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Abstract Background Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is useful for detecting gouty tophi. While iodinated contrast media (ICM) might enhance the detection of monosodium urate crystals (MSU), higher iodine concentrations hamper their detection. Calculating virtual noncontrast (VNC) images might improve the detection of enhancing tophi. The aim of this study was to evaluate MSU detection with VNC images from DECT acquisitions in phantoms, compared against the results with standard DECT reconstructions. Methods A grid-like and a biophantom with 25 suspensions containing different concentrations of ICM (0 to 2%) and MSU (0 to 50%) were scanned with sequential single-source DECT using an ascending order of tube current time product at 80 kVp (16.5–220 mAs) and 135 kVp (2.75–19.25 mAs). VNC images were equivalently reconstructed at 80 and 135 kVp. Two-material decomposition analysis for MSU detection was applied for the VNC and conventional CT images. MSU detection and attenuation values were compared in both modalities. Results For 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2% ICM, the average detection indices (DIs) for all MSU concentrations (35–50%) with VNC postprocessing were respectively 25.2, 36.6, 30.9, 38.9, and 45.8% for the grid phantom scans and 11.7, 9.4, 5.5, 24.0, and 25.0% for the porcine phantom scans. In the conventional CT image group, the average DIs were respectively 35.4, 54.3, 45.4, 1.0, and 0.0% for the grid phantom and 19.4, 17.9, 3.0, 0.0, and 0.0% for the porcine phantom scans. Conclusions VNC effectively reduces the suppression of information caused by high concentrations of ICM, thereby improving the detection of MSU. Relevance statement Contrast-enhanced DECT alone may suffice for diagnosing gout without a native acquisition. Key points • Highly concentrated contrast media hinders monosodium urate crystal detection in CT imaging • Virtual noncontrast imaging redetects monosodium urate crystals in high-iodinated contrast media concentrations. • Contrast-enhanced DECT alone may suffice for diagnosing gout without a native acquisition. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate computed tomography-based thermography (CTT) for ablation zone prediction in microwave ablation (MWA). Methods CTT was investigated during MWA in an in vivo porcine liver. For CTT, serial volume scans were acquired every 30 s during ablations and every 60 s immediately after MWA. After the procedure, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) was performed. After euthanasia, the liver was removed for sampling and further examination. Color-coded CTT maps were created for visualization of ablation zones, which were compared with both CECT and macroscopy. Average CT attenuation values in Hounsfield units (HU) were statistically correlated with temperatures using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. CTT was retrospectively evaluated in one patient who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Results A significant correlation between HU and temperature was found with r = − 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI), − 0.89 to − 0.57) and p

Abstract Small voids in the absorber layer of thin‐film solar cells are generally suspected to impair photovoltaic performance. They have been studied on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 cells with conventional laboratory techniques, albeit limited to surface characterization and often affected by sample‐preparation artifacts. Here, synchrotron imaging is performed on a fully operational as‐deposited solar cell containing a few tens of voids. By measuring operando current and X‐ray excited optical luminescence, the local electrical and optical performance in the proximity of the voids are estimated, and via ptychographic tomography, the depth in the absorber of the voids is quantified. Besides, the complex network of material‐deficit structures between the absorber and the top electrode is highlighted. Despite certain local impairments, the massive presence of voids in the absorber suggests they only have a limited detrimental impact on performance.

Abstract SABRE (Sodium iodide with Active Background REjection) is a direct detection dark matter experiment based on arrays of radio-pure NaI(Tl) crystals. The experiment aims at achieving an ultra-low background rate and its primary goal is to confirm or refute the results from the DAMA/LIBRA experiment. The SABRE Proof-of-Principle phase was carried out in 2020–2021 at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), in Italy. The next phase consists of two full-scale experiments: SABRE South at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, in Australia, and SABRE North at LNGS. This paper focuses on SABRE South and presents a detailed simulation of the detector, which is used to characterise the background for dark matter searches including DAMA/LIBRA-like modulation. We estimate an overall background of 0.72 cpd/kg/ $$\hbox {keV}_{\hbox {{ee}}}$$ keV ee in the energy range 1–6 $$\hbox {keV}_{\hbox {{ee}}}$$ keV ee primarily due to radioactive contamination in the crystals. Given this level of background and considering that the SABRE South has a target mass of 50 kg, we expect to exclude (confirm) DAMA/LIBRA modulation at $$4~(5)\sigma $$ 4 ( 5 ) σ within 2.5 years of data taking.

