Small Donor Research Articles

Dual-Targeting EGCG/NO-Supplying protein assembled nanoparticles with Multi-Synergistic effects against atherosclerosis

Limited therapeutic options are available to effectively preventing atherosclerosis. Inflammatory endothelial cells, foamy macrophages, and high protease levels contribute to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Studies have shown that catechins effectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit monocyte adhesion and reduce cholesterol levels, while nitric oxide (NO) enhances endothelial function. However, due to the poor stability and bioavailability of catechins and the toxicity from the burst release of current synthetic small molecules NO donor, effective deliveryof these bioactive compounds to treat atherosclerosis is still a challenge. Herein, a catechin/protein-based NO donor co-delivery nanosystem was designed for combinatorial anti-atherosclerotic therapy. We engineered a (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)/NO-releasing protein co-assembled nanocomplex based on specific catechin-protein interactions. Furthermore, the nanocomplex was surface modified with fucoidan (Fu), a sulfated polysaccharide with anti-inflammatory activity. This nanocomplex exhibits sensitivity to ROS, pH, and enzymes. The Fu-functionalized nanoparticles specifically accumulates in atherosclerotic plaques mediated by P-selectin on inflamed endothelial cells and scavenger receptor A (SR-A) on foamy macrophages. Under environmental stimuli that simulate the condition of plaque, the nanoparticles are readily activated to release EGCG and NO in response to excess ROS and high protease levels, exerting the multi-synergistic anti-atherosclerosic effects on reducing monocyte adhesion, promoting NO production to proliferate endothelial cells, lowering ROS levels, and decreasing the foam cell formation in vitro, and reducing lipid accumulation, plaque size, and inflammatory cytokines release in high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis model in ApoE−/− mice. The integration of plaques targeting ability and multiple therapeutic functions can provide an advanced therapeutic strategy foratherosclerosistreatment.

Understanding the impact of thiazole unit sequence in π-bridge on the performance of small molecule donor materials

Energy level regulation and crystallization optimization of materials are the key ideas to improve the performance of organic solar cells. In this work, based on clarifying small molecule structure, we introduce thiazole into different positions of π-bridge and investigate its effect on the properties of small molecule donors (SMDs) and related device performance. As thiazole gradually moves towards BDT, the electron clouds of these three SMDs (BTTTzR, BTTzTR and BTzTTR) tend to be divided on the framework, gradually deepened the energy level, and enlarged band gaps. In terms of device performance, the BTTzTR:Y6 device shows good inhibition of charge recombination and phase separation performance, and the efficiency of the related OSCs is 7.87 %. Morphological analysis shows that BTTTzR is prone to form nanoscale microcrystals after thermal annealing treatment, with slightly decreased performance of 6.79 %. BTzTTR is affected by difficult intramolecular charge transfer and weak intermolecular interactions, shows the worst performance of 5.77 %. This work is conducive to a deeper understanding of the electron-deficient substitution of the π-bridge in SMDs.

Increasing terminal alkyl chain length for a better small molecule organic solar cell donor

Optimizing the alkyl chains within a terminal group is considered to be a highly effective approach for boosting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of all small-molecule organic solar cells (ASM-OSCs). In this study, we focus on designing and synthesizing small molecular (SM) donor compounds with different end-group alkyl chain lengths to study their impact on OSC performance. Under optimized conditions, OSC devices based on BTR-Cl-C8:Y6 demonstrate higher PCE of 14.43 % compared to those based on BTR-Cl:Y6. Moreover, BTR-Cl-C8 exhibits reduced levels of bimolecular recombination and trap-assisted recombination, enhanced capability for exciton dissociation and charge collection, and extended carrier lifetimes. These results highlight the significance of molecular design strategies in optimizing OSC performance and offer valuable insights for the development of efficient and stable ASM-OSCs.

