bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Professionals’ Perspective on Supporting Patients and Family Caregivers in End-Of-Life Care Decision-Making: A Qualitative Study in Specialist Palliative Care
Authors: Featherstone Hannah J. , McQuillan Regina , Foley Geraldine 
Published: November 2024

Background Healthcare professionals in specialist palliative care have a key role in conducting end-of-life care discussions with patients and their family caregivers. We aimed to identify key barriers and facilitators for healthcare professionals in specialist palliative care to support patients and their family caregivers in decision-making for patient end-of-life care. Methods Twenty-two healthcare professionals from different healthcare professions were recruited from a large regional specialist palliative care service in Ireland comprising 2 hospice sites. Five focus groups were conducted with participants. Data were member checked and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Open communication and trusting relationships with patients and family caregivers combined with sufficient time for early and phased exploration of the patient’s preferences for end-of-life care, were key facilitators for participants. Family caregivers keeping information from the patient, family misunderstanding about who is responsible for decision-making, and a lack of involvement of other specialties in end-of-life care discussions were perceived by participants as key barriers. Although participants indicated they had sufficient expertise to support patients in end-of-life care decision-making, they felt that end-of-life care discussions were not solely the responsibility of specialist palliative care services. Conclusion Open communication with patients in end-of-life care decision-making can be of central importance for healthcare professionals in specialist palliative care. Further research is needed to understand the role of healthcare professionals outside of specialist palliative care in end-of-life care discussions and decision-making.
The Effects of Nanoplastics on the Dopamine System of Cerebrocortical Neurons
Authors: Kim Na-Hyun , Lee Young-A 
Published: November 2024

Nanoplastics (NPx) can enter living organisms, including humans, through ecosystems, inhalation, and dermal contact and can be found from the intestine to the brain. However, it is unclear whether NPx accumulates and affects the dopamine system. In this study, we investigated the effects of NPx on the dopamine system in cultured murine cerebral cortex neurons. Cultured cerebrocortical neurons were treated with 100 nm NPx at the following concentrations for 24 h: 1.896 × 105, 3.791 × 106, 7.583 × 107, 1.571 × 109, 3.033 × 1010, and 3.033 × 1011 particles/mL. Dopamine-associated proteins were analyzed using immunofluorescence staining. NPx treatment induced its accumulation in neurons in a dose-dependent manner and increased the levels of dopamine receptors D1 and D2 and their co-expression. However, NPx treatment did not affect the levels of other dopamine receptors, dopamine transporters, tyrosine hydroxylase, and microtubule-associated protein 2, or synaptophysin in neuronal structures. This study demonstrated that NPx is a potential modulator of the dopamine system via its receptors rather than its synthesis and reuptake in neurons and may be associated with dopamine-based psychiatric disorders.
Doxycycline with or without famciclovir for infectious ophthalmic and respiratory disease: a prospective, randomized, masked, placebo-controlled trial in 373 kittens
Authors: Vernau Karen M , Kim Soohyun , Thomasy Sara M , Lucyshyn Danica R , Purpura Jordyn , Montgomery Elizabeth , Surmick Jennifer D , Dubelko Ariana R , Moussavi Ardalan , Kass Philip H , Maggs David J 
Published: November 2024

