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ENeuro Jun 2024The zebrafish, a widely used model in neurobiology, relies on hearing in aquatic environments. Unfortunately, its auditory pathways have mainly been studied in larvae....
The zebrafish, a widely used model in neurobiology, relies on hearing in aquatic environments. Unfortunately, its auditory pathways have mainly been studied in larvae. In this study, we examined the involvement of the anterior tuberal nucleus (AT) in auditory processing in adult zebrafish. Our tract-tracing experiments revealed that the dorsal subdivision of AT is strongly bidirectionally connected to the central nucleus of the torus semicircularis (TSc), a major auditory nucleus in fishes. Immunohistochemical visualisation of the ribosomal protein S6 (pS6) phosphorylation to map neural activity in response to auditory stimulation substantiated this finding: the dorsal but not the ventral part of AT responded strongly to auditory stimulation. A similar response to auditory stimulation was present in the TSc but not in the nucleus isthmi (NI), a visual region, which we used as a control for testing if the pS6 activation was specific to the auditory stimulation. We also measured the time course of pS6 phosphorylation, which was previously unreported in teleost fish. After auditory stimulation, we found that pS6 phosphorylation peaked between 100-130 minutes and returned to baseline levels after 190 minutes. This information will be valuable for the design of future pS6 experiments. Our results suggest an anatomical and functional subdivision of AT, where only the dorsal part connects to the auditory network and processes auditory information. We investigated the involvement of the anterior tuberal nucleus in zebrafish in auditory processing. Our study revealed a functional and anatomical subdivision of this region. We show that its dorsal subdivision is strongly connected to the central nucleus of the torus semicircularis, a major auditory nucleus in fishes. pS6 phosphorylation, as an indirect marker of neuronal activity after auditory stimulation, substantiated that only the dorsal anterior tuberal nucleus, processes auditory information. We also show that after auditory stimulation, pS6 phosphorylation peaked between 100-130 minutes and returned to baseline levels after 190 minutes, providing valuable information for future studies.
PubMed: 38918052
DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0062-24.2024 -
Poultry Science Jun 2024This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on inflammatory responses and intestinal health of lipopolysaccharide...
This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on inflammatory responses and intestinal health of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. One hundred and forty-four 1-day-old male broiler chicks were divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates of 8 birds each. The groups were as follows: 1) Control group: birds fed a basal diet; 2) LPS group: LPS-challenged birds fed a basal diet; 3) CGA group: LPS-challenged birds fed a CGA-supplemented diet. The LPS was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight. CGA increased the weight gain and feed intake of LPS-challenged birds by 37.05% and 24.29%, respectively (P < 0.05). CGA also alleviated LPS-induced inflammation, as evidenced by lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and jejunum (tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6), and the decreased myeloperoxidase activity in the jejunum (P < 0.05). These effects were accompanied by a decrease in the mRNA abundance of toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 and an inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B translocation in the jejunum (P < 0.05). CGA reduced circulating diamine oxidase activity and levels of D-lactate and endotoxin, and positively regulated the expression of jejunal claudin-3 and zonula occludens-1 in LPS-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). Compared to the LPS group, CGA reduced the apoptotic rate of epithelial cells and cytochrome c concentration in the jejunum, and normalized the expression of genes responsible for proliferation and apoptosis in jejunal epithelial cells, including cysteine aspartate-specific protease-9, B cell lymphoma-2, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CGA normalized the altered phosphorylation of protein kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase-3β, as well as the translocation of nuclear β-catenin in the jejunum of LPS-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). These results suggested that CGA supplementation improved growth performance, alleviated inflammation, and helped maintain intestinal integrity and barrier function in LPS-challenged broilers, possibly through the regulation of the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B and protein kinase B/Wnt/β-catenin pathways.
PubMed: 38917604
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103949 -
JMIR Formative Research Jun 2024Meaning in life is positively associated with health, well-being, and longevity, which may be partially explained by engagement in healthier behaviors, including...
BACKGROUND
Meaning in life is positively associated with health, well-being, and longevity, which may be partially explained by engagement in healthier behaviors, including physical activity (PA). However, promoting awareness of meaning is a behavior change strategy that has not been tested in previous PA interventions.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to develop, refine, and pilot-test the Meaningful Activity Program (MAP; MAP to Health), a web-based mobile health PA intervention, theoretically grounded in meaning and self-determination theory, for insufficiently active middle-aged adults.
