Continuous Light Exposure Research Articles

Brief Disruption of Circadian Rhythms Alters Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Modulates DSS-Induced Colitis Severity in Mice.

Physiological processes in organisms exhibit circadian rhythms that optimize fitness and anticipate environmental changes. Luminal signals such as food or metabolites synchronize bowel activity, and disruptions in these rhythms are linked to metabolic disorders and gastrointestinal inflammation. To characterize the intrinsic intestinal rhythms and assess disruptions due to continuous darkness or light exposure, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to standard light-dark conditions or continuous light/darkness for 48h, with evaluations at four timepoints. We assessed intestinal morphology, mucus production, nitric oxide levels and permeability. Under standard light: dark cycles, mice showed changes in intestinal morphology consistent with normal tract physiology. Continuous light exposure caused marked alterations in the small intestine´s epithelium and lamina propria, reduced nitric oxide production in the colon, and predominant neutral mucins. Enhanced permeability was indicated by higher FITC-dextran uptake and increased frequency of IgG-coated bacteria. Additionally, the 48h-disruption influenced DSS-induced colitis with attenuation in L:L group, or exacerbation in D:D group, of clinical signs. These findings highlight the critical role of circadian rhythms in gut histoarchitecture and function, demonstrating that short-term disruptions in light-dark cycles can compromise intestinal barrier integrity and impact inflammatory outcomes.

Air-Processed Efficient Cesium-Based Two-Dimensional Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Asymmetric Chiral Ammonium Salts.

Cesium-based two-dimensional (2D) perovskites with attractive phase and environmental stability have broad application prospects in single-junction and tandem perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the severe nonradiative recombination and significant energy losses due to disordered phase orientations and phase distributions greatly hinder the carrier transport performance of cesium-based 2D PSCs and severely limit their photovoltaic performance. Here, we employ an asymmetric chiral spacer cation source, (R)-α-phenylethylamine acrylate (R-α-PEAAA), to prepare high-quality 2D cesium-based films with uniform phase distribution and high out-of-plane orientation by air processing, resulting in efficient carrier transport. More importantly, the asymmetric chiral spacer R-α-PEA has a stronger dipole moment than its isomer (PEA), which can regulate the dielectric properties of cesium-based 2D perovskites and promote charge dissociation. In addition, the chiral R-α-PEA can optimize the morphology and out-of-plane orientation of perovskite films, reduce trap density and nonradiative recombination loss, and optimize energy level alignment, thus enhancing carrier transport. As a result, cesium-based 2D PSCs (R-α-PEA2Cs4Pb5I16, n = 5) achieved a record power conversion efficiency of 19.71% and the unencapsulated device maintained over 90% efficiency after 1500 h of continuous light exposure and ambient storage (35 ± 5% relative humidity). This study provides an idea for the development of chiral 2D perovskite with efficient charge carrier transport toward efficient and stable cesium-based 2D PSCs.

Highly stable wavelength converting composite based on sol–gel derived siloxane-encapsulated luminescent nanocrystals

Luminescent nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as the high-performance wavelength converting materials in next-generation displays and energy conversion devices due to their unique optophysical properties, such as large Stokes or anti-Stokes shifts, narrow emission bandwidth, and tunable bandgap depending on size or composition. However, poor long-term stability in high temperature and humidity remains a critical issue for device applications. This instability is primarily due to irreversible changes in surface ligands or chemical structures/compositions when exposed to various severe environments. Various strategies have been reported to address these issues, such as the formation of inorganic shell layers and the fabrication of polymer-based nanocomposites. Although these strategies have improved stability, they exhibit degraded properties during long-term aging. Recently, sol–gel derived siloxane hybrid materials have been introduced to achieve stability for various NCs under actual operating conditions of displays and optoelectronic devices. This review will address recent progress in developing siloxane-encapsulated NCs with high stability in high temperature/humidity and under continuous light exposure. It will also introduce results on enhancing the environmental stability of various NCs, including lanthanide-doped transition metal-based NCs, semiconducting NCs, and metal halide perovskite NCs, as well as demonstrations of reliable devices.Graphical

