Prolonged Reactions Research Articles

Anaphylaxis and prolonged allergic reactions caused by intra-articular injection of diclofenac etalhyaluronate in knee osteoarthritis: A case report.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition. The treatment of knee OA aims to improve the quality of life and clinical symptoms, mainly knee pain. To develop a new treatment option, diclofenac etalhyaluronate (DF-HA;ONO-5704/SI-613; trade name: JOYCLU) was developed. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects have been demonstrated. Conversely, adverse events have also been reported. Here, we report the case of a 71-year-old female who presented with anaphylaxis and prolonged allergic reactions after an intra-articular injection of JOYCLU. A basophil activation test (BAT) was performed to determine the cause of the anaphylaxis. BAT showed no positive findings. As the incidence of knee OA increases, the number of cases of JOYCLU use is expected to grow; therefore, careful administration is required. In this case, the cause was unknown by BAT. Thus, further development of appropriate testing methods is necessary. Intra-articular allergic reactions in knee OA may be modified and worsened besides normal allergic reactions; therefore, caution is required.

Chemical Differences between Phenolic Secondary Organic Aerosol Formed through Gas-Phase and Aqueous-Phase Reactions.

Phenolic compounds, which are significant emissions from biomass burning (BB), undergo rapid photochemical reactions in both gas and aqueous phases to form secondary organic aerosol, namely, gasSOA and aqSOA, respectively. The formation of gasSOA and aqSOA involves different reaction mechanisms, leading to different product distributions. In this study, we investigate the gaseous and aqueous reactions of guaiacol-a representative BB phenol-to elucidate the compositional differences between phenolic aqSOA and gasSOA. Aqueous-phase reactions of guaiacol produce higher SOA yields than gas-phase reactions (e.g., roughly 60 vs 30% at one half-life of guaiacol). These aqueous reactions involve more complex reaction mechanisms and exhibit a more gradual SOA evolution than their gaseous counterparts. Initially, gasSOA forms with high oxidation levels (O/C > 0.82), while aqSOA starts with lower O/C (0.55-0.75). However, prolonged aqueous-phase reactions substantially increase the oxidation state of aqSOA, making its bulk chemical composition closer to that of gasSOA. Additionally, aqueous reactions form a greater abundance of oligomers and high-molecular-weight compounds, alongside a more sustained production of carboxylic acids. AMS spectral signatures representative of phenolic gasSOA have been identified, which, together with tracer ions of aqSOA, can aid in the interpretation of field observation data on aerosol aging within BB smoke. The notable chemical differences between phenolic gasSOA and aqSOA highlighted in this study also underscore the importance of accurately representing both pathways in atmospheric models to better predict the aerosol properties and their environmental impacts.

The effect of the “Femininity Identity Improvement Program” based on cognitive behavioral and expressive techniques applied to gynecological cancer patients on prolonged grief reactions: Study protocol for randomized controlled trial

The research was designed to determine the impact of the Femininity Identity Improvement Program based on cognitive-behavioral and expressive techniques applied to gynecological cancer patients on their prolonged grief responses. The research is the study protocol created for a randomized controlled experimental study. The research protocol prepared in accordance with SPIRIT 2013 was registered in the Clinical Trials system (XXXX). The research was conducted with 80 patients (40 patients in the intervention group and 40 patients in the control group) who underwent surgery in the gynecology and obstetrics clinic of a university hospital within the last year. Among these patients, those who had a surgery at least three months ago were included in the study. The intervention group participated in the Femininity Identity Improvement Program for 10 weeks, with sessions once a week, each lasting 90-120 minutes. The control group received no intervention. Measurements were taken before the program (pretest), at the end of the program (posttest at the 10th week), and three months after the program (follow-up measurement) to determine the effect of the program. Data were collected using the Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale-Patient Form. The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data obtained at different times. The study integrates two psychotherapeutic interventions (cognitive-behavioral theory and art therapy) in an innovative way to structure the Femininity Identity Improvement Program for psychiatric nursing practice. Psychiatric nurses in oncology and other relevant clinical settings are recommended to apply this program to provide comprehensive care using current approaches.

