bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of neuromuscular blockade and reversal using cisatricurium and neostigmine with rocuronium and sugamadex on the quality of recovery from general anaesthesia for percutaneous closure of left atria appendage
Authors: Li Qiongzhen , Yao Haixia , Wu Jingxiang , Xu Meiying , Xie Hong , Wu Dongjin
Published: August 2022

Background

There is a growing interest in minimally invasive left atrial appendage closure therapies. However, for successful catheter surgery, it is necessary to achieve high-quality postoperative recovery. The aim of the study is to comparison of neuromuscular blockade and reversal using cisatricurium and neostigmine with rocuronium and sugamadex on the quality of recovery from general anaesthesia for percutaneous closure of left atria appendage.

Methods

Eighty-four patients who received percutaneous LAAC were randomly placed into two groups, general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation with either propofol-remifentanil-cisatracurium-neostigmine (group C) or propofol-remifentanil-rocuronium-sugammadex (group S). The QoR-40 questionnaire was used to assess recovery quality 6 h after surgery, and the time of spontaneous respiration, the time of consciousness recovery, the time of extubation, the duration in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU), and the adverse events after awakening were collected.

Results

Compared with the group C, the group S demonstrated significantly higher individual QoR-40 dimension scores, a significantly shorter recovery time for spontaneous respiration and consciousness, time of extubation, and duration in the PACU, and a lower incidence of transient hypoxemia, agitation, nausea and vomiting and urinary retention. There was a non-significant trend for the length of stay in the hospital in both groups.

Conclusions

General anesthesia and endotracheal intubation with propofol-remifentanil-rocuronium-sugammadex provided better quality of recovery, shorter anaesthesia duration, and lower incidence of hypoxemia and agitation. Neuromuscular blockade and reversal using rocuronium and sugamadex is better than with cisatricurium and neostigmine on the quality of recovery from general anaesthesia for percutaneous closure of left atria appendage.

Trial registration: chictr.org, ChiCTR2000031857. Registered on April 12, 2020.
Esophageal carcinosarcoma comprising undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Fang Ziyao , Xia Tian , Pan Shu , Xu Chun , Ju Sheng , Shen Ziqing , Zhao Jun
Published: August 2022

Background

Esophageal carcinosarcoma (ECS) is a rare malignant tumor that often presents as an intraluminal polypoid lesion in the esophageal lumen. The pathogenesis of esophageal carcinosarcoma is not clear and its etiology is still being discussed.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 68-year-old male who had dysphagia for approximately three months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed an irregular enhancing mass in the lower esophagus. Endoscopy showed a gray-white mass with a smooth surface that almost filled the esophageal lumen at a location 28 cm from the incisor tooth. Considering the location of the tumor, we opted for Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis through a 5-port laparoscope and uniport video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Pathological analysis showed that the mass comprised carcinoma in situ and pleomorphic sarcoma, without lymphatic metastasis. The postoperative pathological stage was T1bN0M0, stage I (Japanese Classification of Esophageal Cancer 11th Edition). The latest follow-up of the patient was 14 months after the surgery, and no signs of recurrence or metastasis were found.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates a rare esophageal malignancy with a peculiar histological composition. Successful VATS esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis was conducted without recurrence or metastasis at the 14-month follow-up.
Aripiprazole treatment for temper outbursts in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Deest Maximilian , Wieting Jelte , Jakob Maximilian Michael , Deest-Gaubatz Stephanie , Groh Adrian , Seifert Johanna , Toto Sermin , Bleich Stefan , Frieling Helge , Eberlein Christian K.
Published: August 2022

Background

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder based on a loss of paternally expressed genes in chromosome segment 15q11-13. Behavioral traits such as temper outbursts, stereotypic, and ritualistic behavior, as well as an increased risk of psychosis accompany the syndrome, representing a major issue in the treatment of adults with PWS. Up to now, no treatment guideline for these conditions in PWS exist. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the effect and adverse effects of treatment with aripiprazole for temper outbursts in 10 adults with PWS.

Results

Aripiprazole was prescribed for temper outbursts (n = 10). Treatment outcome was assessed using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) and -Improvement Scale (CGI-I).

Treatment success (CGI-I < 3) was observed in 70% of cases, with adverse effects from mild to partly serious extent in 60% of cases. The major adverse effect observed was increased daytime sleepiness. In total, 50% of the individuals were treated successfully for temper outbursts. The BMI did not change significantly in the successfully treated group after 6 months of treatment.

Conclusions

Aripiprazole can be a treatment option for temper outbursts in people with PWS. Although a high rate of side effects was detected, their severity led to discontinuation in only 20% of the cases. Furthermore, the absence of weight gain makes aripiprazole interesting especially for the PWS population.
Estimation of hereditary fructose intolerance prevalence in the Chinese population
Authors: Tang Meiling , Chen Xiang , Ni Qi , Lu Yulan , Wu Bingbing , Wang Huijun , Yin Zhaoqing , Zhou Wenhao , Dong Xinran
Published: August 2022

Background

Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) caused by aldolase B reduction or deficiency that results in fructose metabolism disorder. The disease prevalence in the Chinese population is unknown, which impedes the formulation of HFI screening and diagnosis strategies.

