Skin wound healing rate in fish depends on species and microbiota

The skin is a barrier between the body and the environment that protects the integrity of the body and houses a vast microbiota. By interacting with the host immune system, the microbiota improves wound healing in mammals. However, in fish, the evidence of the role of microbiota and the type of species on wound healing is scarce. We aimed to examine the wound healing rate in various fish species and evaluate the effect of antibiotics on the wound healing process. The wound healing rate was much faster in two of the seven fish species selected based on habitat and skin types. We also demonstrated that the composition of the microbiome plays a role in the wound healing rate. After antibiotic treatment, the wound healing rate improved in one species. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, we identified microbiome correlates of varying responses on wound healing after antibiotic treatment. These findings indicate that not only the species difference but also the microbiota play a significant role in wound healing in fish.1

Global Incidence and Prevalence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis, 1976–2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

International audienceBackground and Aims: Owing to 2018 expanded diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and thus a possible increase in diagnosis, previous studies on the global incidence and prevalence of EoE may need to be updated. We aimed to describe global, regional, and national trends in the incidence and prevalence of EoE from 1976 to 2022 and analyze their associations with geographic, demographic, and social factors through a systematic review. Methods: We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from their inception dates to December 20, 2022, for studies that reported the incidence or prevalence of EoE in the general population. We calculated the global incidence and prevalence of EoE using pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and performed subgroup analysis based on age, sex, race, geographical area, World Bank income group, and diagnostic criteria of EoE. Results: Forty studies met the eligibility criteria, including over 288 million participants and 147,668 patients with EoE from 15 countries across the five continents. The global pooled incidence and prevalence of EoE were 5.31 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years (95% CI, 3.98–6.63; number of studies, 27; sample population, 42,191,506) and 40.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years (95% CI, 31.10–48.98; number of studies, 20; sample population, 30,467,177), respectively. The pooled incidence of EoE was higher in high-income countries (vs low- or middle-income countries), males, and North America (vs Europe and Asia). The global prevalence of EoE followed a similar pattern. The pooled prevalence of EoE gradually increased from 1976 to 2022 (1976–2001; 8.18; 95% CI, 3.67–12.69 vs 2017–2022; 74.42; 95% CI, 39.66–109.19 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years). Conclusions: The incidence and prevalence of EoE have increased substantially and vary widely across the world. Further research is needed to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of EoE in Asia, South America, and Africa

Improved Stability of Interfacial Energy-Level Alignment in Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Even though poly­(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly­(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been commonly used as a hole extraction layer (HEL) for p-i-n perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the cells’ photovoltaic performance deteriorates because of the low and unstable work functions (WFs) of PEDOT:PSS versus those of a perovskite layer. To overcome this drawback, we synthesized a copolymer (P­(SS-<i>co</i>-TFPMA)) ionomer consisting of PSS and tetrafluoropropylmethacrylate (TFPMA) as an alternative to conventional PEDOT:PSS. The PEDOT:P­(SS-<i>co</i>-TFPMA) copolymer solution and its film exhibited excellent homogeneity and high phase stability compared with a physical mixture of TFPMA with PEDOT:PSS solution. During spin coating, a self-organized conducting PEDOT:P­(SS-<i>co</i>-TFPMA) HEL evolved and the topmost PEDOT:P­(SS-<i>co</i>-TFPMA) film showed a hydrophobic surface with a higher WF compared to that of the pristine PEDOT:PSS film because of its chemically bonded electron-withdrawing fluorinated functional groups. Interestingly, the WF of the conventional PEDOT:PSS film dramatically deteriorated after being coated with a perovskite layer, whereas the PEDOT:P­(SS-<i>co</i>-TFPMA) film represented a relatively small influence. Because of the superior energy-level alignment between the HEL and a perovskite layer even after the contact, the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and fill factor of the inverted planar p-i-n PSCs (IP-PSCs) with PEDOT:P­(SS-<i>co</i>-TFPMA) were improved from 0.92 to 0.98 V, 18.96 to 19.66 mA/cm², and 78.96 to 82.43%, respectively, resulting in a 15% improvement in the power conversion efficiency vs that of IP-PSCs with conventional PEDOT:PSS. Moreover, the IP-PSCs with PEDOT:P­(SS-<i>co</i>-TFPMA) layer showed not only improved photovoltaic performance but also enhanced device stability due to hydrophobic surface of PEDOT:P­(SS-<i>co</i>-TFPMA) film