Early predictors of prolonged grief among bereaved trauma survivors 8.5 years after a terrorist attack.

A better understanding of the development of prolonged grief disorder can help professionals identify bereaved in need of intervention efforts and improve the efficiency of services. We aimed to examine the prevalence of and risk factors for prolonged grief disorder in a sample of young, bereaved terrorist attack survivors almost a decade postloss. In total, 165 bereaved survivors (Mage = 27.75, SD = 4.27; 45.5% females) of the 2011 terror attack on Utøya island, Norway, participated in face-to-face, semistructured interviews. At 4-5 months after the attack, early posttraumatic reactions were measured using the Brief Grief Questionnaire, University of California at Los Angeles PTSD Reaction Index, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-8, and the eight-item Children's Somatic Symptoms Inventory. At 8.5 years postloss, the Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report Plus was used to assess prolonged grief disorder. To explore the association between participants' sociodemographic characteristics, early postloss clinical characteristics, and later prolonged grief reactions, we used multiple linear regression analyses. We found that 4.8% of the participants fulfilled the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, text revision diagnostic criteria for prolonged grief disorder 8.5 years after their traumatic loss. Lower age and high levels of early somatic complaints predicted higher prolonged grief reactions almost a decade postloss. Young, bereaved survivors may be at particularly high risk of experiencing persistent grief reactions following the traumatic loss of a peer. Pending replication of our findings, professionals should focus on identifying bereaved who experience intense somatic symptoms early after a traumatic loss. Targeting these symptoms may alleviate the exacerbation of persistent grief reactions several years after a traumatic loss. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Trauma-informed music therapy with adult survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault: A scoping review

Trauma is a phenomenon that shapes our lives and can manifest in symptoms both overt and hidden. There are myriad causes and activators of trauma: it is pervasive, and therapists can presume that the people we see in sessions have experienced one or more traumas. Across cultures, neurobiological responses to trauma are shared: dysregulation of affect, changes in neurological functioning and processing, and prolonged stress reactions are common outcomes experienced by people from around the world. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) create traumatic symptoms and responses in survivors; these can be debilitating and life-altering events. Music as a therapeutic modality offers survivors a way to process the effects of past and present traumatic events in a way that does not rely solely on cognitive processing or for survivors to relive memories that activate more stress or cause retraumatization. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify salient and current trends in music therapy that integrate a trauma-informed approach to working with women-identifying survivors of IPV and SA. Findings indicate a lack of continuity in theoretical and practical approaches. A theme of resiliency arose, and therapeutic experiences of songwriting, clinical improvisation, and active music making emerged as primary foci for clinical work.

Case report: Resolution of pathologic fracture from metastatic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with compassionate therapy

Broad-spectrum anticancer treatments have limited cell selectivity. The sites of action of these treatments are targeted at blocking cell division and inducing apoptosis. This has a negative impact on the viability and proliferation of healthy cells, which can cause deterioration in the patient's quality of life. In this case report, an older patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, follicular pattern grade 2 with invasion to the L3 vertebra, concluded a combination chemotherapy regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP). However, the patient reported severe and prolonged adverse reactions that caused physical and emotional complaints, thus she refused to continue with the subsequent radiotherapy. Given the impact on quality of life and uncertain survival, by personal decision, the patient started compassionate therapy based on chlorine dioxide (ClO2). This low-cost anticancer agent causes apoptosis in cancer cells by destabilizing the oxidative balance through the release of reactive oxygen species. ClO2 treatment was administered orally and by enema at a concentration below the EPA-reported toxicity threshold, in order to not compromise healthy cells, given that they do not experience the high levels of oxidative stress of cancer cells. During ClO2 treatment, the patient reported no adverse reactions and an increase in bone density was observed in pathological terrain. Rigorous clinical studies are needed to analyze the temporal sequence of the increase in bone density

