bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Western Anthelmintics in Early Twentieth‐Century China Colonial Practices and Knowledge on “Tropical Diseases” of the In/between**
Authors: Merdes Dominik 
Published: November 2024

AbstractProtestant (medical) missionaries were the main proponents of Western medicine in China after the Opium Wars. Several studies have highlighted how they used spectacular surgery as a means of gaining public trust. As well as surgery, they also administered anthelmintic drugs such as santonin as a tool of persuasion and conversion. Many anthelmintic drugs of the European materia medica had a colonial history. My paper analyses how coloniality materialised in medical practice and anthelmintics in China. For the late nineteenth century, I will examine the colonial practices in which the drug santonin was involved. At the time, santonin was the drug of choice for treating roundworm. In the early twentieth century, medical missionaries became involved in parasitological research on parasitic worms such as hookworm and Fasciolopsis buski. For this period, I will explore how new knowledge about anthelmintics emerged in the scattered knowledge space of China, and how it related to colonialism and imperialism.
Between Living and Non‐living: Materiality of the Placenta in Ming China**
Authors: Chen Hsiu‐fen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study explores materiality and material cultures of human placenta in Ming China (1368–1644), for it perfectly displays Chinese ambiguous attitudes towards the human body parts between living and non‐living. For a long time, the Chinese had widely applied human body parts in medical treatments and ritual healings. Numerous evidences in relation to their collection, production, efficacy and application are widely recorded in medical works, in particular those found in materia medica. In the sixteenth century, the Bencao gangmu (Systemic Materia Medica, 1596) illustrates thirty‐five “human body drugs.” Of those, the placenta was believed effective for curing illnesses, nourishing the body and prolonging life. The questions to be answered include: how is the placenta perceived in medical and religious discourses? What is its “materiality” and “efficacy” when it becomes a drug? What ethical issues and moral concerns are involved with eating the placenta? Last but not least, how was the placenta ritually buried after childbirth in premodern China? In so doing, this essay aims to provide a better understanding of the placenta situated in both material and cosmological worlds. It helps us rethink the multiple relations of human body part to part, part to whole, and body to body.
Encourage self‐learning and collaborative learning through gamification during COVID‐19 pandemic: A case study for teaching biochemistry
Authors: Lee Rebecca K. Y. , Ng Bernard Y. N. , Chen Minghui Daisy 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDuring COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a change in the teaching mode from face‐to‐face to online teaching. It was especially challenging for teachers to motivate students to learn through distance learning. This shift in teaching mode also lowered student–student and student‐teacher interactions. In this project, a biochemistry courseware, Metabolism Metro (Adventure Mode), was designed which aimed to motivate students learning metabolic pathways in a fun and interactive way. The Metabolism Metro (Adventure Mode) was based on a role‐play game design and contained quizzes with questions covering the topics of carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and nucleotide metabolism. In order to enhance the courseware usage, and to encourage collaborative learning, the class teacher had organized a prize‐winning competition. Students could join the competition either individually or in groups to complete the game. By including challenging quizzes in the courseware, some students tended to form groups to solve the problems together. They either discussed the problems over the phone, or sat together and answered the questions using one computer. Besides reading the lecture notes, the students also tried to read the textbook, found the answers from the internet, or sought help from the class teacher. Students were attracted to self‐learn metabolic pathways to complete the quizzes.
Preserving Laryngo‐Esophageal Function in Patients With Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treated With Radiotherapy: Predictive Factors and Long‐Term Outcomes
Authors: Nakajima Aya , Yoshimura Michio , Hiraoka Shinya , Nakashima Ryota , Kishimoto Yo , Omori Koichi , Mizowaki Takashi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFunctional outcomes after hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treatment have a significant effect on patients' quality of life and prognosis. This study aimed to identify the predictive factors associated with laryngo‐esophageal dysfunction in patients with HPC who received definitive radiotherapy.MethodsPatients with HPC treated with definitive intensity‐modulated radiotherapy between 2007 and 2019 at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Laryngo‐esophageal dysfunction‐free survival (LDFS) events were defined as local recurrence, laryngo‐esophageal dysfunction (defined as tracheostomy or feeding tube dependence), or death from any cause.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 61 months for the 80 patients included in the study. The 5‐year LDFS rate was 47%. A clinical T4 stage and lower pretreatment prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were independently associated with a lower LDFS.ConclusionA clinical T4 stage and lower pretreatment PNI were identified as predictors of a lower LDFS after definitive radiotherapy for HPC.
