bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social, environmental, and cognitive correlates of community‐dwelling older adults coping poorly with reduced social contact: A quasi‐experiment set in Australia’s COVID‐19 lockdown in 2020
Authors: Chander Russell J , Numbers Katya T. , Chen Rory , Samtani Suraj , Kochan Nicole A. , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic extend beyond the viral impact and include social and psychological effects of the ensuing lockdowns and restrictions. Australia’s lengthy lockdowns present an opportunity to study changes in the physical and mental wellbeing of older adults resulting from extended social isolation, a known risk factor for dementia, in the absence of high infection or mortality rates.MethodSydney Memory and Ageing Study, Sydney Centenarian Study, and CogSCAN study participants were mailed questionnaires about in‐person and remote social contact and access to resources during the 2020 Sydney lockdown. Responses were linked to existing medical history and cognitive status data from 2018‐2019. Respondents were classified based on self‐reported poor outcomes (PO), defined as feeling worse because of the pandemic in three domains: overall health, emotional and psychological health, and physical activity. Cognitive impairment was defined as presence of DSM‐V neurocognitive disorders as determined by clinical consensus, MMSE <27, or ACE‐III <88. Factors associated with PO were explored.ResultOf the 335 participants who responded to the COVID‐19 questionnaire by January 2021, 75 (22.4%) met criteria for cognitive impairment. None of the respondents reported ever being symptomatic at the time of study. Only 19 (5.7%) personally knew someone who had COVID‐19. Most (156, 46.7%) participants had no POs, 112 had one, and 67 had two or more. Cognitive status was not associated with POs. Compared to no POs, PO participants actively reduced in‐person contact, overall social contact, had more difficulty accessing food and medical resources. Despite PO participants communicating more frequently with friends and family by phone, and reporting having changed their social support, they also had lower scores in questionnaires for life satisfaction and loneliness.ConclusionOlder adults who reported poorer outcomes during lockdown had greater reduced social contact. Despite efforts to adapt their social support networks through increased phone‐based social interactions, they still reported worse life satisfaction and more loneliness. Difficulties in adapting to changing social circumstances and isolation may confer a greater susceptibility to loneliness. Further work is needed to understand the relationship between susceptibility to loneliness and future dementia risk.
Instruments to measure the roles, experiences, and identities of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: A scoping review
Authors: Dowling Maritza , Rook Erin , Klenczar Brittany , Hancock Kari A. , OHala Max , Yamada Cody , Mendizabal Stephanie , Anderson Joel G , Flatt Jason D. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe growing number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) has led to an increased interest in the experiences of informal caregivers. Effective instruments to measure both negative and positive aspects of caregiving and validated with diverse caregiver populations, are needed to inform the design and evaluation of targeted interventions. This study (a) reviews extant literature on instruments developed to measure the range of roles and experiences of unpaid caregivers of people living with ADRD, (b) describes characteristics of the populations used to validate these instruments, and (c) discusses the usefulness, applicability, and generalizability of current measuresMethodA scoping review was performed following the methodological framework of Aromataris and Munn (2020). In November 2023, five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL) were searched including publications from 1980‐2023. We included studies that (a) described the development of instruments to assess informal (unpaid) ADRD caregiver experiences, (b) discussed their psychometric properties, and (c) described the sample used in the validation process. Covidence software was used to screen the retrieved studies and relevant data were extracted and summarized using an a priori data extraction tool.ResultThe search yielded 11,928 articles; 90 met inclusion criteria. The majority of instruments measured negative aspects of caregiving (burden, hassles, psychological distress, strain, dysfunctional thoughts, isolation, grief) although a growing number of instruments focused on positive aspects of caregiving (personal growth, self‐actualization, rewards and satisfaction, resilience, hope, self‐efficacy, reciprocity). The psychometric rigor of the instruments varied widely with most samples being relatively small and mainly including spouses or children, possibly limiting generalizability of construct‐relevant interpretations. While recent instruments have focused on new constructs associated with caregiving (loss of personhood, discrimination, stigma), validation studies have not been conducted with representative populations of caregivers from both traditional and non‐traditional family structures or diverse racial/ethnic groups.ConclusionThe interpretability and meaningfulness of inferences from existing ADRD caregiving measures depend on the relevance and utility of those instruments in the applied setting. This review highlights the need for developing measures that capture the multifaceted experiences of a diverse and more representative sample from the full spectrum of ADRD caregivers.
