Revising the formation and electronic properties in flavylium derivatives. A theoretical tandem towards optimized DSSCs

A study of benzopyrylium derivatives obtained from a luminescent precursor, including the optical pathway, bonding analysis, and transmission properties, toward green energy applications.

Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with acromegaly in a clinical practice setting in Spain: the ACROPRAXIS program Delphi survey

Aim The ACROPRAXIS program aims to describe the management of acromegaly in Spain and provide guidance. Methods Ninety-three endocrinologists were organized into 13 panels to discuss the practical issues in managing acromegaly. Based on the key learnings, an online Delphi survey with 62 statements was performed, so those statements achieving consensus could be used as guidance. Statements were rated on a 9-point scale (9, full agreement; consensus > 66.6% of response in the same tertile). Results Ninety-two endocrinologists (98.8%) answered two rounds of the survey (mean age 47.6 years; 59.8% women; median 18.5 years of experience). Consensus was achieved for 49 (79%) statements. Diagnosis: The levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGFI) is the preferred screening test. If IGFI levels 1–1.3 ULN, the test is repeated and growth hormone (GH) after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is assessed. A pituitary magnetic resonance is performed after biochemical diagnosis. Treatment: Surgery is the first treatment choice for patients with microadenoma or macroadenoma with/without optical pathway compression. Pre-surgical somatostatin analogues (SSA) are indicated when surgery is delayed and/or to reduce anaesthesia-associated risks. After unsuccessful surgery, reintervention is performed if the residual tumor is resectable, while if non-resectable, SSA are administered. Follow-up First biochemical and clinical controls are performed 1–3 months after surgery. Disease remission is considered if random GH levels are < 1 µg/L or OGTT is < 1 or ≤ 0.4 µg/L, depending on the assay’s sensitivity. Conclusion Current clinical management for acromegaly is homogeneous across Spain and generally follows clinical guidelines.

Light Trapping Effect in Perovskite Solar Cells by the Addition of Ag Nanoparticles, Using Textured Substrates

In this contribution, the efficiencies of perovskite solar cells have been further enhanced, based on optical optimization studies. The photovoltaic devices with textured perovskite film can be obtained and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the textured fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)/Ag nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in c-TiO2/m-TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au showed 33.7% enhancement, and a maximum of up to 14.01% was achieved. The efficiency enhancement can be attributed to the light trapping effect caused by the textured FTO and the incorporated Ag NPs, which can enhance scattering to extend the optical pathway in the photoactive layer of the solar cell. Interestingly, aside from enhanced light absorption, the charge transport characteristics of the devices can be improved by optimizing Ag NPs loading levels, which is due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) from the incorporated Ag NPs. This light trapping strategy helps to provide an appropriated management for optical optimization of perovskite solar cells.

Spirally-patterned pinhole arrays for long-term fluorescence cell imaging

A specially designed disc to reduce cell damage by controlling total fluorescence exposure time without deterioration of image resolution which is simple, cost-effective, and easily integrated into the optical pathway through a conventional fluorescence microscope.

Combining Multimodal Wavefront Examination and Digital Refraction to Create a Rapid and Accurate Approach (XFraction) for a Total Visual System Assessment for Intraocular Lens Selection

Following advances in intraocular lens technology in recent years, greatly increased options are now available to the ophthalmic surgeon. However, there is a need for improved diagnostic technologies to optimize outcomes and select the best treatment strategies. A process combining multimodal wavefront examination and digital refraction, wavefront optimized refraction or ‘XFractionSM,’ has been recently developed to address this requirement. This novel fusion of techniques increases the amount of data that can be captured from each eye by orders of magnitude and is completed in much less time than former separate methods or manual refraction alone. The result is a process that enhances current procedures, provides superior patient diagnosis over previous techniques through the full optical pathway, and provides multiple benefits to both the patient and physician. The process enables the collection of a large amount of relevant information that makes available new levels of understanding about each patient’s unique visual system. Its use in clinical practice has been further associated with increased practice efficiency, enhanced optimized refractions, improved diagnostic surgical outcomes, and higher levels of patient satisfaction.