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INTRODUCTION: In Down syndrome (DS), white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are highly prevalent, yet their topography and association with sociodemographic data and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers remain largely unexplored. METHODS: In 261 DS adults and 131 euploid controls, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging scans were segmented and WMHs were extracted in concentric white matter layers and lobar regions. We tested associations with AD clinical stages, sociodemographic data, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers, and gray matter (GM) volume. RESULTS: In DS, total WMHs arose at age 43 and showed stronger associations with age than in controls. WMH volume increased along the AD continuum, particularly in periventricular regions, and frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes. Associations were found with CSF biomarkers and temporo-parietal GM volumes. DISCUSSION: WMHs increase 10 years before AD symptom onset in DS and are closely linked with AD biomarkers and neurodegeneration. This suggests a direct connection to AD pathophysiology, independent of vascular risks. HIGHLIGHTS: White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) increased 10 years before Alzheimer's disease symptom onset in Down syndrome (DS). WMHs were strongly associated in DS with the neurofilament light chain biomarker. WMHs were more associated in DS with gray matter volume in parieto-temporal areas.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cerebral hemorrhages are an exclusion criterion and potential adverse effect of antiamyloid agents. It is, therefore, critical to characterize the natural history of cerebral microbleeds in populations genetically predisposed to Alzheimer disease (AD), such as Down syndrome (DS). We aimed to assess microbleed emergence in adults with DS across the AD spectrum, defining their topography and associations with clinical variables, cognitive outcomes, and fluid and neuroimaging biomarkers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included participants aged 18 years or older from the Down-Alzheimer Barcelona Neuroimaging Initiative and Sant Pau Initiative on Neurodegeneration with T1-weighted and susceptibility-weighted images. Participants underwent comprehensive assessments, including apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping; fluid and plasma determinations of beta-amyloid, tau, and neurofilament light; cognitive outcomes (Cambridge Cognitive Examination and modified Cued Recall Test); and vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia). We manually segmented microbleeds and characterized their topography. Associations between microbleed severity and AD biomarkers were explored using between-group comparisons (none vs 1 vs 2+) and multivariate linear models. RESULTS: We included 276 individuals with DS and 158 healthy euploid controls (mean age = 47.8 years, 50.92% female). Individuals with DS were more likely to have microbleeds than controls (20% vs 8.9%, p < 0.001), with more severe presentation (12% with 2+ vs 1.9%). Microbleeds increased with age (12% 20-30 years vs 60% > 60 years) and AD clinical stage (12.42% asymptomatic, 27.9% prodromal, 35.09% dementia) were more common in APOEε4 carriers (26% vs 18.3% noncarriers, p = 0.008), but not associated with vascular risk factors (p > 0.05). Microbleeds were predominantly posterior (cerebellum 33.66%; occipital 14.85%; temporal 21.29%) in participants with DS. Associations with microbleed severity were found for neuroimaging and fluid AD biomarkers, but only hippocampal volumes (standardized ß = -0.18 [-0.31, -0.06], p < 0.005) and CSF p-tau-181 concentrations (ß = 0.26 [0.12, 0.41], p < 0.005) survived regression controlling for age and disease stage, respectively. Microbleeds had limited effect on cognitive outcomes. DISCUSSION: In participants with DS, microbleeds present with a posterior, lobar predominance, are associated with disease severity, but do not affect cognitive performance. These results suggest an interplay between AD pathology and vascular lesions, implicating microbleeds as a risk factor limiting the use of antiamyloid agents in this population.
