bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of statins on dopamine loss and prognosis in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jeong Seong Ho , Lee Hye Sun , Chung Seok Jong , Yoo Han Soo , Jung Jin Ho , Baik Kyoungwon , Lee Yang Hyun , Sohn Young H , Lee Phil Hyu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Statins are more widely used not only for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease by blocking cholesterol biosynthesis but also for the potential neuroprotective agents during neurological disorders due to their pleiotropic effects. In this study, we investigate whether the previous use of statins affect baseline nigrostriatal dopamine loss at the time of diagnosis and longitudinal motor and cognitive outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Five hundred drug-naïve patients with Parkinson’s disease who underwent dopamine transporter imaging were classified into two groups according to the prior use of statins: patients with and without statin use. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine intergroup differences in dopamine transporter availability. We evaluated the longitudinal changes in levodopa-equivalent dose and dementia conversion between the groups using a linear mixed model and survival analysis, respectively. In addition, mediation analysis was applied to examine the effect of total cholesterol.
Patients with Parkinson’s disease treated with statins had a lower baseline dopamine transporter availability in the anterior (2.13 ± 0.55 versus 2.37 ± 0.67; P = 0.002), posterior (1.31 ± 0.43 versus 1.49 ± 0.54; P = 0.003) and ventral putamina (1.40 ± 0.39 versus 1.56 ± 0.47; P = 0.002) than that in matched patients with Parkinson’s disease without statins. After adjusting for age at symptom onset, sex, disease duration and vascular risk factors, linear regression models showed that a previous treatment with statins remained significantly and independently associated with more severely decreased dopamine transporter availability in the anterior putamen (Beta = −0.140, P = 0.004), posterior putamen (Beta = −0.162, P = 0.001) and ventral putamen (Beta = −0.140, P = 0.004). A linear mixed model revealed that patients with Parkinson’s disease being treated with statins had a faster longitudinal increase in levodopa-equivalent dose than those without. A survival analysis showed that the rate of dementia conversion was significantly higher in patients with Parkinson’s disease with statins (hazard ratio, 2.019; 95% confidence interval, 1.108–3.678; P = 0.022) than those without. Mediation analyses revealed that the effect of statin treatment on baseline dopamine transporter availability and longitudinal outcome was not mediated by total cholesterol levels.
This study suggests that statin use may have a detrimental effect on baseline nigrostriatal dopamine degeneration and long-term outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Sensory Recruitment Revisited: Ipsilateral V1 Involved in Visual Working Memory
Authors: Zhao Yi-Jie , Kay Kendrick N , Tian Yonghong , Ku Yixuan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The “sensory recruitment hypothesis” posits an essential role of sensory cortices in working memory, beyond the well-accepted frontoparietal areas. Yet, this hypothesis has recently been challenged. In the present study, participants performed a delayed orientation recall task while high-spatial-resolution 3 T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals were measured in posterior cortices. A multivariate inverted encoding model approach was used to decode remembered orientations based on blood oxygen level-dependent fMRI signals from visual cortices during the delay period. We found that not only did activity in the contralateral primary visual cortex (V1) retain high-fidelity representations of the visual stimuli, but activity in the ipsilateral V1 also contained such orientation tuning. Moreover, although the encoded tuning was faded in the contralateral V1 during the late delay period, tuning information in the ipsilateral V1 remained sustained. Furthermore, the ipsilateral representation was presented in secondary visual cortex (V2) as well, but not in other higher-level visual areas. These results thus supported the sensory recruitment hypothesis and extended it to the ipsilateral sensory areas, which indicated the distributed involvement of visual areas in visual working memory.
Partially Preserved Processing of Musical Rhythms in REM but Not in NREM Sleep
Authors: Sifuentes-Ortega Rebeca , Lenc Tomas , Nozaradan Sylvie , Peigneux Philippe 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe extent of high-level perceptual processing during sleep remains controversial. In wakefulness, perception of periodicities supports the emergence of high-order representations such as the pulse-like meter perceived while listening to music. Electroencephalography (EEG) frequency-tagged responses elicited at envelope frequencies of musical rhythms have been shown to provide a neural representation of rhythm processing. Specifically, responses at frequencies corresponding to the perceived meter are enhanced over responses at meter-unrelated frequencies. This selective enhancement must rely on higher-level perceptual processes, as it occurs even in irregular (i.e., syncopated) rhythms where meter frequencies are not prominent input features, thus ruling out acoustic confounds. We recorded EEG while presenting a regular (unsyncopated) and an irregular (syncopated) rhythm across sleep stages and wakefulness. Our results show that frequency-tagged responses at meter-related frequencies of the rhythms were selectively enhanced during wakefulness but attenuated across sleep states. Most importantly, this selective attenuation occurred even in response to the irregular rhythm, where meter-related frequencies were not prominent in the stimulus, thus suggesting that neural processes selectively enhancing meter-related frequencies during wakefulness are weakened during rapid eye movement (REM) and further suppressed in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. These results indicate preserved processing of low-level acoustic properties but limited higher-order processing of auditory rhythms during sleep.
Trimethylamine N-oxide induces osteogenic responses in human aortic valve interstitial cells in vitro and aggravates aortic valve lesions in mice
Authors: Li Jiaying , Zeng Qingchun , Xiong Zhenyu , Xian Gaopeng , Liu Zuheng , Zhan Qiong , Lai Wenyan , Ao Lihua , Meng Xianzhong , Ren Hao , Xu Dingli 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Aims
Recent studies have shown that the choline-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a biomarker that promotes cardiovascular disease through the induction of inflammation and stress. Inflammatory responses and stress are involved in the progression of calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD). Here, we examined whether TMAO induces the osteogenic differentiation of aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial stress pathways in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and results
Plasma TMAO levels were higher in patients with CAVD (n = 69) than in humans without CAVD (n = 263), as examined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Western blot and staining probes showed that TMAO-induced an osteogenic response in human AVICs. Moreover, TMAO promoted ER stress, mitochondrial stress, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in vitro. Notably, the TMAO-mediated effects were reversed by the use of ER stress, mitochondrial stress, and NF-κB activation inhibitors and small interfering RNA. Mice treated with supplemental choline in a high-fat diet had markedly increased TMAO levels and aortic valve thicknesses, which were reduced by 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (an inhibitor of trimethylamine formation) treatment.

