bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rebound pain and postoperative pain profile following brachial plexus block compared to general anaesthesia—An observational study
Authors: Schubert Ann‐Kristin , Wiesmann Thomas , Volberg Christian , Riecke Jenny , Schneider Alexander , Wulf Hinnerk , Dinges Hanns‐Christian
Published: August 2023

Background

Regional anaesthesia has the benefit of reducing the need for systemic analgesia and therefore, potentially reducing undesired side effects. With the end of the sensory nerve block however, many patients report severe pain that requires therapy with opioids and often compromise the initial opioid sparing effect. This study aimed to characterise the postoperative pain profile and the phenomenon of rebound pain after axillary brachial plexus anaesthesia (RA) compared to general anaesthesia (GA).

Design

Single‐centre observational, stratified cohort study.

Setting

The study was conducted at University Hospital Marburg from May 2020 until September 2022.

Participants

One hundred thirty‐two patients receiving elective hand and forearm surgery were enrolled in this study.

Interventions

Group RA received ultrasound‐guided brachial plexus anaesthesia via the axillary approach with 30 mL of prilocaine 1% and 10 mL ropivacaine 0.2%. Group GA received balanced or total intravenous general anaesthesia.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary endpoint were integrated pain scores (IPS) within 24 h postoperatively. Secondary endpoints were pain scores (NRS 0–10), morphine equivalents, patient satisfaction, quality of recovery and opioid‐related side effects.

Results

One hundred thirty‐two patients were analysed of which 66 patients received brachial plexus block and 66 patients received general anaesthesia. Following RA significantly lower IPS were seen directly after surgery (p < .001) and during the post‐anaesthesia care unit interval (p < .001) but equalised after 3 h at the ward. No overshoot in pain scores or increased opioid consumption could be detected. Patient satisfaction and postoperative recovery were comparable between both groups.

Conclusion

The IPS and NRS was initially lower in the RA group, increased with fading of the block until equal to the GA group and equal thereafter. Although various definitions of rebound pain were met during this phase, the opioid sparing effect of regional anaesthesia was not counteracted by it. The incidence of episodes with uncontrolled, severe pain did not differ between groups. We found no clinical implications of rebound pain in this setting, since the RA group did not show higher pain scores than the GA group at any time point.

Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021764).
Constructing Latinidad as a constrained credential: Anti‐Blackness and racialized inequities in a majority Latinx middle school
Authors: Gamez Rebeca
Published: August 2023

From data gathered during 18 months of ethnographic fieldwork, this paper unpacks the implications of five ethnographic examples describing interactions between educators and students at New Horizons, a majority Latinx middle school, to demonstrate that the circulation of racialized “good Latinx” narratives legitimates differential allocation of limited school resources between those imagined as falling into the good Latinx category and those that do not because they are ascribed Blackness (i.e., African American and Afro‐Latinx youth). That is, the discursive construction of Latinidad as well‐behaved, hard‐working, and specifically non‐Black positioned it as a racialized yet privileged credential at school. In these circumstances, Latinidad may at best be considered a constrained credential.
Pilot feasibility and acceptability study evaluating use of group CBT‐I in improving sleep and fatigue in older adults
Authors: Smyth Aisling , Alam Shehnas , Pangerl Sabine
Published: August 2023

Objective

This paper describes a pilot study, in a small sample of older adults, designed to ascertain the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Insomnia (CBT‐I).

Methods

Eleven older adults participated in a 3‐week group CBT‐I intervention with pre‐ and post‐intervention outcome measures of sleep and fatigue. Acceptability was measured via post‐intervention focus groups. Feasibility was measured via recruitment, retention and completion data. Subjective sleep outcomes were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Index. Objective sleep outcome measures were obtained via pre‐ and post‐intervention wrist actigraphy.

Results

Feasibility and acceptability were confirmed in the pilot study. Retention and completion levels were high, with participants largely positive in the focus group feedback. Preliminary sleep outcome data supported the potential effectiveness of the intervention in significantly improving several measures of sleep and fatigue including a three‐point reduction in the Global PSQI scores, an increase in total sleep time of almost an hour per night and these results were mirrored by a significant reduction of nine points in the overall measure of fatigue severity.

Conclusions

A group CBT‐I intervention is a low‐cost, low‐risk intervention which improves subjective and objective measures of sleep in older adults. These positive sleep outcomes are translated into significantly decreased levels of fatigue. Future research should focus on a larger sample size with a randomised controlled trial design.
To be or not to be: Arts‐based approaches in public health messaging for dementia awareness and prevention
Authors: Siette Joyce , Dodds Laura , Catanzaro Michelle , Allen Sayler
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Multiple modifiable risk factors exist across the lifespan to reduce dementia prevalence, and public understanding of these factors is increasing. Yet dementia is frequently misunderstood and stigmatised, and dementia prevention is not generally recognised as a health priority. Current limitations of public health campaigns for dementia prevention must be addressed and innovative alternatives developed to improve public comprehension and implementation of preventative action across all stages of life.