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Doença de Alzheimer , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides , Biomarcadores , Hemorragia Cerebral , Síndrome de Down , Proteínas tau , Humanos , Síndrome de Down/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Síndrome de Down/complicações , Síndrome de Down/diagnóstico por imagem , Feminino , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Transversais , Biomarcadores/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Biomarcadores/sangue , Hemorragia Cerebral/diagnóstico por imagem , Hemorragia Cerebral/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Doença de Alzheimer/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Doença de Alzheimer/diagnóstico por imagem , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Proteínas tau/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Adulto , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Idoso , Apolipoproteínas E/genética , Proteínas de Neurofilamentos/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Proteínas de Neurofilamentos/sangueRESUMO
Lithium, a critical natural resource integral to modern technology, has influenced diverse industries since its discovery in the 1950s. Of particular interest is lithium-7, the most prevalent lithium isotope on Earth, playing a vital role in applications such as batteries, metal alloys, medicine, and nuclear research. However, its extraction presents significant environmental and logistical challenges. This article explores the potential for lithium exploration on the Moon, driven by its value as a resource and the prospect of cost reduction due to the Moon's lower gravity, which holds promise for future space exploration endeavors. Additionally, the presence of lithium in the solar wind and its implications for material transport across celestial bodies are subjects of intrigue. Drawing from a limited dataset collected during the Apollo missions (Apollo 12, 15, 16, and 17) and leveraging artificial intelligence techniques and sample expansion through bootstrapping, this study develops predictive models for lithium-7 concentration based on spectral patterns. The study areas encompass the Aitken crater, Hadley Rima, and the Taurus-Littrow Valley, where higher lithium concentrations are observed in basaltic lunar regions. This research bridges lunar geology and the formation of the solar system, providing valuable insights into celestial resources and enhancing our understanding of space. The data used in this study were obtained from the imaging sensors (infrared, visible, and ultraviolet) of the Clementine satellite, which significantly contributed to the success of our research. Furthermore, the study addresses various aspects related to statistical analysis, sample quality validation, resampling, and bootstrapping. Supervised machine learning model training and validation, as well as data import and export, were explored. The analysis of data generated by the Clementine probe in the near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UVVIS) spectra revealed evidence of the presence of lithium-7 (Li-7) on the lunar surface. The distribution of Li-7 on the lunar surface is non-uniform, with varying concentrations in different regions of the Moon identified, supporting the initial hypothesis associating surface Li-7 concentration with exposure to solar wind. While a direct numerical relationship between lunar topography and Li-7 concentration has not been established due to morphological diversity and methodological limitations, preliminary results suggest significant economic and technological potential in lunar lithium exploration and extraction.
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The issue of obstetric violence is internationally acknowledged as a serious violation of human rights. First identified by the Committee of Experts of the Inter-American Belém do Pará Convention in 2012, it is recognized as a form of gender-based violence that infringes upon women's rights during childbirth. Nations such as Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and certain regions in Spain have implemented laws against it, highlighting its severity and the need for protective legislation. Major international organizations, including WHO and the Council of Europe, advocate for the elimination of disrespectful and abusive treatment in maternity care. In 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women called on states to protect women's human rights in reproductive services by enforcing laws, prosecuting perpetrators, and providing compensation to victims. However, despite advances, there remains institutional and systemic resistance to recognizing obstetric violence, which undermines trust in healthcare and impacts women's quality of life. Addressing this violence is imperative, requiring education and training in women's human rights for all healthcare professionals. As part of the coalition of experts from various organizations (InterOVO), we respond to the publication by EAPM, EBCOG, and EMA: "Joint Position Statement: Substandard and Disrespectful Care in Labor - Because Words Matter." We are committed to preventing and mitigating obstetric violence and improving care for women and newborns.
