients with gastric NEC included age, M stage, and chemotherapy. ROC curves, calibration curves, and DCA confirmed that the nomograms can precisely predict the prognosis of patients with GC and NEC.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomograms can effectively predict survival in patients with GC or NEC, which may assist the clinician in their decision-making and quantitatively judge the prognosis of individual patients.

Conductivity-enhanced porous N/P co-doped metal-free carbon significantly enhances oxygen reduction kinetics for aqueous/flexible zinc-air batteries

Heteroatom-doped metal-free carbon catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions have gained significant attention because of their unusual activity and economic cost. Here, a novel N/P co-doped porous carbon catalyst (NPPC) with a high surface area for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is constructed by a facile high-temperature calcination method employing ZIF-8 as the precursor and red phosphorus as the phosphorus source. In particular, ZIF-8 is firstly calcined to obtain N-doped carbon (NC) followed by further calcination with red phosphorus to obtain NPPC. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) analysis shows that the ultra-low amount of P doping could significantly decrease the work function from 4.32 to 3.86 eV. The resultant catalyst exhibits a promising electrocatalytic activity with a half-wave potential (E_1/2) of 0.87 V and a limiting current density (J_L) of 5.15 mA cm^-2. Besides, it also shows improved catalytic efficiency and excellent durability with a negligible decay of J_L after 2000 CV cycles. Moreover, aqueous and solid-state flexible zinc-air batteries (ZAB) using the catalyst show a promising application potential. This work provides new insight into developing P/N-doped metal-free carbon ORR catalysts.

A Highly Stable Organic Luminescent Diradical

It is very challenging to obtain stable room-temperature luminescent open-shell singlet diradicals. Herein we report the first stable Müller's hydrocarbon TTM-PhTTM with luminescent properties. Variable-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements and theoretical calculations show that TTM-PhTTM has an open-shell singlet ground state with a diradical character of 90 %. Because of a small singlet-triplet energy gap, the open-shell singlet ground state can be thermally excited to a triplet state. TTM-PhTTM shows room-temperature deep-red emission in various solutions. Unusually high stability of TTM-PhTTM was also observed owing to effective steric hindrance and spin delocalization. Our results are beneficial to the rational design and discovery of more stable luminescent diradical materials.

Reproducibility of T1ρ and T2 quantification in a multi-vendor multi-site study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the multi-vendor multi-site reproducibility of two-dimensional (2D) multi-echo spin-echo (MESE) T2 mapping (product sequences); and to evaluate the longitudinal reproducibility of three-dimensional (3D) magnetization-prepared angle-modulated partitioned k-space spoiled gradient echo snapshots (MAPSS) T1ρ and T2 mapping (research sequences), and 2D MESE T2 mapping, separated by 6 months, in a multi-vendor multi-site setting.

METHODS

Phantoms and volunteers (n = 5 from each site, n = 20 in total) were scanned on four 3 T magnetic resonance (MR) systems from four sites and three vendors (Siemens, General Electric, and Phillips). Two traveling volunteers (3 knees) scanned at all 4 sites at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Data was transferred to one site for centralized processing. Coefficients of variation (CVs) were calculated to evaluate reproducibility.

RESULTS

For baseline 2D MESE T2 measures, average CV were 0.37-2.45% (intra-site) and 5.96% (inter-site) for phantoms, and 3.15-8.49% (intra-site) and 14.16% (inter-site) for volunteers. For longitudinal phantom data, intra-site CVs were 1.42-3.48% for 3D MAPSS T1ρ, 1.77-3.56% for 3D MAPSS T2, and 1.02-2.54% for 2D MESE T2. For the longitudinal volunteer data, the intra-site CVs were 2.60-4.86% for 3D MAPSS T1ρ, 3.33-7.25% for 3D MAPSS T2, and 3.11-8.77% for 2D MESE T2.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated excellent intra-site reproducibility of 2D MESE T2 imaging, while its inter-site variation was slightly higher than 3D MAPSS T2 imaging (10.06% as previously reported). This study also showed excellent reproducibility of longitudinal T1ρ and T2 cartilage quantification, in a multi-vendor multi-site setting for both product 2D MESE T2 and 3D MAPSS T1p/T2 research sequences.