Methods

In searching various databases and public information on dementia prevention, restraints were found in current health messaging which did not reflect the complexity of this health issue and address diversity of its impact across cultures and ages. In consultation with researchers and public health organisations, we outline four case studies in Australia where innovative arts‐based approaches have been adopted and discuss the potential for arts‐based approaches to address these gaps.

Results

Arts‐based approaches have the unique capacity to shift perceptions on ageing and dementia, overcome language and literacy barriers, represent health concerns across cultures, and actively involve individuals, communities and healthcare professionals in the process of dementia prevention. Future campaigns can engage a variety of communities and environments with art mediums suited to their preferences, capacities and efficacy.

Conclusions

Recommendations include example mediums, environments and people to engage. Future research is required to understand the impact of, and to improve, the long‐term adoption of innovative arts‐based approaches in dementia prevention practices.
A Clear and Present Pedagogy: Teaching About Planetary Crisis (When You're in a Planetary Crisis)
Authors: Suarez Daniel Chiu , Kircher Cora , Santi Tara
Published: August 2023

The task of teaching about acute ecological crisis presents a vital pedagogical challenge and an important provocation for critical scholars. Across various environmental subfields, educators are revisiting fundamental and politically significant questions concerning what to teach, how to teach, and even why to teach as their traditional subject matter transforms around them. In this article, we explore how environmental educators are grappling with the implications of what they are teaching and consider the politicising effects of this predicament. We show how this distinctive educational context, beyond posing bewildering learning challenges, is also creating unique openings for radical scholarship in higher education. Through interviews with educators endeavouring to teach about planetary environmental crisis (from within an exceedingly dire planetary environmental crisis), we examine diverse attempts to interpret the radical demands of this learning challenge and to negotiate its many complexities, practical difficulties, and political possibilities.
Prospective direct comparison of non‐invasive liver tests in outpatients with type 2 diabetes using intention‐to‐diagnose analysis
Authors: Poynard Thierry , Deckmyn Olivier , Peta Valentina , Paradis Valérie , Gautier Jean‐Francois , Brzustowski Angélique , Bedossa Pierre , Castera Laurent , Pol Stanislas , Valla Dominique ,   the Quid‐Nash Consortium
Published: August 2023

Background

No prospective diagnostic studies have directly compared widespread non‐invasive liver tests in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using the intention‐to‐diagnose method for each of the three main histological features of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease ‐ namely fibrosis, metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and steatosis.

Aims

To compare the performance of nine tests using the intention‐to‐diagnose rather than the standard method, which would exclude non‐evaluable participants

Methods

Biopsy was used as the reference with predetermined cut‐offs, advanced fibrosis being the main endpoint. The Nash‐FibroTest panel including FibroTest‐T2D, SteatoTest‐T2D and MashTest‐T2D was optimised for type 2 diabetes. FibroTest‐T2D was compared to vibration‐controlled transient elastography stiffness (VCTE), two‐dimensional shear‐wave elastography stiffness (TD‐SWE), and Fibrosis‐4 blood test. NashTest‐T2D was compared to aspartate aminotransferase. SteatoTest‐T2D was compared to the controlled attenuation parameter and the hepatorenal gradient.

Results

Among 402 cases, non‐evaluable tests were 6.7% for VCTE, 4.0% for hepatorenal gradient, 3.2% for controlled attenuation parameter, 1.5% for TD‐SWE, 1.2% for NashTest‐T2D, and 0.02% for Fibrosis‐4, aspartate aminotransferase and SteatoTest‐T2D. The VCTE AUROC for advanced fibrosis was over‐estimated by 6% (0.83 [95% CI: 0.78–0.87]) by standard analysis compared to intention‐to‐diagnose (0.77 [0.72–0.81] p = 0.008). The AUROCs for advanced fibrosis did not differ significantly in intention‐to‐diagnose between FibroTest‐T2D (0.77; 95% CI: 0.73–0.82), VCTE (0.77; 95% CI: 0.72–0.81) and TD‐SWE(0.78; 0.74–0.83) but were all higher than the Fibrosis‐4 score (0.70; 95% CI all differences ≥7%; p ≤ 0.03). For MASH, MashTest‐T2D had a higher AUROC (0.76; 95% CI: 0.70–0.80) than aspartate aminotransferase (0.72; 95% CI: 0.66–0.77; p = 0.035). For steatosis, AUROCs did not differ significantly between SteatoTest‐T2D, controlled attenuation parameter and hepatorenal gradient.

Conclusions

In intention‐to‐diagnose analysis, FibroTest‐T2D, TD‐SWE and VCTE performed similarly for staging fibrosis, and out‐performed Fibrosis‐4 in outpatients with type 2 diabetes. The standard analysis over‐estimated VCTE performance.

ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT03634098.
Simulations of the effect of smectite‐to‐illite transition in shales on permeability and overpressures using a stochastic approach, a Norwegian margin case study
Authors: Lothe Ane Elisabet , Grøver Arnt , Roli Ole‐André , Stenebråten Jørn , Kristiansen Tron Golder
Published: August 2023

The smectite‐illite transition in shales due to subsidence, temperature changes and diagenesis influences many processes in a sedimentary basin that can contribute to overpressure build up like reducing the shale permeability. The smectite‐rich layers can form sealing barriers to fluid flows that will influence pore pressure prognosis for drilling campaigns, contribute to sealing caprocks for possible CO2 storage and to sealing of plugging and abandonment wells. In this work, we have included the diagenetic smectite‐illite transition into a three‐dimensional pressure simulation model to simulate its effect on pressure build‐up due to reduced shale permeabilities over geological time scale. We have also tested effect of thermal history and potassium concentration on the process of smectite‐illite transition and the associated smectite‐illite correction on permeability. A new smectite‐illite correction has been introduced, to mimic how shale permeability will vary dependent on the smectite‐illite transition. Stochastic Monte Carlo simulations have been carried out to test the sensitivity of the new correction parameters. Finally, a 3D Monte Carlo pore pressure simulation with 1000 drawings has been carried out on a case study covering Skarv Field, and Dønna Terrace offshore Mid‐Norway. The simulated mean overpressures are in range with observed overpressures from exploration wells in the area for the Cretaceous sandy Lysing Formation and for the two Cretaceous Intra Lange Formation sandstones. The simulated smectite content versus depth is in line with published XRD dataset from wells. The corresponding modelled present‐day permeabilities for the shales including the smectite‐illite transition are two magnitudes higher than measured permeabilities on small samples in the laboratory using transient decay method. The measured permeabilities are in the range of 2.66·10−18 to 3.94·10−22 m2 (2695 to 0.39 nD) for the North Sea database and represent the end members for shales‐permeabilities with the lowest values, since the small samples are selected with no or minor natural fractures. This work shows that by upscaling shale permeabilities from mm‐scale to km scale, natural fractures and sedimentary heterogeneities will increase the shale permeabilities with a factor of two and that by including permeability correction controlled by the smectite fraction, pressure ramp can be simulated due to diagenesis effect in shales.
Design and discovery of novel pyrazole‐pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives as anti‐glioma agents via promoting apoptosis, inhibiting cell cycle and EGFR‐TK
Authors: Zhang Yufu , Gao Li
Published: August 2023

Glioma is an aggressive type of brain malignancy responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. In the current scenario, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinases targeted therapy showed significant benefits in glioma patients. Therefore, in the present study, we intend to investigate the anti‐glioma potential of a novel class of pyrazole‐pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives and their mechanism of action. The compounds will be synthesized in a straight‐forward synthetic route in excellent yields and subsequently tested for EGFR kinase inhibition. The compounds showed a diverse range of inhibitory activity against EGFR (IC50 = 3.4–873.2 nM). With an IC50 of 1.5 nM, compound 4i was determined to be the most effective EGFR inhibitor, even superior to the standard erlotinib (IC50 2.3 nM). Among them, the three most potent compounds (4i, 4j, and 4k) were further subjected to the anticancer activity against the panel of various cancer cell lines MCF‐7 (breast cancer), A549 (lung cancer), U87 (glioblastoma cell)‐EGFR‐Wild Type, U87 (mutant glioblastoma cells) EGFR‐mutant cell, MCF‐12A (normal cells). The compound 4i showed the most potent activity against glioblastoma cells as compared to other cancer cells. The effect of compound 4i was also studied on the apoptosis of U87 cells, where it showed induction of apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. It also showed inhibition of the G2/M cell cycle phase of U87 cells. Our study demonstrated the development of novel pyrazole‐pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives as a novel class of anti‐glioma agents.
Risk and dose–response relationship of diabetes mellitus for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Hou Chiun‐Ho , Lee Jiahn‐Shing , Lin Ken‐Kuo , Peng Wei‐Sheng , Pu Christy , See Lai‐Chu
Published: August 2023

Background

To investigate the risk of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and evaluate the dose–response relationship.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgeries from 2000 to 2017 in Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The endophthalmitis rates within 3 months after cataract surgery were compared between DM and non‐DM cohorts using a generalised estimating equation. The diabetes complications severity index (DSCI) score was adopted to assess the dose–response effect on the endophthalmitis rate.

Results

A total of 883 398 patients (1 766 796 eyes) were included. Patients with DM had an increased risk of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery than patients without DM (0.261% vs. 0.242%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval = 1.03–1.16). The higher endophthalmitis rate in the DM group than in the non‐DM group remains after excluding those with prior vitrectomy or intravitreal injection (IVI), and took IVI between the cataract surgery and endophthalmitis (p = 0.0156, 0.0048, and 0.0139). There was a significant dose–response relationship on the likelihood of endophthalmitis in DM patients when DCSI score >10. The endophthalmitis rate is highest among DM complications in patients with metabolic disorders (0.342%).