Objectives The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate in a randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled trial, outcomes for kittens with ocular manifestations of infectious upper respiratory disease (IURD) treated with an ophthalmic and oral antibiotic only vs those also treated with famciclovir. Methods Kittens were stratified into three age (1 to <4, 4 to <8 or 8–12 weeks) and two disease severity (‘mild’ [total disease score 1–11] or ‘severe’ [total disease score 12–23]) groups and randomized to receive approximately 5 mg/kg doxycycline either with placebo (group D) or with approximately 90 mg/kg famciclovir (group DF) PO q12h. Caregivers scored clinical signs once daily for 21 days. Ophthalmic examinations and scoring by veterinarians were completed on days 1 and 21. Ophthalmic and clinical resolution were defined as scores of zero for all ocular signs and all ocular and respiratory signs, respectively. Ophthalmic and clinical recovery were defined by absence of active inflammation. Results For kittens with mild disease, those in group D were slower than those in group DF to achieve clinical recovery ( P = 0.049) and clinical resolution ( P = 0.030), but not ophthalmic recovery ( P = 0.064) or ophthalmic resolution ( P = 0.089). Kittens with mild disease and receiving famciclovir achieved predicted 75% clinical resolution 4–5 days earlier than kittens with mild disease and receiving doxycycline alone, and kittens with severe disease (regardless of treatment group). Significantly fewer kittens in group DF developed corneal disease than in group D ( P = 0.016). All five kittens whose clinical signs worsened sufficiently to be removed from the study were in group D. Conclusions and relevance The addition of famciclovir to standard antibiotic treatment may reduce corneal disease, length of stay and time to adoption for shelters and rescue groups, thereby increasing capacity for care. Early administration of famciclovir in kittens exhibiting mild ocular manifestations of IURD may be preferable to delaying this treatment until the disease progresses to a severe stage.
Effects of Palliative Surgical Treatment for Spinal Metastases on the Patient’s Quality of Life With a Focus on the Segment of the Metastasis: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Segi Naoki , Nakashima Hiroaki , Ito Sadayuki , Ouchida Jun , Shiratani Yuki , Shimizu Takaki , Suzuki Akinobu , Terai Hidetomi , Kakutani Kenichiro , Kanda Yutaro , Tominaga Hiroyuki , Kawamura Ichiro , Ishihara Masayuki , Paku Masaaki , Takahashi Yohei , Funaba Masahiro , Funayama Toru , Nakajima Hideaki , Akeda Koji , Hirai Takashi , Inoue Hirokazu , Nakanishi Kazuo , Funao Haruki , Oshigiri Tsutomu , Otsuki Bungo , Kobayakawa Kazu , Tanishima Shinji , Hashimoto Ko , Iimura Takuya , Sawada Hirokatsu , Uotani Koji , Manabe Hiroaki , Iwai Chizuo , Yamabe Daisuke , Hiyama Akihiko , Seki Shoji , Goto Yuta , Miyazaki Masashi , Watanabe Kazuyuki , Nakamae Toshio , Kaito Takashi , Nagoshi Narihito , Kato Satoshi , Watanabe Kota , Imagama Shiro , Inoue Gen , Furuya Takeo 
Published: November 2024

Study Design Prospective multicenter study. Objectives Palliative surgery is crucial for maintaining the quality of life (QOL) in patients with spinal metastases. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of QOL after palliative surgery between patients with metastatic spinal tumors at different segments. Methods We prospectively compared the data of 203 patients with spinal metastases at 2-3 consecutive segments who were divided into the following three groups: cervical, patients with cervical spine lesions; thoracic, patients with upper–middle thoracic spine lesions; and TL/L/S, patients with lesions at the thoracolumbar junction and lumbar and sacral regions. Preoperative and postoperative EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ5D) 5-level were compared. Results All groups exhibited improvement in the Frankel grade, performance status, pain, Barthel index, EQ5D health state utility value (HSUV), and EQ5D visual analog scale (VAS) postoperatively. Although preoperative EQ5D HSUVs did not significantly differ between the groups (cervical, 0.461 ± 0.291; thoracic, 0.321 ± 0.292; and TL/L/S, 0.376 ± 0.272), the thoracic group exhibited significantly lower postoperative EQ5D HSUVs than the other two groups (cervical, 0.653 ± 0.233; thoracic, 0.513 ± 0.252; and TL/L/S, 0.624 ± 0.232). However, postoperative EQ5D VAS was not significantly different between the groups (cervical, 63.4 ± 25.8; thoracic, 54.7 ± 24.5; and TL/L/S, 61.7 ± 21.9). Conclusions Palliative surgery for metastatic spinal tumors provided comparable QOL improvement, irrespective of the spinal segment involved. Patients with upper and middle thoracic spinal metastases had poorer QOL outcomes than those with metastases in other segments; however, sufficient QOL improvement was achieved.
Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies of Meniscus Root Tears: A Scoping Review
Authors: Garcia Jose Rafael , Ayala Salvador Gonzalez , Allende Felicitas , Mameri Enzo , Haynes Monique , Familiari Filippo , Geeslin Andrew G. , Murray Iain , Moatshe Gilbert , Verma Nikhil N. , LaPrade Robert F. , Chahla Jorge 
Published: November 2024