Conclusions
Choline-derived TMAO promotes osteogenic differentiation through ER and mitochondrial stress pathways in vitro and aortic valve lesions in vivo.
Effects of lignocaine vs. opioids on antiplatelet activity of ticagrelor: the LOCAL trial
Authors: Fernando Himawan , Duong Thy , Huynh Kevin , Noonan Jonathan , Shaw James , Duffy Stephen J , Nehme Ziad , Smith Karen , Myles Paul S , Meikle Peter J , Peter Karlheinz , Stub Dion 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Aims
We assessed the impact of intravenous fentanyl and lignocaine on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ticagrelor in patients with unstable angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and their procedural analgesic efficacy and safety.

Methods and results
Seventy patients undergoing coronary angiography with ticagrelor loading were included in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of this randomized trial. Plasma ticagrelor levels 2 h post-loading dose were significantly lower in the fentanyl arm than in the lignocaine treatment arm (598 vs. 1008 ng/mL, P = 0.014). The area under the plasma–time curves for ticagrelor (1228 vs. 2753 ng h/mL, P &lt; 0.001) and its active metabolite (201 vs. 447 ng h/mL, P = 0.001) were both significantly lower in the fentanyl arm. Expression of activated platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor (2829 vs. 1426 mean fluorescence intensity, P = 0.006) and P-selectin (439 vs. 211 mean fluorescence intensity, P = 0.001) was significantly higher at 60 min in the fentanyl arm. A higher proportion of patients had high on-treatment platelet reactivity in the fentanyl arm at 60 min using the Multiplate Analyzer (41% vs. 9%, P = 0.002) and 120 min using the VerifyNow (30% vs. 3%, P = 0.003) and VASP (37% vs. 6%, P = 0.002) assays. Both drugs were well tolerated with a high level of patient satisfaction.

Conclusions
Unlike fentanyl, lignocaine does not impair the bioavailability or delay the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor. Both drugs were well tolerated and effective with a high level of patient satisfaction for procedural analgesia. Routine procedural analgesia during percutaneous coronary intervention should be reconsidered and if performed, lignocaine is a beneficial alternative to fentanyl.
Effect of dapagliflozin on ventricular arrhythmias, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or sudden death in DAPA-HF
Authors: Curtain James P , Docherty Kieran F , Jhund Pardeep S , Petrie Mark C , Inzucchi Silvio E , Køber Lars , Kosiborod Mikhail N , Martinez Felipe A , Ponikowski Piotr , Sabatine Marc S , Bengtsson Olof , Langkilde Anna Maria , Sjöstrand Mikaela , Solomon Scott D , McMurray John J V 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dapagliflozin on the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and results
In a post hoc analysis of DAPA-HF, we examined serious adverse event reports related to ventricular arrhythmias or cardiac arrest, in addition to adjudicated sudden death. The effect of dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, on the composite of the first occurrence of any serious ventricular arrhythmia, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or sudden death was examined using Cox proportional hazards models. A serious ventricular arrhythmia was reported in 115 (2.4%) of the 4744 patients in DAPA-HF (ventricular fibrillation in 15 patients, ventricular tachycardia in 86, ‘other’ ventricular arrhythmia/tachyarrhythmia in 12, and torsade de pointes in 2 patients). A total of 206 (41%) of the 500 cardiovascular deaths occurred suddenly. Eight patients survived resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Independent predictors of the composite outcome (first occurrence of any serious ventricular arrhythmia, resuscitated cardiac arrest or sudden death), ranked by chi-square value, were log-transformed N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, history of ventricular arrhythmia, left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic blood pressure, history of myocardial infarction, male sex, body mass index, serum sodium concentration, non-white race, treatment with dapagliflozin, and cardiac resynchronization therapy. Of participants assigned to dapagliflozin, 140/2373 patients (5.9%) experienced the composite outcome compared with 175/2371 patients (7.4%) in the placebo group [hazard ratio 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.63–0.99), P = 0.037], and the effect was consistent across each of the components of the composite outcome.

