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Makhanova A, Lambert WA, Blanchard R, Alcock J, Shattuck EC, Wilson MP. Pathogen disgust is associated with interpersonal bias among healthcare professionals. Evol Med Public Health 2023; 11:438-447. [PMID: 38022797 PMCID: PMC10667654 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoad036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Pathogen avoidance is a fundamental motive that shapes many aspects of human behavior including bias against groups stereotypically linked to disease (e.g. immigrants, outgroup members). This link has only been examined in convenience samples and it is unknown how pathogen avoidance processes operate in populations experiencing prolonged and heightened pathogen threat such as healthcare professionals. We examined whether healthcare professionals demonstrate the same link between pathogen disgust and intergroup bias as has been documented among the general population. Methodology Participants (N = 317; 210 healthcare professionals) were recruited using snowball sampling to take an online survey. Participants completed the Three Domain Disgust Scale to assess pathogen, sexual and moral disgust. Participants then rated their perceptions of a fictitious immigrant group ('Krasneeans') and the degree to which they endorsed group-binding moral values. Results Compared to control participants, healthcare professionals reported lower levels of pathogen disgust, but not sexual or moral disgust. However, regardless of profession, higher pathogen disgust was associated with viewing Krasneeans as less likeable and more unclean. Additionally, regardless of profession, higher pathogen disgust was associated with greater endorsement of group-binding moral values, although healthcare professionals reported greater overall endorsement of group-binding moral values than did control participants. Conclusions and implications Although healthcare professionals demonstrated lower levels of pathogen disgust, they nevertheless exhibited largely the same relationship between pathogen disgust and interpersonal biases as did control participants. One practical implication of this association is that pathogen avoidance motives may contribute to inequitable patient treatment in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Makhanova
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - W Allen Lambert
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Ryan Blanchard
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM 87131, USA
| | - Eric C Shattuck
- Department of Anthropology, Florida State University, 60 N Woodward Ave, Tallahassee FL 32304, USA
- Institute for Health Disparities Research, College for Health, Community, and Policy, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Michael P Wilson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Yu JJ, Non AL, Heinrich EC, Gu W, Alcock J, Moya EA, Lawrence ES, Tift MS, O'Brien KA, Storz JF, Signore AV, Khudyakov JI, Milsom WK, Wilson SM, Beall CM, Villafuerte FC, Stobdan T, Julian CG, Moore LG, Fuster MM, Stokes JA, Milner R, West JB, Zhang J, Shyy JY, Childebayeva A, Vázquez-Medina JP, Pham LV, Mesarwi OA, Hall JE, Cheviron ZA, Sieker J, Blood AB, Yuan JX, Scott GR, Rana BK, Ponganis PJ, Malhotra A, Powell FL, Simonson TS. Time Domains of Hypoxia Responses and -Omics Insights. Front Physiol 2022; 13:885295. [PMID: 36035495 PMCID: PMC9400701 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.885295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to respond rapidly to changes in oxygen tension is critical for many forms of life. Challenges to oxygen homeostasis, specifically in the contexts of evolutionary biology and biomedicine, provide important insights into mechanisms of hypoxia adaptation and tolerance. Here we synthesize findings across varying time domains of hypoxia in terms of oxygen delivery, ranging from early animal to modern human evolution and examine the potential impacts of environmental and clinical challenges through emerging multi-omics approaches. We discuss how diverse animal species have adapted to hypoxic environments, how humans vary in their responses to hypoxia (i.e., in the context of high-altitude exposure, cardiopulmonary disease, and sleep apnea), and how findings from each of these fields inform the other and lead to promising new directions in basic and clinical hypoxia research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Yu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Amy L. Non
- Department of Anthropology, Division of Social Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Amy L. Non, Tatum S. Simonson,
| | - Erica C. Heinrich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Wanjun Gu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, MX, United States
| | - Esteban A. Moya
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Elijah S. Lawrence
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Michael S. Tift
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, United States
| | - Katie A. O'Brien
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, ENG, United Kingdom
| | - Jay F. Storz
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, IL, United States
| | - Anthony V. Signore
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, IL, United States
| | - Jane I. Khudyakov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, United States
| | | | - Sean M. Wilson
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Colleen G. Julian
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Lorna G. Moore
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Mark M. Fuster
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Stokes
- Department of Kinesiology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, United States
| | - Richard Milner
- San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - John B. West
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - John Y. Shyy
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ainash Childebayeva
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - José Pablo Vázquez-Medina
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Letters and Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Luu V. Pham
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Omar A. Mesarwi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - James E. Hall
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Zachary A. Cheviron
- Division of Biological Sciences, College of Humanities and Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Jeremy Sieker
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Arlin B. Blood
- Department of Pediatrics Division of Neonatology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Jason X. Yuan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Graham R. Scott