A Phase 1 Study of ABI‐009 (Nab‐sirolimus) in Combination With Temozolomide and Irinotecan in Pediatric Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Solid Tumors, Including CNS Tumors—A Children's Oncology Group Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trial Network Study ADVL1514
Authors: Cramer Stuart L. , Reddy Alyssa Terry , Minard Charles Gene , Voss Stephan , Fox Elizabeth , Liu Xiaowei , Denic Kristina , Reid Joel M. , Weigel Brenda J. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundNab‐sirolimus (ABI‐009, nab‐rapamycin; Aadi Bioscience Inc. [Aadi]) is a human albumin‐bound form of sirolimus nanoparticles, a potent mTOR inhibitor. This phase I trial was conducted to define dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT), maximum tolerated or recommended phase II dose (MTD/RP2D), and pharmacokinetics of Nab‐sirolimus in combination with temozolomide and irinotecan.MethodsUsing a rolling 6 design, Nab‐sirolimus was administered intravenously (IV) on days (D) 1 and 8 of cycle (C) 1. In subsequent cycles, Nab‐sirolimus was administered D1 and D8 in combination with temozolomide (125 mg/m2/dose, maximum 250 mg/dose) and irinotecan (90 mg/m2/dose) orally, daily on D1–5. Cycle duration was 21 days. Three dose levels (DL) of Nab‐sirolimus were investigated (DL1: 35 mg/m2/dose, DL‐1: 20 mg/m2/dose, and DL‐2: 15 mg/m2/dose). The observation period for estimating the MTD/RP2D was defined by cycles 1 and 2.ResultsThirty‐three patients were enrolled, 32 were eligible. Dose determination included 17 evaluable patients, median (range) age 12 (2–20) years and six additional patients were enrolled (four evaluable for toxicity) on a pharmacokinetic cohort. C1 or C2 DLTs were primarily thrombocytopenia including 2/5 patients at DL1, 2/6 patients at DL‐1, and 1/6 patients at DL‐2. One patient (DL1) with Ewing Sarcoma had a partial response and remained on study for 35 cycles. Rapamycin clearance was dose dependent. Irinotecan clearance and its active metabolite SN‐38 exposure were not affected by coadministration with Nab‐sirolimus.ConclusionThe MTD for Nab‐sirolimus was 15 mg/m2/dose IV on D1 and D8 in combination with temozolomide 125 mg/m2/dose and oral irinotecan 90 mg/m2/dose daily for 5 days during 21D cycles.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02975882
Cannabis Use Among Cancer Patients During Active Treatment: Findings From a Study at an NCI‐Designated Cancer Center
Authors: Baral Amrit , Diggs Bria‐Necole A. , Marrakchi El Fellah Ranya , McCarley Connor , Penedo Frank , Martinez Claudia , Vidot Denise C. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aims to describe patterns, sources, and reasons for cannabis use among cancer patients during active treatment (+CDTX) compared to no‐use during active treatment (−CDTX).MethodsData are from 385 surveys collected via REDCap during phase I of an ongoing study among adult cancer patients seen at an NCI‐designated comprehensive cancer center within the last 5 years of treatment. A harmonized survey was created with 11 other NCI centers to assess cannabis use patterns, sources, and reasons for use. Sociodemographics and cancer details were also collected via self‐report. Descriptive statistics were calculated and stratified by +/−CDTX. Chi‐squared tests were conducted to compare proportions between groups.ResultsAmong the sample [49.5 years (SD 15.9); 53.0% male; and 41.6% Hispanic/Latino], 41.0% + CDTX and 59.0% −CDTX. A majority (71.8%) of +CDTX initiated use before diagnosis versus 44.1% in −CDTX (p < 0.0001); patients diagnosed with stage 4 cancer had a statistically significant higher prevalence of +CDTX (60.0%; p = 0.003); 53.3% in radiation reported +CDTX compared to 42.8% in chemotherapy, and 36.4% in immunotherapy. Dispensaries and local dealers were the top sources of cannabis in both groups. Among +CDTX, 44.3% consumed cannabis at least once a day DTX, dominant cannabinoids used were CBD (35.2%), Delta‐8‐THC (18.3%), and CBD + THC ratio (14.1%); 12.7% were unsure what they consumed. Joints were the most common inhalation method (61.5%), and store‐bought candy was the most common edible (39.2%). Depression/mood, pain, and enjoyment were the top three reasons for +CDTX compared to enjoyment, depression/mood, and nausea/upset stomach in −CDTX (p = 0.02).ConclusionsPatterns, sources, and reasons for cannabis use varied between +CDTX and ‐CDTX. Future studies should examine the impacts of cannabis and specific cannabinoids on cancer treatment, drug interactions, survival outcomes, and quality of life.