Ethylenedioxythiophene‐Based Small Molecular Donor with Multiple Conformation Locks for Organic Solar Cells with Efficiency of 19.3 %

AbstractTernary organic solar cells (T‐OSCs) represent an efficient strategy for enhancing the performance of OSCs. Presently, the majority of high‐performance T‐OSCs incorporates well‐established Y‐acceptors or donor polymers as the third component. In this study, a novel class of conjugated small molecules has been introduced as the third component, demonstrating exceptional photovoltaic performance in T‐OSCs. This innovative molecule comprises ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) bridge and 3‐ethylrhodanine as the end group, with the EDOT unit facilitating the creation of multiple conformation locks. Consequently, the EDOT‐based molecule exhibits two‐dimensional charge transport, distinguishing it from the thiophene‐bridged small molecule, which displays fewer conformation locks and provides one‐dimensional charge transport. Furthermore, the robust electron‐donating nature of EDOT imparts the small molecule with cascade energy levels relative to the electron donor and acceptor. As a result, OSCs incorporating the EDOT‐based small molecule as the third component demonstrate enhanced mobilities, yielding a remarkable efficiency of 19.3 %, surpassing the efficiency of 18.7 % observed for OSCs incorporating thiophene‐based small molecule as the third component. The investigations in this study underscore the excellence of EDOT as a building block for constructing conjugated materials with multiple conformation locks and high charge carrier mobilities, thereby contributing to elevated photovoltaic performance in OSCs.

Ethylenedioxythiophene-Based Small Molecular Donor with Multiple Conformation Locks for Organic Solar Cells with Efficiency of 19.3 .

Ternary organic solar cells (T-OSCs) represent an efficient strategy for enhancing the performance of OSCs. Presently, the majority of high-performance T-OSCs incorporates well-established Y-acceptors or donor polymers as the third component. In this study, a novel class of conjugated small molecules has been introduced as the third component, demonstrating exceptional photovoltaic performance in T-OSCs. This innovative molecule comprises ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) bridge and 3-ethylrhodanine as the end group, with the EDOT unit facilitating the creation of multiple conformation locks. Consequently, the EDOT-based molecule exhibits two-dimensional charge transport, distinguishing it from the thiophene-bridged small molecule, which displays fewer conformation locks and provides one-dimensional charge transport. Furthermore, the robust electron-donating nature of EDOT imparts the small molecule with cascade energy levels relative to the electron donor and acceptor. As a result, OSCs incorporating the EDOT-based small molecule as the third component demonstrate enhanced mobilities, yielding a remarkable efficiency of 19.3 %, surpassing the efficiency of 18.7 % observed for OSCs incorporating thiophene-based small molecule as the third component. The investigations in this study underscore the excellence of EDOT as a building block for constructing conjugated materials with multiple conformation locks and high charge carrier mobilities, thereby contributing to elevated photovoltaic performance in OSCs.

Constructing Efficient ASM Organic Solar Cells Based on DRCN5T

All-small-molecule (ASM) donor-acceptor materials have the advantages of good molecular reproducibility and relatively simple synthesis operations. In this paper, the small molecule donor material DRCN5T was synthesized and its related properties were investigated. The HOMO result of DRCN5T was determined to be -5.27 eV. The LUMO energy level was -3.62 eV. In terms of UV-visible absorption, the DRCN5T thin film exhibited a redshift due to π-π stacking as compared to CF solution. Finally, DRCN5T:IDIC-based ASM devices were prepared. After the solvent vapor annealing treatment, the device performances were significantly enhanced, with an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.95 V, a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 12.66 mA cm-2 and a fill factor (FF) of 61.40%, and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) was 7.40%.

Favorable Outcome After Single-kidney Transplantation From Small Donors in Children: A Match-controlled CERTAIN Registry Study.