- Department of Pediatrics Division of Neonatology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Brinda K. Rana
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Paul J. Ponganis
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Frank L. Powell
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Tatum S. Simonson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Amy L. Non, Tatum S. Simonson,
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3
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Alcock J, Carroll-Portillo A, Coffman C, Lin HC. Evolution of human diet and microbiome-driven disease. Current Opinion in Physiology 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
Many treatments for COVID-19 are aimed at calming a cytokine storm, a dangerous
immune overreaction to the infection. Treating cytokine storms has been tried
for decades in sepsis and other viral illnesses, but these treatments most often
do not work. We explain why cytokine storms should be rare, and what special
evolutionary circumstances can cause them to occur. Since the identification of severe illness caused by the novel coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2, the role of the host immune system in causing disease has attracted
widespread attention, along with intense interest in medical interventions that
target the host immune response. A wide variety of agents have been proposed to
treat a cytokine storm in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but so far, only
one class of medications, corticosteroids, has proved useful. In recent decades,
experimental therapies for cytokine storms have been tried and mostly failed to
help patients with severe sepsis and other infections. We summarize this history
in order to frame expectations for novel interventions in COVID-19 and to bring
an evolutionary medicine perspective to the concept of cytokine storms and their
treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MSC11 6025 1, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Alix Masters
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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5
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Abstract
Lay summary: High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a potentially fatal disease of altitude, in which the lungs can become filled with fluid. In this article we explore the mechanisms causing this condition and how it can be viewed as a condition of a mismatch between current environment and evolutionary experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Woods
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
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6
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Abstract
Several recent studies have provided evidence that use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), especially amlodipine and nifedipine, can reduce mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Moreover, hypocalcemia (a reduced level of serum ionized calcium) has been shown to be strongly positively associated with COVID-19 severity. Both effectiveness of CCBs as antiviral therapy, and positive associations of hypocalcemia with mortality, have been demonstrated for many other viruses as well. We evaluate these findings in the contexts of virus–host evolutionary conflicts over calcium metabolism, and hypocalcemia as either pathology, viral manipulation or host defence against pathogens. Considerable evidence supports the hypothesis that hypocalcemia represents a host defence. Indeed, hypocalcemia may exert antiviral effects in a similar manner as do CCBs, through interference with calcium metabolism in virus-infected cells. Prospective clinical studies that address the efficacy of CCBs and hypocalcemia should provide novel insights into the pathogenicity and treatment of COVID-19 and other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Wrotek S, LeGrand EK, Dzialuk A, Alcock J. Let fever do its job: The meaning of fever in the pandemic era. Evol Med Public Health 2020; 9:26-35. [PMID: 33738101 PMCID: PMC7717216 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although fever is one of the main presenting symptoms of COVID-19 infection, little public attention has been given to fever as an evolved defense. Fever, the regulated increase in the body temperature, is part of the evolved systemic reaction to infection known as the acute phase response. The heat of fever augments the performance of immune cells, induces stress on pathogens and infected cells directly, and combines with other stressors to provide a nonspecific immune defense. Observational trials in humans suggest a survival benefit from fever, and randomized trials published before COVID-19 do not support fever reduction in patients with infection. Like public health measures that seem burdensome and excessive, fevers involve costly trade-offs but they can prevent infection from getting out of control. For infections with novel SARS-CoV-2, the precautionary principle applies: unless evidence suggests otherwise, we advise that fever should be allowed to run its course. Lay summary: For COVID-19, many public health organizations have advised treating fever with medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Even though this is a common practice, lowering body temperature has not improved survival in laboratory animals or in patients with infections. Blocking fever can be harmful because fever, along with other sickness symptoms, evolved as a defense against infection. Fever works by causing more damage to pathogens and infected cells than it does to healthy cells in the body. During pandemic COVID-19, the benefits of allowing fever to occur probably outweigh its harms, for individuals and for the public at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Wrotek
- Department of Immunology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Edmund K LeGrand
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Artur Dzialuk
- Department of Genetics, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
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8