Automotive 2.1 μm Full-Depth Deep Trench Isolation CMOS Image Sensor with a 120 dB Single-Exposure Dynamic Range

An automotive 2.1 μm CMOS image sensor has been developed with a full-depth deep trench isolation and an advanced readout circuit technology. To achieve a high dynamic range, we employ a sub-pixel structure featuring a high conversion gain of a large photodiode and a lateral overflow of a small photodiode connected to an in-pixel storage capacitor. With the sensitivity ratio of 10, the expanded dynamic range could reach 120 dB at 85 °C by realizing a low random noise of 0.83 e- and a high overflow capacity of 210 ke-. An over 25 dB signal-to-noise ratio is achieved during HDR image synthesis by increasing the full-well capacity of the small photodiode up to 10,000 e- and suppressing the floating diffusion leakage current at 105 °C

Global incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis, 1976–2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and AimsOwing to 2018 expanded diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and thus a possible increase in diagnosis, previous studies on the global incidence and prevalence of EoE may need to be updated. We aimed to describe global, regional, and national trends in the incidence and prevalence of EoE from 1976 to 2022 and analyze their associations with geographic, demographic, and social factors through a systematic review.MethodsWe searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from their inception dates to December 20, 2022, for studies that reported the incidence or prevalence of EoE in the general population. We calculated the global incidence and prevalence of EoE using pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and performed subgroup analysis based on age, sex, race, geographical area, World Bank income group, and diagnostic criteria of EoE.ResultsForty studies met the eligibility criteria, including over 288 million participants and 147,668 patients with EoE from 15 countries across the five continents. The global pooled incidence and prevalence of EoE were 5.31 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years (95% CI, 3.98–6.63; number of studies, 27; sample population, 42,191,506) and 40.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years (95% CI, 31.10–48.98; number of studies, 20; sample population, 30,467,177), respectively. The pooled incidence of EoE was higher in high-income countries (vs low- or middle-income countries), males, and North America (vs Europe and Asia). The global prevalence of EoE followed a similar pattern. The pooled prevalence of EoE gradually increased from 1976 to 2022 (1976–2001; 8.18; 95% CI, 3.67–12.69 vs 2017–2022; 74.42; 95% CI, 39.66–109.19 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years).ConclusionsThe incidence and prevalence of EoE have increased substantially and vary widely across the world. Further research is needed to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of EoE in Asia, South America, and Africa.</p

Global incidence and prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis, 1970–2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) varies significantly in incidence and prevalence across countries and regions. We aimed to examine global, regional, and national trends in incidence and prevalence of AIH from 1970–2022.Methods: We conducted a thorough search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from database inception to August 9, 2023, using the search term “autoimmune hepatitis” in combination with “incidence,” “prevalence,” or “trend.” Only general population-based observational studies with larger samples sizes were considered for inclusion. Studies that recruited convenience samples, and those with fewer than 50 participants were excluded. Summary data were extracted from published reports. A random effects model was used and pooled estimates with 95% CI were used to calculate the incidence and prevalence of AIH. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023430138.Findings: A total of 37 eligible studies, encompassing more than 239 million participants and 55,839 patients with AIH from 18 countries across five continents, were included in the analysis. Global pooled incidence and prevalence of AIH were found to be 1.28 cases per 100,000 inhabitant-years (95% CI, 1.01–1.63, I2=99·51%; number of studies, 33; sample population, 220,673,674) and 15.65 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI, 13.42–18.24, I2=99·75%; number of studies, 26; sample population, 217,178,684), respectively. The incidence of AIH was greater in countries with high Human Development Index (> 0.92), in North America and Oceania (compared with Asia), among females, adults (compared with children), and high latitude (> 45°). Similar patterns in AIH prevalence were observed. Pooled AIH prevalence increased gradually from 1970–2019 (1970–1999; 9.95 [4.77–15.13], I2=95·58% versus 2015–2022; 27.91 [24.86–30.96], I2=99·32%; cases per 100,000 inhabitants). The overall incidence and prevalence of AIH, as well as some subgroup analyses of the studies, displayed asymmetry in the funnel plots, suggesting potential evidence of publication bias.Interpretation: AIH incidence and prevalence have increased significantly and exhibit substantial variation across regions worldwide. Further research is required to assess the incidence and prevalence of AIH, specifically in South America and Africa.</p