bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChatGPT: the threats to medical education
Authors: Armitage Richard C
Published: July 2023

While it offers abundant advantages, ChatGPT threatens to significantly harm the educational attainment, and the intellectual life, of students of medicine and the subjects that compliment it. This technology poses a serious threat to the ability of such students to deliver safe and effective medical care once they graduate to clinical practice. Institutions that providemedical education must react to the existence, availability, and rapidly increasing competency of GPT models. This article suggests an intervention by which this could be, at least partially, achieved.
Therapeutic Exercise Parameters, Considerations, and Recommendations for Migraine Treatment: An International Delphi Study
Authors: Reina-Varona Álvaro , Madroñero-Miguel Beatriz , Gaul Charly , Hall Toby , Oliveira Arão B , Bond Dale S , Fernández-de las Peñas César , Florencio Lidiane L , Carvalho Gabriela F , Luedtke Kerstin , Varkey Emma , Krøll Lotte S , Bevilaqua-Grossi Debora , Kisan Ravikiran , La Touche Roy , Paris-Alemany Alba
Published: July 2023

Objective

The goal of this study was to reach consensus about the best exercise prescription parameters, the most relevant considerations, and other recommendations that could be useful for prescribing exercise to patients with migraine.

Methods

This was an international study conducted between April 9, 2022 and June 30, 2022. An expert panel of health care and exercise professionals was assembled, and a 3-round Delphi survey was performed. Consensus was reached for each item if an Aiken V Validity Index ≥ 0.7 was obtained.

Results

The study included 14 experts who reached consensus on 42 items by the third round. The most approved prescription parameters were 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per session, 3 days per week of moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise, and relaxation and breathing exercises for 5 to 20 minutes every day. When considering an exercise prescription, initial exercise supervision should progress to patient self-regulation; catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, headache-related disability, anxiety, depression, physical activity baseline level, and self-efficacy could influence the patients’ exercise participation and efficacy; and gradual exposure to exercise could help improve these psychological variables and increase exercise efficacy. Yoga and concurrent exercise were also included as recommended interventions.

Conclusion

From the experts in the study, exercise prescriptions should be adapted to patients with migraine considering different exercise modalities, such as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, relaxation, yoga, and concurrent exercise, based on the patients’ preferences and psychological considerations, level of physical activity, and possible adverse effects.

Impact

The consensus reached by the experts can help prescribe exercise accurately to patients with migraine. Offering various exercise modalities can improve exercise participation in this population. The evaluation of the patients’ psychological and physical status can also facilitate the adaptation of the exercise prescription to their abilities and diminish the risk of adverse events.
Trust in Risk Sharing: A Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Cole Harold L , Krueger Dirk , Mailath George J , Park Yena
Published: July 2023

We analyse efficient risk-sharing arrangements when the value from deviating is determined endogenously by another risk-sharing arrangement. Coalitions form to insure against idiosyncratic income risk. Self-enforcing contracts for both the original coalition and any coalition formed (joined) after deviations rely on a belief in future cooperation which we term “trust”. We treat the contracting conditions of original and deviation coalitions symmetrically and show that higher trust tightens incentive constraints since it facilitates the formation of deviating coalitions. As a consequence, although trust facilitates the initial formation of coalitions, the extent of risk sharing in successfully formed coalitions is declining in the extent of trust and efficient allocations might feature resource burning or utility burning: trust is indeed a double-edged sword.
Evaluation of dietary arginine supplementation to increase placental nutrient transporters in aged mares
Authors: Martinez Rafael E , Leatherwood Jessica L , Bradbery Amanda N , Paris Brittany L , Hammer Carolyn J , Kelley Dale , Bazer Fuller W , Wu Guoyao
Published: July 2023