Microwave-assisted exploration of the electron configuration-dependent electrocatalytic urea oxidation activity of 2D porous NiCo2O4 spinel

Urea holds promise as an alternative water-oxidation substrate in electrolytic cells. High-valence nickel-based spinel, especially after heteroatom doping, excels in urea oxidation reactions (UOR). However, traditional spinel synthesis methods with prolonged high-temperature reactions lack kinetic precision, hindering the balance between controlled doping and highly active two-dimensional (2D) porous structures design. This significantly impedes the identification of electron configuration-dependent active sites in doped 2D nickel-based spinels. Herein, we present a microwave shock method for the preparation of 2D porous NiCo2O4 spinel. Utilizing the transient on-off property of microwave pulses for precise heteroatom doping and 2D porous structural design, non-metal doping (boron, phosphorus, and sulfur) with distinct extranuclear electron disparities serves as straightforward examples for investigation. Precise tuning of lattice parameter reveals the impact of covalent bond strength on NiCo2O4 structural stability. The introduced defect levels induce unpaired d-electrons in transition metals, enhancing the adsorption of electron-donating amino groups in urea molecules. Simultaneously, Bode plots confirm the impact mechanism of rapid electron migration caused by reduced band gaps on UOR activity. The prepared phosphorus-doped 2D porous NiCo2O4, with optimal electron configuration control, outperforms most reported spinels. This controlled modification strategy advances understanding theoretical structure-activity mechanisms of high-performance 2D spinels in UOR.

Features of overcoming burnout syndrome by police officers: World experience

The issue of preserving the psychophysical health and emotional well-being of police officers is relevant at all times, but it has become particularly significant in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency, which have significantly increased demands on the job and depleted work resources. The purpose of the study is to explore the best global practices and strategies for preventing emotional burnout in police officers, with subsequent implementation into the national system to prevent this phenomenon. The study used methods such as heuristic, descriptive, comparative, analytical, classification, and typology. The experience of Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and Japan was summarised. Based on the experience of these countries, which seems most suitable for Ukraine, the prevention of emotional burnout in the police sector was analysed. The conclusion was formulated that preventing the psychophysical exhaustion of police officers is one of the leading areas of the foreign countriesʼ state policy. Prevention of emotional burnout is conducted at personal and organisational (management) levels. To maintain the professional well-being of police officers, in addition to preventive measures aimed at forming mechanisms to counter professional burnout, particular importance is attached to a deep conviction in the significance and value of health in general and professional health in particular. A fairly effective preventive measure in this context is regular physical activity, which facilitates psychological suspension from work and reduces the risk of prolonged stress reactions, such as professional burnout. This study draws attention to the task of strengthening the psychoemotional health in police structures and outlines possibilities for preventive measures that can improve the quality of life and professional activities of police officers, mitigating the negative impact of the emotional burnout phenomenon

Characteristics of immune response profile in patients with immediate allergic and autoimmune urticarial reactions induced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

