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Nature Jun 2024Small-scale turbulent mixing drives the upwelling of deep water masses in the abyssal ocean as part of the global overturning circulation. However, the processes leading...
Small-scale turbulent mixing drives the upwelling of deep water masses in the abyssal ocean as part of the global overturning circulation. However, the processes leading to mixing and the pathways through which this upwelling occurs remain insufficiently understood. Recent observational and theoretical work has suggested that deep-water upwelling may occur along the ocean's sloping seafloor; however, evidence has, so far, been indirect. Here we show vigorous near-bottom upwelling across isopycnals at a rate of the order of 100 metres per day, coupled with adiabatic exchange of near-boundary and interior fluid. These observations were made using a dye released close to the seafloor within a sloping submarine canyon, and they provide direct evidence of strong, bottom-focused diapycnal upwelling in the deep ocean. This supports previous suggestions that mixing at topographic features, such as canyons, leads to globally significant upwelling. The upwelling rates observed were approximately 10,000 times higher than the global average value required for approximately 30 × 10 m s of net upwelling globally.
PubMed: 38926613
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07411-2 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2024In densely populated urban areas, the pressure on water resources is considerable and will tend to intensify over the next decades. Preserving water resources therefore...
In densely populated urban areas, the pressure on water resources is considerable and will tend to intensify over the next decades. Preserving water resources therefore seems fundamental, but many questions remain as to the transfer of contaminants to subsurface waters in these largely sealed areas. Because of their toxicity and persistence in the environment, this work focused on the study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ubiquitous pollutants mainly produced by human activities. To better understand the main factors leading to the retention or transport of these pollutants in urban environments, vertical transects, from the surface to several meters down, were established on three study sites in or near Paris (France), selected according to an urbanization gradient. Soil samples collected at the surface and urban secondary carbonate deposits (USCD), similar to cave speleothems, sampled underground in quarries and aqueducts were analyzed. As the hydrophobic properties of PAHs favor their sorption onto organic matter, the latter was also studied using organic carbon analysis and UV fluorescence spectroscopy. The USCD located closest to the urbanized surface contained high concentrations of PAHs (76.8 ± 5.3 ng g), while the USCD located at greater depth with organic soil on the surface contained the lowest amount of PAHs (2.9 ± 0.4 ng g), and no PAHs with log K > 5. The results highlight the predominant role played by the presence of organic topsoil at the surface in retaining and storing large amounts of PAHs (1914-2595 ng. g), particularly the most hydrophobic ones (i.e. 60% of the 15 PAHs are characterized by a Log K >5), which are also the most toxic. The lithology and thickness of the bedrock (between the surface and the USCD) also play an important role in the retention of PAHs, particularly those adsorbed on the particulate phase.
PubMed: 38925218
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124437 -
Clinical Physiology and Functional... Jun 2024Diagnosis of asthma can be confirmed based on variability in peak expiratory flow (PEF) or changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV) measured with spirometry....
Diagnosis of asthma can be confirmed based on variability in peak expiratory flow (PEF) or changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV) measured with spirometry. Our aim was to use methacholine challenge as a model of induced airway obstruction to assess how well relative changes in PEF reflect airway obstruction in comparison to relative changes in FEV. We retrospectively studied 878 patients who completed a methacholine challenge test. To assess congruency along with differences between relative changes in FEV and PEF during airway obstruction, a regression analysis was performed, and a Bland & Altman plot was constructed. ROC analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and κ-coefficient were used to analyze how decrease in PEF predicts decrease of 10% or 15% in FEV. The relative change in PEF was on average less than the relative change in FEV. In the ROC analysis areas under the curve were 0.844 and 0.893 for PEF decrease to predict a 10% and 15% decrease in FEV, respectively. The agreement between changes in PEF and FEV varied from fair to moderate. Airway obstruction detected by change in PEF was false in about 40% of cases when compared to change in FEV. Change in PEF is not a very accurate measure of airway obstruction when compared to change in FEV. Replacing peak flow metre with a handheld spirometer might improve diagnostic accuracy of home monitoring in asthma.
PubMed: 38923340
DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12898 -
Brazilian Dental Journal 2024This study aimed to determine the effect of adding selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA HP) concerning alkalinizing potential. Additionally,...