Background: Meniscus root tears comprise 10% to 21% of all meniscal tears. These tears alter knee biomechanics, elevating contact pressure, akin to a meniscectomy. Consequently, they are linked to advanced joint degeneration and cartilage damage in the affected compartment. Purpose: To systematically evaluate and relate the current literature describing the diagnosis and treatment strategies for meniscus root tears. Study Design: Scoping review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This review was conducted following the guidelines of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews. Inclusion criteria encompassed English-language clinical and preclinical research, technical notes, and narrative reviews on meniscus root tears. Exclusion criteria were studies on patellar tendon rupture, studies on medial patellofemoral ligament rupture with additional knee joint ligament injuries, studies of patients <16 years old, and studies involving open fractures. The data were summarized using a descriptive analysis and a thematic analysis. Results: After 1425 articles were identified, 461 studies were included; 17% (n = 78) were case reports or case series, 15% (n = 71) were technical notes, 9% (n = 41) addressed aspects of diagnosis, 7% (n = 32 ) were narrative reviews, and 5% (n = 21) were systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Studies presenting original data comprised 57% (n = 262) of all included studies, and 97% of the studies were of evidence levels 3 to 5. Contributions were mainly from the United States (n = 123; 27%), Republic of Korea (n = 102; 22%), and Japan (n = 99; 21%). Many studies (n = 216; 47%) focused on the treatment and outcomes of meniscus root tears. A significant chronological surge in the quantity of studies addressing the diagnosis and treatment of meniscus root tears was evident, particularly over the past 3 years. Consensus was found regarding the definition of meniscus root tears, the advantages of early repair, and postoperative rehabilitation protocols. The variations in surgical techniques and operative strategies created the greatest amount of contention, along with clinical assessment and imaging modalities. Conclusion: High-level evidence studies for diagnosing and managing meniscus root tears were scarce. A consensus has yet to be reached regarding the role of concomitant osteotomy, comparison of repair techniques, the use of a centralization stitch, patient factors affecting outcomes, and long-term outcomes of nonoperative management.
Safety and efficacy of pegcetacoplan treatment for cold agglutinin disease and warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Authors: Roman Eloy , Fattizzo Bruno , Shum Merrill , Hanna Wahid , Lentz Steven R. , Araujo Sergio Schusterschitz S. , Al-Adhami Mohammed , Grossi Federico V. , Gertz Morie A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) and warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) are rare autoimmune hemolytic anemias characterized by red blood cell destruction, largely attributable to complement activation resulting in intravascular and extravascular hemolysis. Pegcetacoplan is a subcutaneously administered C3-targeted therapy, which may be suitable for treating CAD and wAIHA. In this open-label phase 2 study, analyses were conducted in 2 cohorts, 1 for patients with CAD and the other for those with wAIHA. In each cohort, patients were randomly assigned to receive pegcetacoplan 270 mg/d or 360 mg/d for up to 48 weeks. Safety end points included the incidence and severity of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and adverse events of special interest (AESI). Efficacy end points included change from baseline in hemoglobin (Hb), lactate dehydrogenase, absolute reticulocyte count, haptoglobin, indirect bilirubin, and functional assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT)-fatigue scale. Thirteen of 13 (100%) and 10 of 11 (91%) patients with CAD and wAIHA, respectively, experienced at least 1 TEAE. Ten patients had at least 1 serious AE; none were considered related to pegcetacoplan. The only treatment-related AESIs were injection site reactions. Pegcetacoplan increased Hb levels, reduced hemolysis, and increased FACIT-fatigue scale scores in the first weeks; at week 48 the median (interquartile range) change from baseline Hb for the CAD and wAIHA total groups was 2.4 (0.90-3.00) and 1.7 g/dL (−1.40 to 2.90), respectively, and improvements in hemolysis and FACIT-fatigue scale scores were maintained. This study demonstrated that pegcetacoplan is generally well tolerated and suggests it can be effective for patients with CAD and wAIHA. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT03226678.
Long-term outcomes of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Guilhot François , Hehlmann Rüdiger 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Long-term outcomes with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) show that their impact on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is sustained as shown by 13 studies with 5- to 14-year-follow-up, and numerous shorter-term studies of newly diagnosed chronic-phase CML. Twenty-five years of imatinib (IM) treatment confirm its beneficial effect on survival and possible cure of CML. Large, randomized, academic, treatment-optimization studies have confirmed and extended the pivotal International Randomized Study on Interferon and STI571. The 3 academic trials in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom did not show benefit of the IM-interferon (IFN) combination, despite the immunomodulatory properties of IFN. Second-generation (2G) TKIs induce responses faster than IM and recognize IM-resistance mutations but do not prolong survival compared with IM. Adverse drug-related reactions (ADRs) limit the general use of 2GTKIs despite frequent but mostly mild IM-ADRs. Molecular monitoring of treatment efficacy has been established serving as an example for other neoplasms. Comorbidities, transcript type, and the negative impact of high-risk additional chromosomal abnormalities were addressed. A new prognostic score (European Treatment and Outcome Study long-term survival score) accounts for the fact that the majority of patients with CML die of other causes. Non-CML determinants of survival have been identified. Large and long-term observational studies demonstrate that progress with CML management has also reached routine care in most but not all instances. Despite merits of 2GTKIs, IM remains the preferred treatment option for CML because of its efficacy and superior safety.
Investigating genotype by environment interaction for beef cattle fertility traits in commercial herds in northern Australia with multi-trait analysis
Authors: Copley James P. , Hayes Benjamin J. , Ross Elizabeth M. , Speight Shannon , Fordyce Geoffry , Wood Benjamin J. , Engle Bailey N. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Genotype by environment interactions (GxE) affect a range of production traits in beef cattle. Quantifying the effect of GxE in commercial and multi-breed herds is challenging due to unknown genetic linkage between animals across environment levels. The primary aim of this study was to use multi-trait models to investigate GxE for three heifer fertility traits, corpus luteum (CL) presence, first pregnancy and second pregnancy, in a large tropical beef multibreed dataset (n = 21,037). Environmental levels were defined by two different descriptors, burden of heat load (temperature humidity index, THI) and nutritional availability (based on mean average daily gain for the herd, ADWG). To separate the effects of genetic linkage and real GxE across the environments, 1000 replicates of a simulated phenotype were generated by simulating QTL effects with no GxE onto real marker genotypes from the population, to determine the genetic correlations that could be expected across environments due to the existing genetic linkage only. Correlations from the real phenotypes were then compared to the empirical distribution under the null hypothesis from the simulated data. By adopting this approach, this study attempted to establish if low genetic correlations between environmental levels were due to GxE or insufficient genetic linkage between animals in each environmental level.

