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Scientific Reports Jun 2024Men with writing proficiency enjoyed a privileged position in ancient Egyptian society in the third millennium BC. Research focusing on these officials of elevated...
Men with writing proficiency enjoyed a privileged position in ancient Egyptian society in the third millennium BC. Research focusing on these officials of elevated social status ("scribes") usually concentrates on their titles, scribal statues, iconography, etc., but the individuals themselves, and their skeletal remains, have been neglected. The aim of this study is to reveal whether repetitive tasks and maintained postures related to scribal activity can manifest in skeletal changes and identify possible occupational risk factors. A total of 1767 items including entheseal changes, non-metric traits, and degenerative changes were recorded from the human remains of 69 adult males of well-defined social status categories from the necropolis at Abusir (2700-2180 BC). Statistically significant differences between the scribes and the reference group attested a higher incidence of changes in scribes and manifested themselves especially in the occurrence of osteoarthritis of the joints. Our research reveals that remaining in a cross-legged sitting or kneeling position for extended periods, and the repetitive tasks related to writing and the adjusting of the rush pens during scribal activity, caused the extreme overloading of the jaw, neck and shoulder regions.
Topics: Humans; Male; Egypt, Ancient; History, Ancient; Risk Factors; Adult; Writing; Posture; Bone and Bones
PubMed: 38937484
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63549-z -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Palaeontologists have long sought to explain the diversification of individual clades to whole biotas at global scales. Advances in our understanding of the spatial...
Palaeontologists have long sought to explain the diversification of individual clades to whole biotas at global scales. Advances in our understanding of the spatial distribution of the fossil record through geological time, however, has demonstrated that global trends in biodiversity were a mosaic of regionally heterogeneous diversification processes. Drivers of diversification must presumably have also displayed regional variation to produce the spatial disparities observed in past taxonomic richness. Here, we analyse the fossil record of ammonoids, pelagic shelled cephalopods, through the Late Cretaceous, characterised by some palaeontologists as an interval of biotic decline prior to their total extinction at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. We regionally subdivide this record to eliminate the impacts of spatial sampling biases and infer regional origination and extinction rates corrected for temporal sampling biases using Bayesian methods. We then model these rates using biotic and abiotic drivers commonly inferred to influence diversification. Ammonoid diversification dynamics and responses to this common set of diversity drivers were regionally heterogeneous, do not support ecological decline, and demonstrate that their global diversification signal is influenced by spatial disparities in sampling effort. These results call into question the feasibility of seeking drivers of diversity at global scales in the fossil record.
Topics: Fossils; Biodiversity; Animals; Extinction, Biological; Bayes Theorem; Cephalopoda; Paleontology; Phylogeny; Biological Evolution
PubMed: 38937471
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49462-z -
Science (New York, N.Y.) Jun 2024Knowledge of Cambrian animal anatomy is limited by preservational processes that result in compaction, size bias, and incompleteness. We documented pristine...
Knowledge of Cambrian animal anatomy is limited by preservational processes that result in compaction, size bias, and incompleteness. We documented pristine three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of trilobites fossilized through rapid ash burial from a pyroclastic flow entering a shallow marine environment. Cambrian ellipsocephaloid trilobites from Morocco are articulated and undistorted, revealing exquisite details of the appendages and digestive system. Previously unknown anatomy includes a soft-tissue labrum attached to the hypostome, a slit-like mouth, and distinctive cephalic feeding appendages. Our findings resolve controversy over whether the trilobite hypostome is the labrum or incorporates it and establish crown-group euarthropod homologies in trilobites. This occurrence of moldic fossils with 3D soft parts highlights volcanic ash deposits in marine settings as an underexplored source for exceptionally preserved organisms.
Topics: Animals; Arthropods; Fossils; Morocco; Volcanic Eruptions
PubMed: 38935712
DOI: 10.1126/science.adl4540 -
PloS One 2024The patterning cascade model of crown morphogenesis has been studied extensively in a variety of organisms to elucidate the evolutionary history surrounding postcanine...
OBJECTIVE
The patterning cascade model of crown morphogenesis has been studied extensively in a variety of organisms to elucidate the evolutionary history surrounding postcanine tooth form. The current research is the first to use a large modern human sample to examine whether the crown configuration of lower deciduous and permanent molars aligns with expectations derived from the model. This study has two main goals: 1) to determine if metameric and antimeric pairs significantly differ in size, accessory trait expression, and relative intercusp spacing, and 2) assess whether the relative distance among early-forming cusps accounts for observed variation in accessory cusp expression.
