-
NeuroImage Jun 2024High-order interactions are required across brain regions to accomplish specific cognitive functions. These functional interdependencies are reflected by synergistic...
Changes in high-order interaction measures of synergy and redundancy during non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by meditation, hypnosis, and auto-induced cognitive trance.
High-order interactions are required across brain regions to accomplish specific cognitive functions. These functional interdependencies are reflected by synergistic information that can be obtained by combining the information from all the sources considered and redundant information (i.e., common information provided by all the sources). However, electroencephalogram (EEG) functional connectivity is limited to pairwise interactions thereby precluding the estimation of high-order interactions. In this multicentric study, we used measures of synergistic and redundant information to study in parallel the high-order interactions between five EEG electrodes during three non-ordinary states of consciousness (NSCs): Rajyoga meditation (RM), hypnosis, and auto-induced cognitive trance (AICT). We analyzed EEG data from 22 long-term Rajyoga meditators, nine volunteers undergoing hypnosis, and 21 practitioners of AICT. We here report the within-group changes in synergy and redundancy for each NSC in comparison with their respective baseline. During RM, synergy increased at the whole brain level in the delta and theta bands. Redundancy decreased in frontal, right central, and posterior electrodes in delta, and frontal, central, and posterior electrodes in beta1 and beta2 bands. During hypnosis, synergy decreased in mid-frontal, temporal, and mid-centro-parietal electrodes in the delta band. The decrease was also observed in the beta2 band in the left frontal and right parietal electrodes. During AICT, synergy decreased in delta and theta bands in left-frontal, right-frontocentral, and posterior electrodes. The decrease was also observed at the whole brain level in the alpha band. However, redundancy changes during hypnosis and AICT were not significant. The subjective reports of absorption and dissociation during hypnosis and AICT, as well as the mystical experience questionnaires during AICT, showed no correlation with the high-order measures. The proposed study is the first exploratory attempt to utilize the concepts of synergy and redundancy in NSCs. The differences in synergy and redundancy during different NSCs warrant further studies to relate the extracted measures with the phenomenology of the NSCs.
Topics: Humans; Hypnosis; Male; Meditation; Female; Electroencephalography; Adult; Consciousness; Middle Aged; Brain; Young Adult
PubMed: 38670442
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120623 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024As the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) strategizes towards the final steps of eradication, routine immunization schedules evolve, and high-quality vaccination... (Review)
Review
As the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) strategizes towards the final steps of eradication, routine immunization schedules evolve, and high-quality vaccination campaigns and surveillance systems remain essential. New tools are consistently being developed, such as the novel oral poliovirus vaccine to combat outbreaks more sustainably, as well as non-infectiously manufactured vaccines such as virus-like particle vaccines to eliminate the risk of resurgence of polio on the eve of a polio-free world. As the GPEI inches towards eradication, re-strategizing in the face of evolving challenges and preparing for unknown risks in the post-certification era are critical.
PubMed: 38668278
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040323 -
International Journal of Exercise... 2024The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a newly developed test that assesses the combat readiness of U.S. Army soldiers. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to...
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a newly developed test that assesses the combat readiness of U.S. Army soldiers. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine if VO can predict performance outcomes of the ACFT in ROTC cadets. This understanding can provide a better understanding of the aerobic demands of the ACFT. Cadets (50 males, 14 females; aged 21.43 ± 4.10 years) completed the 6-event ACFT (maximum trap-bar deadlift [MDL], standing power throw [SPT], hand-release pushups [HRPU], sprint-drag-carry shuttle run [SDC], plank [PLK], and 2-mile run [2MR]). The cadets conducted a maximal treadmill running test following the Bruce protocol. The ability of VO (mL·kg·min) to predict ACFT performance was determined with a linear regression model. Significance was set at < 0.05. VO was significantly and positively correlated to MDL ( = .253, = .044), HRPU ( = .486, < .001), SDC ( = .495, < .001), PLK ( = .628, < .001) 2MR ( = .612, < .001) and overall ACFT score ( = .619, < .001) but not SPT ( = .203, = .108). VO significantly explained 38% ( < .001) of the variance on the total ACFT scores with a beta coefficient of 4.338. There is a gap in understanding how VO impacts performance in the newly implemented ACFT. For every 1 mL·kg·min increase in VO, ACFT total scores increased by 4 points. These findings support the need for further research due to the trends of U.S. Army personnel failing the 2MR, which can be associated with an insufficient aerobic capacity.
PubMed: 38665860
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Exercise... 2024The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is used to evaluate the fitness level of potential Cadets for military readiness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the...