Severe allergic reactions following SARS-COV-2 vaccination are generally rare, but the reactions are increasingly reported. Some patients may develop prolonged urticarial reactions following SARS-COV-2 vaccination. Herein, we investigated the risk factors and immune mechanisms for patients with SARS-COV-2 vaccines-induced immediate allergy and chronic urticaria (CU). We prospectively recruited and analyzed 129 patients with SARS-COV-2 vaccine–induced immediate allergic and urticarial reactions as well as 115 SARS-COV-2 vaccines–tolerant individuals from multiple medical centers during 2021–2022. The clinical manifestations included acute urticaria, anaphylaxis, and delayed to chronic urticaria developed after SARS-COV-2 vaccinations. The serum levels of histamine, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 A, TARC, and PARC were significantly elevated in allergic patients comparing to tolerant subjects (P-values = 4.5 × 10−5–0.039). Ex vivo basophil revealed that basophils from allergic patients could be significantly activated by SARS-COV-2 vaccine excipients (polyethylene glycol 2000 and polysorbate 80) or spike protein (P-values from 3.5 × 10−4 to 0.043). Further BAT study stimulated by patients’ autoserum showed positive in 81.3% of patients with CU induced by SARS-COV-2 vaccination (P = 4.2 × 10−13), and the reactions could be attenuated by anti-IgE antibody. Autoantibodies screening also identified the significantly increased of IgE-anti–IL-24, IgG-anti–FcεRI, IgG-anti–thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and IgG-anti-thyroid–related proteins in SARS-COV-2 vaccines-induced CU patients comparing to SARS-COV-2 vaccines-tolerant controls (P-values = 4.6 × 10−10–0.048). Some patients with SARS-COV-2 vaccines-induced recalcitrant CU patients could be successfully treated with anti-IgE therapy. In conclusion, our results revealed that multiple vaccine components, inflammatory cytokines, and autoreactive IgG/IgE antibodies contribute to SARS-COV-2 vaccine–induced immediate allergic and autoimmune urticarial reactions.

Exploring the role of empathy in prolonged grief reactions to bereavement

Grief reactions to the bereavement of a close individual could involve empathy for pain, which is fundamental to social interaction. To explore whether grief symptoms interact with social relatedness to a person to whom one directs empathy to modulate the expression of empathy, we administered an empathy task to 28 bereaved adults during functional magnetic resonance imaging, in which participants were subliminally primed with facial stimuli (e.g., faces of their deceased or living relative, or a stranger), each immediately followed by a visual pain stimulus. Individuals’ grief severity promoted empathy for the pain stimulus primed with the deceased’s face, while it diminished the neural response to the pain stimulus primed with the face of either their living relative or a stranger in the medial frontal cortex (e.g., the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex). Moreover, preliminary analyses showed that while the behavioral empathic response was promoted by the component of “longing” in the deceased priming condition, the neural empathic response was diminished by the component of “avoidance” in the stranger priming condition. Our results suggest an association between grief reactions to bereavement and empathy, in which grief symptoms interact with interpersonal factors to promote or diminish empathic responses to others’ pain.

Co-occurrence of approach and avoidance in prolonged grief: a latent class analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) has been included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Loss-related avoidance behavior perpetuates grief and effective interventions for prolonged grief symptoms target such avoidance behavior. Yet, behaviors characterized by approach of loss-related cues (i.e. rumination, yearning, proximity seeking) are also implicated in prolonged grief reactions. Objective: To solve this paradox, we will test the Approach Avoidance Processing Hypothesis, which holds that loss-related approach and avoidance behaviors co-occur in PGD, using latent class analyses (LCA). Methods: Two-hundred eighty-eight bereaved adults (92% female) completed questionnaires assessing loss-related approach behaviors (rumination, yearning, proximity seeking), loss-related avoidance behaviors (anxious avoidance, experiential avoidance) and ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR prolonged grief symptoms. Results: LCA demonstrated the best fit for a three-class solution comprising a low approach/low avoidance class (n = 98, 34%), a high approach/low avoidance class (n = 79, 27%), and a high approach/high avoidance class (n = 111, 39%). The latter class showed significantly higher prolonged grief symptom levels and higher odds of probable PGD compared to the other classes. Conclusions: Co-occurrence of loss-related approach and avoidance appears characteristic to prolonged grief reactions. Distinguishing bereaved people with these behavioral patterns from those solely experiencing loss-related approach behaviors may improve the efficacy of PGD therapies.

Trimetallic Chalcogenide Species: Synthesis, Structures, and Bonding.

