Intravenous Steroids Do Not Improve Short-Term Outcomes of Patients With Crohn's Disease Presenting With an Acute Small Bowel Obstruction.

Background: Intravenous (IV) steroids are commonly used to treat acute flares of Crohn's disease (CD). However, it is unclear if they are beneficial in the setting of uncomplicated small bowel obstruction (SBO). We sought to examine if IV steroid administration improved short-term outcomes in patients with CD hospitalized for acute, uncomplicated SBO across three New York City hospital systems.

A green solvent enables precursor phase engineering of stable formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer an efficient, inexpensive alternative to current photovoltaic technologies, with the potential for manufacture via high-throughput coating methods. However, challenges for commercial-scale solution-processing of metal-halide perovskites include the use of harmful solvents, the expense of maintaining controlled atmospheric conditions, and the inherent instabilities of PSCs under operation. Here, we address these challenges by introducing a high volatility, low toxicity, biorenewable solvent system to fabricate a range of 2D perovskites, which we use as highly effective precursor phases for subsequent transformation to α-formamidinium lead triiodide (α-FAPbI), fully processed under ambient conditions.

Toward a better understanding of barriers to wayfinding technology use for people with disabilities.

Wayfinding is the process of navigating from one's present location to their desired location. While wayfinding technologies are increasingly used by people with disabilities, there is little understanding of the barriers specific to wayfinding technology. The objective of this study was to understand the wayfinding technology barriers experienced by Canadians with disabilities.

Fundoplication at the time of paraesophageal hernia repair does not decrease the rate of hernia recurrence or postoperative reflux.

Background: Fundoplication at the time of paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair is thought to help prevent the development or persistence of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and might also prevent hernia recurrence. However, the published data is not strong enough to definitively recommend this approach. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and complications of a fundoplication at the time of paraesophageal hernia repair.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Confer No Increased Rates of IBD Exacerbation Among Patients With IBD.

Background: In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multimorbidity with obesity and type 2 diabetes is common and increasing. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are increasingly being prescribed for patients with IBD, yet their impact on patients with IBD is largely unknown. We aimed to assess the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the course of IBD.

Elevated preoperative lower esophageal sphincter pressure predicts improved clinical outcomes after per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

Background: Although per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has shown to be beneficial for the treatment of achalasia, it can be difficult to predict who will have a robust and long-lasting response. Historically, it has been shown that higher lower esophageal sphincter pressures have been associated with poorer responses to alternative endoscopic therapies such as Botox therapy and pneumatic dilation. This study was designed to evaluate if modern preoperative manometric data could similarly predict response to therapy after POEM.

Revisiting Sub-Band Gap Emission Mechanism in 2D Halide Perovskites: The Role of Defect States.

Understanding the sub-band gap luminescence in Ruddlesden-Popper 2D metal halide hybrid perovskites (2D HaPs) is essential for efficient charge injection and collection in optoelectronic devices. Still, its origins are still under debate with respect to the role of self-trapped excitons or radiative recombination via defect states. In this study, we characterized charge separation, recombination, and transport in single crystals, exfoliated layers, and polycrystalline thin films of butylammonium lead iodide (BAPbI), one of the most prominent 2D HaPs.

Does practice make perfect? Studying the relationship between surgeon experience and patient outcomes for paraesophageal hernia repairs.

Background: It has been reported that higher surgeon experience leads to better patient outcomes. In this study, we look at surgeon experience and its association with postoperative outcomes and variation among the practice of surgeons performing paraesophageal hernia repairs (PEH).

Method: This was a retrospective study of 1155 patients who underwent PEH repair at a single institution (2010-2023).

Force magnitude and distribution during impacts to the hip are affected differentially by body size and body composition.

Hip fractures are a severe health concern among older adults. While anthropometric factors have been shown to influence hip fracture risk, the low fidelity of common body composition metrics (e.g.

Experimental evidence for defect tolerance in Pb-halide perovskites.

The term defect tolerance (DT) is used often to rationalize the exceptional optoelectronic properties of halide perovskites (HaPs) and their devices. Even though DT lacked direct experimental evidence, it became a "fact" in the field. DT in semiconductors implies that structural defects do not translate to electrical and optical effects (e.

Efficacy of Installation of Temporary Bathing Transfer Aids by Older Adults.

Grab bars facilitate bathing and reduce the risk of falls during bathing. Suction cup handholds and rim-mounted tub rails are an alternative to grab bars. The objective of this study was to determine whether older adults could install handholds and tub rails effectively to support bathing transfers.

A comparison of minimum segment models for the estimation of centre of mass position and velocity for slip recovery during a bathtub transfer task.

Background: Exploring the use of minimum marker sets is important for balancing the technical quality of motion capture with challenging data collection environments and protocols. While minimum marker sets have been demonstrated to be appropriate for evaluation of some motion patterns, there is limited evidence to support model choices for abrupt, asymmetrical, non-cyclic motion such as balance disturbance during a bathtub exit task.

Research Question: How effective are six models of reduced complexity for the estimation of centre of mass (COM) displacement and velocity, relative to a full-body model.

Surface-Mediated Charge Transfer of Photogenerated Carriers in Diamond.

Solvated electrons are highly reductive chemical species whose chemical properties remain largely unknown. Diamond materials are proposed as a promising emitter of solvated electrons and visible light excitation would enable solar-driven CO or N reductions reactions in aqueous medium. But sub-bandgap excitation remains challenging.