Kidney transplantation (KTx) from small donors is associated with inferior graft survival in registry studies, whereas single-center studies show favorable results. We compared 175 pediatric KTx from small donors ≤20 kg (SDKTx) with 170 age-matched recipients from adult donors (ADKTx) from 20 centers within the Cooperative European Paediatric Renal Transplant Initiative registry. Graft survival and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed by Cox regression and mixed models. Detailed data on surgical and medical management were tested for association with graft survival. One-year graft survival was lower after SDKTx compared with ADKTx (90.9% versus 96.5%; odds ratio of graft loss, 2.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-7.80; P = 0.032), but 5-y graft survival was comparable (90.9% versus 92.7%; adjusted hazard ratio of graft loss 1.9; 95% CI, 0.85-4.25; P = 0.119). SDKTx recipients had an annual eGFR increase of 8.7 ± 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m² compared with a decrease of 6.9 ± 5.7 mL/min/1.73 m² in ADKTx recipients resulting in a superior 5-y eGFR (80.5 ± 25.5 in SDKTx versus 65.7 ± 23.1 mL/min/1.73 m² in ADKTx; P = 0.008). At 3 y posttransplant, eGFR after single SDKTx was lower than after en bloc SDKTx (86.6 ± 20.4 versus 104.6 ± 35.9; P = 0.043) but superior to ADKTx (68.1 ± 23.9 mL/min/1.73 m²). Single-kidney SDKTx recipients had a lower rate of hypertension at 3 y than ADKTx recipients (40.0% versus 64.7%; P = 0.008). Compared with ADKTx, 5-y graft function is superior in SDKTx and graft survival is similar, even when performed as single KTx. Utilizing small donor organs, preferably as single kidneys in experienced centers, is a viable option to increase the donor pool for pediatric recipients.

Plasmonic-mediated S[sbnd]C arylation and S[sbnd]S coupling on nanostructured silver electrodes monitored by in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Plasmon-mediated chemical reaction (PMCR) is a highly attractive field of research. Here we report in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) monitoring of plasmonic-mediated SS bond-forming reaction. The reaction is thought to be a self-coupling reaction proceeding by photoinduced aromatic SC bond arylation. Surprisingly, the SC arylation and SS coupling are found to be occurred on both partially oxidized silver and silver nanoparticles. The results demonstrated that silver oxide or hydroxide and small molecule donor sacrifice agent played a crucial role in the reaction. This work facilitates the in-situ manipulation and characterization of the active silver electrode interface in conjunction with electrochemistry, and also establishes a promising new guideline for surface plasmon resonance photocatalytic reactions on metal nanostructures with high efficiency.

Layer‐by‐Layer Organic Solar Cells Enabled by 1,3,4‐Selenadiazole‐Containing Crystalline Small Molecule with Double‐Fibril Network Morphology

AbstractA double‐fibril network of the photoactive layer morphology is recognized as an ideal structure facilitating exciton diffusion and charge carrier transport for high‐performance organic solar cells (OSCs). However, in the layer‐by‐layer processed OSCs (LbL‐OSCs), polymer donors and small molecule acceptors (SMAs) are separately deposited, and it is challenging to realize a fibril network of pure SMAs with the absence of tight interchain entanglement as polymers. In this work, crystalline small molecule donors (SMDs), named TDZ‐3TR and SeDZ‐3TR, were designed and introduced into the L8‐BO acceptor solution, forcing the phase separation and molecular fibrilization. SeDZ‐3TR showed higher crystallinity and lower miscibility with L8‐BO acceptor than TDZ‐3TR, enabling more driving force to favor the phase separation and better molecular fibrilization of L8‐BO. On the other hand, two donor polymers of PM6 and D18 with different fibril widths and lengths were put together to optimize the fibril network of the donor layer. The simultaneously optimization of the acceptor and donor layers resulted in a more ideal double‐fibril network of the photoactive layer and an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.38 % in LbL‐OSCs.

Layer-by-Layer Organic Solar Cells Enabled by 1,3,4-Selenadiazole-Containing Crystalline Small Molecule with Double-Fibril Network Morphology.