Pulsed corneal crosslinking in the treatment of Keratoconus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Corneal crosslinking (CXL) procedures are the treatment of choice in halting progressive corneal ectasia and preserving visual acuity due to keratoconus. Pulsed crosslinking (P-CXL) was developed using intermittent pulsing ultraviolet (UV) light to mitigate the depletion of oxygen levels that occurs with continuous UV exposure in standard crosslinking protocols (C-CXL). This study aimed to explore the use of P-CXL in the treatment of keratoconus and determine whether the availability of oxygen in P-CXL carries superior efficacy outcomes as an alternative to C-CXL modalities. This review was undertaken in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A search of several databases conducted with two separate reviewers resulted in 29 papers meeting inclusion criteria for the review, 14 selected for meta-analysis. Primary outcomes assessed by the included papers included maximum keratometry (Kmax), corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA, UDVA), and secondary outcomes included central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell count and demarcation line. Statistical analyses were carried out on Review Manager 5.4 and the meta-analysis employed a random-effects model, which estimated the weighted effect size of raw means using inverse variance weights. At 12 months P-CXL showed statistically significant reductions in Kmax (-0.75 D; p < 0.001) and improvement in CDVA (-0.10 logMAR; p < 0.001) compared to baseline. The meta-analysis of comparative studies determined that mean differences in Kmax, CDVA, UDVA, Kmean and CCT after 12 months were not statistically significant between pulsed and continuous crosslinking groups. Overall, P-CXL is effective in improving visual acuity and keratometry outcomes in keratoconus. The meta-analysis did not show a statistically significant difference in Kmax and CDVA between P-CXL and C-CXL, indicating a non-inferiority of P-CXL. However, findings of the meta-analysis are limited by the fact that different energy levels and exposure times were used for P-CXL in comparison to C-CXL in some studies, making it unsuitable to determine whether the efficacy of CXL is improved by the use of pulsed light. What is Known • Pulsed crosslinking (P-CXL) uses intermittent UV light to prevent oxygen depletion when using higher energy protocols, unlike continuous UV exposure in standard continuous crosslinking (C-CXL). • This should theoretically enhance the efficacy of the treatment by maintaining higher oxygen levels that are crucial to the cross-linking process. • There are no systematic reviews or meta-analyses directly comparing the efficacy or safety of P-CXL to C-CXL. What is New • Meta-analysis revealed differences in keratometry between P-CXL and C-CXL groups with equivalent fluence (7.2 J/cm2) at 12 months were not statistically significant (Kmax -0.04 dioptres; p = 0.84). • Meta-analysis revealed differences in visual acuity between P-CXL and C-CXL groups with equivalent fluence (7.2 J/cm2) at 12 months were not statistically significant (CDVA -0.01 logMAR letters; p = 0.57). • The use of intermittent pulsing in higher energy CXL protocols renders statistically similar outcomes as continuous light exposure at equivalent fluence (7.2 J/cm2).

Highly efficient and stable organic solar cells achieved by improving exciton diffusion and splitting through a volatile additive-assisted ternary strategy

The ternary and additive strategy, introducing a third component into a binary blend and add suitable additives, opens a simple and promising avenue to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). This study investigates the optimization of OSCs by introducing volatile additives and a third component, L8-BO-X, which tunes the active layer morphology and improves the performance of the devices. Utilizing various characterization techniques, such as the grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS), film-depth-dependent light absorption spectroscopy (FLAS), and the femtosecond-resolved transient absorption (fsTA) spectroscopy, the effects of these adjustment on crystallinity, phase separation, exciton generation, and charge transport in photovoltaic device are explored. The incorporation of the third component and volatile additives results in less anisotropy in molecular orientation and thus faster exciton splitting at the D-A interface, enhanced π-π stacking coherence length and longer exciton lifetime, and eventually an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.6 % (certified as 19.07 % in the National Institute of Metrology in China) and exceptional photostability, with the devices retaining 82 % efficiency after 1200 hours of continuous light exposure.