Association between early vasopressor administration and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis: A cohort study from the MIMIC-IV database

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the association between early administration of vasopressors and in-hospital mortality in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients admitted to the ICU.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The MIMIC-IV database was used to identify AP patients who had and had not received vasopressors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 894 AP patients admitted to the ICU were included in the study. Among them, AP patients who received vasopressors were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in the unadjusted model (OR: 7.77, 95% CI 4.92-12.61, p<0.001), multivariable-adjusted model (OR: 2.51,95% CI 1.1-5.76, p<0.05), PSM model (OR: 2.58, 95% CI 1.03-6.85, p<0.05) and IPTW model (OR: 1.82, 95% CI 1.06-3.15, p<0.05) compared with patients who did not receive vasopressors. In the subgroup analysis, age (≥ 65 years old: OR: 2.5, 95% CI 0.82-7.91; <65 years old: OR: 4.63, 95% CI 0.84-26.41), male (OR: 1.19, 95% CI 0.35-4.03), ethnicity (white: OR: 2.49, 95% CI 0.81-7.62; non-white: OR: 4.28, 95% CI 0.85-23.7), usage of norepinephrine (OR: 2.29, 95% CI 0.91-5.78), and single-use of vasopressor (OR: 1.48, 95% CI 0.43-4.95) were not associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with AP, whereas vasopressin (OR: 4.27, 95% CI 1.24-15.13; p<0.05) and phenylephrine usage (OR: 4.75, 95% CI 1.66-13.95; p<0.05), combined vasopressor usage (OR: 4.41, 95% CI 1.55-12.96; p<0.01), and female usage (OR: 7.89, 95% CI 2.03-34.2; p<0.01) were associated with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Early vasopressor use is significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality among critically ill AP patients. This association might be greater in females, vasopressin, phenylephrine, and combined vasopressor users. Our results may benefit clinicians as they can guide the rational use of vasopressors in critically ill AP patients admitted to the ICU.

Sub-Bandgap-Voltage Electroluminescence of Light-Emitting Diodes

Sub-bandgap-voltage electroluminescence (EL) has been frequently reported in quantum dot, organic, and perovskite light-emitting diodes. Due to the complex physical process across devices, the underlying mechanism is still under intensive debate. Here, based on thermodynamics, we offer an orthodox explanation of sub-bandgap-voltage EL and discuss the applicability of the previously proposed models.

Molecular Cocatalyst of p-Mercaptophenylboronic Acid Boosts the Plasmon-Mediated Reduction of p-Nitrothiophenol

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) has been demonstrated to be highly effective in the initialization or acceleration of chemical reactions because of its unique optical properties. However, because of the ultrashort lifetime (fs to ps) of plasmon-generated hot carriers, the potential of LSPR in photochemical reactions has not been fully exploited. Herein, we demonstrate an acceleration of the plasmon-mediated reduction of p-nitrothiophenol (PNTP) molecules on the surface of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with in situ Raman spectroscopy. p-Mercaptophenylboronic acid (PMPBA) molecules coadsorbed on AgNP surfaces act as a molecular cocatalyst in the plasmon-mediated reaction, resulting in a boosting of the PNTP reduction. This boosting is attributed to the improved transfer and separation of the plasmon-generated hot carriers at the interface of the AgNPs and coadsorbed PMPBA molecules. Our finding provides a highly simple, cost-effective, and highly effective strategy to promote plasmonic photochemistry by introducing a molecular cocatalyst, and this strategy can be extended to promote various plasmon-mediated reactions.

[Clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction transplantation in the treatment of small area secondary cicatricial alopecia after burns]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplantation in the treatment of small area secondary cicatricial alopecia (hereinafter referred to as cicatricial alopecia) after burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out. According to the adopted treatment methods, 18 patients (12 males and 6 females, aged (29±6) years) who received autologous FUE transplantation for small area cicatricial alopecia after burns from March 2017 to November 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University were included in FUE transplantation group, and 18 patients (13 males and 5 females, aged (33±5) years) who were treated with expanded flap transplantation for small area cicatricial alopecia after burns by the same surgery team during the same period in the same hospital were included in expanded flap transplantation group. All the patients were followed up for more than 1 year. At the last follow-up, the follicular unit density in the transplanted area was measured by Folliscope hair detection system and the hair survival rate was calculated; the visual analogue scale (VAS) method was adopted to evaluate the treatment effect; patients were asked their satisfaction with the treatment effect and the occurrence of complications during follow-up; the hair growth and the scalp thickness, pain, pruritus, pigmentation, and surface roughness of the transplanted area were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with Fisher's exact probability test and independent sample t test. Results: At the last follow-up, the follicular unit density in the transplanted area of patients in FUE transplantation group was (46.8±2.0)/cm2, which was significantly higher than (42.5±4.3)/cm2 in expanded flap transplantation group (t=3.84, P<0.01); the hair survival rates of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). At the last follow-up, VAS scores evaluating the treatment effect of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05); the satisfaction score of patients toward the treatment effect in FUE transplantation group was 8.6±1.1, which was significantly higher than 7.6±0.8 in expanded flap transplantation group (t=2.89, P<0.01). During the follow-up, no inflammation or infection occurred in patients of the two groups, but only 2 patients in expanded flap transplantation group had postoperative pain. At the last follow-up, the transplanted area of patients in the two groups was covered with new hair, and the hair growth direction was basically consistent with the surrounding normal hair; scalp thickness, pain, pruritus, pigmentation, and surface roughness of the transplanted area of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Autologous FUE transplantation has better long-term follicular unit density and patients' satisfaction than expanded flap transplantation in the treatment of small area cicatricial alopecia after burns, showing better postoperative effect and a good prospect of clinical application.

[Dihydromyricetin improves cardiac insufficiency by inhibiting HMGB1 in diabetic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on cardiac insufficiency in diabetic rats and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHOD

Twenty-four male SD rats were randomized equally into normal control group, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) group fed on a high-glucose and high-fat diet for 6 weeks with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection, metformin (MET) group with daily intragastric administration of MET (150 mg/kg) for 8 weeks after T2DM modeling, and dihydromyricetin (DHM) group with daily intragastric administration of DHM (250 mg/kg) for 8 weeks after modeling. The levels of fasting blood glucose, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of the rats were measured, and plasma levels of insulin and high mobility group protein-1 (HMGB1) were detected with ELISA. The cardiac function of the rats was assessed using color echocardiography, ECG was measured using a biological signal acquisition system, and myocardial pathology was observed with HE staining. The protein expressions of HMGB1, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in the myocardial tissue were detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the rats in T2DM group showed significant anomalies in cardiac function after modeling with significantly increased plasma HMGB1 level and expressions of HMGB1, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 proteins in the myocardial tissue (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Treatment with DHM significantly improved the indexes of cardiac function of the diabetic rats (P < 0.05 or 0.01), decreased plasma HMGB1 level and down-regulated the protein expressions of HMGB1 and p-NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P < 0.05 or 0.01).

CONCLUSION

DHM treatment can improve cardiac function in diabetic rats possibly by down-regulation of HMGB1 and phospho-NF-κB p65 expressions in the myocardium.

Molecularly Controlled Quantum Well Width Distribution and Optoelectronic Properties in Quasi-2D Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes

Owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties, quasi-2D perovskites with self-assembled multiple quantum well (MQW) structures have shown great potential in light-emitting diode (LED) applications. Understanding the correlation between the bulky cation, quantum well assembly, and optoelectronic properties of a quasi-2D perovskite is important. Here, we demonstrate that the dipole moment of the bulky cation can be one of the fundamental factors that controls the distribution and crystallinity of different quantum wells. We find that the bulky cation with a moderate dipole moment leads to moderately distributed well-width MQWs, resulting in a superior device efficiency due to the simultaneous achievement of favorable optical and electronic properties. The peak external quantum efficiency and the maximum luminance of the champion device are 10.8% and 19082 cd m^-2, respectively, positioning it among the best-performing quasi-2D green perovskite LEDs without further surface passivation or additive doping. This work provides a perspective on the rational design of bulky cations in quasi-2D perovskite LEDs, which is also essential for the development of other mixed-dimensional perovskite optoelectronic devices.

