The usual challenges of conducting primary care research, including randomized trials, have been exacerbated, and new ones identified, during the COVID-19 pandemic. HOMER (Home versus Office for Medication Enhanced Recovery; subsequently, Comparing Home, Office, and Telehealth Induction for Medication Enhanced Recovery) is a pragmatic, comparative-effectiveness research trial that aims to answer a key question from patients and clinicians: What is the best setting in which to start treatment with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder for this patient at this time? In this article, we describe the difficult journey to find the answer. The HOMER study began as a randomized trial comparing treatment outcomes in patients starting treatment with buprenorphine via induction at home (unobserved) vs in the office (observed, synchronous). The study aimed to enroll 1,000 participants from 100 diverse primary care practices associated with the State Networks of Colorado Ambulatory Practices and Partners and the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network. The research team faced unexpected challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and dramatic changes in the opioid epidemic. These challenges required changes to the study design, protocol, recruitment intensity, and funding conversations, as well as patience. As this is a participatory research study, we sought, documented, and responded to practice and patient requests for adaptations. Changes included adding a third study arm using telehealth induction (observed via telephone or video, synchronous) and switching to a comprehensive cohort design to answer meaningful patient-centered research questions. Using a narrative approach based on the Greek myth of Homer, we describe here the challenges and adaptations that have provided the opportunity for HOMER to thrive and find the way home. These clinical trial strategies may apply to other studies faced with similar cultural and extreme circumstances.

α-Synuclein (AS) is a small presynaptic protein that is genetically, biochemically, and neuropathologically linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. We present here a review of the topic of this relationship, focusing on more recent knowledge. In particular, we review the genetic evidence linking AS to familial and sporadic PD, including a number of recently identified point mutations in the SNCA gene. We briefly go over the relevant neuropathological findings, stressing the evidence indicating a correlation between aberrant AS deposition and nervous system dysfunction. We analyze the structural characteristics of the protein, in relation to both its physiologic and pathological conformations, with particular emphasis on posttranslational modifications, aggregation properties, and secreted forms. We review the interrelationship of AS with various cellular compartments and functions, with particular focus on the synapse and protein degradation systems. We finally go over the recent exciting data indicating that AS can provide the basis for novel robust biomarkers in the field of synucleinopathies, while at the same time results from the first clinical trials specifically targeting AS are being reported.

A national review of social work in Scotland has been launched in a bid to address ‘systemic racism’ within the sector.

The Herald understands that former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has made no decisions on whether she will stand for election in 2026.

Two thirds of Celtic fans believe the club should have an independently elected Fan Advisory Board according to new research from the University of Glasgow.

Human rights campaigners are calling on SNP ministers to do all they can to “mitigate” Prevent, the UK Government's controversial anti-terror strategy.

Sir Keir Starmer's beleaguered former chief of staff will no longer take up the position of “envoy to the nations and regions.”

As parts of Spain are on alert for new flood warnings, Dominic Hinde meets the volunteers still involved in the aftermath and recovery following the initial disaster

A former aid to Tony Blair has been criticised by the SNP after he said the Government "should do farmers what Thatcher did to the miners".

What does 2023's Scottish Health Survey tell us about Scotland's population - from smoking rates to obesity, and alcohol consumption?

The flats are described as the first new homes on the Scottish town's High Street 'in living memory'

A "renowned" restructuring advisory business has been acquired by a major player.

The plane is hailed as 'one of the most advanced aircraft available on the market'

A rural housing project branded as ‘truly transformative’ has been completed

Up to 650 houses could be built on land at the golf club

The SNP's Westminster leader has announced he is to contest a seat at Holyrood – and will ‘double-job’ as an MP and MSP if he wins.

The technology will deliver enhanced day-to-day and major incident response capability

Former MP Joanna Cherry has said that the SNP rules which prevented her from standing for a seat at Holyrood would not block Stephen Flynn from doing the same.  

Campaigners in Argyll and Bute are demanding a proposed tourist tax is rejected when it goes to a council vote next month.

The concierge team at The Balmoral have helped raise awareness for a special event to raise money for charity in memory of Scotland legend Doddie Weir.

A new digital-first Gaelic language production will be launched in Scotland after a joint agreement between BBC Alba and BBC Scotland.