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May A, Narayanan S, Alcock J, Varsani A, Maley C, Aktipis A. Kombucha: a novel model system for cooperation and conflict in a complex multi-species microbial ecosystem. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7565. [PMID: 31534844 PMCID: PMC6730531 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage with an acidic and effervescent taste, is composed of a multispecies microbial ecosystem with complex interactions that are characterized by both cooperation and conflict. In kombucha, a complex community of bacteria and yeast initiates the fermentation of a starter tea (usually black or green tea with sugar), producing a biofilm that covers the liquid over several weeks. This happens through several fermentative phases that are characterized by cooperation and competition among the microbes within the kombucha solution. Yeast produce invertase as a public good that enables both yeast and bacteria to metabolize sugars. Bacteria produce a surface biofilm which may act as a public good providing protection from invaders, storage for resources, and greater access to oxygen for microbes embedded within it. The ethanol and acid produced during the fermentative process (by yeast and bacteria, respectively) may also help to protect the system from invasion by microbial competitors from the environment. Thus, kombucha can serve as a model system for addressing important questions about the evolution of cooperation and conflict in diverse multispecies systems. Further, it has the potential to be artificially selected to specialize it for particular human uses, including the development of antimicrobial ecosystems and novel materials. Finally, kombucha is easily-propagated, non-toxic, and inexpensive, making it an excellent system for scientific inquiry and citizen science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander May
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Shrinath Narayanan
- The Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Joe Alcock
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Arvind Varsani
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carlo Maley
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- The Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Athena Aktipis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- The Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Aktipis A, Cronk L, Alcock J, Ayers JD, Baciu C, Balliet D, Boddy AM, Curry OS, Krems JA, Muñoz A, Sullivan D, Sznycer D, Wilkinson GS, Winfrey P. Understanding cooperation through fitness interdependence. Nat Hum Behav 2019; 2:429-431. [PMID: 31097813 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-018-0378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Athena Aktipis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Lee Cronk
- Department of Anthropology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jessica D Ayers
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Cristina Baciu
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Daniel Balliet
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Amy M Boddy
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Oliver Scott Curry
- Institute for Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Andrés Muñoz
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Daniel Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Daniel Sznycer
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gerald S Wilkinson
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Pamela Winfrey
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- J. S. Snead
- Department of Zoology Arizona State University Tempe AZ 85287
| | - J. Alcock
- Department of Zoology Arizona State University Tempe AZ 85287
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Han CS, Martin MA, Dichosa AEK, Daughton AR, Frietze S, Kaplan H, Gurven MD, Alcock J. Salivary microbiomes of indigenous Tsimane mothers and infants are distinct despite frequent premastication. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2660. [PMID: 27833819 PMCID: PMC5101600 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Premastication, the transfer of pre-chewed food, is a common infant and young child feeding practice among the Tsimane, forager-horticulturalists living in the Bolivian Amazon. Research conducted primarily with Western populations has shown that infants harbor distinct oral microbiota from their mothers. Premastication, which is less common in these populations, may influence the colonization and maturation of infant oral microbiota, including via transmission of oral pathogens. We collected premasticated food and saliva samples from Tsimane mothers and infants (9–24 months of age) to test for evidence of bacterial transmission in premasticated foods and overlap in maternal and infant salivary microbiota. We extracted bacterial DNA from two premasticated food samples and 12 matched salivary samples from maternal-infant pairs. DNA sequencing was performed with MiSeq (Illumina). We evaluated maternal and infant microbial composition in terms of relative abundance of specific taxa, alpha and beta diversity, and dissimilarity distances. Results The bacteria in saliva and premasticated food were mapped to 19 phyla and 400 genera and were dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. The oral microbial communities of Tsimane mothers and infants who frequently share premasticated food were well-separated in a non-metric multi-dimensional scaling ordination (NMDS) plot. Infant microbiotas clustered together, with weighted Unifrac distances significantly differing between mothers and infants. Infant saliva contained more Firmicutes (p < 0.01) and fewer Proteobacteria (p < 0.05) than did maternal saliva. Many genera previously associated with dental and periodontal infections, e.g. Neisseria, Gemella, Rothia, Actinomyces, Fusobacterium, and Leptotrichia, were more abundant in mothers than in infants. Conclusions Salivary microbiota of Tsimane infants and young children up to two years of age do not appear closely related to those of their mothers, despite frequent premastication and preliminary evidence that maternal bacteria is transmitted to premasticated foods. Infant physiology and diet may constrain colonization by maternal bacteria, including several oral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliff S Han
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National LaborataoryLos Alamos, NM, USA
| | | | | | - Ashlynn R Daughton
- Analytics, Intelligence and Technology (A) Division, Los Alamos National Laborataory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Seth Frietze
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Hillard Kaplan
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Michael D Gurven
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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12
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Wasielewski H, Alcock J, Aktipis A. Resource conflict and cooperation between human host and gut microbiota: implications for nutrition and health. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1372:20-8. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of New Mexico Albuquerque New Mexico
| | - Athena Aktipis
- Department of Psychology Arizona State University Tempe Arizona