An exploration into the prevalence and experience of neurodiversity among staff at a UK high‐secure psychiatric hospital
Authors: Walker Freya , Samya Sri Anna , Murphy David 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhilst there is increasing recognition and interest in how staff who have neurodivergence are represented and contribute to industry, to date, there has been very little exploration of neurodivergence among healthcare staff and none with those working in forensic psychiatric services.AimsTo estimate the prevalence of neurodivergence among staff working in a UK high‐secure psychiatric hospital and explore their experiences.MethodsAll staff were invited to complete a confidential online self‐report questionnaire consisting of both closed and open questions.ResultsA fifth of the staff responded (n = 124), but two did not report their neurodivergent status, so were excluded. Nearly 40% of responders reported having some form of neurodivergence, with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) being the most common, followed by dyslexia, autism and dyspraxia. Over a third (36%) of those reporting neurodivergence said that they had chosen not to disclose this to the organisation and around a quarter (23%) reported not feeling valued or supported by the organisation. Of the staff cohort who responded, most expressed the view that neurodiversity in the workforce is beneficial to patient care, despite the majority being unsure whether neurodivergence is an advantage or a barrier for the individual themselves. Over half of staff completing the survey felt there was not enough awareness of neurodiversity among staff and that more training on the subject would be beneficial.ConclusionThis survey suggests gaps in our recognition and understanding of neurodivergence among hospital staff. Although the prevalence figure should be treated with caution, given the low response rate, in this first survey of neurodivergence among staff in a secure hospital, our findings suggest substantial numbers of staff with neurodivergence and the likelihood that neither they nor the organisation are optimising this situation. The further steps should include the development and evaluation of strategies exploring ways of improving recognition and relevant support for staff, as well as discovering ways in which neurodivergence in staff might inform and optimise care and treatment for patients.
46‐kg abdominal tumor misdiagnosed as obesity: Unveiling healthcare bias due to obesity stigma
Authors: Calini Giacomo , Rottoli Matteo , D'Errico Antonietta , Poggioli Gilberto 
Published: November 2024

Key Clinical MessageObesity results in higher risk of some cancers while obesity stigma affect patient's quality of care. In this case report, a 46 kg ovary mass was misdiagnosed as severe obesity. Obesity stigma awareness and a sustained effort from healthcare professionals are required to deliver adequate patient care to patients with obesity.AbstractObesity is a disease associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and some cancers. Obesity stigma affect patients and healthcare professionals leading to mistrust, poor adherence, noncompliance to screening, and misdiagnosis. We reported a case report of a patient sent to our referral center for surgical evaluation of long‐standing severe obesity (BMI 59). Physical examination was significant for abdominal obesity with a hard consistency, but no cushingoid dysmorphism or lipodystrophy. No abdominal pain, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or change in bowel movements were present. Tumor markers were normal except for an elevated Ca 19.9. Imaging showed a large, intraperitoneal abdominal mass with no metastatic disease. The patient underwent surgery to remove a 46‐kg complex ovarian cystic mass (circumference: 160 cm, diameter: 67 cm), full of liquid and with six nodular areas. The mass was entirely extracted with an intact capsule. The cystic mass resulted in a well‐differentiated intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma with microinvasive foci, an endophytic borderline area (sec. WHO 2014), and mucinous‐cystic areas with no atypia. The patient had postoperative bilateral basal pleural effusion resolved with conservative treatment and was discharged at home on postoperative day 12 with an uneventful 90‐day postoperative follow‐up. In the present case report, a 46 kg ovary mass was misdiagnosed as severe obesity, and the patient was referred for bariatric evaluation. Unveiling biases related to obesity stigma is the first step to ensuring better patient care. Obesity stigma awareness and a sustained effort from healthcare professionals are required to deliver adequate patient care to patients with obesity.
