Impact of a novel prognostic model on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes in patients with CMML.

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell malignancy, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only curable treatment. The outcomes after transplant are influenced by both disease characteristics and patient comorbidities. To develop a novel prognostic model to predict the post-transplant survival of CMML patients, we identified risk factors by applying univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to a derivation cohort. In multivariable analysis, advanced age (hazard ratio [HR] 3.583), leukocyte count (HR 3.499), anemia (HR 3.439), bone marrow blast cell count (HR 2.095), and no chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD; HR 4.799) were independently associated with worse survival. A novel prognostic model termed ABLAG (Age, Blast, Leukocyte, Anemia, cGVHD) was developed and the points were assigned according to the regression equation. The patients were categorized into low risk (0-1), intermediate risk (2, 3), and high risk (4-6) three groups and the 3-year overall survival (OS) were 93.3% (95%CI, 61%-99%), 78.9% (95%CI, 60%-90%), and 51.6% (95%CI, 32%-68%; p < .001), respectively. In internal and external validation cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the ABLAG model were 0.829 (95% CI, 0.776-0.902) and 0.749 (95% CI, 0.684-0.854). Compared with existing models designed for the nontransplant setting, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis showed that the ABLAG model revealed a high consistency between predicted and observed outcomes and patients could benefit from this model. In conclusion, combining disease and patient characteristic, the ABLAG model provides better survival stratification for CMML patients receiving allo-HSCT.

Positive Organizational Psychology Factors as Serial Multiple Mediators of the Relationship between Organization Support and Job Satisfaction Among Peer Support Specialists.

BACKGROUND: Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of peer support specialists in helping people with severe mental illness increase community tenure, decrease hospitalization, boost treatment satisfaction, improve social functioning, and increase quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate positive organizational psychology constructs as serial multiple mediators of the relationships between perceived organizational support and job satisfaction among peer support specialists. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-one peer support specialists from the Texas statewide peer certification training programs and the National Association of Peer Supporters participated in the present study. These peer support specialists completed an online survey composed of self-report measures related to perceived organizational support, positive organizational psychology factors, and job satisfaction. A serial multiple mediation (SMMA) analysis was conducted to evaluate autonomous motivation to work, work engagement, and organizational commitment as mediators of the relationship between perceived organizational support and job satisfaction. RESULTS: The SMMA model accounted for 49% of the variation in job satisfaction scores (R2 =. 49, f2 = 0.96 [> 0.35], a large effect size). Autonomous motivation to work, work engagement, and organizational commitment were significantly associated with job satisfaction after controlling for the effect of perceived organizational support. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived organizational support increased autonomous motivation to work, work engagement, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction. Peer support specialists are integral members of the interdisciplinary mental health treatment team. Leaders of community-based mental health and rehabilitation agencies who are committed to hire and retain peer support specialists must provide strong organizational support and develop interventions to increase peer support specialists' autonomous motivation to work, work engagement, and organizational commitment as a job retention and career development strategy.

Phospholipase D- and phosphatidic acid-mediated phospholipid metabolism and signaling modulate symbiotic interaction and nodulation in soybean (Glycine max).