Nine pregnant mares (18.2 ± 0.7 yr; 493.82 ± 12.74 kg body weight [BW]) were used to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation of l-arginine would enhance placental vascularity and nutrient transport throughout gestation in aged mares. Mares were balanced by age, BW, and stallion pairing, and assigned randomly to dietary treatments of either supplemental l-arginine (50 mg/kg BW; n = 7) or l-alanine (100 mg/kg BW; n = 6; isonitrogenous control). Mares were individually fed concentrate top-dressed with the respective amino acid treatment plus ad libitum access to Coastal Bermudagrass hay. Treatments began on day 14 of gestation and were terminated at parturition. Mare BW, body condition score (BCS), and rump fat were determined, and body fat percentage was calculated every 28 d and concentrate adjusted accordingly. Doppler blood flow measurements including resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index for uterine artery ipsilateral to the pregnant uterine horn were obtained beginning on day 21 and continued every 7 d until day 154 of gestation, and prior to parturition. Parturition was attended with foaling variables and placental measures recorded. Placental tissue from the pregnant horn was analyzed histologically to assess cell-specific localization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cationic amino acid transporter 1 (SLC7A1) proteins. Semiquantitative analyses were performed using 10 nonoverlapping images per sample fixed in a 10× field (Fiji ImageJ v1.2). Mare performance data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS and foaling and placental data were analyzed using PROC GLM. Gestation length at parturition was not influenced (P > 0.05) by supplemental arginine. Compared with arginine-supplemented mares, control mares had a thicker rump fat layer (P < 0.01) and greater percent body fat (P = 0.03), and BCS (P < 0.01) at parturition. Arginine-supplemented mares had a lower RI than control mares prior to parturition (P < 0.01). Body length, height, and BW of foals at birth, as well as placental weight and volume, and immunohistochemical staining for VEGF and SLC7A1 at parturition, were not affected (P > 0.05) by maternal arginine supplementation. These results indicate that dietary arginine supplementation (50 mg/kg BW) is safe for gestating mares. A larger number of mares is required to extend knowledge of effects of supplemental arginine on embryonic/fetal survival and growth in mares.
Phylogeographic patterns of genetic diversity in Pontastacus leptodactylus (Decapoda: Astacidae): is the hypothesis of the taxonomically rich genus Pontastacus true?
Authors: Bláha Martin , Patoka Jiří , Policar Tomáš , Śliwińska Karolina , Alekhnovich Anatoly , Berezina Nadezhda , Petrescu Ana-Maria , Mumladze Levan , Weiperth András , Jelic Mišel , Kozák Pavel , Maguire Ivana
Published: July 2023

The narrow-clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus is a large native European astacid crayfish species distributed in the drainage area of the Azov, Black and Caspian Seas. The species shows immense morphological diversity across its range. Various species and subspecies have been described and, recently, eight species and two subspecies were confirmed in the updated classification of freshwater crayfishes. However, genetic diversity studies of the species are scarce, mostly from limited geographical areas. Therefore, we aimed to analyse the genetic diversity of this species using mtDNA and nuDNA from across their distributional range to verify the presence of described species. Analyses of individuals from 65 populations and 14 countries confirmed the existence of three divergent mtDNA phylogroups corresponding to the geographical area of Central and Southern Europe, Eastern Europe and Asia, and Turkey. Analysis of ancestral ranges revealed the Black Sea basin as the most likely area of origin. The nuDNA analysis showed low diversity partially corresponding to the mtDNA pattern. All analyses showed mitonuclear discordance indicating the existence of a single species. Therefore, we point out the possibility of taxonomic inaccuracy with the current number of valid species within the P. leptodactylus species complex.
Identification, Characterization, and Pathogenicity of Fungi Associated with Strawberry Fruit Rot in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Li Zhihua , Yu Xiaoyan , Zhang Weiqian , Han Rui , Zhang Jing , Ma Yue , Guo Lifeng , Wang Xiangjing , Zhao Junwei , Xiang Wensheng
Published: July 2023