The RPG Cast has dived head first into #JRPGJuly in our now playing, but since the new month has rolled over, that also means new bugs and fish to catch in Animal Crossing as well! We've got a slew of editorial content to discuss and a smattering of news. Stay safe during the holiday weekend!

The post RPG Cast – Episode 549: “What’s in Your Cranny?” appeared first on RPGamer.

Robert joins the cast again as Alex, Anna Marie, and Chris get ready for Extra Life 2020! There’s a lot of embargoed gaming going on this week, but we still manage to round up all the important news of the week for your entertainment. We’re counting down to November 7th with plenty of enthusiasm.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 559: “He Doesn’t Seem to Be Dead?” appeared first on RPGamer.

Chris launches a new MLM. Alex plays Shooty Souls. And Kelley reveals a new screenshot from her upcoming game. Now if you don't mind, we all have resolutions to go break.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 569: “Mario’s Essential Oils” appeared first on RPGamer.

Josh tells us another tale of the Mehss Effect. Sam poots. Anna Marie gets snuggles, not struggles. Kelley tells us about the big hole in her heart. And Chris disinfects himself with Atelier Lysol.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 579: “Bad Nugs Are Still Nugs” appeared first on RPGamer.

Anna Marie, Chris, and Kelley are joined by special guest Ryan Radcliff! Chris swears every time E3 fails, an angel gets its wings. Anna Marie refuses to play games she's in. Kelley wants to pet the cat cream roll. And Ryan is dragging around Paws's corpse as he spins all the wheels.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 589: “Chaos Never Sleeps” appeared first on RPGamer.

Joshua asks “Am I fighting a house?!” (spoilers: he is). Chris is on the wrong side of 40, and somehow forgets JRPGJuly. Kelley espouses “Exposure: The Cryptocurrency of Artists.” Anna Marie is teaching the whole RPGamer staff how to speedrun FF4: Free Enterprise. Yes, things got a little…weird this week.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 590: “Get Back in the House, Yona!” appeared first on RPGamer.

Alex, Anna Marie, Chris, and Kelley come together to discuss the news of the week. #JRPGJuly is well underway for everyone on the cast. Anna Marie makes every evil choice she can. Alex dives into Anime: The Game. Chris shouldn't be playing Elder Scrolls Online because his arm hurts, and yet he still is? Meanwhile, we lost Kelley somewhere in the wastelands when she wandered off to hug all the monsties.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 591: “Save the Baby? Eat the Baby?” appeared first on RPGamer.

It’s a tiny cast with just Chris, Anna Marie, and Kelley. PS5 blood money is being thrown around, while Kelley curses the asthma tax. Chris is simulating his real life job in a game that simulates his job. Anna Marie re-discovers she doesn’t like SMT. And everyone agrees cutscenes need both pause and skip options.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 592: “First World Donut Problems” appeared first on RPGamer.

Chris snuggles his Teddy body pillow. Kelley signs up for rare Pokémon. Josh sacrifices children (what?!). Meanwhile Anna Marie is off celebrating her birthday by spreading the hork.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 593: “Banished to the Prince Dimension” appeared first on RPGamer.

It's been a week full of news, some exciting, some alarming. Chris breaks the site...repeatedly. Kelley comes to terms with the fact mowing the lawn is hard in real life. Josh explains Japanese tabloid scandals. Anna Marie assigns a tedious task to Pascal.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 594: “The Queen Needs a Monster Rig” appeared first on RPGamer.

Kelley's cat tosses a coin to The Witcher. Chris finds out there's just too many pigs. And Josh goes to Reddit, but all he finds is a meme.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 595: “I’m With the PS5, I Don’t Like Your Range Extender” appeared first on RPGamer.

Josh wishes on a monkey paw and gets a new Shining Force game. Chris's body isn't ready for Death's Door. And no expects the shadow drop of Boyfriend Dungeon.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 596: “I’m Not Into Tails Unless I’m Shooting Them Out of a Cannon” appeared first on RPGamer.