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Direitos da Mulher , Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Direitos da Mulher/legislação & jurisprudência , Europa (Continente) , América Latina , Violência de Gênero/prevenção & controle , Violência de Gênero/legislação & jurisprudência , Trabalho de Parto , Parto Obstétrico/legislação & jurisprudência , Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde/legislação & jurisprudência , Serviços de Saúde Materna/normas , Serviços de Saúde Materna/legislação & jurisprudênciaRESUMO
Dental wear arises from mechanical (attrition or abrasion) and chemical (erosion) factors. Despite its prevalence and clinical significance, accurately measuring and understanding its causes remain challenging in everyday practice. This one-year study with 39 participants involved comprehensive examinations and full-arch intraoral scans at the start and after 12 months. Volume loss exceeding 100 µ on each tooth's surfaces (buccal, lingual/palatine and incisal/occlusal) was measured by comparing three-dimensional scans from both time points. This study also assessed factors such as abrasion and erosion through clinical exams and questionnaires. There were no significant differences in dental wear in participants with sleep bruxism. However, noticeable wear occurred in the front teeth of those with waking bruxism and joint-related symptoms. Increased wear was associated with frequent consumption of acidic drinks, regular swimming, dry mouth, nocturnal drooling and heartburn, while no significant wear was found in patients with reflux. The used methodology proved effective in accurately assessing the progression of dental wear, which is important as many patients may initially be asymptomatic. The variability observed in dental wear patterns underscores the need to develop specific software applications that allow immediate and efficient comparison of wear areas based on extensive analysis of patient databases.
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The superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator (SCIP) flap has been used for scrotal reconstruction after Fournier's gangrene, skin cancer, or infections. However, there are few publications with regard to penoscrotal reconstruction after a traumatic injury with this flap. In this article, we propose a new SCIP flap variation, the "extended" or "direct" SCIP flap, to effectively reconstruct a wide scrotal defect after a traumatic injury. The "extended" SCIP flap is designed medial and cranial to the anterosuperior iliac spine (ASIS) using the superficial branch of the SCIA as the main pedicle.
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Oligonucleotides carrying 3'-terminal phosphates and conjugates are important tools in molecular biology and diagnostic purposes. We described the preparation of solid supports carrying the base labile linker 4-((2-hydroxyethyl)sulfonyl)benzamide for the solid-phase synthesis of 3'-phosphorylated oligonucleotides. These supports are fully compatible with the phosphoramidite chemistry yielding the desired 3'-phosphate oligonucleotides in excellent yields. The use of mild deprotection conditions allows the generation of partially protected DNA fragments.
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Oligonucleotídeos , Técnicas de Síntese em Fase Sólida , Oligonucleotídeos/química , Oligonucleotídeos/síntese química , Fosfatos/química , Benzamidas/química , Benzamidas/síntese química , Compostos Organofosforados/química , Compostos Organofosforados/síntese química , Fosforilação , Estrutura MolecularRESUMO
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is quite prevalent during pregnancy and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, but its potential influence on fetal development remains unclear. This study investigated maternal OSA impact on the fetus by analyzing gene expression profiles in whole cord blood (WCB). Ten women in the third trimester of pregnancy were included, five OSA and five non-OSA cases. WCB RNA expression was analyzed by microarray technology to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under OSA conditions. After data normalization, 3238 genes showed significant differential expression under OSA conditions, with 2690 upregulated genes and 548 downregulated genes. Functional enrichment was conducted using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) applied to Gene Ontology annotations. Key biological processes involved in OSA were identified, including response to oxidative stress and hypoxia, apoptosis, insulin response and secretion, and placental development. Moreover, DEGs were confirmed through qPCR analyses in additional WCB samples (7 with OSA and 13 without OSA). This highlighted differential expression of several genes in OSA (EGR1, PFN1 and PRKAR1A), with distinct gene expression profiles observed during rapid eye movement (REM)-OSA in pregnancy (PFN1, UBA52, EGR1, STX4, MYC, JUNB, and MAPKAP). These findings suggest that OSA, particularly during REM sleep, may negatively impact various biological processes during fetal development.