China is the largest strawberry producer and exporter worldwide and has been constantly challenged by fruit rot diseases in recent years. Symptoms of various diseases on strawberry fruits were observed in Huangqiyuan Base, an important strawberry-producing region in Shandong Province, and symptomatic samples were collected from January to April 2021 for follow-up studies. In the present study, 137 isolates were obtained and classified into nine species based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analysis (ITS, GAPDH, HIS3, RPB2, EF-1α, HSP60, G3PDH, and/or TUB2), namely, Botrytis cinerea, B. fabiopsis, Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima, Fusarium proliferatum, F. graminearum, F. ipomoeae, F. incarnatum, and Colletotrichum siamense. Pathogenicity results suggested that all nine pathogenic species could induce fruits to exhibit symptoms similar to those naturally infected in fields. The symptoms around the inoculation points varied, including dense white mycelia caused by Botrytis spp., fading and depression caused by Fusarium spp., black-brown rot caused by Alternaria spp., and shrinkage and dehydration caused by Colletotrichum spp. Overall, B. cinerea was the dominant pathogen, accounting for 61.3% of the total isolates, and showed significantly higher virulence against strawberry fruits than other species. In addition, this is the first report to identify B. fabiopsis, A. alternata, A. tenuissima, F. proliferatum, F. graminearum, F. ipomoeae, and F. incarnatum as causal agents of strawberry fruit rot in Shandong Province, China.
Analysis of Hairline and Forehead Sexual Dimorphic Aesthetics in 60 Celebrities Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Salinas Cristina A. , Liu Alice , Sharaf Basel A.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Upper facial third morphometrics are an important consideration in aesthetic facial surgery and facial gender-affirming surgery. Although there are generally accepted sexual dimorphic differences, an in-depth analysis of forehead morphometrics in attractive individuals is lacking.

Methods:

Thirty white female and 30 white male celebrities were included. Three full-face front-view photographs of each celebrity were evaluated by a facial analysis program, using Vision framework and MATLAB. After converting pixel distances to absolute distances, midline and lateral forehead heights were calculated and compared between men and women.

Results:

Forehead height was similar between attractive men and women, but forehead width was shorter in women. Analysis of forehead height at various points along the hairline demonstrated that forehead measurements above the lateral brow and brow peak were significantly greater in men. Mean forehead height above the lateral eyebrow was 3.51 cm in women and 4.16 cm in men (P = 0.017). Forehead height above the eyebrow peak was 4.34 cm in women and 5.55 cm in men (P < 0.001). Medial forehead height was similar between men and women, indicating that the greatest difference in attractive male and female foreheads is in the lateral forehead and forehead width.

Conclusions:

Analysis of attractive white celebrities demonstrated no significant differences in central forehead heights between men and women. Forehead width and lateral forehead height were significantly smaller in women, with an overall downward slanting contour. Male hairlines were more horizontal and slanting upward laterally. These results have implications in facial rejuvenation and facial gender-affirming surgery.
Virologic Outcomes and ARV Switch Profiles 2 Years After National Rollout of Dolutegravir to Children Less Than 15 Years in Southern Mozambique
Authors: Gill Michelle M. , Herrera Nicole , Guilaze Rui , Mussa Abdul , Dengo Nataniel , Nhangave Amancio , Mussá Jaciara , Perez Patricia , Bhatt Nilesh
Published: July 2023

Background:

Dolutegravir (DTG) was scaled up globally to optimize treatment for children living with HIV. We evaluated the rollout and virological outcomes after DTG introduction in Mozambique.

Methods:

Data from children 0–14 years with visits from September 2019 to August 2021 were extracted from records in 16 facilities in 12 districts. Among children ever on DTG, we report treatment switches, defined as changes in anchor drug, regardless of changes to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) backbones. Among those on DTG for ≥6 months, we described viral load suppression rates by children newly initiating and switching to DTG and by the NRTI backbone at the time of the DTG switch.