This study aimed to determine the effect of adding selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA HP) concerning alkalinizing potential. Additionally, it examined the set material after SeNPs incorporation using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (FE-SEM/EDX) for characterizing the elemental composition and morphological alterations resulting from the integration of SeNPs. Cement samples, both before and after SeNPs incorporation, were examined using FE-SEM/EDX. The pH level was also measured with a pH-meter previously calibrated with solutions of known pH, to evaluate the alkalinizing activity of the integrated substance at different concentrations of nanoparticles: Group 1 (control): 0% w/w SeNPs, Group 2: 0.5% w/w SeNPs, Group 3: 1% w/w SeNPs, Group 4: 1.5% w/w SeNPs and Group 5: 2% w/w SeNPs after 1, 7, 14, and 30 days in distal water. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (P≤0.05). According to FE-SEM/EDX, the morphological characteristics indicate that SeNPs were successfully dispersed and integrated into the MTA repair matrix. EDX examination validates the presence of Selenium, confirming successful integration. The findings confirmed that the MTAHP showed a high pH level with a discernible reduction in the alkalinizing activity with each incorporated concentration of (SeNPs) that significantly differed from the control group across various periods at (P≤ 0.05). Consequently, the findings indicate that the addition of SeNPs to MTA HP has a notable impact on the pH of the storage solution, leading to a significant decrease in pH values for all concentrations and periods when compared to the control group. The alkalinizing action of MTA HP is highly affected by the incorporated SeNPs, making it more suitable for application in pulpal tissue. This study contributes to our understanding of the morphological alterations and elemental composition of SeNP-incorporated MTA HP, enhancing its potential applications in dental and tissue regeneration.
PubMed: 38922250
DOI: 10.1590/0103-6440202405760 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2024The aim of this chapter is to give an overview of how the perception of rhythmic temporal regularity such as a regular beat in music can be studied in human adults,... (Review)
Review
The aim of this chapter is to give an overview of how the perception of rhythmic temporal regularity such as a regular beat in music can be studied in human adults, human newborns, and nonhuman primates using event-related brain potentials (ERPs). First, we discuss different aspects of temporal structure in general, and musical rhythm in particular, and we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the perception of regularity (e.g., a beat) in rhythm. Additionally, we highlight the importance of dissociating beat perception from the perception of other types of structure in rhythm, such as predictable sequences of temporal intervals, ordinal structure, and rhythmic grouping. In the second section of the chapter, we start with a discussion of auditory ERPs elicited by infrequent and frequent sounds: ERP responses to regularity violations, such as mismatch negativity (MMN), N2b, and P3, as well as early sensory responses to sounds, such as P1 and N1, have been shown to be instrumental in probing beat perception. Subsequently, we discuss how beat perception can be probed by comparing ERP responses to sounds in regular and irregular sequences, and by comparing ERP responses to sounds in different metrical positions in a rhythm, such as on and off the beat or on strong and weak beats. Finally, we will discuss previous research that has used the aforementioned ERPs and paradigms to study beat perception in human adults, human newborns, and nonhuman primates. In doing so, we consider the possible pitfalls and prospects of the technique, as well as future perspectives.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Auditory Perception; Infant, Newborn; Adult; Primates; Music; Evoked Potentials, Auditory; Acoustic Stimulation; Evoked Potentials; Electroencephalography
PubMed: 38918355
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-60183-5_13 -
Research in Social & Administrative... Jun 2024Asthma is a common long-term condition that affects people of all ages. Evidence suggests that a significant proportion of asthma patients in the Gulf Cooperation... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a common long-term condition that affects people of all ages. Evidence suggests that a significant proportion of asthma patients in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) do not receive appropriate diagnosis, monitoring and/or treatment. When inadequately treated, asthma can negatively affect quality of life and may lead to hospitalisation and death. Although pharmacists play a role in asthma care globally, there appears to be no defined role for pharmacists in providing care to patients with asthma in the GCC countries.
AIM
This scoping review aims to review and summarise studies conducted in the GCC countries involving pharmacists in the management of adults with asthma or evaluating pharmacists' asthma care knowledge and/or skills.
METHOD
A systematic scoping review was undertaken. Seven databases were searched using relevant search terms for articles published up to May 2023. Studies that evaluated pharmacists roles, knowledge and skills in providing asthma care to adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain were considered eligible for inclusion. Extracted data were collated using tables and used to produce narrative descriptive summaries.
RESULTS
Out of the 1588 search results, only seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Of those, only one developed and tested a pharmacist-led inhaler technique educational intervention in the UAE within community pharmacy setting for asthma patients. The remaining six studies assessed community pharmacists knowledge in providing asthma management and patient education in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The quality of the included studies varied with four relying on simulated patients to assess pharmacists knowledge. The study that tested the intervention suggested improvement in inhaler technique and asthma symptoms control after receiving the intervention. The findings suggest a need to improve pharmacists knowledge of inhaler technique demonstration (mainly Metered Dose Inhalers), asthma management advice and assessment of asthma control and medication use.
