Interfacial synthesis of pyramidal lead sulfide crystallites with high energy {331} facets.

Single crystals of PbS in the form pyramids with a high proportion of high energy {331} faces are obtained by the use of a novel reaction technique at the interface of water and toluene. The pyramids spontaneously form a monolayer spread across the entire water-toluene interface. The influence of deposition parameters such as temperature, solution concentration, reaction time on the nature and properties of interfacial films are studied.

Synthesis of isotopically modified ZnO nanoparticles and their potential as nanotoxicity tracers.

Understanding the behavior of engineered nanoparticles in the environment and within organisms is perhaps the biggest obstacle to the safe development of nanotechnologies. Reliable tracing is a particular issue for nanoparticles such as ZnO, because Zn is an essential element and a common pollutant thus present at elevated background concentrations. We synthesized isotopically enriched (89.

Effects of adjustable gastric bands on gastric emptying, supra- and infraband transit and satiety: a randomized double-blind crossover trial using a new technique of band visualization.

Background: The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has previously been classified as a restrictive procedure; physically limiting meal size. Recently, the key mechanism has been hypothesized to be the induction of satiety without restriction. Effects can be controlled by modifying LAGB volume, possibly as a result of effects on gastric emptying or transit through the LAGB.

Predicting outcomes of intermediate term complications and revisional surgery following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: utility of the CORE classification and Melbourne motility criteria.

Background: Patients with laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands (LAGB) present at times with adverse symptoms or unsatisfactory weight loss, where a liquid contrast swallow or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is not diagnostic. Stress barium and high resolution manometry are promising investigations, however, have not yet been established as clinically useful.

Methods: Patients with an unsatisfactory outcome following LAGB, where liquid contrast swallow and endoscopy were not diagnostic, were evaluated using high resolution video manometry and a stress barium.

Iron thiobiurets: single-source precursors for iron sulfide thin films.

The iron(III) complexes of several 1,1,5,5-tetraalkyl-2-thiobiurets [Fe(SON(CN(i)Pr(2))(2))(3) (1), Fe(2)(μ-OMe)(2)(SON(CNEt(2))(2))(2) (2), Fe(SON(CNEt(2))(2))(3) (3), and Fe(SON(CNMe(2))(2))(3) (4)] have been synthesized, and the single-crystal X-ray structures of 1, 2, and 4 have been determined. The magnetic properties of complex 2 as a function of the temperature and field were studied. Thermogravimetric analysis of complexes 1-4 showed the decomposition in one major step to iron sulfide residues.

Single-molecule precursor-based approaches to cobalt sulphide nanostructures.

Cobalt complexes of 1,1,5,5-tetramethyl-2,4-dithiobiuret, [Co{N(SCNMe(2))(2)}(3)] (1), and 1,1,5,5-tetraisopropyl-2-thiobiuret, [Co{N(SOCN(i)Pr(2))(2)}(2)] (2), have been synthesized and characterized. Both complexes were used as single-molecule precursors for the preparation of cobalt sulphide nanoparticles by thermolysis in hexadecylamine, octadecylamine or oleylamine. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern of as-prepared nanoparticles showed the hexagonal phase of Co(1-x)S from complex 1 and mixtures of cubic and hexagonal Co(4)S(3) from complex 2.

Does pregnancy increase the need for revisional surgery after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding?

Background: Over 80% of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) patients are women, and approximately half of these are of reproductive age; therefore, pregnancy post-LAGB is common. It is not known if pregnancy increases the need for revisional procedures. We compare the incidence of revisions in two matched cohorts of LAGB patients, with or without subsequent pregnancy.

Bariatric surgery: mechanisms, indications and outcomes.

The rising problem of obesity is causing major health problems, reduced quality of life and reduced life expectancy. It now generates approximately 10% of all health costs. The progression of the problem indicates preventive measures have been unsuccessful so far.

Characterization of the improvement in depressive symptoms following bariatric surgery.

Background: The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) has been frequently employed as a measure of depression in studies of obesity, with the majority of studies reporting an improvement in scores following weight loss. Given the potential similarity in obesity-related and depressive symptoms, it is uncertain whether all components of depression would improve equally with weight loss.

Method: The study included obese patients who had undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) surgery and had completed BDIs at baseline and 1 year after surgery.

Flash nano-welding: investigation and control of the photothermal response of ultrathin bismuth sulfide nanowire films.

Ultrathin Bi₂S₃ nanowires undergo a pronounced photothermal response to irradiation from a commercial camera flash. Controlled nano-welding was shown by using single walled carbon nanotube mats as an electrically and thermally conductive substrate. The resulting welded nanowire film is denser and has significantly lower resistance than unflashed bilayer films.

