bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring Perceptions of Hospice Care in the American Muslim Community: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Azam Laila , Foutz Renee , Padela Aasim I. 
Published: January 2025

Objectives To explore American Muslims’ perceptions and experiences regarding hospice care within the United States. Methods A qualitative descriptive study of 11 participants, including one patient and ten family caregivers. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a framework approach to identify key themes related to perceptions, ethical concerns, and experiences with hospice care. Results Three primary themes emerged: 1) notions of when hospice care should be sought; 2) Islamic ethical concerns about sedation and nutrition, and 3) positive experiences with hospice care accommodating religious beliefs and providing support. Participants’ perceptions of the need for hospice care varied, though many associated it with the last hours or days of life. Ethical concerns emerged around the use of medications like morphine, which could lead to sedation and interfere with religious practices, such as prayer and a final testification of faith. Additionally, the ethical concerns regarding nutrition and hydration for terminally ill patients raised questions about the alignment of such practices with Islamic bioethical values, which emphasize both preserving life and avoiding harm. Positive experiences included respect for religious beliefs, Qur’an recitations, and accommodation of prayer times. Conclusion Misconceptions about hospice conflicting with religious practices and Islamic ethical concerns may influence the acceptance and utilization of hospice care within the American Muslim community. Tailored educational initiatives and the integration of religious values into hospice care can foster informed decision-making, enhance patient satisfaction, and improve overall care outcomes.
The Impact of Exercise Training on Psychological Outcomes, Body Composition, and Quality of Life in Overweight or Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Vosadi Elham , Hashemi Fard Elahe Sadat , Mirakhori Zahra , Borjian Fard Mahboobeh 
Published: January 2025

Background: Overweight and obesity are associated with adverse psychological outcomes, compromised body composition, and reduced quality of life (QoL). While exercise training has been proposed as an effective intervention, its impact on these outcomes remains unclear. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of exercise training on psychological outcomes, body composition, and QoL in overweight or obese adults. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed through July 2024, utilizing multiple databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Thirty-one trials involving 2779 participants were included. Exercise training significantly improved mental health (SMD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.39, p = .0003), depression (SMD: −0.52, 95% CI: −0.86, −0.18, p = .003), mood (SMD: 7.55, 95% CI: 10.78, 4.31, p < .00001), waist circumference (MD: −2.77 cm, 95% CI: −4.60, −0.94, p = .003), and lean body mass (MD: 1.16 kg, 95% CI: 0.62, 1.69, p < .0001). Improvements were also observed in various QoL domains, including social functioning ( p = .004), physical functioning ( p < .00001), vitality ( p = .003), general health ( p = .001), and environmental quality ( p < .00001). However, some psychological, body composition, and QoL variables did not show significant effects. Conclusion: Exercise training positively impacts psychological outcomes, body composition, and multiple QoL domains in overweight and obese adults. These findings highlight the importance of exercise in lifestyle interventions. Further research is needed to determine long-term and consistent effects.
Late corneal guttae recurrence in bilateral penetrating keratoplasty grafts
Authors: Santiago-Leon Andrea C , Tan Charissa H , Dubovy Sander R , Koo Ellen H 
Published: January 2025

Background To describe a case of guttae recurrence in bilateral corneal grafts in a patient with a known diagnosis of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, more than three decades following penetrating keratoplasty. Methods Case Report. Results A 79-year-old White woman presented with declining vision, right eye worse than the left. She had previously undergone bilateral penetrating keratoplasty (P.K.) for Fuchs Endothelial Keratoplasty 35- and 34- years ago, of the right and left eye respectively. The slit-lamp biomicroscopy exam revealed corneal edema as well as presence of guttae affecting bilateral grafts. She underwent PK of the right eye. Histopathological analysis of the removed PK graft showed posterior nodular excrescences consistent with guttae. Conclusion Guttae development in corneal grafts is relatively uncommon and the mechanism of this entity remains unclear. The observation of guttae development in transplanted grafts has raised questions surrounding donor cornea screening and evaluation by eye banks, as well as those relating to recipients’ genetics and intrinsic factors that lead to guttae recurrence in the transplanted grafts. We herein describe the case of guttae recurrence in bilateral corneal grafts in a patient with a known diagnosis of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, more than 34 years following penetrating keratoplasty.
Associations between lifelong cognitive reserve, Alzheimer's disease-related plasma biomarkers, and cognitive function in dementia-free older adults: A population-based study
Authors: Han Xiaojuan , Li Yuanjing , Wang Jiafeng , Liu Xinyu , Zhang Yu , Dong Qiwei , Song Yiming , Cong Lin , Zhang Qinghua , Tang Shi , Song Lin , Hou Tingting , Wang Yongxiang , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan 
Published: January 2025

