cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495754.v1
title: FGF23 levels as a marker of physical performance and falls in community-dwelling very old individuals

description: ABSTRACT Objective: The fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been related to biological aging, but data in elderly individuals are scant. We determined the profile of serum FGF23 levels in a population of very-old individuals and studied their correlations with parameters of bone metabolism and health markers, as functional performance. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 182 community dwellers aged ≥ 80 years. Serum levels of FGF23, PTH, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, creatinine, bone markers, and bone mineral density data were analyzed. Physical performance was evaluated with the stationary march (Step), Flamingo, and functional reach tests, along with questionnaires to assess falls and fractures in the previous year, energy expenditure (MET), and the Charlson index (CI). Physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Most participants (75%) had FGF23 levels between 30-120 RU/mL (range: 6.0-3,170.0 RU/mL). FGF23 levels correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; r = -0.335; p = 0.001) and PTH (r = 0.318; p &lt; 0.0001). Individuals with FGF23 in the highest tertile had more falls in the previous year (p = 0.032), worse performance in the Flamingo (p = 0.009) and Step (p &lt; 0.001) tests, worse CI (p = 0.009) and a trend toward sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.056). On multiple regression, FGF23 tertiles remained significant, independently of eGFR, for falls in the previous year, performance in the Flamingo and stationary march tests, lean mass index, and IPAQ classification. Conclusion: In a population of very elderly individuals, FGF23 levels were inversely associated with neuromuscular and functional performances. Higher concentrations were related to more falls, lower muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and poorer balance, regardless of renal function, suggesting a potentially deleterious role of high FGF23 concentrations in musculoskeletal health.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495757
title: The concurrent accuracy of the modified telephone interview for cognitive status and mini-mental state examination tools in detection of cognitive impairment among older adults

description: ABSTRACT. Due to the need for face-to-face administration of many cognitive screening tests, it is not always feasible to screen large-scale samples. Objective: This study aimed to assess the discriminant validity of the Persian version of Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (P-TICS-m) and Mini-Mental State Examination in the middle-aged Iranian population. Methods: The P-TICS-m and MMSE were administered to 210 randomly selected middle-aged community-dwelling adults who had been registered in the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Participants also underwent psychological examination by two neurologists to assess cognitive impairment based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria. To evaluate the discriminant validity of P-TICS-m and MMSE with DSM-V criteria, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−) were calculated. Results: The mean age of the participants was 59.6±6.8 years. The TICS and MMSE were highly correlated (r=0.635, p&lt;0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+, and LR− to discriminate cognitive impairment were, respectively, 83%, 92%, 68%, 96%, 10, and 0.182 for MMSE and 100%, 13%, 19%, 100%, 1.16, and 0 for TICS-m. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis results showed no statistically significant differences between P-TICS-m and MMSE. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the TICS-m test can be used as a screening tool instead of the MMSE. Due to the low specificity and low PPV of the TICS-m compared to MMSE, the diagnosis should be confirmed using definitive diagnostic tests when a subject is classified as having cognitive impairment.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495757.v1
title: The concurrent accuracy of the modified telephone interview for cognitive status and mini-mental state examination tools in detection of cognitive impairment among older adults

description: ABSTRACT. Due to the need for face-to-face administration of many cognitive screening tests, it is not always feasible to screen large-scale samples. Objective: This study aimed to assess the discriminant validity of the Persian version of Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (P-TICS-m) and Mini-Mental State Examination in the middle-aged Iranian population. Methods: The P-TICS-m and MMSE were administered to 210 randomly selected middle-aged community-dwelling adults who had been registered in the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Participants also underwent psychological examination by two neurologists to assess cognitive impairment based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria. To evaluate the discriminant validity of P-TICS-m and MMSE with DSM-V criteria, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−) were calculated. Results: The mean age of the participants was 59.6±6.8 years. The TICS and MMSE were highly correlated (r=0.635, p&lt;0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+, and LR− to discriminate cognitive impairment were, respectively, 83%, 92%, 68%, 96%, 10, and 0.182 for MMSE and 100%, 13%, 19%, 100%, 1.16, and 0 for TICS-m. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis results showed no statistically significant differences between P-TICS-m and MMSE. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the TICS-m test can be used as a screening tool instead of the MMSE. Due to the low specificity and low PPV of the TICS-m compared to MMSE, the diagnosis should be confirmed using definitive diagnostic tests when a subject is classified as having cognitive impairment.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495759
title: Galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: normative data and the effect of age