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13
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Vigil JM, Coulombe P, Alcock J, Kruger E, Stith SS, Strenth C, Parshall M, Cichowski SB. Patient Ethnicity Affects Triage Assessments and Patient Prioritization in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Departments. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e3191. [PMID: 27057847 PMCID: PMC4998763 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000003191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethnic minority patients receive lower priority triage assignments in Veteran's Affairs (VA) emergency departments (EDs) compared to White patients, but it is currently unknown whether this disparity arises from generalized biases across the triage assessment process or from differences in how objective and/or subjective institution-level or person-level information is incorporated into the triage assessment process, thus contributing to disparate treatment.The VA database of electronic medical records of patients who presented to the VA ED from 2008 to 2012 was used to measure patient ethnicity, self-reported pain intensity (PI) levels, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and nurse-provided triage assignment, the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) score. Multilevel, random effects linear modeling was used to control for demographic and clinical characteristics of patients as well as age, gender, and experience of triage nurses.A total of 359,642 patient/provider encounters between 129,991 VA patients and 774 nurses were included in the study. Patients were 61% non-Hispanic White [NHW], 28% African-American, 7% Hispanic, 2% Asian-American, <1% American Indian/Alaska Native, and 1% mixed ethnicity. After controlling for demographic characteristics of nurses and patients, African-American, Hispanic, and mixed-ethnicity patients reported higher average PI scores but lower HRs and RRs than NHW patients. NHW patients received higher priority ESI ratings with lower PI when compared against African-American patients. NHW patients with low to moderate HRs also received higher priority ESI scoring than African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American, and Mixed-ethnicity patients; however, when HR was high NHWs received lower priority ESI ratings than each of the minority groups (except for African-Americans).This study provides evidence for systemic differences in how patients' vital signs are applied for determining ESI scores for different ethnic groups. Additional prospective research will be needed to determine how this specific person-level mechanism affects healthcare quality and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M Vigil
- From the Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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14
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Ritz NL, Burnett BJ, Setty P, Reinhart KM, Wilson MR, Alcock J, Singh SB, Barton LL, Lin HC. Sulfate-reducing bacteria impairs working memory in mice. Physiol Behav 2016; 157:281-7. [PMID: 26861176 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The ability of gut microbes to bi-directionally communicate with the brain and vice versa form the basis of the gut microbiome-central nervous system axis. It has been shown that inoculation with pathogenic gut bacteria alters the behavior of mice; however, it is not known whether or not non-pathogenic resident microbes have similar effects. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the administration of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), a specific group of resident gut bacteria that generate hydrogen sulfide (H2S), impair learning and memory performance in mice tested in an 8-arm radial maze and Morris water maze. We found that mice spent more time in the center of the maze when they were gavaged with live SRB as compared to mice given saline (control), lactulose+mannitol (L/M), or killed SRB. SRB-gavaged mice were also tested using the Morris water maze and were found to take longer to complete the test, spend more time further from the platform, and have a longer path length to reach the platform. This effect of SRB on maze performance was associated with a higher concentration of H2S in the small intestine and cecum. We conclude that SRB, a specific resident gut bacterial species, could impair cognitive function in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel L Ritz
- Section of Gastroenterology, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Benjamin J Burnett
- Section of Gastroenterology, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Prashanth Setty
- Section of Gastroenterology, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Katelyn M Reinhart
- Section of Gastroenterology, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Melissa R Wilson
- Section of Gastroenterology, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Sudha B Singh
- Section of Gastroenterology, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Larry L Barton
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Henry C Lin
- Section of Gastroenterology, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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Workman M, Baker J, Lancaster JB, Mermier C, Alcock J. Birth weight predicted baseline muscular efficiency, but not response of energy expenditure to calorie restriction: An empirical test of the predictive adaptive response hypothesis. Am J Hum Biol 2015; 28:484-92. [PMID: 26680695 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Aiming to test the evolutionary significance of relationships linking prenatal growth conditions to adult phenotypes, this study examined whether birth size predicts energetic savings during fasting. We specifically tested a Predictive Adaptive Response (PAR) model that predicts greater energetic saving among adults who were born small. METHODS Data were collected from a convenience sample of young adults living in Albuquerque, NM (n = 34). Indirect calorimetry quantified changes in resting energy expenditure (REE) and active muscular efficiency that occurred in response to a 29-h fast. Multiple regression analyses linked birth weight to baseline and postfast metabolic values while controlling for appropriate confounders (e.g., sex, body mass). RESULTS Birth weight did not moderate the relationship between body size and energy expenditure, nor did it predict the magnitude change in REE or muscular efficiency observed from baseline to after fasting. Alternative indicators of birth size were also examined (e.g., low v. normal birth weight, comparison of tertiles), with no effects found. However, baseline muscular efficiency improved by 1.1% per 725 g (S.D.) increase in birth weight (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Birth size did not influence the sensitivity of metabolic demands to fasting-neither at rest nor during activity. Moreover, small birth size predicted a reduction in the efficiency with which muscles convert energy expended into work accomplished. These results do not support the ascription of adaptive function to phenotypes associated with small birth size. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:484-492, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Workman
