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PloS One 2024The human microbiome plays a crucial role in determining our well-being and can significantly influence human health. The individualized nature of the microbiome may...
The human microbiome plays a crucial role in determining our well-being and can significantly influence human health. The individualized nature of the microbiome may reveal host-specific information about the health state of the subject. In particular, the microbiome is an ecosystem shaped by a tangled network of species-species and host-species interactions. Thus, analysis of the ecological balance of microbial communities can provide insights into these underlying interrelations. However, traditional methods for network analysis require many samples, while in practice only a single-time-point microbial sample is available in clinical screening. Recently, a method for the analysis of a single-time-point sample, which evaluates its 'network impact' with respect to a reference cohort, has been applied to analyze microbial samples from women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Here, we introduce different variations of the network impact approach and systematically study their performance using simulated 'samples' fabricated via the Generalized Lotka-Volttera model of ecological dynamics. We show that the network impact of a single sample captures the effect of the interactions between the species, and thus can be applied to anomaly detection of shuffled samples, which are 'normal' in terms of species abundance but 'abnormal' in terms of species-species interrelations. In addition, we demonstrate the use of the network impact in binary and multiclass classifications, where the reference cohorts have similar abundance profiles but different species-species interactions. Individualized analysis of the human microbiome has the potential to improve diagnosis and personalized treatments.
Topics: Humans; Microbiota; Female; Pregnancy; Diabetes, Gestational
PubMed: 38814902
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301683 -
Advances in Physiology Education May 2024The movement of air into and out of the lungs is facilitated by changes in pressure within the thoracic cavity relative to atmospheric pressure, as well as the...
The movement of air into and out of the lungs is facilitated by changes in pressure within the thoracic cavity relative to atmospheric pressure, as well as the resistance encountered by airways. In this process, the movement of air into and out of the lungs is driven by pressure gradients established by changes in lung volume and intra-alveolar pressure. However, pressure never sucks! The concept that pressure never sucks, pressure only pushes encapsulates a fundamental principle in the behavior of gases. This concept challenges common misconceptions about pressure, shedding light on the dynamic forces that govern the movement of gases. In this Illumination, we explore the essence of this concept and its applications in pulmonary ventilation. Pressure is one of the most important concepts in physics and physiology. Atmospheric pressure at sea level is equal to 1 atmosphere, or around 101,325 Pascal [Pa (1 Pa = 1 N/m2)]. This huge pressure is pushing down on everything all the time. However, this pressure is difficult to understand because we do not often observe the power of this incredible force. We used five readily available, simple, and inexpensive demonstrations to introduce the physics and power of pressure. This extraordinarily complex physics concept was approached in a straightforward and inexpensive manner while still providing an understanding of the fundamental concepts. These simple demonstrations introduced basic concepts and addressed common misconceptions about pressure.
PubMed: 38813605
DOI: 10.1152/advan.00066.2024 -
Dialogues in Health Jun 2024During the COVID-19 pandemic there was a plethora of dynamical forecasting models created, but their ability to effectively describe future trajectories of disease was...
BACKGROUND
During the COVID-19 pandemic there was a plethora of dynamical forecasting models created, but their ability to effectively describe future trajectories of disease was mixed. A major challenge in evaluating future case trends was forecasting the behavior of individuals. When behavior was incorporated into models, it was primarily incorporated exogenously (e.g., fitting to cellphone mobility data). Fewer models incorporated behavior endogenously (e.g., dynamically changing a model parameter throughout the simulation).
METHODS
This review aimed to qualitatively characterize models that included an adaptive (endogenous) behavioral element in the context of COVID-19 transmission. We categorized studies into three approaches: 1) feedback loops, 2) game theory/utility theory, and 3) information/opinion spread.
FINDINGS
Of the 92 included studies, 72% employed a feedback loop, 27% used game/utility theory, and 9% used a model if information/opinion spread. Among all studies, 89% used a compartmental model alone or in combination with other model types. Similarly, 15% used a network model, 11% used an agent-based model, 7% used a system dynamics model, and 1% used a Markov chain model. Descriptors of behavior change included mask-wearing, social distancing, vaccination, and others. Sixty-eight percent of studies calibrated their model to observed data and 25% compared simulated forecasts to observed data. Forty-one percent of studies compared versions of their model with and without endogenous behavior. Models with endogenous behavior tended to show a smaller and delayed initial peak with subsequent periodic waves.
INTERPRETATION
While many COVID-19 models incorporated behavior exogenously, these approaches may fail to capture future adaptations in human behavior, resulting in under- or overestimates of disease burden. By incorporating behavior endogenously, the next generation of infectious disease models could more effectively predict outcomes so that decision makers can better prepare for and respond to epidemics.
FUNDING
This study was funded in-part by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (1U01CK000536), the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant (2229996), and the NSF grant (2200256).