In an attempt to isolate boron-containing tri-niobium polychalcogenide species, we have carried out prolonged thermolysis reactions of [Cp*NbCl4] (Cp* = ɳ5-C5Me5) with four equivalents of Li[BH2E3] (E = Se or S). In the case of the heavier chalcogen (Se), the reaction led to the isolation of the tri-niobium cubane-like cluster [(NbCp*)3(μ3-Se)3(BH)(μ-Se)3] (1) and the homocubane-like cluster [(NbCp*)3(μ3-Se)3(μ-Se)3(BH)(μ-Se)] (2). Interestingly, the tri-niobium framework of 1 stabilizes a selenaborate {Se3BH}- ligand. A selenium atom is further introduced between boron and one of the selenium atoms of 1 to yield cluster 2. On the other hand, the reaction with the sulfur-containing borate adduct [LiBH2S3] afforded the trimetallic clusters [(NbCp*)3(μ-S)4{μ-S2(BH)}] (3) and [(NbCp*)3(μ-S)4{μ-S2(S)}] (4). Both clusters 3 and 4 have an Nb3S6 core, which further stabilizes {BH} and mono-sulfur units, respectively, through bi-chalcogen coordination. All of these species were characterized by 11B{1H}, 1H, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Moreover, theoretical investigations revealed that the triangular Nb3 framework is aromatic in nature and plays a vital role in the stabilization of the borate, borane, and chalcogen units.

From radicals destabilization to stable fullerenol nanoaggregates

• Fullerenol radicals were prepared with C60 and KOH in DMF under nitrogen atmosphere. • Radicals oxidation promoted by air contributes to increasing modification degree. • Nanoparticles are formed after the oxidation of fullerenol radicals. • Electrostatic and solvation interactions provide stability for nanoparticles in DMF. • Concentrated dispersions of fullerenols in DMF are lyophilic and stable. Fullerenols are fullerene derivatives enriched on hydroxyl groups that are obtained usually as nanoparticles nanoaggregates dispersed in water. These materials are used in energy-related and biological applications, and they have been reported as radical scavengers, antioxidants and stable radicals. However, most synthesis demand highly toxic solvents to dissolve precursor fullerene, potentially dangerous reagents such as hydrogen peroxide, and prolonged reactions. Herein, a novel and faster procedure for fullerenol preparation based on the reaction between fullerene C 60 and potassium hydroxide in a polar solvent is reported. Initially, fullerenol radicals are formed, followed by air oxidation that promotes charge loss and simultaneous clustering into nanoparticles nanoaggregates with diameters up to 90 nm. Dried fullerenol has about 12 oxygenated groups per C 60 . Then, an aqueous dispersion was prepared with dispersed material having lyophobic behavior but maintaining the modification degree. This low-modified fullerenol remains dispersed indefinitely in an organic medium due to electrostatic and solvation colloidal interactions arising from functional groups. As a result, stable organic dispersions with concentrations up to 10 mg mL −1 were obtained. This work opens new possibilities on fullerenol preparation and new perspectives concerning achieving the achievement of stable colloids of carbon nanomaterials due to the unprecedented stability and mass concentration of the reported fullerenol dispersions.

An Open Trial of Skills for Psychological Recovery for Sudden Loss Survivors

Sudden, unexpected death losses are among the most common traumatic experiences and place survivors at risk for a variety of bereavement-related mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress, depression, and prolonged grief reactions. Although survivors of sudden, unexpected deaths are most likely to seek support for emotional distress in the early aftermath of a loss, no early mental health interventions have specifically been evaluated for this vulnerable population. This study reports findings from an open trial of Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR)—a brief, evidence-informed early intervention for trauma and bereaved survivors and their families—with a sample of 21 adult sudden loss survivors. Participants within 1 year of the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one received up to five sessions of SPR and completed self-report measures of mental health outcomes pre- and postintervention and again at 3-month follow-up. Results showed statistically significant reductions in posttraumatic stress, depression, and grief symptoms that were maintained at follow-up. A case description is provided to illustrate the use of SPR with this population. These findings suggest that SPR may be an acceptable, scalable early intervention for sudden loss survivors. Limitations, including lack of a comparison group and reliance on self-report measures, are discussed.