Symbiotic rhizobium-legume interactions, such as root hair curling, rhizobial invasion, infection thread expansion, cell division and proliferation of nitrogen-fixing bacteroids, and nodule formation, involve extensive membrane synthesis, lipid remodeling and cytoskeleton dynamics. However, little is known about these membrane-cytoskeleton interfaces and related genes. Here, we report the roles of a major root phospholipase D (PLD), PLDα1, and its enzymatic product, phosphatidic acid (PA), in rhizobium-root interaction and nodulation. PLDα1 was activated and the PA content transiently increased in roots after rhizobial infection. Levels of PLDα1 transcript and PA, as well as actin and tubulin cytoskeleton-related gene expression, changed markedly during root-rhizobium interactions and nodule development. Pre-treatment of the roots of soybean seedlings with n-butanol suppressed the generation of PLD-derived PA, the expression of early nodulation genes and nodule numbers. Overexpression or knockdown of GmPLDα1 resulted in changes in PA levels, glycerolipid profiles, nodule numbers, actin cytoskeleton dynamics, early nodulation gene expression and hormone levels upon rhizobial infection compared with GUS roots. The transcript levels of cytoskeleton-related genes, such as GmACTIN, GmTUBULIN, actin capping protein 1 (GmCP1) and microtubule-associating protein (GmMAP1), were modified in GmPLDα1-altered hairy roots compared with those of GUS roots. Phosphatidic acid physically bound to GmCP1 and GmMAP1, which could be related to cytoskeletal changes in rhizobium-infected GmPLDα1 mutant roots. These data suggest that PLDα1 and PA play important roles in soybean-rhizobium interaction and nodulation. The possible underlying mechanisms, including PLDα1- and PA-mediated lipid signaling, membrane remodeling, cytoskeleton dynamics and related hormone signaling, are discussed herein.

Demographic Covariates, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Employment Outcomes of Working-Age Adults with Anxiety Disorders: A Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between demographic covariates, vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and employment outcomes of individuals with anxiety disorders. The specific research question for the current study investigate demographic variables and vocational rehabilitation services as predictors of competitive employment outcomes. METHODS: Data for the present study were extracted from the most recent United States Rehabilitation Service Administration 2018 Case Service Report (RSA-911) data. A purposeful selection, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the case service report data of 9266 individuals with anxiety disorders who received vocational rehabilitation services based on their demographic variables and receipt of VR services. RESULTS: The results indicated that African Americans and Latinx, people who have completed high school or more, people who do not receive disability-related benefits, and those who received more vocational rehabilitation services were more likely to be gainfully employed. In addition, receipt of financial support for life crises and occupational credentials (i.e., other services and maintenance services) and vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance services were significant predictors of employment outcomes. Conversely, receipt of supported employment and transition services were negatively associated with employment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we identified VR services that can improve and risk factors that can impede employment outcomes of people with anxiety disorders. We also identified medical, psychosocial, and vocational interventions that can lessen the effect of anxiety disorders on physical and mental health functioning.

Different exercise modalities relieve pain syndrome in patients with knee osteoarthritis and modulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: A multiple mode MRI study.

OBJECTIVES: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease with no satisfactory intervention. Recently, both physical and mindfulness exercises have received considerable attention for their implications in KOA pain management, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has displayed a critical role in pain modulation. This study aimed to comparatively investigate the modulation effects of different exercises using multidisciplinary measurements. METHODS: 140 KOA patients were randomized into Tai Chi, Baduanjin, stationary cycling, or health education control groups for 12 weeks. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), structural MRI, and serum biomarkers were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: We found: 1) increased KOOS pain subscores (pain reduction) and serum programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) levels in the three exercise groups compared to the control group; 2) decreased resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the DLPFC-supplementary motor area (SMA) and increased rsFC between the DLPFC and anterior cingulate cortex in all exercise groups compared to the control group; 3) significant associations between DLPFC-SMA rsFC with KOOS pain subscores and serum PD-1 levels at baseline; 4) significantly increased grey matter volume in the SMA in the Tai Chi and stationary cycling groups, and a trend toward significant increase in the Baduanjin group compared to the control group; 5) significant DLPFC rsFC differences among different exercise groups; and 6) that baseline DLPFC-SMA rsFC can predict the effect of mind-body exercise on pain improvement in KOA. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that different exercises can modulate both common and unique DLPFC (cognitive control) pathways, and altered DLPFC-SMA rsFC is associated with serum biomarker levels. Our findings also highlight the potentials of neuroimaging biomarkers in predicting the therapeutic effect of mind-body exercises on KOA pain.