Factors controlling material deposition in the CVD of nickel sulfides, selenides or phosphides from dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinato complexes: deposition, spectroscopic and computational studies.

The series of nickel dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinates [Ni{(i)Pr(2)P(X1)NP(X2)(i)Pr(2)}(2)]: X1 = S, X2 = Se (1), X1 = X2 = S (2), and X1 = X2 = Se (3) have been successfully used as single-source precursors (SSPs) to deposit thin films of nickel sulfide, selenide or phosphide; the material deposited depended on both temperature and method used for the deposition. Aerosol-assisted (AA) chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and low-pressure (LP) CVD were used. The as-deposited films were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Epitaxial CdTe rods on Au/Si islands from a molecular compound.

Formation of unusual CdTe rods on Si/SiO(2) and gold coated Si/SiO(2) surfaces is reported from chemical vapor deposition of Cd[(TeP(i)Pr(2))(2)N](2).

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Background: The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is a useful tool in the treatment of severe obesity. It is a safe and durably effective procedure, however, optimal results depend upon the patient participating in a process of lifelong care.

Objective: This article discusses the procedure, follow up, and late complications for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Pro-inflammatory CD11c+CD206+ adipose tissue macrophages are associated with insulin resistance in human obesity.

Objective: Insulin resistance and other features of the metabolic syndrome have been causally linked to adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) in mice with diet-induced obesity. We aimed to characterize macrophage phenotype and function in human subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue in relation to insulin resistance in obesity.

Research Design And Methods: Adipose tissue was obtained from lean and obese women undergoing bariatric surgery.

Perceived discrimination and stigmatisation against severely obese women: age and weight loss make a difference.

Aims: Patients' perceptions about weight-related stigma and discrimination were assessed in 2 groups of patients, obese and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).

Methods: Seven focus group sessions were held including a total of 32 women, 8 obese (body mass index 35+) and 24 who had lost 50% of excess weight following bariatric surgery. During the sessions, participants were asked to consider their experiences in situations including general, family, friends, work place, medical, and educational settings.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in severely obese adolescents: a randomized trial.

Context: Adolescent obesity is a common and serious health problem affecting more than 5 million young people in the United States alone. Bariatric surgery is being evaluated as a possible treatment option. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (gastric banding) has the potential to provide a safe and effective treatment.

Outcomes, satiety, and adverse upper gastrointestinal symptoms following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Background: Follow-up is critical to the success of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Few data guide this and expected norms of satiety, adverse symptoms, and outcomes have not been defined.

Methods: Consecutive patients, who underwent LAGB, were evaluated using a newly developed instrument that assessed satiety, adverse upper gastrointestinal (dysphagia, reflux, and epigastric pain), and outcomes (overall satisfaction, weight loss, and quality of life (SF-36)).

Transient optical studies of interfacial charge transfer at nanostructured metal oxide/PbS quantum dot/organic hole conductor heterojunctions.

We report a transient absorption and luminescence study addressing the charge separation, recombination, and regeneration reactions at nanostructured metal oxide/PbS quantum dot/organic hole conductor heterojunctions. We show that yields of charge separation are significantly higher at PbS/SnO(2) interfaces relative to PbS/TiO(2) interfaces, and conclude that this behavior is a result of the ca. 300-500 meV lower conduction band edge in SnO(2) as compared to TiO(2).

Metal complexes of thiobiurets and dithiobiurets: Novel single source precursors for metal sulfide thin film nanostructures.

A series of new metal complexes of thiobiurets and dithiobiurets have been synthesized and characterized. The compounds are potentially useful as novel single source precursors for the deposition of metal sulfide thin films or nanoparticles.

Developing chemical strategies for the assembly of nanoparticles into mesoscopic objects.

Nanoparticles of Au, Ag, CdS, and CdSe have been linked together by a chemical reaction to form controlled assemblies of similar or different types of nanoparticles through amido or azo linkage. The capping of nanoparticles was exchanged with bifunctional groups containing active functional groups at the tails. The reaction between the tails of the capping agents resulted in the formation of amido or azo linkages.

Progestin-only pills for contraception.

Background: The introduction of a new progestin-only oral contraceptive in Europe has renewed interest in this class of oral contraceptives. Unlike the more widely used combined oral contraceptives containing an estrogen plus progestin, these pills contain only a progestin (progestogen) and are taken without interruption. How these pills compare to others in their class or to combined oral contraceptives is not clear.