Abstract Background To investigate the influence of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) on detection of monosodium urate (MSU) with dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in two types of phantoms and demonstrate an example patient for clinical illustration. Methods Approval is by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained. A grid-like and a biophantom with 25 suspensions containing different concentrations of ICM (0 to 2%) and MSU (0 to 50%) were prepared and scanned with sequential single-source DECT using established methodology. Ascending orders of tube currents were applied at 80 kVp (16.5 to 220.0 mAs) and 135 kVp (2.75 to 19.25 mAs). Volume and mass measurements were performed using clinical gout software (dual-energy decomposition analysis). Numbers of true-positive and false-positive MSU detections were recorded and compared for different ICM concentrations. We demonstrate a patient with gouty arthritis for clinical illustration. Results Effects of ICM on MSU detection varied with the amount of iodine. Lower ICM concentrations (0.25 and 0.50%) improved detection of small uric acid concentrations of 35 to 45% in comparison to scans without ICM. However, high ICM concentrations (1 and 2%) almost completely precluded MSU detection for all MSU concentrations investigated. In a patient with gouty arthritis, tophi in the wrist were only detected after intravenous ICM administration. Conclusions Exploring multimodal DECT for arthritis imaging, enhancement of ICM influences tophus detection. It can help in visualizing previously undetected MSU depositions but, with too strong enhancement, also obscure tophi. Relevance statement Use of iodinated contrast media in dual-energy CT might help in visualizing previously undetected uric acid depositions but, with too strong enhancement, obscure gouty tophi. Key points • Iodine significantly influences the uric acid crystal detection in systematic phantom studies. • Lower iodine concentrations improved detection of low and medium uric acid concentrations. • High concentrations of iodine hampered detection of all uric acid concentrations. Graphical abstract

Abstract Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is an imaging technique that combines nondestructive morphological cross-sectional imaging of objects and the quantification of their chemical composition. However, its potential to assist investigations in paleontology has not yet been explored. This study investigates quantitative DECT for the nondestructive density- and element-based material decomposition of fossilized bones. Specifically, DECT was developed and validated for imaging-based calcium and fluorine quantification in bones of five fossil vertebrates from different geological time periods and of one extant vertebrate. The analysis shows that DECT material maps can differentiate bone from surrounding sediment and reveals fluorine as an imaging marker for fossilized bone and a reliable indicator of the age of terrestrial fossils. Moreover, the jaw bone mass of Tyrannosaurus rex showed areas of particularly high fluorine concentrations on DECT, while conventional CT imaging features supported the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis. These findings highlight the relevance of radiological imaging techniques in the natural sciences by introducing quantitative DECT imaging as a nondestructive approach for material decomposition in fossilized objects, thereby potentially adding to the toolbox of paleontological studies.