Results:

Overall, 3,347 children were ever on DTG-based treatment (median age 9.5 years; 52.8% female). Most children (3,202, 95.7%) switched to DTG from another antiretroviral regimen. During the 2-year follow-up, 9.9% never switched from DTG; 52.7% had 1 regimen change, of which 97.6% were switched to DTG. However, 37.2% of children experienced ≥2 anchor drug changes. Overall median time on DTG was 18.6 months; nearly all children ≥5 years (98.6%) were on DTG at the last visit. Viral suppression was 79.7% (63/79) for children newly initiating DTG and 85.8% (1,775/2,068) for those switching to DTG. Suppression rates were 84.8% and 85.7% among children who switched and maintained NRTI backbones, respectively.

Conclusions:

Viral suppression rates of ≥80% with minor variations by backbone were achieved during the 2-year DTG rollout. However, there were multiple anchor drug switches for over one-third of children, which may be attributable in part to drug stockouts. Long-term pediatric HIV management will only be successful with immediate and sustainable access to optimized child-friendly drugs and formulations.
Preoperative Workup of Patients With Excessive Central Airway Collapse
Authors: Pan Jennifer M. , Ospina-Delgado Daniel , Kaul Sumedh , Parikh Mihir S. , Wilson Jennifer L. , Majid Adnan , Gangadharan Sidhu P.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Tracheobronchoplasty (TBP) is a definitive anatomic intervention for patients with severe symptomatic expiratory central airway collapse. Although stent evaluations have been described for surgical workup, current literature does not address if improvement during stent evaluation is sustained after TBP. We compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and functional status responses after airway stenting to those post-TBP.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed in patients with severe expiratory central airway collapse who underwent stent evaluation followed by TBP from January 2004 to December 2019. Baseline, poststent, 3- and 12-month postoperative HRQOL scores, and functional status were analyzed with statistical tests as appropriate.

Results:

One hundred twenty patients underwent a stent evaluation and TBP. Baseline and stent evaluation measurements were compared with statistically and clinically significant differences in the Cough Quality-of-life Questionnaire (CQLQ) (55 vs. 68, P<0.01), Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) 0 to 2 (90% vs. 47%, P<0.01), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) (1301 ft vs. 1138 ft, P<0.01). Improvements in the HRQOL and functional status were maintained from stent evaluation to 3 months postoperatively [CQLQ 55 vs. 54, P=0.63; mMRC 0 to 2 (87% vs. 84%), P=0.39; 6MWT 1350 ft vs. 1314 ft, P=0.33], and 12 months postoperatively [CQLQ 54 vs. 54, P=0.91; mMRC 0 to 2 (95% vs. 86%), P=0.74; 6MWT 1409 ft vs. 1328 ft, P=0.13]. The magnitude of change between the data was not significantly different between the stent evaluation, 3-, and 12 months postoperative. Predicted forced expiratory volume in 1-second measurements at baseline, after stent placement, 3 months, and 12 months post-TBP were 74%, 79%, 73%, and 73%, respectively, and not clinically significant.

Conclusions:

Improvement after stent evaluation and the magnitude of improvement may be predictive of postoperative outcomes up to 1 year after surgery.
Evaluation of hypertension control among hemodialysis patients in Pakistan: a prospective follow-up study
Authors: Hameed Kiran , Chinnam Sampath , Khan Khanzada Sheraz , Mushtaq Saima , Ahmad Nafees , Jaber Ammar Ali Saleh , Anwar Zeeshan , ur-Rehman Inayat , Khan Amjad
Published: July 2023

Background

Hypertension is highly prevalent and uncontrolled among hemodialysis patients. In Pakistan published data does not provide enough information about the management and factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in hemodialysis patients.

Objective

This study was conducted to evaluate the factors influencing the pharmacotherapeutic management and control of hypertension in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

A prospective follow-up study was conducted on hemodialysis patients who were enrolled at study sites between 1 June 2020 and 31 December 2020. The predialysis blood pressure (BP) readings were recorded as mean SBP and DBP at baseline and for each of 6 months. Multivariate analyses were applied to analyze the factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in hemodialysis patients.