- Department of Biology, Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona, 85709
| | - Jack Baker
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131
| | - Jane B Lancaster
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131
| | - Christine Mermier
- Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131
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Abstract
A high-fat diet and elevated levels of free fatty acids are known risk factors for metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and visceral obesity. Although these disease associations are well established, it is unclear how different dietary fats change the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Here, we review emerging evidence that insulin resistance and fat storage are linked to changes in the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function, in turn, are highly influenced by the composition of fat in the diet. We review findings that certain fats (for example, long-chain saturated fatty acids) are associated with dysbiosis, impairment of intestinal barrier function, and metabolic endotoxemia. In contrast, other fatty acids, including short-chain and certain unsaturated fatty acids, protect against dysbiosis and impairment of barrier function caused by other dietary fats. These fats may promote insulin sensitivity by inhibiting metabolic endotoxemia and dysbiosis-driven inflammation. During dysbiosis, the modulation of metabolism by diet and microbiota may represent an adaptive process that compensates for the increased fuel demands of an activated immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Henry C Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87108, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131-0001, USA
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Abstract
Dog agility is a rapidly progressing sport worldwide. Consequentially, research and methods to improve technique and performance are becoming highly sought after. Video data were collected of elite agility dogs during a training session, with downstream analysis examining differences in apparent topline angle and jumping speed of large and medium dogs as well as collie breeds and non-collie breeds. The study further examined any correlations between topline angle and jumping speed. Findings suggest that there is a difference between the jump kinematics of large and medium dogs (P=0.001) and between collie breeds and non-collie breeds (P<0.001) with collie breeds jumping faster than non-collie breeds (P=0.013). This information could be used to inform future training regimes and competitive strategies in a breed and size specific way, with the aim to improve long-term health and welfare of canine participants, whilst also ensuring that training and competitive expectations are within biological capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Alcock
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, NG25 0QF, United Kingdom
| | - E. Birch
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, NG25 0QF, United Kingdom
| | - J. Boyd
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, NG25 0QF, United Kingdom
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Alcock J, LeGrand EK. Anorexia. Evol Med Public Health 2014; 2014:149. [PMID: 25376481 PMCID: PMC4246055 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eou026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Edmund K LeGrand
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Abstract
Microbes in the gastrointestinal tract are under selective pressure to manipulate host eating behavior to increase their fitness, sometimes at the expense of host fitness. Microbes may do this through two potential strategies: (i) generating cravings for foods that they specialize on or foods that suppress their competitors, or (ii) inducing dysphoria until we eat foods that enhance their fitness. We review several potential mechanisms for microbial control over eating behavior including microbial influence on reward and satiety pathways, production of toxins that alter mood, changes to receptors including taste receptors, and hijacking of the vagus nerve, the neural axis between the gut and the brain. We also review the evidence for alternative explanations for cravings and unhealthy eating behavior. Because microbiota are easily manipulatable by prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, fecal transplants, and dietary changes, altering our microbiota offers a tractable approach to otherwise intractable problems of obesity and unhealthy eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Alcock J, Franklin ML, Kuzawa CW. Nutrient signaling: evolutionary origins of the immune-modulating effects of dietary fat. Q Rev Biol 2012; 87:187-223. [PMID: 22970557 DOI: 10.1086/666828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Many dietary fatty acids (FA) have potent effects on inflammation, which is not only energetically costly, but also contributes to a range of chronic diseases. This presents an evolutionary paradox: Why should the host initiate a costly and damaging response to commonly encountered nutrients? We propose that the immune system has evolved a capacity to modify expenditure on inflammation to compensate for the effects of dietary FA on gut microorganisms. In a comprehensive literature review, we show that the body preferentially upregulates inflammation in response to saturated FA that promote harmful microbes. In contrast, the host opften reduces inflammation in response to the many unsaturated FA with antimicrobial properties. Our model is supported by contrasts involving shorter-chain FA and omega-3 FA, but with less consistent evidence for trans fats, which are a recent addition to the human diet. Our findings support the idea that the vertebrate immune system has evolved a capacity to detect diet-driven shipfts in the composition of gut microbiota from the profile of FA consumed and to calibrate the costs of inflammation in response to these cues. We conclude by extending the nutrient signaling model to other nutrients, and consider implications for drug discovery and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA.