Comparison between a phenomenological approach and a morphoelasticity approach regarding the displacement of extracellular matrix

Plastic (permanent) deformations were earlier, modeled by a phenomenological model in Peng and Vermolen (Biomech Model Mechanobiol 19(6):2525–2551, 2020). In this manusctipt, we consider a more physics-based formulation that is based on morphoelasticity. We firstly introduce the morphoelasticity approach and investigate the impact of various input variables on the output parameters by sensitivity analysis. A comparison of both model formulations shows that both models give similar computational results. Furthermore, we carry out Monte Carlo simulations of the skin contraction model containing the morphoelasticity approach. Most statistical correlations from the two models are similar, however, the impact of the collagen density on the severeness of contraction is larger for the morphoelasticity model than for the phenomenological model.

High-Brightness Perovskite Microcrystalline Light-Emitting Diodes

Here a high-brightness perovskite microcrystalline light-emitting diode (LED) is reported, in which the perovskite microcrystals were grown directly on the conductive substrate and a simple metal-insulator-semiconductor structure was adopted. A peak external quantum efficiency of 0.46% was obtained, which is high for perovskite microcrystalline LEDs. Importantly, the maximum luminance of the device reaches 8848.4 cd m^-2, indicating an ultrahigh brightness of >1.2 × 10⁶ cd m^-2 for the microcrystals (corresponding to an ultrahigh current density of 80.9 A cm^-2), because the light-emitting area of the microcrystals accounts for only ∼0.7% of the device area. In addition, we have studied the degradation of the device at a high current density by in situ microscopic observation and found that a severe Joule heating effect at large injection is the primary problem to be solved to realize electrically pumped perovskite microcrystal lasing.

1459 Intravesical Chemohyperthermia Versus Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Instillation for Intermediate- And High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Traditional intravesical chemotherapy instillations under room temperature post trans-urethral resection (TUR) of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) have lower efficacies than maintenance BCG installations. Intravesical chemo-hyperthermia (CHT) at higher temperatures is developed to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy instillation. This systematic review aims to compare the use of CHT and BCG instillation post-TUR.

Method

The protocol of this review is registered on PROSPERO(CRD42020223277). A comprehensive literature search was performed on Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL to identify studies comparing CHT and BCG post-TUR for intermediate- or high-risk NMIBC. Primary outcomes include recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes include adverse events (AE).

Results

From 2,375 identified records, four randomised control trials incorporating 327 patients were included for meta-analysis. The use of CHT was found to be non-inferior to BCG in RFS, PFS and AEs (Grades 1-3) (p &gt; 0.05). Sensitivity analysis, excluding patients with BCG failures, show 24-36 months recurrence rate to be significantly lower in CHT group (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.98, p = 0.04) compared to the BCG group. In patients without carcinoma in situ (CIS), RFS is also significantly better in CHT patients (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32- 0.85, p &lt; 0.01). Safety profile remains non-inferior to the BCG group in sensitivity analyses. Quality of evidence across all outcomes ranged from moderate to low.

Conclusions

In well-selected patients, intravesical CHT has superior oncological outcomes and non-inferior safety profile when compared to BCG maintenance therapy for patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC. CHT is a possible alternative treatment during BCG shortage.

Unveiling the additive-assisted oriented growth of perovskite crystallite for high performance light-emitting diodes

Solution-processed metal halide perovskites have been recognized as one of the most promising semiconductors, with applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells and lasers. Various additives have been widely used in perovskite precursor solutions, aiming to improve the formed perovskite film quality through passivating defects and controlling the crystallinity. The additive's role of defect passivation has been intensively investigated, while a deep understanding of how additives influence the crystallization process of perovskites is lacking. Here, we reveal a general additive-assisted crystal formation pathway for FAPbI3 perovskite with vertical orientation, by tracking the chemical interaction in the precursor solution and crystallographic evolution during the film formation process. The resulting understanding motivates us to use a new additive with multi-functional groups, 2-(2-(2-Aminoethoxy)ethoxy)acetic acid, which can facilitate the orientated growth of perovskite and passivate defects, leading to perovskite layer with high crystallinity and low defect density and thereby record-high performance NIR perovskite LEDs (~800 nm emission peak, a peak external quantum efficiency of 22.2% with enhanced stability).