Results

The average predialysis BP (SBP and DBP) of study participants at baseline visit was 158.41 and 87.22 mmHg respectively. After 6 months the study participants have 150.27 mmHg and 80.03 mmHg average predialysis SBP and DBP respectively. Only 28.1% of hemodialysis patients were on target BP after 6 months. Results of multivariate analysis have shown that the use of beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were significantly associated with hypertension control at baseline [odds ratio (OR) = 1.432, P value = 0.034] (OR = 1.499, P value = 0.045) and at after 6 months (OR = 2.824, P value = 0.015) (OR = 1.883, P value = 0.032).

Conclusion

This study revealed that among the antihypertensive drugs, CCBs and beta-blockers provided better management in controlling hypertension among hemodialysis patients.
Complications of the Superior Eyelid Endoscopic Transorbital Approach to the Skull Base: Preliminary Experience With Specific Focus on Orbital Outcome
Authors: Di Somma Alberto , Guizzardi Giulia , Sanchez España Juan Carlos , Matas Fassi Jessica , Topczewski Thomaz E. , Ferres Abel , Mosteiro Alejandra , Reyes Luis , Tercero Javier , Lopez Mauricio , Alobid Isam , Enseñat Joaquim
Published: July 2023

Background:

The endoscopic superior eyelid approach is a relatively novel mini-invasive technique that is currently investigating for skull base cancers. However, questions remain regarding specific approach-related complications when treating different skull base tumors. This study aims to analyze any surgical complications that occurred in our preliminary consecutive experience, with specific focus on orbital outcome.

Methods:

A retrospective and consecutive cohort of patients treated via a superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach at the Division of Neurosurgery of the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona was analyzed. Patients features were described in detail. Complications were divided into 2 groups to analyze separately the approach-related complications, and those resulting from tumor removal. The ocular complications were subdivided into early ocular status (<3 weeks), late ocular status (3–8 weeks), and persistent ocular complications. The “Park questionnaire” was used to determine patient's satisfaction related to the transorbital approach.

Results:

A total of 20 patients (5 spheno-orbital meningiomas, 1 intradiploic Meningioma, 2 intraconal lesions, 1 temporal pole lesion, 2 trigeminal schwannoma, 3 cavernous sinus lesions, and 6 petroclival lesions) were included in the period 2017–2022. Regarding early ocular status, upper eyelid edema was detected in all cases (100%) associated with diplopia in the lateral gaze in 30% of cases, and periorbital edema in 15% of cases. These aspects tend to resolve at late ocular follow-up (3–8 weeks) in most cases. Regarding persistent ocular complications, in one case of intraconal lesion, a limitation of eye abduction was detected (5%). In another patient with intraconal lesion, an ocular neuropathic pain was reported (5%). In 2 cases of petroclival menigioma, who were also treated with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, slight enophthalmus was observed as a persistent complication (10%). According to the Park questionnaire, no cosmetic complaints, no head pain, no palpable cranial irregularities, and no limited mouth opening were reported, and an average of 89% of general satisfaction was encountered.

Conclusions:

The superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach is a safe and satisfactory technique for a diversity of skull base tumors. At late follow-up, upper eyelid edema, diplopia, and periorbital edema tend to resolve. Persistent ocular complications are more frequent after treating intraconal lesions. Enophthalmus may occur in patients with associated ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. According to patient's satisfaction, fairly acceptable results are attained.
Zika epidemic in Colombia and environmental and sociodemographic contributors: an application of a space-time Markov switching model
Authors: Freitas Laís Picinini , Douwes-Schultz Dirk , Schmidt Alexandra M. , Monsalve Brayan Ávila , Salazar Flórez Jorge Emilio , García-Balaguera César , Restrepo Berta N. , Jaramillo-Ramirez Gloria I. , Carabali Mabel , Zinszer Kate
Published: July 2023