CONCLUSION
This review highlights a lack of research on pharmacist-led asthma interventions and identifies training needs to enable pharmacists to be involved in asthma care in the GCC countries. Future research could develop approaches involving pharmacists to improve asthma care and outcomes in the region.
PubMed: 38918145
DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.06.005 -
Neurotherapeutics : the Journal of the... Jun 2024The precise oxygen content thresholds of ischemic deep parenchymal (OCIDP) and that in cortical microcirculation (OCCM), which leads to ischemic penumbra converting into...
The precise oxygen content thresholds of ischemic deep parenchymal (OCIDP) and that in cortical microcirculation (OCCM), which leads to ischemic penumbra converting into the infarcted core, remain uncertain. This study employed an invasive fiber-optic oxygen meter and a newly developed oxygen-responsive probe called RuA-Cy5-rtPA (RC-rtPA) based on recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) to examine the oxygen content thresholds. A mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was generated and animals were randomly divided into a sham, 24-h reperfusion after 3-h ischemia (IR 3-h), and IR 6-h groups, all of which were sacrificed following reperfusion. Stroke severity was evaluated based on the infarction area, neurological symptoms, microcirculation perfusion, and microemboli in microcirculation. OCIDP was characterized based on its extent and distribution, whereas OCCM was measured using RC-rtPA. During ischemia, stroke severity escalation manifested as increasing infarction area, severe neurologic symptoms, and poorer microcirculation perfusion with more microthrombi depositions. OCIDP presented rapid decline following artery occlusion along with a gradual increase in the hypoxic area. Within 3 h following ischemia induction, the ischemic tissue that experienced hypoxia could be rescued, and this reversibility would disappear after 6 h. Within 6 h, OCCM continued to decrease. A significant decrease in oxygen content in cortical venules and cortical parenchyma was observed. These findings assist in establishing the extent of the ischemic penumbra at the microcirculation level and offer a foundation for assessing the ischemic penumbra that could respond positively to reperfusion therapy beyond the typical time window.
PubMed: 38918128
DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00387 -
Pediatric Cardiology Jun 2024Virtual reality (VR) as a distraction tool decreases anxiety and fear in children undergoing procedures, but its use has not been studied during transthoracic...
Virtual reality (VR) as a distraction tool decreases anxiety and fear in children undergoing procedures, but its use has not been studied during transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs). We hypothesized that VR in children undergoing pre-intervention TTEs decreases anxiety and fear and increases TTE study comprehensiveness and diagnostic accuracy when compared with standard distractors (television, mobile devices). Patients (6-18 years old) scheduled for pre-intervention TTEs at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in 2021 and 2022 were prospectively enrolled and randomized to VR and non-VR groups. Patients completed pre- and post-TTE surveys using the Children's Anxiety Meter-State (CAM-S) and Children's Fear Scale (CFS). Patients, parents, and sonographers completed post-TTE experience surveys. TTEs were reviewed by pediatric cardiologists for study comprehensiveness and compared with electronic medical records for diagnostic accuracy. Among 67 enrolled patients, 6 declined VR, 31 randomized to the VR group, and 30 to the non-VR group. Anxiety (average CAM-S difference 0.78 ± 1.80, p = 0.0012) and fear (average CFS difference 0.36 ± 0.74, p = 0.0005) decreased in both groups. There was no difference between groups in the change in anxiety and fear pre- and post-TTE (p = 0.96-1.00). TTE study comprehensiveness and diagnostic accuracy were high in both groups. Procedure time (time in the echocardiography room) was less for the VR group (48.4 ± 18.1 min) than the non-VR group (58.8 ± 24.4 min), but without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.075). VR is similar to standard distractors and may decrease procedure time. Patients, parents, and sonographers rated the VR experience highly and encouraged its use with future procedures.
PubMed: 38916669
DOI: 10.1007/s00246-024-03555-0 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024Point-of-care testing (POCT) technologies facilitate onsite detection of pathogens in minutes to hours. Among various POCT approaches, pressure-based sensors that...