Conclusions
Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of any serious ventricular arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, or sudden death when added to conventional therapy in patients with HFrEF.

Clinical trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov unique identifier: NCT03036124 (DAPA-HF).
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: new macroscopic and microscopic findings
Authors: Lopes Cátia , Cunha Inês , Camacho Catarina , Vareda Catarina , Lai Ana , Vilela Marisa , Mendes Fernando , Martins Diana 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Twin-to-twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Affects about 10% to 15% of pregnancies and it is associated with high fetal and neonatal mortality, as well as cardiac and neurological morbidity in surviving fetuses. The main objective was to characterize a series of fetuses with TTTS since the pathophysiology of the syndrome is not fully understood and the clinical spectrum is broad.

Methods
Post-mortem macroscopic and microscopic examination of 26 fetuses (from 2010 to 2020) with TTTS syndrome.

Results
The most frequent macroscopic findings in placenta were discrepancy in size and pallor/placental congestion. Other macroscopic findings not described in the literature were calcifications, areas of infarction and hematomas. Infarction areas and villi heterogeneity growth were the most common microscopic findings, described in the literature. Regarding the fetus, the restriction of intrauterine growth, the alteration of anthropometric parameters and the presence of a plethoric/anemic fetus were the main characteristics associated with this syndrome. The most common microscopic findings were signs of anoxia and congestive organs, already described in the literature. We also found frequently pulmonary abnormalities as new findings in our study.

Conclusions
The results allowed the identification of TTTS aspects that can contribute to the characterization of this syndrome. Given that the progression of TTTS remains unpredictable and the mortality rate for both fetuses is 90%, it becomes increasingly important to identify strategies for diagnosing and characterizing the syndrome.
Foetal hydrops: new challenges
Authors: Vareda Catarina , Camacho Catarina , Cunha Inês , Lopes Cátia , Pina Raquel , Lai Ana , Vilela Marisa , Mendes Fernando , Martins Diana 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Foetal Hydrops (FH) is an abnormal accumulation of fluid inside two or more serous cavities and may be linked with polyhydramnios and/or placental oedema. It has been correlated with several causes such foetal anaemia, chromosomal anomalies, congenital abnormalities, infections, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and maternal causes such as diabetes. Regardless the advances in diagnosis and therapy, the overall perinatal mortality rate remains high. Thereby, the main goal is to evaluate the autopsy findings including between 2010 and 2019.

Methods
105 cases including perinatal and new-born autopsies with different gestation stages were studied, in order to understand the macroscopic and microscopic events that can elucidate FH.

Results
Macroscopically, a large number of foetuses demonstrated oedema effusions and intrauterine growth restriction. Regarding placenta, the most common macroscopic finding is oedema, such as described in the literature. Nodules and hemorrhagic areas are the new findings observed. Oedema remains the most relevant microscopic finding, whereas unspecified villi alterations and trophoblast pseudoinclusions were the new findings.

Conclusions
The results allowed the identification of new characteristics that can contribute to the knowledge of this foetal condition that remains a challenge. Future studies need to focus on identifying strategies for diagnosis and treatment is critical for foetal hydrops.
Elderly malnutrition: brachial and leg perimeter as indicators of early intervention
Authors: Alexandre Bárbara , Damas Maria , Lima João 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The aged population are often malnourished especially if they live in a Nursing Home (NH) due to their health status, depression and environmental factors. An early and accurate diagnosis of malnutrition is essential so the nutritional therapy can be started as soon as possible. The aim is to study the relationship between the degree of malnutrition in aged population living in two NH and anthropometric measures like brachial perimeter (BP) and leg (PP).

Methods
Were included elderly people aged ≥65 years. The nutritional assessment status was through the application of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS software with a descriptive and inferential analysis. The level of critical significance chosen was 5%.