Abstract Background Social problems of patients such as family or work-related conflicts as well as financial difficulties affect the individual health situation and the treatment of diseases in general practice. General practitioners (GPs) would like to have direct access to professionals in social care services. In Germany, there are many different social care facilities for people with a wide range of social problems. As the social and health care systems hardly interact collaborations between social professionals (SPs) and GPs are rare exceptions. This study explored perspectives of GPs regarding their patients with social problems in combination with the perspectives of SPs. Aim of this study was to explore how a systematic interprofessional collaboration between GPs and SPs could be realised. Methods We carried out a participatory sequential qualitative study design consisting of two focus groups with GPs, two with SPs and two mixed-professional focus groups with GPs and SPs. The focus groups were conducted with semi-structured moderating guidelines and analysed with a qualitative content analysis approach using inductive and deductive categories. Results GPs view themselves as the first point of contact for their patients' social problems. For persistent social problems, they expressed a desire for support and SPs were willing to provide this. We developed a stepped care implementation model for a systematic cooperation consisting of nine collaboration strategies. These strategies included: index or website of social care services, referrals to the social care system, using flyers and posters of social care services, direct contact/hotline to local social care services, participation in meetings of social care facilities, involving physician assistants, external social care advice service in GP rooms, implementation in education and training and access to volunteers. Conclusions Our stepped care implementation model for a systematic cooperation of GPs and SPs could be a feasible need- and resource-oriented approach for the collaborative care of patients with social problems to improve their medical treatment in most western healthcare systems. GPs and SPs are ready to generate the necessary evidence for policy makers in high quality RCTs.

Adult learning and leadership concepts have received heightened interest in recent years as enrollment of students ages 25 to 34 years at degree-granting postsecondary institutions increased 35 percent between 2001 and 2015 and is projected to increase 11 percent between 2015 and 2026. The U.S. Bureau of the Census (2019) recently reported that the U.S. population's median age increased to 38.2 years in 2018--an increase from 37.2 years in 2010. While our population is growing older, only 47.6 percent of Americans between the ages of 25 and 64 years hold a credential beyond a high school diploma, even though roughly two-thirds of all U.S. jobs require a postsecondary degree or credential. As a result, many higher education institutions across the United States are seeking ways to effectively serve and educate adult learners, formally and informally. The purpose of this article is to offer insight into one framework that may aid faculty, staff, and administrators when leading, educating, and working alongside adults: "andragogy."

Abstract Tracking studies of juveniles are rare compared to those of adults, and consequently little is known about the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on activity during this critical life stage. We used hourly GPS data, collected from 66 Antarctic fur seal pups from birth until moulting, to investigate the explanatory power of multiple individual-based and environmental variables on activity levels. Pups were sampled from two nearby breeding colonies of contrasting density during two subsequent years, and a two-state hidden Markov model was used to identify modalities in their movement behaviour, specifically ‘active’ and ‘inactive’ states. We found that movement was typified by central place exploration, with active movement away from and subsequent return to a location of inactivity. The probability of such directed exploration was unaffected by several factors known to influence marine mammal movement including sex, body condition, and temperature. Compared to pups born at the high-density colony, pups at low-density were more active, increased their activity with age, and transitioned earlier into the tussock grass, which offers protection from predators and extreme weather. Our study illustrates the importance of extrinsic factors, such as colony of birth, to early-life activity patterns and highlights the adaptive potential of movement.

ABSTRACT Objective The increase in antibiotic resistance (AR) is a global phenomenon with regional variation. This survey aims to describe the AR in urine cultures of women from the community in a southern Brazil city. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional single-center study in urine cultures of community dwelling individuals. The main outcome was the AR profile of bacterial isolates from women in outpatient care. Results From 4,011 urine cultures, 524 were positive (91% from women). The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (E. coli) (67.0%) and Klebsiella spp. (19.4%). E. coli presented low resistance to nitrofurantoin (3.7%), moderate to levofloxacin (15.6%), amoxacillin-clavulonate (16.4%) and ciprofloxacin (17.4%), and high to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (26.9%). Conclusions Nitrofurantoin seems to be the best choice for the empirical treatment of low urinary tract infections in women, whereas sulfonamides are no longer an option, since E. coli resistance to this drug is above 20%.