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Sangue Fetal , Desenvolvimento Fetal , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono , Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Sangue Fetal/metabolismo , Adulto , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono/genética , Desenvolvimento Fetal/genética , Transcriptoma , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Complicações na Gravidez/genéticaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to analyze gender differences in stress-related factors among active teachers. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine gender disparities in psychological, nutritional, physical activity, and oral health factors and how these habits correlate with stress and burnout in their work environment. The sample comprised 1037 teachers from Spain, Colombia, and Chile, consisting of 40.1% men and 59.9% women, with an average age of 41 years and teaching experience of 11.8 ± 9.2 and 12.2 ± 8.7 years, respectively. They were evaluated using a compilation of questionnaires with the objective of analyzing gender differences in habits that are associated with stress levels in teachers. The findings revealed that men had significantly higher levels of depersonalization and personal accomplishment, whereas women exhibited higher levels of perceived stress and conscientiousness. Regarding nutritional habits, results were more positive for women, and men exhibited healthier functional habits by engaging in more weekly sports. Regarding oral health habits, women had better oral hygiene practices, brushing their teeth more frequently. However, women showed a higher tendency to smoke than their male counterparts. We conclude that there are notable gender differences that can provide insights for developing strategies to enhance the overall well-being of teachers.
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Exercício Físico , Saúde Bucal , Humanos , Feminino , Masculino , Adulto , Saúde Bucal/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Transversais , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores Sexuais , Professores Escolares/psicologia , Professores Escolares/estatística & dados numéricos , Espanha/epidemiologia , Chile/epidemiologia , Colômbia/epidemiologia , Estresse Psicológico/psicologia , Estresse Psicológico/epidemiologia , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cortical microinfarcts (CMI) were attributed to cerebrovascular disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). CAA is frequent in Down syndrome (DS) while hypertension is rare, yet no studies have assessed CMI in DS. METHODS: We included 195 adults with DS, 63 with symptomatic sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 106 controls with 3T magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed CMI prevalence in each group and CMI association with age, AD clinical continuum, vascular risk factors, vascular neuroimaging findings, amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration biomarkers, and cognition in DS. RESULTS: CMI prevalence was 11.8% in DS, 4.7% in controls, and 17.5% in sporadic AD. In DS, CMI increased in prevalence with age and the AD clinical continuum, was clustered in the parietal lobes, and was associated with lacunes and cortico-subcortical infarcts, but not hemorrhagic lesions. DISCUSSION: In DS, CMI are posteriorly distributed and related to ischemic but not hemorrhagic findings suggesting they might be associated with a specific ischemic CAA phenotype. HIGHLIGHTS: This is the first study to assess cortical microinfarcts (assessed with 3T magnetic resonance imaging) in adults with Down syndrome (DS). We studied the prevalence of cortical microinfarcts in DS and its relationship with age, the Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical continuum, vascular risk factors, vascular neuroimaging findings, amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration biomarkers, and cognition. The prevalence of cortical microinfarcts was 11.8% in DS and increased with age and along the AD clinical continuum. Cortical microinfarcts were clustered in the parietal lobes, and were associated with lacunes and cortico-subcortical infarcts, but not hemorrhagic lesions. In DS, cortical microinfarcts are posteriorly distributed and related to ischemic but not hemorrhagic findings suggesting they might be associated with a specific ischemic phenotype of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
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Doença de Alzheimer , Síndrome de Down , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Humanos , Síndrome de Down/patologia , Síndrome de Down/complicações , Síndrome de Down/diagnóstico por imagem , Feminino , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Doença de Alzheimer/patologia , Doença de Alzheimer/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto , Idoso , Infarto Cerebral/diagnóstico por imagem , Infarto Cerebral/patologia , Prevalência , Angiopatia Amiloide Cerebral/diagnóstico por imagem , Angiopatia Amiloide Cerebral/patologia , Angiopatia Amiloide Cerebral/complicações , Fatores de Risco , Córtex Cerebral/patologia , Córtex Cerebral/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: A consensus on the management of anticoagulated patients in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke has not yet been established. We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes in such patients based on the continuation or discontinuation of anticoagulation. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with acute ischaemic stroke and cardioembolic source receiving anticoagulant therapy is done. Patients were classified based on the continuation or discontinuation of anticoagulation at admission. Clinical outcomes, haemorrhagic and ischaemic events were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis and a sub-analysis of patients with severe ischaemic stroke at admission (NIHSS score ≥ 15) were performed. RESULTS: Anticoagulation was continued in 147 (78.8%) of 186 patients. Patients continuing anticoagulant had lower NIHSS (median 5 vs 18, p < 0.001). There were no differences in haemorrhagic or ischaemic events. In the multivariate analysis, good functional outcome at discharge was higher in the continuation group, OR (CI95%) 3.77 (1.2-11.2). PSM analysis adjusted for potential confounders such as NIHSS had higher rates of good functional outcomes at discharge (80% vs 36%, p = 0.004) and at 90 days (76% vs 44%, p = 0.042) in the continuation group. Patients with severe stroke in this group had lower 90-day mortality (34.6% vs 62.5%, p = 0.045) and higher rates of good clinical outcome at discharge (33.3% vs 8.3%, p = 0.032). No differences were observed in 90-day haemorrhagic or ischaemic events. CONCLUSION: Continuation of anticoagulation in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and cardioembolic source did not increase the risk of intracranial haemorrhage and may be associated with better functional outcomes.