Modulatory effects of different exercise modalities on the functional connectivity of the periaqueductal grey and ventral tegmental area in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised multimodal magnetic resonance imaging study.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent disorder with unsatisfactory treatment options. Both physical and mindful exercises may be able to relieve its pain symptoms. We compared the modulatory effects of different exercise modalities on the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), which play important roles in descending opioidergic pathways and reward/motivation systems in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: We recruited and randomised 140 patients into Tai Chi, Baduanjin, stationary cycling, and health education control groups for 12 weeks. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), functional and structural MRI, and blood biomarkers were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. We used the PAG and VTA as seeds in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the control group: (i) all exercises significantly increased KOOS pain sub-scores (pain reduction) and serum programmed death 1 (PD-1) concentrations; (ii) all exercises decreased right PAG rsFC with the medial orbital prefrontal cortex, and the decreased rsFC was associated with improvements in knee pain; and (iii) grey matter volume in the medial orbital prefrontal cortex was significantly increased in all exercise groups. There was also significantly decreased rsFC between the left VTA and the medial orbital prefrontal cortex in the Tai Chi and Baduanjin groups. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise can simultaneously modulate the rsFC of the descending opioidergic pathway and reward/motivation system and blood inflammation markers. Elucidating the shared and unique mechanisms of different exercise modalities may facilitate the development of exercise-based interventions for chronic pain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-IOR-16009308.

Self-Reported Pain Intensity and Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

Older adults with schizophrenia have some of the highest rates of both medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Despite this, little is known about comorbid pain and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia research. This study aimed to examine the associations between levels of pain intensity and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and older with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Recruited from U.S. community mental health centers, participants reported on pain and depressive symptoms at the onset of the Helping Older People Experience Success (HOPES) study. Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses were conducted. Higher pain intensity was associated with elevated depressive symptoms in all analyses, which is consistent with other studies in the general population. Given the widespread efforts to manage pain and related mental health complications in older adults without serious mental illnesses, it is likewise important that community-based mental health professionals monitor and address intense pain and related depressive symptoms among older adults with schizophrenia.

MicroRNA-9 suppresses cancer proliferation and cell cycle progression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia with inverse association of neuropilin-1.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common and most malign childhood cancers. In this work, we investigated the expression and function of human mature microRNA-9 (miR-9) in ALL. In ALL in vitro cell lines and in situ clinical specimens, gene expression of miR-9 was tested by qRT-PCR. MiR-9 was overexpressed in CEM/C1 and Molt-3 cells to investigate its possible anti-cancer effects on ALL in vitro proliferation, cell-cycle progression, and in vivo explant growth. The possible downstream target of miR-9, neuropilin-1 (NRP1), was examined by dual-luciferase activity assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. NRP1was upregulated in miR-9-overexpressed CEM/C1 and Molt-3 cells to investigate the functional involvement of NRP1 in miR-9-mediated regulation on ALL in vitro proliferation and cell-cycle progression. MiR-9 was downregulated in ALL cell lines and leukemic T-cells of ALL patients. Lentivirus-mediated miR-9 overexpression inhibited ALL in vitro proliferation, cell-cycle progression, and in vivo explant growth. NRP1 was confirmed be the downstream target of miR-9, and inversely modulated by miR-9 in ALL. NRP1 upregulation reversed the anti-cancer regulations of miR-9 on ALL in vitro proliferation and cell-cycle progression. MiR-9 is downregulated in ALL. Overexpressing miR-9 may inhibit ALL development, possible through its downstream target of NRP1.

Specially Treated Aramid Fiber Stabilized Gel-Emulsions: Preparation of Porous Polymeric Monoliths and Highly Efficient Removing of Airborne HCHO.

Porous polymeric monoliths with densities as low as ≈0.060 g cm-3 are prepared in a gel-emulsion template way, of which the stabilizer employed is a newly discovered acidified aramid fiber that is so efficient that 0.05% (w/v, accounts for continuous phase) is enough to gel the system. The porous monoliths as obtained can be dried at ambient conditions, avoiding energy-consuming processes. Importantly, the monoliths show selective adsorption to HCHO, and the corresponding adsorption capacity (M6) is ≈2700 mg g-1 , the best result that is reported until now. More importantly, the monoliths can be reused after drying.