Computed tomography (CT)-based Thermography (CTT) is currently being investigated as a non-invasive temperature monitoring method during ablation procedures. Since multiple CT scans with defined time intervals were acquired during this procedure, interscan motion artifacts can occur between the images, so registration is required. The aim of this study was to investigate different registration algorithms and their combinations for minimizing inter-scan motion artifacts during thermal ablation. Four CTT datasets were acquired using microwave ablation (MWA) of normal liver tissue performed in an in vivo porcine model. During each ablation, spectral CT volume scans were sequentially acquired. Based on initial reconstructions, rigid or elastic registration, or a combination of these, were carried out and rated by 15 radiologists. Friedman’s test was used to compare rating results in reader assessments and revealed significant differences for the ablation probe movement rating only (p = 0.006; range, 5.3–6.6 points). Regarding this parameter, readers assessed rigid registration as inferior to other registrations. Quantitative analysis of ablation probe movement yielded a significantly decreased distance for combined registration as compared with unregistered data. In this study, registration was found to have the greatest influence on ablation probe movement, with connected registration being superior to only one registration process.

There are only a few published bat surveys from the southwestern Brazilian Amazon, but recent studies have reported additional bats species in the region. We provide the first list of bat species from Floresta Estadual do Antimary (Antimary State Forest) and record for the first time Glyphonycteris sylvestris Thomas, 1896 and Phylloderma stenops Peters, 1865 in the state of Acre, increasing to 64 the number of species known from this state. Our survey enlarges the known geographic range of G. sylvestris in Brazilian territory and improves the inventory of bat species in a poorly sampled region of the Amazon.

Tree mortality rates and the modes of tree death have recently been extensively investigated in the Amazon. However, efforts to describe these processes have not been well distributed across the basin. No study has yet investigated in depth tree mortality process in the unique low, open, bamboo-dominated forests of southwestern Amazonia, a region with a distinct climate and the epicenter of recent severe drought events. Here, we investigated the leading ways that trees die in the terra-firme forests of the southwestern Brazilian Amazon, to understand whether the dynamics of mortality differ from those recorded in other parts of the basin. Using data from six permanent plots located in southwestern Amazonia, we calculated the mortality rate for three main modes of tree death: standing, broken and uprooted. We thus identified the predominant mode of death over a 14 year period (2002–2016). We found that trees in the southwestern Amazon died mainly standing (325 trees, 0.8% year−1) and broken (362 trees, 0.8% year−1); significantly fewer trees died uprooted (156 trees, 0.4% year−1, equivalent to less than one in five of all trees dying). During the study period, the tree mode of death with the greatest proportion in the region alternated between standing and broken trees. Forest characteristics of the southwestern Amazon, like presence and high density of bamboo culms, and the fact that the region was subject to severe droughts in 2005 and 2010, may be affecting how trees die in southwestern Amazon. The presence of these factors makes the forest dynamics of the southwestern Amazon different from other regions of the Amazon basin.

Purpose: To assess the impact of a pharmacist-led warfarin to DOAC conversion initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients who were prescribed warfarin and followed with the anticoagulation clinic for INR monitoring were assessed by outpatient clinical pharmacists as potential candidates for transition to DOACs from March-August 2020. Results: 530 patients were assessed for transition to DOACs, of which 373 (70.4%) were deemed by clinical pharmacists to be candidates for DOACs. Of the patients who were candidates for DOACs, 66 (17.7%) were transitioned from warfarin to a DOAC. Of the patients who transitioned to a DOAC, 59 (89.4%) remained on a DOAC after one year. Conclusion: Outpatient clinical pharmacists are an effective resource to help identify patients who are candidates for DOACs and assist with transition from warfarin. Further, high persistence rates with DOAC therapy after one year demonstrate the positive impact of the clinical pharmacist on medication adherence.

Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic regulation is dependent on metabolic state, and implicates specific metabolic factors in neural functions that drive behaviour.sup.1. In neurons, acetylation of histones relies on the metabolite acetyl-CoA, which is produced from acetate by chromatin-bound acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2).sup.2. Notably, the breakdown of alcohol in the liver leads to a rapid increase in levels of blood acetate.sup.3, and alcohol is therefore a major source of acetate in the body. Histone acetylation in neurons may thus be under the influence of acetate that is derived from alcohol.sup.4, with potential effects on alcohol-induced gene expression in the brain, and on behaviour.sup.5. Here, using in vivo stable-isotope labelling in mice, we show that the metabolism of alcohol contributes to rapid acetylation of histones in the brain, and that this occurs in part through the direct deposition of acetyl groups that are derived from alcohol onto histones in an ACSS2-dependent manner. A similar direct deposition was observed when mice were injected with heavy-labelled acetate in vivo. In a pregnant mouse, exposure to labelled alcohol resulted in the incorporation of labelled acetyl groups into gestating fetal brains. In isolated primary hippocampal neurons ex vivo, extracellular acetate induced transcriptional programs related to learning and memory, which were sensitive to ACSS2 inhibition. We show that alcohol-related associative learning requires ACSS2 in vivo. These findings suggest that there is a direct link between alcohol metabolism and gene regulation, through the ACSS2-dependent acetylation of histones in the brain. Acetate that is produced from the breakdown of alcohol contributes to histone acetylation in the brain, indicating that there is a direct link between alcohol metabolism and gene expression., Author(s): P. Mews [sup.1] [sup.2] , G. Egervari [sup.1] , R. Nativio [sup.1] , S. Sidoli [sup.1] [sup.3] , G. Donahue [sup.1] , S. I. Lombroso [sup.1] , D. C. [...]

Metachronous spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae (SDAVF) are two independent SDAVF, with the second lesion manifesting subsequently after treatment of the initial SDAVF. A 69-year-old male was found to have a new T6 metachronous SDAVF two years after successful treatment of a L1 SDAVF. The authors suggest that once successful treatment of a SDAVF is established, regular clinical and MRI follow-up every six months up to and possibly beyond two years should be considered. This may present an opportunity to prevent repeated insult to vulnerable patients via prompt identification and treatment of SDAVF, with an aim to improve prognosis in the event of recurrent, synchronous or metachronous lesions.

Purpose. To describe the employment of an automated text messaging text-bot during the 2019 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting Residency Showcase and its impact on the number of applications received for the postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residency programs at a medium-sized community hospital. Methods. Visitors at the residency showcase booth were asked to text a code word to a program number. The text-bot collected the visitor’s contact information and program of interest (PGY1 or PGY2). A series of automated messages were sent to all visitors following the showcase and up until the residency application deadline. Results. 71% (20/28) of visitors to the program’s showcase booth registered with the text-bot and of these, 65% (13/20) submitted applications to the residency program in phase I of the match. Both the PGY1 and PGY2 programs saw an increase in the amount of applications received compared to previous year. Conclusion. A text messaging text-bot may be a useful residency recruitment tool.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is an important clinical problem. The symptoms of poisoning are non-specific, particularly in the paediatric population. Currently, the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is considered to be more justified with increasing severity of the patient’s clinical status and with shorter time elapsed from CO exposure. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Material and methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of medical records of children hospitalised for carbon monoxide poisoning at the Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Nephrology and Allergology of the Military Institute of Medicine, Poland, between January and December 2018. The following data were analysed: laboratory test results, CO poisoning circumstances, the manner of reporting to the Department, the number of hyperbaric chamber sessions needed to relieve the symptoms completely, the occurrence of complications and the duration of stay at the Department after treatment completion. Results: The analysis of the results did not demonstrate any relationship between carboxyhaemoglobin level and poisoning manifestations and CO poisoning severity. However, a statistically significant positive correlation was demonstrated between carboxyhaemoglobin level and HCO3− level and a statistically significant negative correlation was found between carboxyhaemoglobin level and capillary pH. No statistically significant differences were found between children with mild poisoning and those with severe poisoning in terms of potassium level, capillary pH, and HCO3− and glucose levels. At the same time, it was demonstrated that hyperbaric therapy is a highly effective and safe method. Conclusion: Regardless of the causes of CO poisoning in the paediatric population, hyperbaric therapy is a highly effective and safe method. One session in a hyperbaric chamber is sufficient to relieve the symptoms completely and prevent delayed sequelae of poisoning and CO side effects.

