Controlling Phase in Colloidal Synthesis.

A fundamental precept of chemistry is that properties are manifestations of the elements present and their arrangement in space. Controlling the arrangement of atoms in nanocrystals is not well understood in nanocrystal synthesis, especially in the transition metal chalcogenides and pnictides, which have rich phase spaces. This Perspective will cover some of the recent advances and current challenges.

Role of carboxylates in the phase determination of metal sulfide nanoparticles.

Techniques are well established for the control of nanoparticle shape and size in colloidal synthesis, but very little is understood about precursor interactions and their effects on the resultant crystalline phase. Here we show that oleate, a surface stabilizing ligand that is ubiquitous in nanocrystal synthesis, plays a large role in the mechanism of phase selection of various metal sulfide nanoparticles when thiourea is used as the sulfur source. Gas and solid-phase FTIR, C, and H NMR studies revealed that oleate and thiourea interact to produce oleamide which promotes the isomeric shift of thiourea into ammonium thiocyanate, a less reactive sulfur reagent.

A call to action in thoracic transplant surgical training.

Thoracic organ recovery and implantation is increasing in complexity. Simultaneously the logistic burden and associated cost is rising. An electronic survey distributed to the surgical directors of thoracic transplant programs in the United States indicated dissatisfaction amongst 72% of respondents with current procurement training and 85% of respondents favored a process for certification in thoracic organ transplantation.

[Huge periprosthetic (peritransplant) seroma of a femoropopliteal bypass graft].

Presented herein is a clinical case report of a huge periprosthetic seroma of a femoropopliteal bypass graft made of polytetrafluoroethylene with a follow-up period and unsuccessful conservative management of more than one year. At 15 months after the primary operation, the bypass graft was retrieved and replaced by a knitted vascular graft made of polyester and impregnated with absorbable modified gelatine to decrease porosity, without relapse of the process of transudation into the periprosthetic space. Histological study of the retrieved conduit demonstrated the absence of formation of the intimal layer on the inner surface of the graft and fibrous capsule on the external surface of the main part of the length of the prosthesis, which, apparently, had provided a possibility of long-term preservation of porosity of the material.

[Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for assessment of the state of femoropopliteal bypass graft anastomoses].

Analysed herein is the experience of the first eight ultrasonographic studies of peripheral arteries with dynamic contrast enhancement using sulphur hexafluoride («SonoVue») carried out in patients after previously performed femoropopliteal bypass grafting with a synthetic prosthesis (in seven cases the distal anastomosis of the bypass graft was located below the fissure of the knee joint and in one case - above the fissure of the knee joint). Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed averagely 12.5±4.

Cooperation within--the patient care team advantage.

As the demand for post-hospital health care increases, one home care agency has developed a referral process that makes the transition from hospital to home as smooth as possible for both patients and health care professionals.