Ambient Oxygen-Doped Conjugated Polymer for pH-Activatable Aggregation-Enhanced Photoacoustic Imaging in the Second Near-Infrared Window.

Photoacoustic (PA) probes absorbing in the second near-infrared (NIR-II: 1000-1700 nm) window hold great promise for deep-tissue diagnosis and treatment. Currently, NIR-II PA probes typically involve complex synthesis and surfactant adjuvant for processing and delivery. Furthermore, these NIR-II PA probes are "always-on," leading to inadequate signal-to-background ratio and low specificity.

Oxidation Pathways Involving a Sulfide-Endcapped Donor-Acceptor-Donor π-Conjugated Molecule and Antimony(V) Chloride.

The oxidation pathways and products of a discrete, sulfide-endcapped donor-acceptor-donor (D/A/D) molecule, namely, propylenedioxythiophene-benzothiadiazole-propylenedioxythiophene, are investigated. The electrochemical and chemical oxidations proceed by two distinct routes. Specifically, electrochemical oxidation undergoes a sequential two-step, one-electron (1e) oxidation route with a 117 mV difference between consecutive half-wave potentials.

Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Centimeters-Deep Photoacoustic Imaging in the Second Near-Infrared Window.

Thienoisoindigo-based semiconducting polymer with a strong near-infrared absorbance is synthesized and its water-dispersed nanoparticles (TSPNs) are investigated as a contrast agent for photoacoustic (PA) imaging in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window (1000-1350 nm). The TSPNs generate a strong PA signal in the NIR-II optical window, where background signals from endogenous contrast agents, including blood and lipid, are at the local minima. By embedding a TSPN-containing tube in chicken-breast tissue, an imaging depth of more than 5 cm at 1064 nm excitation is achieved with a contrast-agent concentration as low as 40 µg mL .

Electronic Patient Records to Identify Patients in the United Kingdom with Diabetic Macular Oedema Suitable for ILUVIEN(®) (Fluocinolone Acetonide).

Introduction: We describe a proactive method using electronic patient records (EPR) to identify pseudophakic patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) that might benefit from treatment with 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc; ILUVIEN(®)) implant.

Methods: Our EPR audit tool (Medisoft(®)) identified diabetic patients (May 2011-December 2014) with National Screening Committee-confirmed grade M1 maculopathy.

Analysis of ligand-protein exchange by Clustering of Ligand Diffusion Coefficient Pairs (CoLD-CoP).

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool in describing protein structures and protein activity for pharmaceutical and biochemical development. This study describes a method to determine weak binding ligands in biological systems by using hierarchic diffusion coefficient clustering of multidimensional data obtained with a 400 MHz Bruker NMR. Comparison of DOSY spectrums of ligands of the chemical library in the presence and absence of target proteins show translational diffusion rates for small molecules upon interaction with macromolecules.

Orbital mass secondary to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a child: a rare presentation.

We report the case of a 3-year-old child, who presented with lid swelling which progressed to proptosis of the left eye. He also had systemic symptoms of fatigue and weight loss. An examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly and lymph node enlargement.

Stratum-specific positive predictive values of claims for acute pancreatitis among commercial health insurance plan enrollees with diabetes mellitus.

Purpose: To estimate the positive predictive value (PPV) of claims for acute pancreatitis among initiators of antihyperglycemic drugs in commercial health insurance claims data.

Methods: As part of a systematic study of the occurrence of acute pancreatitis among antihyperglycemic drug initiators (N=260,255) within a large US health insurer's claims database, we identified potential cases of acute pancreatitis and confirmed them through medical record review. Potential cases had an International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision diagnosis code for acute pancreatitis (577.

Atomoxetine and cerebrovascular outcomes in adults.

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the association between atomoxetine and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in adults.

Methods: This cohort study conducted within a health insurance database included 21,606 atomoxetine initiators matched to 21,606 stimulant attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication initiators on the basis of propensity scores and a sample from the source population (N = 42,993). Outcomes were confirmed through a medical record review or a National Death Index search.