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Parshall MB, Meek PM, Sklar D, Alcock J, Bittner P. Test-retest reliability of multidimensional dyspnea profile recall ratings in the emergency department: a prospective, longitudinal study. BMC Emerg Med 2012; 12:6. [PMID: 22624887 PMCID: PMC3464619 DOI: 10.1186/1471-227x-12-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyspnea is among the most common reasons for emergency department (ED) visits by patients with cardiopulmonary disease who are commonly asked to recall the symptoms that prompted them to come to the ED. The reliability of recalled dyspnea has not been systematically investigated in ED patients. METHODS Patients with chronic or acute cardiopulmonary conditions who came to the ED with dyspnea (N = 154) completed the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile (MDP) several times during the visit and in a follow-up visit 4 to 6 weeks later (n = 68). The MDP has 12 items with numerical ratings of intensity, unpleasantness, sensory qualities, and emotions associated with how breathing felt when participants decided to come to the ED (recall MDP) or at the time of administration ("now" MDP). The recall MDP was administered twice in the ED and once during the follow-up visit. Principal components analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was used to assess domain structure of the recall MDP. Internal consistency reliability was assessed with Cronbach's alpha. Test-retest reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for absolute agreement for individual items and domains. RESULTS PCA of the recall MDP was consistent with two domains (Immediate Perception, 7 items, Cronbach's alpha = .89 to .94; Emotional Response, 5 items; Cronbach's alpha = .81 to .85). Test-retest ICCs for the recall MDP during the ED visit ranged from .70 to .87 for individual items and were .93 and .94 for the Immediate Perception and Emotional Response domains. ICCs were much lower for the interval between the ED visit and follow-up, both for individual items (.28 to .66) and for the Immediate Perception and Emotional Response domains (.72 and .78, respectively). CONCLUSIONS During an ED visit, recall MDP ratings of dyspnea at the time participants decided to seek care in the ED are reliable and sufficiently stable, both for individual items and the two domains, that a time lag between arrival and questionnaire administration does not critically affect recall of perceptual and emotional characteristics immediately prior to the visit. However, test-retest reliability of recall over a 4- to 6-week interval is poor for individual items and significantly attenuated for the two domains.
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Abstract
The acutephase response (APR) is a systemic response to severe trauma, infection, and cancer, although many of the numerous cytokine-mediated components of the APR are incompletely understood. Some of these components, such as fever, reduced availability of iron and zinc, and nutritional restriction due to anorexia, appear to be stressors capable of causing harm to both the pathogen and the host. We review how the host benefits from differences in susceptibility to stress between pathogens and the host. Pathogens, infected host cells, and neoplastic cells are generally more stressed or vulnerable to additional stress than the host because: (a) targeted local inflammation works in synergy with APR stressors; (b) proliferation/growth increases vulnerability to stress; (c) altered pathogen physiology results in pathogen stress or vulnerability; and (d) protective heat shock responses are partially abrogated in pathogens since their responses are utilized by the host to enhance immune responses. Therefore, the host utilizes a coordinated system of endogenous stressors to provide additional levels of defense against pathogens. This model of immune brinksmanship can explain the evolutionary basis for the mutually stressful components of the APR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Kenwood LeGrand
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA.
