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Respiratory Care Jun 2024This study aimed to describe the use of pressured metered dose inhalers (pMDI) and dry powder inhalers (DPI) in Spanish patients in terms of socio-demographic,...
This study aimed to describe the use of pressured metered dose inhalers (pMDI) and dry powder inhalers (DPI) in Spanish patients in terms of socio-demographic, clinical, and functional characteristics in patients with asthma or COPD on maintenance treatment with inhaled therapy. A retrospective, descriptive, national, multicentre, and observational study using a database with 1.8 million patients from hospitals and primary care centers as a secondary information source. The sample included 24,102 subjects with asthma on maintenance therapy (26.0% with pMDI, 54.9% with DPI, and 19.0% with a combination of DPI + pMDI inhalers) and 12,858 subjects with COPD on maintenance therapy (26.1% with pMDI, 38.7% with DPI and 35.2% with a combination of pMDI + DPI inhalers, mostly extemporary triple therapy). In proportion, subjects ≥ 75 years old use more pMDI than DPI, while younger subjects (40-64 years old) use more DPI. An inhalation chamber was prescribed in 51.0% of asthma subjects and 47.2% of COPD subjects treated with pMDI. The use of an inhalation chamber increases with the degree of airflow limitation by disease and age. In subjects with comorbidities, pMDI inhaler use increased in those ≥75 years old for asthma and COPD subjects. Switching from pMDI to DPI and vice versa was relatively common: 25.5% of asthma subjects and 21.9% of COPD subjects treated with pMDI had switched from DPI in the previous year. On the contrary, 14.1% and 11.7% of asthma and COPD patients treated with DPI had switched from pMDI the last year. The use of pMDI or DPI can vary according to age, both in asthma and COPD. Switching from pMDI to DPI and vice versa is relatively common. Despite the availability of dual and triple therapy inhalers on the market, a considerable number of subjects were treated with multiple devices.
PubMed: 38906702
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.11643 -
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: Female; Humans; Male; Akkermansia; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Dysbiosis; Feces; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Lung Neoplasms; Metagenomics; Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
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 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2024Labuan, Miri, Kundasang and Raub regions of Malaysia have very different geological formations and settings that could result in different levels of natural...
Labuan, Miri, Kundasang and Raub regions of Malaysia have very different geological formations and settings that could result in different levels of natural radioactivity. Hence, this study determines the influence of different geological formations on radioactivity in these locations using field measurements, petrology and geochemistry. A total of 141 gamma dose rates and 227 beta flux measurements were collected using Polimaster survey meters (PM1405) in these four regions. The gamma dose rate values range from 0.37 to 0.05 µSv/h with a mean value of 0.11 µSv/h. Beta flux values range from 3.46 to 0.12 CPS with a mean value of 0.57 CPS. Mineralogy and elemental composition of the different rock types were analysed using thin-section petrography, XRD, ICP and pXRF methods. Felsic igneous rocks such as syenite and granite have higher natural radioactivity and contain more radionuclide-bearing minerals such as apatite, zircon, allanite, K-feldspar, titanite, muscovite and biotite. Metamorphic rocks have the second highest natural radioactivity and contain fewer radioactive minerals. The natural radioactivity of sedimentary rocks mostly depends on their clay content. The gamma dose rate maps show that igneous and metamorphic regions around Raub have higher radioactivity compared to the sedimentary-dominated regions around Miri and Labuan. Annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were calculated to evaluate the potential health risk for inhabitants of these regions. Labuan and Miri are considered to be safe zones with respect to natural radioactivity as the results show little to no risk for the public, compared with the Raub region, which is medium to high risk.
PubMed: 38902441
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33906-6 -
Phlebology Jun 2024The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence of chronic venous disease (CVD) of lower limbs in young men at high-altitude in Xizang, and to provide prevention...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence of chronic venous disease (CVD) of lower limbs in young men at high-altitude in Xizang, and to provide prevention measures.
METHODS
The convenient sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among males aged 18 to 40 above an altitude of 3000 meters in Xizang in April 2023. The contents of the questionnaire included basic information, symptoms of CVD of lower limbs, protection status and training needs. Multivariate logistic regression model was calculated to evaluate the risk factors for CVD.
RESULTS
A total of 350 survey questionnaires were received, and 326 valid samples were collected. The prevalence of CVD of lower limbs (C1-C6) was 37.42% (95%CI: 32.17%-42.68%), the ratio of C0 to C5 were 62.58%, 27.30%, 3.07%, 4.60%, 2.15% and 0.31%, respectively, no one reached C6. The top three symptoms of CVD were lower limb fatigue (18.10%), heaviness (15.34%) and pain (13.19%). 46.01% of respondents were unaware of CVD, and 12.88% of respondents did not have any protective measures of CVD. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (OR = 1.076, 95%CI: 1.018-1.137, = .009), preference for spicy food (OR = 1.747, 95%CI: 1.083-2.818, = .022), unbalanced diet (OR = 1.877, 95%CI: 1.049-3.358, = .034) and physical exercise (OR 0.610, 95%CI: 0.377-0.986, = .044) were the independent risk factors for CVD.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provided data on the prevalence of CVD in young men at high-altitude and the risk factors for CVD. The findings of this study may facilitate the development of individualized clinical assessments and targeted prevention programs.
PubMed: 38901455
DOI: 10.1177/02683555241263920 -
Journal of Radiological Protection :... Jul 2024During the operation of high energy accelerators activated materials are commonly created. The activity and isotopes present in these materials must be characterised for...
During the operation of high energy accelerators activated materials are commonly created. The activity and isotopes present in these materials must be characterised for their clearance and release from the facility, or to ascertain their duration of stay in a radiological storage area. An activity estimate method using a gamma detecting GR-135 survey meter, which has the ability to collect an energy spectrum, is presented. Using several reference radioactive sources the detection efficiency and dead time of the survey meter were characterised. This information combined with the physical properties of the survey meter, the counting time and the properties of the measured photon energy emissions can be used to calculate an accurate activity estimate for localised activation on accelerator components, or loose contamination on isolated waste materials.
Topics: Gamma Rays; Radioisotopes; Radiation Monitoring; Equipment Design; Spectrometry, Gamma; Radiation Dosage; Particle Accelerators
PubMed: 38901408
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ad5a17 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Jun 2024Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis and it can lead to activity limitations. Thus, it is important to analyze the relationship between...
BACKGROUND
Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis and it can lead to activity limitations. Thus, it is important to analyze the relationship between fatigue and activity outcomes, such as walking speed and mobility.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the relationship between fatigue and walking speed and mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed. Adults with multiple sclerosis, without cognitive impairments and who were able to walk were recruited. Fatigue was assessed with the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Walking speed, usual and fast, was assessed with the 10-meter Walk Test (10MWT), and mobility with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Pearson correlation analysis was performed. A significance level of 5 % was used.
RESULTS
Thirty participants were included, most of the relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (n = 24, 80 %). A mean age of 41 (11) years and the median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 2.65 (2.18) points. Mean MFIS score was 41.87 ± 19.42 points, mean usual walking speed was 1.02 ± 0.28 m/s, mean fast walking speed was 1.55 ± 0.48 m/s, and the mean total time in the TUG was 10.07 ± 3.05 s. A significant negative correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and usual walking speed (r=₋0.51, p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and fast walking speed (r=₋0.54, p < 0.05). A significant, positive correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and mobility (r = 0.54, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
There was a correlation between fatigue and walking speed and mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis. These results highlight the need to assess fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis, since the presence of fatigue is associated with reduced walking speed and mobility.
PubMed: 38901370
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105714 -
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