Relations between metacognitive processes and differences in framing effect performance

In this paper we discuss the link between risky decisions and regret, uncertainty about choice and willing to change the chosen option. We used a classic and modified versions of “Asian disease” task. The modification consisted in adding a series of side effects to the sure option to decrease it's the preferability. An attempt to replicate framing effect, action effect and its inversion in certain and uncertain decision-makers was made. The estimation of utility through integration of information about alternatives and role of metacognitive processes in choice are discussed. Accordingly to results the uncertain decision-makers tend to feel regret about choosing safe option in loss domain. Action effect and its inversion were not found. The inversion of framing-effect in uncertain decision-makers in loss domain was shown. In conclusion, the absence of framing effect in loss domain can be explained by strong the differences between certain and uncertain decision-makers.

Teaching self-acupuncture survey report

Background: People have been teaching self-acupuncture (SA) in the United Kingdom since 1977. More recently, a small body of research has been conducted on SA. However, detailed guidelines on teaching and delivery of SA have so far, to our knowledge, not been developed. Methods: Acupuncturists were invited to participate in an online survey about their experiences of teaching SA. Data from the survey were extracted, analysed using descriptive statistics and translated into SA teaching guidelines. Results: One hundred thirty-eight acupuncturists completed the survey. Nineteen percent of participants had taught SA. The most common symptoms for which acupuncturists taught SA were pain, nausea, anxiety, hot flushes, headaches/migraines and breathlessness. The six most commonly taught traditional acupuncture point locations were LI4, ST36, SP6, PC6, LR3 and TE5. No participants had received reports of adverse effects from their patients. Conclusion: Acupuncturists who teach SA find it to be an acceptable and safe option for patients. The presented data have important implications for guiding the practice of SA.

Lactoferrin: Cytokine Modulation and Application in Clinical Practice

Multiple properties of lactoferrin have been reported in the literature so far. Decades of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the important antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulating properties. It suggests the use of lactoferrin as an effective and safe option for the treatment of several common disorders. Herein, we show the applications of lactoferrin in clinical practice, highlighting its evidence-based capacities for the treatment of heterogeneous disorders, such as allergic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases, and hematologic, oncologic, gynecologic, dermatologic, and dental disorders. Moreover, the widespread use of lactoferrin in neonatology is summarized here. As a result of its antiviral properties, lactoferrin has also been proposed as a valid option for the treatment for COVID-19 patients. Here, the uses of lactoferrin in clinical practice as a new, safe, and evidence-based treatment for many types of disorders are summarized.

Application of Polymer Clip to Ligate the Distal Ureter in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy

Purpose：Distal ureter management in radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is challenging. Methods: This study describes a simple endoscopic clip technique with polymer clip ligation for the management of the distal ureter during retroperitoneal laparoscopic RNU. This endoscopic technique was used in 14 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Transurethral resection of the bladder cuff was performed using a bipolar β electrode (mounted on resectoscope). Subsequently, a Super Scope (S-scope) with a 5-mm-diameter dual working channel was used with clip applier to deliver the polymer clips, which consequently ligated the ureteral stump and avoided urine spillage from the upper tract. Results: Distal ureter was managed successfully in all 14 cases using polymer clip, without any cases of urine spillage. Conclusions: Therefore, polymer clip ligation technique provides a simple and safe option for distal ureter management in retroperitoneal laparoscopic RNU.

Longshot or Favorite: The Ending Effect in Investment Decisions

The ending effect describes the phenomenon that at the end of a series of repeated risky decision-making tasks, participants become more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior. Past research has suggested that the ending effect might be caused by a motivational shift induced by changes in time perception. Previous studies mainly tested this phenomenon in a binary decision-making setting (e.g., a decision-making task usually includes two alternatives). However, none of these prior studies included safe options and risky options that differed in risk levels. To address this knowledge gap, the present study replicated the ending effect in a repeated decision-making task that included both a safe option and risky options that differed in risk levels (N = 104). We found that at the end of the decision-making task, participants became more likely to engage in risk-taking and to favor the option with the highest risk. Further, we found that the investment likelihood and investment amount of high-risk options both increased significantly at the ending. In addition, a shift in favoring the safe option emerged in the noninformed condition at the end. We also found that the emotional motivation in the last round could predict the increased preference for high-risk at the ending. This study extended previous findings on the ending effect by adopting a more complex decision-making scenario and, more broadly, helped further our understanding of the psychological consequences of perceived endings.

Intradialytic and post-dialytic complications in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

Background: Acute complications can happen during dialysis or after dialysis, and often those complications are inevitable. Although hemodialysis is claimed to be a relatively safe option, these complications often bring significant discomfort for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This study was to determine CKD patients’ characteristics and figure out the frequencies

The “Shirt Pocket” Technique—An Alternative for Augmentation-Mastopexy

Augmentation-mastopexy is a frequent procedure with high rates of early recurrence of breast ptosis, mainly after subglandular approach. The dual-plane techniques, based on the cranial dissection of the pectoralis, is the most used, but this plane does not cover the inferior pole of the breast. Then, the possibility of a downward dissection of the muscle seems to be more reasonable to retain the implant and improve postoperative results. This study aimed to review the anatomy of the pectoralis in cadavers and the use of its downward dissection to create a pocket for breast implant as a “shirt pocket.” This maneuver was associated with a superior-based dermoglandular flap to overprotect the inferior pole. No complications were related in the postoperative period. The anatomic review showed that the “shirt pocket” is a safe option if done carefully. The technique demonstrated to be feasible and seemed to be effective, being another alternative to prevent early recurrence of breast ptosis in these procedures.