bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effectiveness of oral ketamine on pain, mood and quality of life in treatment resistant chronic pain
Authors: Al Mukhaizeem Sammy , Nasa Anurag , Waldron Dympna , McDaid Alex , Gorman Patrick J. , Featherstone Molly , Barry Megan , Murphy Paul , Gallagher Hugh , Nair Shrijit , O’Connor Michael , Kelly Linda , O'Hora Emma , Dolan Roisin , Mac Colgain Siaghal , McGrath Jack , Blouin Stephane , Roman Elena , Gaffney Laura , Roddy Darren William , Levins Kirk John 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionChronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months. This often causes persistent emotional distress and functional disability that is refractory to conventional treatments. Emerging evidence suggests that oral Ketamine therapy may have a specific role in managing treatment-resistant chronic pain. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of oral ketamine within a tertiary chronic pain management clinic.MethodsThis study was a clinic-based retrospective descriptive study of 79 patients with a broad range of chronic pain diagnoses and treated with oral ketamine over a period up to 12 years. Changes in pain, mood and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using a numerical pain severity score, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Public Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and American Chronic Pain Association Quality of Life (QoL) scale.Results73 patients were accessible for follow-up (mean daily dose and treatment duration were 193.84 mg and 22.6 months respectively). Pain scores decreased (p &lt; 0.0001) on both numerical scores (41.6% decrease) and BPI scoring (mean decrease 2.61). Mood improved (p &lt; 0.0001) across both PHQ-9 and BPI measurements. Patients also reported less difficulty with daily activities and improved QoL. The most common adverse reaction was drowsiness (21.9%), with 30.1% reporting no adverse reactions from Ketamine.DiscussionThis work adds to the growing body of evidence that under the supervision of a pain specialist, oral ketamine therapy may be a safe, tolerable and effective treatment for chronic pain conditions which have not responded to other management options. Further research is required to produce a more accurate understanding of its chronic use.
Key messageThis real-world study shows that patients being treated with oral ketamine for chronic pain report decreased severity of pain, improved mood and increased quality of life across all conditions.
Eucalyptus-derived essential oils alleviate microbes and modulate inflammation by suppressing superoxide and elastase release
Authors: Fayez Shaimaa , Gamal El-Din Mariam I. , Moghannem Saad A. , Azam Faizul , El-Shazly Mohamed , Korinek Michal , Chen Yu-Li , Hwang Tsong-Long , Fahmy Nouran M. 
Published: November 2023

The Eucalyptus tree, belonging to the myrtle family, grows all over the world for its pharmaceutical and industrial benefits. In this article, we present a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of the hydrodistilled oils obtained from three different Eucalyptus species growing in Egypt viz. E. citriodora, E. camaldulensis, and E. ficifolia. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric guided analysis resulted in the identification of a total of 20 metabolites in E. citriodora oil with citronellal (54.9%) and citronellol (25.4%) being the most dominant components. β-cymene (12.7%) and 1,8-cineole (11.7%) were the major volatile constituents identified in E. camaldulensis oil, while trans-β-ocimene (22.4%), 1,8-cineole (13.5%), and L-trans-pinocarveol (12.5%) were the dominating components in the oil of E. ficifolia. The essential oils of the studied species were evaluated for their in vitro anti-inflammatory, antiviral including anti-SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2), antibacterial, and antifungal activities. E. citriodora oil displayed the highest inhibitory activity on the release of the superoxide radical (32%) and elastase enzyme (31%) in human neutrophils, while E. ficifolia oil had enhancing effects on elastase. The latter showed significant antiviral effects against hepatitis A, herpes simplex, and coxsackie viruses with IC50 values at 2.1, 2.5, and 5.6 μg/mL, respectively. Moderate antibacterial and antifungal activities were observed for Eucalyptus oils with Staphylococcus aureus being the most susceptible bacterial strain. E. ficifolia oil, similarly, displayed the best antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value at ca. 25 μg/mL (for S. aureus). On the contrary, E. camaldulensis oil was the most active against Candida albicans with an MIC value at 45 μg/mL. In silico studies were performed with a number of macromolecular drug targets for confirming the biological activities of the identified compounds and for interpreting their ADME (absorption-distribution-metabolism-elimination) parameters.
