Pinning Down Small Populations of Photoinduced Intermediates Using Transient Absorption Spectroscopy and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory Difference Spectra to Provide Mechanistic Insight into Controlling Pyridine Azo Dynamics with Protons.

In this work, the impact of protonation on the photoisomerization ( → ) and reversion ( → ) of three pyridine-based azo dyes () is investigated by using a combination of transient absorption spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory computed difference spectra. The photophysical behaviors of the dyes are altered by the addition of one or two protons. Protonation of basic pyridine nitrogens results in an ultrafast accelerated reversion mechanism after photoisomerization, while protonation of azo bond nitrogens restricts isomer formation entirely.

Controlling excited-state dynamics protonation of naphthalene-based azo dyes.

Azo dyes are a class of photoactive dyes that constitute a major focus of chemical research due to their applications in numerous industrial functions. This work explores the impact of protonation on the photophysics of four naphthalene-based azo dyes. The p value of the dyes increases proportionally with decreasing Hammett parameter of -phenyl substituents from 8.

An Introduction to Processing, Fitting, and Interpreting Transient Absorption Data.

Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy is a powerful time-resolved spectroscopic method used to track the evolution of excited-state processes through changes in the system's absorption spectrum. Early implementations of TA were confined to specialized laboratories, but the evolution of commercial turn-key systems has made the technique increasingly available to research groups across the world. Modern TA systems are capable of producing large datasets with high energetic and temporal resolution that are rich in photophysical information.

Longitudinal cardiac remodeling in collegiate American football players as assessed by echocardiography during their collegiate career.

Background: Studies on the longitudinal effects of intense physical training on cardiac remodeling are limited, especially in American collegiate football players.

Hypothesis: College-level American football training will result in remodeling in a pattern consistent of a sport with moderate static and dynamic demands with increases in both wall and chamber sizes.

Methods: We studied 85 American collegiate football players who underwent transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) for asymptomatic or mild COVID-19-related illness and compared the changes in echo dimensions to their preparticipation screening TTE.

Ultra-fast excited-state dynamics of substituted -naphthalene azo moieties.

In this work we untangle the ultrafast deactivation of high-energy excited states in four naphthalene-based azo dyes. Through systematic photophysical and computational study, we observed a structure-property relationship in which increasing the electron donating strength of the substituent leads to longer lived excited states in these organic dyes and faster thermal reversion from the to configuration. In particular, azo dyes 1-3 containing less electron donating substituents show three distinct excited-state lifetimes of ∼0.

Elucidation of complex triplet excited state dynamics in Pd(II) biladiene tetrapyrroles.

Pd(II) biladienes have been developed over the last five years as oligotetrapyrrole complexes that support a rich triplet photochemistry. In this work, we have undertaken the first detailed photophysical interrogation of three homologous Pd(II) biladienes bearing different combinations of methyl- and phenyl-substituents on the frameworks' sp-hybridized -carbon (, the 10-position of the biladiene framework). These experiments have revealed unexpected excited-state dynamics that are dependent on the wavelength of light used to excite the biladiene.

Relationship between arm span to height ratio, aortic root diameter, and systolic blood pressure in collegiate athletes.

Study Objective: Sudden cardiac death is the most common cause of non-traumatic death in collegiate athletes. Marfan syndrome poses a risk for sudden cardiac death secondary to aortic root dilation leading to aortic dissection or rupture. Arm span to height ratio (ASHR) > 1.

Estimation of Right Atrial Pressure Using a Portable Handheld Ultrasound Device.

Background: Handheld ultrasound devices are increasingly used by clinicians for their ease of use and portability. Their utility for estimating right atrial pressure (RAP) is poorly described.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 50 consecutive patients presenting for outpatient right heart catheterization (RHC).

Blood pressure characteristics of collegiate female athletes: A call for more focused attention on young women's health.

Background: There is a paucity of data describing the association between blood pressure (BP) and cardiac remodeling in female collegiate athletes.

Methods: This retrospective cohort review describes the BP characteristics and echocardiographic features of female collegiate athletes during preparticipation evaluation. We evaluated data from 329 female athletes at two National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I universities who underwent preparticipation evaluation that included medical history, physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiography, and 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography.

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features.

Pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung diseases is associated with increased mortality and hospitalizations and reduced exercise capacity. Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) is a recently described interstitial lung disease. The characteristics of pulmonary hypertension in IPAF patients are unknown.

Preparticipation Cardiac Evaluation Findings in a Cohort of Collegiate Female Athletes.

Knowledge of cardiovascular adaptations in athletes has predominantly focused on males, with limited data available on females who compromise a substantial percentage of all collegiate athletes. A multicenter retrospective cohort review of preparticipation cardiovascular screening data of 329 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female athletes was performed. This included physical exams, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms.

Predictors of ventricular pacing burden after permanent pacemaker implantation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: In the era of an expanding use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), conduction disturbances and the requirement for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation remains a clinical concern.

Hypothesis: Using a single-center experience, we sought to identify predictors of ventricular pacing burden after TAVR in patients who required PPM implantation.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 359 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis who underwent TAVR at our institution between September 2013 and July 2019.

Utility of the Diamond-Forrester Classification in Stratifying Acute Chest Pain in an Academic Chest Pain Center.

Background: Because the Diamond-Forrester (DF) model is predictive of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), it is often used to risk stratify acute chest pain patients. We sought to further evaluate the clinical utility of the DF model within a chest pain evaluation center.

Methods: Consecutive patients with chest pain and no known CAD or evidence of active ischemia were asked to participate in a prospective registry.

Evaluation of a statewide medical home program on children and young adults with asthma.

Objective: Asthma, the most common chronic condition among children, accounts for significant healthcare utilization and impact on quality of life. Care coordination in a medical home is considered standard practice, but has not been rigorously evaluated.

Methods: We initiated this pilot study of children/young adults with asthma (n = 967), ages: birth to 24 years, receiving care from a subset of pediatric practices (n = 20) participating in the Pennsylvania Medical Home Initiative, Educating Practices in Community-Integrated Care (92 practices statewide).

Echocardiographic predictors of mitral regurgitation in high school and collegiate competitive athletes.

Previous studies have compared cardiac morphology between strength and endurance athletes, but few studies have examined predictors of valvular regurgitation in this population. This study evaluated predictors of mitral regurgitation (MR) in high school and collegiate athletes. Athletes in 9 different sports (n = 144) underwent transthoracic echocardiography.