A Comparison of the Effects of Continuous Illumination and Day/Night Regimes on PHB Accumulation in Synechocystis Cells.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biobased and biodegradable polymer with properties comparable to polypropylene and therefore has the potential to replace conventional plastics. PHB is intracellularly accumulated by prokaryotic organisms. For the cells PHB functions manly as carbon and energy source, but all possible functions of PHB are still not known. Synechocystis (cyanobacteria) accumulates PHB using light as energy and CO2 as carbon source. The main trigger for PHB accumulation in cyanobacteria is nitrogen and phosphorous depletion with simultaneous surplus of carbon and energy. For the above reasons, obtaining knowledge about external factors influencing PHB accumulation is of highest interest. This study compares the effect of continuous light exposure and day/night (16/8 h) cycles on selected physiology parameters of three Synechocystis strains. We show that continuous illumination at moderate light intensities leads to an increased PHB accumulation in Synechocystis salina CCALA 192 (max. 14.2% CDW - cell dry weight) compared to day/night cycles (3.7% CDW). In addition to PHB content, glycogen and cell size increased, while cell density and cell viability decreased. The results offer new approaches for further studies to gain deeper insights into the role of PHB in cyanobacteria to obtain bioplastics in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Photo-programmable hydrogel iontronics for electrically and chromatically rewritable circuits

Hydrogel-based iontronics is emerging as a promising frontier in healthcare and human-machine interfacing (HMI), offering excellent compatibility with biological systems in terms of electrical, chemical, and mechanical properties. However, conventional hydrogel systems have limitations in dynamically regulating their electrical and optical properties, which restricts their use in adaptive electronics and responsive interfaces. In this study, we present a new hydrogel system with UV photochemistry-induced reversible conductivity, enabling reversible changes in conductivity. Unlike typical photo-responsive hydrogels that revert to their original states upon removal of the light source, the new hydrogel can maintain its activated states without continuous light exposure, facilitating practical applications. By leveraging the photobase triphenylmethane leucohydroxide and photoacid n-nitrobenzaldehyde, we achieve a significant increase in photo-induced conductivity compared to existing photo-ionic hydrogels. Combining the effective photo-induced conductivity and the accompanied photochromatic effect, we demonstrate a full hydrogel-based stylus pad capable of tracking motion and strokes, and a soft calculator keypad with programmable conductivity and imprinted patterns. These advancements underscore the importance of actively controlling localized conductivity and processing light inputs in hydrogels, exhibiting their potential for diverse applications in bioelectronics and HMI.

Characterization of the tail current of Channelrhodopsin-2 variants

Our study focused on specific ChR2 variants, particularly those with the Step function Opsins (SFO) mutation at the D156-C128 gate. These are widely used in optogenetics due to their heightened sensitivity to light and bi-stable prolonged activation. However, in some ChR2 variants, specifically D156 mutants, a tail current occurs when continuous light exposure is stopped. We specifically examined the D156H-T159S ChR2 variant, which demonstrated a tail current that was somewhat responsive to light and voltage, with a single-channel current of around 9fA, similar to wt-ChR2 as determined by stationary noise analysis. To further investigate, we used nonstationary noise analysis in cell-attached patching mode, which revealed that the tail current's single-channel current falls within the same range as the peak current, albeit with mild contamination from adaptation and desensitization. This finding strongly supports the notion that a portion of the ChR2 molecules open or re-open at the end of illumination, leading to further membrane depolarization.

Nanoscale phase management of the 2D/3D heterostructure toward efficient perovskite solar cells

