Excited state dynamics and conformations of a Cu(ii)-phthalocyanine-perylenebisimide dyad.

We investigate the excited state dynamics and the conformations of a new molecular donor-bridge-acceptor system, a Cu(ii)-phthalocyanine (CuPc) covalently linked via a flexible aliphatic spacer to a perylenebisimide (PBI). We performed time-resolved polarization anisotropy and pump-probe measurements in combination with molecular dynamics simulations. Our data suggest the existence of three conformations of the dyad: two more extended, metastable conformations with centre-of-mass distances >1 nm between the PBI and CuPc units of the dyad, and a highly stable folded structure, in which the PBI and CuPc units are stacked on top of each other with a centre-of-mass distance of 0.4 nm. In the extended conformations the dyad shows emission predominantly from the PBI unit with a very weak contribution from the CuPc unit. In contrast, for the folded conformation the PBI emission of the dyad is strongly quenched due to fast energy transfer from the PBI to the CuPc unit (3 ps) and subsequent intersystem-crossing (300 fs) from the first excited singlet state of CuPc unit into its triplet state. Finally, the CuPc triplet state is deactivated non-radiatively with a time constant of 25 ns.

Assessing unmet obstetric need in Mtwara Region, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternity care, the feasibility of collecting the relevant data from hospital records, and to assess the usefulness for district health planning in the Mtwara Region, Tanzania. METHOD: A prospective study running over 2 years using the unmet obstetric need concept in all four hospitals in the region, covering all women undergoing major obstetric interventions. Data on indications, interventions, and pregnancy outcome were collected. Rates of major obstetric interventions performed for absolute maternal indications among all expected births in the study area were calculated to assess met and unmet need. RESULTS: Of 2404 interventions, 91% were caesarean sections, most commonly indicated by cephalo-pelvic disproportion (46%). The rate of major obstetric intervention for absolute maternal indications per 100 expected births was 1.8% overall with wide rural-urban disparities (1.4% vs. 3.3%). Based on the estimated need of at least 2% of births requiring of a major obstetric intervention, seven of 20 divisions reached or surpassed this threshold, seven had a level between 1% and 2% and six did not reach 1%. Data were collected as part of the regular activities of the health staff, but external resources were needed for data management and analysis. CONCLUSION: We found a major unmet obstetric need in rural areas with a clear trend towards fewer interventions with longer distance from a hospital. Geographical mapping of the met obstetric need provided a detailed picture of deficiencies in the provision of maternity care and could be useful for priority setting and monitoring.

[Chicken bones in the uterus--an exceptional reason for sterility]. / Hühnerknochen im Uterus - eine ungewöhnliche Ursache von Sterilität.

Chicken bones in the uterus - an exceptional reason for sterility.Because of a substantial increase in the migration from developing countries to Europe, gynaecologists have to face more the fact, that they are confronted more frequently both with medical and social problems from these regions. WE present the following case: In 1999 a Congolese women was referred to our clinic because of sterility of unknown reason. The hysteroscopy followed by D & C showed chicken bones in the uterus. It can be assumed, that a clandestine abortion performed in her native land is the reason for this finding.