METHODS
Tooth size, intercusp distance, and morphological trait expression data were collected from 3D scans of mandibular dental casts representing participants of the Harvard Solomon Islands Project. Paired tests were utilized to compare tooth size, accessory trait expression, and relative intercusp distance between diphyodont metameres and permanent antimeres. Proportional odds logistic regression was implemented to investigate how the odds of greater accessory cusp expression vary as a function of the distance between early-developing cusps.
RESULTS/SIGNIFICANCE
Comparing paired molars, significant differences were identified for tooth size and cusp 5 expression. Several relative intercusp distances emerged as important predictors of cusp 6 expression, however, results for cusp 5 and cusp 7 did not match expected patterns. These findings support previous quantitative genetic results and suggest the development of neighboring crown structures represents a zero-sum partitioning of cellular territory and resources. As such, this study contributes to a better understanding of the foundations of deciduous and permanent molar crown variation in humans.
Topics: Humans; Tooth Crown; Molar; Dentition, Permanent; Morphogenesis; Tooth, Deciduous; Odontogenesis; Male; Child; Female
PubMed: 38935640
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304455 -
International Clinical... Jun 2024While social cognition is shown to be impaired in several mental disorders, the effects of cannabis on social cognition are still not clear. Past studies have used the...
OBJECTIVE
While social cognition is shown to be impaired in several mental disorders, the effects of cannabis on social cognition are still not clear. Past studies have used the multifaceted empathy test (MET) to study social cognition. This study aims to test the validity of the MET Spanish version and to evaluate the effects of cannabis use on social cognition.
METHODS
In total 116 participants from a Cannabis Social Club (CSC) completed the MET and the reading the mind in the eyes test (RMET) under the effects of cannabis and were compared to 86 university students (control group). Internal consistency and convergent validity were assessed. Cognitive empathy (CE) and emotional empathy (EE) were tested in both groups.
RESULTS
The MET CE scale shows low internal consistency, while the EE scale shows high internal consistency. Items showed similar difficulty for both groups. Cannabis users showed deficient overall emotional recognition, with reduced scores associated with positive stimuli. Overall scores for EE were similar for both groups, but the experimental group scored lower with negative stimuli when compared to controls.
CONCLUSION
This study validates the MET Spanish version for its use in future studies. Results confirmed deficient emotional recognition in cannabis users and a dampened reaction to negative stimuli for the first time.
PubMed: 38935429
DOI: 10.1097/YIC.0000000000000544 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023Pattern of physical growth and pubertal changes among 59 girls, aged 8-15 years, diagnosed as cases of HIV on anti-retroviral therapy was cross-sectionally studied....
Pattern of physical growth and pubertal changes among 59 girls, aged 8-15 years, diagnosed as cases of HIV on anti-retroviral therapy was cross-sectionally studied. Besides, measurement of body weight, height, and body mass index, breast development stage, presence or absence of pubic and axillary hair, and age of attainment of menarche were also noted in these subjects in the growth clinic of the department. With the advancement of age, the weight and height of HIV girls increased; however, they were lighter and shorter compared to their normal peers. 15.3% of HIV girls were short-statured and underweight. None of the study participants were found to be overweight or obese. 40.7% of HIV girls had attained menarche (mean age: 12.58 ± 1.349 years). The appearance of pubic (13.45 ± 1.64 years) and axillary hair (13.73 ± 1.41 years) occurred around 1 year later. The delayed physical growth and puberty attainment of HIV girls than their normal counterparts may be due to the influence of the disease.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Child; HIV Infections; Cross-Sectional Studies; Puberty; Body Mass Index; Menarche; Body Height; India; Body Weight; Child Development
PubMed: 38934819
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1651_22 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023In children, body frame size estimation is used to interpret body mass and evaluate growth patterns. The present study aims to assess the body frame size by elbow...
In children, body frame size estimation is used to interpret body mass and evaluate growth patterns. The present study aims to assess the body frame size by elbow breadth and frame index and its relation to body composition parameters among tribal preschool children (1-5 years of age). In the present study, 848 preschool children (430 boys and 418 girls) were included. The mean elbow breadth showed an increasing trend with increasing age, but inverse results were observed in the case of frame index. Age-wise, statistically significant sex differences were found in mean elbow breadth and frame index (except for 2 years of age). Boys show higher mean elbow breadth and frame index in all age groups, and significant sex differences were found. Elbow breadth and frame index had the strongest significant positive correlations with fat free mass (FFM) (r = 0.590, P < 0.01) and FFM index (r = 0.539, P < 0.01), respectively.
Topics: Humans; Child, Preschool; India; Male; Female; Body Composition; Infant; Elbow; Anthropometry; Sex Factors; Age Factors; Body Size
PubMed: 38934810
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1497_22 -
Annals of Human Biology Feb 2024Rising global obesity rates are linked with inflammation and associated morbidities. These negative outcomes are generally more common in low-resource communities within...