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Anticoagulantes , AVC Isquêmico , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , AVC Isquêmico/tratamento farmacológico , Anticoagulantes/administração & dosagem , Idoso , Estudos Retrospectivos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
In recent years, although life expectancy has increased significantly, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to pose a significant threat to the health of the global population. Therefore, eating habits have been recognized as key modifiable factors that influence people's health and well-being. For this reason, it is interesting to study dietary patterns, since the human diet is a complex mixture of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, and can modulate multiple physiological processes, including immune function, the metabolism, and inflammation. To ensure that the data we acquired were current and relevant, we searched primary and secondary sources, including scientific journals, bibliographic indexes, and databases in the last 15 years with the most relevant articles. After this search, we observed that all the recent research on NCDs suggests that diet is a critical factor in shaping an individual's health outcomes. Thus, cardiovascular, metabolic, mental, dental, and visual health depends largely on the intake, habits and patterns, and nutritional behaviors. A diet high in processed and refined foods, added sugars, and saturated fats can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and a high adherence to Mediterranean diet can improve health's people.
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Nucleosides and their analogues constitute an important family of molecules with potential antiviral and antiproliferative activity. The enantiomers of natural nucleosides, l-nucleoside derivatives, which have comparable biological activity but more favorable toxicological properties and greater metabolic stability than d-nucleosides, have emerged as a new class of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, l-nucleosides can be used as a building block to prepare l-oligonucleotides, which have identical physical properties in terms of solubility, hybridization kinetics, and duplex thermal stability as d-oligonucleotides but completely orthogonal in nature. Consequently, they are resistant to nuclease degradation, nontoxic, and immunologically passive, which are desirable properties for biomedical applications. Herein, we describe the synthesis of several 2'-O-methyl/2'-O-MOE-l-nucleoside pyrimidine derivatives and their incorporation into G-rich oligonucleotides. Finally, we evaluated the stability and resistance against nucleases of these new G-quadruplexes, demonstrating the potential of the l-nucleosides described in this work in providing enhanced nuclease resistance with a minimal impact in the nucleic acid structural properties.
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BACKGROUND: Basal forebrain (BF) degeneration occurs in Down syndrome (DS)-associated Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the dynamics of BF atrophy with age and disease progression, its impact on cognition, and its relationship with AD biomarkers have not been studied in DS. METHODS: We included 234 adults with DS (150 asymptomatic, 38 prodromal AD, and 46 AD dementia) and 147 euploid controls. BF volumes were extracted from T-weighted magnetic resonance images using a stereotactic atlas in SPM12. We assessed BF volume changes with age and along the clinical AD continuum and their relationship to cognitive performance, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration biomarkers, and hippocampal volume. RESULTS: In DS, BF volumes decreased with age and along the clinical AD continuum and significantly correlated with amyloid, tau, and neurofilament light chain changes in CSF and plasma, hippocampal volume, and cognitive performance. DISCUSSION: BF atrophy is a potentially valuable neuroimaging biomarker of AD-related cholinergic neurodegeneration in DS.