Self‐Assembly of Metallo‐Supramolecular Amphiphiles based on Azadipyrromethenes: Consecutive Pathways to Nanodiscs and Nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Hou Baokai , Zhao Mingyao , Pan Hongfei , Liu Mengqi , Chen Zhijian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA new class of metallo‐supramolecular amphiphilic dyes 1 a, b was constructed by using two azadipyrromethene units which were respectively modified with two hydrophobic alkyl and two hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) chains. The spectroscopic and morphological studies revealed the consecutive self‐assembly pathways of 1 a in EtOH/H2O mixed solvent. The monomers of 1 a firstly aggregated into the kinetic‐controlled, nanodisc‐shaped Agg. I upon cooling and the latter spontaneously transformed into the thermodynamically more stable Agg. II with a nanosheet morphology. While the non‐fluorescent Agg. I displayed a broad absorption band (λmax=615 nm), the Agg. II displayed a more intensive and narrowed J‐band (λmax=693 nm) and a fluorescence band with a maximum at 760 nm (Φfl=0.1), which could be ascribed to the J‐aggregation induced emission enhancement. The kinetics of Agg. I to Agg. II transformation was further modulated by seed‐initiated supramolecular polymerization with various ratios of Seedagg.II, in which the transformation rate was significantly increased by ca. 2 orders of magnitude compared to the spontaneous process. The supramolecular amphiphile 1 b bearing longer hydrophilic chains formed only one type aggregate, which exhibited spectroscopic and morphological properties that were highly comparable with that of Agg. I.
Flowing Forward: Continuous Synthesis of and with Ionic Liquids
Authors: Stagel Kristof , Bica‐Schröder Katharina 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHerein, the developments in the field of continuous ionic liquid synthesis and continuous ionic liquid utilization from the last seven years are reviewed. Starting by discussing recent strategies for the preparation of ionic liquids themselves in different flow reactors, the review will further focus on various continuous strategies employing ionic liquids. The application of ionic liquids in continuous processes, particularly as supported catalytic layers, has drawn significant scientific interest in the last decades. These catalyst frameworks provide a versatile tool in many organic transformations, and their application became an attractive strategy in continuous catalytic approaches.
Changes in the ideal body shape associated with adolescent rowing‐ergometry performance following a 6‐week training intervention: New scaling insights using three‐dimensional allometry
Authors: Nevill Alan M. , Walters Grace W. M. , Dring Karah J. , Nevill Benjamin A. , Cooper Simon B. , Morris John G. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractScaling, to remove the effects of body size, is an important methodological approach for enabling an equitable comparison of performance differences between individuals who vary in anthropometric characteristics. Many previous studies using scaling in sport have done so based on only one or two anthropometric characteristics, with only one study to date adopting a three‐dimensional approach. To apply a three‐dimensional allometric model to rowing ergometer performance (REP) in adolescents, and to detect whether key ‘scaling’ parameters remain stable when scaling REP both before and after a 6‐week training intervention. Novel three‐dimensional allometric models were used, incorporating body mass, stature and waist circumference (WC) to detect the most appropriate body size dimension(s) and scaling parameters associated with REP before and after a 6‐week training intervention. Using this more flexible and sensitive three‐dimensional allometry demonstrated that, following 6‐weeks of training, there was a change in the ideal body shape associated with REP. Before training, taller, but not heavier, adolescents performed better. After 6‐weeks of training, older participants with a greater body mass but smaller WC performed better. Scaling approaches are important for evaluating performance differences between individuals of differing body size. The findings from the current study (using a novel three‐dimensional allometry approach) emphasise that relatively subtle changes in individuals' behavioural characteristics, such as changes in their training/fitness status, can result in quite dramatic changes in the body dimension characteristics and scaling parameters deemed to be key for performance in activities such as REP.
