cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11351117
title: Discourse in aging: Narrative and Persuasive

description: ABSTRACT The growth in the elderly population has posed a social, economic and health challenge for the twenty-first century. Objective: Aging is often characterized by changes in cognitive functions which affect the receptive and expressive capabilities of language. Since language plays a significant role in human life, we evaluate the existence of age-related differences in narrative and persuasive discourses. Methods: The narrative discourse of 91 adults and persuasive discourse of 92 adults,aged from 19 to 75 years and stratified into four age groups,were examined. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between coherence in the elderly group and each of the other three age groups for both types of discourse. There was also a significant difference for the cohesion variable between the elderly and the first age group for narrative discourse only. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that discourse is influenced by aging and type (genre) of discourse task. Therefore, it is essential for clinicians to take into account the linguistic needs of elderly and incorporate these into their clinical programs. Also, this finding can help clinicians to distinguish between discourses of normal aging and other neurologic disorders (for example dementia, right hemisphere damage, aphasia).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11351117.v1
title: Discourse in aging: Narrative and Persuasive

description: ABSTRACT The growth in the elderly population has posed a social, economic and health challenge for the twenty-first century. Objective: Aging is often characterized by changes in cognitive functions which affect the receptive and expressive capabilities of language. Since language plays a significant role in human life, we evaluate the existence of age-related differences in narrative and persuasive discourses. Methods: The narrative discourse of 91 adults and persuasive discourse of 92 adults,aged from 19 to 75 years and stratified into four age groups,were examined. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between coherence in the elderly group and each of the other three age groups for both types of discourse. There was also a significant difference for the cohesion variable between the elderly and the first age group for narrative discourse only. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that discourse is influenced by aging and type (genre) of discourse task. Therefore, it is essential for clinicians to take into account the linguistic needs of elderly and incorporate these into their clinical programs. Also, this finding can help clinicians to distinguish between discourses of normal aging and other neurologic disorders (for example dementia, right hemisphere damage, aphasia).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997414
title: Normative data for middle-aged Brazilians in Verbal Fluency (animals and FAS), Trail Making Test (TMT) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT)

description: ABSTRACT Normative studies of neuropsychological tests were performed in Brazil in recent years. However, additional data are needed because of the heterogeneity of education of the Brazilian population. Objective: The present study provides normative data of executive function tests for middle-aged Brazilians and investigates the influence of age, sex, education and intelligence quotient (IQ) on performance in these tests. Methods: A total of 120 healthy staff and caregivers from a hospital were randomly selected and submitted to Fluency – animals and FAS, Trail Making Test (TMT) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT). They were divided into six groups of 20: two groups for age (45-54 and 55-64 years) and three groups for years of schooling (4-7; 8-11; 12+ years). Results: Normative data are presented in mean values and percentiles. Education influenced differences in the tests, except the CDT. Post hoc analyses revealed differences between the three educational levels on the TMT and FAS. Age differences emerged on the TMT and fluency letter F. Moderate correlation was found between schooling and results on TMT and Fluency. The correlations for IQ were similar. Conclusion: This study provides normative data for middle-aged Brazilians with four or more years of schooling in frequently used cognitive tests to assess executive functions. The results confirm the strong influence of education, even in the comparison between middle and higher levels.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997414.v1
title: Normative data for middle-aged Brazilians in Verbal Fluency (animals and FAS), Trail Making Test (TMT) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT)

description: ABSTRACT Normative studies of neuropsychological tests were performed in Brazil in recent years. However, additional data are needed because of the heterogeneity of education of the Brazilian population. Objective: The present study provides normative data of executive function tests for middle-aged Brazilians and investigates the influence of age, sex, education and intelligence quotient (IQ) on performance in these tests. Methods: A total of 120 healthy staff and caregivers from a hospital were randomly selected and submitted to Fluency – animals and FAS, Trail Making Test (TMT) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT). They were divided into six groups of 20: two groups for age (45-54 and 55-64 years) and three groups for years of schooling (4-7; 8-11; 12+ years). Results: Normative data are presented in mean values and percentiles. Education influenced differences in the tests, except the CDT. Post hoc analyses revealed differences between the three educational levels on the TMT and FAS. Age differences emerged on the TMT and fluency letter F. Moderate correlation was found between schooling and results on TMT and Fluency. The correlations for IQ were similar. Conclusion: This study provides normative data for middle-aged Brazilians with four or more years of schooling in frequently used cognitive tests to assess executive functions. The results confirm the strong influence of education, even in the comparison between middle and higher levels.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997936.v1
title: Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease: Evaluation of platelets, hemoglobin and vitamin B12