METHODS
Following an iterative user-testing and refinement phase, we used a single-arm double baseline proof-of-concept pilot trial design. Participants included 35 insufficiently active adults in midlife (aged 40-64 years) interested in increasing their PA. After a 4-week baseline period, participants engaged in MAP to Health for 8 weeks. MAP to Health used a web-based assessment and just-in-time SMS text messaging to individualize the intervention; promote meaning salience; support the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness; and increase PA. Participants completed measures of the hypothesized mechanisms of behavior change, including meaning salience, needs satisfaction, and autonomous motivation at pretest (-4 weeks), baseline (0 weeks), midpoint (4 weeks), and posttest (8 weeks) time points, and wore accelerometers for the study duration. At the end of the intervention, participants completed a qualitative interview. Mixed models compared changes in behavioral mechanisms during the intervention to changes before the intervention. Framework matrix analyses were used to analyze qualitative data.
RESULTS
Participants were aged 50.8 (SD 8.2) years on average; predominantly female (27/35, 77%); and 20% (7/35) Asian, 9% (3/35) Black or African American, 66% (23/35) White, and 6% (2/35) other race. Most (32/35, 91%) used MAP to Health for ≥5 of 8 weeks. Participants rated the intervention as easy to use (mean 4.3, SD 0.8 [out of 5.0]) and useful (mean 4.3, SD 0.6). None of the hypothesized mechanisms changed significantly during the preintervention phase (Cohen d values <0.15). However, autonomy (P<.001; Cohen d=0.76), competence (P<.001; Cohen d=0.65), relatedness (P=.004; Cohen d=0.46), autonomous motivation (P<.001; Cohen d=0.37), and meaning salience (P<.001; Cohen d=0.40) increased significantly during the intervention. Comparison of slopes before the intervention versus during the intervention revealed that increases during the intervention were significantly greater for autonomy (P=.002), competence (P<.001), and meaning salience (P=.001); however, slopes were not significantly different for relatedness (P=.10) and autonomous motivation (P=.17). Qualitative themes offered suggestions for improvement.
CONCLUSIONS
MAP to Health was acceptable to participants, feasible to deliver, and associated with increases in the target mechanisms of behavior change. This is the first intervention to use meaning as a behavior change strategy in a PA intervention. Future research will test the efficacy of the intervention in increasing PA compared to a control condition.
PubMed: 38917457
DOI: 10.2196/55722 -
PloS One 2024Previous research has indicated the suitability of behavioural activation (BA) as an intervention for reducing depression in older adults. However, little research has...
Previous research has indicated the suitability of behavioural activation (BA) as an intervention for reducing depression in older adults. However, little research has investigated the potential of BA to increase active engagement and well-being in older adults. The current pilot study sought to investigate the usefulness and acceptability of BA to promote well-being in a group of non-clinical older adults. Participants (N = 18) aged between 65 and 86 (M = 77.82, SD = 5.59) who were retired and living independently in the community were provided a 6-week BA program predominantly delivered online. Treatment retention, self-ratings, and participants' compliance to treatment principles indicate preliminary feasibility for the use of BA as an approach for increasing active engagement in older adult populations. Participants also provided feedback on their experiences with the program post-intervention via individual structured interviews. Thematic analysis of these data revealed that participants found the program to be beneficial in terms of increased self-awareness and social engagement, and provided several recommendations for improving acceptability of the program and workbook. The unexpected events relating to the first wave of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) led to necessary adaptations to delivery modalities, and provided the researchers with an opportunity to investigate the use of a structured well-being program on a high-risk population during a pandemic. Our findings support the proposition that BA is a suitable intervention for increasing engagement and well-being in older adults, provide insight into adapting programs for older adults, and suggest next steps for testing intervention efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Pilot Projects; Male; Female; Aged, 80 and over; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Depression; Behavior Therapy
PubMed: 38917213
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305908 -
PloS One 2024To review published Physical Activity (PA) on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents aged 5 to 18 years during COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures.
PROPOSE
To review published Physical Activity (PA) on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents aged 5 to 18 years during COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures.
METHODS
From the database creation to April 2022, 10 databases are retrieved, with 4427 records filtered, 14 included in this research. The research takes Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) evaluation standards.
RESULTS
The thesis selects 14 studies from 6 countries, involving 400009 children and adolescents. These studies happened during the lockdown of COVID-19 (from December 2019 to April 2021). During the lockdown of COVID-19, schools were closed, which was considered part of a more extensive lockdown. Schools were closed for 1 to 4 weeks. There were 10 high quality studies (71.4%) and 4 medium quality studies (28.6%). 4 studies report that the pandemic reduces the time of PA but increases the time of watching screen and sitting. 10 studies (71.4%) identify that PA is positive for the mental health, because it helps reduce mental symptoms to a certain extent, especially anxiety, depression, and emotional disorders. 5 studies show that PA may not improve the mental health of children and adolescents under 12 during the pandemic. 4 studies indicate that the influence of PA on mental health of children and adolescents is determined by the amount of activity, including the extent, intensity, frequency, and duration, etc.
