Search

Abstract: Simultaneously optimizing the processing parameters of functional thin films remains a challenge. The design and utilization of a fully automated platform called SPINBOT is presented for the engineering of solution‐processed functional thin films. The SPINBOT is capable of performing experiments with high sampling variability through the unsupervised processing of hundreds of substrates with exceptional experimental control. Through the iterative optimization process enabled by the Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm, the SPINBOT explores an intricate parameter space, continuously improving the quality and reproducibility of the produced thin films. This machine learning (ML)‐guided reliable SPINBOT platform enables the acceleration of the optimization process of perovskite solar cells via a simple photoluminescence characterization of films. As a result, this study arrives at an optimal film that, when processed into a solar cell in an ambient atmosphere, immediately yields a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.6% with satisfactory performance reproducibility. The unsealed devices retain 90% of their initial efficiency after 1100 h of continuous operation at 60–65 °C under metal‐halide lamps. It is anticipated that the integration of robotic platforms with the intelligent algorithm will facilitate the widespread adoption of effective autonomous experimentation to address the evolving needs and constraints within the materials science research community.

BackgroundCommon scabies can be difficult to diagnose and treat. There are limited data on the clinical characteristics of patients who may benefit from combined topical permethrin plus oral ivermectin. Postscabetic itch is common, but there is scant data describing its prognosis and management.ObjectiveThis study describes the clinical characteristics and evaluates treatment outcomes of participants with common scabies treated with combined topical permethrin plus oral ivermectin and describes the prognosis and management of postscabetic itch.MethodsWe conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of participants with common scabies treated with combined topical permethrin plus oral ivermectin therapy and topical permethrin only. Participants previously treated with permethrin and/or ivermectin were excluded. The primary outcome was clinical outcome at follow-up, categorized as cure, worsening, or no change. Secondary outcomes included time from treatment initiation to cure, duration of follow-up after cure, recurrence rate, frequency of postscabetic itch, and duration of postscabetic itch.ResultsOf 55 participants treated with combined topical permethrin plus oral ivermectin, 49 (89%) achieved cure, 5 (9%) had no change, and 1 (2%) had worsening disease. Of 48 participants treated with topical permethrin only, 46 (96%) achieved cure, 2 (4%) had no change, and 0 (0%) had worsening disease. Thirty-five participants (34%) experienced postscabetic itch for 52.5 days (interquartile range, 28-135). More participants in the older (mean: 55 years; standard deviation: 21 years; p = .002) combined treatment group experienced postscabetic itch than in the younger (mean: 42 years; standard deviation: 19 years) permethrin-only treatment group (42% vs. 25%; p = .072).ConclusionThese findings support the use of combined topical permethrin plus oral ivermectin therapy in treating common scabies, highlight that postscabetic itch can persist for longer than previously reported, and reveal a potential relationship between older age and postscabetic itch.

Idiopathic pure sudomotor failure (IPSF) is a rare disease characterized by acquired impairment in total body sweating despite exposure to heat or exercise. Its etiology is unknown but thought to involve defective cholinergic receptors on eccrine sweat glands. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, and management of IPSF. Additionally, we report two cases of IPSF treated with multimodal therapy, including stacked antihistamine regimens and omalizumab, resulting in symptom improvement. This is the first report of treatment of IPSF with omalizumab, although its benefit is uncertain and requires further study.

Transitioning out of sport has major implications for athletes' subjective wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to examine key factors that influence the transition process: athletic identity, career maturity, and subjective well-being in NCAA Division I and III athletes. Football players (N = 93) from Division I (n = 46) and III (n = 47) universities in years one to five of athletic participation completed a variety of measures. These included a measure of social desirability as well as the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale, Career Decision Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Profile of Mood States. Results indicated that Division I athletes tended to score higher on Athletic Identity, and athletes who were high in athletic identity at the Division I university tended to score lower in life satisfaction than those in Division III. In addition, Division I athletes reported significantly less desirable mood traits than those in Division III on the POMS as evidenced by significantly higher scores on the Tension, Depression, Anger, Fatigue, and Confusion subscales. These psychological differences between athletes in the two NCAA Divisions provide a synopsis of factors reported to influence the challenging process of transitioning out of sport. Keywords: athletic identity; career maturity; satisfaction with life; mood; subjective wellbeing, Introduction Factors influencing the quality of athletes' transitions out of sport is an important area of study in the field of sport psychology, and an increasing number of athletes are [...]

Importance: Scabies, bedbug, and body lice infestations are caused by organisms that live on or in the skin, on clothing, or in the environment and commonly cause pruritus and rash. In 2021, approximately 622 million incident cases of scabies occurred globally. Data on bedbug infestations are limited. Body lice prevalence ranges from 4.1% to 35% among persons experiencing homelessness worldwide. Observations: Scabies is caused by mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow into the epidermis. Transmission primarily occurs from prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an individual who has an infestation. Common scabies is characterized by excoriated pruritic papules, plaques, and pathognomonic burrows on finger/toe web spaces, volar wrists, ankles, axillae, buttocks, male genitalia, and areolae. Permethrin cream and oral ivermectin are first-line treatments for adults, with similar clearance rates by week 2 (74% with permethrin vs 68% with ivermectin; relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.76-1.08). Treatment failure can occur with oral ivermectin (11.8%; 95% CI, 8.4%-15.4%) and topical permethrin (10.8%; 95% CI, 7.5%-14.5%). Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius, Cimex hemipterus) are insects that live on mattresses and furniture and feed on blood nocturnally, causing linear pruritic erythematous papules. New skin lesions on waking, cohabitants with similar symptoms, and recently residing in a high-occupancy setting should raise suspicion. Treatment requires eradication with pest management. Body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) are insects found on clothing that travel to the skin for blood meals. Body lice bites cause pruritic excoriated macules/papules and hyperpigmentation in areas where clothing seams contact skin. Treatment and prevention require at least once-weekly bathing and laundering of clothing and bedding. Conclusions and Relevance: Scabies, bedbug, and body lice infestations are common. Accurate diagnosis requires taking a history, including social drivers of health (eg, housing status, living environment), and physical examination. First-line treatments include scabicides for patients with common scabies and their close contacts. Scabies, bedbug, and body lice infestations should be treated with decontamination measures. This narrative review summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of scabies, bedbug, and body lice infestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]