Background Cognitive reserve (CR), typically measured through socio-behavioral proxies, can partially explain better cognitive performance despite underlying brain aging or neuropathology. Objective To examine the associations of CR with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitive function while considering Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related plasma biomarkers. Methods This population-based cross-sectional study included 4706 dementia-free individuals from MIND-China. Data on AD-related plasma biomarkers were available for 1204 individuals. A composite CR score was generated by integrating education, occupational complexity, mental activity, and social support, using structural equation modeling. A neuropsychological test battery was used to assess the function of episodic memory, executive function, attention, and verbal fluency. MCI and subtypes of MCI were defined according to the Petersen's criteria. Data were analyzed using general linear and logistic regression models. Results Controlling for AD-related plasma biomarkers, higher educational attainment was associated with better performance in all four examined cognitive domains (p < 0.001) and with lower likelihoods of MCI, amnestic MCI (aMCI), and non-aMCI (p < 0.05); late-life mental activity was significantly related to lower likelihoods of MCI and aMCI (p < 0.05). Midlife occupation and late-life social support were not significantly associated with MCI or subtypes (p > 0.05). Higher composite CR scores were related to better performance in all the examined cognitive domains as well as lower likelihoods of MCI, aMCI, and non-aMCI (p < 0.05). Conclusions Greater composite CR, derived from the CR indicators across different stages of the lifespan, is associated with better cognitive function independent of AD-related plasma biomarkers, driven mainly by early-life educational attainment.
Predicting cognitive decline from neuropsychiatric symptoms and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers: A machine learning approach to a population-based data
Authors: Shah Jay , Krell-Roesch Janina , Forzani Erica , Knopman David S , Jack Cliff R , Petersen Ronald C , Che Yiming , Wu Teresa , Geda Yonas E 
Published: January 2025

Background The aim of this study was to examine the potential added value of including neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in machine learning (ML) models, along with demographic features and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers, to predict decline or non-decline in global and domain-specific cognitive scores among community-dwelling older adults. Objective To evaluate the impact of adding NPS to AD biomarkers on ML model accuracy in predicting cognitive decline among older adults. Methods The study was conducted in the setting of the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, including participants aged ≥ 50 years with information on demographics (i.e., age, sex, education), NPS (i.e., Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire; Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories), at least one AD biomarker (i.e., plasma-, neuroimaging- and/or cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]-derived), and at least 2 repeated neuropsychological assessments. We trained and tested ML models using a stepwise feature addition approach to predict decline versus non-decline in global and domain-specific (i.e., memory, language, visuospatial, and attention/executive function) cognitive scores. Results ML models had better performance when NPS were included along with a) neuroimaging biomarkers for predicting decline in global cognition, as well as language and visuospatial skills; b) plasma-derived biomarkers for predicting decline in visuospatial skills; and c) CSF-derived biomarkers for predicting decline in attention/executive function, language, and memory. Conclusions NPS, added to ML models including demographic and AD biomarker data, improves prediction of downward trajectories in global and domain-specific cognitive scores among community-dwelling older adults, albeit effect sizes are small. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed by future cohort studies.
Insulin signaling and oxidative stress: Bridging the gap between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xu Fengqing , Shi Jingshan 
Published: January 2025

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two prevalent chronic diseases that pose significant global health challenges. Increasing evidence suggests a complex bidirectional relationship between these conditions, where T2D elevates the risk of AD, and AD exacerbates glucose metabolism abnormalities in T2D. Objective This review explores the molecular mechanisms linking T2D and AD, focusing on the role of insulin signaling pathways and oxidative stress. Methods A comprehensive literature search from PubMed, Web of Science, and other relevant databases was conducted and analyzed. Results Insulin resistance in T2D leads to impaired insulin signaling in the brain, contributing to cognitive decline and the development of AD. Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress exacerbates neuronal damage, promoting the formation of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles characteristic of AD. Clinically antidiabetic drugs such as metformin show potential against AD in preclinical studies; Many natural products such as Dendrobium nobile Lindl. have anti-T2D efficacy and are also effective against AD in various in vivo and in vitro models. Conclusions Improving insulin resistance and reducing oxidative stress are important strategies in the treatment of T2D and AD. To understand the bridging role of insulin singling and oxidative stress in T2D and AD will provide insights and broader applications in alleviating T2D and AD.
Development and evaluation of a free e-learning program on dementia risk reduction for the general public: A pre-post study
Authors: Van Asbroeck Stephanie , Wimmers Sophie CPM , van Boxtel Martin PJ , Groot Zwaaftink Rob BM , Otten Vera , Bekkenkamp Dinant , Köhler Sebastian , Deckers Kay 
Published: January 2025