description: Abstract Introduction: Galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials evaluate vestibular nerve responses using electric stimulation by records collected from the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A normal vestibular evoked myogenic potential response consists of the first positive, P1, and negative, N1, peaks. The response can be affected by factors such as age and gender and is also consequential in the diagnosis of pathologies. Objectives: The present study was performed to obtain normative data on healthy adults, to help in diagnosis by establishing clinical norms as well as to investigate changing test parameters with age in galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. Methods: A total of 100 healthy participants were included in the study. Galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potential (current 3 mA, duration 1ms) was performed randomly on both ears of each participant. The participants between the ages of 18-65 (mean age 39.7 ± 13.9) were divided into 5 groups according to their ages. Normative data of galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials parameters were calculated in groups and in total, and age-related changes were examined. Results: The galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potential waveform was elicited from all participants (200 ears). The latency of P1 and N1 was 7.82 ± 3.29ms and 22.06 ± 3.95 ms, respectively. The P1–N1 amplitude value was 66.64 ± 24.5 μV. The percentage of vestibular asymmetry was 16.29 ±11.99%. The latencies of P1 and N1 and P1–N1 amplitude values demonstrated significant differences among different age groups (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: The results of this study show that as age increased, latencies were prolonged, and amplitudes gradually decreased. The normative data aids in the diagnosis of retrolabyrinthine lesions and the increase in the clinical use of galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495759.v1
title: Galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: normative data and the effect of age

description: Abstract Introduction: Galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials evaluate vestibular nerve responses using electric stimulation by records collected from the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A normal vestibular evoked myogenic potential response consists of the first positive, P1, and negative, N1, peaks. The response can be affected by factors such as age and gender and is also consequential in the diagnosis of pathologies. Objectives: The present study was performed to obtain normative data on healthy adults, to help in diagnosis by establishing clinical norms as well as to investigate changing test parameters with age in galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. Methods: A total of 100 healthy participants were included in the study. Galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potential (current 3 mA, duration 1ms) was performed randomly on both ears of each participant. The participants between the ages of 18-65 (mean age 39.7 ± 13.9) were divided into 5 groups according to their ages. Normative data of galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials parameters were calculated in groups and in total, and age-related changes were examined. Results: The galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potential waveform was elicited from all participants (200 ears). The latency of P1 and N1 was 7.82 ± 3.29ms and 22.06 ± 3.95 ms, respectively. The P1–N1 amplitude value was 66.64 ± 24.5 μV. The percentage of vestibular asymmetry was 16.29 ±11.99%. The latencies of P1 and N1 and P1–N1 amplitude values demonstrated significant differences among different age groups (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: The results of this study show that as age increased, latencies were prolonged, and amplitudes gradually decreased. The normative data aids in the diagnosis of retrolabyrinthine lesions and the increase in the clinical use of galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potentials.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495760
title: The URV and its function of aligning relative prices

description: ABSTRACT The Real Plan of stabilization was divided into three phases. The first phase concerned problems of fiscal nature: the governmental deficit. The second one, performed from March to June of 1994, purposed to balance relative prices and remunerations. The third step would knock down the inflation. The article’s aim is to discuss if the device introduced in the second step of the Plan, the Unidade Real de Valor (URV), carried out the goal of aiding the Brazilian economy in the discovery of a balanced vector of relative prices. One carries to the conclusion that the URV did not play its role properly and that the Plan, despite this problem, was successful in the initial period of the third step due to other motives - also discussed in the text.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495760.v1
title: The URV and its function of aligning relative prices

description: ABSTRACT The Real Plan of stabilization was divided into three phases. The first phase concerned problems of fiscal nature: the governmental deficit. The second one, performed from March to June of 1994, purposed to balance relative prices and remunerations. The third step would knock down the inflation. The article’s aim is to discuss if the device introduced in the second step of the Plan, the Unidade Real de Valor (URV), carried out the goal of aiding the Brazilian economy in the discovery of a balanced vector of relative prices. One carries to the conclusion that the URV did not play its role properly and that the Plan, despite this problem, was successful in the initial period of the third step due to other motives - also discussed in the text.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495762
title: Role of VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors in the etiology of pregnancy rhinitis: an experimental study in rats

