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ACS Omega Jun 2024Rabies is a zoonotic infection with the potential to infect all mammals and poses a significant threat to mortality. Although enzyme-linked immunosorbent tests and...
Rabies is a zoonotic infection with the potential to infect all mammals and poses a significant threat to mortality. Although enzyme-linked immunosorbent tests and real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) have been established for rabies virus (RABV) detection, they require skilled staff. Here, we introduce a personal glucose meter (PGM)-based nucleic acid (NA-PGM) detection method to diagnose RABV. This method ensures sensitive and convenient RABV diagnosis through hybridization of reverse transcription-recombinase aided amplification (RT-RAA) amplicons with probes labeled with sucrose-converting enzymes, reaching a detection level as low as 6.3 copies/μL equivalent to 12.26 copies. NA-PGM allows for the differentiation of RABV from other closely related viruses. In addition, NA-PGM showed excellent performance on 65 clinical samples with a 100% accuracy rate compared with the widely adopted RT-qPCR method. Thus, our developed NA-PGM method stands out as sensitive, semiquantitative, and portable for RABV detection, showcasing promise as a versatile platform for a wide range of pathogens.
PubMed: 38911722
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01352 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports 2024Slower walking is associated with changes in cortical volume and thickness. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) and exercise improve cortical volume and thickness and...
The Effect of Computerized Cognitive Training, with and without Exercise, on Cortical Volume and Thickness and Its Association with Gait Speed in Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND
Slower walking is associated with changes in cortical volume and thickness. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) and exercise improve cortical volume and thickness and thus, may promote gait speed. Slowing of gait is predictive of Alzheimer's disease.
OBJECTIVE
To examine: 1) the effect of CCT, with or without physical exercise, on cortical volume and thickness and; 2) the association of changes in cortical volume and thickness with changes in gait speed.
METHODS
A subset of 124 adults ( = 53), aged 65-85 years, enrolled in an 8-week randomized controlled trial and completed T1-weighted MRI and 4-meter walk at baseline and 8 weeks. Participants were randomized to: 1) active control (BAT; = 19); 2) CCT ( = 17); or 3) CCT preceded by exercise (Ex-CCT; = 17). Change in cortical volume and thickness were assessed and compared across all groups using Freesurfer.
RESULTS
BAT versus CCT increased left rostral middle frontal gyrus volume ( = 0.027) and superior temporal gyrus thickness ( = 0.039). Ex-CCT versus CCT increased left cuneus thickness ( < 0.001) and right post central gyrus thickness ( = 0.005), and volume ( < 0.001). Ex-CCT versus BAT increased left ( = 0.001) and right ( = 0.020) superior parietal gyri thickness. There were no significant between-group differences in gait speed ( > 0.175). Increased left superior parietal volume ( = 0.036, = 0.340) and thickness ( = 0.002, = 0.348), right post central volume ( = .017, = 0.341) and thickness ( = 0.001, = 0.348), left banks of superior temporal sulcus thickness ( = 0.002, = 0.356), and left precuneus thickness ( < 0.001, = 0.346) were associated with increased gait speed.
CONCLUSIONS
CCT with physical exercise, but not CCT alone, improves cortical volume and thickness in older adults. These changes may contribute to the maintenance of gait speed in aging.
PubMed: 38910947
DOI: 10.3233/ADR-230206 -
Medical Ultrasonography Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Heart Neoplasms; Myxoma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Echocardiography
PubMed: 38909370
DOI: 10.11152/mu-4401 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Soil organic carbon (SOC) persistence is predominantly governed by mineral protection, consequently, soil mineral-associated (MAOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC)...
Soil organic carbon (SOC) persistence is predominantly governed by mineral protection, consequently, soil mineral-associated (MAOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) turnovers have different impacts on the vulnerability of SOC to climate change. Here, we generate the global MAOC and POC maps using 8341 observations and then infer the turnover times of MAOC and POC by a data-model integration approach. Global MAOC and POC storages are Pg C (mean with 5% and 95% quantiles) and Pg C, while global mean MAOC and POC turnover times are yr and yr in the top meter, respectively. Climate warming-induced acceleration of MAOC and POC decomposition is greater in subsoil than that in topsoil. Overall, the global atlas of MAOC and POC turnover, together with the global distributions of MAOC and POC stocks, provide a benchmark for Earth system models to diagnose SOC-climate change feedback.
PubMed: 38909059
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49743-7 -
Scientific Data Jun 2024In studies of the relief evolution of smaller landforms, up to several dozen meters in width/diameter, digital elevation models (DEMs) freely accessible in different...