“I assume that my doctor will then guide me”: Attitudes and Expectations in the Context of Dementia Risk Estimation
Authors: Hübner Constanze , Baumeister Annika , Gerards Michelle , Cantero‐Fortiz Yahveth , Ribaldi Federica , Braun Julia , Boada Mercè , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Jessen Frank , Rostamzadeh Ayda , Schwegler Carolin , Schmitz‐Luhn Björn , Woopen Christiane 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDriven by (bio‐)medical and technical developments, advanced non‐invasive methods for estimating the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia (ADD) are increasingly emerging. In the future, such methods could eventually become available for individuals in asymptomatic and preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease (e.g. individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD)). Disclosure of individual ADD risk can bring new challenges for those affected, which can be linked to ethically relevant aspects such as identity and self‐perception. Such considerations can become more and more relevant in the context of ADD risk estimation in clinical care. In a qualitative approach, the ethical subproject of the PreTAD project (The Predictive Turn in Alzheimer’s Disease: Ethical, Clinical, Linguistic and Legal Aspects) aims, among other objectives, to investigate the attitudes and expectations of persons with various experiences with ADD regarding ADD risk estimation.MethodIn the qualitative part of the study, n = 30 interviews out of N = 40 are intended to be conducted with first‐degree relatives of persons with ADD and patients with SCD diagnosed ≤4 weeks or >4 weeks ago. The interviews address inter alia attitudes, individual experiences, and expectations regarding ADD risk estimation. Thematic analysis (Kuckartz & Rädiker 2023) is employed to analyze interview transcripts.ResultPreliminary analysis of n = 23 interviews revealed a spectrum of attitudes and expectations regarding ADD risk estimation shaped by individual experiences with ADD, care experience, or the healthcare system. Across groups, the majority expressed a positive attitude toward ADD risk estimation. The hypothetical offer of ADD risk estimation was frequently perceived as a way of gaining control by learning about one’s risk status. Hopes regarding potential risk knowledge included the anticipated opportunity to proactively engage in one’s health under medical guidance and the chance to initiate self‐determined advance care measures, which was emphasized by individuals with care experience. Potential psychological strain due to risk knowledge was rather mentioned by individuals with SCD.ConclusionPreliminary findings highlighted diverse expectations associated with ADD risk knowledge touching upon ethically relevant aspects such as (self‐)responsibility and self‐determination. Our findings can serve as valuable starting points for an ethically guided approach to handling ADD risk estimation in clinical practice.
NEuroBioStand project: a European metrological research framework for standardising p‐tau measurements in plasma
Authors: Giangrande Chiara , Vaneeckhoutte Hélène , Delatour Vincent , Vinh Joëlle , Verdier Yann , Vanmechelen Eugeen , Koertvelyessy Peter , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Gobom Johan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundNEuroBioStand is an EU‐funded project aimed at developing a metrological research framework for standardising blood‐based biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) with the objective of implementation and commercialisation of promising assays for NDD biomarkers fulfilling requirements of the in vitro diagnostic regulation (IVDR).P‐tau is currently included in the AT(N) framework for AD diagnosis together with other biomarkers and amyloid‐β and tau in CSF have been developed into regulatory approved biomarkers in CSF. The standardisation of the measurements for this biomarker is important to establish common cut‐off values and reference ranges.MethodRecombinant phosphorylated protein and synthetic phosphopeptide materials were sourced as candidate primary calibrators together with their labelled internal standards. Purity was evaluated for the protein and peptide materials by high resolution mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC‐HRMS) and mass fraction was determined by amino acid analysis (AAA). A candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) is being developed by LC‐HRMS for high accuracy measurement of different phosphorylated epitopes in plasma.ResultThe first step towards the standardisation of this biomarker is the definition of the measurand: NEuroBioStand consortium has defined the clinically relevant phosphorylated isoforms to develop protein and peptide candidate primary calibrators. P‐tau181, P‐tau217 and P‐tau231 have been prioritized and fit for purpose calibrators have been characterised in terms of purity and mass fraction by amino acids analysis and LC‐MS. In particular, the full characterisation of the phosphorylation status of protein candidate primary calibrators has been carried out to determine the site occupancy of the most relevant phosphorylation sites by using the SI‐traceable quantified phosphorylated peptide materials. The development of a multiplexing SI‐traceable candidate RMP in plasma is in progress with the aim of standardising concentrations of the prioritised phosphorylated epitopes and thus calculating the ratio of phosphorylated to non‐phosphorylated fragments.ConclusionNEuroBioStand consortium gathers national metrology institutes, clinicians, academics and IVD‐providers to achieve traceability to SI units for fluid biomarkers in NDD. The development of a RMP will allow the certification of candidate matrix‐based reference materials that will be used to harmonise measurements of P‐tau in plasma across different analytical platforms, thus standardising cut‐off values and reference ranges.