Materials and methods

By searching a local cohort (Chinese Children’s Rare Disease Genetic Testing Clinical Collaboration System, CCGT) and public databases (ClinVar and Human Gene Mutation Database) and reviewing HFI-related literature, we manually curated ALDOB pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants according to ACMG guidelines. Allele frequency (AF) information from the local database CCGT and the public databases HuaBiao and gnomAD for ALDOB P/LP variants was used to estimate and the HFI prevalence in the Chinese population and other populations by the Bayesian framework. We collected the genotype and clinical characteristics of HFI patients from the CCGT database and published literature to study genotype–phenotype relationships.

Result

In total, 81 variants of ALDOB were curated as P/LP. The estimated Chinese HFI prevalence was approximately 1/504,678, which was much lower than that for non-Finland European (1/23,147), Finnish in Finland (1/55,539), admixed American (1/132,801) and Ashkenazi Jewish (1/263,150) populations. By analyzing the genetic characteristics of ALDOB in the Chinese population, two variants (A338V, A338G) had significantly higher AFs in the Chinese population than in the non-Finland European population from gnomAD (all P values < 0.05). Five variants (A150P, A175D, N335K, R60*, R304Q) had significantly lower AFs (all P values < 0.1). The genotype–phenotype association analyses were based on 68 reported HFI patients from a literature review and the CCGT database. The results showed that patients carrying homozygous variant sites (especially A150P) were more likely to present nausea, and patients carrying two missense variant sites were more likely to present aversion to sweets and fruit (all P values < 0.05). Our research reveals that some gastrointestinal symptoms seem to be associated with certain genotypes.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HFI in the Chinese population is extremely low, and there is no need to add HFI testing to the current newborn screening programs if medical costs are considered. A genetic testing strategy is suggested for early diagnosis of HFI.
Measurement of perceived needs in humanitarian contexts using the HESPER scale: a scoping study with reflections on the collaboration between researchers and humanitarian actors
Authors: Hugelius Karin
Published: August 2022

Background

Needs assessment is one of the fundamental humanitarian responses to sudden-onset or long-lasting emergencies. The Humanitarian Emergency Settings Perceived Needs Scale (HESPER)/ HESPER Web are valid scales for identifying perceived needs among humanitarian or disaster-affected populations, both in humanitarian practice and in science. This scoping review aimed to determine the scientific use of HESPER or HESPER Web, report on previously published perceived needs in humanitarian emergencies, and discuss how scientific and humanitarian actors can work together in a partnership in needs assessment in humanitarian settings.

Results

In all, eight papers were found in which the HESPER or HESPER Web had been used in conflict- or post-conflict settings or natural disasters. The study samples varied from 85 to 1000 participants (mean 440). The mean number of perceived needs in all studies was 8, varying from 4.25 to 12.18. The top three needs varied in all the studies. A high number of perceived needs was associated with mental health problems. No paper has reported on how the assessment outcomes were shared between the researchers and humanitarian actors.

Conclusion

Inventorying the needs from the perspective of the affected population is important to tailor the response to each humanitarian emergency. The HESPER scale and the HESPER Web are multisectoral tools that can be used to take inventory of the perceived needs and indicate the mental health problems that arise in conflict-ridden and natural disaster contexts. It is essential that results from a scientific needs inventory are shared with adequate humanitarian stakeholders to not only facilitate a proper response, but also to foster a closer collaboration between scientists, humanitarians, and the affected population. Doing so would increase the development and use of evidence in practice when providing humanitarian aid.
LncRNA MILIP links YBX1 to translational activation of Snai1 and promotes metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yanliang , Feng Yu Chen , Gan Yujin , Teng Liu , Wang Li , La Ting , Wang Peilin , Gu Yue , Yan Lei , Li Na , Zhang Lina , Wang Limeng , Thorne Rick F. , Zhang Xu Dong , Cao Huixia , Shao Feng-Min
Published: August 2022

Background

Distant metastasis is the major cause of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)-associated mortality. However, molecular mechanisms involved in ccRCC metastasis remain to be fully understood. With the increasing appreciation of the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer development, progression, and treatment resistance, the list of aberrantly expressed lncRNAs contributing to ccRCC pathogenesis is expanding rapidly.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to interrogate publicly available ccRCC datasets. In situ hybridization and qRT-PCR assays were used to test lncRNA expression in human ccRCC tissues and cell lines, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays were used to examine transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Wound healing as well as transwell migration and invasion assays were employed to monitor ccRCC cell migration and invasion in vitro. ccRCC metastasis was also examined using mouse models in vivo. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to test RNA–protein associations, whereas RNA-RNA interactions were tested using domain-specific chromatin isolation by RNA purification.