In studies of the relief evolution of smaller landforms, up to several dozen meters in width/diameter, digital elevation models (DEMs) freely accessible in different repositories may be insufficient in terms of resolution. Existing geophysical or photogrammetric equipment is not always available due to costs, conditions and regulations, especially for students or young researchers. An alternative may be the handy-held ground-based Structure from Motion technique. It allows us to obtain free high-resolution DEMs (~0.05 m) using open-source software. The method was tested on kettle holes of the glacial flood origin on Skeiðarársandur (S Iceland). The material was collected in 2022 at two outwash levels of different ages and vegetation cover. The dataset is available in the Zenodo repository; the first part is data processed in point clouds and DEMs, and the second includes original videos in MOV format. The data can be used as a reference to assess changes in the kettle hole relief in subsequent research seasons, as a methodological study for other projects, or for didactic purposes.
PubMed: 38906921
DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03515-6 -
Cell Jun 2024The gut microbiota influences the clinical responses of cancer patients to immunecheckpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, there is no consensus definition of detrimental...
The gut microbiota influences the clinical responses of cancer patients to immunecheckpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, there is no consensus definition of detrimental dysbiosis. Based on metagenomics (MG) sequencing of 245 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient feces, we constructed species-level co-abundance networks that were clustered into species-interacting groups (SIGs) correlating with overall survival. Thirty-seven and forty-five MG species (MGSs) were associated with resistance (SIG1) and response (SIG2) to ICIs, respectively. When combined with the quantification of Akkermansia species, this procedure allowed a person-based calculation of a topological score (TOPOSCORE) that was validated in an additional 254 NSCLC patients and in 216 genitourinary cancer patients. Finally, this TOPOSCORE was translated into a 21-bacterial probe set-based qPCR scoring that was validated in a prospective cohort of NSCLC patients as well as in colorectal and melanoma patients. This approach could represent a dynamic diagnosis tool for intestinal dysbiosis to guide personalized microbiota-centered interventions.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Immunotherapy; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Female; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Dysbiosis; Feces; Middle Aged; Metagenomics; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Melanoma; Akkermansia; Colorectal Neoplasms; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38906102
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.029 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2024Exposure to light at night (LAN) has been associated with multiple adverse health outcomes. However, evidence is limited regarding the impacts of LAN exposure on human...
BACKGROUND
Exposure to light at night (LAN) has been associated with multiple adverse health outcomes. However, evidence is limited regarding the impacts of LAN exposure on human inflammation.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the association between real-ambient bedroom LAN exposure with systemic inflammation and circadian rhythm of inflammatory markers.
METHODS
Using data from a prospective cohort study of Chinese young adults. At baseline, bedroom LAN exposure was measured with a portable illuminance meter; fasting blood sample for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assay was collected. At 3-year follow-up, 20 healthy young adults (10 LAN < 5 lx, 10 LAN ≥ 5 lx) were recruited from the same cohort; time-series venous blood samples were sampled every 4 h over a 24 h-cycle for the detection of 8 inflammatory markers. Circadian rhythm of inflammatory markers was assessed using cosinor analysis.
RESULTS
At baseline, the average age of the 276 participants was 18.7 years, and 33.3 % were male. Higher levels of bedroom LAN exposure were significantly associated with increased hs-CRP levels. The association between bedroom LAN exposure and systemic inflammation was only significant in the inactive group (MVPA < 2 h/d) but not in the physically active group (MVPA ≥ 2 h/d). In addition, exposure to higher levels of nighttime light (LAN ≥ 5 lx) disrupted circadian rhythms (including rhythmic expression, circadian amplitude and circadian phase) of some inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory balance indicators.
CONCLUSION
Exposure to bedroom nighttime light increases systemic inflammation and disrupts circadian rhythm of inflammatory markers. Keep bedroom darkness at night may represent important strategies for the prevention of chronic inflammation. Additionally, for people living a community with higher nighttime light pollution, regular physical activity may be a viable option to counteract the negative impacts of LAN exposure on chronic inflammation.
PubMed: 38905938
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116590 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Head movements that are synchronized with musical rhythms often emerge during musical activities, such as hip hop dance. Although such movements are known to affect the...
