Barrierless Photoisomerization of 11-cis Retinal Protonated Schiff Base in Solution.

A hallmark of the primary visual event is the barrierless, ultrafast, and efficient 11-cis to all-trans photoisomerization of the retinal protonated Schiff base (RPSB) chromophore. The remarkable reactivity of RPSB in the visual pigment rhodopsin has been attributed to potential energy surface modifications enabled by evolution-optimized chromophore-protein interactions. Here, we use a combined synthetic and ultrafast spectroscopic approach to show that barrierless photoisomerization is an intrinsic property of 11-cis RPSB, suggesting that the protein may merely adjust the ratio between fast reactive and slow unreactive decay channels. These results call for a re-evaluation of our understanding and theoretical description of RPSB photochemistry.

Mapping impurity of single-walled carbon nanotubes in bulk samples with multiplex coherent anti-stokes Raman microscopy.

Mapping of defects in bulk samples of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) is performed via multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman microscopy. The D and G vibrational bands are acquired simultaneously, and their relative amplitude is used as a criterion to quantify the local purity in spin-coated SWNT samples. We observe that defects induced by oxidation are related to the spatial dispersion of nanotubes in a solid distribution.

Ethical-legal dilemmas of nursing practice in emergencies and disasters: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To map the ethical-legal dilemmas related to nursing practice in emergency and disaster situations. METHOD: A scoping review developed in accordance with the JBI method, whose information sources were accessed in databases, in addition to gray literature. The selection was made by reading the titles, abstracts and descriptors, observing eligibility criteria, including two reviewers and a third in case of discrepancies. After reading, data extraction and content analysis of 17 selected studies were carried out. RESULTS: Thirteen ethical-legal dilemmas were mapped related to professional/functional duty towards the family, lack of personal protective equipment and unsafe conditions at work, preparation and availability for action, skills, limits imposed by victims' religion, obligation to provide care. CONCLUSION: Professionals, researchers and representatives of the category need to resolve demands that involve acting in emergencies and disasters, (re)cognizing the ethical-legal dilemma, and seeking (re)legal frameworks and observance of the fundamental/ethical principles that govern the profession, in the sense to support decision-making and the development of legally safe practices.

Forensic Nursing competencies in disasters situations: scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To map sources of technical-scientific information on Forensic Nursing competencies in disasters situations. METHOD: Scoping review developed in accordance with the JBI methodology, carried out in three stages by two reviewers independently on selected databases and gray literature, using keywords and descriptors. After reading them in full, we proceeded with data extraction and content analysis of 28 publications. RESULTS: Identified 24 publications in English, 20 of which were produced in the United States of America. 24 competencies of forensic nurses in disasters situations were mapped, including: training; resource management; link with the justice service; direct care; psycho-emotional care; collection and preservation of traces; registration and documentation with photography; body management; maintenance of the chain of custody; and epidemiological surveillance. CONCLUSION: The forensic nurse acts in all phases of disasters with the affected people, families and communities, under an interdisciplinary perspective. The development of competencies aimed at the practice of Forensic Nursing in disasters should be incorporated into the training strategies of these professionals, in order to obtain better response standards.

Ethical dilemmas and illicit acts in nursing: reflections on the legal (dis)order.

OBJECTIVES: to reflect on aspects of the legal system that involve situations of ethical dilemmas and illegal acts applied in legal proceedings related to nursing professionals. METHODS: theoretical-reflective essay anchored in conceptions issued by a Brazilian nursing class body, based on technical opinions, in articulation with examples extracted from judges of the Superior Court of Justice. RESULTS: the legal sources demonstrated the need to support nursing practices through a due and clear understanding of the notions addressed. Indeed, ethical dilemmas linked to professional practice usually refer to the psychological impact of having to act differently from what feels morally, ethically, or professionally appropriate. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the reflection was guided by conceptual and legal issues involving nursing practice, pointing to the need to monitor the effects of legal disorder caused by current legislation, which may have implications for the legal security of professionals.