Grief and growth among Chinese parents who lost their only child: the role of positive and negative experiences of social support from different sources

ABSTRACT Background: In China, bereaved parents who have lost their only child are known as Shidu parents, and they tend to present high levels of prolonged grief reactions. To date, a widespread focus has been placed on positive social support, while potential negative experiences have been relatively neglected. Additionally, the role of social support from different sources (i.e. close family members [partner, siblings, grandchildren], peers, and others [relatives, friends, colleagues]) has not been examined thoroughly. Objective: The present study investigated whether social support from different sources has a differential impact on postloss adaptation (i.e. prolonged grief and growth). The loss-orientated and restoration-orientated coping strategies of the dual process model were also tested for their mediating roles. Methods: A total of 277 Chinese Shidu parents were recruited to complete a series of questionnaires including social support from different sources, prolonged grief symptoms, posttraumatic growth, and dual process coping strategies. Correlation analyses, paired sample t tests and structural equation modelling were conducted. Results: More positive support were related to less prolonged grief symptoms and more posttraumatic growth, while more negative support was only related to more prolonged grief. Positive support from close family members and others was significantly related to prolonged grief/growth, and negative support from these sources was significantly positively associated with prolonged grief. Positive or negative support from people who shared a similar experience was unrelated to prolonged grief/growth. Positive and negative support were related to prolonged grief and growth through loss-oriented coping strategies. Conclusion: Overall, the present study indicated that positive and negative support experiences from different sources functioned differently in the recovery of Chinese Shidu parents and that loss-oriented coping played a mediating role. These findings highlight the importance of differentiating social support by traits in coping with grief and the crucial mediating role of loss-oriented coping. HIGHLIGHTS More positive support correlated with less prolonged grief and more growth, while more negative support correlated with more prolonged grief. Support from family members and friends was more potent than that from peers. Social Support correlated with prolonged grief/growth through loss-oriented coping.

Long COVID: current status in Japan and knowledge about its molecular background.

Even after recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), patients can experience prolonged complaints, referred to as "long COVID". Similar to reports in Caucasians, a follow-up study in Japan revealed that fatigue, dyspnea, cough, anosmia/dysgeusia, and dyssomnia are common symptoms. Although the precise mode of long COVID remains elusive, multiple etiologies such as direct organ damage by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), autoimmunity, prolonged inflammatory reactions, and psychiatric impairment seem to be involved. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 is neurotropic, and viral RNA and proteins are continuously detectable in multiple organs, including the brain. Viral proteins exert a number of different toxic effects on cells, suggesting that persistent infection is a key element for understanding long COVID. Here, we first reviewed the current status of long COVID in Japan, and then summarized literature that help us understand the molecular background of the symptoms. Finally, we discuss the feasibility of vaccination as a treatment for patients with long COVID.

Student perspectives on potential sources of trauma exposure during nursing school.

Adverse effects of events experienced by nursing students as harmful during nursing school have included moral distress, prolonged grief reactions, secondary traumatic stress, and anxiety and depression during nursing school. Nursing student perceptions of potential sources of trauma exposure also known as potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during nursing school are lacking in the literature. The purpose of this study was to describe nursing students' perceptions of potential sources of trauma exposure during nursing school at one private school of nursing. Four online, synchronous focus groups with undergraduate nursing students were conducted in April 2020. Four themes emerged from analysis of focus group transcripts related to potential sources of trauma exposure: Individual-oriented interpersonal sources, nursing student-oriented interpersonal sources, nursing student-oriented institutional and organizational sources, and individual-oriented community sources. Participants focused on nursing student-oriented, interpersonal, and institutional and organizational potential sources of trauma exposure, while minimizing individual-oriented, community, and macro-level potential sources of student trauma exposure during nursing school. Findings advance discussions of organizational, systems, and community PTEs in nursing education. Trauma-informed educational and healthcare systems that promote the academic and career success of nursing students should be considered in PTE prevention efforts.