Adverse events in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma treated with erdafitinib: a retrospective pharmacovigilance study
Authors: Yuan Tengfei , Li Faping , Hou Yuchuan , Guo Hui 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: On 12 April 2019, erdafitinib gained the first FDA approval as the second-line treatment for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer following progression during or after at least one previous line of platinum-based chemotherapy. However, the long-term safety profile of erdafitinib in a large patient population remains unexplored. The current study aimed to assess the adverse events (AEs) associated with erdafitinib through data mining of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).Method: The reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and the multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) algorithms based on disproportionality were employed to quantify the signals of erdafitinib-associated AEs.Results: A total of 6,322,279 reports of AEs were retrieved from the FAERS database spanning 2019 to 2022, out of which, 700 reports of erdafitinib as the “primary suspected” were identified. These erdafitinib-induced AEs were observed across 24 targeted system organ classes (SOCs). After conforming to the four algorithms at the same time, a total of 441 signals of erdafitinib-induced AEs were detected across 23 SOCs. Notably, signals associated with metabolism and nutrition disorders, eye disorders, and skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders were among the most prevalent. The median onset time for AEs was found to be 54 days [interquartile range (IQR) 17–112 days], with a majority of AEs occurring within the initial 6 months after initiating erdafitinib (37.23% within the first month, 15.53% within the second month, and 16.79% within the third month).Conclusion: The findings of this study align with existing clinical observations, offering a comprehensive long-term post-marketing safety evaluation of erdafitinib. The results provide valuable evidence to enhance the understanding of erdafitinib’s safety profile, aiding further research and guiding clinical practice.
Marula oil nanoemulsion improves motor function in experimental parkinsonism via mitigation of inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Alshaman Reem , Qushawy Mona , Mokhtar Hatem I. , Ameen Angie M. , El-Sayed Rehab M. , Alamri Eman Saad , Elabbasy Lamiaa M. , Helaly Ahmed M. N. , Elkhatib Walid F. , Alyahya Eidah M. , Zaitone Sawsan A. 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurologic condition exhibiting motor dysfunction that affects old people. Marula oil (M-Oil) has been used longley in cosmetics and curing skin disorders. M-Oil is particularly stable due to its high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants. The current study formulated M-Oil in an o/w nanoemulsion (M-NE) preparations and tested its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions against experimental parkinsonism.Methods: Four experimental groups of male albino mice were used and assigned as vehicle, PD, PD + M-Oil and PD + M-NE. Locomotor function was evaluated using the open field test and the cylinder test. Striatal samples were used to measure inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.Results: The results indicated poor motor performance of the mice in PD control group then, improvements were recorded after treatment with crude M-Oil or M-NE. In addition, we found high expression and protein of inflammatory markers and malondialdehyde levels in PD group which were downregulated by using doses of crude M-Oil or M-NE. Hence, formulating M-Oil in form of M-NE enhanced its physical characters.Discussion: This finding was supported by enhanced biological activity of M-NE as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that resulted in downregulation of the inflammatory burden and alleviation of locomotor dysfunction in experimental PD in mice.
ApoE isoform does not influence skeletal muscle regeneration in adult mice
Authors: Burke Benjamin I. , Goh Jensen , Albathi Fatmah A. , Valentino Taylor R. , Nolt Georgia L. , Joshi Jai K. , Dungan Cory M. , Johnson Lance A. , Wen Yuan , Ismaeel Ahmed , McCarthy John J. 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been shown to be necessary for proper skeletal muscle regeneration. Consistent with this finding, single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses of skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) revealed that Apoe is a top marker of quiescent MuSCs that is downregulated upon activation. The purpose of this study was to determine if muscle regeneration is altered in mice which harbor one of the three common human ApoE isoforms, referred to as ApoE2, E3 and E4.Methods: Histomorphometric analyses were employed to assess muscle regeneration in ApoE2, E3, and E4 mice after 14 days of recovery from barium chloride-induced muscle damage in vivo, and primary MuSCs were isolated to assess proliferation and differentiation of ApoE2, E3, and E4 MuSCs in vitro.Results: There was no difference in the basal skeletal muscle phenotype of ApoE isoforms as evaluated by section area, myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA), and myonuclear and MuSC abundance per fiber. Although there were no differences in fiber-type frequency in the soleus, Type IIa relative frequency was significantly lower in plantaris muscles of ApoE4 mice compared to ApoE3. Moreover, ApoE isoform did not influence muscle regeneration as assessed by fiber frequency, fiber CSA, and myonuclear and MuSC abundance. Finally, there were no differences in the proliferative capacity or myogenic differentiation potential of MuSCs between any ApoE isoform.Discussion: Collectively, these data indicate nominal effects of ApoE isoform on the ability of skeletal muscle to regenerate following injury or the in vitro MuSC phenotype.