Objectives The aims of our study were to describe the disease spectrum of refugees, to analyse to what extent their healthcare needs could be met in an outpatient primary care walk-in clinic and which cases required additional services from secondary care (ie, outpatient specialists or hospitals).Design Retrospective longitudinal observational study.Setting The study was based on routine data from a walk-in clinic in the largest central first reception centre in Hamburg, Germany between 4 November 2015 and 21 July 2016.Participants 1467 asylum seekers with 4006 episodes of care (ie, distinctive health problems) resulting in 5545 consultations. The patients were 60% men and had a mean age of 23.2 years. About 90% of the patients were from Central Asia or from the Middle East and North Africa.Primary and secondary outcome measures The endpoint of our analyses was referral to secondary care. Time to event was defined as days under treatment until the first referral. Predictor variables were the patients’ diagnoses grouped in 46 categories. The data set was analysed by Cox regression allowing for multiple failure times per patient. This analysis was adjusted for age, sex and country of origin.Results Referrals to secondary care occurred in 15.5% of the episodes. The diagnosis groups with the highest referral rates were ‘eye’ (HR 4.9; 95% CI 3.12 to 7.8; p≤0.001), ‘teeth/gum symptom/complaint or disease’ (3.51; 2.52 to 4.9; p≤0.001) and ‘urological system/female or male genital’ (2.50; 1.66 to 3.77; p≤0.001). Age, sex and country of origin had no significant effect on time until referral.Conclusions In most cases, the walk-in clinic physicians could provide first-line medical care for the health problems of patients not integrated in the German healthcare system. Additional resources were needed particularly not only for visual impairment and dental problems but also for psychological disorders, antenatal care and certain infections and injuries.

Introduction Healthcare systems around the world are looking for solutions to the growing problem of mental disorders. RECOVER is the synonym for an evidence-based, stepped and cross-sectoral coordinated care service model for mental disorders. RECOVER implements a cross-sectoral network with managed care, comprehensive psychological, somatic and social diagnostics, crisis resolution and a general structure of four severity levels, each with assigned evidence-based therapy models (eg, assertive community treatment) and therapies (eg, psychotherapy). The study rationale is the investigation of the effectiveness and efficiency of stepped and integrated care in comparison to standard care.Methods and analysis The trial is conducted in accordance to the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials Statement. The study aims to compare the RECOVER model with treatment as usual (TAU). The following questions are examined: Does RECOVER reduce healthcare costs compared with TAU? Does RECOVER improve patient-relevant outcomes? Is RECOVER cost-effective compared with TAU? A total sample of 890 patients with mental disorders will be assessed at baseline and individually randomised into RECOVER or TAU. Follow-up assessments are conducted after 6 and 12 months. As primary outcomes, cost reduction, improvement in symptoms, daily functioning and quality of life as well as cost-effectiveness ratios will be measured. In addition, several secondary outcomes will be assessed. Primary and secondary outcomes are evaluated according to the intention-to-treat principle. Mixed linear or logistic regression models are used with the direct maximum likelihood estimation procedure which results in unbiassed estimators under the missing-at-random assumption. Costs due to healthcare utilisation and productivity losses are evaluated using difference-in-difference regressions.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval from the ethics committee of the Hamburg Medical Association has been obtained (PV5672). The results will be disseminated to service users and their families via the media, to healthcare professionals via professional training and meetings and to researchers via conferences and publications.Trial registration number and registry name ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03459664), RECOVERProtocol version 19 March 2020 (V.3.0)