Head movements that are synchronized with musical rhythms often emerge during musical activities, such as hip hop dance. Although such movements are known to affect the meter and pulse perception of complex auditory rhythms, no studies have investigated their contribution to the performance of sensorimotor synchronization (SMS). In the present study, participants listened to syncopated auditory rhythms and flexed their dominant hand index finger in time with the perceived pulses (4/4 meters). In the first experiment (Exp. 1), the participants moved their heads via voluntary neck flexion to the pulses in parallel with finger SMS (Nodding condition, ND). This performance was compared with finger SMS without nodding (Without Nodding condition, WN). In the second experiment (Exp. 2), we investigated the specificity of the effect of head SMS on finger SMS confirmed in Exp. 1 by asking participants to flex their bilateral index fingers to the pulses (Bimanual condition, BM). We compared the performance of dominant hand finger SMS between the BM and ND conditions. In Exp. 1, we found that dominant hand finger SMS was significantly more stable (smaller standard deviation of asynchrony) in the ND versus WN condition ( < 0.001). In Exp. 2, dominant hand finger SMS was significantly more accurate (smaller absolute value of asynchrony) in the ND versus BM condition ( = 0.037). In addition, the stability of dominant hand finger SMS was significantly correlated with the index of phase locking between the pulses and head SMS across participants in the ND condition ( = -0.85, < 0.001). In contrast, the stability of dominant hand finger SMS was not significantly correlated with the index of phase locking between pulses and non-dominant hand finger SMS in the BM condition ( = -0.25, = 0.86 after multiple comparison correction). These findings suggest that SMS modulation depends on the motor effectors simultaneously involved in synchronization: simultaneous head SMS stabilizes the timing of dominant hand finger SMS, while simultaneous non-dominant hand finger SMS deteriorates the timing accuracy of dominant hand finger SMS. The present study emphasizes the unique and crucial role of head movements in rhythmic behavior.
PubMed: 38903467
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1335050 -
PloS One 2024Noise pollution is one of the consequences of urbanization that can cause environmental disturbances in urban areas. Urban ecosystems provide noise reduction services...
Noise pollution is one of the consequences of urbanization that can cause environmental disturbances in urban areas. Urban ecosystems provide noise reduction services through Urban Green infrastructures (UGIs). Many studies have been conducted to evaluate and model traffic noise, but none have addressed the flow, supply, and demand of noise reduction ecosystem services. The main purpose of this paper is to present a new methodology for estimating flow, supply, and demand for noise reduction in Hamadan city that has not been mentioned in any paper so far. UGIs were classified into six main categories: agricultural lands, gardens, parks, abandoned lands, single trees, and street trees. A total of 57 sampling stations for sound measurement were made in August 2018. The current map of noise pollution (flow) was created using the Kriging method. The amount of supply was measured up to a distance of 50 meters from the main roads based on two approaches (the distance effect and the sound barrier effect). To quantify the demand, the current sound intensity level in the noise-sensitive land uses was compared with standards. Zonal statistics was used for spatial analysis of supply-demand in the urban neighborhood as a working unit. Results showed that at distances of 5m, 10m, 15m, and 20m, the average noise reduction was found to be 1.61, 2.83, 3.92, and 5.33 dB, respectively. Sound barriers at distances of 5m and 10m resulted in an average sound reduction of 1.61 and 2.83 dB, respectively. Individual trees, strip trees, abandoned lands, parks, and gardens led to a decrease in traffic noise by 0.3, 1, 0.1, 3.5, and 4.5 dB, respectively. The clustering analysis revealed a significant spatial clustering of noise pollution in Hamedan. The results and new methodology of this research can be used in similar areas to estimate the supply and demand of noise reduction and also for decision-makers to take management actions to increase supply and meet the demand for noise reduction service.
Topics: Iran; Cities; Noise; Humans; Urbanization; Noise, Transportation; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 38900763
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303581 -
PloS One 2024In this research we identify the processes leading to hierarchical society in a region of Sāmoa, the often-labelled 'birthplace' of the Polynesian chiefdoms. Our...
In this research we identify the processes leading to hierarchical society in a region of Sāmoa, the often-labelled 'birthplace' of the Polynesian chiefdoms. Our analyses in the Falefa Valley on 'Upolu island combine lidar mapping and ground survey to reveal an extensive system of archaeological features: rock walls, ditches, and platforms. Excavation and radiocarbon dating underpin a feature chronology and characterize feature variation. Soil nutrient analyses and geoarchaeological coring indicate spatial differences in the agricultural potentional of the valley and human modification of the environment over time. Our results demonstrate that the construction of large rock walls, some several hundred meters long, began approximately 900-600 years ago, shortly after rapid population rise in Sāmoa. This was followed by the building of small rock walls, often enclosing rectilinear fields or platforms. Both rock wall types are concentrated in the western and northern regions of the valley and greater rock wall densities are associated with areas of higher agricultural potential. The earliest wall construction was penecontemporaneous with partial forest removal that created a more productive wetland environment in the southeastern region of the valley, an area later a focus of agricultural ditching. We propose that with population rise the variable fertility of agricultural land became a significant resource gradient, influencing the population in two ways. First, areas of more fertile agricultural land promoted territorial behaviour, including large rock walls, and led to a collective action problem. Second, niche construction in the form of human-induced environmental change created a productive wetland agricultural system that was enhanced with a reticulate ditch network, the maintenance of which also led to a collective action problem. We conclude that in the Falefa Valley, the second largest catchment in Sāmoa, collective action problems were the cause of increased social hierarchy and may underlie the origins of chiefdoms throughout Polynesia.
Topics: Humans; Archaeology; Agriculture; History, Ancient; Polynesia
PubMed: 38900744
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304850