The stabilization of the formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) structure is pivotal for the development of efficient photovoltaic devices. Employing two-dimensional (2D) layers to passivate the three-dimensional (3D) perovskite is essential for maintaining the α-phase of FAPbI3 and enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the role of bulky ligands in the phase management of 2D perovskites, crucial for the stabilization of FAPbI3, has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we synthesized nanoscale 2D perovskite capping crusts with <n> = 1 and 2 Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskite layers, respectively, which form a type-II 2D/3D heterostructure. This heterostructure stabilizes the α-phase of FAPbI3, and facilitates ultrafast carrier extraction from the 3D perovskite network to transport contact layer. We introduced tri-fluorinated ligands to mitigate defects caused by the halide vacancies and uncoordinated Pb2+ ions, thereby reducing nonradiative carrier recombination and extending carrier lifetime. The films produced were incorporated into PSCs that not only achieved a PCE of 25.39% but also maintained 95% of their initial efficiency after 2000 h of continuous light exposure without encapsulation. These findings underscore the effectiveness of a phase-pure 2D/3D heterostructure-terminated film in inhibiting phase transitions passivating the iodide anion vacancy defects, facilitating the charge carrier extraction, and boosting the performance of optoelectronic devices.

Robust, breathable and antibacterial superamphiphobic cotton fabrics prepared by layer-by-layer dip coating

Superamphiphobic fabrics with both antibacterial and breathable properties are essential for medical applications i.e. stain protection, while challengeable in preparation. In this work, a novel multifunctional superamphiphobic fabric is freshly prepared using a simple layer-by-layer dip-coating strategy. The polydopamine (PDA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), branched poly (ethylenimine) (bPEI), silicon dioxide (SiO2), octadecylamine (ODA), poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (FAS) are successfully grafted on cotton fabrics. Attributed to the hierarchical micro-nano structure and low surface energy of the coating, the prepared breathable superamphiphobic fabric (B-SAF) exhibits super-repellency and stain resistance against water and oily liquids, even the liquid surface tension is as low as 27.5 mN/m. Moreover, high breathability, good moisture resistance, excellent self-cleaning property were obtained, and good durability were maintained after varied mechanical and chemical damage, high temperatures, and continuous light exposure. More importantly, benefiting from the superamphiphobicity and the presence of amines, B-SAF demonstrates excellent resistance to blood staining and antibacterial activity, which exhibits strong application potentials in the fields of advanced functional textiles, protective clothing, antifouling and chemical engineering.

Boosting Efficiency and UV Resistance in Perovskite Solar Cells via Sunscreen Ingredient Octinoxate

AbstractUV radiation presents a substantial challenge to the stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), limiting their applications in harsh environments such as outer space. Herein, UV‐resistant molecule octinoxate (OCT) is introduced to mitigate the adverse effects of UV irradiation. OCT additive demonstrates the capability to modulate the crystallization process, resulting in perovskite films with larger grains and enhanced crystallinity. Moreover, OCT doping also facilitates charge extraction in PSCs. The PSCs with OCT doping exhibit an enhanced efficiency, increasing from 22.46% to 24.64%, along with improved stability with a T85 of 1000 h under continuous light exposure. Functioning as a sunscreen material, OCT mitigates UV‐induced degradation by absorbing irradiation and hindering I2 escape. Even after continuous exposure to 18.7 kWh m−2 UV illumination, the OCT‐doped PSCs maintain over 92% of their initial efficiency, meeting the 15 kWh m−2 UV exposure requirement specified in the IEC:61215 PV robustness testing standard. This study offers a straightforward approach to enhance the durability of PSCs under UV radiation, opening avenues for their application in extreme environments.

Effect of Probiotics in Stress-Associated Constipation Model in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae.

The pathophysiology of functional bowel disorders is complex, involving disruptions in gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, gut-brain-microbiota interactions, and psychosocial factors. Light pollution, as an environmental stressor, has been associated with disruptions in circadian rhythms and the aggravation of stress-related conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of environmental stress, particularly continuous light exposure, on intestinal motility and inflammation using zebrafish larvae as a model system. We also evaluated the efficacy of probiotics, specifically Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum), at alleviating stress-induced constipation. Our results showed that continuous light exposure in zebrafish larvae increased the cortisol levels and reduced the intestinal motility, establishing a stress-induced-constipation model. We observed increased inflammatory markers and decreased intestinal neural activity in response to stress. Furthermore, the expressions of aquaporins and vasoactive intestinal peptide, crucial for regulating water transport and intestinal motility, were altered in the light-induced constipation model. Administration of probiotics, specifically B. longum, ameliorated the stress-induced constipation by reducing the cortisol levels, modulating the intestinal inflammation, and restoring the intestinal motility and neural activity. These findings highlight the potential of probiotics to modulate the gut-brain axis and alleviate stress-induced constipation. Therefore, this study provides a valuable understanding of the complex interplay among environmental stressors, gut function, and potential therapeutic strategies.