The combined value of executive functions and self-regulated learning to predict differences in study success among higher education students
Authors: Manuhuwa Diane Marcia , Snel-de Boer Mirjam , Jaarsma Debbie , Fleer Joke , De Graaf Jan Willem 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionSelf-regulated learning (SRL) has traditionally been associated with study success in higher education. In contrast, study success is still rarely associated with executive functions (EF), while it is known from neuropsychological practice that EF can influence overall functioning and performance. However some studies have shown relationships between EF and study success, but this has mainly been investigated in school children and adolescents. EF refer to higher-order cognitive processes to regulate cognition, behavior, and emotion in service of adaptive and goal-directed behaviors. SRL is a dynamic process in which learners activate and maintain cognitions, affects, and behaviors to achieve personal learning goals. This study explores the added value of including EF and SRL to predict study success (i.e., the obtained credits).MethodsIn this study, we collected data from 315 first-year psychology students of a University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands who completed questionnaires related to both EF (BRIEF) and SRL (MSLQ) two months after the start of the academic year. Credit points were obtained at the end of that first academic year. We used Structural Equation Modeling to test whether EF and SRL together explain more variance in study success than either concept alone.ResultsEF explains 19.8% of the variance, SRL 22.9%, and in line with our hypothesis, EF and SRL combined explain 39.8% of the variance in obtained credits.DiscussionThese results indicate that focusing on EF and SRL could lead to a better understanding of how higher education students learn successfully. This might be the objective of further investigation.
Interaction between CSL students’ motivation and anxiety under different L2 writing tasks: evidence from Vietnamese university students
Authors: Wang Cong , Zhu Sida , Zhang Haijing 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionImproving task motivation can reduce anxiety and enhance the efficiency of second language (L2) learning. However, previous research has not determined whether the relationship between task motivation and anxiety is unidirectional facilitation or bidirectional interaction. The reasons for these “relationships” and their impact on L2 learning have not been analysed in depth yet.MethodsThis study investigated the interaction between task motivation and anxiety via qualitative and quantitative research methods with the participation of 229 Vietnamese university students, who were divided into three L2 writing task groups, including the free choice group (FC), the limited choice group (LC), and the no choice group (NC).ResultsThe quantitative results show that the higher individuals’ autonomy levels were, the higher their task motivation levels would be. Besides, the high level of task anxiety reduced task motivation among Vietnamese university students and exited other anxiety factors. The qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with 32 Vietnamese university students showed that a small number of negative factors might trigger low levels of task anxiety.DiscussionNevertheless, the results for participants with different levels of Chinese language proficiency were highly variable. Participants with better cognitive and Chinese language levels regarded task anxiety as an opportunity to practice their Chinese language skills. They were motivated to complete the task, while participants with lower Chinese language levels exhibited low confidence and experienced more challenges when completing the task.
The work experience of male nursing teachers in Chinese universities: a phenomenological study
Authors: He Zhenhua , Yao Jia , De Ala Minerva B. , Zhang Xiaolan 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundWith the increase in the number of male nursing staff, more and more highly educated male nursing staff are joining the nursing higher education industry. Nevertheless, male nursing teachers in China are still a very small group in the education industry, but they have made important contributions to nursing education in China. Work experience is a key factor in the stability of the professional team and the quality of education. However, there is little research on the professional feelings of Chinese male nursing teachers.ObjectiveExplore the true feelings of male nursing teachers in Chinese universities about their work, understand their actual work difficulties, their sources of work stress and methods of coping with stress under the Chinese cultural background, and combine their professional expectations to provide ways to solve these problems, and help male nursing educators better apply nursing education work.MethodsThis study uses an interpretive and exploratory qualitative research design method, in which the participants of male nursing teachers are selected from 30 universities with nursing majors in Zhejiang Province by the method of purpose sampling, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data. A Van Manen process was used for data analysis. The 10th respondents were saturated.ResultsFive themes were extracted in this study, namely realistic difficulties of career, positive feelings of career, sources of occupational stress, coping methods for occupational stress, and career development expectations.ConclusionsMale nursing teachers in universities can actively adjust their thoughts and behaviors and face negative professional feelings due to gender factors. But they still need more comprehension and support from educational institutions and society. The support of leaders and universities can help them better adjust to professional development and maintain a rational and stable nursing teacher team.