The RPG Cast crew discovers where the monkey's paw has taken them this week. Chris is trapped in a room playing with kitties. Kelley has to survive a Pokémon/Shining Force Crossover. Anna Marie is stuck in a time loop and isn't sure where the spoon is. Josh almost succeeded in not shooting any children out of cannons, but then he took an arrow to the knee. Meanwhile, Shining Force smiles evilly.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 597: “The Answer Is Apricorns!” appeared first on RPGamer.

What's the podcast trio been up to this week? Chris is now a punchy demi-fiend, Kelley muses if Scamper is part plumber, and Anna Marie campaigns on Hades for everyone. Also, stoats continue to be extremely cute.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 598: “I Want an Ermine With Angry Eyebrows” appeared first on RPGamer.

The podcast trio is not at all ready for the flood of September releases. Anna Marie is kind of sick of the trigger, Chris insists Eclipse is owed an apology, and Kelley wants to know what is this garbage and how she can get more of it.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 599: “Serious Health Issues? No, Just a Cat” appeared first on RPGamer.

Kelley watches DVDs like a caveman. Josh chews on all the expensive things. Meanwhile, Chris stands by some barrels.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 609: “Throwing Corpses at the Door Till You Let Me In” appeared first on RPGamer.

Kelley graduates from Canada. Josh discovers Tactics Advance is an isekai. Meanwhile Chris calculates the skill check for suplexing a train.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 619: “That One Time I Got Reincarnated as a Canadian Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” appeared first on RPGamer.

Kelley goes down the Sega Strategy Game Rabbit Hole. Chris becomes a doily shill. And Josh wants Sega to release Valkyria Chronicles as many times as it takes until people like it!

The post RPG Cast – Episode 629: “Legally Distinct Ghost Rider” appeared first on RPGamer.

Kelley thinks like a cat. Chris experiments with broccoli. Josh sells weed with Snoop Dogg. Don't tempt the mouse.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 639: “Can We Just Kill This Guy and Get a New Hero” appeared first on RPGamer.

Kelley is a complicated person when it comes to PC gaming. Josh is a quiet English man, slightly constipated. And Chris takes a Steam Deck to the face.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 649: “Away With You, Stadia!” appeared first on RPGamer.

In this week's show, we discover Drakthyr are OP, but Chris is not. Anna Marie is on the fun patrol, and she's handing out citations. And Kelley is hungry for ham sandwiches thanks to Pokémon.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 659: “Don’t Give Adol a Ship” appeared first on RPGamer.

Chris walks in on Anna playing Tactics Ogre. Alex is head of the elemental winds. And Kelley's cat stole a banana.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 669: “The 1 of 1 Ring to Rule Them All” appeared first on RPGamer.

Phil wonders if you can pet the gator. Jason says that the wiener dog in a wheelchair is best companion. Kelley wishes there was CTRL+F in real life. Ryan wants a Trails of Cold Steel Wrestling Game.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 679: “Some People Call Me Toe Fungus” appeared first on RPGamer.

Kelley needs a good toilet game. Chris wonders where to hold the sword-chucks. Josh discovers the Trails series gets more anime the further it goes. And Jason wonders if Dory has ADHD. What's his name again? Oh right, Wyl.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 689: “Enthusiasm Crushed” appeared first on RPGamer.

Kelley dishonors herself in Baldur's Gate 3 and retreats to Vampire Survivors. Chris goes on the hunt for Dr. Robotminsc. Robert hits level 50 before the third scripted battle.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 690: “Spay and Neuter Your Owlbear Cubs” appeared first on RPGamer.

Chris dresses Pikachu up like a schoolboy with a camera. Josh wants his flight stick, he needs a HOTAS. Kelley wants Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to end like an episode of JoJo. Follow Solstice Warriors on their Myspace music page.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 691: “Hello, What Did Scamper Do Today?” appeared first on RPGamer.

Josh learns that despite Bethesda's best efforts, Starfield is not Fallout 76. Robert learns the taste of Amiibo blood. Chris is just here to ask, "kink-why?" And Kelley is obsessed with Red XIII on a chocobo.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 692: “Vending Machine Isekai” appeared first on RPGamer.

Chris launches his new brand, Elsa coffee. Kelley's Pokémon demand she finds a caramel apple and a teacup. Ryan apparently got left in Seattle and is still at PAX West.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 693: “The Brew Never Bothered Me Anyways” appeared first on RPGamer.