Zika, a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infectedAedesmosquitoes, emerged in the Americas in 2015, causing large-scale epidemics. Colombia alone reported 72,031 Zika cases between 31/May/2015 and 01/October/2016. We used national surveillance data from 1,121 municipalities over 70 epidemiological weeks to identify sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with Zika’s emergence, re-emergence, persistence, and transmission intensity in Colombia. We fitted a zero-state Markov-switching spatio-temporal model under the Bayesian framework, assuming Zika switched between periods of presence and absence according to spatially and temporally varying probabilities of emergence/re-emergence (from absence to presence) and persistence (from presence to presence). These probabilities were assumed to follow a series of mixed multiple logistic regressions. When Zika was present, assuming that the cases follow a negative binomial distribution, we estimated the transmission intensity rate. Our results indicate that Zika emerged/re-emerged sooner and that transmission was more intense in municipalities which were more densely populated, with lower altitude and/or less vegetation cover. Higher weekly temperatures and less weekly-accumulated rain were also associated with Zika emergence. Zika cases persisted for longer in more densely populated areas and with a higher number of cases reported in the previous week. Overall, population density, elevation, and temperature were identified as the main contributors of the first Zika epidemic in Colombia. The estimated probability of Zika presence increased weeks before case reporting, suggesting undetected circulation in the early stages. These results offer insights into priority areas for public health interventions against emerging and re-emergingAedes-borne diseases.
Translation, Cross-cultural adaptation and Validation of the Nigerian Pidgin English version of the Rosenberg Self-esteem and Leprosy-adapted Internalized Stigma for Mental Illness Scales among Persons Affected by Leprosy in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu Joseph , Ukwaja Kingsley , Murphy-Okpala Ngozi , Ekeke Ngozi , Eze Chinwe , Iyama Francis , Meka Anthony , Njoku Martin , Ezeakile Okechukwu , Dahiru Tahir , Abdullahi Suleiman , Anyaike Chukwuma , Nwafor Charles
Published: July 2023

Background

Measuring self-esteem and internalized stigma among persons affected by leprosy is important to monitor stigma-reduction interventions. While the English versions of the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) as originally developed have been validated and widely used in many settings, to date, no cross-culturally adapted or validated Nigerian Pidgin English version exists. We describe the translation, cross-cultural validation and adaptation of the Nigerian Pidgin English versions of the RSES and ISMI in Cross River state, southern Nigeria.

Methods

The Nigerian Pidgin English version of the RSES and ISMI was developed systematically following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on the process of translation and adaptation of instruments. The cultural equivalence of the instruments including their conceptual, item, semantic and their operational equivalences were evaluated using qualitative methods through the process of forward and back-translation, expert panel review, pre-testing and cognitive interviewing to generate the final version. A cross-sectional study of 56 participants with leprosy (Hansen’s disease) enrolled from rural and urban communities in 3 local government areas (Boki, Obubra and Calabar-South) in Cross River state, southern Nigeria was undertaken to assess the psychometric equivalence of the tools. After 2-weeks interval, one-third of them (16 participants) had a re-test.

Results

The conceptual, item, semantic and the operational equivalences of the Nigerian Pidgin English versions of the RSES and ISMI scale showed adequate fit with all items identified as important in the context of the Pidgin speaking population. There was a negative inverse correlation between the mean total scores of the RSES and the ISMI scale (r = -0.57; p <0.001); confirming the construct validity of the two scales. The exploratory factor analysis for the scales indicated good fit as one-dimension scale. The Cronbach’s alpha values representing internal consistency were 0.82 and 0.95 for the RSES and ISMI scale respectively. The test-retest reliability intra-class correlation coefficient for the RSES and the ISMI scale was 0.98 and 0.67, respectively. There were no floor or ceiling effects in the distribution of the responses to the RSES and the ISMI scale.