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23
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LeGrand EK, Alcock J. Immune brinksmanship: a conceptual model of endogenous stressors of the acute‐phase response. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.835.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Kenwood LeGrand
- Biomedical and Diagnostic SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Tennessee, KnoxvilleKnoxvilleTN
| | - Joe Alcock
- Emergency MedicineUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNM
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25
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Alcock J, Warren AY, Goodson YJ, Hill SJ, Khan RN, Lymn JS. Inhibition of Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Attenuates Contractility of Pregnant Human Myometrium. Biol Reprod 2010; 84:646-53. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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26
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Alcock J, Brainard AH. Gene–environment mismatch in decompression sickness and air embolism. Med Hypotheses 2010; 75:199-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2010.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2010] [Accepted: 02/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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27
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Brainard AH, Alcock J, Watts D. A comparison of bacterial colony-forming units in water bottles and hydration bags among outdoor enthusiasts. Wilderness Environ Med 2009; 20:371-4. [PMID: 20030447 DOI: 10.1580/1080-6032-020.004.0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transporting clean drinking water in an easily accessible container is a priority for many outdoor enthusiasts. Two basic hydration systems are commonly used to provide water: the water bottle and the hydration bladder. The authors tested the hypothesis that there were different levels of microbiologic contamination between these 2 systems. METHODS Sixty-seven water samples were collected using sterile techniques from outdoor enthusiasts at several outdoor recreational locations. These users were then asked to complete a brief survey that reported demographic information and details of water container use. Water samples were then plated on sheep blood agar, and the colony-forming units were counted after 24 hours of growth. The 2 groups were compared using Student's t test. RESULTS The 2 groups using water bottles or hydration bladders did not show significant differences in container age, duration of outdoor activity, or duration since last cleaning. The groups differed slightly in their composition of hikers/walkers/runners vs cyclists. The water bottle group had a mean colony-forming unit count per 100 mL of 37 (95% CI 26-48), and the hydration bladder had a mean of 27 (95% CI 17-35). CONCLUSIONS There was no statistically significant difference between hydration bladders and water bottles in microbial contamination or colonization. Judging from the available data, outdoor enthusiasts should select their water container based on criteria other than the relative exposure to microbes. Additional study is required to replicate this finding in other locations and with improved sample methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Han Brainard
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's Bethlehem Hospital Network, 801 Ostrum St, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Alcock
- Department of Zoology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287–1501, USA
| | - M. D. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN 46135, USA
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30
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Alcock J, Brainard AH. Hemostatic containment – An evolutionary hypothesis of injury by innate immune cells. Med Hypotheses 2008; 71:960-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2008.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2008] [Revised: 05/30/2008] [Accepted: 06/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Green A, Alcock J, Cox T, Abraham P, Savage D, McGrady M. Delivery of vitamin E acetate and sunflower oil to gums from fluoride toothpaste containing 0.1% vitamin E acetate and 0.5% sunflower oil. Int Dent J 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1875-595x.2007.tb00153.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Antoniazzi M, Celinski M, Alcock J. Self-responsibility and coping with pain: disparate attitudes toward psychosocial issues in recovery from work place injury. Disabil Rehabil 2002; 24:948-53. [PMID: 12523948 DOI: 10.1080/0963828021000007879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare injured worker and health professional ratings of psychosocial variables as they relate to recovery. METHOD Seventy patients and 70 health care staff at an injured worker rehabilitation centre completed a 17-item checklist. Each subject selected five psychosocial variables believed to be most important to recovery. Group ratings were compared using chi-square with a Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS In general, patients and health professionals agreed on the relative importance of 15 of 17 variables. However, the groups did differ significantly on two items--staff rated 'self-responsibility' higher than patients, while patients rated 'coping with pain' higher than staff. CONCLUSIONS The ratings reflect the occasionally divergent goals and expectations of the rehabilitation staff and patient groups. Consequently, some patients may be moved into inappropriate treatment modalities, resulting in non-compliance. Being aware of patient beliefs and expectations should assist health care professionals in generating improved rehabilitation outcomes by promoting better co-operation through shared perceptions and goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Antoniazzi
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Neuro-Rehabilitation Programme, Toronto, Canada.
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Sklar D, Spencer D, Alcock J, Cameron S, Saiz M. Demographic analysis and needs assessment of rural emergency departments in New Mexico (DANARED-NM). Ann Emerg Med 2002; 39:456-7; author reply 457. [PMID: 11919539 DOI: 10.1067/mem.2002.122782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Alcock J. Interactions between the sexually deceptive orchidSpiculaea ciliataand its wasp pollinatorThynnoturneriasp. (Hymenoptera: Thynninae). J NAT HIST 2000. [DOI: 10.1080/002229300299480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND previous research has been inconclusive about the nature of hemispheric asymmetry in emotional processing. METHOD 13 patients with DSM-IV bipolar disorder received repeated QEEGs over 2 years in different mood states. Z-score measures of asymmetry were assessed. RESULTS asymmetry in frontotemporal slow-wave activity appeared to be in opposite directions in depression compared to mania/hypomania. CONCLUSIONS mood change in bipolar disorder is associated with change in QEEG asymmetry. LIMITATIONS study of larger numbers of more homogenous patients under similar conditions is needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE study of mood state-dependent asymmetry changes in bipolar disorder may lead to better understanding of hemispheric processing of emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Koek
- Psychiatry Service, Sepulveda VA Medical Center, CA 91343, USA.