Point-of-care testing (POCT) technologies facilitate onsite detection of pathogens in minutes to hours. Among various POCT approaches, pressure-based sensors that utilize gas-generating reactions, particularly those catalyzed by nanozymes (e.g., platinum nanoparticles, PtNPs, or platinum-coated gold nanoparticles, and Au@PtNPs) have been shown to provide rapid and sensitive detection capabilities. The current study introduces Au-Pt alloy-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@AuPtNPs), an innovative nanozyme with enhanced catalytic activity and relatively high stability. For pathogen detection, Au@AuPtNPs are modified with H1 or H2 hairpin DNAs that can be triggered to undergo a hybridization chain reaction (HCR) that leads to their aggregation upon recognition by an initiator strand (Ini) with H1-/H2-complementary aptamers tethered to magnetic beads (MBs). Pathogen binding to the aptamer exposes Ini, which then binds Au@AuPtNPs and initiates a HCR, resulting in Au@AuPtNP aggregation on MBs. These Au@AuPtNP aggregates exhibit strong catalysis of O from the HO substrate, which is measured by a pressure meter, enabling detection of O157:H7 at concentrations as low as 3 CFU/mL with high specificity. Additionally, O157:H7 could also be detected in simulated water and tea samples. This method eliminates the need for costly, labor- and training-intensive instruments, supporting its further testing and validation for deployment as a rapid-response POCT application in the detection of bacterial contaminants.
PubMed: 38916478
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c05351 -
JBI Evidence Synthesis Jun 2024The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of physical rehabilitation versus non-rehabilitation comparators on physical functioning and quality of...
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of physical rehabilitation versus non-rehabilitation comparators on physical functioning and quality of life for long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia.
INTRODUCTION
LTC residents living with dementia often have impaired physical functioning and quality of life. Physical rehabilitation can improve physical functioning and quality of life for individuals living with dementia; however, many LTC residents with dementia do not receive physical rehabilitation and providers are unsure what interventions to employ. A synthesis of studies examining physical rehabilitation will help guide practice in the LTC sector where most residents live with dementia. Previous syntheses have focused on all residents in LTC, specific professions, interventions, or people with dementia in the community. Our review focuses on LTC residents with dementia and a broader definition of physical rehabilitation.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
This review includes studies that evaluate physical rehabilitation in comparison with non-rehabilitation controls among LTC residents with any severity of dementia. We included studies that measure the effect on activities of daily living, performance-based physical functioning, and self- or proxy-rated quality of life.
METHODS
Searches were conducted in APA PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane CENTRAL database with no date or language limitations. Two independent reviews assessed the studies against the inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers extracted data and conducted a quality assessment using a structured extraction form. Certainty of evidence was ascertained using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Where possible, studies were pooled in meta-analyses; otherwise, a narrative synthesis was performed.
RESULTS
Thirty-three studies were included (n = 3072 participants); 27 were randomized control trials and the remaining 6 were non-randomized trials. The overall risk of bias of the included studies was low to unclear. Many of the included studies focused on increasing activity or walking, while few were individually tailored or at an intensity appropriate to induce therapeutic effects on physical function. Physical function was also measured via several outcome measures, limiting our ability to pool results. There was low certainty evidence that physical rehabilitation improved activities of daily living (12 RCTs, 1348 participants, SMD 0.78; 95% CI 0.27 to 1.30) and the Short Physical Performance Battery Score (3 RCTs, 258 participants, MD 3.01 points; 95% CI 1.37 to 4.66) compared with non-rehabilitation interventions. There was low to moderate certainty evidence that physical rehabilitation demonstrated no change in the 30-Second Sit to Stand Test (2 RCTs, 293 participants, MD 0.79 repetitions; 95% CI -0.45 to 2.03), 6-Minute Walk Test (4 RCTs, 363 participants, MD 17.32 meters; 95% CI -29.41 to 64.05), gait speed (4 RCTs, 400 participants, MD 0.10 meters/seconds; 95% CI -0.02 to 0.22), Timed Up and Go Test (3 studies, 275 participants, MD -2.89 seconds; 95% CI -6.62 to 0.84), or quality of life (4 RCTs, 419 participants, SMD 0.20; 95% CI -0.08 to 0.47).
CONCLUSIONS
This review demonstrates that physical rehabilitation may improve activities of daily living for LTC residents living with dementia, though the evidence is of low certainty. The effect of physical rehabilitation on specific functional tasks, like gait speed and quality of life, are less clear. Future research should examine the effects of individualized, progressive interventions on outcome measures that reflect the capacity and preferences of LTC residents with more advanced dementia.
REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42022308444.
PubMed: 38915237
DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-23-00431