Spectroscopy of discrete vertically oriented single-crystals of n-type tetraazaterrylene: understanding the role of defects in molecular semiconductor photovoltaics.

Recent synthetic work has realized a novel (n-type) small-molecule acceptor, 7,8,15,16-tetra-aza-terrylene (TAT), single-crystals of which can be grown oriented along the c-axis crystallographic direction, and over-coated with pentacene to form a highly ordered donor/acceptor interface for use in organic photovoltaic devices. However, characterization of single TAT crystals reveals highly variable emission spectra and excited state dynamics - properties which strongly influence photovoltaic performance. Through the use of single-crystal widefield imaging, photoluminescence spectroscopy, time correlated single photon counting, and resonant Raman studies, we conclude that this variability is a result of long-lived low-energy trap-emission from packing defects. Interestingly, we also discovered that TAT crystals whose width exceeds ∼200 nm begin acting as waveguides and optical microcavity resonators for their own photoluminescence. Several strategies are proposed for leveraging the size-dependant optical properties of TAT pillars to further enhance device performance using this active layer design.

Considerations for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy.

Pregnant women are at greater risk of severe COVID-19 than non-pregnant women. Despite limited safety data on use of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy, many international societies have recommended their use when pregnant women are at particularly high risk of acquiring COVID-19, or have suggested that vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant women where no other contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination exist. A number of vaccines, including those against influenza, tetanus and pertussis, have been shown to reduce both maternal and infant morbidity and mortality when used antenatally. We explore the role of COVID-19 vaccination in the setting of pregnancy, discuss the limited data available, and summarise current international guidelines.

Zero-order and prolonged release of atenolol from microporous FAU and BEA zeolites, and mesoporous MCM-41: Experimental and theoretical investigations.

The potential of microporous zeolites FAU and BEA, and mesoporous MCM-41, for prolonged release of atenolol in drug delivery systems was investigated both experimentally, using drug release studies, and theoretically using classical molecular dynamics simulations. Remarkably, zero-order release of atenolol was achieved from FAU (SiO2:Al2O3 = 80:1) into phosphate buffer for 24 h followed by prolonged release for at least another 48 h. Experimental data also demonstrate the ability for all of the drug-zeolite combinations investigated to achieve prolonged release of atenolol, with the release rates determined by the combination of framework topology, aluminium content and drug release study media. Molecular dynamics simulations give an insight into the reasons for the different release rates observed for FAU and BEA. The results of this work emphasise the need for sophisticated models in order to explain subtle differences in release, such as those observed at different SiO2:Al2O3 ratios.

Use of procine zenografts in treatment of Fournier's gangrene.

The use of procine xenografts as a biologic dressing has become increasingly popular, particularly in cases of extensive tissue loss, as in severe thermal injuries. It not only minimizes protein and fluid loss, acts as a barrier to infection, but also prevents conversion of second-degree burns through its ability to control existing infection. In this case, it was used successfully to treat Fournier's gangrene. We believe it significantly eased and shortened the patient's hospital stay and enabled us to apply autogenous split thickness skin grafts sooner than with conventional modes of wound care.

Comparison of beginning counselors' responses to lesbian vs. heterosexual partner abuse.

This study compared responses of masters and doctoral level counseling students to two domestic violence scenarios. Participants read a two paragraph description of a battering incident involving either a heterosexual or lesbian couple and then gave their impressions via a series of open and closed ended questions. Scenarios were identical save the manipulation of sexual partner as same or opposite sex. Experience and/or education with battered and/or gay/lesbian clients is also examined. Results indicated that subjects perceived the heterosexual battering incident as more violent than the lesbian battering incident and would be more likely to charge the male batterer than the female batterer with assault. Differences in treatment recommendations were made according to sexual orientation of the victim. Less than half of the respondents had coursework or practical experience pertaining to domestic violence and/or gay/lesbian concerns.

Giant cell granuloma of the facial bones.

Giant cell granuloma of the facial bones is a benign, reparative metabolic lesion that usually presents as a painful, expansile mass of the mandible. However, 1 of our patients had the extremely rare findings of multiple other facial bone involvement. In this series of 3 patients followed for > 6 years, the combination of biopsy and clinical presentation provided a stereotypical pattern that enabled an accurate diagnosis in all cases. Our patients were treated successfully with aggressive, but not radical, therapy, excisional curettage, and cauterization of remaining bone. Satisfactory reconstruction and stabilization of the mandible and maxilla were achieved with split rib grafts. The rib graft reconstruction and new bone formation provided excellent contour at 6 years in our adult patients and resulted in normal mandibular growth in the child we treated and followed for 12 years.

Opsonic activity of serum and whey from cows immunized with the ferric citrate receptor.

The effects of immunizing dairy cows with the ferric citrate receptor, FecA, on the opsonic activity of serum and whey were measured in a phagocytosis assay. Fifteen cows were assigned to five blocks of three cows based on date of expected parturition. Cows within a block were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) FecA immunization, 2) immunization with a commercially available Escherichia coli J5 bacterin, and 3) unimmunized controls. Cows were challenged at approximately 21 DIM by intramammary infusion of E. coli 727 into one mammary quarter. Escherichia coli 727 were opsonized for the phagocytosis assay with either 10% heat-inactivated serum or 50% heat-inactivated whey collected from each cow at calving, immediately before challenge and 7 d after challenge. Cows immunized with FecA or the E. coli J5 bacterin had increased IgG titers against FecA and E. coli 727 compared with unimmunized control cows. However, sera and whey collected from cows immunized with FecA did not enhance opsonization of E. coli 727 compared with sera and whey from control cows. Immunization with the E. coli J5 bacterin increased opsonization of sera greater than immunization with FecA. Immunoglobulin M antibody titer against E. coli 727 in whey and phagocytic indexes were positively correlated. The phagocytic index of whey immediately before challenge and 7 d after challenge were negatively associated with peak bacterial counts in mammary quarters challenged with E. coli 727. Results of the current trial suggest that the immune response resulting from immunization with FecA did not enhance opsonization and in vitro phagocytosis of E. coli 727.

Phagocytosis and serum susceptibility of Escherichia coil cultured in iron-deplete and iron-replete media.

The susceptibility of Escherichia coli cultured in either iron-deplete or iron-replete media to phagocytosis by bovine neutrophils and the bactericidal activity of bovine serum was tested in vitro. Fourteen E. coli isolates from naturally occurring intramammary infections (IMI) were cultured overnight at 37 degrees C in iron-replete media and iron-deplete media. The iron-replete media were trypticase soy broth or a chemically defined medium. The iron-deplete media were either trypticase soy broth plus 0.2 mM alpha, alpha' dipyridyl and 1mM citrate, or the chemically defined medium plus 0.2 mM alpha, alpha' dipyridyl, and 1 mM citrate. Iron-replenished medium was the chemically defined iron-deplete medium plus 40 mM ferric citrate. Bacteria grown in iron-deplete media were less susceptible to phagocytosis compared with bacteria grown in iron-replete media. Replenishing the chemically defined iron-deplete medium with ferric citrate obliterated the decreased susceptibility to phagocytosis observed in iron-deplete media. The iron availability in media used to culture E. coli before assay did not affect the bactericidal action of either the classical pathway of complement or the antibody independent alternative pathway of complement in serum. The growth of bacteria in iron-deplete medium did not alter the expression of capsule compared with growth in iron-replete medium. Iron availability during culture of E. coli altered the susceptibility of isolates to phagocytosis by neutrophils, but had no effect on the susceptibility of isolates to the bactericidal activity of serum.