bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Sclerosis Cognitive Scale (MSCS): A brief psychometrically robust metric of patient-reported cognitive difficulty
Authors: Sumowski James F , Sandry Joshua 
Published: February 2025

Background: Existing metrics of patient-reported cognitive difficulties in multiple sclerosis (MS) are lengthy, lack psychometric rigor, and/or fail to query prevalent expressive language deficits. Objective: Develop a brief psychometrically robust metric of patient-reported cognitive deficits that includes language items; the Multiple Sclerosis Cognitive Scale (MSCS). Method: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on 20 Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ) items plus five newly developed language questions in a large MS sample and matched respondents without neurologic disease. Independent confirmatory principal components analysis (PCA) assessed EFA factor structure. Reliability of the new scale and subscales, and relationships with objective cognitive impairment and cognitive change, were assessed. Results: EFA in patients ( n = 502) and controls ( n = 350), item analyses, and confirmatory PCA in an independent sample ( n = 361 patients; 150 controls) supported construction of an eight-item scale with four two-item subscales: Executive/Speed, Working Memory, Expressive Language, and Episodic Memory. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were excellent for the total MSCS ( α = 0.93, ICC = 0.95) and good for each subscale ( α’s:0.83–0.87; ICCs: 0.86–0.92). MSCS showed medium-size links to cross-sectional objective cognitive impairment ( η2 = .06) and cognitive change over time ( η2 = .07); the traditional PDQ did not ( η2s = 0.01 and 0.02). Conclusion: The brief MSCS is a psychometrically robust, reliable, and valid metric of patient-reported cognitive deficits in MS that holds promise for improving assessment of MS cognitive dysfunction.
Unveiling the link between APOE ε4, environmental factors, and Alzheimer's disease in North Lebanon: A case-control study
Authors: Khaled Mohamed , Al-Jamal Hadi , Matar Dana , Ibrahim Antonia , Tajer Layla , Issa Nicole , El-Mir Reem , Hantour Joudi 
Published: February 2025

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial and progressive neurodegenerative disorder influenced by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. The apolipoprotein E ( APOE) gene is known to have a pivotal impact on disease onset, yet clinical studies on its impact on AD remain scarce in Lebanon. Objective This study investigates the interplay between environmental risk factors, the APOE gene, and AD in North Lebanon. Methods A case-control study was conducted with 136 individuals, including 57 AD patients and 79 normal individuals, among which 55 individuals were verified to be cognitively normal via the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A comprehensive survey was used to collect data on lifestyle factors, medical history, and other possible diseases and deficiencies. Blood samples were collected from all participants, then their DNA was isolated and stored. Real-time PCR was adopted for genotyping. Results The total APOE ε4 allele prevalence was reduced from 19.1% to 16.1% after MMSE adjustment. Based on the univariate analysis, factors like age, illiteracy, vitamin and iron deficiencies, blood pressure, and chronic diseases were identified as prominent risk factors, while the allele showed no significant correlation with AD. However, in the multivariable analysis, this allele emerged as a key risk factor (p = 0.04). Factors like age ≥ 65, vitamin deficiency, iron deficiency, blood pressure, and other chronic diseases were consistently significant. Conclusions Our results provide significant evidence that the influence of APOE ε4 on AD is governed by several environmental factors such as age, vitamin and iron deficiencies, high blood pressure, and chronic diseases.
Exploring the burden of treatment in patients’ experiences of chronic condition management: A mixed-method study in Mendoza, Argentina
Authors: Roberti Javier , Belizán María , Ini Natali , Alonso Juan P , Mazzoni Agustina , Guglielmino Marina , Mazzaresi Yanina , Falaschi Andrea , Gómez-Portillo Juan Manuel , Masier Gabriela , Baigorria Federico , Nadal Ana María , García-Elorrio Ezequiel 
Published: February 2025