Conclusion

DM was a risk factor for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery after adjusting for age, sex, common systemic disorders, and excluding those with prior vitrectomy or IVI and having IVI between cataract surgery and endophthalmitis. A dose–response relationship was noted in DM patients with a DCSI score >10.
Proteomic and metabolomic analyses illustrate the mechanisms of expression of the O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase gene in glioblastoma
Authors: Chen Xi , Sun Jinli , Li Yukui , Jiang Weichao , Li Zhangyu , Mao Jianyao , Zhou Liwei , Chen Sifang , Tan Guowei
Published: August 2023

Aim

Glioblastoma (GBM) has been reported to be the most common high‐grade primary malignant brain tumor in clinical practice and has a poor prognosis. O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation has been related to prolonged overall survival (OS) in GBM patients after temozolomide treatment.

Methods

Proteomics and metabolomics were combined to explore the dysregulated metabolites and possible protein expression alterations in white matter (control group), MGMT promoter unmethylated GBM (GBM group) or MGMT promoter methylation positive GBM (MGMT group).

Results

In total, 2745 upregulated and 969 downregulated proteins were identified in the GBM group compared to the control group, and 131 upregulated and 299 downregulated proteins were identified in the MGMT group compared to the GBM group. Furthermore, 131 upregulated and 299 downregulated metabolites were identified in the GBM group compared to the control group, and 187 upregulated and 147 downregulated metabolites were identified in the MGMT group compared to the GBM group. The results showed that 94 upregulated and 19 downregulated proteins and 20 upregulated and 16 downregulated metabolites in the MGMT group were associated with DNA repair. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis illustrated that the dysregulated proteins and metabolites were involved in multiple metabolic pathways, including the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. Moreover, integrated metabolomics and proteomics analysis was performed, and six key proteins were identified in the MGMT group and GBM group. Three key pathways were recognized as potential biomarkers for recognizing MGMT promoter unmethylated GBM and MGMT promoter methylation positive GBM from GBM patient samples, with areas under the curve of 0.7895, 0.7326 and 0.7026, respectively.

Conclusion

This study provides novel mechanisms to understand methylation in GBM and identifies some biomarkers for the prognosis of two different GBM types, MGMT promoter unmethylated or methylated GBM, by using metabolomics and proteomics analyses.
Homocysteine and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zhou Lingyan
Published: August 2023

Homocysteine (Hcy) is an important metabolite in methionine metabolism. When the metabolic pathway of homocysteine is abnormal, it will accumulate in the body and eventually lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. In recent years, many studies have found that hyperhomocysteinemia is related to the occurrence and development of Parkinson's disease. This study reviews the roles of homocysteine in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and illustrates the harmful effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on Parkinson's disease.
Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided trans‐afferent loop drainage of liver abscess using forward‐viewing echoendoscope
Authors: Sadek Ahmed , Hara Kazuo , Okuno Nozomi
Published: August 2023

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A real‐life comparison of hypoglycaemia symptomatology between insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes participants with and without impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia
Authors: Lee Wai Kit , Ko Michelle Shi Min , Ang Li Chang , Zhu Ling , Bee Yong Mong , Goh Su Yen , Teh Ming Ming
Published: August 2023

Aims

We aim to compare and correlate Gold and Clarke questionnaire scores with hypoglycaemic symptomatic responses between insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes participants with and without IAH in a real‐life study.

Methods

Insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes participants attending an outpatient diabetes clinic in Singapore were asked to complete the Gold and Clarke questionnaires, record capillary blood glucose (CBG) and hypoglycaemic symptoms for 4 weeks.

Results

Data were collected from 153 participants (M:F = 98:55) with mean age 61.0 ± 9.4 years, duration of diabetes 19.5 ± 8.8 years and HbA1c 68 ± 17 mmol/mol (8.4 ± 1.5%). Gold and Clarke methods classified 19.6% and 26.8% of participants with IAH, respectively. Using CBG threshold of <3 mmol/L, significantly greater proportion of participants with intact awareness were experiencing autonomic symptoms than those with IAH with either method (Gold: 69% vs. 18%, p = 0.006; Clarke: 85% vs. 46%, p = 0.010). Significantly greater proportion of participants with IAH experienced no hypoglycaemia symptoms than those with intact awareness (Gold: 3.4% vs. 36%, p = 0.015; Clarke: 3.7% vs. 31%, p = 0.031). Participants with IAH had significantly higher rates of severe hypoglycaemia in the preceding year compared to those without (Gold: 17% vs. 3.3%; Clarke: 15% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Gold and Clarke questionnaires are appropriate tools in ascertaining IAH status in insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes participants. This is the first time whereby the hypoglycaemia symptomology has robustly validated the Gold and Clarke questionnaire in insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes participants.
Trans‐jugular transcutaneous closure of atrial septal defects with an adjustable curved sheath under echocardiography guidance
Authors: Hu Xiaosong , Zhang Yanwei , Li Yanan
Published: August 2023

Introduction and Objectives

Traditional transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) via the femoral vein carries risk of radiation damage. Transcutaneous closure of ASD under echocardiography guidance avoids radiation exposure and can be gradually applied. An alternative is to transcutaneous closure of ASD trans‐jugular with an adjustable curved sheath under echocardiography guidance.