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Staff M, March L, Brnabic A, Hort K, Alcock J, Coles S, Baxter R. Can non-prosecutory enforcement of public health legislation reduce smoking among high school students? Aust N Z J Public Health 1998; 22:332-5. [PMID: 9629818 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-842x.1998.tb01387.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking by adolescents has been identified as a major public health issue. Raising the legal age of cigarette purchase from 16 to 18 years has attempted to address the issue by restricting adolescents' access. METHODS/STRATEGY: A prospective study evaluating the impact of non-prosecutory enforcement of public health legislation involving 'beat police' was conducted in the Northern Sydney Health region. Secondary students, aged 12 to 17 years, from both intervention and control regions were surveyed about cigarette smoking habits by means of a self-completed questionnaire administered pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS 12,502 anonymous questionnaires were completed. At baseline, 19.3% of male students and 21.2% of female students indicated they were current smokers. Age and sex stratified chi-squared analysis revealed significantly lower post-intervention smoking prevalence for year 8 and 10 females and year 7 males among the intervention group. Higher post-intervention smoking prevalences were demonstrated for year 7 and 9 females and year 8 males among the intervention group and in year 10 males and year 11 females among the control group. The analysis of combined baseline and follow-up data from coeducational schools with logistic regression techniques demonstrated that the intervention had a significant effect in reducing smoking prevalence among year 7 students only (OR = 0.54). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the difficulties in restricting high school students' access to cigarettes. Isolated non-prosecutory strategies are likely to only have a limited impact on reducing smoking prevalence among high school students.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Staff
- Northern Sydney Area Health Service, New South Wales
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Alcock J, Bailey WJ. Acoustical communication and the mating system of the Australian whistling mothHecatesia exultans(Noctuidae: Agaristinae). J Zool (1987) 1995. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1995.tb02766.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Pell JP, Alcock J. Monitoring anticoagulant control in general practice: comparison of management in areas with and without access to hospital anticoagulant. Br J Gen Pract 1994; 44:357-8. [PMID: 8068394 PMCID: PMC1238952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital anticoagulant clinics are available only in some areas. There is little information on the contribution of general practitioners to oral anticoagulant monitoring, and whether their management varies with access to hospital clinics. AIM A study was undertaken to compare general practice management of anticoagulant therapy in two health boards with contrasting access to hospital clinics. METHOD A postal questionnaire was sent to the senior partners in all 198 practices in Lothian and Fife, Scotland. RESULTS Lack of access to hospital clinics in Lothian health board resulted in more practices reporting taking sole responsibility for anticoagulant control than in Fife where there was access (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in management policies. Overall, 93% of practices used a protocol for thrombotest target ranges, but 75% had no policy on review frequency and only 2% assessed complication or failure rates. Reduced access to hospital clinics was associated with a decreased likelihood of favouring hospital involvement. Sole responsibility for anticoagulant management was undertaken by 56% of general practices, although only 21% of doctors viewed this as ideal. Most general practitioners felt that they should monitor patients on anticoagulant therapy but should refer to hospital those with problematic control. CONCLUSION Access to hospital clinics affected the degree of involvement of general practitioners in oral anticoagulant monitoring, but did not considerably alter their management practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Pell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh
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40
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Pell JP, McIver B, Stuart P, Malone DN, Alcock J. Comparison of anticoagulant control among patients attending general practice and a hospital anticoagulant clinic. Br J Gen Pract 1993; 43:152-4. [PMID: 8323801 PMCID: PMC1372358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Management of patients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy was assessed in general practice and a dedicated hospital anticoagulant clinic. The demographic characteristics of patients in both groups were similar, as were the indications for anticoagulation therapy and the duration of treatment. General practice patients were reviewed significantly more frequently, with a median interval of 16 days compared with 42 days for hospital patients (P < 0.001). Twenty four per cent of general practice visits and 26% of hospital attendances resulted in an alteration to the warfarin dosage. Overall, 52% of general practice thrombotest results lay within the ranges recommended by the British Society for Haematology, compared with 45% of hospital results (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of complications in general practice and the hospital clinic. In this study, the anticoagulant control achieved in a general practice setting was superior to that in a dedicated hospital outpatient clinic, although control was far from ideal in either setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Pell
- Milesmark Hospital, Rumblingwell, Fife
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Abstract
Females of two species of thynnine wasps, Megalothynnus klugii and Macrothynnus sp., attract mates while perched upright on vegetation close to the ground. When given an experimental choice between two females of different sizes, males of M. klugii carry off and copulate with the larger female significantly more often than they do the smaller one. No such preference was exhibited by males of Macrothynnus sp. Females of both species resist being removed from their calling perches and large males succeed more often than small ones in carrying away very large females. Despite mechanisms allowing a preference for large partners by both males and females in M. klugii, there is no evidence, in nature, of positive assortative mating according to body weight in this species. Various conditions, especially a scarcity of fertilisable females, may severely limit the choice of mates by males of these wasps.
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