Synergetic effect based gel-emulsions and their utilization for the template preparation of porous polymeric monoliths.

A polymerizable cholesteryl derivative (COA) was synthesized and used as a stabilizer for creating gel-emulsions with water in polymerizable monomers, of which they are styrene (ST), tert-butyl methacrylate (t-BMA), ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate (EGDMA), and methyl methacrylate (MMA), etc. Interestingly, in addition to COA, the presence of a small amount of Span-80 is a necessity for the formation of the monomers containing gel-emulsions. Unlike conventional ones, the volume fraction of the dispersed phase in the gel-emulsions as created could be much lower than 74%, a critical value for routine gel-emulsions. Stabilization of these gel-emulsions as created has been attributed to the synergetic effect between COA, a typical low-molecular-mass gelator (LMMG), and Span-80, a surfactant, of which the former gels the continuous phase and the latter minimizes the interfacial energy of the continuous phase and the dispersed phase. SEM observation confirmed the network structures of COA in the gel-emulsions. Rheological tests demonstrated that the storage modulus, G', and the yield stress of the gel-emulsions decrease along with increasing the volume fraction of the dispersed phase, water, provided it is not greater than 74%-a result inconsistent with the theory explaining formation of routine gel-emulsions and in support of the conclusion that the systems under study follow a different mechanism. Furthermore, unlike LMMG-based stabilizers reported earlier, the gelator, COA, created in the present study has been functioning not only as a stabilizer but also a monomer. To illustrate the conceptual advantages, the gel-emulsions of water in ST/DVB/AIBN were polymerized. As expected, the densities and internal structures of the monoliths as prepared are highly adjustable, functionalization of the materials with cholesterol has been realized, and at the same time the problem of stabilizer leaking has been avoided. A preliminary test for gas adsorption demonstrated that the monoliths as prepared are good adsorbents for some volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in particular benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene-the famous and toxic BTEX. It is believed that the findings reported in the present work provide not only a new strategy for creating novel gel-emulsions but also a new route for functionalizing porous polymeric monoliths.

Ternary system based on fluorophore-surfactant assemblies--Cu²âº for highly sensitive and selective detection of arginine in aqueous solution.

A new cationic dansyl derivative-based (DIlSD) fluorescence probe was designed and synthesized. Its combination with anionic surfactant SDS assemblies shows enhanced fluorescence intensity and blue-shifted maximum wavelength. Its fluorescence can be slightly quenched by Cu(2+); however, the fluorescence quenching efficiency by Cu(2+) is highly increased upon titration of arginine (Arg). As a result, the ternary system containing the cationic fluorophore, anionic surfactant, and Cu(2+) functions as a highly sensitive and selective sensor to Arg. The optimized sensor system displays a detection limit of 170 nM, representing the highest sensitivity to Arg in total aqueous solution by a fluorescent sensor. Control experiments reveal that the imidazolium groups in the fluorophore, the anionic surfactant, and Cu(2+) all play important roles in the process of sensing Arg. The electrostatic interaction between the cationic fluorophore and anionic surfactants facilitates the binding of imidazolium rings with Cu(2+), the surfactant surface-anchored Cu(2+) is responsible for further binding of Arg, and the electrostatic interaction between anionic surfactants and positively charged amino acids accounts for the selective responses to Arg.

Functionality-oriented molecular gels: synthesis and properties of nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-containing low-molecular mass gelators.