Conclusion

The Nigerian Pidgin English version of the RSES and ISMI scales were successfully developed and showed evidence to be reliable and valid instruments for the assessment of self-esteem and internalized stigma respectively among Nigerian Pidgin English speaking population of southern Nigeria.
DECLINE OF HANDWASHING AND MASKING AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION IN POST COVID-19 PANDEMIC: INSIGHTS FROM A MIXED METHODS STUDY IN GHANA
Authors: Lamptey Emmanuel , Yaidoo Stanley , Banoya Moses tia , Boakye Evans osei , Benita Dooshima Aki , Senkyire Ephraim Kumi
Published: July 2023

COVID-19 has now entered the endemic stage where the virus is widespread with less fatality than it was in 2020. Restrictions and mandates such as handwashing and masking are eased although the pandemic is not yet over. Many have concluded that we have reached a point that marks the end of the pandemic spurring changes in public behavior. However, SARS-CoV-2 is still causing deaths every day and cases have not plateaued at low level. Better knowledge on why people have relented in handwashing and masking is needed to guide the development of effective interventions against future waves of the infection. In this study, we explored factors contributing to this pattern of behavior in Ghana. Questionnaires were administered to 350 respondents, via social media (WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, reedit,) and these were used to determine the level of handwashing and masking at the first stage of study. Screening and scoring of the questionnaires were used to estimate the level of these activities at the second stage. Among all respondents, we identified and selected 279 participants at the second stage: 95 as decliners, 120 non-regulars, and 64 maintainers according to their level of these activities and adapted scoring criteria. For each category, a group of 5 participants were randomly selected to take part in an in-depth interview. The theory of planned behavior guided our analysis. Six themes emerged from the analysis with the acronym, IMPASE; inconvenience and contamination, Mass population, pandemic patterns and regulations, Availability, Safety and infection prevention, environment and activity. These themes appeared to have elements relating to another component of the theory of planned behavior. Collectively, the environment (Subjective norms) and pattern of pandemic and regulation (Perceived behavioral control) interact with each other to ultimately influence handwashing and masking. Declining and non-regularity were associated with inconvenience and contamination. Maintenance is associated with the environment and activity. Thus, public educational campaigns must be intensified to highlight and address these themes. The public health authorities, employers and, essential services could play an important role in enforcing and disseminating such information.
The K+/Na+innate immune system is involved in the susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19: a systematic review and retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Chang , Luo Yi , Li Yirong , Dai Jiapei
Published: July 2023

Background

From single-cellular to multicellular organisms, a natural nonspecific immune system, called the K+/Na+innate immune system, has recently been proposed to play an important role in the process of fighting against viral infection, however, there is little direct research evidence. This study aimed to evaluate whether the changes in serum K+/Na+concentrations are associated with susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, the Web of Science Core Collection, MedRxiv and BioRxiv databases for articles published between Jan 1, 2020 and Dec 14, 2022. We extracted the serum K+/Na+concentration data of patients with COVID-19 from 112 published studies after removing inappropriate articles according to the defined criteria and analyzed the relationship between the serum k+/Na+concentrations and the illness severity of patients. Then we used a cohort of 244 patients with COVID-19 for a retrospective analysis.

Results

The mean serum k+/Na+concentrations in patients with COVID-19 were 3.99 and 138.0 mmol/L, respectively, which were much lower than the mean levels in the population (4.40 and 142.0, respectively). The mean serum Na+concentration in severe/critical patients (136.8) was significantly lower than those in mild and moderate patients (139.4 and 138.0, respectively). Such findings were confirmed in a retrospective cohort study, of which the mean serum k+/Na+concentrations in all patients were 4.0 and 137.5 mmol/L, respectively. The significant differences in serum Na+concentrations were found between the mild (139.2) and moderate (137.2) patients, and the mild and severe/critical (136.6) patients, which were correlated to the illness severity of patients.

Conclusions

These findings may indicate the importance of a natural immune system constructed by intracellular potassium and extracellular sodium ions in the fight against viral infection and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Characterization of a fieldable process for airborne virus detection
Authors: Du Huifeng , Bruno Simone , Overholt Kalon J. , Palacios Sebastian , Huang Hsin-Ho , Barajas Carlos , Gross Ben , Lee Cindy , Evile Haley K. , de Sousa Nuno Rufino , Rothfuchs Antonio Gigliotti , Vecchio Domitilla Del
Published: July 2023

