Ag ion implanted TiO2 photoanodes for fabrication of highly efficient and economical plasmonic dye sensitized solar cells

Materials with tunable optical and photoelectric properties are prerequisite for the development of highly stable, economical and efficient dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this direction, improved plasmonic DSSCs with comparatively higher light harvesting ability and reduced recombination of photo-generated charge carriers have been fabricated using low energy (120 KeV) Ag ion implanted TiO2 photoanodes at variable fluence. Herein, the origin of improved photovoltaic performance of Ag implanted DSSCs against conventional DSSC has been explained using UV-visible, photoluminescence and kelvin probe measurements. Further, the efficient interfacial charge transportation within Ag implanted DSSCs has been demonstrated through EIS measurements

Role of three-dimensional echocardiography in breast cancer : Comparison with two-dimensional echocardiography, multigated acquisition scans, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Purpose: In patients with breast cancer, the administration of doxorubicin and trastuzumab is associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity. Although multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scans and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are conventional methods for baseline and serial assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in these patients, little is known about the use of real-time three-dimensional TTE (RT3D TTE) in this clinical setting. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of MUGA, 2D TTE, and RT3D TTE for determining LVEF in comparison to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Methods: Between 2007 and 2009 inclusive, 50 female patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2\u2013positive breast cancer received adjuvant trastuzumab after doxorubicin. Serial MUGA, 2D TTE, RT3D TTE, and CMR were performed at baseline, 6, and 12 months after the initiation of trastuzumab. Results: A comparison of left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) demonstrated a modest correlation between 2D TTE and CMR (r = 0.64 at baseline; r = 0.69 at 12 months, respectively). A comparison of LVEDV between RT3D TTE and CMR demonstrated a stronger correlation (r = 0.87 at baseline; r = 0.95 at 12 months, respectively). Although 2D TTE demonstrated a weak correlation with CMR for LVEF assessment (r = 0.31 at baseline, r = 0.42 at 12 months, respectively), both RT3D TTE and MUGA showed a strong correlation when compared with CMR (r = 0.91 at baseline; r = 0.90 at 12 months, respectively). Conclusion: As compared with conventional MUGA, RT3D TTE is a feasible, accurate, and reproducible alternate imaging modality for the serial monitoring of LVEF in patients with breast cancer.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

The impact of repeated marathon running on cardiovascular function in the aging population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Several studies have correlated elevations in cardiac biomarkers of injury post marathon with transient and reversible right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction as assessed by both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Whether or not permanent myocardial injury occurs due to repeated marathon running in the aging population remains controversial.</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>To assess the extent and severity of cardiac dysfunction after the completion of full marathon running in individuals greater than 50 years of age using cardiac biomarkers, TTE, cardiac computed tomography (CCT), and CMR.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 25 healthy volunteers (21 males, 55 ± 4 years old) from the 2010 and 2011 Manitoba Full Marathons (26.2 miles) were included in the study. Cardiac biomarkers and TTE were performed one week prior to the marathon, immediately after completing the race and at one-week follow-up. CMR was performed at baseline and within 24 hours of completion of the marathon, followed by CCT within 3 months of the marathon.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All participants demonstrated an elevated cTnT post marathon. Right atrial and ventricular volumes increased, while RV systolic function decreased significantly immediately post marathon, returning to baseline values one week later. Of the entire study population, only two individuals demonstrated late gadolinium enhancement of the subendocardium in the anterior wall of the left ventricle, with evidence of stenosis of the left anterior descending artery on CCT.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Marathon running in individuals over the age of 50 is associated with a transient, yet reversible increase in cardiac biomarkers and RV systolic dysfunction. The presence of myocardial fibrosis in older marathon athletes is infrequent, but when present, may be due to underlying occult coronary artery disease.</p