Effect of sacubitril/valsartan on the hypertensive heart in continuous light-induced and lactacystin-induced pre-hypertension: Interactions with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

This study investigated whether sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan are able to prevent left ventricular (LV) fibrotic remodelling and dysfunction in two experimental models of pre-hypertension induced by continuous light (24 hours/day) exposure or by chronic lactacystin treatment, and how this potential protection interferes with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Nine groups of three-month-old male Wistar rats were treated for six weeks as follows: untreated controls (C), sacubitril/valsartan (ARNI), valsartan (Val), continuous light (24), continuous light plus sacubitril/valsartan (24+ARNI) or valsartan (24+Val), lactacystin (Lact), lactacystin plus sacubitil/valsartan (Lact+ARNI) or plus valsartan (Lact+Val). Both the 24 and Lact groups developed a mild but significant systolic blood pressure (SBP) increase, LV hypertrophy and fibrosis, as well as LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Yet, no changes in serum renin-angiotensin were observed either in the 24 or Lact groups, though aldosterone was increased in the Lact group compared to the controls. In both models, sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan reduced elevated SBP, LV hypertrophy and fibrosis and attenuated LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan increased the serum levels of angiotensin (Ang) II, Ang III, Ang IV, Ang 1–5, Ang 1–7 in the 24 and Lact groups and reduced aldosterone in the Lact group. We conclude that both continuous light exposure and lactacystin treatment induced normal-to-low serum renin-angiotensin models of pre-hypertension, whereas aldosterone was increased in lactacystin-induced pre-hypertension. The protection by ARNI or valsartan in the hypertensive heart in either model was related to the Ang II blockade and the protective Ang 1–7, while in lactacystin-induced pre-hypertension this protection seems to be additionally related to the reduced aldosterone level.

Gradually decreasing daylength after smoltification induced by “winter signal“ reduced sexual maturation in male Atlantic salmon

IntroductionMaturation in seawater-adapted (smoltified) male Atlantic salmon is undesirable yet frequently reported in fish weighing up to 1 kg reared under intensive conditions in land-based facilities. Although the photoperiod regulates both smoltification and maturation, the optimal post-smoltification regimen for the prevention of maturation is unclear.MethodsIn this study, mixed-sex Atlantic salmon weighing 95 g were exposed to three different photoperiod regimes: continuous daylength, gradually decreasing daylength, and short-to-long daylength after the induction of smoltification by the “winter signal” (12 h:12 h light:dark). Fish were maintained under these conditions in triplicate for 18 weeks in a brackish water flow-through system at 12°C and with a salinity of 20 ppt. This initial phase was followed by a grow-out period (1 kg–2.5 kg) in seawater (32-ppt salinity) at 13°C for 11 weeks, with exposure to decreasing daylength. Throughout the 29-week study, body condition, gonad development, and morphological traits were assessed. Additionally, during exposure to brackish water, serum 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) levels were quantified, and the testes were examined histologically. Upon termination of the study, the maturation rate was determined.ResultsThis study exclusively detected maturation among male salmon. Under continuous light exposure, the number of fish initiating maturity steadily increased from week 8 and continued to increase in the subsequent samplings. In the short-to-long daylength group, a subset of male fish showed elevated 11-KT levels at week 14, although their gonadal development and morphological changes were not evident until week 18. Male fish exposed to decreasing daylength showed no substantial increase in 11-KT levels, although a few fish exhibited advanced gonad development by week 18. At the end of the trial, markedly lower percentages of maturing and fully mature male fish were observed among those fish previously exposed to decreasing daylength. The maturation rates at study termination were 44.4% for the short-to-long daylength group, 29.4% for the continuous daylength group, and 4.3% for the decreasing daylength group.DiscussionThese results show that photoperiod can be utilized to regulate maturation in male Atlantic salmon. In addition, decreasing the photoperiod after smoltification seems to limit early sexual maturation without compromising body size development. Thus, decreasing the photoperiod could be utilized to limit maturation in the production of post-smolt salmon or salmon in land-based facilities.