CONCLUSIONS
In this narrative synthesis of reports from the class suspension period, reports that PA has a improve on the mental health of children and adolescents to a certain extent. it is found that PA may be helpful in reducing mental health symptoms of children and adolescents who are influenced by class suspension because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, stakeholders of the mental health of children and adolescents around the world should recommend PA because it is a practicable and beneficial way for long-term mental support.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Child; Adolescent; Mental Health; Exercise; Schools; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Child, Preschool; Anxiety; Quarantine
PubMed: 38917211
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299158 -
PloS One 2024Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with the highest regional burden in East Africa. Relapse and Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL)...
BACKGROUND
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with the highest regional burden in East Africa. Relapse and Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) contribute to the spread of VL in endemic areas, making their surveillance imperative for control and elimination. Little is known about long-term patient outcomes in Kenya through follow-up after VL treatment, despite its requirement for control and elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kenya Ministry of Health (KMOH).
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
36 follow-up patients in Tiaty East and West, sub-counties, Kenya, and records from 248 patients at the regional Chemolingot Sub-county Hospital (CSCH) were analyzed separately using Fisher's Exact Tests, two-sample t-tests, and Welch's t-tests in R (Version 4.3.0). The study found a prevalence rate of 88.89% (n = 32) final cure, 5.56% (n = 2) relapse, and 5.56% (n = 2) PKDL in follow-up patients and 92.74% (n = 230) initial cure, 6.86% (n = 17) relapse, and 0.80% (n = 2) PKDL in overall CSCH patients. The mean lengths of time at which follow-up patients relapsed and developed PKDL were 4.5 and 17 months, respectively. Young age (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.63-24.31), shorter length of time from initial treatment to follow-up (p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.03-∞), lower Hb level at primary treatment (p = 0.0002, 95% CI 1.23-3.24), and living in Tiaty East sub-county (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.00-1.43) were significantly associated (p<0.05) with VL relapse in follow-up study patients. Female sex (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.84-∞) and living in Tiaty East sub-county (p = 0.03, 95% CI 0.00-1.43) were significantly associated with PKDL in follow-up study patients.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
More research should be done on PKDL in Kenya with active follow-up to understand its true burden. These results on prevalence and risk factors for PKDL and relapse in Kenya should inform knowledge of patient outcomes and interventions in the region.
Topics: Humans; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Kenya; Male; Female; Adult; Recurrence; Adolescent; Follow-Up Studies; Child; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Child, Preschool; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Middle Aged; Antiprotozoal Agents; Prevalence
PubMed: 38917127
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306067 -
PloS One 2024Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans, primarily from underrepresented racial minority populations, and...
Study protocol for ADHERE (Applying Directly observed therapy to HydroxyurEa to Realize Effectiveness): Using small business partnerships to deliver a scalable and novel hydroxyurea adherence solution to youth with sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans, primarily from underrepresented racial minority populations, and results in costly, multi-organ complications. Hydroxyurea, the primary disease-modifying therapy for SCD, is effective at reducing most complications; however, adherence to hydroxyurea remains suboptimal and is the primary barrier to clinical effectiveness. Video directly observed therapy (VDOT) has shown promise as an adherence-promoting intervention for hydroxyurea, yet previous VDOT trials were limited by high attrition from gaps in technology access, use of unvalidated adherence measures, and healthcare system limitations of delivering VDOT to patients. As such, we fostered a small business partnership to compare VDOT for hydroxyurea to attention control to address previous shortcomings, promote equitable trial participation, and maximize scalability. VDOT will be administered by Scene Health (formerly emocha Health) and adherence monitoring will be performed using a novel electronic adherence monitor developed to meet the unique needs of the target population. Adolescent and young adult patients as well as caregivers of younger patients (<11 years of age) will be recruited. In addition to visit incentives, all participants will be offered a smartphone with a data plan to ensure all participants have equal opportunity to complete study activities. The primary objectives of this pilot, multi-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT) are to assess retention and sustained engagement and to explore needs and preferences for longer-term adherence monitoring and interventions. This RCT is registered with the National Institutes of Health (NCT06264700). Findings will inform a future efficacy RCT applying VDOT to hydroxyurea to address adherence gaps and improve outcomes within this vulnerable population.
Topics: Humans; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Hydroxyurea; Adolescent; Child; Medication Adherence; Young Adult; Antisickling Agents; Male; Female; Adult
PubMed: 38917111
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304644 -
PloS One 2024This study aimed to understand the health of workers exposed to occupational noise and explore the influencing factors related to workers' health, especially the impact...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to understand the health of workers exposed to occupational noise and explore the influencing factors related to workers' health, especially the impact of noise on workers' hearing. This work can provide a basis for formulating relevant measures for occupational noise prevention and control in the future.
