Does Site Matter? Comparing Accuracy and Patient Comfort of Blood Glucose Samples Taken From the Finger and Palm of the Perioperative Patient.

PURPOSE: This study compared two blood glucose (BG) point of care sampling methods to determine which is least painful yet accurate. DESIGN: The two-period, two-treatment crossover trial compared the traditional fingertip sampling method to a form of alternative site testing (AST), palm of the hand. METHODS: Subjects received both methods of BG sampling to compare comfort and accuracy. They were randomly assigned to determine which method was used first. Pain rating (0 to 10) and glucose results for both methods were documented. FINDING: Results indicated that pain rating was significantly lower with AST (1.65) than with the standard site (2.83) (P < .001). There was no significant difference in mean glucose measurements between standard care (150 mg/dL) and AST (149 mg/dL). The numbers were closely correlated (r = 0.9815). CONCLUSIONS: Findings support AST via the palm of the hand as an accurate and less painful method of obtaining BG results on diabetic patients.

Synthesis and Structures of 9-Oxabispidine Analogues of Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Oxaliplatin.

The literature synthesis of 9-oxabispidine [OC6H10(NH)2, C] has been revisited and optimized, which includes determination of the crystal structures of C, the secondary component trans-(PhSO2)NC4H6O(CH2I)2 (trans-III), and the unexpected solute intermediate OC6H10(NSO2Ph)2·(1)/2py (V·(1)/2py). The reaction of (1,5-hexadiene)platinum dichloride with C yields {OC6H10(NH)2}PtCl2 (C1), which is converted to {OC6H10(NH)2}Pt(cbdca)·5H2O (C2) and {OC6H10(NH)2}Pt(C2O4) (C3). In the crystal, C1 forms a planar 2D network by N-H··Cl and N-H··O hydrogen bonding. In the crystal structure of C2, which is isomorphous to the parent bispidine compound (A2), all complex molecules are encapsulated by a water shell. While complexes C1 and C3 are virtually insoluble in water, C2 dissolves quite well. The low cytotoxicity of compounds C1-C3 is explained by an increased polarity of the bonds in the C skeleton as a consequence of the electronegative O atom.

Cs[H2NB2(C6F5)6] Featuring an Unequivocal 16-Coordinate Cation.

Cesium bis(perfluoro-triphenylborane)amide, Cs[H2NB2(C6F5)6] (1), has been prepared by the reaction of sodium salt and CsF in dichloromethane and water. The compound is exceptional for a [H2NB2(C6F5)6](-) salt in that it contains a monatomic solute-free cation. Determination of the molecular structure revealed a novel C2 symmetrical conformation of the weakly coordinating [H2NB2(C6F5)6](-) anion, which gives rise to an unprecedented 16-coordinate (CN 16) Cs(+) cation in a likewise unprecedented tetracosahedral arrangement of F atoms. The poor solubility of 1 allows nearly quantitative separation of Cs(+) from water, which suggests potential applications as an effective (134/137)Cs remover from nuclear waste solutions, administration as an antidote for (134/137)Cs poisoning, and use for (131/137)Cs radiotherapy (brachytherapy). Rb[H2NB2(C6F5)6]·CH2Cl2 (2) has also been characterized, featuring two inequivalent Rb(+) cations having CN 10, one of which involves Rb(+)(η(2)-Cl2CH2)2 coordination.

Student experiences of neurodiversity in higher education: insights from the BRAINHE project.

The number of students with identified learning differences (LDs) of all kinds is increasing in higher education. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 27 current and previous students with a range of specific LDs by means of semi-structured interviews, using a thematic approach. The findings revealed that participants shared many life experiences and preferences for learning irrespective of their type of LD. Participants generally held one of two views about their identity as 'neurodiverse': a 'difference' view--where neurodiversity was seen as a difference incorporating a set of strengths and weaknesses, or a 'medical/deficit' view--where neurodiversity was seen as a disadvantageous medical condition. The former view was associated with expressions of greater career ambition and academic self-esteem, while the latter view was associated more with processes for obtaining the Disabled Students' Allowance. Many of the participants reported similar experiences in education and with university support; many did not feel adequately supported by their institutions. Recommendations are made for increased awareness training among lecturers and better liaison between university departments.