Abstract We show that the highly conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) can successfully be applied as a hole selective front contact in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. In combination with a superior electron selective heterojunction back contact based on amorphous silicon (a-Si), mono-crystalline n-type silicon (c-Si) solar cells reach power conversion efficiencies up to 14.8% and high open-circuit voltages exceeding 660 mV. Since in the PEDOT:PSS/c-Si/a-Si solar cell the inferior hybrid junction is determining the electrical device performance we are capable of assessing the recombination velocity (v I ) at the PEDOT:PSS/c-Si interface. An estimated v I of ~400 cm/s demonstrates, that while PEDOT:PSS shows an excellent selectivity on n-type c-Si, the passivation quality provided by the formation of a native oxide at the c-Si surface restricts the performance of the hybrid junction. Furthermore, by comparing the measured external quantum efficiency with optical simulations, we quantify the losses due to parasitic absorption of PEDOT:PSS and reflection of the device layer stack. By pointing out ways to better passivate the hybrid interface and to increase the photocurrent we discuss the full potential of PEDOT:PSS as a front contact in SHJ solar cells.

Abstract The Cerrado Biome is considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots because of its rich biodiversity, the high level of endemism and the increasing threat. The Cerrado is composed by a mosaic of different vegetation types, including physiognomies that vary from grasslands (campo limpo) to savannas (typical cerrado or cerrado sensu stricto) and cerrado woodlands (cerradão). However, the factors that determine the composition of the Cerrado’s flora and the structure of the physiognomies that compose this biome are still poorly understood. Here, we investigate the influence of the chemical and granulometric properties of the soil and the effect of geographic distance on the occurrence and abundance of woody species in three Cerrado phytophysiognomies – cerrado woodland (cerradão), dense cerrado savanna and typical cerrado savanna – in the Cerrado-Amazon transition. We tested the hypothesis that the edaphic characteristics and geographic space determine the species composition and the structure of the woody vegetation of these three phytophysiognomies. We demonstrate that the dissimilarities in the structure and composition of the three sites were determined more by space (13% of explanation) than edaphic properties (1%), but primarily by the interaction between these two factors (26%). We conclude that, in situations where the chemical and granulometric properties of the soil are relatively homogeneous, as we found in the present study, geographic distance between sites has a greater influence than variation in the substrate’s properties on modelling the occurrence and abundance of the woody plant species in the Cerrado.

Postural defect is a set of postural abnormalities defined as minor single deviations from correct posture, which may be repaired with the use of appropriate exercises, passive or active. Studies concerning the evaluation of children and teenagers’ health condition have shown that the incidence of postural defects in the population ranges from 30 to 60%. The greatest threat for the development of incorrect body posture is present in the period of fast growth, namely between the age of 5 and 7 and in the period of adolescence. The most common postural defects in the population of children in Poland include: scoliosis, juvenile kyphosis of the spine (Scheuermann’s disease) and static deformations of lower extremities. Owing to the common nature of the issue and the possibility to apply effective preventive measures, it is necessary to early detect postural defects through appropriate examinations. Preventive healthcare for children is aimed at early diagnosis of irregularities in a child’s development. Screening tests among children detect three types of the motor system disorders: scoliosis, excessive thoracic kyphosis and static deformations of lower extremities and asymmetry in the length of lower extremities. Early detection of the defect prevents against its further development or the development of further abnormalities. The results of a report Health Behaviour in School-aged Children concerning the health of children clearly show that recently, there has been a substantive increase in the number of factors causing the creation of postural defects. School period is the most optimum one to carry out preventive actions in this respect. Postural defects develop in some children, despite preventive measures carried out. In accordance with the recommendations of experts, it is then necessary to perform secondary prophylaxis, which prevents further development of the defect, the creation of muscular contracture and is aimed at the so-called postural re-education. The selection of physical activity should be adequate to the type of postural defect.

Iron is the most common trace mineral in the body. The effects of iatrogenic iron pill-induced gastritis (IPIG) at therapeutic levels are underreported and underappreciated in the paediatric population. Herein, we report a case of an 11-year-old boy presenting with increasing epigastric pain and refusing oral intake secondary to iron pill tablets. We report only the second confirmed case of a paediatric patient with IPIG in the peer-reviewed literature.

In the original version of our article [...]