Two nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-containing cholesteryl (Chol) derivatives were prepared by introducing d/l-phenylalanine into the linkers between the NBD and Chol units. The compounds were denoted as and , respectively. The gelation behaviors of them were tested in 34 liquids. It was found that the chirality of the linkers shows a great effect on the gelation ability and the gel properties of the two compounds. SEM studies demonstrated that the gelator in the gel of /DMSO aggregated into uniform fibrous structures. FTIR, (1)H NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements revealed that intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking are two main driving forces to promote the gel formation. Interestingly, the /DMSO gel exhibits rapid and reproducible gel-sol phase transition and fluorescence quenching upon introduction of ammonia. Furthermore, both the gel and the fluorescence emission could be fully recovered upon evaporation of the ammonia gas introduced. Spectroscopy and model system studies revealed the association of ammonia with the nitro group of the NBD unit of the compound, which is recognized as the main reason for the chemical responses of the gel system. On the basis of the discovery, an ammonia sensing film had been fabricated and made into a device. Furthermore, a device-based and conceptual "ammonia leaking" monitoring instrument was developed. A preliminary test demonstrated that the performance of the system is exceptionally good, a typical and persuasive example to show the important real-life applications of molecular gels.

A stimuli-responsive hydrogel for reversible information storage, encryption and decryption.

Smart hydrogel materials, known for their sensitivity to external stimuli, exhibit a reversible dynamic response and find applications in diverse fields, particularly in information storage. Despite significant efforts in this domain, developing a hydrogel with high-resolution, repeatable recording, and robust information encryption/decryption capabilities still remains a challenge. In this study, we synthesized a polymer hydrogel, namely polyvinyl alcohol-n-isopropylacrylamide-octadecyl polyoxyethylene ether acrylate hydrogel (PPNS), which features multiple hydrogen bonds through copolymerization, by using N-isopropylacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, and octadecyl polyoxyethylene ether acrylate (SGA15) as raw materials. The PPNS hydrogel demonstrated outstanding high-resolution, repeatable recording capabilities, enabling reversible recording, encryption, and decryption of information using anhydrous ethanol as the inducer. Varying the SGA15 monomer concentration revealed that the PPNS-2% hydrogel, prepared with 2% SGA15, outperformed the other hydrogels in terms of information recording and encryption/decryption when immersed in anhydrous ethanol and deionized water. Furthermore, the PPNS-2% hydrogel exhibited the ability to undergo multiple information cycles while maintaining excellent mechanical properties even after 25 cycles. Notably, ethanol served as a specialized ink for inscribing different patterns on the hydrogel surface for information recording. The recorded information could be erased through water wiping or ethanol volatilization, enabling reversible information recording, encryption, and decryption. Due to their responsive and dynamic nature of PPNS hydrogels are positions them as promising candidates for use as innovative information storage platforms.

Switchable Regioselective C-H Activation/Annulation of Acrylamides with Alkynes for the Synthesis of 2-Pyridones.

A catalyst-based switchable regioselective C-H activation/annulation of acrylamides with propargyl carbonates has been developed, delivering C5 or C6 alkenyl substituted 2-pyridones. This robust protocol proceeds with a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under redox-neutral reaction conditions. More significantly, this reaction is highly effective with previously challenging unsymmetrical alkynes, including unbiased alkyl-alkyl substituted alkynes, with perfect and switchable regioselectivity. Additionally, mechanistic studies and DFT calculations were performed to shed light on the switchable regioselectivity.

A novel effect of imidazole derivative KK-42 on increasing survival of Aeromonas hydrophila challenged prawn Macrobrachium nipponense.