Objective This study investigated how patients managed their chronic diseases, focusing on burden of treatment, within the primary care level in Mendoza Province, Argentina. Method The study used a mixed-methods approach, including a qualitative component with a purposive sampling of patients with diabetes, hypertension, or depression using primary care services, and a quantitative component with secondary analysis of databases from public and social security. Ten focus group sessions were conducted at primary healthcare centers in urban and rural areas. The Burden of Treatment theory was used to frame the analysis. Results The study found that accessing care was difficult due to appointment difficulties and long waiting times, and obtaining medication and laboratory tests at secondary centers was also problematic. Non-emergency hospital care required primary care referrals, and users in rural areas faced access problems. Financial constraints were significant, with co-payments in social security sector, transportation costs, and lost work revenue. Strategies employed included networking, emergency service use, careful planning, and taking loans. Conclusion This study underscores the complex implications of chronic disease management in a subnational healthcare system and provides insights for policymakers and healthcare providers.
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for Parkinson's disease without depression: A case-report
Authors: Fleury Vanessa , Tomkova Emilie , Catalano Chiuvé Sabina , Penzenstadler Louise 
Published: February 2025

Background Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) can improve treatment-resistant depression. Its usefulness in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown. PD patients may have problems adjusting to their chronic progressive neurological disease. A change from emotional avoidance to acceptance has been reported following psilocybin administration in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Objective To report for the first time the effect of psilocybin in a PD patient. Methods A non-depressed 43-year-old female with a 2-year history of PD presented with difficulty adjusting to PD, anxious ruminations and pessimism. The patient declined an increase in dopaminergic medication or the introduction of an anxiolytic. Therapeutic patient education was not beneficial. The patient received four sessions of high-dose PAP within one year. Neurological and psychiatric assessments were performed before and at one year follow-up using qualitative interviews and quantitative assessment of motor status, dispositional optimism, depression, anxiety, apathy, and well-being. Results PAP was well tolerated. It significantly improved the patient's overall pessimistic outlook on her future and decreased her anxious ruminations and worries about potential handicap due to PD. Her general well-being improved, as well as all psychometric scores except for the apathy scale. Motor status remained unchanged. Better acceptance of PD allowed her to accept pharmacological treatment adjustment. Conclusions PAP could be a safe and useful treatment for PD patients with dispositional pessimism and difficulties accepting their disease by promoting profound decentration from habitual thoughts and emotions, improving mood and PD acceptance. Randomized, controlled studies are needed to confirm this result.
Catastrophic Severe Injuries and Medical Conditions in Girls’ and Women’s Softball: An 8-Year Epidemiologic Study
Authors: Martin Chelsea , Osterhout Kathryn , Shore Erin , Delong Randi , Mihalik Johna , Kucera Kristen 
Published: February 2025

Background: Research on catastrophic injuries and medical conditions among majority girls’ and women’s sports are underrepresented. In this study, we describe the incidence, characteristics, and mechanisms of severe softball injuries/medical conditions between 2014 and 2021. Hypothesis: Catastrophic injury and illness patterns will be observed with a higher incidence rate at the collegiate level. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiologic study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Events from the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR) and National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) were included. NCCSIR included catastrophic injuries during participation in high school (HS) or college sponsored girls’/women’s softball resulting in death, temporary or permanent disability, or life-threatening injury. NEISS included severe girls’/women’s softball injuries (product code 5034) among 13- to 17- and 18- to 24-year-olds among severe dispositions. National estimates were derived using a weighted sample for NEISS. Counts (%) and incidence rates (IR) per 100,000 participants overall and by age level, injury/medical event, and outcome were reported. Results: NCCSIR captured 0.3 events per 100,000 participants (95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.5), and incidence was higher in college (IR, 2.5; 0.9-6.6) compared with HS (IR, 0.1; 0.1-0.4). Sudden cardiac arrest was the most common event (5, 63%), and 2 (25%) fatalities were reported. NEISS captured 10.2 events per 100,000 participants (9.7-10.8). Incidence was higher in 18- to 24-year-olds (IR, 8.9; 8.3-9.6) compared with 13- to 17-year-olds (IR, 4.2; 3.8-4.6), and no fatalities were captured. Conclusion: Collegiate and 18- to 24-year-old athletes demonstrated a higher incidence of severe injuries than HS and 13- to 17-year-old athletes across both surveillance systems. NEISS captured a higher incidence of catastrophic events than NCCSIR. NCCSIR observed more cardiac events, whereas NEISS observed more head/face injuries. Clinical Relevance: Continued monitoring of severe injuries and medical events in softball is necessary to support response and prevention measures.
Detection of AdeAB, TetA, and TetB efflux pump genes in clinical isolates of tetracycline-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from patients of Suez Canal University Hospitals
Authors: Azab Hasnaa , Askar Aya Mohamed , El-Fadeal Noha M. Abd , Othman Amira A. A. , Rayan Amal H. , Khattab Sally 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic bacteria associated primarily with hospital-acquired infections. Its tendency to acquire or donate resistance genes to neighboring bacteria is a major concern. Tetracyclines have shown promise in treating A. baumannii infections, but tetracycline resistance is growing globally in A. baumannii isolates.