Achieving High Efficiency at High Luminance in Fluorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes through Triplet-Triplet Fusion Based on Phenanthroimidazole-Benzothiadiazole Derivatives

Achieving high efficiency at high luminance is one of the most important prerequisites towards practical application of any kind of light-emitting diode (LED). Herein, we report highly emissive organic fluorescent molecules based on phenanthroimidazole-benzothiadiazole derivatives capable of maintaining high external quantum efficiency (EQE) at high luminance enabled by triplet-triplet fusion (TTF) in doped organic LEDs. The PIBzP-, PIBzPCN-, and PIBzTPA-based devices showed EQEs of 8.27, 9.15, and 8.64 %, respectively, at luminance of higher than 1000 cd m^-2 , with little efficiency roll-off.

AB0809 PADUA PREDICTION SCORE COMBINED WITH SERUM ALBUMIN FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM OF HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF RHEUMATOLOGY

Background:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes thrombotic disease of venous system, but primarily includes lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Population-based epidemiological studies have shown an association between systemic autoimmune diseases and VTE[1]. The Padua prediction score(PPS) is a new 20-point risk assessment model proposed by Professor Barbar et al[2] in 2010. A large number of researches have shown that low serum albumin concentration is associated with an increased risk of VTE [3],but there is a lack of studies on serum albumin in VTE, and there are no reports on PPS in rheumatology inpatients.

Objectives:

To investigate the status of VTE in patients in the department of rheumatology, and to explore the value of PPS combined with serum albumin in the identification of VTE in this patient population.

Methods:

Baseline data of inpatients in rheumatology department were collected at Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from September 2018 to September 2020. Occurrence of VTE was compared between high and low risk groups. PPSs were analyzed in VTE and non-VTE patients. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of VTE. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the probablity of value of rheumatic inpatients with VTE assessed by PPS,serum albumin and PPS with serum albumin. P<0.05 indicates that the difference was statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 2282 patients were included in this study, and 50(2.2%) had symptomatic VTE. Among the symptomatic VTE cases,38(1.6%) had DVT only,8(0.4%) had PE only, and 4(0.2%) were diagnosed with DVT and PE. PPSs in VTE and non-VTE groups were 3.00(2.00~6.00) and2.00(1.00~2.00) respectively (P< 0.05). One hundred and eighty-eight cases was divided into high-risk group of VTE (PPS≥4), while 2094 cases (PPS<4) were in the low-risk group. Logistic regression analysis showed that known thrombophilic condition, history of VTE, reduced mobility, and D-dimer were independent risk factors of VTE in rheumatology patients, the odd ration(OR) values were 161.90, 26.08, 8.73,and1.04. Serum albumin was the independent protection factor [OR= 0.92(95%CI:0.87~0.98)]. The AUC of PPS model, serum albumin model and the combined predictive model were 0.77, 0.75, 0.84, respectively. The difference between the combined prediction model and PPS model was statistically significant (Z=3.813, P<0.05). The optimal sensitivity of PPS and serum albumin models is 60%, 82%, respectively, and the optimal specificity of is 82.5%,58.6%, respectively. The combination model corresponds to a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 90.4%.

Conclusion:

The incidence of symptomatic VTE was relatively higher in hospitalized patients in rheumatology department. Serum albumin was the protective factor. The combination of albumin and PPS can improve the accuracy of screening for VTE in rheumatology in-patients.

References:

[1]Tamaki H,Khasnis A.Venous thromboembolism in systemic autoimmune diseases: A narrative review with emphasis on primary systemic vasculitides.[J].Vasc Med, 2015, 20: 369-76.

[2]Barbar S, Noventa F, Rossetto V,et al. A risk assessment model for the identification of hospitalized medical patients at risk for venous thromboembolism: the Padua Prediction Score[J]. J Thromb Haemost,2010,8(11):2450–2457.

[3]Kunutsor SK,Seidu S,Katechia DT et al. Inverse association between serum albumin and future risk of venous thromboembolism: interrelationship with high sensitivity C-reactive protein.[J].Ann Med, 2018, 50: 240-248.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Efficient Red Electroluminescence From Phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole-Naphtho[2,3-c][1,2,5]thiadiazole Donor-Acceptor Derivatives

Red emission is one of the three primary colors and is indispensable for full color displays. Fluorescent materials that can generate efficient red electroluminescence (EL) are limited and need to be developed. In this work, we report efficient red emitters based on phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole-naphtho[2,3-c][1,2,5]thiadiazole donor-acceptor derivatives. The molecules, abbreviated as PINzP and PINzPCN, exhibited high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) up to unity in doped films. They can also reach a relatively high PLQY of ∼30% in neat films. PINzP and PINzPCN were capable of generating efficient red EL in doped devices with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 6.96% and 5.92%, respectively.