Randomized controlled feasibility trial to reduce stigma related to dementia among community health workers in Brazil: Preliminary results
Authors: Godoy Carolina , Oliveira Deborah , de Paula Tassiane , Barbosa Matheus Ghossain , Boaventura Vinicius , Evans‐Lacko Sara , Ferri Cleusa P 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDementia awareness and education are currently limited among healthcare workers and the general public, contributing towards the generation and propagation of stigma and discrimination against people with dementia worldwide. It is crucial to promote evidence‐based anti‐stigma interventions with a focus on stigma reduction.MethodThis is a randomized and controlled feasibility trial of a group intervention aimed at improving knowledge and reducing stigma related to dementia among Community Health Workers (CHWs) (Trial Registration: RBR‐10xp637m). The Intervention Group (IG) (n = 70) received a 9‐hour intervention involving reflexive, educational, visual, and social contact activities related to dementia, and the Control Group (CG) (n = 62) was not intervened. Beyond sociodemographic characteristics, we collected data on dementia related stigma. For this preliminary analysis we will present data on: (1) negative attitudes (a composed score from 8 related question – the higher the score the more negative are the attitudes); (2) knowledge on dementia (a composed score from 5 related question – the higher the score the better the knowledge) and (3) a single question on the importance of dementia diagnosis disclosure (the higher the score the more important the participant think this is). The follow‐up questionnaires were reapplied 30 and 90 days after the intervention, using the same set of questions. We estimated and present the Mean Change (SD) in the IG and in the CG, the T‐test (p‐value), and the Mean Difference (95% CI).ResultThere was no significant difference in any baseline measures between IG and CG. The preliminary results show that, compared to the CG, a significant increase in knowledge was achieved in the IG both at 30‐ (p = 0.007) and 90‐day follow up (p = 0.020), and a significant reduction in negative attitudes in both measure points (p<0.000 and p = 0.000 at 30‐ and 90‐day follow up, respectively).ConclusionThe preliminary findings indicate the intervention can lead to a sustained increase in knowledge and a shift in negative attitudes among CHWs over time. Further analysis are being carried out, including a qualitative assessment of the intervention, which will help improve the intervention to be applied in a randomized‐ controlled trial in the future.
A Study on the Expression Profile of Genes Coding for Secretory Proteins Using in vitro Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Sunkaria Aditya 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAge‐related neurological illness like Alzheimer's disease (AD) is steadily becoming more prevalent among the aged population in India and around the world. Cognitive deficits are caused by a progressive loss of normal brain functions. Increased production of amyloid (Aβ) and the development of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the two most significant pathogenic events that take place during AD progression. Until today, many attempts have been made towards discovering novel targets which are more precise and could identify the progression of the disease at very early stage.MethodIn the present study the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database was used to filter out total human secretome. Using single cell type proteome of the HPA database, neuronal proteins were compared with total human secretome to discover overlapping proteins and their respective genes. Further, Alzheimer's disease associated genes were extracted using DisGeNet database and ranked according to their gene‐disease association (gda) score. Further, different proteoforms of Aβ were used to treat neuronal cells in vitro to mimic early stages of AD like pathology. The expression of secretory protein genes from in vitro model system has been analysed.ResultOut of 1678 genes, 24 neuronal genes were identified that were coding for secretory proteins. These genes were further categorized according to their proteins function. Specific primers for the top gda score genes were designed and expression analyses were conducted. Analyses revealed modulation in the expression of APOE, MAPT, NPY, NGF, and RELN genes.ConclusionThe aim of this study was to discover early‐stage biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. In the present study we have tried to identify modulation in the genes coding for secretory proteins which might be reflected at protein levels also. Currently our lab is working on to fully understand the modulation of AD secretome which would enable us to identify AD specific early stage biomarkers.
