Synthesis and Characterization of Strongly Solvatochromic Molybdenum(III) Complexes.

A series of seven molybdenum(III) complexes with the general formula of [Mo(diimine)Cl4]- were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and UV-vis. The complexes were discovered to be highly solvatochromic, showing shifts in λmax between ∼120 and 170 nm in solvents ranging from water to acetone. Varying the substituents on the diimine ligand influenced the absorption energy such that electron-withdrawing groups induced a red shift while electron-donating groups exhibited the opposite effect. The complexes were surprisingly stable in both acidic and basic solutions, and in the case where carboxylic acid substituents were present, additional shifts in the absorption maxima were observed, corresponding to the state of protonation of these groups. Both the MoIV/III and MoIII/II redox couples were observed in CV experiments and were complemented with density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

The beliefs and willingness of men who have sex with men to comply with a one-year blood donation deferral policy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration ended the lifetime blood donation deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) and replaced it with a 1-year deferral period. It is currently unknown how many MSM may meet the new deferral policy and how many are willing to comply with it. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An anonymous survey was shared on MSM-focused social media sites between May and July 2016 and enrolled self-identified American MSM who were at least 18 years old. The survey assessed the willingness of MSM to donate blood, donation history, and knowledge regarding current blood donation needs and testing limitations. RESULTS: A total of 764 men met criteria to be included in the final data set. Only 8.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9%-10.9%) met the current 12-month deferral criteria, yet 90.6% (95% CI, 88.5%-92.7%) were interested in donating. Among men interested in donating blood, 57.9% (95% CI, 54.3%-61.4%) would consider donating blood without meeting the 12-month deferral criteria. Overall, 26.7% (95% CI, 23.6%-29.8%) admitted to donating blood at least once in the past despite not meeting deferral criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Few MSM met the current deferral criteria, yet many were interested in donating, even without meeting deferral criteria. Possible motivations to donate without meeting deferral criteria may include a perceived shortage of donated blood and infallibility of current blood testing technology to detect human immunodeficiency virus. If the current 1-year deferral is maintained, it is essential that there is outreach to the MSM community to explain and educate why this policy exists.

The Demographics and Rates of Tattoo Complications, Regret, and Unsafe Tattooing Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Tattoos have become increasingly common in the United States; however, there are limited data on the rates of tattoo complications and tattoo regret. OBJECTIVE: To determine the rates of infectious and allergic complications after tattooing, rates of tattoo regret, the perception of dermatologists among people with tattoos, and the demographics of people with tattoos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 18-question cross-sectional survey was fielded in New Orleans in January 2015. Participants had to be at least 18 years old, have at least 1 tattoo, and reside within the United States. RESULTS: In total, 501 participants from 38 American states were enrolled. Of all participants, 3.2% had a history of an infected tattoo, 3.8% had a history of a painful tattoo, and 21.2% had a history of a pruritic tattoo; 16.2% of participants regret a current tattoo and 21.2% are interested in having 1 or more tattoos removed; 21.2% received a tattoo while intoxicated and 17.6% had a tattoo placed somewhere other than at a tattoo parlor; and 78.9% believe dermatologists are knowledgeable about the infectious and allergic complications of tattoos. CONCLUSION: Given the rates of pruritic tattoos and tattoo regret, there is an opportunity, and trust among people with tattoos, for dermatologists to manage these complications.