Long noncoding RNA Linc00210 promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression via sponging miR-16-5p/PTK2 axis

OBJECTIVE

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators involved in a variety of cancer development. However, the role of Linc00210 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the clinical value of Linc00210 in NSCLC patients and the biological functions of Linc00210 in NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Gene expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines was detected using qRT-PCR or Western blot. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assays were conducted to evaluate the effect of Linc00210 on NSCLC cell proliferation. Transwell assay and annexin V-Fluorescein 5-isothiocyanate (FITC)/Propidium Iodide (PI) were done to analyze the effect of Linc00210 on cancer cell invasion and apoptosis, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were performed to determine the target of Linc00210 and miR-16-5p. Besides, these assays were used to determine reciprocally inhibition of each other-controlled NSCLC cell behaviors. In vivo tumorigenesis experiments were applied to exhibit subcutaneous tumor growth.

RESULTS

Linc0021 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of Linc00210 inhibited cancer cell proliferation and invasion, and increased cell apoptosis, and regulated the expression of Cyclin A1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Bax, and Bcl-2 in NSCLC cells. Further data showed Linc00210 bound to and directly modulated the miR-16-5p levels. Impressively, overexpression of miR-16-5p suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion, but increased cell apoptosis, and these behaviors could be overturned by overexpression of Linc00210 in vitro and in vivo. Finally, Linc00210 and miR-16-5p cooperatively controlled expression of protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2), a miR-16-5p target.

CONCLUSIONS

Linc00210/miR-16-5p/PTK2 signaling suggests a promising novel strategy for anti-NSCLC therapy.

Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes with Near Unit Internal Quantum Efficiency at Low Temperatures

Room-temperature-high-efficiency light-emitting diodes based on metal halide perovskite FAPbI₃ are shown to be able to work perfectly at low temperatures. A peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 32.8%, corresponding to an internal quantum efficiency of 100%, is achieved at 45 K. Importantly, the devices show almost no degradation after working at a constant current density of 200 mA m^-2 for 330 h. The enhanced EQEs at low temperatures result from the increased photoluminescence quantum efficiencies of the perovskite, which is caused by the increased radiative recombination rate. Spectroscopic and calculation results suggest that the phase transitions of the FAPbI₃ play an important role for the enhancement of exciton binding energy, which increases the recombination rate.

Understanding the luminescent nature of organic radicals for efficient doublet emitters and pure-red light-emitting diodes

The doublet-spin nature of radical emitters is advantageous for applications in organic light-emitting diodes, as it avoids the formation of triplet excitons that limit the electroluminescence efficiency of non-radical emitters. However, radicals generally show low optical absorption and photoluminescence yields. Here we explain the poor optical properties of radicals based on alternant hydrocarbons, and establish design rules to increase the absorption and luminescence yields for donor-acceptor-type radicals. We show that non-alternant systems are necessary to lift the degeneracy of the lowest energy orbital excitations; moreover, intensity borrowing from an intense high-lying transition by the low-energy charge-transfer excitation enhances the oscillator strength of the emitter. We apply these rules to design tris(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl-pyridoindolyl derivatives with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (>90%). Organic light-emitting diodes based on these molecules showed a pure-red emission with an over 12% external quantum efficiency. These insights may be beneficial for the rational design and discovery of highly luminescent doublet emitters.

Plasminogen improves lung lesions and hypoxemia in patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Lungs from patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have shown typical signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), formation of hyaline membrane mainly composed of fibrin and 'ground-glass' opacity. Previously, we showed plasminogen itself is a key regulator in fibrin degradation, wound healing and infection.

AIM

We aimed to investigate whether plasminogen can improve lung lesions and hypoxemia of COVID-19.

DESIGN

Thirteen clinically moderate, severe or critical COVID-19 patients were treated with atomization inhalation of freeze-dried plasminogen.

METHODS

Levels of their lung lesions, oxygen saturation and heart rates were compared before and after treatment by computed tomography scanning images and patient monitor.