Results

MILIP expression was upregulated in metastatic compared with primary ccRCC tissues. The increased MILIP expression in metastatic ccRCC cells was driven by the transcription factor AP-2 gamma (TFAP2C). Knockdown of MILIP diminished the potential of ccRCC cell migration and invasion in vitro and reduced the formation of ccRCC metastatic lesions in vivo. The effect of MILIP on ccRCC cells was associated with alterations in the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) hallmark genes. Mechanistically, MILIP formed an RNA-RNA duplex with the snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (Snai1) mRNA and bound to Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1). This promoted the association between the YBX1 protein and the Snai1 mRNA, leading to increased translation of the latter. Snai1 in turn played an important role in MILIP-driven ccRCC metastasis.

Conclusions

The TFAP2C-responsive lncRNA MILIP drives ccRCC metastasis. Targeting MILIP may thus represent a potential avenue for ccRCC treatment.
Research protocol: Cervical Arthroplasty Cost Effectiveness Study (CACES): economic evaluation of anterior cervical discectomy with arthroplasty (ACDA) versus anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) in the surgical treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease — a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schuermans Valérie N. E. , Smeets Anouk Y. J. M. , Boselie Toon F. M. , Candel Math J. J. M. , Curfs Inez , Evers Silvia M. A. A. , Van Santbrink Henk
Published: August 2022

Introduction

To date, there is no consensus on which anterior surgical technique is more cost-effective in treating cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD). The most commonly used surgical treatment for patients with single- or multi-level symptomatic CDDD is anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF). However, new complaints of radiculopathy and/or myelopathy commonly develop at adjacent levels, also known as clinical adjacent segment pathology (CASP). The extent to which kinematics, surgery-induced fusion, natural history, and progression of disease play a role in the development of CASP remains unclear. Anterior cervical discectomy with arthroplasty (ACDA) is another treatment option that is thought to reduce the incidence of CASP by preserving motion in the operated segment. While ACDA is often discouraged, as the implant costs are higher while the clinical outcomes are similar to ACDF, preventing CASP might be a reason for ACDA to be a more cost-effective technique in the long term.

Methods and analysis

In this randomized controlled trial, patients will be randomized to receive ACDF or ACDA in a 1:1 ratio. Adult patients with single- or multi-level CDDD and symptoms of radiculopathy and/or myelopathy will be included. The primary outcome is cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of both techniques from a healthcare and societal perspective. Secondary objectives are the differences in clinical and radiological outcomes between the two techniques, as well as the qualitative process surrounding anterior decompression surgery. All outcomes will be measured at baseline and every 6 months until 4 years post-surgery.

Discussion

High-quality evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of both ACDA and ACDF is lacking; to date, there are no prospective trials from a societal perspective. Considering the aging of the population and the rising healthcare costs, there is an urgent need for a solid clinical cost-effectiveness trial addressing this question.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04623593. Registered on 29 September 2020.
The effects of breathing exercises and inhaler training in patients with COPD on the severity of dyspnea and life quality: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ceyhan Yasemin , Tekinsoy Kartin Pınar
Published: August 2022

Background

Severe dyspnea and poor quality of life are common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The most important reason for this is wrong applications in inhaler treatment. In addition, inhaler treatments that support non-pharmacological methods increase the effectiveness of the drug. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of breathing exercises and inhaler training for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients on the severity of dyspnea and life quality.

Methods

The research was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 67 patients with COPD were included. The patients were randomized into two groups. Intervention group 1 were given pursed lip breathing exercise and inhaler training and Intervention group 2 were given only inhaler training. A follow-up after 4 weeks was carried out in both groups. Patient outcomes in both groups were assessed by a COPD assessment test (CAT), the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire scale (SGRQ). This study followed the CONSORT checklist for randomized controlled trials. In the data analysis, independent t, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, Wilcoxon analysis, and Pearson chi-square tests were used.

Results

The pursed lips exercise and inhaler drug use skills of patients in both groups increased (p<0.001). The median value of the CAT and mMRC scores were statistically significant for both groups (p<0.005). The mean of life quality scores of patients in both groups decreased, and this result was found to be statistically significant in all sub-dimensions and in the total scale score for both groups (p<0.001). Although the increase in the quality of life and the decrease in the severity of dyspnea of the patients in both groups were significant, neither group was superior to the other (p>0.05).

Conclusions

As a result of the study, it was found that the skill of using the inhaler and the life quality of the patients increased, and the severity of dyspnea decreased. Supporting inhaler treatments with non-pharmacological methods can increase drug efficacy and quality of life.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04739488. Registered on 21 Feb 2021.
Effect of acupuncture for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Qi Ling-Yu , Yang Jing-Wen , Yan Shi-Yan , She Yan-Fen , Hu Hui , Li Ying , Chi Li-Li , Wu Bang-Qi , Tu Jian-Feng , Wang Li-Qiong , Liu Cun-Zhi
Published: August 2022

Background

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is the most common subtype of IBS. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat IBS-D, but its effect is uncertain because of the poor quality of prior studies. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for IBS-D through comparisons with sham acupuncture.