Background There is consistent evidence for the contribution of modifiable risk factors to dementia risk, offering opportunities for primary prevention. Yet, most individuals are unaware of these opportunities. Objective To investigate whether online education about dementia risk reduction may be a low-level means to increase knowledge and support self-management of modifiable dementia risk factors. Methods A pre-post study was conducted with Dutch community-dwelling individuals who registered for a free e-learning course called “Keep your brain healthy”. The e-learning covers seven themes delivered week-by-week covering cognitive and physical activity, diet, and cardiovascular health, amongst others. Participants completed an online survey before starting the e-learning, immediately afterwards, and three months later. The survey covered user experience, knowledge on dementia risk reduction, motivation for, and engagement in, health behaviors. Results Of the 477 participants (70.9% women, mean age = 63 years), 339 (71.1%) completed the survey immediately after the e-learning, and 241 (50.5%) completed the three-month follow-up survey. User experiences were positive with weekly themes receiving average ratings between 7.9–8.1 out of 10. Improvements over time were seen in knowledge of dementia risk reduction, Mediterranean diet adherence, social contact satisfaction, and motivation for physical activity. Cognitive activity levels and alcohol consumption improved over time in women. Moreover, improvements in knowledge and Mediterranean diet adherence remained present three months after course completion. Conclusions This e-learning program was positively perceived, increased knowledge of dementia risk reduction, and promoted engagement in brain-healthy lifestyles. The program can easily be implemented as a stand-alone tool or as part of larger dementia risk reduction initiatives.
Impaired cerebral microvascular reactivity and endothelial SK channel activity in a streptozotocin-treated mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xing Hang , Kant Shawn , Kanuparthy Meghamsh , Harris Dwight , Stone Christopher , Broadwin Mark , Zhang Zhiqi , Pearson Elena , Hu Jiayu , Sauer Ava , Princiotto Amy , Harrington Elizabeth O , de la Monte Suzanne M , Sellke Frank , Feng Jun 
Published: January 2025

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease marked by increased amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, impaired energy metabolism, and chronic ischemia-type injury. Cerebral microvascular dysfunction likely contributes to AD pathology, but its precise pathogenic role has been poorly defined. Objective To examine microvascular reactivity to endothelium-dependent vasodilators and small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel activity in an intracerebral streptozotocin (STZ)-induced AD mouse model. Methods Control and STZ-AD mice underwent Morris Water Maze and Barnes testing, after which cerebral microvascular and brain microvascular endothelial cells (MBMECs) were dissected to assess microvascular reactivity, responses to SK channel activator NS309, and ion-channel current recordings using whole-cell patch clamp methodology. Control mouse cerebral microvascular and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were treated with soluble Aβ1–42 peptide to characterize microvascular reactivity and endothelial potassium currents. Results STZ-AD mice exhibited impaired performance vs control mice in behavioral testing. STZ-AD mice also exhibited diminished cerebral microvascular responsiveness and MBMECs potassium current augmentation in response to NS309 compared with control mice. Incubation of control mouse cerebral micro-vessels and HBMECs with soluble Aβ (1 µM) for 2 h attenuated relaxation responses to NS309 and diminished NS309-sensitive endothelial potassium currents. Conclusions STZ-AD mice exhibited impaired microvascular relaxation responses to endothelium-dependent vasodilators; SK/IK channel dysfunction may be involved in the mechanism of this impairment. Acute treatment with Aβ produced dysregulated cerebrovascular endothelial SK/IK channels. Further elucidation of the role of microvascular dysfunction in AD is needed to prevent the chronic ischemia-type injury that contributes to cognitive decline.
Use of a Novel Steerable Tip Suction Cannula in Large and Giant Pituitary Adenomas: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study
Authors: Sahin Mustafa Selim , Gulsever Cafer Ikbal , Ozturk Metehan , Dolen Duygu , Dolas Ilyas , Saglam Latif , Coskun Osman , Gayretli Ozcan , Sabanci Pulat Akin 
Published: January 2025