A double-fibril network of the photoactive layer morphology is recognized as an ideal structure facilitating exciton diffusion and charge carrier transport for high-performance organic solar cells (OSCs). However, in the layer-by-layer processed OSCs (LbL-OSCs), polymer donors and small molecule acceptors (SMAs) are separately deposited, and it is challenging to realize a fibril network of pure SMAs with the absence of tight interchain entanglement as polymers. In this work, crystalline small molecule donors (SMDs), named TDZ-3TR and SeDZ-3TR, were designed and introduced into the L8-BO acceptor solution, forcing the phase separation and molecular fibrilization. SeDZ-3TR showed higher crystallinity and lower miscibility with L8-BO acceptor than TDZ-3TR, enabling more driving force to favor the phase separation and better molecular fibrilization of L8-BO. On the other hand, two donor polymers of PM6 and D18 with different fibril widths and lengths were put together to optimize the fibril network of the donor layer. The simultaneously optimization of the acceptor and donor layers resulted in a more ideal double-fibril network of the photoactive layer and an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.38 % in LbL-OSCs.

CARs derived from broadly neutralizing, human monoclonal antibodies identified by single B cell sorting target hepatitis B virus-positive cells.

To design new CARs targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV), we isolated human monoclonal antibodies recognizing the HBV envelope proteins from single B cells of a patient with a resolved infection. HBV-specific memory B cells were isolated by incubating peripheral blood mononuclear cells with biotinylated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), followed by single-cell flow cytometry-based sorting of live, CD19+ IgG+ HBsAg+ cells. Amplification and sequencing of immunoglobulin genes from single memory B cells identified variable heavy and light chain sequences. Corresponding immunoglobulin chains were cloned into IgG1 expression vectors and expressed in mammalian cells. Two antibodies named 4D06 and 4D08 were found to be highly specific for HBsAg, recognized a conformational and a linear epitope, respectively, and showed broad reactivity and neutralization capacity against all major HBV genotypes. 4D06 and 4D08 variable chain fragments were cloned into a 2nd generation CAR format with CD28 and CD3zeta intracellular signaling domains. The new CAR constructs displayed a high functional avidity when expressed on primary human T cells. CAR-grafted T cells proved to be polyfunctional regarding cytokine secretion and killed HBV-positive target cells. Interestingly, background activation of the 4D08-CAR recognizing a linear instead of a conformational epitope was consistently low. In a preclinical model of chronic HBV infection, murine T cells grafted with the 4D06 and the 4D08 CAR showed on target activity indicated by a transient increase in serum transaminases, and a lower number of HBV-positive hepatocytes in the mice treated. This study demonstrates an efficient and fast approach to identifying pathogen-specific monoclonal human antibodies from small donor cell numbers for the subsequent generation of new CARs.

Synergistic strategies to unveil the dual influence of additive and annealing treatment on the morphology of isatin-derived low bandgap small molecule donor in solution-processed organic solar cells

A novel organic small molecule, 5-(4-(diphenylamino)phenyl)-1-octylindoline-2,3-dione (TPI) containing an alkyl chain substituted electron accepting isatin (indoline-2,3-dione) and strong electron withdrawing N, N-diphenylaniline units have been synthesized through Suzuki coupling reaction. The molecular structure of TPI is confirmed by NMR, FT-IR, and Mass spectroscopy techniques. The TPI molecule exhibits a low band gap of approximately ∼ 2.03 eV which is also supported by the DFT results. The influence of additive and heat treatment on the electronic, morphological, and photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells was investigated meticulously. The TPI donor exhibits complementary light absorption with fullerene acceptor in combination with DIO and TA which efficiently absorb the photon in the 300–730 nm range. The TPI was later used as an electron donor material for the fabrication of organic solar cells. Remarkably, the morphology-dependent optimized TPI:PC71BM (1:3.0) exposed excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of about ∼ 5.56 % with enhanced VOC of ∼ 0.811 V, JSC of 11.81 mA cm−2 and FF of 55.3 % fabricated in addition with DIO and thermal annealing treatment. Most importantly, the unencapsulated devices maintained > 96 % of the initial PCE value after 240 h under ambient temperature. Our findings indicate that isatin-derived small molecules with simple architecture propose great potential for promising BHJ-OSCs material.