Predictors of flow state in performing musicians: an analysis with the logistic regression method
Authors: Moral-Bofill Laura , López de la Llave Andrés , Pérez-Llantada Ma Carmen 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionFlow state has been deemed a desirable state for performing musicians given its negative correlations with musical performance anxiety, its relationship to optimal performance, and its possible effect on creativity. In the field of music, there are a few studies that have assessed intervention programmes to promote flow state in performing musicians with varying results in terms of their success. The flow condition-experience model proposes three components that would be the conditions for flow state to occur and six components that describe the experience of being in a flow state. In addition, within the vast academic literature on this experience, other factors that could influence its occurrence have been proposed. The main objective of this research was to detect which are the most suitable predictors from a set of independent variables collected to distinguish performing musicians with a high flow level.MethodsA binary logistic regression analysis was carried out with data from 163 musicians aged between 18 and 65. Independent variables were introduced in the analysis: skill-challenge balance, clear goals and clear feedback (condition-experience model); and also, gender, age, dedication, (musical) style, musical instrument and (performing) situation.ResultsThe results showed that the three conditions of the condition-experience model and the situation variable had positive associations with flow state. The model explained 78% of the variance of the dependent variable and obtained a 90.8% correct classification rate.DiscussionThese variables seem to contribute most to a high flow level, and the importance of keeping in mind the intrinsic reasons why performers dedicate themselves to music is emphasised. The results and their implications for the training of performing musicians are discussed. Future lines of research are proposed, as well as collecting data on personality-related variables to introduce them into the regression model.
The income-happiness nexus: uncovering the importance of social comparison processes in subjective wellbeing
Authors: Kraft Pål , Kraft Brage 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionPrevious research has established a positive correlation between income and subjective wellbeing (SWB). This correlation is attributed to income’s ability to provide material circumstances and influence one’s perceived socioeconomic rank in society, known as subjective socioeconomic status (SES).ObjectiveThis study sought to examine whether social comparison processes could mediate the relationship between income and SWB. Specifically, we aimed to explore the impact of comparing one’s current socioeconomic situation to individuals from a similar socioeconomic background (referred to as Comsim) on SWB, based on the similarity hypothesis of social comparison theory.MethodsData stem from two separate two-wave surveys. Study 1 comprised 588 participants, with 294 men and 294 women; age range 25–60 years; mean age 41.5 years). Study 2 comprised 614 participants, with 312 men and 302 women; age range 25–60 years; mean age 43.5 years. In both studies, data on predictors and SWB were collected 3 months apart.ResultsIn both study 1 and study 2, bivariate analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between income and SWB. However, multivariate regression models revealed that income did not have a direct effect on SWB. Instead, in both studies, subjective SES and Comsim emerged as significant predictors of SWB, with Comsim being the most influential. Furthermore, our formal mediation analysis indicated that subjective SES and Comsim fully mediated the relationship between income and SWB, when combined. Additionally, in study 2, we found that cognitive factors such as personal control, as well as affective factors like self-esteem, played a mediating role between the social comparison processes and SWB.ConclusionThis study contributes to existing research by emphasizing the importance of two distinct social comparison mechanisms in mediating the relationship between income and SWB.ImplicationsTherapeutic interventions to improve SWB should also consider social comparison processes. From a political standpoint, policies addressing income inequality can mitigate the negative effects of social comparisons on wellbeing. Providing support to those in lower socioeconomic positions can also enhance SWB.
The impact of medical staff’s character strengths on job performance in Hangzhou hospitals
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhang Yinrui , Wang Yuhang , Wang Haixia , Sun Shuaijun , Huang Xianhong 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundImproving job performance has a significant effect on the quality of medical services and ensuring people’s health.PurposeThis study explores the influence and mechanism of the character strengths and career callings of medical staff as well as the intermediary role of such career calling.MethodologyA cross-sectional survey was conducted of 414 healthcare staff members in public hospitals in Hangzhou. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear regressions were used to analyze the medical staff’s job performance and related factors, and structural equation modeling path analysis was used to explore and validate the influence and mechanism of character advantage and career calling on job performance.ResultsThe results show that medical staff character strengths have a positive impact on job performance. Path analysis shows that character strengths indirectly affect job performance, and career calling plays a partial mediating role in character strengths and job performance.ConclusionThe results show that good personalities promote job performance, and the association is more significant under a high sense of career calling.