Newer glucose‐lowering drugs reduce the risk of late‐onset seizure and epilepsy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sindhu Udeept , Sharma Akshay , Zawar Ifrah , Punia Vineet 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNewer glucose‐lowering drugs (GLDs) protect against cerebrovascular, neurodegenerative, and neuroinflammatory pathologies. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing newer GLDs to placebo that assessed long‐term cardiovascular and renal outcomes to analyze their potential to prevent late‐onset seizures and epilepsy, separately and as a combined outcome. A comprehensive MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases search for DPP‐4 inhibitors, GLP‐1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitor RCTs, which reported adverse effects, including seizures and epilepsy on clinicaltrials.gov, yielded 413 studies. Of them, 27 studies with almost 200 000 patients (mean age 64.9 years, 65.6% males) were included. We calculated relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR) using the Mantel–Haenszel method and Peto's method. Patients taking newer GLDs had a 24% lower risk of late‐onset seizures and epilepsy, combined, (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62–0.95) and 22% lower risk of late‐onset seizures only (RR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.60–1.00), compared to patients on placebo. This seizure and epilepsy prevention benefit was only noted among patients taking GLP‐1 receptor agonists. Stroke incidence was comparable between newer GLDs and placebo group. GLP‐1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide significantly reduce late‐onset seizures and epilepsy, and their anti‐epileptogenic potential in older adults needs further exploration.Plain Language SummaryOur analysis 27 clinical trials and nearly 200 000 patients evaluated the potential of newer glucose‐lowering drugs (GLDs) to prevent late‐onset seizures and epilepsy in older adults. The study found that newer GLDs, especially GLP‐1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide, reduced the combined risk of seizures and epilepsy by 24% compared to placebo. These findings suggest that newer GLDs may offer prevention against the development of seizures and epilepsy in older adults. However, further research is needed to confirm their anti‐epileptogenic effects.
Olfactory Dysfunction and Limbic Hypoactivation in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Schmidt Markus , Bauer Tobias , Kehl Marcel , Minarik Anna , Walger Lennart , Schultz Johannes , Otte Martin S. , Trautner Peter , Hoppe Christian , Baumgartner Tobias , Specht‐Riemenschneider Louisa , Mormann Florian , Radbruch Alexander , Surges Rainer , Rüber Theodor 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe epileptogenic network in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) contains structures of the primary and secondary olfactory cortex such as the piriform and entorhinal cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus. Olfactory auras and olfactory dysfunction are relevant symptoms of TLE. This study aims to characterize olfactory function in TLE using olfactory testing and olfactory functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We prospectively enrolled 20 individuals with unilateral TLE (age 45 ± 20 years [mean ± SD], 65% female, 90% right‐handed) and 20 healthy individuals (age 33 ± 15 years [mean ± SD], 35% female, 90% right‐handed). In the TLE group, the presumed seizure onset zone was left‐sided in 75%; in 45% of the individuals with TLE limbic encephalitis was the presumed etiology; and 15% of the individuals with TLE reported olfactory auras. Olfactory function was assessed with a Screening Sniffin’ Sticks Test (Burkhart, Wedel, Germany) during a pre‐assessment. During a pre‐testing, all individuals were asked to rate the intensity, valence, familiarity, and associated memory of five different odors (eugenol, vanillin, phenethyl alcohol, decanoic acid, valeric acid) and a control solution. During the fMRI experiment, all individuals repeatedly smelled eugenol (positively valenced odor), valeric acid (negatively valenced odor), and the control solution and were asked to rate odor intensity on a five‐point Likert scale. We acquired functional EPI sequences and structural images (T1, T2, FLAIR). Compared to healthy individuals, individuals with TLE rated the presented odors as more neutral (two‐sided Mann–Whitney U tests, FDR‐p < 0.05) and less familiar (two‐sided Mann–Whitney U tests, FDR‐p < 0.05). fMRI data analysis revealed a reduced response contrast in secondary olfactory areas (e.g., hippocampus) connected to the limbic system when comparing eugenol and valeric acid in individuals with TLE when compared with healthy individuals. However, no lateralization effect was obtained when calculating a lateralization index by the number of activated voxels in the olfactory system (two‐sided Mann–Whitney U test; U = 176.0; p = 0.525). TLE is characterized by olfactory dysfunction and associated with hypoactivation of secondary olfactory structures connected to the limbic system. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology of TLE. This study was preregistered on OSF Registries (www.osf.io).