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Doença de Alzheimer , Prosencéfalo Basal , Síndrome de Down , Humanos , Adulto , Doença de Alzheimer/patologia , Síndrome de Down/diagnóstico por imagem , Síndrome de Down/complicações , Atrofia/patologia , Biomarcadores/líquido cefalorraquidianoRESUMO
The study of sex differences in Alzheimer's disease is increasingly recognized as a key priority in research and clinical development. People with Down syndrome represent the largest population with a genetic link to Alzheimer's disease (>90% in the 7th decade). Yet, sex differences in Alzheimer's disease manifestations have not been fully investigated in these individuals, who are key candidates for preventive clinical trials. In this double-centre, cross-sectional study of 628 adults with Down syndrome [46% female, 44.4 (34.6; 50.7) years], we compared Alzheimer's disease prevalence, as well as cognitive outcomes and AT(N) biomarkers across age and sex. Participants were recruited from a population-based health plan in Barcelona, Spain, and from a convenience sample recruited via services for people with intellectual disabilities in England and Scotland. They underwent assessment with the Cambridge Cognitive Examination for Older Adults with Down Syndrome, modified cued recall test and determinations of brain amyloidosis (CSF amyloid-ß 42 / 40 and amyloid-PET), tau pathology (CSF and plasma phosphorylated-tau181) and neurodegeneration biomarkers (CSF and plasma neurofilament light, total-tau, fluorodeoxyglucose-PET and MRI). We used within-group locally estimated scatterplot smoothing models to compare the trajectory of biomarker changes with age in females versus males, as well as by apolipoprotein É4 carriership. Our work revealed similar prevalence, age at diagnosis and Cambridge Cognitive Examination for Older Adults with Down Syndrome scores by sex, but males showed lower modified cued recall test scores from age 45 compared with females. AT(N) biomarkers were comparable in males and females. When considering apolipoprotein É4, female É4 carriers showed a 3-year earlier age at diagnosis compared with female non-carriers (50.5 versus 53.2 years, P = 0.01). This difference was not seen in males (52.2 versus 52.5 years, P = 0.76). Our exploratory analyses considering sex, apolipoprotein É4 and biomarkers showed that female É4 carriers tended to exhibit lower CSF amyloid-ß 42/amyloid-ß 40 ratios and lower hippocampal volume compared with females without this allele, in line with the clinical difference. This work showed that biological sex did not influence clinical and biomarker profiles of Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome. Consideration of apolipoprotein É4 haplotype, particularly in females, may be important for clinical research and clinical trials that consider this population. Accounting for, reporting and publishing sex-stratified data, even when no sex differences are found, is central to helping advance precision medicine.
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BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic form of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, clinical diagnosis is difficult, and experts emphasize the need for detecting intra-individual cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of baseline and longitudinal neuropsychological assessments for the diagnosis of symptomatic AD in DS. METHODS: Longitudinal cohort study of adults with DS. Individuals were classified as asymptomatic, prodromal AD, or AD dementia. We performed receiver operating characteristic curve analyses to compare baseline and longitudinal changes of CAMCOG-DS and mCRT. RESULTS: We included 562 adults with DS. Baseline assessments showed good to excellent diagnostic performance for AD dementia (AUCs between 0.82 and 0.99) and prodromal AD, higher than the 1-year intra-individual cognitive decline (area under the ROC curve between 0.59 and 0.79 for AD dementia, lower for prodromal AD). Longer follow-ups increased the diagnostic performance of the intra-individual cognitive decline. DISCUSSION: Baseline cognitive assessment outperforms the 1-year intra-individual cognitive decline in adults with DS.