description: Abstract Introduction: Pregnancy rhinitis is a common sex hormone-related otorhinolaryngological disorder. There are some epidemiological and physiological studies on pregnancy rhinitis, but histopathological and biomolecular changes have not been studied thoroughly. Objectives: The receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 are known for their roles in allergic rhinitis. On the other hand, activation of subclinical allergy has been suggested in the pathophysiology of pregnancy rhinitis. Therefore, we aimed to compare the physiological and gestational pattern of VPAC1 and VPAC2 expression in rat nasal mucosa. Methods: Twenty adult Wister albino female rats were enrolled into the study. Two groups constituted as 10 control (group A) and 10 pregnant (group B) rats. They were fed ad libitum and sheltered at room temperature (22°±2°C). The rats were sacrificed at the 20th day of gestation by intraperitoneal injection of 400mg/kg Na-pentobarbitone. Then, 10 – 15 mL of blood was taken, and samples were reserved for the detection of serum estradiol and progesterone levels by ELISA test. The nasal septum was resected and divided in half for immunohistochemical analyses and real time polymerase chain reaction testing of VPAC1 and VPAC2. Results: VPAC1 and VPAC2 were found to be in all layers of septal specimens, but the immunostaining of surface epithelium was more distinct in specimens of both groups. We demonstrated higher overall staining intensity in the pregnant group. PCR revealed significant increase in expression of VPAC1 (p = 0.023) and VPAC2 (p = 0.021) in pregnant group when compared with control group. In addition, we demonstrated upregulatory effect of estradiol and progesterone on the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor expression. Conclusions: Gestational up-regulation of nasal VPAC1 and VPAC2 was shown both by PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. These findings support the hypothesis that PR is caused by the activation of subclinical allergy that is present before pregnancy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495762.v1
title: Role of VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors in the etiology of pregnancy rhinitis: an experimental study in rats

description: Abstract Introduction: Pregnancy rhinitis is a common sex hormone-related otorhinolaryngological disorder. There are some epidemiological and physiological studies on pregnancy rhinitis, but histopathological and biomolecular changes have not been studied thoroughly. Objectives: The receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 are known for their roles in allergic rhinitis. On the other hand, activation of subclinical allergy has been suggested in the pathophysiology of pregnancy rhinitis. Therefore, we aimed to compare the physiological and gestational pattern of VPAC1 and VPAC2 expression in rat nasal mucosa. Methods: Twenty adult Wister albino female rats were enrolled into the study. Two groups constituted as 10 control (group A) and 10 pregnant (group B) rats. They were fed ad libitum and sheltered at room temperature (22°±2°C). The rats were sacrificed at the 20th day of gestation by intraperitoneal injection of 400mg/kg Na-pentobarbitone. Then, 10 – 15 mL of blood was taken, and samples were reserved for the detection of serum estradiol and progesterone levels by ELISA test. The nasal septum was resected and divided in half for immunohistochemical analyses and real time polymerase chain reaction testing of VPAC1 and VPAC2. Results: VPAC1 and VPAC2 were found to be in all layers of septal specimens, but the immunostaining of surface epithelium was more distinct in specimens of both groups. We demonstrated higher overall staining intensity in the pregnant group. PCR revealed significant increase in expression of VPAC1 (p = 0.023) and VPAC2 (p = 0.021) in pregnant group when compared with control group. In addition, we demonstrated upregulatory effect of estradiol and progesterone on the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor expression. Conclusions: Gestational up-regulation of nasal VPAC1 and VPAC2 was shown both by PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. These findings support the hypothesis that PR is caused by the activation of subclinical allergy that is present before pregnancy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495766
title: Healthcare for children with congenital Zika syndrome: analysis of access to social rights

description: Abstract The objective of this study was to describe if the victims of the Zika have access to essential public policies to guarantee social rights. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study of a historical cohort of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in a reference hospital. CZS diagnosis was based on the Ministry of Health protocol. The variables analyzed were sociodemographic and social rights of children. Results: Of the 161 children seen from April 2016 to July 2018, 42 were diagnosed with CZS. Of these, 37 children participated in the study and 75.7% of them had severe neurological disorders. Anticonvulsants were used by 73% of the children, with 81% paid by families. The families were also responsible for purchasing nutritional formulas and diapers in, respectively, 79% and 100% of cases, and 89% of the children had access to rehabilitation therapy, although 70% of them faced several barriers to do it. Of the 24 working mothers, 83% did not return to the labor market after the birth of their children. Conclusions: The results showed that the families were at an intersection between the integral activity of caring for a child with severe disabilities and inefficient and omissive public authorities, a disincentive and discouraging context that made them give up in seeking their rights.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495766.v1
title: Healthcare for children with congenital Zika syndrome: analysis of access to social rights