Methods/design

This is a large-scale, multi-center, randomized, two-arm interventional clinical trial. Participants will take part in a total of 20 weeks of study, which contained 3 phases: 2-week screening, 6-week treatment, and 12-week follow-up. Based on the composite response rate of the primary endpoint in our pilot study (a sham acupuncture response rate of 27% and a true acupuncture of approximately 45%), 280 randomly allocated participants were planned. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to the true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group according to a ratio of 1:1, and a total of 15 sessions of treatment overall 6-week treatment period will be brought. The primary endpoint is a composite response rate at week 6, and the responder is defined as who responses in both abdominal pain intensity and stool consistency. Furthermore, composite response rates at other weeks, IBS Symptom Severity Scale, IBS Quality of Life, Adequate Relief scale, and individual IBS symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, stool frequency) are chosen as secondary endpoints.

Discussion

This trial may provide high-quality evidence for the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of IBS-D. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100044762. Registered on 26 March 2021.
Factors associated with reporting of the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE) core outcome set domains in randomized trials on falls in older people: a citation analysis and correlational study
Authors: Korall Alexandra M. B. , Steliga Dawn , Lamb Sarah E. , Lord Stephen R. , Rabbani Rasheda , Sibley Kathryn M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Core outcome sets are advocated as a means to standardize outcome reporting across randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and reduce selective outcome reporting. In 2005, the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE) published a core outcome set identifying five domains that should be measured and reported, at a minimum, in RCTs or meta-analysis on falls in older people. As reporting of all five domains of the ProFaNE core outcome set has been minimal, we set out to investigate factors associated with reporting of the ProFaNE core outcome set domains in a purposeful sample of RCTs on falls in older people.

Methods

We conducted a systematic citation analysis to identify all reports of RCTs focused on falls in older people that cited the ProFaNE core outcome set between October 2005 and July 2021. We abstracted author-level, study-level, and manuscript-level data and whether each domain of the ProFaNE core outcome set was reported. We used penalized LASSO regression to identify factors associated with the mean percentage of ProFaNE core outcome set domains reported.

Results

We identified 85 eligible reports of RCTs. Articles were published between 2007 and 2021, described 75 unique RCTs, and were authored by 76 unique corresponding authors. The percentage of ProFaNE core outcome set domains reported ranged from 0 to 100%, with a median of 40% and mean (standard deviation, SD) of 52.2% (25.1). RCTs funded by a non-industry source reported a higher mean percentage of domains than RCTs without a non-industry funding source (estimated mean difference = 17.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–33.2). RCTs examining exercise (15.4%; 95% CI 1.9–28.9) or multi-component/factorial (17.4%; 95% CI 4.7–30.1) interventions each reported a higher mean percentage of domains than RCTs examining other intervention types.

Conclusions

We found that RCTs funded by at least one non-industry source, examining exercise or multi-component/factorial interventions, reported the highest percentages of ProFaNE core outcome set domains. Findings may help inform strategies to increase the impact of the ProFaNE core outcome set. Ultimately, this may lead to enhanced knowledge of the effectiveness and safety of interventions to prevent and/or manage falls in older people.
Biodistribution and dosimetry of the GluN2B-specific NMDA receptor PET radioligand (R)-[11C]Me-NB1
Authors: Rischka Lucas , Murgaš Matej , Pichler Verena , Vraka Chrysoula , Rausch Ivo , Winkler Dietmar , Nics Lukas , Rasul Sazan , Silberbauer Leo Robert , Reed Murray Bruce , Godbersen Godber Mathis , Unterholzner Jakob , Handschuh Patricia , Gryglewski Gregor , Mindt Thomas , Mitterhauser Markus , Hahn Andreas , Ametamey Simon Mensah , Wadsak Wolfgang , Lanzenberger Rupert , Hacker Marcus
Published: August 2022

Background

The NMDA receptor (NMDAR) plays a key role in the central nervous system, e.g., for synaptic transmission. While synaptic NMDARs are thought to have protective characteristics, activation of extrasynaptic NMDARs might trigger excitotoxic processes linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. Since extrasynaptic NMDARs are typically GluN2B-enriched, the subunit is an interesting target for drug development and treatment monitoring. Recently, the novel GluN2B-specific PET radioligand (R)-[11C]Me-NB1 was investigated in rodents and for the first time successfully translated to humans. To assess whether (R)-[11C]Me-NB1 is a valuable radioligand for (repeated) clinical applications, we evaluated its safety, biodistribution and dosimetry.