Histomorphological Changes in the Ovary of African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus, WATERHOUSE – 1840) subjected to Different light/dark cycles

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of photoperiod on the ovary of African giant rats (AGR), Cricetomys gambianus. A total of 15 captive African giant rats from the wild served as subjects. The rats were randomized into three photoperiodic treatment groups of five rats each. Groups I, II and III were the control (12 hours of darkness (12D), 12 hours of light (12L); total darkness (24D: 0L) and total light (0D: 24L), respectively. The rats were humanely euthanized, and ovaries collected at 4 weeks and 8 weeks of sacrifice for routine histological examination and histomorphometry. Cystic follicles were observed in the ovaries of AGR exposed to constant light. Again, continuous lighting exposure significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) the ovarian follicular diameter when compared with the control. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that continuous light exposure could have significant effect in follicular cyst formation in AGR.

Central blockage of sympathetic nerves inhibits the abnormal vital signs and disturbance of the gut microbiota caused by continuous light exposure

BackgroundContinuous light exposure increases sympathetic excitation in rats, leading to hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and fibrosis. This study was aimed to investigate whether continuous light exposure causes destabilization of vital signs and gut microbiota (GM) in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and whether clonidine hydrochloride (CH), a central sympathetic depressant drug, could prevent these changes. MethodsEight-week-old male SD rats were divided into three groups with different interventions for 14 weeks: control group (CG), 2-mL pure water gavaged daily while on a normal 12-h light/dark cycle; continuous illumination group (CI), 2-mL pure water gavaged daily while receiving continuous exposure to light (300 lx); and drug administration group (DA), CH (10 μg/kg) gavaged daily while receiving continuous exposure to light (300 lx). ResultsThe results showed that blood pressure, heart rate, and body weight were significantly higher in the CI group than in the CG and DA groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the Shannon index was higher in the DA group than in the CI group (P = 0.012). The beta diversity index in the CG group was significantly higher in the CI group (P = 0.039). The pairwise comparison results of the linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that Oscillospirales were enriched in the DA group, whereas the Prevotellaceae lineage (family level) > Prevotella (genus level) > Prevotellaceae_bacterium (species level) were enriched in the CI group. The Muribaculaceae family was more abundant in the CG group than in the CI group. ConclusionSympathetic nerve inhibition restored the abnormal vital signs and GM changes under continuous light exposure.

Stepwise−Process−Controlled Ligand Management Strategy for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Quantum Dot Solar Cells

CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have attracted much attention in the field of solar cells because of their excellent photovoltaic properties. Conventional modification of long−chain insulating ligands can ensure good dispersion and film−forming stability of QDs, but the limitations of their low defect passivation ability and poor charge transport ability will make them fail to achieve high efficiency in the corresponding solar cell devices. In this study, by introducing “Benzylphosphonic acid” short−chain ligands to the surface of CsPbI3 QDs, the ligands were re−administered on the surface during the preparation of the CsPbI3 QDs as well as during the film−forming process. The strong coordination ability of Benzenephosphonic acid can effectively passivate defects on the surface of CsPbI3 QDs and inhibit non−radiative recombination and phase transition. Meanwhile, this short−chain ligand can effectively promote the charge exchange between adjacent QDs and improve the electrical transport properties of the film. The efficiency of the Benzylphosphonic acid−modified CsPbI3 QDs solar cell reaches 13.91% compared to the unmodified device (PCE of 11.4%). The storage stability and operation stability of the device are also significantly improved. (The efficiency remains at 91% of the original for 800 h of atmospheric storage; the efficiency remains at 92% of the original for 200 h of continuous light exposure.) The present strategy realizes the simultaneous improvement of photovoltaic properties and stability of CsPbI3 QD solar cells and also provides a reference for surface ligand engineering to realize highly efficient and stable perovskite quantum dot solar cells.