Imidazole derivative KK-42 is well known as the insect growth regulator. Here we find that KK-42 pretreatment could promote the survival of Macrobrachium nipponense infected with Aeromonas hydrophila, which is considered to be possibly related to the prophenoloxidase (proPO), a conserved copper-containing enzyme that plays an important role in defense against pathogens. In this study, a full-length of proPO gene from M. nipponense haemocytes, designated as MnproPO, was firstly cloned and characterized. The full-length cDNA contained 2428 bp with a 2013 bp open reading frame encoding a putative proPO protein of 671 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 76.5 kDa and pI of 7.31. It was predicted to possess all the expected features of proPO members, including two putative copper-binding sites with six histidine residues and a thiol ester-like motif. Sequence analysis showed that MnproPO exhibited the highest amino acid sequence similarity (93%) to a proPO of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The gene was expressed highly in haemocytes and weakly in hepatopancreas. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the MnproPO expression increased significantly at 3, 12 and 24 h after KK-42 treatment, the PO activity also importantly rose from 6 to 48 h in KK-42-treated prawns and reached the maximum at 24 h with a 2.3-fold higher than that in control group. Injection of A. hydrophila could stimulate the MnproPO transcription and PO activity whether or not the prawns were pretreated by KK-42, the mRNA level increased obviously only at 3 h and 6 h after the bacterium injection (challenged control), but increased constantly during the phase of experiment except at 6 h under the condition of KK-42 pretreatment (challenged treatment group). The change trend of PO activity was basically similar to that of MnproPO expression. Our present results demonstrate that the MnproPO expression as well as PO activity may be induced by KK-42, which is likely one of the molecular mechanisms of KK-42 acts for increasing survival of the prawn infected with A. hydrophila.

Recombinant human thrombopoietin promotes platelet recovery in DCAG-treated patients with intermediate-high-risk MDS/hypoproliferative AML.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the effects of recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) on platelet recovery in decitabine, cytarabine, aclarubicin, and G-CSF (DCAG)-treated patients with intermediate-high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome/hypo proliferative acute myeloid leukemia. METHODS: Recruited patients were at a ratio of 1:1 into 2 groups: the rhTPO group (DCAG + rhTPO) and control group (DCAG). The primary endpoint was the time for platelets to recover to ≥ 20 × 109/L. The secondary endpoints were the time for platelets to recover to ≥ 30 × 109/L and ≥ 50 × 109/L, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: The time required for platelet recovery to ≥ 20 × 109/L, ≥30 × 109/L, and ≥ 50 × 109/L in the rhTPO group was significantly shorter (6.5 ±â€…2.2 vs 8.4 ±â€…3.1 days, 9.0 ±â€…2.7 vs 12.2 ±â€…3.9 days, 12.4 ±â€…4.7 vs 15.5 ±â€…9.3 days, respectively; all P < .05 vs controls). The amount of platelet transfusion in the rhTPO group was smaller (4.4 ±â€…3.1 vs 6.1 ±â€…4.0 U, P = .047 vs controls). The bleeding score was lower (P = .045 vs controls). The OS and PFS were significantly different (P = .009 and P = .004). The multivariable analysis showed that age, karyotype, and time for PLT recovery to ≥ 20 × 109/L were independently associated with OS. Adverse events were similar. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that rhTPO leads to a faster platelet recovery after DCAG treatment, reduces the risk of bleeding, reduces the number of platelet transfusions, and prolongs the OS and PFS.

A polyglutamic acid/tannic acid-based nano drug delivery system: Antibacterial, immunoregulation and sustained therapeutic strategies for oral ulcers.

Oral ulcers are a common inflammatory mucosal ulcer, and the moist and dynamic environment in the oral cavity makes topical pharmacological treatment of oral ulcers challenging. Herein, oral ulcer tissue adhesion nanoparticles were prepared by using esterification reaction between polyglutamic acid and tannic acid, and at the same time doxycycline hydrochloride was loaded into the nanoparticles. The obtained slow drug release effect of the drug-loaded nanoparticles reduced the toxicity of the drug, and by penetrating into the fine crevice region of the wound tissue and adhering to it, they could in-situ release the carried drug more effectively and thus have shown significant antibacterial effects. In addition, tannic acid in the system conferred adhesion, antioxidant and immune regulation activities to the nanocarriers. A rat oral ulcer model based on fluorescent labeling was established to investigate the retention of nanoparticles at the ulcer, and the results showed that the retention rate of drug-loaded nanoparticles at the ulcer was 17 times higher than that of pure drug. Due to the antibacterial and immune regulation effects of the drug-loaded nanoparticles, the healing of oral ulcer wounds was greatly accelerated. Such application of doxycycline hydrochloride loaded polyglutamic acid/tannic acid nanoparticles is a novel and effective treatment strategy for oral ulcer.