Perspectives of adults with disabilities and opioid misuse: Qualitative findings illuminating experiences with stigma and substance use treatment.

BACKGROUND: Opioid misuse is a significant public health problem in the United States; however, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the experiences of individuals who have experienced both opioid misuse/opioid use disorder (OUD) and another disability. This gap in knowledge is particularly problematic because people with disabilities are more likely to have co-occurring serious mental illness, experience chronic pain, and be socially isolated, which are all independent risk factors for any substance use disorder (SUD). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to illuminate the perspectives of individuals who have both opioid misuse/OUD and another disability, focusing on their experiences accessing and engaging in SUD treatment. METHODS: We recruited adults who had lived experience with both disability and an "opioid use problem." We conducted 17 individual interviews and facilitated two focus groups with 11 participants. The interview protocol included items related to individuals' experiences with OUD/SUD treatment as well as stigma. RESULTS: Respondents encountered many barriers to receiving SUD treatment related to their disability. People with disabilities experienced added layers of stigma and other systemic barriers (e.g., lack of accommodations) that complicated treatment quality and access. This was further compounded by intersecting identities (e.g., female gender, race, homelessness). CONCLUSION: SUD treatment providers should be trained to understand and adopt accommodations critical to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, with cultural responsiveness, to encourage successful SUD treatment and recovery.

Ethical-legal dilemmas of nursing practice in emergencies and disasters: a scoping review / Dilemas ético-legales de la práctica de enfermería en emergencias y desastres: revisión del alcance / Dilemas ético-legais da prática de enfermagem em emergências e desastres: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objective: To map the ethical-legal dilemmas related to nursing practice in emergency and disaster situations. Method: A scoping review developed in accordance with the JBI method, whose information sources were accessed in databases, in addition to gray literature. The selection was made by reading the titles, abstracts and descriptors, observing eligibility criteria, including two reviewers and a third in case of discrepancies. After reading, data extraction and content analysis of 17 selected studies were carried out. Results: Thirteen ethical-legal dilemmas were mapped related to professional/functional duty towards the family, lack of personal protective equipment and unsafe conditions at work, preparation and availability for action, skills, limits imposed by victims' religion, obligation to provide care. Conclusion: Professionals, researchers and representatives of the category need to resolve demands that involve acting in emergencies and disasters, (re)cognizing the ethical-legal dilemma, and seeking (re)legal frameworks and observance of the fundamental/ethical principles that govern the profession, in the sense to support decision-making and the development of legally safe practices.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Mapear los dilemas ético-legales relacionados con la práctica de enfermería en situaciones de emergencia y desastre. Método: Revisión de alcance, desarrollada de acuerdo con el método JBI, a cuyas fuentes de información se accedió en bases de datos, además de literatura gris. La selección se realizó mediante lectura de títulos, resúmenes y descriptores, observando criterios de elegibilidad, contando con dos revisores y un tercero en caso de discrepancias. Luego de la lectura, se realizó la extracción de datos y análisis de contenido de 17 publicaciones seleccionadas. Resultados: Fueron mapeados 13 dilemas ético-legales relacionados con el deber profesional/funcional hacia la familia, falta de equipos de protección personal y condiciones inseguras en el trabajo, preparación y disponibilidad para la acción, habilidades, límites impuestos por la religión de las víctimas, obligación de brindar cuidados. Conclusión: Profesionales, investigadores y representantes de la categoría necesitan resolver demandas que involucran actuar en emergencias y desastres, (re)conociendo los dilemas ético-legales y buscando el (re)encuadre legal y el cumplimiento de los principios fundamentales/éticos que rigen la profesión, con el fin de apoyar la toma de decisiones y el desarrollo de prácticas jurídicamente seguras.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mapear os dilemas ético-legais relacionados à prática de Enfermagem em situações de emergências e desastres. Método: Revisão de escopo, desenvolvida em conformidade com o método JBI, cujas fontes de informação foram acessadas em bases de dados, além da literatura cinzenta. A seleção se deu pela leitura dos títulos, resumos e descritores, observando critérios de elegibilidade, contando com dois revisores e um terceiro em caso de divergências. Após a leitura, procedeu-se à extração dos dados e análise de conteúdo de 17 publicações selecionadas. Resultados: Mapearam-se 13 dilemas ético-legais relacionados ao dever profissional/funcional diante da família, falta de equipamento de proteção individual e condição insegura no trabalho, preparação e disponibilidade para atuação, competências, limites impostos pela religião das vítimas, obrigatoriedade em prestar cuidado. Conclusão: Profissionais, pesquisadores e representantes da categoria precisam resolver demandas que envolvem a atuação em emergências e desastres, (re)conhecendo os dilemas ético-legais e buscando (re)enquadramentos legais e observância dos princípios fundamentais/éticos que regem a profissão, no sentido de amparar a tomada de decisão e o desenvolvimento de práticas seguras juridicamente.

