Controlling the charge transfer flow at the graphene/pyrene-nitrilotriacetic acid interface

The fabrication of highly efficient bio-organic nanoelectronic devices is still a challenge due to the difficulty in interfacing the biomolecular component to the organic counterparts. One of the ways to overcome this bottleneck is to add a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) in between the electrode and the biological material. The addition of a pyrene-nitrilotriacetic acid layer to a graphene metal electrode enhances the charge transfer within the device. Our theoretical calculations and electrochemical results show that the formation of a pyrene-nitrilotriacetic acid SAM enforces a direct electron transfer from graphene to the SAM, while the addition of the Ni2+ cation and imidazole reverses the charge transfer direction, allowing an atomic control of the electron flow, which is essential for a true working device. © 2018 The Royal Society of Chemistry

The Research of Sleep Disorders and Their Effects on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure and Renal Transplant

Objective End stage renal insufficiency (ESRI) is defined as the irreversible loss of renal functions. In its treatment is used hemodialisis, peritoneal dialisis or renal transplantation. Sleep disorders cause excesive daytime sleepiness, mental problems, dysfunction in general health and functions; and therefore affect the quality of life in patients with ESRI. In this study is evaluated the relationship between sleep quality and the qulity of life in patients with hemodialisis, peritoneal dialisis and renal transplantation. Materials and Methods A total of 117 patients being treated in Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine Dialisis Unit between years 2011-2012 were enrolled. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to determine sleep quality of patients, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EUS) and Rolls Royce Quality of Life Scale were used. Results In PSQI, poor sleep quality was observed in 81.5% of patients with hemodialisis, which was 80.8% in patients with renal transplantation and 82% in patients with peritoneal dialisis. In Rolls-Royce Quality of life scale, general health, physical symptoms and activities were higher in patients with renal transplantation, and sleep disorders were higher in patients with hemodialisis. Conclusion Chronic renal insufficiency is a very common condition. Sleep disorders in these patients may affect self-care and show a negative influence on the quality of life. Fort his reason, sleep disorders should be questioned and treated in these chronically ill patients with ESRI

Uncovering the Risks: Investigating the Impact of Abnormal 50 g Results of Two-Step Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Screening in Pregnant Women

Background/Aims: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent medical concern among pregnant women. Timely identification and management of GDM can mitigate the potential for maternal and fetal complications. The present study aimed to explore the maternal characteristics that may result in an isolated elevation in the 50 g Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) results (Pre-GDM condition) and to assess the impact of Pre-GDM status on fetal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: This retrospective trial included 177 pregnant women and 177 infants. All pregnant women who applied to the antenatal clinic were screened for GDM. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with abnormal GCT (50 g levels) but normal 100 g-OGTT results (study or Pre-GDM group) and those with normal 50 g results (control group).Results: The advanced maternal age (AMA) rate was higher in the study group. (14.80% vs. 4.80%, p=0.028). There was a difference between the groups in maternal weight measurements at the first pregnancy visit. The rate of overweighted patients (more than 80 kg at the first pregnancy visit) was higher in the Pre-GDM group (35.20% vs. 5.80%, p<0.001). The rate of fetal macrosomia was higher in the Pre-GDM group (10.20% vs. 0, p<0.05). It was determined that the neonate's head circumference (HC) was larger in the Pre-GDM group (35.15 vs. 34.69, p=0.029) Emergent (primary) cesarean section (C/S) rate with cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) indication was higher in the fetal macrosomia group (p<0.05). The power of the current study was determined as 87%Conclusions : According to study result the patients in the Pre-GDM group is at risk of fetal macrosomia, which increases the risk of C/S. In overweighted and patients over 35 years old, 75 g OGTT may be more sensitive in detecting glucose metabolism disorders

Plasmonic enhancement of photocurrent generation in a photosystem I-based hybrid electrode

We experimentally demonstrate that oriented assembly of red algal photosystem I (PSI) reaction centers on a plasmonically active Silver Island Film (SIF) leads to strong enhancement of both the fluorescence intensity and photocurrent generated upon illumination. PSI complexes were specifically attached to a monolayer of graphene deposited on the SIF layer. The results of comprehensive fluorescence microscopy point to the critical role of the SIF layer in enhancing the optical response of PSI, as we observe increased emission intensity. Hence, importantly, the strong increase of photocurrent generation demonstrated for the biohybrid electrodes can be directly associated with the plasmonic enhancement of the optical and electrochemical functionalities of PSI. The results also indicate that the graphene layer is not diminishing the influence of the plasmonic excitations in SIF on the absorption and emission of PSI. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2020