RESULTS

After plasminogen inhalation, conditions of lung lesions in five clinically moderate patients have quickly improved, shown as the decreased range and density of 'ground glass' opacity. Improvements of oxygen saturation were observed in six clinically severe patients. In the two patients with critical conditions, the oxygen levels have significantly increased from 79-82% to 91% just about 1 h after the first inhalation. In 8 of 13 patients, the heart rates had slowed down. For the five clinically moderate patients, the difference is even statistically significant. Furthermore, a general relief of chest tightness was observed.

CONCLUSION

Whereas it is reported that plasminogen is dramatically increased in adults with ARDS, this study suggests that additional plasminogen may be effective and efficient in treating lung lesions and hypoxemia during COVID-19 infections. Although further studies are needed, this study highlights a possible hope of efficiently combating this rapid epidemic emergency.

Surface-Plasmon-Enhanced Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes

Perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have attracted considerable attention because of their potential in display and lighting applications. To promote commercialization of PeLEDs, it is important to improve the external quantum efficiency of the devices, which depends on their internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and light extraction efficiency. Optical simulations have revealed that 20-50% of the light generated in the device will be lost to surface plasmon (SP) modes formed in the metal/dielectric interfaces. Therefore, extracting the optical energy in SP modes to the air will greatly increase the light extraction efficiency of PeLEDs. In addition, the SPs can accelerate radiative recombination of the emitter via near-field effects. Thus, the IQE of a PeLED can also be enhanced by SP manipulation. In this review, first, general concepts of the SPs and how they can enhance the efficiency of LEDs are introduced. Then recent progresses in SP-enhanced emission of perovskite films and LEDs are systematically reviewed. After that, the challenges and opportunities of the SP-enhanced PeLEDs are shown, followed by an outlook of further development of the SPs in perovskite optoelectronic devices.

FRI0443 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RELATED FACTORS OF COMMON RHEUMATIC DISEASES COMPLICATED WITH TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and syndrome(SS) are common rheumatic diseases with high incidence. Patients with those rheumatic diseases are at high risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection. However, manifestations can be atypical and easily confused with those of rheumatic disease itself. For those patients, diagnosis is usually much more difficult and further make treatment delayed. Sometimes it may lead to mistreatment. Therefore, it is important to recognize the clinical characteristics of those patients.

Objectives:

To explore the clinical characteristics and high risk factors of common systemic rheumatism complicated with tuberculosis infection.

Methods:

A total of 3,906 cases of RA, SLE, and SS common systemic rheumatism diagnosed in the People’s Hospital of Sichuan Province from January 2007 to January 2017 were collected with carefully exclusion with other infectious diseases and neoplastic disease. One hundred and five patients with TB were included as infection group, including 42 cases of RA, 41 cases of SLE, and 22 cases of SS. In the control group, 84 patients with RA, 82 patients with SLE, and 44 patients with SS were randomly selected from the corresponding rheumatoid non-infected patients hospitalized during the same period.

Results:

Fever was the most common symptom among 42 cases of RA, 41 cases of SLE, and 22 cases of SS with TB, accounting for 83.3%, 92.7%, and 68.2%, respectively. Cough, weight loss or fatigue was less common. For 41 cases of SLE and 22 cases of SS with TB, the proportion of pulmonary was 46.3%, 59.01%, respectively.In TB infection group, 27 cases of RA, 21 cases of SLE, and 13 cases of SS with TB had two or more chest CT findings, accounting for 59%, 57%, 62%, respectively. Lesions located in the posterior or posterior segment which TB usually affected were 9 cases(33.3%),9cases(42.9%),6cases(27.2%),respectively.The daily average dose of hormones within 1 year in TB infection group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). For SLE patients, lower counts of CD4+TL were found in TB infection group (P<0.05), while no such differences were found in RA and SS group.

Conclusion:

Patients with RA who have TB infection are mainly pulmonary TB. For SLE and SS patients, the chance of pulmonary tuberculosis and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is similar.Symptoms of RA, SLE, SS with TB, such as fever, cough, weight loss, fatigue, are similar with the primary disease or other infection. Chest imaging is diversity. It is difficult to diagnose.Daily average dose of hormone within one year may be a common risk factor for RA, SLE and SS patients with TB. Decreased CD4+TL may also be a risk factor for SLE patients with TB.