description: Abstract The objective of this study was to describe if the victims of the Zika have access to essential public policies to guarantee social rights. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study of a historical cohort of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in a reference hospital. CZS diagnosis was based on the Ministry of Health protocol. The variables analyzed were sociodemographic and social rights of children. Results: Of the 161 children seen from April 2016 to July 2018, 42 were diagnosed with CZS. Of these, 37 children participated in the study and 75.7% of them had severe neurological disorders. Anticonvulsants were used by 73% of the children, with 81% paid by families. The families were also responsible for purchasing nutritional formulas and diapers in, respectively, 79% and 100% of cases, and 89% of the children had access to rehabilitation therapy, although 70% of them faced several barriers to do it. Of the 24 working mothers, 83% did not return to the labor market after the birth of their children. Conclusions: The results showed that the families were at an intersection between the integral activity of caring for a child with severe disabilities and inefficient and omissive public authorities, a disincentive and discouraging context that made them give up in seeking their rights.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495768
title: The public price control trap: the example of energy inputs

description: ABSTRACT The paper argues that in controlling public prices government gets into a trap: this control does not reduce inflation as expect in the first moment and activates factors that will increase it later on. The analysis is developed for government administered prices in the area of energy and employs an input-output model that takes into account the direct and indirect impacts of price changes. When public prices are reduced, the impact on the inflation is small; but, since this create financial difficulties for the public companies, they will either demand government resources and/or price appreciation later on. These will act through price expectations to increase inflation more than proportionally in the future.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495768.v1
title: The public price control trap: the example of energy inputs

description: ABSTRACT The paper argues that in controlling public prices government gets into a trap: this control does not reduce inflation as expect in the first moment and activates factors that will increase it later on. The analysis is developed for government administered prices in the area of energy and employs an input-output model that takes into account the direct and indirect impacts of price changes. When public prices are reduced, the impact on the inflation is small; but, since this create financial difficulties for the public companies, they will either demand government resources and/or price appreciation later on. These will act through price expectations to increase inflation more than proportionally in the future.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495771
title: Mental health of female sex workers in the COVID-19 pandemic: stressors and coping strategies

description: Abstract The objective was to analyze the coping strategies adopted by female sex workers in the face of stressors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative study supported by Systems and Coping theories. An in-depth interview was carried out with 30 sex workers from the Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano between September and October 2020. The narratives were submitted to the resources of hermeneutics-dialectic to organize the categories. Four categories make reference to the system’s stressors: negative feelings of fear, anxiety and difficulties in sleeping with the uncertainties in the face of the pandemic; concern about personal and family support; irritability in the face of conflicts; anxieties and insecurities with working conditions. Five categories allude to coping: strategies focused on the problem (pandemic); reframing and regulation of emotions; spirituality and religiosity; support networks and social support; use of medications. Stressors arise as a result of sexual service experiences combined with the pandemic situation with reduced customers and income, leading to the development of negative feelings and emotions. However, coping strategies are diverse and they women made effort to deal with problems and to balance their mental health.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20495771.v1
title: Mental health of female sex workers in the COVID-19 pandemic: stressors and coping strategies

description: Abstract The objective was to analyze the coping strategies adopted by female sex workers in the face of stressors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative study supported by Systems and Coping theories. An in-depth interview was carried out with 30 sex workers from the Alto Sertão Produtivo Baiano between September and October 2020. The narratives were submitted to the resources of hermeneutics-dialectic to organize the categories. Four categories make reference to the system’s stressors: negative feelings of fear, anxiety and difficulties in sleeping with the uncertainties in the face of the pandemic; concern about personal and family support; irritability in the face of conflicts; anxieties and insecurities with working conditions. Five categories allude to coping: strategies focused on the problem (pandemic); reframing and regulation of emotions; spirituality and religiosity; support networks and social support; use of medications. Stressors arise as a result of sexual service experiences combined with the pandemic situation with reduced customers and income, leading to the development of negative feelings and emotions. However, coping strategies are diverse and they women made effort to deal with problems and to balance their mental health.