PubMed: 38813579
DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2024.100179 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Based on Social Identity Theory, this study hypothesized the parallel mediating roles of organizational commitment, and commitment to beneficiaries, in the relationship...
INTRODUCTION
Based on Social Identity Theory, this study hypothesized the parallel mediating roles of organizational commitment, and commitment to beneficiaries, in the relationship between relational job design and future volunteer intentions among episodic volunteers at a mega sport event. Perceived organizational support was tested as a moderator of this relationship.
METHODS
Participants were 617 episodic volunteers (35.7% male and 64.3% female) at the 7th CISM Military World Games in Wuhan, China, who completed online questionnaires.
RESULTS
Regression-based analyses indicated that relational job design positively predicted future volunteer intentions through organizational commitment. Although the results did not indicate a mediating role of commitment to beneficiaries, relational job design was still shown to positively predict commitment to beneficiaries. Furthermore, the association between relational job design and commitment to beneficiaries was moderated by perceived organizational support, such the effect was stronger when perceived organizational support was high.
DISCUSSION
The results have practical implications for strengthening episodic volunteers' intentions to participate in future mega sport events, creating a legacy of volunteerism.
PubMed: 38813569
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1302316 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2023Heavy-ion irradiation seriously perturbs cellular homeostasis and thus damages cells. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) play an important role in the pathological process...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Heavy-ion irradiation seriously perturbs cellular homeostasis and thus damages cells. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) play an important role in the pathological process of radiation damage. Protecting ECs from heavy-ion radiation is of great significance in the radioprotection of normal tissues. In this study, the radioprotective effect of β-D-glucan (BG) derived from on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (EA.hy926) cytotoxicity produced by carbon-ion irradiation was examined and the probable mechanism was established.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
EA.hy926 cells were divided into seven groups: a control group; 1, 2, or 4 Gy radiation; and 10 μg/mL BG pretreatment for 24 h before 1, 2, or 4 Gy irradiation. Cell survival was assessed by colony formation assay. Cell cycles, apoptosis, DNA damage, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured through flow cytometry. The level of malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzyme activities were analyzed using assay kits. The activation of NF-κB was analyzed using western blotting and a transcription factor assay kit. The expression of downstream target genes was detected by western blotting.
RESULTS
BG pretreatment significantly increased the survival of irradiated cells, improved cell cycle progression, and decreased DNA damage and apoptosis. The levels of ROS and malondialdehyde were also decreased by BG. Further study indicated that BG increased the antioxidant enzyme activities, activated Src, and promoted NF-κB activation, especially for the p65, p50, and RelB subunits. The activated NF-κB upregulated the expression of antioxidant protein MnSOD, DNA damage-response and repair-related proteins BRCA2 and Hsp90α, and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2.
CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrated that BG protects EA.hy926 cells from high linear-energy-transfer carbon-ion irradiation damage through the upregulation of prosurvival signaling triggered by the interaction of BG with its receptor. This confirms that BG is a promising radioprotective agent for heavy-ion exposure.
Topics: Humans; NF-kappa B; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Apoptosis; Cell Survival; DNA Damage; Reactive Oxygen Species; beta-Glucans; Radiation-Protective Agents
PubMed: 38813508
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5731 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1217037.].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1217037.].
PubMed: 38813378
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1421603 -
Heliyon May 2024Since the clock of antimicrobial resistance was set, modern medicine has shed light on a new cornerstone in technology to overcome the worldwide dread of the...
Since the clock of antimicrobial resistance was set, modern medicine has shed light on a new cornerstone in technology to overcome the worldwide dread of the post-antimicrobial era. Research organizations are exploring the use of nanotechnology to modify metallic crystals from macro to nanoscale size, demonstrating significant interest in the field of antimicrobials. Herein, the antimicrobial activities of aluminum oxide (AlO), cobalt aluminum oxide (CoAlO), and aluminum doped zinc oxide (ZnAlO) nanoparticles were examined against some nosocomial pathogens. The study confirmed the formation and characterization of AlO, CoAlO, and ZnAlO nanoparticles using various techniques, revealing the generation of pure nanoscale nanoparticles. With inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 14 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations varying from 4 mg/mL to 16 mg/mL, the produced nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activity against , , , and . Meanwhile, the bactericidal concentrations ranged from 8 mg/mL to 40 mg/mL. In culture, ZnAlO NPs demonstrated a unique ability to inhibit the development of nosocomial infections with high bactericidal activity (8 mg/mL). Transmission electron microscope images revealed changes in cell shape, bacterial cell wall morphology, cytoplasmic membrane, and protoplasm due to the introduction of tested nanoparticles. These results pave the way for the use of these easily bacterial wall-piercing nanoparticles in combination with potent antibiotics to overcome the majority of bacterial strains' resistance.
PubMed: 38813232
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31462 -
Heliyon May 2024Galactomannans (GM) are hemicellulosic polysaccharides composed of D-mannopyranose chains linked by β (1 → 4) glycosidic linkages with branches of D-galactopyranose...