Clinical and Morphological in Vivo Confocal Microscopy Findings following a Modified Biphasic Higher Fluence Transepithelial Corneal Crosslinking

Purpose: To compare the refractive efficacy and morphological changes in the cornea following a novel biphasic higher fluence transepithelial corneal crosslinking (BI-TE-CXL) and transepithelial corneal crosslinking (TE-CXL) in adults keratoconus. Methods: Patients with progressive keratoconus who required corneal crosslinking were assigned to the BI-TE-CXL group (32 eyes, phase 1: 7.2 J/cm2 for 5 min and 20 s of pulsed-light exposure, KXL, Glaukos-Avedro; phase 2: 3.6 J/cm2 for 6 min and 40 s of continuous light exposure at the front curvature apex with a 6 mm diameter light spot, UVX-2000, IROC) or the TE-CXL group (32 eyes, uniform 7.2 J/cm2 for 5 min and 20 s of pulsed-light exposure, KXL, Glaukos-Avedro). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), corneal topography, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) were performed 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Results: The CFS scores in the BI-TE-CXL group were significantly higher than those in the TE-CXL group on the first two days after surgery (p < 0.001). The Kmax (at 12 and 24 months) and CDVA (logMAR) were significantly lower in the BI-TE-CXL group than those in the TE-CXL group (p < 0.05). The corneal demarcation line under AS-OCT was visible in 81.3% of patients in the BI-TE-CXL group and 15.6% in the TE-CXL group. The depth of the demarcation line under IVCM was significantly deeper in the BI-TE-CXL group (248.3 ± 25.0 μm) than that of the TE-CXL group (136.5 ± 15.6 μm) in the central cornea (p < 0.001). The cross-linked collagen structures in the central cornea were still present after 12 months in the BI-TE-CXL group. No significant difference in sub-basal nerve density between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Following BI-TE-CXL, CDVA was significantly improved, accompanied by deeper demarcation line depth and persistent crosslinked structures in the central corneal stroma.

Effect of White Noise and Light Exposure on Some Enzymes in Rat Testicular Tissue

By definition, white noise (WN) is a type of sound that consists of a combination of various frequencies. Noise is an important source of environmental stress for humans and other living things and has a strong stimulating effect on light, circadian rhythm, hormonal, and neuro-behavioral levels. When faced with stressful situations, organisms produce a substantial quantity of free radicals, leading to alterations in the oxidative system. The objective of this research is to examine how environmental stressors like WN and light impact the activities of enzymes involved in testicular carbonic anhydrase (CA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). A total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. The first was the control group (not exposed to stress, kept at 12/12 light-dark cycle and 24±2°C normal ambient temperature). The second group, known as the WN 60' group, experienced 60 minutes of white noise exposure per day for 14 consecutive days at 90 dB. The third group, referred to as the WN 60' + non daylight group, underwent 60 minutes of white noise exposure at 90 dB combined with 24 hours of continuous light exposure every other day. At the conclusion of the study, the testicular tissues were homogenized and centrifuged, followed by the spectrophotometric measurement of enzyme activities.&#x0D; As a result, when we compared the control group with both WN and WN + light exposure; A decrease was observed for CA enzyme in both applications, and an increase was observed in CAT and GPx enzymes in both applications.&#x0D; As a result, when we compared the control group with both BG and BG + light exposure; A decrease was observed for CA enzyme in both applications, and an increase was observed in CAT and GPx enzymes in both applications.

Recent Progress of Inorganic Hole‐Transport Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells†

Comprehensive SummaryPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved significant progress in the past decade and a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.0% has been achieved. The widely used organic hole transport materials (HTMs) in PSCs are typically sensitive to the moisture environment and continuous light exposure. In contrast, the inorganic HTMs benefiting from their outstanding merits, such as excellent environmental stability, are considered as alternatives and have attracted much attention in PSCs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the fundamental properties and recent progress of inorganic HTMs in n‐i‐p and p‐i‐n structured PSCs. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of inorganic HTMs in the development of highly efficient and stable PSCs.