Objectives
The study aimed to study (1) the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii infections at Suez Canal University Hospitals, (2) the distribution of efflux pump genes AdeA &B, TetA, and TetB, and (3) the effect of efflux pump inhibitor (CCCP) on tetracycline-resistant isolates.

Methods
Clinical samples (457) were collected (blood, urine, sputum, ETA, pus, and pleural fluid), followed by A. baumannii isolation and identification, PCR detection of efflux pump genes, and detection of tetracycline susceptibility and its MIC before and after treatment with the efflux pump inhibitor (CCCP).

Results
A total of 31 A. baumannii isolates were recovered (6.78%). The highest rate of isolation was from the ICU (48.3%) from the ET aspirate samples (48.3%). The efflux system AdeA and TetB genes were distributed in 100% of isolates, whereas AdeB was found in 93.5% of isolates and the TetA gene in 87.1% of isolates. All A. baumannii isolates were MDR showing resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics. 45% of the isolates showed a 4-fold reduction of MIC and 12.9% showed a 2-fold reduction in the MIC.

Conclusions
Efflux pump is an important mechanism for tetracycline resistance among A. baumannii isolates.
Continuing exposure to disadvantageous material and perceived economic factors on self-rated health in different life stages: fixed effects analyses with data from the German Socioeconomic Panel
Authors: Rähse Tobias , Richter Matthias , Knöchelmann Anja 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Life course epidemiology explores health disparities over time. The accumulation thesis thereby suggests an add-up of disadvantages, while the adaptation model assumes an adjustment to disadvantageous conditions. Examining the relevance of these accumulation and adaptation processes, the present study analyses continuing exposure to various material and perceived economic factors on self-rated health (SRH) across different life stages.

Methods
All analyses are based on longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) from 1994 to 2017. Exposure variables, including loan burdens, housing status and quality (material factors) as well as financial and occupational worries, housing and income satisfaction (perceived economic factors), were analyzed dichotomously. Exposure duration was calculated as observed years in exposure for each of the factors, taking only continuous exposure years into account. The analyses were carried out separately for sex and life stages (emerging, early middle & later middle, late adulthood) using fixed effects models to adjust for time-varying covariates.

Results
The analyses showed accumulation processes associated with housing status, financial worries and income satisfaction impacting SRH across most life stages. The effects of continuing exposure to occupational worries, housing satisfaction, housing quality, and loan burdens were more variable, indicating accumulation processes in certain life stages and sex-specific variations.

Conclusions
While predominantly accumulation effects were found for certain factors, others showed more varied patterns. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying these effects to develop well-timed measures that mitigate the negative health implications of continuing exposures to disadvantageous factors, emphasizing the importance of multiple exposures and later life health effects that may impede healthy ageing.
South Asian women’s lived experiences of health care after disclosure of family violence: a qualitative meta-synthesis review
Authors: Baloch Surriya , McLindon Elizabeth , Hameed Mohajer , Hegarty Kelsey 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Given the high prevalence of family violence (FV) amongst South Asian women, the experiences and expectations of addressing FV within healthcare, is of policy, practice and research interest. Whilst FV is shaped and influenced by various interconnected sociodemographic and cultural factors, it can be addressed in healthcare settings through identification and response.