Galactomannans (GM) are hemicellulosic polysaccharides composed of D-mannopyranose chains linked by β (1 → 4) glycosidic linkages with branches of D-galactopyranose linked by α (1 → 6) linkages. This polysaccharide is recognized for its hydrophilic character, as it is rich in hydroxyl groups (-OH). This chemical characteristic, combined with the absence of ionic charges, enables structural modifications such as transesterification of the fatty acid chains (FA), which provides a strategy for obtaining amphiphilic structures. The enzyme-catalyzed syntheses were carried out in DMSO with GM decanoate (GMD) and GM palmitate (GMP) at different molar ratios (0.5 and 1.0) and the resulting structures were evaluated with infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS C NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The FTIR spectrum confirmed the transesterification of GM with the appearance of a C[bond, double bond]O band (1730-1750 cm). These results were confirmed by the signals observed at 177 and 30 ppm in the CP/MAS C NMR spectrum, which corresponded to the C[bond, double bond]O groups of the esters and the terminal -CH groups of the FA chains, respectively. Finally, DSC showed glass transition temperatures (Tg) in the range 43-51 °C, while the melting temperatures (Tm) of the GM esters (59 °C) were not affected by different degrees of esterification (DE) for GMD (0.37 and 0.71) and GMP (0.47 and 0.57).
PubMed: 38813187
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31421 -
Heliyon May 2024Research for the development of noble metal-free electrodes for hydrogen evolution has blossomed in recent years. Transition metal carbides compounds, such as WC, have...
Research for the development of noble metal-free electrodes for hydrogen evolution has blossomed in recent years. Transition metal carbides compounds, such as WC, have been considered as a promising alternative to replace Pt-family metals as electrocatalysts towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Moreover, hybridization of TMCs with graphene nanostructures has emerged as a reliable strategy for the preparation of compounds with high surface to volume ratio and abundant active sites. The present study focuses in the preparation of tungsten carbide/oxide compounds deposited in a three-dimensional vertical graphene nanowalls (VGNW) substrate via chemical vapor deposition, magnetron sputtering and thermal annealing processes. Structural and chemical characterization reveals the partial carburization and oxidation of the W film sputtered on the VGNWs, due to C and O migration from VGNWs towards W during the high temperature annealing process. Electrochemical characterization shows the enhanced performance of the nanostructured hybrid WC/WO on VGNW compound towards HER, when compared with planar WC/WO films. The WC/WO nanoparticles on VGNWs require an overpotential of -252 mV for the generation of 10 mA cm. Chronoamperometry tests in high overpotentials reveal the compounds stability while sustaining high currents, in the order of hundreds of mA. Post-chronoamperometry test XPS characterization unveils the formation of a W hydroxide layer which favours hydrogen evolution in acidic electrolytes. We aspire that the presented insights can be valuable for those working on the preparation of hybrid electrodes for electrochemical processes.
PubMed: 38813160
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31230 -
Heliyon May 2024Poor air quality in workplaces constitutes a great concern on human health as a good fraction of our time is spent at work. In Greece, very unique workplaces are the...
Poor air quality in workplaces constitutes a great concern on human health as a good fraction of our time is spent at work. In Greece, very unique workplaces are the street corner kiosks, which are freestanding boxes placed on sidewalks next to city streets and vehicular traffic, where one can find many consumer goods. As such, its employees are exposed to both outdoor and indoor air pollutants. Very few studies have examined the occupational exposure of kiosk workers to air pollutants, and thus the magnitude of this unique indoor and outdoor exposure remains unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the levels of indoor and outdoor particulate matter (PM and PM), ultrafine particles (UFPs) and black carbon (BC) in different kiosks located in Athens, Greece, in urban-traffic and urban-background environments. Continuous measurements of the above-mentioned pollutants were carried out on a 24-h basis over 7 consecutive days at three kiosks from September to October 2019. Indoor PM concentrations in the urban kiosk ranged from 19.0 to 44.0 μg/m, PM values ranged from 14.0 to 33.0 μg/m, whereas BC concentrations ranged from 1.2 to 7.0 μg/m and UFPs from almost 9.5 to 47.0 × 10 pt/cm. Outdoor PM and PM measurements ranged from 29.0 to 59.0 μg/m and from 22.0 to 39.0 μg/m, respectively. BC outdoor concentrations ranged from 1.1 to 2.2 μg/m. The mean hazard quotient (HQ) for PM (4.9) and PM (4.7) among all participants was >1. The health risk of exposure to PM and PM was found to be at moderate hazard levels, although in some cases we observed HQ values higher than 10 due to high PM and PM concentrations in the kiosks. Overall our study indicates that people working at kiosks can be exposed to very high concentrations on particulate pollution depending on a number of factors including the traffic that strongly depends on location and the time of the day.
PubMed: 38813153
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31340