We have developed novel pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) which could be peeled off easily on ultrasonic irradiation as external stimuli. The PSAs were composed of acid-degradable polyurethanes and microcapsules containing a thermal acid generator (TAG). Three layered (w/o/w) type microcapsules containing a TAG were prepared by coacervation method. Generation of acid from the microcapsules and PSA layers on ultrasonic irradiation in water was confirmed by pH changes. Peel strength of PSAs containing the microcapsules decreased from 10 to 1 N/20mm on ultrasonic irradiation in water at 28 kHz for 20 min. The peel strength of PSAs containing the microcapsules was constant on heating up to 80 °C for 1 h, while that decreased on heating above 80 °C. These results suggest that acid was generated but kept in microcapsules on heating up to 80 °C, and the acid was released from microcapsules when PSAs were ultrasonic irradiated or heated above 80 °C.

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The opioid epidemic has recently increased the rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among young women. We therefore aimed to characterize the cascade of HCV care in a cohort of underserved women of reproductive age. Medical records of 19,121 women between the ages of 15 and 44 years, receiving primary care in the San Francisco safety‐net health care system, were reviewed. Cohort characteristics were as follows: median age 33 years (interquartile range 26‐38), 18% white (12% black, 46% Latina, 22% Asian, 2% other race), 1.3% hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive, and 0.9% human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infection. HCV antibody (HCVAb) testing occurred in 38.7% (n = 7,406), of whom 2.8% (n = 206) were HCVAb‐positive and 2.4% (n = 177) had a detectable HCV viral load. Of the 5% (n = 1,017) with a history of pregnancy, 61% (n = 615) had HCVAb testing (2.6% were positive). On multivariable analysis, HBsAg testing (odds ratio [OR] 8.25 [95% confidence interval (CI)] 6.80‐10.01]; P < 0.001), HIV infection (OR 5.98 [95% CI 1.86‐19.20]; P = 0.003), and log alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR 1.30 [95% CI 1.16‐1.45]; P < 0.001) were associated with HCV screening. Compared with whites, women of Latina (OR 0.45 [95% CI 0.37‐0.55]; P < 0.001) and Asian (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.58‐0.94]; P = 0.01) race were less likely to receive HCV screening. Age (OR 1.80 per decade [95% CI 1.26‐2.57]; P = 0.001), white race (versus non‐white; OR 10.48 [95% CI 7.22‐15.21]; P < 0.001), HIV infection (OR 3.25 [95% CI 1.40‐7.55]; P = 0.006), and log ALT (OR 1.93 [95% CI 1.49‐2.49]; P < 0.001) were associated with HCVAb positivity. Conclusion: Most (>60%) underserved women of reproductive age were not tested for HCV. Moreover, women of Latina and Asian race were less likely to receive HCV screening. Given the known high HCV risk in the underserved population, targeted interventions, especially for racial minority women of reproductive age, are needed to enhance HCV screening in those at risk.

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A prototype synthetic hydrogel that has a low refractive index (< 1.35) and is optically clear has been developed [1]. The refractive index is a key feature in the application of optical polymers, and this hydrogel is particularly useful for light-transmitting devices. The ultraviolet-light-curable hydrogel formulation contains more than 90% water (plus water-soluble oligomers, photoinitiator, and surfactant). UV cures it instantly at 425 mJ=cm 2 at a thickness of less than 10 mm, giving a firm hydrogel with a modulus of 2.3 Â 10 3 dyn=cm 2 . This hydrogel has utility in light-management applications.