Methods

Four healthy subjects (two females, two males) underwent one whole-body PET/MR measurement lasting for more than 120 min. The GluN2B-specific radioligand (R)-[11C]Me-NB1 was administered simultaneously with the PET start. Subjects were measured in nine passes and six bed positions from head to mid-thigh. Regions of interest was anatomically defined for the brain, thyroid, lungs, heart wall, spleen, stomach contents, pancreas, liver, kidneys, bone marrow and urinary bladder contents, using both PET and MR images. Time-integrated activity coefficients were estimated to calculate organ equivalent dose coefficients and the effective dose coefficient. Additionally, standardized uptake values (SUV) were computed to visualize the biodistribution.

Results

Administration of the radioligand was safe without adverse events. The organs with the highest uptake were the urinary bladder, spleen and pancreas. Organ equivalent dose coefficients were higher in female in almost all organs, except for the urinary bladder of male. The effective dose coefficient was 6.0 µSv/MBq.

Conclusion

The GluN2B-specific radioligand (R)-[11C]Me-NB1 was well-tolerated without reported side effects. Effective dose was estimated to 1.8 mSv when using 300 MBq of presented radioligand. The critical organ was the urinary bladder. Due to the low effective dose coefficient of this radioligand, longitudinal studies for drug development and treatment monitoring of neuropsychiatric disorders including neurodegenerative diseases are possible.

Trial registration Registered on 11th of June 2019 at https://www.basg.gv.at (EudraCT: 2018-002933-39).
The interstitium at the developing nephron in the fetal kidney during advanced pregnancy — a microanatomical inventory
Authors: Minuth Will W.
Published: August 2022

Background

A series of noxae can evoke the termination of nephron formation in preterm and low birth weight babies. This results in oligonephropathy with severe consequences for health in the later life. Although the clinical parameters have been extensively investigated, little is known about the initial damage. Previous pathological findings indicate the reduction in width of the nephrogenic zone and the lack of S-shaped bodies. Current morphological investigations suggest that due to the mutual patterning beside the forming nephron, also its structural neighbors, particularly the interjacent interstitium, must be affected. However, beside the findings on integrative and mastering functions, systematic microanatomical data explaining the configuration of the interstitium at the developing nephron in the fetal kidney during advanced pregnancy is not available. Therefore, this work explains the typical features.

Results

The generated data depicts that the progenitor cells, nephrogenic niche, pretubular aggregate, and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition are restricted to the subcapsular interstitium. During the proceeding development, only the distal pole of the renal vesicles and comma- and S-shaped bodies stays in further contact with it. The respective proximal pole is positioned opposite the peritubular interstitium at the connecting tubule of an underlying but previously formed nephron. The related medial aspect faces the narrow peritubular interstitium of a collecting duct (CD) ampulla first only at its tip, then at its head, conus, and neck, and finally at the differentiating CD tubule. The lateral aspect starts at the subcapsular interstitium, but then it is positioned along the wide perivascular interstitium of the neighboring ascending perforating radiate artery. When the nephron matures, the interstitial configuration changes again.

Conclusions

The present investigation illustrates that the interstitium at the forming nephron in the fetal kidney consists of existing, transient, stage-specific, and differently far matured compartments. According to the developmental needs, it changes its shape by formation, degradation, fusion, and rebuilding.
Goal management training improves executive control in adults with ADHD: an open trial employing attention network theory to examine effects on attention
Authors: Jensen Daniel A. , Lundervold Astri J. , Stubberud Jan , Halmøy Anne , Haavik Jan , Sørensen Lin
Published: August 2022

Background

Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) typically experience poorer attentional control. According to the attention network theory, attentional control relies on three interacting networks of alerting, orienting, and executive control. In ADHD, it is mainly the alerting and executive control networks that are suggested and found to be compromised.

Methods

In the current study, we investigated if a group-based metacognitive remediation program (Goal Management Training [GMT]) in adults with ADHD would enhance attentional control using an experimental measure of the attention network theory. We expected that GMT would specifically enhance the executive control and alerting networks.

Results

Data from post- and follow up-assessments of 21 adults (age: 39.05 [11.93]) with ADHD who had completed GMT were included. Linear mixed-effects modeling revealed significant improvements in the functioning of the executive control network for the majority of the participants, although a small subset of participants showed a negative development following the intervention. Results also showed an improvement in the orienting network at follow up, but no change in the alerting network.

Conclusion

The results may indicate that improvements in the functioning of the executive control network are central to the positive effects of GMT reported in disorders characterized by impaired attentional control.

Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN (Identifier: ISRCTN91988877) on the 18/01/2021.
Possible clinical implications and future directions of managing bacterial biofilms in cutaneous leishmaniasis wounds
Authors: Kaluarachchi T. D. Jayasena , Campbell Paul M. , Wickremasinghe Renu , Ranasinghe Shalindra , Yasewardene Surangi , De Silva Hiromel , McBain Andrew J. , Weerasekera Manjula
Published: August 2022

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions are chronic and result in disfiguring scars. The microbiological aspects of these wounds have not been systematically investigated. We have recently reported that 61.5% of CL wounds in a Sri Lankan cohort harboured bacterial biofilms, mainly composed of bacilli, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas, which could delay wound healing. We have additionally reported that biofilms were significantly associated patients over 40 years of age, discharge, pain and/or itching of the wound, and high pus cell counts. Using this as background knowledge and other relevant literature, we highlight the importance of investigating the role of biofilms in CL wound healing, clinical indicators, cost-effective laboratory tests involving less invasive sampling techniques for diagnosing biofilms and potential therapeutic options for biofilm-containing CL wounds, such as adjunctive application of wound debridement and antimicrobial treatment along with anti-parasitic drugs.
Numerical analysis of turbulence characteristics in a flat-plate flow with riblets control
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ye Zhixian , Li Binghua , Xie Lan , Zou Jianfeng , Zheng Yao
Published: August 2022

A comparative study about riblets-controlled turbulent boundary layers has been performed to investigate the turbulence characteristics associated with drag reduction in a compressive flat-plate flow (where the free-stream Mach number is 0.7) by means of direct numerical simulations (DNSs). With a setting of the triangular riblets (s+ ≈ 30.82, h+ ≈ 15.41) settled on the Reτ ≈ 500 turbulent boundary layer, an effective global drag reduction was achieved. By comparing velocity and its fluctuation distribution, vorticity fluctuation and streaks structures between the smooth and riblets flat-plate cases, two roles of lifting and rectification in terms of riblets drag control are revealed that the micro-scale riblets can lift up logarithmic-law region of the boundary layer, which leads to a smaller wall friction velocity and thus a drag reduction. The streamwise vortices and its fluctuation structures are shifted upward, thus the interactions between them and the wall surface are weakened, which causes the suppressed intensity of Reynolds normal stresses, streamwise vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy production inside the riblets. Moreover, the streaks associated with streamwise velocity or 3D vortices are ruled from the distorted to long and straight structures as they pass through the riblets, indicating an ability of riblets to turn turbulence into a more ordered state.
Conformal gravity: Newton's constant is not universal
Authors: Nesbet R. K.
Published: August 2022

Newton's gravitational constant G has been measured to high accuracy in a number of independent experiments. For currently unresolved reasons, indicated values from different well-designed and thoroughly analyzed experiments differ by more than the sum of estimated errors. It has recently been shown that requiring both Einstein general relativity and the Higgs scalar field model to satisfy conformal symmetry (local Weyl scaling covariance) introduces gravitational effects that explain anomalous galactic rotation, currently accelerating Hubble expansion, and dark galactic halos, without invoking dark matter. This implies different values G

n
and G

p
for neutron and proton, respectively, but retains the Einstein equivalence principle for test objects accelerated by a given gravitational field. Isotopic mass defect μ per nucleon determines independent G

m
. Thus G differs for each nuclear isotope. Several recent measurements are used here to estimate

,

, and

in units

.
AMPK promotes Arf6 activation in a kinase-independent manner upon glucose starvation
Authors: Chen Kuan-Jung , Hsu Jia-Wei , Lee Fang-Jen S.
Published: August 2022

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a crucial cellular nutrient and energy sensor that maintains energy homeostasis. AMPK also governs cancer cell invasion and migration by regulating gene expression and activating multiple cellular signaling pathways. ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) can be activated via nucleotide exchange by guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs), and its activation also regulates tumor invasion and migration. By studying GEF-mediated Arf6 activation, we have elucidated that AMPK functions as a noncanonical GEF for Arf6 in a kinase-independent manner. Moreover, by examining the physiological role of the AMPK–Arf6 axis, we have determined that AMPK activates Arf6 upon glucose starvation and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) treatment. We have further identified the binding motif in the C-terminal regulatory domain of AMPK that is responsible for promoting Arf6 activation and, thus, inducing cell migration and invasion. These findings reveal a noncanonical role of AMPK in which its C-terminal regulatory domain serves as a GEF for Arf6 during glucose deprivation.
Mitochondrial haplogroup association with fasting glucose response in African Americans treated with a thiazide diuretic
Authors: Minniefield Bre , Armstrong Nicole , Srinivasasainagendra Vinodh , Tiwari Hemant , Ballinger Scott , Chong Zechen , Aslibekyan Stella , Arnett Donna , Irvin Marguerite
Published: August 2022

Background: Hypertensive African Americans have a ~50% response rate to thiazide diuretic treatment. This contributes to a high prevalence of uncontrolled high blood pressure. Here, we examined the role of the mitochondrial genome on thiazide diuretic treatment response in hypertensive African Americans enrolled in a clinical trial.