A general strategy for overcoming the trade-off between ultrasmall size and high loading of MOF-derived metal nanoparticles by millisecond pyrolysis

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have flourished as a library of promising precursors for synthesizing carbon-supported metal catalysts by pyrolysis, but it is extremely difficult to simultaneously achieve a high metal loading and an ultrasmall size, particularly for non-noble metal (Fe, Co, Ni, etc.) that are highly active and have a strong tendency to coarsen. Here, we report a general strategy for controllable synthesize thermodynamically metastable sub-3 nm non-noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) with ultrahigh metal loading up to 41.0 wt% (12.8 at%) by rapid pyrolysis of MOF (e.g., ~ 1000 °C in 0.3 s), at least four-fold higher than the reported strategy where ultrasmall NPs were obtained but with a significant sacrifice of metal loading (usually less than 10 wt%). Furthermore, we found that the formation of metal NPs during high-temperature pulse agrees with the LaMer model (sigmoidal coarsening kinetics), in which rapid pyrolysis triggers only the initial nucleation and avoids Ostwald ripening or further coalescence. We also demonstrate the generality of our strategy in synthesizing other MOF-derived ultrasmall NPs, including non-noble metal NPs (Ni), metallic compound (CoS2), and alloy (CoPd). As a demonstration, the obtained CoPd-based catalyst showed high activity and robust stability during prolonged catalytic reactions. Therefore, our strategy and mechanistic insights enable the rational design and controlled synthesis of advanced catalysts with a good balance between ultrasmall size and a high metal loading, from more than 100,000 types of MOFs.

Instantaneous splicing and excision of inteins to synthesize polyproteins on a substrate with tunable linkers.

Nature has adapted chimeric polyproteins to achieve superior and multiplexed functionality in a single protein. However, the hurdles in in vitro synthesis have restricted the biomimicry of and subsequent fundamental studies on the structure-function relationship of polyproteins. Recombinant expression of polyproteins and the synthesis of polyproteins via the enzyme-mediated repetitive digestion and ligation of individual protein domains have been widely practiced. However, recombinant expression often suffers from an in vitro refolding process, whereas enzyme-assisted peptide conjugation results in heterogeneous products, primarily due to enzymatic re-digestion, and prolonged and multistep reactions. Moreover, both methods incorporate enzyme-recognition residues of varying lengths as artifacts at interdomain linkers. The linkers, although tiny, regulate the spatiotemporal conformations of the polyproteins differentially and tune the folding dynamics, stability, and functions of the constituent protein. In an attempt to leave no string behind at the interdomain junctions, here, we develop a 'splice and excise' synthetic route for polyproteins on a substrate using two orthogonal split inteins. Inteins self-excise and conjugate the protein units covalently and instantaneously, without any cofactors, and incorporate a single cysteine or serine residue at the interdomain junctions.

The role of canines in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a syndrome of prolonged stress reactions that can develop following a traumatic event. Treatment usually relies on both psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies. Recently, the use of dogs as adjunct intervention for a variety of psychiatric conditions has received widespread attention. The aim of this review was to systematically review the evidence for the use of dogs in the treatment of PTSD. A systematic search was conducted using multiple specialist and generalist databases. Articles targeted were those examining the effects of dogs in the treatment of PTSD. Inclusion criteria were peer review, that participants had a formal diagnosis of PTSD, and that the experimental intervention involved a dog. There were no restrictions on subpopulation, exact type or role of dog, or country or language of publication. 16 papers met the inclusion criteria. All of the included studies examined veterans. Methods and results were widely heterogeneous between studies, making it infeasible to quantify an overall effect size. Multiple studies demonstrated promising results when dogs were used as an adjunct intervention to standard therapy, particularly in symptom reduction and social functioning. However, risk of bias was an issue for most of the studies. While the results in most of the studies were overall promising, the risk of biases and veteran subpopulation limit the validity and generalizability of the results. At best, the current evidence raises the hypothesis that dogs are beneficial in PTSD. Further research is required with a focus on rigorous design. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).