Cuidados de enfermagem forense aos homens adultos vítimas de violências sexuais: scoping review / Cuidados de enfermería forense a hombres adultos víctimas de violencia sexual: scoping review / Forensic nursing care for adult male victims of sexual violence: a scoping review

Resumo Objetivo Mapear e sintetizar evidências sobre a assistência de enfermagem forense a homens adultos vítimas de violência sexual. Métodos Scoping review de acordo com o método JBI. Os critérios de elegibilidade incluíram: População - homens adultos com idade entre 18 e 59 anos; Conceito - assistência de enfermagem forense; e Contexto - violência sexual contra homem adulto atendido em serviços de saúde. A busca foi realizada em três etapas por dois pesquisadores, com a participação de um terceiro revisor para sanar dúvidas. A coleta de dados foi realizada a partir de fontes de dados por meio de descritores e palavras-chave. Para esta revisão, o corte temporal e idiomático não foi atualizado. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via PubMed, CINAHL via Ebsco e literatura cinzenta. Os dados foram sistematicamente divulgados e foi realizada análise de conteúdo indutiva em 16 estudos incluídos. A síntese dos resultados foi apresentada por meio de gráficos, infográficos e diagramas. Resultados Centrou-se no cuidado compassivo e na relação de ajuda, registro de dados subjetivos, necessidade de retirada da roupa da vítima, exame de cabeça e pés, registro de lesões em diagramas corporais, registros fotográficos, coleta e preservação de vestígios forenses, coleta de orofaringe, swabs penianos, escrotais e anorretais. Foram mapeados cuidados relacionados à colposcopia, ao uso da lâmpada de Wood e à anuscopia. Conclusão Situações de violência sexual contra homens, embora pouco abordadas, podem ocorrer com frequência no cotidiano, o que implica o reconhecimento de cuidados que possam promover o acolhimento, a fim de preservar sua integridade e reduzir traumas decorrentes dessa situação, bem como garantir o registro do rastreio forense.

Resumen Objetivo Mapear y sintetizar evidencias sobre la atención de enfermería forense a hombres adultos víctimas de violencia sexual. Métodos Scoping review de acuerdo con el método JBI. Los criterios de elegibilidad incluyeron: población (hombres adultos entre 18 y 59 años), concepto (atención de enfermería forense) y contexto (violencia sexual contra hombres adultos atendidos en servicios de salud). La búsqueda fue realizada en tres etapas por dos investigadores, con la participación de un tercer revisor para aclarar dudas. La recopilación de datos se llevó a cabo a partir de fuentes de datos, mediante descriptores y palabras clave. Para esta revisión, no se actualizó el corte temporal e idiomático. Se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), Banco de Datos de Enfermería (BDENF), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) vía PubMed, CINAHL vía Ebsco y literatura gris. Los datos se difundieron sistemáticamente y se realizó un análisis inductivo en los 16 estudios incluidos. La síntesis de los resultados se presentó por medio de gráficos, infográficos y diagramas. Resultados Se centró en el cuidado compasivo y en la relación de ayuda, el registro de datos subjetivos, la necesidad de remoción de ropa de la víctima, examen de cabeza y pies, registro de lesiones en diagramas corporales, registros fotográficos, recopilación y preservación de vestigios forenses, toma de muestras orofaríngeas, hisopados peneanos, escrotales y anorrectales. Se mapearon los cuidados relacionados con la colposcopía, el uso de la lámpara de Wood y la anoscopía. Conclusión Situaciones de violencia sexual contra hombres, a pesar de ser poco abordadas, pueden ocurrir con frecuencia en la vida cotidiana, lo que implica el reconocimiento de cuidados que puedan promover la acogida, a fin de preservar su integridad y reducir traumas resultantes de esta situación, además de garantizar el registro del rastreo forense.

Abstract Objective To map and synthetize evidence on forensic nursing care for adult men victims of sexual violence. Methods A scoping review in accordance with JBI method. The eligibility criteria included: Population - adult men aged 18 to 59 years old; Concept - forensic nursing care; and Context - sexual violence against an adult man treated in health services. The search was carried out in three stages by two researchers, with the participation of a third reviewer to solve doubts. Data collection was carried out from data sources using descriptors and keywords. For this review, the temporal and idiomatic cut-off was not updated. The Virtual Health Library (VHL), Nursing Database (BDENF), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via PubMed, CINAHL via Ebsco databases and gray literature were used. Data were systematically spread sheeted, and inductive content analysis was carried out on 16 included studies. Synthesis of results was presented using charts, infographics and diagrams. Results It focused on compassionate care and helping relationship, subjective data recording, need to remove the victim's clothes, head-foot examination, injury recording on body diagrams, photographic records, forensic trace collection and preservation, oropharyngeal collection, penile, scrotal and anorectal swabs. Care related to colposcopy, use of Wood's lamp and anoscopy was mapped. Conclusion Situations of sexual violence against men, although little addressed, can occur frequently in everyday life, which implies the recognition of care that can promote welcoming in order to preserve their integrity and reduce trauma arising from this situation as well as guaranteeing forensic trace recording.

Dilemas ético-legais da prática de enfermagem em emergências e desastres: protocolo de revisão de escopo / Ethical-legal dilemmas of nursing practice in emergencies and disasters: scoping review protocol

OBJETIVO: Mapear os dilemas éticos e legais relacionados à prática de Enfermagem em situações de emergências e desastres. MÉTODO: Protocolo conduzido a partir da metodologia Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), com utilização da extensão do checklist PRISMA-ScR. A busca das fontes será realizada em bases de dados e portais de informação científica: LILACS, IBECS, BDENF, Elsevier, Embase e CINAHL, além de literatura cinzenta. A seleção ocorrerá por dois revisores, utilizando o software Rayyan. As discordâncias serão tratadas por um terceiro revisor. A extração e síntese dos dados serão norteadas por um formulário. Nesse sentido, serão operacionalizados os seguintes passos: identificação da questão de pesquisa; identificação dos estudos relevantes; seleção dos estudos; extração dos dados; separação, sumarização e relatório dos resultados; divulgação dos resultados. Os resultados finais serão apresentados em tabelas ou quadros com discussão narrativa. Registro da revisão no Open Science Framework: osf.io/zgpfw.

OBJECTIVE: To map the ethical and legal dilemmas related to nursing practice in emergencies and disasters situations. METHOD: Protocol conducted from JBI methodology, using the extension of the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The search for the sources will be carried out in databases and portals of scientific information: LILACS, IBECS, BDENF, Elsevier, Embase and CINAHL, in addition to gray literature. The selection will take place by two reviewers, using Rayyan software. Disagreements will be dealt with by a third reviewer. The data extraction and synthesis will be guided by a form. In this sense, the following steps will be operationalized: Identification of research question; identification of relevant studies; selection of studies; data extraction separation, summarization and results report; dissemination of results. The final results will be presented in tables and narrative discussion. Revision record in the Open Science Framework: osf.io/zgpfw.

Ethical dilemmas and illicit acts in nursing: reflections on the legal (dis)order / Dilemas éticos y actos ilícitos en la enfermería: reflexiones sobre la (des)orden jurídica / Dilemas éticos e atos ilícitos na enfermagem: reflexões sobre a (des)ordem jurídica

ABSTRACT Objectives: to reflect on aspects of the legal system that involve situations of ethical dilemmas and illegal acts applied in legal proceedings related to nursing professionals. Methods: theoretical-reflective essay anchored in conceptions issued by a Brazilian nursing class body, based on technical opinions, in articulation with examples extracted from judges of the Superior Court of Justice. Results: the legal sources demonstrated the need to support nursing practices through a due and clear understanding of the notions addressed. Indeed, ethical dilemmas linked to professional practice usually refer to the psychological impact of having to act differently from what feels morally, ethically, or professionally appropriate. Final Considerations: the reflection was guided by conceptual and legal issues involving nursing practice, pointing to the need to monitor the effects of legal disorder caused by current legislation, which may have implications for the legal security of professionals.

RESUMEN Objetivos: reflexionar sobre aspectos del ordenamiento jurídico que implican situaciones de dilemas éticos y actos ilícitos aplicadas en procesos judiciales relacionados a profesionales de enfermería. Métodos: ensayo teórico-reflexivo ancorado en concepciones emitidas por órgano de enfermería brasileña, basado por pareceres técnicos, en articulación con ejemplos extraídos de juzgados del Superior Tribunal de Justicia. Resultados: las fuentes jurídicas demostraron la necesidad de respaldar prácticas de enfermería mediante la comprensión debida y clara de las nociones abordadas. Efectivamente, los dilemas éticos relacionados a práctica profesional generalmente referidos al impacto psicológico de tener que actuar diferente del que se siente moral, ética o profesionalmente apropiado. Consideraciones Finales: la reflexión fue orientada por cuestiones de acuño conceptual y legal que implican la práctica de enfermería, apuntando para la necesidad de vigilancia de los efectos de la desorden jurídica provocada por legislación vigente, los cuales poden traer implicaciones para la seguridad jurídica de los profesionales.

RESUMO Objetivos: refletir sobre aspectos do ordenamento jurídico que envolvem situações de dilemas éticos e atos ilícitos aplicadas em processos judiciais relacionados a profissionais de enfermagem. Métodos: ensaio teórico-reflexivo ancorado em concepções emitidas por órgão de classe da enfermagem brasileira, embasado pelos pareceres técnicos, em articulação com exemplos extraídos de julgados do Superior Tribunal de Justiça. Resultados: as fontes jurídicas demonstraram a necessidade de se respaldarem as práticas de enfermagem por meio da compreensão devida e clara das noções abordadas. Com efeito, os dilemas éticos ligados à prática profissional geralmente se referem ao impacto psicológico de ter que agir diferente do que se sente moral, ética ou profissionalmente apropriado. Considerações Finais: a reflexão foi orientada por questões de cunho conceitual e legal que envolvem a prática de enfermagem, apontando para a necessidade de vigilância dos efeitos da desordem jurídica provocada pela legislação vigente, os quais podem trazer implicações para a segurança jurídica dos profissionais.

Forensic Nursing competencies in disasters situations: scoping review / Competências de enfermagem forense em situações de desastres: revisão do escopo / Competencias de la enfermería forense en situaciones de catástrofes: scoping review

ABSTRACT Objective: To map sources of technical-scientific information on Forensic Nursing competencies in disasters situations. Method: Scoping review developed in accordance with the JBI methodology, carried out in three stages by two reviewers independently on selected databases and gray literature, using keywords and descriptors. After reading them in full, we proceeded with data extraction and content analysis of 28 publications. Results: Identified 24 publications in English, 20 of which were produced in the United States of America. 24 competencies of forensic nurses in disasters situations were mapped, including: training; resource management; link with the justice service; direct care; psycho-emotional care; collection and preservation of traces; registration and documentation with photography; body management; maintenance of the chain of custody; and epidemiological surveillance. Conclusion: The forensic nurse acts in all phases of disasters with the affected people, families and communities, under an interdisciplinary perspective. The development of competencies aimed at the practice of Forensic Nursing in disasters should be incorporated into the training strategies of these professionals, in order to obtain better response standards.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mapear fontes de informações técnico-científicas relativas às competências da Enfermagem Forense em situações de desastres. Método: Revisão de escopo desenvolvida de acordo com a metodologia JBI, realizada em três etapas por dois revisores, de forma independente, em bases de dados e literatura cinzenta selecionadas, utilizando palavras-chave e descritores. Depois de lê-los na íntegra, foi feita extração de dados e análise de conteúdo de 28 publicações. Resultados: Identificamos 24 publicações em inglês, das quais 20 foram produzidas nos Estados Unidos da América. Foram mapeadas 24 competências do enfermeiro forense em situações de desastres, entre elas: treinamento; gerenciamento de recursos; vínculo com o serviço de justiça; atendimento direto; atendimento psicoemocional; coleta e preservação de vestígios; registro e documentação com fotografia; gerenciamento de corpos; manutenção da cadeia de custódia; e vigilância epidemiológica. Conclusão: O enfermeiro forense atua em todas as fases dos desastres com as pessoas, famílias e comunidades afetadas, em uma perspectiva interdisciplinar. O desenvolvimento de competências voltadas para a prática da Enfermagem Forense em desastres deve ser incorporado às estratégias de treinamento desses profissionais, a fim de se obter melhores padrões de resposta.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Mapear las fuentes de información técnico-científica sobre competencias de Enfermería Forense en situaciones de catástrofes. Método: Scoping review desarrollada de acuerdo con la metodología del JBI, realizada en tres etapas por dos revisores de forma independiente sobre bases de datos y literatura gris seleccionadas, utilizando palabras clave y descriptores. Tras su lectura completa, se procedió a la extracción de datos y análisis de contenido de 28 publicaciones. Resultados: Se identificaron 24 publicaciones en inglés, 20 de ellas realizadas en Estados Unidos de América. Se mapearon 24 competencias de los enfermeros forenses en situaciones de catástrofes, entre ellas: formación; gestión de recursos; vínculo con el servicio de justicia; atención directa; atención psicoemocional; recogida y preservación de vestigios; registro y documentación con fotografía; gestión de cadáveres; mantenimiento de la cadena de custodia; y vigilancia epidemiológica. Conclusión: El personal de enfermería forense actúa en todas las fases de las catástrofes con las personas afectadas, familias y comunidades, en una perspectiva interdisciplinar. El desarrollo de competencias dirigidas a la práctica de la Enfermería Forense en catástrofes debe incorporarse a las estrategias de formación de estos profesionales, con el fin de obtener mejores estándares de respuesta.

Multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microspectroscopy of brain tissue with higher ranking data classification for biomedical imaging.

Multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (MCARS) microscopy was carried out to map a solid tumor in mouse brain tissue. The border between normal and tumor tissue was visualized using support vector machines (SVM) as a higher ranking type of data classification. Training data were collected separately in both tissue types, and the image contrast is based on class affiliation of the single spectra. Color coding in the image generated by SVM is then related to pathological information instead of single spectral intensities or spectral differences within the data set. The results show good agreement with the H&E stained reference and spontaneous Raman microscopy, proving the validity of the MCARS approach in combination with SVM.

Wide-Field Detected Fourier Transform CARS Microscopy.

We present a wide-field imaging implementation of Fourier transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (wide-field detected FT-CARS) microscopy capable of acquiring high-contrast label-free but chemically specific images over the full vibrational 'fingerprint' region, suitable for a large field of view. Rapid resonant mechanical scanning of the illumination beam coupled with highly sensitive, camera-based detection of the CARS signal allows for fast and direct hyperspectral wide-field image acquisition, while minimizing sample damage. Intrinsic to FT-CARS microscopy, the ability to control the range of time-delays between pump and probe pulses allows for fine tuning of spectral resolution, bandwidth and imaging speed while maintaining full duty cycle. We outline the basic principles of wide-field detected FT-CARS microscopy and demonstrate how it can be used as a sensitive optical probe for chemically specific Raman imaging.

Sub-10 fs Time-Resolved Vibronic Optical Microscopy.

We introduce femtosecond wide-field transient absorption microscopy combining sub-10 fs pump and probe pulses covering the complete visible (500-650 nm) and near-infrared (650-950 nm) spectrum with diffraction-limited optical resolution. We demonstrate the capabilities of our system by reporting the spatially- and spectrally-resolved transient electronic response of MAPbI3-xClx perovskite films and reveal significant quenching of the transient bleach signal at grain boundaries. The unprecedented temporal resolution enables us to directly observe the formation of band-gap renormalization, completed in 25 fs after photoexcitation. In addition, we acquire hyperspectral Raman maps of TIPS pentacene films with sub-400 nm spatial and sub-15 cm-1 spectral resolution covering the 100-2000 cm-1 window. Our approach opens up the possibility of studying ultrafast dynamics on nanometer length and femtosecond time scales in a variety of two-dimensional and nanoscopic systems.

Pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell hemoglobinopathy: a clinicopathologic study of 20 cases.

Pulmonary hypertension is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality of patients with sickle cell hemoglobinopathy (SCH). Although a clinically recognized complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), there are few published pathologic studies of pulmonary findings in these patients. The aim of this study was to define the pulmonary pathologic changes and to investigate correlation between the pathologic changes, the antemortem diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, and the severity of SCH. Cases of SCH were identified from the autopsy database using Snomed codes. Clinical and echocardiograph data were collected for correlation with the pathologic data. A total of 20 adult patients (12 males and 8 females) were identified. Hemoglobin electrophoresis results were available for 16 patients, with hemoglobin S fraction percentages ranging from 23% to 97.8%. Eleven patients had SCD, 5 patients had sickle cell trait (SCT), and the remaining 4 patients without hemoglobin electrophoresis were included in the SCT group. The mean age of the SCT group was higher than that of the SCD group (P = 0.03). Histologically, all 20 patients demonstrated changes in pulmonary vasculature considered diagnostic of pulmonary hypertension grade I to grade IV, associated with plexiform lesions in 60% of patients. Medial hypertrophy and intimal hyperplasia/fibrosis, considered potentially reversible lesions, were seen in all patients. A weak association was found between SCD and plexiform lesions. Fibroelastic degeneration of small arteries, arterioles, and venules was identified in almost all (95%) cases. Clinically, tricuspid regurgitation was detected by echocardiogram in 10 of 20 (50%) patients; 6 of these 10 had significant regurgitation to allow estimation of systolic pressure. Sudden death occurred in 8 patients, with males having a significantly higher incidence. Cardiomegaly was present in 95% of patients, however, autosplenectomy and hepatic cirrhosis/hemochromatosis were observed almost exclusively in patients with SCD. Cirrhosis was found to have a strong positive association with SCD. This study demonstrates pulmonary hypertensive changes in all 20 autopsied patients who had SCH but died from various causes. We conclude that a high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension is associated with SCH with consequent high mortality. Therefore, patients with SCH would benefit from a regular periodic assessment for pulmonary hypertension regardless of age, sex, and severity of hemoglobinopathy.