Results
The correlations (being less than <0.8) for the real phenotypes were indicative of GxE for CL presence between ADWG environmental levels and in pregnancy traits. However, none of the correlations for CL presence or first pregnancy between ADWG levels were below the 5th percentile value for the empirical distribution under the null hypothesis from the simulated data. Only one statistically significant (P < 0.05) indication of GxE for first pregnancy was found between THI environmental levels, where rg = 0.28 and 5th percentile value = 0.29, and this result was marginal.

Conclusions
Only one case of statistically significant GxE for fertility traits was detected for first pregnancy between THI environmental levels 2 and 3. Other initial indications of GxE that were observed from the real phenotypes did not prove significant when compared to an empirical null distribution from simulated phenotypes. The lack of compelling evidence of GxE indicates that direct selection for fertility traits can be made accurately, using a single evaluation, regardless of environment.
Sex differences in the impact of lower respiratory tract infections on older adults’ health trajectories: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Abbadi Ahmad , Beridze Giorgi , Tsoumani Eleana , Brandtmüller Agnes , Hendel Merle K , Salomonsson Stina , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Vetrano Davide L. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a major global health concern, particularly among older adults, who have an increased risk of poorer health outcomes that persist beyond the acute infectious episode. We aimed to investigate the mid-term (up to 7 years) and long-term (up to 12 years) effects of LRTIs on the objective health status trajectories of older adults, while also considering potential sex differences.

Methods
Cohort data of adults aged ≥ 60 years from the Swedish National study of Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) collected between 2001 and 2016 was analyzed. Information on LRTIs was obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register, and objective health status was assessed using the Health Assessment Tool (HAT) which incorporates indicators of mild and severe disability, cognitive and physical functioning, and multimorbidity. The LRTI-exposed and -unexposed participants were matched using propensity score matching based on an expansive list of potential confounders. Mixed linear models were used to analyze the association between LRTIs and changes in HAT scores.

Results
The study included 2796 participants, 567 of whom were diagnosed with a LRTI. LRTIs were independently associated with an excess annual decline of 0.060 (95% CI: -0.107, -0.013) in the HAT score over a 7-year period. The associations were stronger among males, who experienced an excess annual decline of 0.108 (95% CI: -0.177, -0.039) in up to 7-years follow-up, and 0.097 (95% CI: -0.173, -0.021) in up to 12-years follow-up. The associations were not statistically significant among females in either follow-up period.

Conclusion
LRTIs, even years after the acute infectious period, seem to have a prolonged negative effect on the health of older adults, particularly among males. Preventative public health measures aimed at decreasing LRTI cases among older adults could help in preserving good health and functioning in old age.
Socio-cultural and economic determinants of Latrine ownership and utilisation: a community-based survey in Bole district of Ghana
Authors: Nanyim Jonathan K. , Mutaru Abdul-Manaf , Gbeti Collins , Issahaku Abdul Rahaman , Abubakari Abdulai , Wumbei Abukari 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLatrine ownership and utilization is an integral part of the Community-Led Total Sanitation concept. This study assessed ownership and utilization of latrines in selected Open Defecation and Open Defecation-Free communities within the Bole district. A cross-sectional survey design and quantitative approach were employed in this study. Simple random sampling was used to select 166 households from 15 Open Defecation and 5 Open Defecation-Free communities. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and binary logistic regression. The proportion of latrine ownership and utilization were 22.3% and 6.6% respectively. Educational qualification, tertiary education (aOR: 6.1; 95% CI: 1.05–35.56), household subjective norms (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.04–1.01), and awareness of Community-Led Total Sanitation (aOR: 13.3; 95% CI: 2.95–60.24) were determinants of latrine ownership and or utilisation. In conclusion, latrine ownership and use were generally low with education, awareness of community-led total sanitation, residential status, and household subjective norms as factors associated with ownership and or utilization. Education or sensitization should target cultural norms impeding latrine construction and usage. Again, implementable by-laws/community regulations must be implemented to propel latrine ownership and utilization.