Methods

We retrospectively studied all cases of trans‐jugular transcutaneous closure of ASD with an adjustable curved sheath under echocardiography guidance in the Heart Center of Henan Province People's Hospital between 2016 and December 2022.

Results

A total of 156 patients were included, 74 males and 82 females. Mean age was 6.9 ± 7.4 years and weight 23.7 ± 14.6 kg. Mean sizes of the ASD and occluder were (9.7 ± 4.7) mm and (14.1 ± 5.7) mm. The mean operation time was (49.6 ± 29.2) min. No complications such as atrioventricular block, reoperation, or pericardial effusion occurred. There are 3 patients had a residual shunt. All patients were followed‐up for (38.7 ± 11.0) months. The three patients with residual shunt had self‐closed at the 3–6–12 months follow‐up. There was no complication at follow‐up.

Conclusion

Trans‐jugular transcutaneous closure of ASD with adjustable curved sheath under echocardiography guidance is safe, effective and minimally invasive.
A tale of two cities: Communication, innovation, and divergence
Authors: Magrini Stefano , Spiganti Alessandro
Published: August 2023

We present a two‐area endogenous growth model where abstract knowledge flows at no cost across space but tacit knowledge arises from the interaction among researchers and is hampered by distance. Digital communication reduces this “cost of distance” and reinforces productive specialization, leading to an increase in the system‐wide growth rate but at the cost of more inequality within and across areas. These results are consistent with evidences on the rise in the concentration of innovative activities, income inequality, and skills and income divergence across US urban areas.
Patients satisfaction with the dental treatment provided at the University of Jordan's student clinics
Authors: Ismail Noor H. , Alzer Heba , Algurini Amena H. , Alsawalhi Dina H. , Mahmoud Summer J. , Abu Hait Sarah M. , Alsoleihat Firas
Published: August 2023

Introduction

To assess patients' satisfaction with the dental care provided to them by the undergraduate students at Jordan University Hospital. In addition, to investigate whether the age or gender of patients had any correlation with the level of satisfaction.

Materials and Methods

The Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ) developed by the RAND Corporation was used to measure patient satisfaction. The questionnaire was translated to Arabic the native language of the country and it consisted of 14 questions, which measure the overall satisfaction and the subscales of access, convenience and availability, continuity of treatment and quality of dental care provided.

Results

A total of 94 patients (58.5% female, 41.5% male) answered the DSQ, the Overall Dental Satisfaction Index (DSI) was found to be 86.2%, and there was no correlation between gender or age groups and the DSI (p < .05). All 14 questions scored above 4/5 except the question about whether the schools' building and dental units being modern and well equipped (3.7/5), and the general satisfaction question (3.2/5).

Conclusions

Patients who were treated at the student clinics at the University of Jordan, School of Dentistry were found to be satisfied about both the quality of treatment and the dental environment, while reporting some negative aspects related mainly to the clinics building which they found to be very old and crowded. This study found no correlation between patients' satisfaction and the age or gender of the participants.
Outpatient consolidation chemotherapy with intermediate dose cytarabine has similar survival and relapses rates in acute myeloid leukemia as compared to high dose cytarabine: A single center analysis
Authors: Sljivic Igor , Fulford Adrienne , Ho Jenny , Lazo‐Langner Alejandro , Xenocostas Anargyros , Deotare Uday
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The last decade has seen advances in delivering outpatient consolidation therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The standard of care involves high‐dose cytarabine or intermediate‐dose cytarabine, given twice daily for three alternating days. At the London Regional Cancer Program, we have transitioned the administration of outpatient cytarabine to a once‐daily regimen over six consecutive days. The outcomes of a longer duration interval of high‐dose cytarabine and intermediate‐dose cytarabine is currently unknown. This study aims to assess the feasibility of administering a continuous 6‐day protocol of high‐dose (HDAC‐16) and intermediate‐dose cytarabine (IDAC‐16) consolidation therapy in the outpatient setting.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review to analyze AML patients treated with outpatient high‐dose or intermediate‐dose cytarabine consolidation therapy at the London Regional Cancer Program from January 1, 2019, through November 1, 2022. The primary objective was to determine the outcomes of the 6‐day outpatient administration of once daily high‐dose cytarabine or intermediate‐dose cytarabine.

Results

Forty‐five patients received 89 cycles of cytarabine as outpatients; males were 55.6% of the total population, with a median age of ~57 years. Our overall 2‐year survival of HDAC‐16 (57.1%) and IDAC‐16 (83.3%) is consistent with the reported literature. There was no difference in delays, relapse rates, and nonrelapse mortality between both HDAC and IDAC groups. The 2‐year relapse free survival was 57.1% for HDAC‐16 and 66.7% for IDAC‐16.