description: ABSTRACT Currently, the most likely hypotheses as the cause of Alzheimer’s disease are deposition of amyloid beta peptide in the cerebral cortex and hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is based on the exclusion of other diseases, behavioral assessments, and blood and imaging tests. Biotechnology has created interesting perspectives for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease through blood analysis, with special attention to platelets, hemoglobin and vitamin B12. Objective: To evaluate the concentrations of platelets, hemoglobin and vitamin B12 in the blood of older adults with and without dementia of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: A case-control study involving 120 individuals was conducted, seeking to establish a correlation between changes in platelet, hemoglobin and vitamin B12 concentrations in patients with confirmed AD and in individuals in the inclusion group without AD. The study met the established ethical requirements. Results: Hemoglobin and platelet levels were statistically lower in patients with AD. The biochemical evaluation in AD patient and healthy groups for vitamin B12 showed a decrease in the levels of this compound in patients with AD. Conclusion: We demonstrated the feasibility of the use of blood biomarkers as predictive markers for the diagnosis of AD.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997534.v1
title: Relationship of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, malondialdehyde, and 8-Hydroxy 2-Deoxyguanosine with post-ischemic stroke depression

description: ABSTRACT A few studies have shown that serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in post-stroke depression is highly correlated with memory and neuropsychiatric disturbances. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship of serum BDNF, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-Hydroxy 2-Deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG) levels in acute stroke cases with one-month post-stroke depression. Methods: An observational study was conducted of 72 post-ischemic stroke patients in the Neurology ward of the Dr. M. Djamil Hospital, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Acute stroke (&lt; 48 hours) serum BDNF, MDA, and 8-OhdG levels were measured using ELISA. Based on observations using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale conducted one month after stroke, respondents were divided into two groups: with and without depression. The mean serum level was analyzed using the t-test and Mann-Whitney test, while differences in basic characteristics were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the most significant factor associated with post-stroke depression. The error rate was set at 5%. Results: BDNF levels in acute stroke were significantly lower in the depression group than in the non-depression group (p &lt; 0.05). MDA and 8-OhdG levels in acute stroke were higher in the depression group (p &lt; 0.05). BDNF level during acute stroke was negatively correlated with post-stroke depression, while, conversely, acute stroke MDA and 8-OhdG levels were positively correlated with depression. Conclusion: BDNF had a negative correlation, while MDA and 8-OhdG had a positive correlation, with depression one-month post-stroke. 8-OhdG was the most influential factor in post-stroke depression.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997534
title: Relationship of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, malondialdehyde, and 8-Hydroxy 2-Deoxyguanosine with post-ischemic stroke depression

description: ABSTRACT A few studies have shown that serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in post-stroke depression is highly correlated with memory and neuropsychiatric disturbances. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship of serum BDNF, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-Hydroxy 2-Deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG) levels in acute stroke cases with one-month post-stroke depression. Methods: An observational study was conducted of 72 post-ischemic stroke patients in the Neurology ward of the Dr. M. Djamil Hospital, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Acute stroke (&lt; 48 hours) serum BDNF, MDA, and 8-OhdG levels were measured using ELISA. Based on observations using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale conducted one month after stroke, respondents were divided into two groups: with and without depression. The mean serum level was analyzed using the t-test and Mann-Whitney test, while differences in basic characteristics were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the most significant factor associated with post-stroke depression. The error rate was set at 5%. Results: BDNF levels in acute stroke were significantly lower in the depression group than in the non-depression group (p &lt; 0.05). MDA and 8-OhdG levels in acute stroke were higher in the depression group (p &lt; 0.05). BDNF level during acute stroke was negatively correlated with post-stroke depression, while, conversely, acute stroke MDA and 8-OhdG levels were positively correlated with depression. Conclusion: BDNF had a negative correlation, while MDA and 8-OhdG had a positive correlation, with depression one-month post-stroke. 8-OhdG was the most influential factor in post-stroke depression.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997531
title: Are “cool” executive function impairments more salient in ADHD symptoms than in reading disability?