References:

[1]Cantini F, Nannini C, Niccoli L, et al. Risk of Tuberculosis Reactivation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Psoriatic Arthritis Receiving Non-Anti-TNF-Targeted Biologics[J]. Mediators of Inflammation, 2017, 2017(6):1-15.

[2]Ruangnapa K, Dissaneewate P, Vachvanichsanong P. Tuberculosis in SLE patients: rare diagnosis, risky treatment.[J]. Clinical & Experimental Medicine, 2015, 15(3):429-432.

[3]Manuela D F, Bruno L, Martina S, et al. Lung Infections in Systemic Rheumatic Disease: Focus on Opportunistic Infections[J]. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017, 18(2):293-315.

[4]Disseminated tuberculosis masquerading as a presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus.Li JC, Fong W, Wijaya L, Leung YY.Int J Rheum Dis. 2017 Oct 2. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.13195.

[5]Handa R, Upadhyaya S, Kapoor S, et al. Tuberculosis and biologics in rheumatology: India – A special situation[J]. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 2017, 51(2):115.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

SAT0209 PREVALENCE AND RELATED FACTORS OF SLEEP DISTURBANCE IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME

Background:

The incidence of primary Sjögren’s syndrome(pSS) is increasing gradually,and it was ranking second among connective tissue diseases(CTDs)in China.Studies recently have shown that many patients with various CTDs have sleep disturbances,which seriously degraded the patient’s quality of life.As well known, Sleep is an important physiological process to maintain human metabolism, tissue repair,and homeostasis. At present,there are relatively several studies on sleep quality in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)and Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE),but less reports on pSS in China have been published.Therefore,it is important to explore the quality of sleep and its influencing factors in such patients.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of sleep and related factors in China Mainland patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome(pSS),and to provide reference and theoretical basis for constructing targeted sleep interventions and improve their quality of life.

Methods:

A all of 103 pSS patients and 40 matched healthy controls were enrolled in a comparative study of sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and demographic,clinical,and laboratory data were collected from them.The patients completed questionnaires on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)SS Patient Reported Index(ESSPRI), EULAR SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI),Xerostomia inventory(XI)with the help of researchers,Pain and fatigue were evaluated with a 100-mm visual analogue scale(VAS).Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-9) were used to assess anxiety and depression separately,and whether they have autonomic symptoms (such as sweating, palpitations.)will be asked.

Results:

The PSQI score and the frequency of poor sleep quality(PSQI>7) were higher in the pSS patients (11.60±5.03,71.8%)than the healthy controls(5.98±3.85,25%).Poor sleepers had a significantly higher GAD-7,PHQ-9,XI,ESSPRI,pain and fatigue VAS,and longer disease duration than good sleepers.Additionally, poor sleepers show more frequent autonomic symptoms.Sleep quality of patients with pSS was positive correlated with GAD-7,PHQ-9,XI,ESSPRI,pain and fatigueVAS scores,but no correlation with disease activity.Meanwhile,depression is a independent factor of sleep quality.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that the sleep disturbance seen in patients with pSS may contribute to the depression associated with this disease,Future research should investigate that whether antidepressant treatment improve sleep and directly improve quality of life.

References:

[1]AustadC, Kvien TK, Olsen I C.Sleep disturbance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is related to fatigue, disease activity,and other patient-reported outcomes[J]. Scandinavian journal of rheumatology, 2017, 46(2): 95-103.

[2]Lewis I, Hackett K L,Ng W F,et al.A two-phase cohort study of the sleep phenotype within primary Sjögren’s syndrome and its clinical correlates[J].Clinical and experimental rheumatology,2019,37(3):78-82.

[3]Chung S W, Hur J, Ha Y J, et al. Impact of sleep quality on clinical features of primary Sjögren’s syndrome[J]. The Korean journal of internal medicine, 2019,34(5):1154.

[4]Liu X, Tang M, Hu L. Reliability and validity of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index[J].Chinese journal of psychiatry,1996,29:103-107.

[5]Grabovac I,Haider S, Berner C,et al.Sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and associations with pain, disability, disease duration, and activity[J].Journal of clinical medicine,2018,7(10):336.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared