Structure-Dependent Balance between Excited-State Deactivation Pathways in Cross-Conjugated Molecular Photoswitches.

Diaryl thieno-[3,4-]thiophenes (TT) are photoswitchable compounds that operate through reversible photoinduced cyclization/cycloreversion and have been designed specifically for integration within π-conjugated polymers to switchably manipulate polymer electronic properties. Here we report on how cross conjugating the central TT moiety impacts photocyclization dynamics as interrogated using transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) for a series of switches built with electron-rich substituents that have various electronic interaction strengths with the TT core. For cross-conjugated structures exhibiting a propensity to switch in steady-state photoconversion experiments, ultrafast TAS reveals signatures of rapid dynamics (occurring within <1-10 ps) similar to those observed for unsubstituted switches and that are consistent with photocyclization.

Four New Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Examining Health-Seeking Behavior in Persons With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (REDD-CAT): Instrument Development Study.

Background: The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) includes mastery of complex care activities, self-management skills, and routine health care encounters to optimize glucose control and achieve good health. Given the lifelong course of T2DM, patients are faced with navigating complex medical and disease-specific information. This health-seeking behavior is a driver of health disparities and is associated with hospitalization and readmission.

Unveiling the Craving: A systematic review of pregnant women's desires for expert nutrition care in Australia.

Problem: Poor nutrition during the antenatal period can contribute to adverse health outcomes for both mother and baby.

Background: Despite the importance of nutrition during pregnancy, there is limited research exploring the attitudes and experiences pregnant women possess towards nutrition care, particularly within the Australian context. Existing literature has indicated that pregnant women lack knowledge of and are not adhering to pregnancy related nutrition recommendations.

CB-839 induces reversible dormancy in lung tumor-cells.

Glutaminase inhibitors are currently being explored as potential treatments for cancer. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of CB-839 on lung tumor cell lines compared to non-tumor cell lines. Viability assays based on NADPH-dependent dehydrogenases activity, ATP energy production, or mitochondrial reductase activity were used to determine that CB-839 caused significant tumor cell specific inhibition of cellular functions.

Blinatumomab infusion interruptions in pediatric patients rarely lead to readmission.

Blinatumomab is a bispecific T-cell engager administered as a 28-day continuous infusion. Infusions can be associated with interruptions requiring support from clinical staff, but the frequency of interventions with outpatient blinatumomab has not been characterized. This study is a single-center, retrospective review of patients who received blinatumomab between December 3, 2014 and October 31, 2021 to determine frequency and type of interventions.

Tuning Optical Properties of Plasmonic Aerosols through Ligand-Solvent Interactions.

Plasmonic nanoparticles are highly tunable light-harvesting materials with a wide array of applications in photonics and catalysis. More recently, there has been interest in using aerosolized plasmonic nanoparticles for cloud formation, airborne photocatalysts, and molecular sensors, all of which take advantage of the large scattering cross sections and the ability of these particles to support intense local field enhancement ("hot spots"). While extensive research has investigated properties of plasmonic particles in the solution phase, surfaces, and films, aerosolized plasmonics are relatively unexplored.

Cycloaddition of Phenyltriazolinedione with Carbazole-Alkynes and Yne-Carbamates to Access Diazacyclobutenes.

Previously, we described the synthesis of stable, bicyclic examples of the rather rare diazacyclobutene (DCB) motif by means of a cycloaddition between triazolinediones and electron-rich thiolated alkynes. Here, we report the investigation of the cycloaddition of triazolinediones with related electron-rich yne-carbamates and carbazole-alkynes. Bicyclic DCBs arising from yne-carbamates were isolated in 8-65% yield, while those arising from carbazole-alkynes were isolated in 28-59% yield.

Screening chest wall ultrasound in the mastectomy patient.

Background: While there are clear guidelines regarding chest wall ultrasound in the symptomatic patient, there is conflicting evidence regarding the use of ultrasound in the screening of women post-mastectomy.

Objective: To assess the utility of screening chest wall ultrasound after mastectomy and to assess features of detected malignancies.

Methods: This IRB approved, retrospective study evaluates screening US examinations of the chest wall after mastectomy.

Predictors of Patient Engagement in Telehealth-Delivered Tobacco Cessation Treatment during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Smoking causes one in three cancer deaths and may worsen COVID-19 outcomes. Telehealth tobacco cessation treatment is offered as a covered benefit for patients at the Stanford Cancer Center. We examined predictors of engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exciton Transfer Between Extended Electronic States in Conjugated Inter-Polyelectrolyte Complexes.

Artificial light harvesting, a process that involves converting sunlight into chemical potential energy, is considered to be a promising part of the overall solution to address urgent global energy challenges. Conjugated polyelectrolyte complexes (CPECs) are particularly attractive for this purpose due to their extended electronic states, tunable assembly thermodynamics, and sensitivity to their local environment. Importantly, ionically assembled complexes of conjugated polyelectrolytes can act as efficient donor-acceptor pairs for electronic energy transfer (EET).

Diagnostic ultrasound of the chest wall in the symptomatic patient after mastectomy.

Background: Lack of standardized imaging recommendations among mastectomy patients has led to variability in how recurrences are detected.

Objective: To describe the findings and assess the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound in the evaluation of symptomatic post-mastectomy patients.

Materials And Methods: This single institution, retrospective study included 749 consecutive diagnostic chest wall ultrasound examinations performed in mastectomy patients, from January 2016 to June 2017.

Pharmacist Effect on Discharge Follow-Up Education in Pediatric Oncology Outpatient Clinics: A Quality Improvement Study.

Objective: We aimed to describe the effect of education provided by a clinical pharmacy specialist at a patient's follow-up appointment after discharge, and to assess caregiver satisfaction.

Methods: A single-center, quality improvement study was conducted. A standardized data collection tool was created to characterize interventions made by clinical pharmacy specialists during an outpatient clinic appointment scheduled shortly after discharge.

Effectiveness of an Immersive Telemedicine Platform for Delivering Diabetes Medical Group Visits for African American, Black and Hispanic, or Latina Women With Uncontrolled Diabetes: The Women in Control 2.0 Noninferiority Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Medically underserved people with type 2 diabetes mellitus face limited access to group-based diabetes care, placing them at risk for poor disease control and complications. Immersive technology and telemedicine solutions could bridge this gap.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of diabetes medical group visits (DMGVs) delivered in an immersive telemedicine platform versus an in-person (IP) setting and establish the noninferiority of the technology-enabled approach for changes in hemoglobin A (HbA) and physical activity (measured in metabolic equivalent of task [MET]) at 6 months.

Development of a New Measure of Housing Security: The REDD-CAT Housing Security Measure.

Background: Housing security is a key social determinant of behavior related to health outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a new patient-reported outcome measure that evaluates aspects of housing security for use in the Re-Engineered Discharge for Diabetes-Computer Adaptive Test (REDD-CAT) measurement system.

Design: Qualitative data, literature reviews, and cross-sectional survey study.

Functional sugar-free chewing gum infused with spices bolsters antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of saliva.

Oral and vascular diseases are seemingly disparate conditions, yet individuals with poor oral health are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. Spice-derived bioactive polyphenols with antioxidant functionality may attenuate mechanisms linking the diseases, namely oxidative stress and inflammation. Acknowledging that novel approaches to increase antioxidant intake are warranted, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of two functional sugar-free gums infused with spices on antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of saliva using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and Folin-Ciocalteu assays, respectively.

Permittivity Threshold and Thermodynamics of Integer Charge-Transfer Complexation for an Organic Donor-Acceptor Pair.

Molecular charge doping involves the formation of donor-acceptor charge-transfer complexes (CTCs) through integer or partial electron transfer; understanding how local chemical environment impacts complexation is important for controlling the properties of organic materials. We present steady-state and temperature-dependent spectroscopic investigations of the p-dopant 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (FTCNQ) complexed with the electron donor and hole transport material ,'-diphenyl-,'-di--tolylbenzene-1,4-diamine (MPDA). Equilibrium formation constants () were determined for donor-acceptor pairs dissolved in a series of solvents covering a range of values of permittivity.

Development and calibration data for the Healthcare Access Item Bank: a new computer adaptive test for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a new measure to evaluate the ability to receive medical services when needed among persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: The Healthcare Access measure was developed using data from 225 persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus who completed an item pool comprised of 54 questions pertaining to their experience accessing healthcare services.

Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the retention of 45 items.

Development and calibration data for the Medication Adherence Item Bank: a new computer adaptive test for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Purpose: To develop a new computer adaptive test that evaluates important aspects of medication adherence for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: Two hundred and twenty-five people with type 2 diabetes mellitus completed 41 items related to medication adherence.

Results: Exploratory analysis supported the essential unidimensionality of the initial item pool.

Development and calibration data for the Illness Burden item bank: a new computer adaptive test for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a new measure, the Re-Engineered Discharge for Diabetes Computer Adaptive Test (REDD-CAT) Illness Burden item bank, to evaluate the impact that a chronic condition has on independent living, the ability to work (including working at home), social activities, and relationships.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used to inform the development of an item pool (47 items) that captured patients' beliefs about how a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes interferes with different aspects of their lives. The Illness Burden item bank was developed and tested in 225 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Physical Activity Assessment of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Using Accelerometer-Based Cut Points: Scoping Review.

Background: Incorporating physical activity into lifestyle routines is recommended for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Accelerometers offer a promising method for objectively measuring physical activity and for assessing interventions. However, the existing literature for accelerometer-measured physical activity among middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes is lacking.

Stroke epidemiology and incidence in regional Queensland: findings of the Regional Queensland Stroke (REQUEST) study.

Background: Stroke rates globally have been declining, but a majority of the studies on strokes have been in urban populations. Regional populations have been understudied, bgeographic health differentials can impact stroke presentations and outcomes.

Aim: To determine the incidence, risk factors for and survivability of stroke in patients presenting to a large rural stroke referral centre.

Reducing Readmission of Hospitalized Patients With Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized Trial.

Purpose: To determine if hospitalized patients with depressive symptoms will benefit from post-discharge depression treatment with care transition support.

Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial of hospitalized patients with patient health questionnaire-9 score of 10 or more. We delivered the Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) and randomized participants to groups receiving RED-only or RED for Depression (RED-D), a 12-week post-discharge telehealth intervention including cognitive behavioral therapy, self-management support, and patient navigation.

Telescoped Oxidation and Cycloaddition of Urazoles to Access Diazacyclobutenes.

Our previous method to access the diazacyclobutene scaffold did not allow for modification of the substituent originating from the 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione component. We have circumvented this challenge and expanded access to additional structural diversity of the scaffold. A telescoped urazole oxidation and Lewis acid-catalyzed cyclization provided R-substituted diazacyclobutenes.

Preferential expansion of CD8+ CD19-CAR T cells postinfusion and the role of disease burden on outcome in pediatric B-ALL.

T cells expressing CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CD19-CARs) have potent antileukemia activity in pediatric and adult patients with relapsed and/or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, not all patients achieve a complete response (CR), and a significant percentage relapse after CD19-CAR T-cell therapy due to T-cell intrinsic and/or extrinsic mechanisms. Thus, there is a need to evaluate new CD19-CAR T-cell products in patients to improve efficacy.