BACKGROUND
Rising global obesity rates are linked with inflammation and associated morbidities. These negative outcomes are generally more common in low-resource communities within high-income countries; however, it is unclear how frequent infectious disease exposures in these settings may influence the relationship between adiposity and inflammation.
AIM
We test associations between adiposity measures and distinct forms of inflammation among adults ( = 80) living in low-resource U.S. communities experiencing high levels of obesity and pathogen exposure.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Adiposity measures included BMI and percent body fat. Inflammation measures included systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and localised intestinal inflammation (faecal calprotectin [FC]). The relationship between a condition characterised by elevated inflammation ( infection) and adiposity was also considered.
RESULTS
Adiposity was not significantly related to FC concentration. However, both adiposity measures were positively related with odds of CRP elevation and infection was associated with significantly lower adiposity measures (all < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
For this disadvantaged U.S. sample, the association between adiposity and inflammation varies by the systemic/localised nature of inflammation and the likely underlying cause of inflammation. Defining these associations will improve understanding of how rising obesity rates shape long-term health inequities, with implications for more effective intervention design.
Topics: Humans; Adiposity; Inflammation; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Chronic Disease; United States; C-Reactive Protein; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex; Obesity; Young Adult; Body Mass Index; Aged; Feces
PubMed: 38934696
DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2024.2368851 -
MSystems Jun 2024The skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in human health by providing protective and functional benefits. Furthermore, its inherent stability and individual specificity...
The skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in human health by providing protective and functional benefits. Furthermore, its inherent stability and individual specificity present novel forensic applications. These aspects have sparked considerable research enthusiasm among scholars across various fields. However, the selection of specific 16S rRNA hypervariable regions for skin microbiome studies is not standardized and should be validated through extensive research tailored to different research objectives and targeted bacterial taxa. Notably, third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology leverages the full discriminatory power of the 16S gene and enables more detailed and accurate microbial community analyses. Here, we conducted full-length 16S sequencing of 141 skin microbiota samples from multiple human anatomical sites using the PacBio platform. Based on this data, we generated derived 16S sub-region data through an experiment. Comparisons between the 16S full-length and the derived variable region data revealed that the former can provide superior taxonomic resolution. However, even with full 16S gene sequencing, limitations arise in achieving 100% taxonomic resolution at the species level for skin samples. Additionally, the capability to resolve high-abundance bacteria (TOP30) at the genus level remains generally consistent across different 16S variable regions. Furthermore, the V1-V3 region offers a resolution comparable with that of full-length 16S sequences, in comparison to other hypervariable regions studied. In summary, while acknowledging the benefits of full-length 16S gene analysis, we propose the targeting of specific sub-regions as a practical choice for skin microbial research, especially when balancing the accuracy of taxonomic classification with limited sequencing resources, such as the availability of only short-read sequencing or insufficient DNA.IMPORTANCESkin acts as the primary barrier to human health. Considering the different microenvironments, microbial research should be conducted separately for different skin regions. Third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology can make full use of the discriminatory power of the full-length 16S gene. However, 16S sub-regions are widely used, particularly when faced with limited sequencing resources including the availability of only short-read sequencing and insufficient DNA. Comparing the 16S full-length and the derived variable region data from five different human skin sites, we confirmed the superiority of the V1-V3 region in skin microbiota analysis. We propose the targeting of specific sub-regions as a practical choice for microbial research.
PubMed: 38934545
DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00399-24 -
Indian Journal of Community Medicine :... 2024As undernutrition and anemia persist to be prevalent in India, the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups continue to take the greater brunt. Odisha is home to the...
BACKGROUND
As undernutrition and anemia persist to be prevalent in India, the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups continue to take the greater brunt. Odisha is home to the largest number of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in India. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive report on the undernutrition and anemia status of all the PVTGs of Odisha.
METHODS
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among (N = 1461, 683 males and 779 females) 13 PVTGs spread across 12 districts of Odisha from August 2018 to February 2019.
RESULTS
Among the under-five children, the prevalence of underweight was observed in 75.26%, stunting in 55.42%, and wasting in 60.00% and all forms of undernutrition were higher among girls. Among children and adolescents belonging to the age group of 5 to 19 years, the prevalence of thinness was 46.7%. In individuals above the age of 20, the prevalence of underweight among males was 37.7% and females was 44.3% and severe anemia was present in 36.5% of females and 35.8% of males. Women in the reproductive age have a higher prevalence of anemia.
CONCLUSION
The study shows that undernutrition and anemia remain high in the PVTGs, especially among the under-five children and women in the reproductive age. As the country heads toward fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030, national and state health policies need to be designed and implemented, giving special focus to these vulnerable groups.
PubMed: 38933794
DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_452_23