Preparation of novel W/O gel-emulsions and their application in the preparation of low-density materials.

A series of novel and stable water in oil (W/O) gel-emulsions was created by utilizing a new cholesteryl derivative, a low-molecular mass gelator (LMMGs), as a stabilizer. In the emulsions, n-heptane, n-octane, n-nonane, n-decane, tertiary butyl methacrylate (t-BMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), or styrene can be used as a continuous phase, water as a dispersed phase, and the stabilizer in the continuous phase is only 2% (w/v). Importantly, the gel-emulsions could be prepared by simple agitation of the mixtures at room temperature, while heating, cooling, and addition of a cosolvent or other additional component are unnecessary. SEM and optical microscopy studies revealed the foam-like structures of the gel-emulsions. Rheological measurements demonstrated that the gel-emulsions are mechanically stable and exhibit typical viscoelastic properties. Surprisingly, the storage modulus, G', and the yield stress of the gel-emulsions with the alkanes as continuous phase decrease along with increasing the volume ratio of the dispersed phase, water, a property different from those of conventional gel-emulsions reported in the literature. From the viewpoint of application, the gel-emulsions as prepared are superior to others due to their simplicity in preparation, less amount of stabilizer needed, and the nonionic nature of the stabilizer, which must benefit practical applications. Furthermore, porous polymer monoliths could be prepared by polymerizing gel-emulsions with organic monomers as a continuous phase.

Color tunable of Ln-MOFs (Ln = Tb, Eu) and excellent stability for white light-emitting diode.

White light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) possess the advantages of environmental friendliness, long lifetime, and energy saving. Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have become one of the hot candidates for LEDs. However, the tunable color and thermal stability of MOFs are urgent problems for their actual applications. In this work, Ln-MOFs (Ln = Eu, Tb) were synthesized by a facile wet chemical route. A series of Ln-MOFs phosphors with tunable luminescence color showed potential applications in white LEDs. The emission color of the phosphors can be easily modulated by changing the molar ratio of the raw materials. The luminescence intensities of Ln-MOFs retained over 90.6% of the initial value, showing excellent thermal stability of Ln-MOFs. In order to explore the potential applications of Ln-MOFs in WLEDs, we mixed them with two kinds of blue phosphors and packaged them to obtain WLEDs. The CIE coordinates of both were (0.31, 0.33) and (0.31, 0.34), which were able to achieve white light emission. The peak shape and peak position in the EL spectrum of the WLEDs device remained stable when increasing the applied current of the device. Meanwhile, the white light with excellent color quality and visual performance was achieved. The results show that Ln-MOFs are potential materials for white light LED, and provide a novel idea for the application of Ln-MOFs materials in the luminescence field.

Psychometric validation of the Job Satisfaction of Persons with Disabilities Scale in a sample of peer support specialists.

OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Job Satisfaction of Persons with Disabilities Scale in a sample of peer support specialists. METHOD: A total of 121 employed peer support specialists with lived experience of a serious mental health condition were recruited for this study from statewide peer certification training programs and the International Association of Peer Supporters. Respondents completed an online survey on job satisfaction and related constructs. A principal components analysis was used to explore and identify the instrument subscales. RESULTS: The findings identified 2 factors: (a) the 9-item job satisfaction with intangible benefits factor and (b) the 5-item job satisfaction with tangible benefits factor. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The Job Satisfaction of Persons with Disabilities Scale demonstrates good-to-excellent psychometrics. The use of this scale among peer support specialists within training and supervision practices in psychiatric rehabilitation settings is warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).