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Doença de Alzheimer , Disfunção Cognitiva , Síndrome de Down , Adulto , Humanos , Doença de Alzheimer/diagnóstico , Doença de Alzheimer/psicologia , Síndrome de Down/complicações , Síndrome de Down/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Down/genética , Estudos Longitudinais , Estudos Transversais , Disfunção Cognitiva/diagnóstico , Disfunção Cognitiva/psicologia , Testes Neuropsicológicos , CogniçãoRESUMO
Introduction: Episodic memory (EM) exhibits an age-related decline, with overall increased impairment after the age of 65. The application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to ameliorate cognitive decline in ageing has been extensively investigated, but its efficacy has been reported with mixed results. In this study, we aimed to assess whether age contributes to interindividual variability in tDCS efficacy. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy adults between 50 and 81 years old received anodal tDCS over the left prefrontal cortex during images encoding and then performed an EM recognition task while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Results: Our results showed an opposite pattern of effect between middle-aged (50-64 years) and older (65-81 years) adults. Specifically, performance in the recognition task after tDCS was enhanced in older adults and was worsened in middle-aged adults. Moreover, ERPs acquired during the recognition task showed that two EM components related to familiarity and post-retrieval monitoring, i.e., Early Frontal and Late Frontal Old-New effects, respectively, were significantly reduced in middle-aged adults after anodal tDCS. Discussion: These results support an age-dependent effect of prefrontal tDCS on EM processes and its underlying electrophysiological substrate, with opposing modulatory trajectories along the aging lifespan.
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In this work, a new design of transparent conductive electrode based on a graphene monolayer is evaluated. This hybrid electrode is incorporated into non-standard, high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells, where the conventional emitter is replaced by a MoOx selective contact. The device characterization reveals a clear electrical improvement when the graphene monolayer is placed as part of the electrode. The current-voltage characteristic of the solar cell with graphene shows an improved FF and Voc provided by the front electrode modification. Improved conductance values up to 5.5 mS are achieved for the graphene-based electrode, in comparison with 3 mS for bare ITO. In addition, the device efficiency improves by around 1.6% when graphene is incorporated on top. These results so far open the possibility of noticeably improving the contact technology of non-conventional photovoltaic technologies and further enhancing their performance.
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Psychological Science Accelerator coordinated three large-scale psychological studies to examine the effects of loss-gain framing, cognitive reappraisals, and autonomy framing manipulations on behavioral intentions and affective measures. The data collected (April to October 2020) included specific measures for each experimental study, a general questionnaire examining health prevention behaviors and COVID-19 experience, geographical and cultural context characterization, and demographic information for each participant. Each participant started the study with the same general questions and then was randomized to complete either one longer experiment or two shorter experiments. Data were provided by 73,223 participants with varying completion rates. Participants completed the survey from 111 geopolitical regions in 44 unique languages/dialects. The anonymized dataset described here is provided in both raw and processed formats to facilitate re-use and further analyses. The dataset offers secondary analytic opportunities to explore coping, framing, and self-determination across a diverse, global sample obtained at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be merged with other time-sampled or geographic data.
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COVID-19 , Humanos , Adaptação Psicológica , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Pandemias , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Voluntary isolation is one of the most effective methods for individuals to help prevent the transmission of diseases such as COVID-19. Understanding why people leave their homes when advised not to do so and identifying what contextual factors predict this non-compliant behavior is essential for policymakers and public health officials. To provide insight on these factors, we collected data from 42,169 individuals across 16 countries. Participants responded to items inquiring about their socio-cultural environment, such as the adherence of fellow citizens, as well as their mental states, such as their level of loneliness and boredom. We trained random forest models to predict whether someone had left their home during a one week period during which they were asked to voluntarily isolate themselves. The analyses indicated that overall, an increase in the feeling of being caged leads to an increased probability of leaving home. In addition, an increased feeling of responsibility and an increased fear of getting infected decreased the probability of leaving home. The models predicted compliance behavior with between 54% and 91% accuracy within each country's sample. In addition, we modeled factors leading to risky behavior in the pandemic context. We observed an increased probability of visiting risky places as both the anticipated number of people and the importance of the activity increased. Conversely, the probability of visiting risky places increased as the perceived putative effectiveness of social distancing decreased. The variance explained in our models predicting risk ranged from < .01 to .54 by country. Together, our findings can inform behavioral interventions to increase adherence to lockdown recommendations in pandemic conditions.