Biomechanical Demands and User Preference Associated with Wall-Mounted and Rim-Mounted Grab Bars.

Grab bars are used to support bathing tasks. Sometimes, temporary rim-mounted grab bars may be preferred over permanent wall-mounted grab bars. We compared postural requirements, applied loads, and user perceptions between two configurations of rim-mounted grab bars, a vertical wall-mounted grab bar, and a no-grab bar condition.

Interface engineering for high-performance, triple-halide perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells.

Improved stability and efficiency of two-terminal monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells will require reductions in recombination losses. By combining a triple-halide perovskite (1.68 electron volt bandgap) with a piperazinium iodide interfacial modification, we improved the band alignment, reduced nonradiative recombination losses, and enhanced charge extraction at the electron-selective contact.

Risk factors for adverse outcomes following paraesophageal hernia repair among obese patients.

Background: Although obesity is an established risk factor for adverse outcomes after paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR), many obese patients nonetheless receive PEHR. The purpose of this study was to explore risk factors for adverse outcomes of PEHR among this high-risk cohort. We hypothesized that obese patients may have other risk factors for adverse outcomes following PEHR.

A Comparison of Etiologies and Characteristics of Solitary Versus Synchronous Pancreatic Masses Undergoing Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy.

Objectives: Pancreatic mass lesions are often solitary, although rarely synchronous pancreatic masses are encountered. No study has compared synchronous lesions with solitary lesions in the same population. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, clinical, radiographic, and histologic findings of multiple pancreatic masses on consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for pancreatic mass lesion.

Internal electric fields control triplet formation in halide perovskite-sensitized photon upconverters.

Halide perovskite-based photon upconverters utilize perovskite thin films to sensitize triplet exciton formation in a small-molecule layer, driving triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion. Despite having excellent carrier mobility, these systems suffer from inefficient triplet formation at the perovskite/annihilator interface. We studied triplet formation in formamidinium-methylammonium lead iodide/rubrene bilayers using photoluminescence and surface photovoltage methods.

Textured Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics for Flexible Energy Harvesters.

A lead-free (K,Na)NbO-based piezoelectric ceramic is textured along the (001) direction using the NaNbO (NN) seeds. The composition 0.96(KNa)(NbSb)O-0.

Consumer perspectives on grab bars: A Canadian national survey of grab bar acceptability in homes.

Given the prevalence and severity of bathroom falls and injuries across age groups, there is growing interest in policy-level approaches to bathroom fall prevention. Grab bars reduce fall risk during bathing transfers and improve bathing accessibility for adults of all ages and abilities. However, they are frequently absent from bathing environments, even in the homes of individuals who have a specific need for a grab bar.

Strong absorption and ultrafast localisation in NaBiS nanocrystals with slow charge-carrier recombination.

I-V-VI ternary chalcogenides are gaining attention as earth-abundant, nontoxic, and air-stable absorbers for photovoltaic applications. However, the semiconductors explored thus far have slowly-rising absorption onsets, and their charge-carrier transport is not well understood yet. Herein, we investigate cation-disordered NaBiS nanocrystals, which have a steep absorption onset, with absorption coefficients reaching >10 cm just above its pseudo-direct bandgap of 1.

Diagnostic yield of inpatient capsule endoscopy.

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) provides a novel approach to evaluate obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Yet CE is not routinely utilized in the inpatient setting for a variety of reasons. We sought to identify factors that predict complete CE and diagnostically meaningful CE, as well as assess the impact of inpatient CE on further hospital management.

Grab Bar Use Influences Fall Hazard During Bathtub Exit.

Objective: This study evaluated the hazard (risk of unrecovered balance loss and hazardous fall) and strategies associated with grab bar use, compared to no grab bar use, during unexpected balance loss initiated whilst exiting a bathtub.

Background: While independent bathing is critical for maintaining self-sufficiency, injurious falls during bathing transfer tasks are common. Grab bars are recommended to support bathing tasks, but no evidence exists regarding fall prevention efficacy.

Anatomically Aligned Loading During Falls: Influence of Fall Protocol, Sex and Trochanteric Soft Tissue Thickness.

Fall simulations provide insight into skin-surface impact dynamics but have focused on vertical force magnitude. Loading direction and location (relative to the femur) likely influence stress generation. The current study characterized peak impact vector magnitude, orientation, and center of pressure over the femur during falls, and the influence of biological sex and trochanteric soft tissue thickness (TSTT).

Revisiting the Determination of the Valence Band Maximum and Defect Formation in Halide Perovskites for Solar Cells: Insights from Highly Sensitive Near-UV Photoemission Spectroscopy.

Using advanced near-UV photoemission spectroscopy (PES) in constant final state mode (CFSYS) with a very high dynamic range, we investigate the triple-cation lead halide perovskite Cs(MAFA)Pb(IBr) and gain detailed insights into the density of occupied states (DOS) in the valence band and band gap. A valence band model is established which includes the parabolic valence band edge and an exponentially decaying band tail in a single equation. This allows us to precisely determine two valence band maxima (VBM) at different -vectors in the angle-integrated spectra, where the highest one, resulting from the VBM at the -point in the Brillouin zone, is found between -1.