Sleep, autonomic function, and cognition in the U.S. POINTER trial
Authors: Shaltout Hossam A , Hayden Kathleen M. , Garcia Katelyn R , Leng Xiaoyan , Howard Marjorie , Scales Margaret , Culkin Margaret C. , Baker Laura D , Snyder Heather M , Papp Kathryn V , Bailey Margie J , Brinkley Tina E 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSleep disorders have been associated with cognitive impairment and dementia risk. Measures of autonomic function including baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV) have also been associated with sleep quality. The extent to which sleep disorders are linked to autonomic function and alter the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in older adults remains unclear. We investigated the association between sleep measures and autonomic function measures in 193 participants enrolled in the U.S. POINTER trial (mean age: 67.8±5.4 years, 65% female, 35% people of color).MethodContinuous blood pressure and ECG recordings were used to assess baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), blood pressure variability (BPV), HRV measured as root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD) and standard deviation of beat to beat interval (SDNN), and sympathovagal balance (LF/HF ratio). Sleep quality was assessed by multiple measures including the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Linear regression was used to examine cross‐sectional associations between the outcomes of interest adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and site.ResultThe majority of participants had normal sleep breathing pattern, with AHI and ODI ≤15 (n = 154, 80.0%). Individuals with AHI or ODI >15 have lower BRS (p<0.025), lower SDNN (p<0.026) and slightly higher LF/HF ratio and BPV (p = 0.09). BRS was positively associated with sleep duration (p = 0.04), high frequency alpha (p = 0.039), and sleep efficiency (p = 0.005), as well as global cognition (p = 0.038), episodic memory (p = 0.004), and mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) score (p = 0.06). BRS was also negatively correlated with WASO (p = 0.011). There was also a positive association between SDNN and 3MSE (p = 0.025), with similar trends for the association between rMSSD and both global cognition and processing speed (p = 0.08). Adjusting for AHI or ODI score strengthened the associations between autonomic function and cognition.ConclusionIn this cohort of older adults, measures of autonomic function were inversely correlated with sleep disorders and positively correlated with cognitive function. Sleep disorders are linked to alterations in autonomic function, which are likely to exert significant downstream effects on cardiovascular health and brain function. These effects may potentially influence the development of AD.
Altered Cerebral Blood Flow as a Screening Test for Neurodegenerative Disease: A Comparative Analysis of Arterial Spin Labeled Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Fajardo Andres Ricaurte , Kovanlikaya Ilhami , Yasen Weiye , Mahmud Meem , Ivanidze Jana , Li Yi , de Leon Mony J. , Butler Tracy A , Nordvig Anna S , Chiang Gloria 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundEarly detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can improve prognosis, given new anti‐amyloid therapies. Both positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging biomarkers are currently used (1). 48F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET (FDG‐PET) can detect neurodegeneration‐related hypometabolism but is costly and not easily accessible (2). Cerebral blood flow (CBF), assessed using arterial spin labelling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL‐MRI), is closely linked to metabolism in neurodegenerative disease (2). In a recent case series of seven neurodegenerative patients, we described concordance between CBF and (i) FDG‐PET and (ii) amyloid/tau PET (3). In this clinical cohort, ASL‐MRI was used to triage patients with cognitive concerns.MethodA retrospective analysis included patients aged 25‐85 with cognitive symptoms, who underwent ASL‐MRI and either (i) FDG‐PET (n = 65) and/or (ii) amyloid PET or CSF sampling for amyloid/tau (n = 44). CBF maps were standardized and independently assessed by two neuroradiologists for a typical AD pattern (temporoparietal) or lobar (≥2 lobes) hypoperfusion. FDG avidity was compared against a normative database for regional hypometabolism. The sensitivity and specificity of ASL‐MR in identifying AD was assessed, as well as discordance with FDG‐PET.Result82 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 68±13), interrater reliability for lobar hypoperfusion was 84%. Temporoparietal hypoperfusion was 81% specific, but only 52% sensitive for biomarker‐proven AD; lobar hypoperfusion increased sensitivity to 78%, but specificity decreased to 43%. Using temporoparietal hypoperfusion, there was 29% discordance with FDG‐PET. Using lobar hypoperfusion, there was 38% discordance.ConclusionASL‐MRI is a promising, non‐invasive screening tool for early detection and diagnosis of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the discordance between ASL‐MRI and FDG‐PET warrants further attention. In routine assessments for cognitive complaints, ASL‐MRI should be added to the screening protocol MRI.Bibliography:1. Haidar H, Majzoub RE, Hajeer S, Abbas LA. Arterial spin labeling (ASL‐MRI) versus fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET (FDG‐PET) in diagnosing dementia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. BMC Neurol. 2023 Oct 24;23(1):385.2. Minoshima S, Cross D, Thientunyakit T, Foster NL, Drzezga A. 18F‐FDG PET Imaging in Neurodegenerative Dementing Disorders: Insights into Subtype Classification, Emerging Disease Categories, and Mixed Dementia with Copathologies. J Nucl Med. 2022 Jun;63(Suppl 1):2S‐12S.3. Accepted publication, AJNR.