Conclusion

Outpatient administration of intermediate‐dose cytarabine once daily over six consecutive days results in similar overall survival and relapse rates as compared to high dose cytarabine consolidation chemotherapy. Moving to a once daily administration schedule can alleviate logistical and/or accessibility hurdles for outpatient oncology clinics. Prospective randomized trials are needed in this setting to validate our results.
Effect of number of diffusion encoding directions in neonatal diffusion tensor imaging using Tract‐Based Spatial Statistical analysis
Authors: Merisaari Harri , Karlsson Linnea , Scheinin Noora M. , Shulist Satu J. , Lewis John D. , Karlsson Hasse , Tuulari Jetro J.
Published: August 2023

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been used to study the developing brain in early childhood, infants and in utero studies. In infants, number of used diffusion encoding directions has traditionally been smaller in earlier studies down to the minimum of 6 orthogonal directions. Whereas the more recent studies often involve more directions, number of used directions remain an issue when acquisition time is optimized without compromising on data quality and in retrospective studies. Variability in the number of used directions may introduce bias and uncertainties to the DTI scalar estimates that affect cross‐sectional and longitudinal study of the brain. We analysed DTI images of 133 neonates, each data having 54 directions after quality control, to evaluate the effect of number of diffusion weighting directions from 6 to 54 with interval of 6 to the DTI scalars with Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) analysis. The TBSS analysis was applied to DTI scalar maps, and the mean region of interest (ROI) values were extracted using JHU atlas. We found significant bias in ROI mean values when only 6 directions were used (positive in fractional anisotropy [FA] and negative in fractional anisotropy [MD], axial diffusivity [AD] and fractional anisotropy [RD]), while when using 24 directions and above, the difference to scalar values calculated from 54 direction DTI was negligible. In repeated measures voxel‐wise analysis, notable differences to 54 direction DTI were observed with 6, 12 and 18 directions. DTI measurements from data with at least 24 directions may be used in comparisons with DTI measurements from data with higher numbers of directions.
Organic carbon enables the biotic engineering of beneficial soil structure in Profundihumic and Haplic Ferralsols
Authors: Martinez Pedro , Lybrand Rebecca A. , McFarlane Karis J. , Dor Maoz , Gallo Adrian C. , Mayedo Amy , Marini Fillipe , Vidal‐Torrado Pablo , Kleber Markus
Published: August 2023

We investigated how organic matter may, directly and indirectly, modify the porosity of Ferralsols, that is, deeply weathered soils of the tropics and subtropics. Although empirical and anecdotal evidence suggests that organic matter accumulation may increase porosity, a mechanistic understanding of the processes underlying this beneficial effect is lacking, especially so for Ferralsols. To achieve our end, we leveraged the fact that the Profundihumic qualifier of Ferralsols (PF) is distinguished from Haplic Ferralsols (HF) by both a much larger average carbon content in the first 1 m of soil depth (19 kg C m−3 in PF vs. 10 kg C m−3 in HF) and a significantly lower bulk density (1.05 ± 0.08 kg L−1 in PF vs. 1.21 ± 0.05 kg L−1 in HF). Through exhaustive modelling of carbon – bulk density relationships, we demonstrate that the lower bulk density of PF cannot be satisfactorily explained by a simple dilution effect. Rather, we found that bulk density correlated with carbon content when combined with carbon: nitrogen ratio (r2 = 0.51), black carbon content (r2 = 0.75), and Δ14C (r2 = 0.81). Total pore space was greater in PF (61 ± 3%) than in HF (55 ± 2%), but x‐ray computed tomography revealed that pore space inside soil aggregates of 4–5 mm diameter does not vary between the studied Ferralsols. We further observed nearly twice as many roots and burrows in PF compared with HF. We thus infer that the mechanism responsible for the increase in porosity is most likely an enhancement of resource availability (e.g., energy, carbon, and nutrients) for the organisms (earthworms, ants, termites, etc.) that physically displace soil particles and promote soil aggregation. As a result of increased resource availability, soil organisms can create especially the mesoscale structural soil features necessary for unrestricted water flow and rapid gas exchange. This insight paves the way for the development of land management technologies to optimize the physical shape and capacity of the soil bioreactor.
Teaching monastic masculinity with the Colloquy of Ælfric of Eynsham
Authors: Perisanidi Maroula
Published: August 2023

I focus on the Colloquy of Ælfric of Eynsham to show how it contributed to gender formation by teaching boys not only Latin, but also what it meant to be a man of the monastery. I discuss how the professions the boys role‐played encouraged them to think of the monk as the most masculine option, and how verbal experimentation allowed their violent impulses to be redirected from physical towards intellectual outlets. In doing so, I reveal the rhetorical strategies used to construct collective gendered identities, which separated different types of men and the role of animals in this process.
Can in vitro studies aid in the development and use of antiseizure therapies? A report of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force
Authors: Morris Gareth , Avoli Massimo , Bernard Christophe , Connor Kate , de Curtis Marco , Dulla Chris G. , Jefferys John G. R. , Psarropoulou Caterina , Staley Kevin J. , Cunningham Mark O.
Published: August 2023