Toward ambulatory arteriovenous CO2 removal: initial studies and prototype development.

Extracorporeal arteriovenous carbon dioxide removal (AVCO2R) using percutaneous cannulae and a low resistance gas exchanger achieves near total CO2 removal, allowing lung rest and potentially improving survival. AVCO2R, redesigned to allow ambulation, has potential as treatment for severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or rehabilitation before lung transplant. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the optimal ambulatory access for AVCO2 removal and 2) develop a prototype Ambulatory-AVCO2R gas exchanger. Initially, reinforced Gore-Tex 6 mm (two) and 8 mm (four) grafts were anastomosed to sheep carotid arteries and jugular veins as a loop in parallel to the cranial circulation to determine blood flow capabilities. Blood flow was 100-150 ml/min with a 14 gauge dialysis needle, and transected 6 mm Gore-Tex grafts achieved 500-900 ml blood flow, whereas transected 8 mm grafts achieved up to 2000 ml/min flow. The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) loops were then connected to our newly developed ultra low resistance pumpless gas exchanger for ambulatory AVCO2R. The average pressure gradient across the prototype Ambulatory-AVCO2R gas exchangers (n = 5) was 2.8 +/- 0.8 mm Hg, and mean CO2 removal was 104.8 +/- 14.0 ml/min, with an average blood flow of 900 ml/min. We conclude that an 8 mm Gore-Tex reinforced graft arteriovenous loop supplies ample blood flow for our new ultra low resistance Ambulatory-AVCO2R to achieve near total CO2 removal.

Chemical imaging of lignocellulosic biomass by CARS microscopy.

Chemical and structural composition of wood biomass is studied by label-free and chemically specific Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy. A concept developed for assignment and semi-quantitative imaging of sample components; cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin; by multiplex CARS microspectroscopy and subsequent data analysis is presented. Specific imaging without fluorescence backround is achieved an order of magnitude faster compared with conventional Raman microscopy. Laser polarization control yield information on molecular arrangement in wood fibers. Narrowband CARS excitation of single vibrations allows for three-dimensional volume imaging. Thus, CARS microscopy has potential as an important instrument for characterization of lignocellulosic materials.

Pulmonary and cardiovascular complications of obesity: an autopsy study of 76 obese subjects.

CONTEXT: Obesity is associated with sleep disordered breathing and cardiovascular morbidity, but the relationship between pulmonary hypertension, heart disease, and obesity is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of pulmonary and cardiovascular disease in obese subjects undergoing autopsy at a large medical center. DESIGN: A search through autopsy records from an 11-year period identified 76 subjects with a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m(2) and 46 age-matched, nonobese controls. Clinical data were collected from medical charts and autopsy records. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of lungs and heart were reviewed for each subject. The presence of pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, diffuse alveolar damage, thrombi, and pulmonary hypertensive changes, including intimal fibrosis, medial hypertrophy, muscularization of arterioles, alveolar capillary hemangiomatosis, hemosiderosis, and iron encrustation were documented. Hearts were examined for the presence of cardiomegaly, ventricular hypertrophy, coronary artery atherosclerosis, acute infarction, fibrosis, and inflammation. Differences between the obese and control groups were compared using a statistical software program. RESULTS: The obese group demonstrated a greater occurrence of diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, and pulmonary hypertensive changes compared with the control group. Alveolar capillary hemangiomatosis was exclusively observed in the obese subjects. Cardiomegaly and left ventricular hypertrophy were present in all obese subjects; approximately one third of the obese subjects had no coronary atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary hypertensive changes, including venous hypertension and capillary hemangiomatosis, were observed in 72% of obese subjects. Cardiomegaly with biventricular hypertrophy was present in all obese subjects and was suggestive of obesity cardiomyopathy.