Results
83 seniors of both genders (78.3% female) were evaluated with a middle age of 83.4 ± 7.9 years. The application of MNA revealed that 33.7% of the seniors are in malnutrition risk and 43.4% malnourished. Older elderly people (P = 0.03) with less mobility (r = -0.722; P &lt; 0.001) and bigger food dependency (r = -0.674; P &lt; 0.001) have a higher risk of malnutrition. Individuals with lower BP (P = 0.024) and PP (P &lt; 0.001) are more likely to be malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, and those who are more dependent on food, a lower PP (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
In the impossibility of applying MNA, BP and PP can be measured in the admission of the user, as determining factors of malnutrition, for an earlier intervention, despite the fact that the nutritionist’s presence in these institutions is crucial
Evaluation of precautionary measures for COVID-19 in a work environment with multi-criteria decision analysis
Authors: Martins Douglas , Rangel Lucas , Vianna Marcilene , Vianna Dalessandro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
In December 2019 in China, the COVID-19 pandemic process began. From this milestone, it is clear the relevance of the analysis of control and prevention measures used to combat this disease in a work environment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the main precautionary measures in COVID-19 administrative services, using three techniques of multi-criteria decision making.

Methods
This study was conducted in four stages. In the first stage, there was the characterization of an administrative services company as an analytical model. In the second stage, some prevention measures were defined as choices and their evaluation criteria. The alternatives were: use of masks; use of gel alcohol; handwashing; hygiene of workstations and bathrooms; use of individual utensils; physical-social distance; and education (training on prevention). The criteria were: reduction of the probability of transmission by contact; practicality of behavioral adaptation; and monthly cost. In the third stage, a decision matrix was constructed relating the selected choices and criteria. In the fourth stage there was the application of the techniques PROMETHEE I, PROMETHEE II and ELECTRE III to prioritize the selected prevention measures.

Results
After the comparative analysis of the results of the applied techniques, it was possible to strongly advise four of the seven measures chosen: use of masks; use of gel alcohol; physical-social distance and education.

Conclusions
The methodology used in this study can support decision-making with the selection of more efficient actions in the preservation of the health and work capacity of workers, and in the optimization of corporate financial resources.
Gender inequality in the care economy before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Union European and Latin America and Caribbean
Authors: Ximenes Ana Carênina Albuquerque , Ximenes Helena Maria Albuquerque , Macedo Ana Angélica Mathias , Mendes Fernando 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The pandemic drove the women to domestic tasks overload added by unpaid care activities that must be conciliated with their paid job. Thus, this work aimed to analyze the degree of the Objectives for Sustainable Development (ODS) Goal 5 performance that deals with gender inequality in the European Union (EU) and Latin America & Caribbean (LAC), due to their contrasts in the pandemic combat public policies and the social wealth constraints.

Methods
The study used a qualitative and exploratory methodology. The data were obtained from the European Institute for Gender Equality, UN Women, Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Social Science Latin-American Conseil.

Results
In LAC women work three times more than men per day, considering the domestic tasks and the unpaid care activities, they also account for 72.8% of the health professionals receiving 25% less than men. The primary health assistance increase for women as well as the recording of domestic violence cases. In the EU the majority of health and care workers are also women, 76% and 86%, respectively. There, these women also receive less than men (6.5%), presenting excessive workload and life risk.

Conclusions
Impacting differences were observed on the gender inequality worsening in both studied regions after the pandemic beginning. It is urgent the establishment of proper public policies to minimize the excess of obligations on the women during the pandemic and to realign the ODS goal n° 5 in these regions.
Development of an assistive device for adaptive cycling
Authors: Almeida Rúben , Amaro Paulo , Roseiro Luis 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Biomechanics literature has widely recognised the importance of creating modifying conditions for Sports for Persons with Disabilities, such as assistive devices. In this context, it is key that the motor function capacity and physical limitations of each person be taken into due account, leading to highly personalised equipment. This project optimised an assistive device for an adaptive cyclist that rides only with the right leg due to a transtibial amputation on the left leg, which remains supported by the assistive device, classifying him as C2 category for competitions, according to Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The purpose was to improve the comfort, ergonomics, and safety of the cyclist.

Methods
Reverse engineering, 3D modelling and manufacturing were the methodology applied to design the device with a crank-arm, a quick step-in pedal type clamp system, a carbon fibre composite shell, adapting the pedal position to support the cyclist stump, and an aluminium alloy 7075-T6 component to anchor to the seat post, providing stability to his body.

Results
The device which provided stability to the athlete's body was submitted to static and dynamic laboratory tests and real-life (in-track) try-outs. The developed clump system guarantees the athlete’s comfort and safety by automatically detaching him from the bicycle in case of fall.

Conclusions
The assistive device proved to be determinant for the athlete’s performance due the improvement of the comfort, ergonomics, and safety provided to the cyclist. Thus, qualifying him for the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games.