In vitro preparations (defined here as cultured cells, brain slices, and isolated whole brains) offer a variety of approaches to modeling various aspects of seizures and epilepsy. Such models are particularly amenable to the application of anti‐seizure compounds, and consequently are a valuable tool to screen the mechanisms of epileptiform activity, mode of action of known anti‐seizure medications (ASMs), and the potential efficacy of putative new anti‐seizure compounds. Despite these applications, all disease models are a simplification of reality and are therefore subject to limitations. In this review, we summarize the main types of in vitro models that can be used in epilepsy research, describing key methodologies as well as notable advantages and disadvantages of each. We argue that a well‐designed battery of in vitro models can form an effective and potentially high‐throughput screening platform to predict the clinical usefulness of ASMs, and that in vitro models are particularly useful for interrogating mechanisms of ASMs. To conclude, we offer several key recommendations that maximize the potential value of in vitro models in ASM screening. This includes the use of multiple in vitro tests that can complement each other, carefully combined with in vivo studies, the use of tissues from chronically epileptic (rather than naïve wild‐type) animals, and the integration of human cell/tissue‐derived preparations.
Online coaching blended couple‐oriented intervention for preventing depression among Korean middle adulthood: A feasibility study
Authors: Gil Minji , Kim Suk‐Sun , Kim Daeun , Kim Sunhai
Published: August 2023

Depression and marital satisfaction have a reciprocal cause‐and‐effect relationship. Thus, couple relationships should be considered to maximize the effectiveness of couple‐oriented interventions for depression. Moreover, developing culturally tailored couple‐oriented interventions is critical for improving cultural acceptability and enhancing the perceived effectiveness of the interventions. A new culturally tailored MindGuide Couple intervention was developed to prevent Korean middle adulthood depression and enhance couple relationships using intervention mapping. This feasibility study used a single‐arm, pre‐ and post‐test, and 2‐month follow‐up design to explore the reach, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of this preventive intervention. Reach was assessed by recruitment, retention, and completion rates; acceptability was measured based on helpfulness, suitability, and satisfaction; and preliminary effectiveness was measured by depression (CES‐D), positive and negative affect (PANAS), satisfaction with life (SWLS), couple satisfaction (CSI), and healthy relationship between spouses (FRAS). Fifteen middle‐aged couples participated in four psychoeducational and asynchronous online modules and four synchronous coaching sessions via videoconferencing for 5–7 weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measures with analysis of variance. With a 94.1% completion rate, the participants demonstrated high satisfaction with the online coaching blended intervention and reported that it was helpful and easy to use. Both husbands and wives showed significant differences over time in depression, couple satisfaction, and healthy relationships between spouses. This feasibility study demonstrated the successful reach, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of this preventive intervention. Additionally, we suggest the importance of culturally tailored and online coaching blended couple‐oriented intervention for preventing depression and promoting healthy couple relationships.
Macroscale analyses suggest invasive plant impacts depend more on the composition of invading plants than on environmental context
Authors: Beaury Evelyn M. , Sofaer Helen R. , Early Regan , Pearse Ian S. , Blumenthal Dana M. , Corbin Jeffrey D. , Diez Jeffrey , Dukes Jeffrey S. , Barnett David T. , Ibáñez Inés , Petri Laís , Vilà Montserrat , Bradley Bethany A.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Native biodiversity is threatened by the spread of non‐native invasive species. Many studies demonstrate that invasions reduce local biodiversity but we lack an understanding of how impacts vary across environments at the macroscale. Using ~11,500 vegetation surveys from ecosystems across the United States, we quantified how the relationship between non‐native plant cover and native plant diversity varied across different compositions of invading plants (measured by non‐native plant richness and evenness) and environmental contexts (measured by productivity and human activity).

Location

Continental United States.

Time Period

Surveys from 1990s‐present.

Major Taxa Studied

Terrestrial plant communities.

Methods

We fit mixed effects models to understand how native plant richness, diversity and evenness varied with non‐native cover. We tested how this relationship varied when non‐native cover interacted with non‐native plant richness and evenness, and with productivity and human activity.

Results

Across the United States, communities with greater cover of non‐native plants had lower native plant richness and diversity but higher evenness, suggesting rare native plants can be lost while dominant plants decline in abundance. The relationship between non‐native cover and native community diversity varied with non‐native plant richness and evenness but was not associated with productivity and human activity. Negative associations were strongest in areas with low non‐native richness and evenness, characterizing plant communities that were invaded by a dominant non‐native plant.