UNLABELLED
The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is used to evaluate the fitness level of potential Cadets for military readiness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the exercise training program implemented by an Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program to gauge the performance metrics of the ACFT.
METHODS
Twenty-six student Cadets of the ROTC at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) program participated in the study. Over an 8-month period, the ROTC Cadets trained on campus three days per week. Training was performed in a circuit training format and each participant cycled through each of the four training stations (Strength, Conditioning, Core, and Endurance) for 15 minutes each session (for a total training time of 60 minutes). Each Cadet had body mass and body composition assessed as well as each component of the ACFT [maximum dead lift (MDL), standing power throw (SPT), hand release push-up (HRP), sprint-drag-carry (SDC), leg tuck/plank (LTK/PLK), and 2-mile run (2MR)]. Each variable was evaluated at three time points (pre-, mid-, and post-training program).
RESULTS
There was a significant difference in the 2MR score between time points [F(2,50) = 4.530, = .016, = 0.153] with a significant difference between time point at pre- and post-training ( = .02). No other variables displayed a significant change: body mass ( = .741), body fat percentage ( = .238), MDL ( = .061), SPT ( = .308), HRP ( = .126), SDC ( = 0.132), LTK/PLK ( = 0.583).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that the short-term training program used improves 2MR, but not other components of the ACFT over the course of an academic year.
PubMed: 38665851
DOI: No ID Found -
FEMS Microbiology Ecology May 2024Cyanobacterial mats are commonly reported as hotspots of microbial diversity across polar environments. These thick, multilayered microbial communities provide a refuge...
Cyanobacterial mats are commonly reported as hotspots of microbial diversity across polar environments. These thick, multilayered microbial communities provide a refuge from extreme environmental conditions, with many species able to grow and coexist despite the low allochthonous nutrient inputs. The visibly dominant phototrophic biomass is dependent on internal nutrient recycling by heterotrophic organisms within the mats; however, the specific contribution of heterotrophic protists remains little explored. In this study, mat community diversity was examined along a latitudinal gradient (55-83°N), spanning subarctic taiga, tundra, polar desert, and the High Arctic ice shelves. The prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities were targeted, respectively, by V4 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and V9 18S rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic richness decreased, in tandem with decreasing temperatures and shorter seasons of light availability, from the subarctic to the High Arctic. Taxonomy-based annotation of the protist community revealed diverse phototrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic genera in all mat communities, with fewer parasitic taxa in High Arctic communities. Co-occurrence network analysis identified greater heterogeneity in eukaryotic than prokaryotic community structure among cyanobacterial mats across the Canadian Arctic. Our findings highlight the sensitivity of microbial eukaryotes to environmental gradients across northern high latitudes.
Topics: Arctic Regions; Cyanobacteria; Canada; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Biodiversity; Microbiota; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Tundra
PubMed: 38653723
DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae067 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Apr 2024Conservative management is recommended as the first therapeutic step in chronic low back pain (LBP), but there is no available evidence regarding the possible effect of...
BACKGROUND
Conservative management is recommended as the first therapeutic step in chronic low back pain (LBP), but there is no available evidence regarding the possible effect of patients' baseline characteristics on the therapeutic outcomes. A systematic review of the literature was performed to investigate this point.
METHODS
In February 2024, all the level I studies investigating the role of pharmacological management for chronic LBP were accessed. Data concerning the patient demographic at baseline were collected: number of patients and related mean BMI and age, duration of the symptoms, duration of the follow-up, percentage of females, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The outcomes at the last follow-up were evaluated through NRS, RMQ, and ODI. A multiple linear model regression diagnostic through the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) was used.
RESULTS
Data from 47 articles (9007 patients) were obtained. The analysis yielded the following significant associations: age at baseline and NRS at follow-up (r = - 0.22; P = 0.04), NRS at baseline with NRS (r = 0.26; P = 0.03) and RMQ (r = - 0.58; P = 0.02) at follow-up, RMQ at baseline and the same at follow-up (r = 0.69; P = 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
Older age, higher BMI, presence of comorbidities, higher ODI and a long history of symptoms or surgical treatments do not reduce the efficacy of pharmacological management of chronic LBP. However, pharmacological therapy is not an effective option for patients with high baseline RMQ.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
I systematic review of RCTs.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Pain; Conservative Treatment; Disability Evaluation; Low Back Pain; Pain Measurement; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38637804
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04741-9 -
PloS One 2024This study compared marginal and conditional modeling approaches for identifying individual, park and neighborhood park use predictors. Data were derived from the...