Objective
To explore South Asian women's lived experiences and expectations about identifying and responding to FV within healthcare.

Methods
This review utilised a systematic methodology; nine databases were searched up to June 2024. A total of 8,217 records were screened by two reviewers independently based on a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. A thematic analytical approach guided the integration of findings from 14 qualitative studies.

Results
Thematic synthesis of the articles generated three themes (1) I was afraid to share, (2) They just walk away, (3) Understand and listen to my pain. These themes represented the perspectives, feelings, and expectations of both local and migrant South Asian women survivor participants. Cultural factors and social obstacles may prevent South Asian women from seeking and using appropriate support services. Additional barriers may include healthcare providers’ reluctance to address FV with South Asian women because of a lack of cultural knowledge and/or appropriate methods to address FV. South Asian women participants reflected that they want healthcare providers to understand them, acknowledge their discomfort, and provide culturally appropriate strategies and solutions.

Conclusion
It is highly recommended that policymakers and health-care providers continue to be mindful of the social and cultural challenges faced by South Asian women who experience FV.
Astaxanthin-loaded brain-permeable liposomes for Parkinson’s disease treatment via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses
Authors: Nguyen Thai-Duong , Khanal Shristi , Lee Eunhee , Choi Jinsol , Bohara Ganesh , Rimal Nikesh , Choi Dong-Young , Park Soyeun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cardinal motor symptoms resulting from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Although current medications may alleviate its symptoms, Parkinson’s disease remains incurable. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent; however, its high susceptibility to oxidative degradation and low aqueous solubility limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to improve the pharmaceutical properties and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin for Parkinson’s disease treatment by using lactoferrin-conjugated astaxanthin-loaded liposomes (Lf-ASX-LPs). We successfully formulated Lf-ASX-LPs with high encapsulation efficiency (97.6%) and favorable physical characteristics (diameter: 109.8 ± 1.1 nm; polydispersity index: 0.18 ± 0.01; zeta potential: − 9.5 ± 1.1 mV). Lf-functionalized liposomes demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake and permeation in a Transwell® study, showing a 16.7-fold higher internalization in SH-SY5Y cells over 24 h than those without Lf conjugation. Additionally, Lf functionalization enhanced brain penetration ability, as demonstrated by a biodistribution study using nude mice, compared to LPs without Lf conjugation. In vitro, Lf-ASX-LPs reduced cell loss by 20.1% and oxygen species by 30.0%, ameliorated the reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential under 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced toxicity by 40.1%, and reduced extracellular nitric oxide levels under lipopolysaccharide-induced toxicity by 32.0%, indicating cytoprotective and antioxidant effects. In a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson’s disease mouse model, treatment with Lf-ASX-LPs resulted in 5.0-, 3.1-, and 5.6-fold increases in dopamine levels, TH+ fiber density, and TH+ neurons, respectively, restoring dopaminergic neuron damage. The developed formulation also alleviated behavioral impairment and neuroinflammation, reducing astrocyte and microglial activation in the striatum and substantia nigra of the MPTP-treated animals. Thus, our formulation of Lf-ASX-LPs represents a promising strategy for providing neuroprotection and retarding Parkinson’s disease progression.

Graphical abstract
Cytoplasmic SALL4-A isoform expression as a diagnostic marker of less aggressive tumor behavior in gastric cancer
Authors: Rahmani Saeed , Babajani Amirhesam , Abolhasani Maryam , Ghods Roya , Kalantari Elham , Madjd Zahra 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) poses significant challenges globally, ranking fifth in incidence and fourth in cancer-related mortality. SALL4, a stem cell transcription factor with multiple isoforms, includes SALL4-A as its full-length form. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic potential of SALL4-A isoform expression in GC and its clinical significance.

Method
Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was conducted on Tissue Micro Array (TMA) slides from 167 GC patients. Clinicopathological parameters were correlated with SALL4-A expression, and survival analysis was performed. Diagnostic performance was assessed using metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC).