Main Conclusions

Non‐native plant cover provides a first approximation of invasion impacts on native community diversity, but the magnitude of impact depended on non‐native plant richness and evenness. Relationships between non‐native cover and native diversity were consistent in strength across continental scale gradients of productivity and human activity. Therefore, at the macroscale, invasive plant impacts on native plant communities likely depend more on the characteristics of the invading plants, that is the presence of a dominant invader, than on the environmental context.
Mutual enhancement or one‐way street: The intended synergy between research and education of Dutch universities of applied sciences
Authors: Daas Sanne R. , Day Indira N. Z. , Griffioen Didi M. E.
Published: August 2023

The integration of research activities in universities of applied sciences (UASs) has led to the transformation of these universities into organisations with two primary processes: research and education. Although many believe in the benefits of combining research and education in one organisation, which is referred to as synergy in this study, research–education synergies have rarely been empirically investigated, particularly in the UAS context. Thus, this research investigates the intended synergy between the research and education of UASs by conducting a document analysis of their university‐wide strategic policy. The findings show that UASs aim for synergies among people, UAS organisations and outside UAS organisations, with a focus on education‐oriented synergies. This study provides an initial understanding of the strategic aims of UASs considering research–education synergy. The findings provide direction and a framework for future research and form a base for making explicit strategic choices for research–education connections in universities.
Facilitated telemedicine for hepatitis C virus: Addressing challenges for improving health and life for people with opioid use disorder
Authors: Talal Andrew H. , Jaanimägi Urmo , Dharia Arpan , Dickerson Suzanne S.
Published: August 2023

Background

People who use drugs (PWUD) frequently delay or avoid obtaining medical care in traditional healthcare settings. Through a randomized controlled trial, we investigated facilitated telemedicine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) integrated into opioid treatment programmes. We sought to understand the experiences and meanings of facilitated telemedicine and an HCV cure among PWUD.

Methods

We utilized purposive sampling to interview 25 participants, 6–40 months after achieving an HCV cure. We interpreted and explicated common meanings of participants' experiences of an HCV cure obtained through facilitated telemedicine.

Results

Participants embraced facilitated telemedicine integrated into opioid treatment programmes as patient‐centred care delivered in ‘safe spaces’ (Theme 1). Participants elucidated their experiences of substance use and HCV while committing to treatment for both entities. Facilitated telemedicine integrated into opioid treatment programmes enabled participants to avoid stigma encountered in conventional healthcare settings (Theme 2). Participants conveyed facing negative perceptions of HCV and substance use disorder. Improved self‐awareness, acquired through HCV and substance use treatment, enabled participants to develop strategies to address shame and stigma (Theme 3). An HCV cure, considered by PWUD as a victory over a lethal infectious disease, promotes self‐confidence, enabling participants to improve their health and lives (Theme 4).

Conclusions

Integrating facilitated telemedicine into opioid treatment programmes addresses several healthcare barriers for PWUD. Similarly, obtaining an HCV cure increases their self‐confidence, permissive to positive lifestyle changes and mitigating the negative consequences of substance use.

Patient and Public Contribution

In this study of patient involvement, we interviewed patient‐participants to understand the meaning of an HCV cure through facilitated telemedicine. Participants from a facilitated telemedicine pilot study provided essential input on the design and outcomes of a randomized controlled trial. Pilot study participants endorsed facilitated telemedicine in a testimonial video. They attended site initiation meetings to guide trial implementation. A Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) ensured that patient participants were active members of the research team. The PAC represented patients' voices through feedback on study procedures. A Sustainability Committee supported public involvement in the research process, including educational opportunities, feedback on implementation, and future sustainability considerations.
THE SHAPING OF A GENDER NORM: MARRIAGE, LABOR, AND FOOT‐BINDING IN HISTORICAL CHINA
Authors: Xinyu Fan  , Lingwei Wu
Published: August 2023

This article presents a theory that explains the rise of foot‐binding in historical China, in response to a gender‐asymmetric social mobility shock that dispersed men's quality distribution in the marriage market. The theory characterizes the marriage market equilibrium and women's competition strategies before and after the shock. Empirical evidence using archival data corroborates the theoretical predictions that greater men's social mobility opportunities encouraged foot‐binding and that a greater cost of women's labor discouraged foot‐binding. The article thus highlights that costly gender norms can be traced back to gender asymmetry in social mobility opportunities.
Synthesis, characterization, photocatalytic application of Gd/K co‐doped ZnO
Authors: Aydın Ünal Fatma , Ünal Murat , Ataşer Tuğçe , Özçelik Süleyman
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we introduce the synthesis of undoped ZnO and 5 wt % Gd/K co‐doped ZnO compounds to improve photocatalytic activity. Undoped ZnO particles and Gd/K co‐doped ZnO particles were synthesized by the sol‐gel method. The samples were studied by X‐ Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy (UV‐Vis), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and particle size analysis. Then tehir photocatalytic activities were tested. SEM micrographs showed that the particle size was in the sub‐micrometer or nanometer range. Particle size analysis revealed that the mean size was closer to the micrometer range. The specific surface area of the powder was obtained quite low in accordance with the larger particle size. The photocatalytic activity of 5% Gd/K co‐doped ZnO was compared with undoped ZnO in the degradation methyl blue. When their photocatalytic activities were examined, Gd/K co‐doped ZnO showed ∼66% degradation at 60 min, while undoped ZnO showed ∼52% degradation at the same time.