A hypothetical intervention on the use of hearing aids for the risk of dementia in people with hearing loss in UK Biobank.

Observational studies have reported that hearing aid (HA) use is associated with a reduced risk of dementia diagnosis, suggesting a possible protective effect. However, extant observational studies do not explicitly model causal effects, while randomised controlled trials on the effect of HA on dementia exhibit short follow-up. Here we used self-report, hearing tests, and healthcare records in UK Biobank to design a hypothetical intervention for the effect of HA use on the risk of dementia diagnosis in people with incident hearing loss (HL).

Physicians' experiences with indications and prescriptions of foot orthoses-A cross-sectional study in northern Germany.

Background: Foot orthoses (FOs) are prescribed by general practitioners (GPs) and orthopedic surgeons for various complaints. As there are very limited medical guidelines and checklists, the prescription of FOs is often inconsistent. Therefore, our study to evaluate the general prescription behavior and indication experiences with FOs from the perspective of GPs and orthopedists.

Education as Risk Factor of Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Link to the Gut Microbiome.

Background: With differences apparent in the gut microbiome in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, and risk factors of dementia linked to alterations of the gut microbiome, the question remains if gut microbiome characteristics may mediate associations of education with MCI.

Objectives: We sought to examine potential mediation of the association of education and MCI by gut microbiome diversity or composition.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Gut microbiome is not associated with mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.

Gut microbiome differences between people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and control subjects without Parkinsonism are widely reported, but potential alterations related to PD with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have yet to be comprehensively explored. We compared gut microbial features of PD with MCI (n = 58) to cognitively unimpaired PD (n = 60) and control subjects (n = 90) with normal cognition. Our results did not support a specific microbiome signature related to MCI in PD.

Zentangle® Pilot Study: A Mindfulness Exercise for Oncology Nurses.

Background: This study introduced Zentangle®, which involves drawing simple, repetitive lines and shapes to create patterns, as a tool to promote wellness for oncology nurses in a clinical practice setting.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether Zentangle used as a meditative activity in an acute time frame decreased stress, fatigue, and burnout while increasing professional quality of life and well-being in oncology nurses.

Methods: Twenty-six oncology nurses participated in a two-hour Zentangle class and received materials to complete art over four weeks.