METHODS
On the basis of the key occupational disease monitoring project in Chongqing, China, in 2021, the data of 1125 workers exposed to occupational noise were analyzed. Data included demographic information, occupational history, clinical physical examination information, and noise detection information of the working environment. Chi-square test and multifactorial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
The prevalence rates of abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure (BP), and pure tone audiometry (PTA) were 21.9% (246/1125), 27.8% (313/1125), and 18.0% (202/1125), respectively. Male workers accounted for 78.8%. Compared with male workers, female workers had a lower prevalence of abnormal PTA (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.16-0.50). Workers working in medium enterprises had a lower prevalence of abnormal BP than workers in micro enterprises (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.19-0.66). The prevalence of abnormal BP and PTA of workers increased with age. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, the prevalence of abnormal ECG of mining workers was higher than that of manufacturing workers (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.07-2.24), and the prevalence of abnormal PTA had a rising trend with the increase in noise exposure value.
CONCLUSION
Noise-exposed workers have a high prevalence of abnormal ECG, BP, and PTA, and factors such as age, enterprise size, and workplace noise exposure are correlated with the aberrant health of workers. Governments, enterprises, and individuals need to attach great importance to the possible adverse effects of noise. They must also actively adopt various effective measures to protect the occupational safety and health of workers.
Topics: Humans; Noise, Occupational; Male; China; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Prevalence; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Blood Pressure; Occupational Diseases; Electrocardiography; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Young Adult
PubMed: 38917109
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305576 -
PloS One 2024To evaluate the association between psoriasis (PSO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and periodontitis (PE), and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) impacts on...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between psoriasis (PSO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and periodontitis (PE), and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) impacts on individuals with psoriatic disease's daily activities compared to the non-psoriatic ones.
MATERIALS & METHODS
296 individuals with psoriatic disease (PSO n = 210, APS n = 86) (cases) and 359 without these diseases (controls) were included. Complete periodontal examinations and collection of variables of interest were performed. The Brazilian version of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) instrument was applied.
RESULTS
The prevalence of PE was higher in PsA (57.0%; OR = 2.67 95%CI 1.65-4.32; p<0.001) than in PSO (34.3%; OR = 1.05 95% CI 0.73-1.51; p<0.001) compared to controls (33.1%). Both PsA and PSO groups showed more sites and teeth with 4-6mm probing depth (PD) and had higher OIDP scores than controls (p<0.001), thus indicating worse self-reported quality of life. PE, PSO+PE and consumption of alcohol/anxiolytics significantly influenced OHRQoL (p<0.05). The influence of periodontal parameters on OHRQoL was observed for the presence of PE; PD >6 mm; clinical attachment level >6 mm; higher plaque index, % sites and teeth with bleeding on probing (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Negative impacts of PE on the OHRQoL were demonstrated. The ones having PSO and especially PsA and PE presented significantly worse indicators.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Arthritis, Psoriatic; Oral Health; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Psoriasis; Adult; Periodontitis; Brazil; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 38917108
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301158 -
PloS One 2024Participants between the ages of 10-86 years old were vaccinated with split-inactivated influenza vaccine (Fluzone®) in six consecutive influenza seasons from 2016-2017...
Participants between the ages of 10-86 years old were vaccinated with split-inactivated influenza vaccine (Fluzone®) in six consecutive influenza seasons from 2016-2017 to 2021-2022. Vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season as a result of both host immune responses as well as evolutionary changes in the influenza virus surface glycoproteins that provide challenges to vaccine manufacturers to produce more effective annual vaccines. Next generation influenza vaccines are in development and may provide protective immune responses against a broader number of influenza viruses and reduce the need for annual vaccination. An improved understanding how current influenza vaccines are influenced by human host immune responses in people of different ages and co-morbidities is necessary for designing the next-generation of 'universal' or broadly-protective influenza vaccines. Overall, pre-existing immune responses to previous influenza virus exposures, either by past infections or vaccinations, is a critical factor influencing host responses to seasonal influenza vaccination. Participants vaccinated in consecutive seasons had reduced serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) activity against strains included in the vaccine compared to participants that had not been vaccinated in the preceding 1-2 years prior to entering this study. The magnitude and breadth of these antibody responses were also modulated by the age of the participant. Elderly participants over 65 years of age, in general, had lower pre-existing HAI titers each season prior to vaccination with lower post-vaccination titers compared to children or young adults under the age of 35. The administration of higher doses (HD) of the split-inactivated vaccine enhanced the antibody titers in the elderly. This report showcases 6 consecutive years of antibody HAI activity in human subjects receiving seasonal split-inactivated influenza vaccine.
Topics: Humans; Influenza Vaccines; Adult; Aged; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Child; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Influenza, Human; Antibodies, Viral; Female; Young Adult; Seasons; Vaccines, Inactivated; Vaccination; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; Longitudinal Studies
PubMed: 38917104
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301157