description: ABSTRACT Introduction: Reading disability (RD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms often co-occur in school-age children. Methods: The present study evaluated the performance of 216 Brazilian children from 3rd and 4th grades on “cool” executive function (EF) abilities and phonological processing. The children were divided into three groups: those with ADHD symptoms only, those with RD only, and controls. Results: MANOVA analyses, controlling for age and nonverbal intelligence, showed worse performance for the RD group, compared to the ADHD symptoms group, on measures of phonological processing (phonemic awareness, phonological short-term memory, and lexical access) and “cool” EF components (orthographic verbal fluency and processing speed). The ADHD symptoms group did not differ from the control group on the majority of the “cool” EF tasks. Compared to the control group, the ADHD symptoms group and the RD group both showed significantly more errors in rapid automatized naming of figures, which evaluates the inhibition component of EF; performance on this task was similar for these groups. Conclusion: We conclude that children with RD have greater impairment in phonological processing and “cool” EF compared to those with ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, deficits in inhibitory control may be shared among children with both conditions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997531.v1
title: Are “cool” executive function impairments more salient in ADHD symptoms than in reading disability?

description: ABSTRACT Introduction: Reading disability (RD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms often co-occur in school-age children. Methods: The present study evaluated the performance of 216 Brazilian children from 3rd and 4th grades on “cool” executive function (EF) abilities and phonological processing. The children were divided into three groups: those with ADHD symptoms only, those with RD only, and controls. Results: MANOVA analyses, controlling for age and nonverbal intelligence, showed worse performance for the RD group, compared to the ADHD symptoms group, on measures of phonological processing (phonemic awareness, phonological short-term memory, and lexical access) and “cool” EF components (orthographic verbal fluency and processing speed). The ADHD symptoms group did not differ from the control group on the majority of the “cool” EF tasks. Compared to the control group, the ADHD symptoms group and the RD group both showed significantly more errors in rapid automatized naming of figures, which evaluates the inhibition component of EF; performance on this task was similar for these groups. Conclusion: We conclude that children with RD have greater impairment in phonological processing and “cool” EF compared to those with ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, deficits in inhibitory control may be shared among children with both conditions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997936
title: Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease: Evaluation of platelets, hemoglobin and vitamin B12

description: ABSTRACT Currently, the most likely hypotheses as the cause of Alzheimer’s disease are deposition of amyloid beta peptide in the cerebral cortex and hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is based on the exclusion of other diseases, behavioral assessments, and blood and imaging tests. Biotechnology has created interesting perspectives for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease through blood analysis, with special attention to platelets, hemoglobin and vitamin B12. Objective: To evaluate the concentrations of platelets, hemoglobin and vitamin B12 in the blood of older adults with and without dementia of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: A case-control study involving 120 individuals was conducted, seeking to establish a correlation between changes in platelet, hemoglobin and vitamin B12 concentrations in patients with confirmed AD and in individuals in the inclusion group without AD. The study met the established ethical requirements. Results: Hemoglobin and platelet levels were statistically lower in patients with AD. The biochemical evaluation in AD patient and healthy groups for vitamin B12 showed a decrease in the levels of this compound in patients with AD. Conclusion: We demonstrated the feasibility of the use of blood biomarkers as predictive markers for the diagnosis of AD.
DOI: 10.25919/wy0p-wq98
title: Parkes observations for project P1063 semester 2020APRS_29

description: We propose to use the Parkes UWL receiver for monitoring a small sub-set of the FAST-discovered pulsars, with special properties. The Parkes UWL system provides a unique capability for studying the pulsars over wide bandwidths. The observation proposed will provide significant insight into the special emission properties of these new discoveries and facilitate science.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997219
title: Emotional disorders evidenced by family caregivers of older people with Alzheimer’s disease

description: ABSTRACT The task of caring for a family member with dementia is associated with caregiver physical and emotional problems. The patient’s decline in health and specific needs contribute directly to this situation. Objective: To evaluate burden, stress, depression and anxiety symptoms in family caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational and quantitative study was carried out. The sample consisted of 66 family caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer’s disease, whom attended the Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Outpatient Clinic of the Federal University of São Carlos, in the city of São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Results: Of the caregivers evaluated in the severe AD subgroup, 47.3% had intense burden; 86, 4% exhibited significant stress levels; 57% presented severe anxiety levels and 36.9% presented mild depression symptoms. Conclusion: Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease generates burden, stress, anxiety and depression. Support groups comprising a multiprofessional team can be set up to assist caregivers. These actions can help caregivers cope with the daily demands and challenges and ensure better care quality in an increasingly aging population.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997156
title: Practices and behaviors of professionals after falls in institutionalized elderly with and without cognitive decline