Methods: Participants from the Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT, n= 4279) were genotyped using the Illumina Infinium Multi-Ethnic Beadchip. Haplotype groups were called using HaploGrep. We used a linear regression analysis to examine the association between mitochondrial haplogroups (L, M, and N) and changes in blood pressure and fasting glucose over six months and two years, respectively.

Results: The analysis revealed a null association between mitochondrial haplogroups M and N versus L for each of the outcomes. In subgroup analysis, the L subclades L1, L2, and L3/L4 (versus L0) were each inversely associated with fasting glucose response (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This discovery analysis suggests the mitochondrial genome has a small effect on fasting glucose response, but not that of blood pressure, to thiazide diuretic treatment in African Americans.
Generic model for biological regulation
Authors: Vihinen Mauno
Published: August 2022

A substantial portion of molecules in an organism are involved in regulation of a wide spectrum of biological processes. Several models have been presented for various forms of biological regulation, including gene expression regulation and physiological regulation; however, a generic model is missing. Recently a new unifying theory in biology, poikilosis, was presented.  Poikilosis indicates that all systems display intrinsic heterogeneity. The concept of poikilosis allowed development of a model for biological regulation applicable to all types of regulated systems. The perturbation-lagom-TATAR countermeasures-regulator (PLTR) model combines the effects of perturbation and lagom (allowed and sufficient extent of heterogeneity) in a system with tolerance, avoidance, repair, attenuation and resistance (TARAR) countermeasures, and possible regulators. There are three modes of regulation, two of which are lagom-related. In the first scenario, lagom is maintained, both intrinsic (passive) and active TARAR countermeasures can be involved. In the second mode, there is a shift from one lagom to another. In the third mode, reguland regulation, the regulated entity is the target of a regulatory shift, which is often irreversible or requires action of another regulator to return to original state. After the shift, the system enters to lagom maintenance mode, but at new lagom extent. The model is described and elaborated with examples and applications, including medicine and systems biology. Consequences of non-lagom extent of heterogeneity are introduced, along with a novel idea for therapy by reconstituting biological processes to lagom extent, even when the primary effect cannot be treated.
Why is health improvement policy so difficult to secure?
Authors: Cairney Paul , St.Denny Emily , Boswell John
Published: August 2022

Many governments seek to improve population health, and some seek to reduce health inequalities. Yet, there remains a large gap between their policy statements and actual outcomes. Perennial questions in public health research include: why is this gap so large, why does it endure, and what can be done to close it? This essay uses political science and policy studies insights to address these questions, focusing on the distinctive issues that relate to (1) broad aims like ‘prevention’, (2) specific strategies for health improvement, or (3) new events. On the one hand, the idea of ‘prevention’ has widespread appeal, when governments think they can save money or reduce inequalities by preventing problems happening or worsening. While health protection seeks to inoculate populations against communicable diseases, health improvement strategies, including ‘Health in All Policies’ (HiAP), primarily address non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Further, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlights the unequal spread of ill health, showing that preventive health ideas should be at the core of policy. On the other hand, there is a large gap between rhetorical and substantive commitment to prevention, a continuous HiAP implementation gap, and a tendency for COVID-19 health protection to overshadow health improvement. Explaining each problem clearly helps to identify the factors thatgenerallyundermine prevention policies and thosespecificto more detailed strategies like HiAP or events like COVID-19. We do not prioritise leadership or ‘political will’ as the policymaking problem. Instead, we identify the systemic factors that apply to even the most sincere, competent, and energetic policymakers. Health improvement policy is typically undermined by a lack of:clarityabout what prevention means in practice;congruitybetween the prevention agenda (emphasising the need for major change to policy and policymaking) and routine government business; and,capacityto overcome obstacles to policy change.
Saving a large volume of soft tissue by using an untailored composite graft after total degloving amputation of the hand: a case report
Authors: Lee Kyung Jin , Lee Jae Yong , Koh Sung Hoon , Kim Jin Soo , Roh Si Young , Lee Dong Chul
Published: August 2022

Total degloving amputations present surgeons with unique challenges to preserve function and prevent amputation of the digits. Obviously, the replantation of avulsed skin is the best option; however, there are situations in which vascular networks are severely contused, making it difficult to restore the circulation, due to the crushing mechanism of injury. As an alternative, defatted or meshed skin grafts from the avulsed skin have been proposed. However, those options have not been proven to guarantee viable digits. Moreover, the application of thinned skin grafts usually results in cosmetically and functionally unsatisfactory outcomes due to the lack of sufficient tissue volume. We present a case in which we successfully saved a large volume of the amputated stump with minimal digit amputation by performing a composite graft of the untailored (i.e., without defatting or meshing) avulsed skin on a totally degloved hand.
Advising Student-Driven Analytics Projects: A Summary of Experiences and Lessons Learned
Authors: Babier Aaron , Fernandes Craig , Zhu Ian Yihang
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we describe a course project in which teams of undergraduate students propose and execute an end-to-end analytics project to solve a real-world problem. The project challenges students to implement machine learning, optimization, simulation, or a combination of these three techniques on real-world data that they collect. A designated project advisor helps each team refine its project and assesses the quality of the resulting work. In our analysis of 58 past projects, we show that students developed solutions for a wide range of topics by employing various methodologies. However, most teams encountered similar challenges that project advisors helped them overcome with tailored feedback. Based on feedback from 106 previous students, the project experience was largely positive and helped them prepare for their future careers. We believe that this type of hands-on project is conducive to the development of important data analytics skills.

