5 research outputs found
Enhancing the Interface in Silk–Polypyrrole Composites through Chemical Modification of Silk Fibroin
To produce conductive, biocompatible, and mechanically
robust materials for use in bioelectrical applications, we have developed
a new strategy to selectively incorporate poly(pyrrole) (Ppy) into
constructs made from silk fibroin. Here, we demonstrate that covalent
attachment of negatively charged, hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups
to the silk protein can selectively promote pyrrole absorption and
polymerization within the modified films to form a conductive, interpenetrating
network of Ppy and silk that is incapable of delamination. To further
increase the conductivity and long-term stability of the Ppy network,
a variety of small molecule sulfonic acid dopants were utilized and
the properties of these silk-conducting polymer composites were monitored
over time. The composites were evaluated using attenuated total reflectance
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron
microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX)
spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, a 4-point resistivity probe and
mechanical testing. In addition, the performance was evaluated following
exposure to several biologically relevant enzymes. Using this strategy,
we were able to produce mechanically robust polymer electrodes with
stable electrochemical performance and sheet resistivities on the
order of 1 × 10<sup>2</sup> Ω/sq (conductivity ∼1
S/cm)
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Trends in Radiation Practices for Female Ocular Oncologists in North America: A Collaborative Study of the International Society of Ocular Oncology
The aim of this study was to determine the known radiation exposure, attitudes, and consequent risk modifications among female ocular oncologists in North America who routinely administer radioactive plaque brachytherapy treatment and are members of the International Society of Ocular Oncology.
Nineteen female ocular oncologists completed an anonymous 17-question radiation exposure survey.
Eleven of the participants chose to routinely wear lead protection during surgery; 8 did not. Fifteen of 19 participants reported using an unloaded "nonactive" template to prepare for plaque implantation. During pregnancy, 11 of 13 participants continued to perform plaque brachytherapy. Eight of these 11 undertook measures to decrease radiation exposure self-reported as lead wear and other. The average reported anxiety regarding fertility was 2.1 (SD, 2.2) on a scale from 1 to 10.
This study corroborates prior literature that surgeons' exposure to radiation during plaque brachytherapy is minimal. Nonetheless, there remains some anxiety regarding exposure risk to women, due to potential effects on fertility and fetal health. We found variability in exposure monitoring, required training, and precautions during pregnancy amongst this group of surgeons. Improved education and clearer pregnancy guidelines may equip female ocular oncologists with optimal knowledge regarding risk of radiation exposure