This study compared marginal and conditional modeling approaches for identifying individual, park and neighborhood park use predictors. Data were derived from the ParkIndex study, which occurred in 128 block groups in Brooklyn (New York), Seattle (Washington), Raleigh (North Carolina), and Greenville (South Carolina). Survey respondents (n = 320) indicated parks within one half-mile of their block group used within the past month. Parks (n = 263) were audited using the Community Park Audit Tool. Measures were collected at the individual (park visitation, physical activity, sociodemographic characteristics), park (distance, quality, size), and block group (park count, population density, age structure, racial composition, walkability) levels. Generalized linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations were used. Ten-fold cross validation compared predictive performance of models. Conditional and marginal models identified common park use predictors: participant race, participant education, distance to parks, park quality, and population >65yrs. Additionally, the conditional mode identified park size as a park use predictor. The conditional model exhibited superior predictive value compared to the marginal model, and they exhibited similar generalizability. Future research should consider conditional and marginal approaches for analyzing health behavior data and employ cross-validation techniques to identify instances where marginal models display superior or comparable performance.
Topics: Humans; Recreation; Exercise; Residence Characteristics; Surveys and Questionnaires; South Carolina; Parks, Recreational; Environment Design
PubMed: 38626162
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301549 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Amphiphilic fluorocarbon substances are a trending topic of research due to their wide range of applications accompanied by an alarming environmental and health impact....
Amphiphilic fluorocarbon substances are a trending topic of research due to their wide range of applications accompanied by an alarming environmental and health impact. In order to predict their fate in the environment, use them more economically, develop new water treatment methods, etc., a better understanding of their physicochemical behavior is required. Their hydrophobicity in water/oil systems is particularly sensitive to one key thermodynamic parameter: the free energy of transfer of a perfluoromethylene group from oil to water. However, for the -CF- moiety, the transfer energy values reported in the literature vary by more than ±25%. Due to the exponential relationship between this energy and the adsorption constants or the partition coefficients, such an uncertainty can lead to orders of magnitude error in the predicted distribution of fluorinated species. We address this problem by presenting an experimental determination of the hydrophobic effect of a -CF- moiety with a greater certainty than currently available. The transfer energy is determined by measuring the interfacial tension of water|hexane for aqueous solutions of short-chained fluorotelomer alcohols. The obtained results for the free energy of transfer of a -CF- moiety from oil to water are 1.68±0.02×RT0, 1.75±0.02×RT0, and 1.88±0.02×RT0 at 288.15 K, 293.15 K, and 303.15 K, respectively.
PubMed: 38611701
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071421 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports Apr 2024Keloid is a burdensome condition that negatively affects patient's quality of life. It is influenced by a spectrum of risk factors, including tension. We propose an...
Keloid is a burdensome condition that negatively affects patient's quality of life. It is influenced by a spectrum of risk factors, including tension. We propose an approach to address the tension-free closure and optimize surgical outcomes in neck keloid. A retrospective review of neck keloid patients who underwent surgical treatment between 2014 and 2022 was performed. Five patients underwent surgical interventions. Two patients had sufficient and three had insufficient tissue redundancy. The former underwent keloid excision with tension-free closure. The latter underwent keloid excision with full thickness skin graft for tension-free closure. One patient required re-excision with free flap coverage. All patients received postoperative low dose radiation. All patients were satisfied with the results and there were no signs of keloid recurrence during the follow-up period. Tension during closure following keloid excision is a modifiable risk factor. An appropriate algorithm providing tension-free closure can minimize the recurrence.
PubMed: 38605696
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae222 -
PloS One 2024This study investigates whether publicly funded summer school programs in secondary education are of substantive meaning for the math performance of students from lower...
This study investigates whether publicly funded summer school programs in secondary education are of substantive meaning for the math performance of students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. More specifically, we explore whether this is the case when the summer programs are not explicitly aimed at low-SES students. In this context, we investigate whether summer schools in the Netherlands can decrease inequalities of opportunities in education. We use administrative data from Dutch secondary schools. To analyse the effect of the intervention we apply a Difference-in-Difference analysis in combination with matching estimation techniques. The results indicate that there is an overall modest effect of participation in a summer school. When analysing the SES groups separately, we observe a positive effect of participation for all three SES groups. However, the effect seems less strong for participants in the lowest and middle SES group compared to the highest SES group.
Topics: Humans; Schools; Ethnicity; Students; Netherlands
PubMed: 38603721
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302060