Supplemental Material: The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ited.2022.0275 .
Apresentação
Authors: Pope Ramos Paula , Macri Ana Paula
Published: August 2022

Apresentação do número 39 da Palimpsesto.
A personal account of the role of staff governor
Authors: Keenan Liz
Published: August 2022

There are many roles within the nursing workforce that extend beyond caring for patients. Liz Keenan, a previously published author with this journal, discuss her new position as staff governor.
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Dening Karen Harrison
Published: August 2022

Karen Harrison Dening provides a synopsis and brief review of a selection of recently published research articles that are of interest to neuroscience nurses, highlighting key points to keep you up to date; a full reference is provided for those who wish to read the research in more detail
Morality in management
Authors: Finch John
Published: August 2022

While healthcare managers must always act according to the law, there are other principles that should inform their modus operandi of which honesty, decency and morality are prime examples. This article examines some of the ways in which moral principles may influence working practices and explains why keeping to the letter of the law may not always be enough by itself.
Ethnobotanical knowledge of Marind-Anim Tribe in utilizing sago (Metroxylon sagu) in Merauke, Papua, Indonesia
Authors: KADIR AKHMAD , SUHARNO SUHARNO , REAWARUW YOHANA , KOMARI KOMARI , MAHUZE AGUSTINUS
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Kadir A, Suharno, Reawaruw Y, Komari, Mahuze A. 2021. Ethnobotanical knowledge of Marind-Anim Tribe in utilizing sago (Metroxylon sagu) in Merauke, Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 264-272. Sago (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) is one of the biological resources utilized by several communities, mainly in New Guinea and Moluccas region. In Papua (Indonesia New Guinea), sago is a source of food and is also used for the living needs of local people for generations. This study aims to explore the ethnobotanical knowledge regarding the utilization of sago by the Marind–Anim tribe in Merauke, Papua, Indonesia based on local wisdom. Data were collected using survey method and the analysis was done using qualitative approach. The research was conducted in 7 villages representing 6 sub-districts (Merauke, Sota, Tanah Merah, Kurik, Animha, Marind) in Merauke District. The results show that sago is an important resource for the Marind-Anim community to fulfill a wide range of needs from foods, building materials, and cultural activities. Each sub-tribe has a different perspective in grouping sago based on local knowledge. The difference is based on an understanding of the size of the tree trunk, the absence of thorns on the leaves, the height of the plant, the shape and size of the leaves, and the color of the stems/leaves. Based on local knowledge, there are at least five clusters of sago in the Merauke area across the villages surveyed. In Merauke, sago is processed into a traditional food called Sep, which is different from the people in the northern region of Papua, who process it into Papeda. In addition to Sago Sep, the community also knows other types of sago processing, namely Sago Ebayak, Sago Kwetahuk, and Sago Sinoli. The community has conducted conservation efforts based on local knowledge in Sar, Quality Sar, and selective cutting. The goal of such efforts is to maintain the sustainability of sago in meeting the needs for foods.
Cartography and spatial distribution of the genus Pistacia in Souk Ahras, Northeast Algeria
Authors: BAROUR ALI ABDELMOTALAB , TAOUARFIA MOUNDJI
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Barour AA. 2021. Cartography and spatial distribution of the genus Pistacia in Souk Ahras, Northeast Algeria. Biodiversitas 23: 286-290. In 2020, a study mapped two species of the genus Pistacia, viz. Pistacia atlantica Desf. and Pistacia vera L. in the Wilaya of Souk Ahras situated in the northeast of Algeria. The study was based on the determination of the geographic coordinates of each individual and mapping their spatial distribution by using MapInfo Pro 12.0.2 software. The results showed that Atlas Pistachio was mainly distributed over four localities viz. Batoum, Ben Attia, Sidi Fredj and Ouled Moumen. However, the Pistachio nut species were distributed over two localities in the south of the Wilaya of Souk Ahras, viz. Ben Attia and Sidi Fredj. The locality of Ben Attia was characterized by a more or less random distribution of trees, mostly young plants. At thr same time, the structure was heterogeneous across the other stations, with the dominance of large and old trees. The spacing between the trees of the Atlas Pistachio varied from one region to another, ranging from 3 to 189 m. At the Ouled Moumen area, the distribution of wild Pistachio trees formed circles with very close distances between neighboring feet. On the other hand, the trees were spaced and distributed in a linear manner across the other stations.