(295) - Pediatric Heart Transplantation in Donation After Circulatory Death Using Normothermic Regional Perfusion - Early Experience with Small Donors

(295) - Pediatric Heart Transplantation in Donation After Circulatory Death Using Normothermic Regional Perfusion - Early Experience with Small Donors

Pediatric en bloc kidney transplant from donors

Most kidneys from small pediatric donors are transplanted to adult recipients because of the perceived risk of surgical complications and graft thrombosis. In this study, we aim to demonstrate our favorable outcomes in transplanting pediatric kidneys from donors <15 k into pediatric recipients. This study retrospectively analyzes the outcomes of seven pediatric recipients of en block kidney transplants from pediatric donors weighing <15 kg performed at King Fahad Specialist Hospital-Dammam from December 2014 to January 2018. Baseline characteristics of donors and recipients were collected. The incidences of surgical complication, immediate, and intermediate graft function were the primary outcomes. The study included seven recipients monitored for a mean duration of 6.86 ± 1.35. Donors' and recipients' mean weights were 7.4 ± 3.2 kg and 20.7 ± 9.2 kg, respectively. Ureteric stricture occurred in one patient. There was a substantial improvement of 1-year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared to the 1-week mark (106.7 ± 26.38 mL/min. 1.73 m2 vs. 63.7 ± 22.92 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = .0069). The observed improvement in renal function persisted at the 5-year mark and during the last follow-up, with eGFR of 70.3 ± 40.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 79.8 ± 30.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. There was also increase of 27.9% in the size of the en bloc kidney observed at the 6 months. In a specialized transplant center with highly skilled surgeons, the utilization of en bloc kidney transplant from donors weighing less than 15 kg is an effective strategy for expanding the donor pool and ensuring favorable graft outcomes.

Computational modeling of oligothiophenes‐based donor molecules to boost optoelectronic attributes of organic solar cells

AbstractThe computational modeling of seven oligothiophene‐based donor molecules (TZ1–TZ7) designed by acceptor modification at the terminal position of the literature molecule (TZR) were discussed for organic solar cells (OSCs). DFT simulations using B3LYP/def2svp levels were performed to study the optoelectronic, and PV properties of TZ1–TZ7. A range of essential aspects for efficient small donor molecules like open circuit voltages (VOC), excitation energy (Ex), dipole moment (μ), density of state (DOS), absorption maxima (λmax), transition density matrix (TDM), binding energy (Eb), and frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) of TZ1–TZ7 and TZR have also been investigated. DOS and FMOs analysis revealed a reduced energy gap (Eg) and effective charge transfer (CT) in the TZ1–TZ7 molecules. The absorption spectra were examined using TD‐DFT. Due to smaller Eg, Eb, Ex, and higher λmax, μ, the TZ1–TZ7 molecules exhibit remarkable optoelectronic properties. The computed VOC (0.969–1.189) and fill factor (0.886–0.897) for TZ1–TZ7 lead to improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) ranging from 14.05% to 17.60%. All compounds are strongly recommended for fabricating efficient OSCs with excellent PV properties. The current work is a step towards environmentally friendly organic PV and will pave the way for future structural engineering research for the efficient material design of OSCs.

Small molecule donor third component incorporating thieno[3,2-b]thiophene unit enables 19.18% efficiency ternary organic solar cells with improved operational stability