description: ABSTRACT Falls are a major problem in nursing homes due to their high prevalence and impact on the functioning of elderly. Objective: This study aims to: a) construct and validate a scale for assessing the practices and behaviors of professionals from nursing homes after falls in elderly; b) describe practices and behaviors after falls; and c) associate practices and behaviors with professionals’ length of experience, training and age. Methods: This is a correlational study, conducted in a sample of 152 professionals from six nursing homes. The study adhered to all of the Declaration of Helsinki principles. Results: The scale constructed has a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.938. The 12 items of the scale are grouped into two factors. The most expressive indicators are the communication of fall episodes that result in severe injuries (4.64 ± 0.812) and the communication of falls that result in injuries and need intervention from health technicians (4.61 ± 0.832). We found no significant statistical difference between length of professional experience, training and age when associated with professional practices and behaviors after falls in elderly (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Future studies should investigate the association of post-fall professional practices and behaviors with fear of another fall, fall recurrence, and changes in functioning of the elderly following a fall.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997156.v1
title: Practices and behaviors of professionals after falls in institutionalized elderly with and without cognitive decline

description: ABSTRACT Falls are a major problem in nursing homes due to their high prevalence and impact on the functioning of elderly. Objective: This study aims to: a) construct and validate a scale for assessing the practices and behaviors of professionals from nursing homes after falls in elderly; b) describe practices and behaviors after falls; and c) associate practices and behaviors with professionals’ length of experience, training and age. Methods: This is a correlational study, conducted in a sample of 152 professionals from six nursing homes. The study adhered to all of the Declaration of Helsinki principles. Results: The scale constructed has a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.938. The 12 items of the scale are grouped into two factors. The most expressive indicators are the communication of fall episodes that result in severe injuries (4.64 ± 0.812) and the communication of falls that result in injuries and need intervention from health technicians (4.61 ± 0.832). We found no significant statistical difference between length of professional experience, training and age when associated with professional practices and behaviors after falls in elderly (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Future studies should investigate the association of post-fall professional practices and behaviors with fear of another fall, fall recurrence, and changes in functioning of the elderly following a fall.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997219.v1
title: Emotional disorders evidenced by family caregivers of older people with Alzheimer’s disease

description: ABSTRACT The task of caring for a family member with dementia is associated with caregiver physical and emotional problems. The patient’s decline in health and specific needs contribute directly to this situation. Objective: To evaluate burden, stress, depression and anxiety symptoms in family caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational and quantitative study was carried out. The sample consisted of 66 family caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer’s disease, whom attended the Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Outpatient Clinic of the Federal University of São Carlos, in the city of São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Results: Of the caregivers evaluated in the severe AD subgroup, 47.3% had intense burden; 86, 4% exhibited significant stress levels; 57% presented severe anxiety levels and 36.9% presented mild depression symptoms. Conclusion: Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease generates burden, stress, anxiety and depression. Support groups comprising a multiprofessional team can be set up to assist caregivers. These actions can help caregivers cope with the daily demands and challenges and ensure better care quality in an increasingly aging population.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11997165
title: Religiosity and quality of life of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and of caregivers: Relationship with clinical aspects

description: ABSTRACT There are few studies on the religiosity of people with Alzheimer’s disease (PwAD) and caregivers, relation with quality of life (QoL) and clinical aspects. Objective: To assess the religiosity and QoL of 39 PwAD and their caregivers; to compare perceived QoL and religiosity of the PwAD with those of their caregivers; to associate QoL and religiosity with the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and depression with cognitive performance of PwAD. Results: Organizational religiosity was greater in caregivers. The AD patients had poorer perceived QoL than their caregivers. Caregiver religiosity correlated with that of the AD patients. Higher intrinsic religiosity was associated with lower occurrence of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Better caregiver QoL correlated with cognitive performance. Lower occurrence of depression correlated with better QoL of the caregivers and AD patients. Conclusion: The religiosity of caregivers was correlated with that of the AD patients. Better QoL and lower religiosity were observed in caregivers when compared with the AD patients. Caregiver religiosity and QoL were associated with neuropsychiatric and cognitive aspects and depression.