Objective The endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is commonly used for sellar and suprasellar pathologies. However, reaching above the diaphragma sella, especially for posterosuperior and retrocavernous orientation, still poses some challenges. We designed and developed a steerable tip suction cannula (STSC) that has distinct leverage for endoscopic resection of such pathologies. Methods The entire suction cannula is made of stainless steel. The instrument consists of a handle, vacuum tube, suction tip bed, suction tip, finger knuckle, wire path, countersunk headpin, and isolated steel wire. The working principle of the product is to enable the surgeon to move the aspiration tip in the desired direction by steering the finger knuckle. Five cadaveric specimens fixed with the saturated salt solution were used to evaluate the instrument and obtain measurements. Results In the straight position, the STSC aspirated 2.67% slower than the control aspirator tip and 13.24% faster than that at 30° angulation. Based on the CT measurements, the mean angulation of the instrument from the frontobasal axis was 38.3°. The mean distance from the frontobasal axis was 1.3 cm. The average angulation of the tip of the instrument in the cranium was 25.5°. Conclusion The designed STSC might effectively resect large to giant pituitary adenomas, especially those with supradiaphragmatic extension. Its suction capability is comparable to that of conventional suction tubes.
Investigating the presence of surgical learning in the Timing of Primary Surgery for cleft palate randomised trial
Authors: Conroy Elizabeth J , Blazeby Jane M , Burnside Girvan , Cook Jonathan A , Gamble Carrol 
Published: January 2025

Background/aims When conducting a randomised controlled trial in surgery, it is important to consider surgical learning, where surgeons’ familiarity with one, or both, of the interventions increases during the trial. If present, learning may compromise trial validity. We demonstrate a statistical investigation into surgical learning within a trial of cleft palate repair. Methods The Timing of Primary Surgery compared primary surgery, using the Sommerlad technique, for cleft palate repair delivered at 6 or 12 months of age. Participating surgeons had varying levels of experience with the intervention and in repair across the age groups. Trial design aimed to reduce the surgical learning via pre-trial surgical technique training and balancing the randomisation process by surgeon. We explore residual learning effects by applying visual methods and statistical models to a surgical outcome (fistula formation) and a process indicator (operation time). Results Notably, 26 surgeons operated on 521 infants. As the trial progressed, operation time reduced for surgeons with no pre-trial Sommerlad experience (n = 2), before plateauing at 30 operations, whereas it remained stable for those with prior experience. Fistula rates remained stable regardless of technique experience. Pre-trial age for primary surgery experience had no impact on either measures. Conclusion Managing learning effects through design was not fully achieved but balanced between trial arms, and residual effects were minimal. This investigation explores the presence of learning, within a randomised controlled trial that may be valuable for future trials. We recommend such investigations are undertaken to aid trial interpretation and generalisability, and determine success of trial design measures.
Unveiling unexpected adverse events: post-marketing safety surveillance of gilteritinib and midostaurin from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting database
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Li Yanping , Zhang Ni , Gan Lanlan , Su Hui , Xiang Guiyuan , Wu Yuanlin , Liu Yao 
Published: January 2025

Background: Gilteritinib and midostaurin are FLT3 inhibitors that have made significant progress in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. However, their real-world safety profile in a large sample population is incomplete. Objectives: We aimed to provide a pharmacovigilance study of the adverse events (AEs) associated with gilteritinib and midostaurin through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Design: A retrospective analysis of the FAERS database was conducted by disproportionality analyses. Methods: We conducted disproportionality analyses to identify drug-AE associations, including the reporting odds ratio and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network. A signal was detected if both methods achieved statistical significance. Results: There were 1887 and 2091 case reports for gilteritinib and midostaurin, respectively. We have separately retained significant disproportionality AEs across two algorithms, with a total of 53 AEs for gilteritinib and 46 for midostaurin. The common AEs observed with gilteritinib included febrile neutropenia, pyrexia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Similarly, the prevalent AEs associated with midostaurin were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pyrexia, and febrile neutropenia. The common AEs of both drugs are consistent with previous clinical trials. Notably, we also revealed unexpected significant AEs for both drugs. For gilteritinib, 29 positive signals for AEs not mentioned in its instructions were identified, such as cerebral hemorrhage, tumor lysis syndrome, and interstitial lung disease. Midostaurin exhibited 24 positive signals for AEs not listed in its instructions, including neutropenic colitis, neutropenic sepsis, and septic shock. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for continued monitoring and evaluation of these drugs in clinical practice, as it first reveals their AEs in a large real-world sample population. Some AEs are generally consistent with the instructions and previous studies, but some unexpected AEs are detected for each drug. Due to the limitations of the spontaneous report database, such as including potential underreporting, overreporting, lack of causal relationship, unable to calculate incidence, and other confounding factors, more pharmacoepidemiology studies are needed to validate our findings.