Tetragonal and helical morphologies from polyferrocenylsilane block polyelectrolytes via ionic self-assembly.

The use of ionic self-assembly, a facile non-covalent approach, to access non-conventional block copolymer morphologies, including tetragonal and helical structures, from a combination of polyferrocenylsilane diblock copolymer polyelectrolytes and AOT-based surfactants, is described.

Cylindrical micelles of controlled length with a π-conjugated polythiophene core via crystallization-driven self-assembly.

Solution self-assembly of the regioregular polythiophene-based block copolymer poly(3-hexylthiophene)-b-poly(dimethylsiloxane) yields cylindrical micelles with a crystalline P3HT core. Monodisperse nanocylinders of controlled length have been prepared via crystallization-driven self-assembly using seed micelles as initiators.

Multiparametric ultrasound findings of tuberculous orchitis following bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy.

Granulomatous bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infection, both localized and disseminated, as a complication of intravesical therapy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is a recognized but highly unusual phenomenon. We report the case of an 89-year-old gentleman with a history of bladder transitional cell carcinoma and subsequent intravesical BCG instillation of the bladder who presented to his general practitioner with a non-tender lump in his left testis. Histopathologic and microbiological evaluation of the subsequent orchidectomy specimen revealed granuloma formation secondary to BCG infection. The use of bubble contrast agents and elastography in ultrasound to evaluate focal testicular lesions is a relatively novel concept, and we aim to highlight the imaging features of testicular BCG infection using these techniques.

Pneumothorax necessitans in a patient with trapped lung and rheumatoid arthritis.

The authors report the case of a patient with a background of trapped lung following thoracocentesis who developed an anterolateral intercostal pneumothoracocele resulting in a pneumothorax necessitans (PN). Our purpose is to highlight the pathophysiology and interesting radiological features associated with PN in trapped lung. Our case is particularly unique due to the subacute nature of its presentation in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and unusual pre-existing lung pathology.

Redox-active, organometallic surface-relief gratings from azobenzene-containing polyferrocenylsilane block copolymers.

Organometallic gratings: the ionic self-assembly of metal-containing block-copolymer polyelectrolytes and azobenzene chromophores is exploited for the efficient production of stable photo-induced surface-relief gratings. We show that feature sizes can be tuned using simple redox chemistry, and that the chromophores can be removed during plasma treatment to yield ceramic-based optical materials.