The rational design of the third component to enhance the efficiency and stability of organic solar cell (OSC) is a critical and challenge. Herein, a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (TT) substituted wide-bandgap small molecule donor BTTC, was designed, synthesized and incorporated into the state-of-the-art PM6:L8-BO binary to construct ternary OSC. The rigid side chain and planar molecule skeleton enables strong crystallinity and complementary absorption with binary system. The introduction of BTTC enhanced the molecular packing, fibril-like film and preferred vertical phase separation, yielding balanced and higher charge transport, more efficient exciton dissociation and suppressed charge recombination. Besides, lower energy loss was attained and thus leading to higher open-circuit voltage (VOC). Consequently, the introduction of BTTC achieved the highest efficiency of 18.8% along with extended operational stability. Furthermore, replacing L8-BO to BTP-eC9 further boosted the ternary PCE to 19.18%, standing one of the best charge management in ternary OSC. This work presents efficient rigid side chain substitution strategy to construct the third component of small molecule donor for high performance ternary OSCs with comprehensively improved photovoltaic parameters. This strategy broadens the selection of guest materials toward realizing the actual commercial application of OSCs.

A Theory of Small Campaign Contributions

Abstract Popular and academic discussions have mostly concentrated on large donors, even though small donors are a major source of financing for political campaigns. We propose a theory of small donors with a key novelty: it centres on the interactions between small donors and the parties’ fundraising strategy. In equilibrium, parties micro-target donors with a higher contribution potential (that is, richer and with more intense preferences) and increase their total fundraising effort in close races. The parties’ strategic fundraising amplifies the effect of income on contributions, and leads to closeness, underdog and bandwagon effects. We then study the welfare effects of a number of common campaign finance laws. We find that, due to equilibrium effects, those tools may produce outcomes opposite to intended objectives. Finally, we identify a tax-and-subsidy scheme that mutes the effect of income while still allowing donors to voice the intensity of their support.

Efficient all-small-molecule organic solar cells processed with non-halogen solvent

All-small-molecule organic solar cells with good batch-to-batch reproducibility combined with non-halogen solvent processing show great potential for commercialization. However, non-halogen solvent processing of all-small-molecule organic solar cells are rarely reported and its power conversion efficiencies are very difficult to improve. Herein, we designed and synthesized a small molecule donor BM-ClEH that can take advantage of strong aggregation property induced by intramolecular chlorine-sulfur non-covalent interaction to improve molecular pre-aggregation in tetrahydrofuran and corresponding micromorphology after film formation. Tetrahydrofuran-fabricated all-small-molecule organic solar cells based on BM-ClEH:BO-4Cl achieved high power conversion efficiencies of 15.0% in binary device and 16.1% in ternary device under thermal annealing treatment. In contrast, weakly aggregated BM-HEH without chlorine-sulfur non-covalent bond is almost inefficient under same processing conditions due to poor pre-aggregation induced disordered π-π stacking, indistinct phase separation and exciton dissociation. This work promotes the development of non-halogen solvent processing of all-small-molecule organic solar cells and provides further guidance.

Following Women's Money: Population, Development, and Indo-American Birth Control Politics in the Mid-Twentieth Century

Abstract: This article traces the history of a transnational birth control movement centered on India and the United States during the 1950s, a transitional decade that followed Indian independence from the British Empire and that witnessed growing US hegemony in a cold war world. I focus on one key philanthropic organization, the Watumull Foundation, and the activities of its leader, Ellen Jensen Watumull. The Watumull Foundation funded birth control activists in India and the United States, including Dhanvanthi Rama Rau and Margaret Sanger, and supported a growing turn toward population control as a chief purpose of the transnational birth control movement. The result was an Indo-American birth control politics in the 1950s that drew upon racialized networks of kinship, marriage, and friendship; was controlled largely by women; and mobilized small donors to bring American philanthropy into Indian development planning.

Application of Meek micro-grafting technique in severe burn injury: a case report

Wound closure is often a challenge in patients with major burns due to the limited amount of healthy skin available for harvesting and grafting. As a result, this often yields severe morbidity and mortality amongst said patients. This case report presents the successful use of the Meek micro-grafting technique on a patient with extensive major deep dermal to full-thickness burn injuries in the Burn Unit of the Kuala Lumpur Hospital of Malaysia. The Meek micro-grafting method, involves the creation of micro-grafts from a small and limited donor site, and proved to be effective in promoting wound healing and minimizing donor site morbidity.