Results
SALL4-A exhibited distinct cytoplasmic expression in GC, correlating with lower histological grade (p = 0.003) and TNM stage (p = 0.003), particularly in the intestinal subtype. Diagnostic evaluation showed an AUC of 0.803 for cytoplasmic expression, demonstrating high diagnostic potential. However, SALL4-A expression did not show significant prognostic value.

Conclusion
Cytoplasmic SALL4-A expression in GC is associated with less aggressive tumor phenotypes and shows promise as a diagnostic marker. Further research is warranted to elucidate its mechanistic role and potential integration into clinical practice.
Advanced NGS analysis of cell-free tumor DNA supports clonal relation to primary high-grade B-cell lymphoma lesion and CNS relapse despite MRI negativity
Authors: Navrkalova Veronika , Mareckova Andrea , Porc Jakub , Hricko Samuel , Hrabcakova Viera , Kissova Jarmila , Kundova Sona , Jarosova Marie , Pospisilova Sarka , Kotaskova Jana , Janikova Andrea 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
High-grade B-cell lymphomas (HGBCLs) are aggressive blood cancers with a severe disease course, especially when the central nervous system (CNS) is involved. Standard histological examination depends on tissue availability and is currently supplemented with molecular tests, as the status of MYC, BCL2, or BCL6 gene rearrangements is required for proper lymphoma classification. This case report demonstrates the relevance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell-free DNA testing by integrative next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel. The benefit of this approach resided in tumor genotyping alongside the proof of CNS progression despite MRI negativity, revealing a clonal relationship with the primary tumor lesion. In addition, our strategy allowed us to classify the tumor as DLBCL/HGBL-MYC/BCL2 entity. In clinical practice, such a minimally invasive approach provides a more sensitive tool than standard imaging and cell analyzing techniques, enabling more accurate disease monitoring and relapse prediction in particular cases.
Analysis of the efficacy of multidisciplinary integration based on 3D reconstruction technology for the treatment of gout stone
Authors: Zhou Shizhe , Zhang Zengxiao , Liu Tian , Xu Yijun , Pan Yuehai , Chen Ying 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
This study investigates the efficacy of multidisciplinary fusion therapy based on 3D reconstruction technology for the treatment of gouty stone by comparing the efficacy of multidisciplinary fusion therapy with pharmacologic therapy.

Methods
This study is a cohort study.Patients who underwent gout stone surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from November 2020 to November 2022 were included in this study, totaling 85 to form the MDT surgery group, and matched among gout stone patients in the outpatient clinic during the same period to form the medication group. Patients in the 2 groups were followed up for 6 months to compare baseline and follow-up data.

Results
Both groups experienced a decrease in uric acid levels and an increase in SF-36 scores during follow-up. After adjusting for confounders, multifactorial logistic regression showed that the uric acid attainment rate of patients in the MDT surgery group was 4.011 times higher than that of the drug group (OR: 4.011, 95% CI: 1.595, 10.086, P = 0.003); the proportion of patients with an increase in SF-36 in the MDT surgery group was 4.976 times higher than that of the drug group (OR: 4.976, 95% CI: 2.243, 11.040, P < 0.001); the proportion of patients treated with high-dose medication in the MDT surgery group was 1.8% of that of patients in the drug group (OR: 0.018, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.148, P < 0.001); and the proportion of patients in the MDT surgery group who developed frequent gout was 2.8% of that in the drug group (OR: 0.028 95% CI: 0.003, 0.2398, P = 0.001). the proportion of patients in the MDT surgery group who developed abnormal liver function was 0.317 times higher than that in the drug group (OR: 0.317, 95% CI: 0.121, 0.831, P = 0.019).

Conclusion
The multidisciplinary integration of 3D reconstructive techniques for gout stone treatment resulted in an increase in uric acid compliance, a decrease in the frequency of gout and the appearance of liver impairment; and a greater benefit in terms of improvement in the quality of life of the patients after treatment.