Rapid, on-site, airborne virus detection is a requirement for timely action against the spread of air-transmissible infectious diseases. This applies both to future threats and to common viral diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19, which hit vulnerable populations yearly with severe consequences. The ultra-low concentrations of virus in the air make airborne virus detection difficult, yet readily infect individuals when breathed. Here, we propose a fieldable process that includes an enrichment step to concentrate collected genetic material in a small volume. The enrichment approach uses capillary electrophoresis and an RT-qPCR-compatible buffer, which allow enrichment of the RNA by about 5-fold within only 10 minutes of operation. Our detection process consists of air sampling through electrostatic precipitation, RNA extraction via heating, RNA enrichment, and RT-qPCR for detection. We optimized each step of the process and estimated a detection sensitivity of 3106±2457 genome copies (gc) per m3of air. We then performed an integration experiment and confirmed a sensitivity of 5654 gc/m3with a detection rate of 100% and a sensitivity of 4221 gc/m3with a detection rate of 78.6%. When using fast RT-qPCR, the latency of the whole process is down to 61 minutes. Given that our sensitivity falls in the low range of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 concentrations reported in indoor spaces, our study shows that, with enrichment, airborne pathogen detection can be made sufficiently sensitive for practical use.
Comparison of adhesion prevention capabilities of the modified starch powder-based medical devices 4DryField®PH, HaemoCer™ PLUS and StarSil®in the Optimized Peritoneal Adhesion Model
Authors: Poehnert Daniel , Neubert Lavinia , Winny Markus
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

The rat Optimized Peritoneal Adhesion Model (OPAM) was developed to provoke adhesion formation with high reproducibility in incidence and extent. In a recent study, the starch-based hemostats 4DryField PH and Arista AH were tested for their capabilities to prevent adhesion formation, the former one certified for adhesion prevention and hemostasis, the latter one only certified for hemostasis. As two further starch-based hemostats, i.e., HaemoCer PLUS and StarSil, have officially been certified for adhesion prevention in the meantime, the present study was conducted to examine their efficacy.

Materials and Methods

For this purpose, all three products were applied as a powder that was mixedin situwith saline solution to form a barrier gel. Adhesions were scored using the established macroscopically scoring systems by Lauder and Hoffmann, as well as histopathologically using the score by Zühlke. Animals receiving saline solution solely served as controls.

Results

As previously published, 4DryField PH reduced peritoneal adhesions significantly. In contrast, HaemoCer PLUS and StarSil did not lead to a statistically significant reduction of adhesion formation. When comparing 4DryField PH, HaemoCer PLUS and StarSil, 4DryField PH was significantly more effective in preventing peritoneal adhesions. The results of the macroscopic investigation were confirmed by histopathological evaluations.

Conclusions

Only 4DryField PH but neither HaemoCer PLUS nor StarSil were capable to effectively prevent adhesion formation, corroborating the assumption that starch-based hemostats do not generally have the capability to act as effective adhesion prevention devices.
Self-replication of Aβ42aggregates occurs on small and isolated fibril sites
Authors: Curk Samo , Krausser Johannes , Meisl Georg , Frenkel Daan , Linse Sara , Michaels Thomas C. T. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Šarić Anđela
Published: July 2023

Self-replication of amyloid fibrils via secondary nucleation is an intriguing physicochemical phenomenon in which existing fibrils catalyse the formation of their own copies. The molecular events behind this fibril surface-mediated process remain largely inaccessible to current structural and imaging techniques. Using statistical mechanics, computer modelling, and chemical kinetics, we show that the catalytic structure of the fibril surface can be inferred from the aggregation behaviour in the presence and absence of a fibril-binding inhibitor. We apply our approach to the case of Alzheimer’s Aβ42amyloid fibrils formed in the presence of proSP-C Brichos inhibitors. We find that self-replication of Aβ42fibrils occurs on small catalytic sites on the fibril surface, which are far apart from each other, and each of which can be covered by a single Brichos inhibitor.
Small deviations in kinematics and body form dictate muscle performances in the finely tuned avian downstroke
Authors: Deetjen Marc E. , Chin Diana D. , Heers Ashley M. , Tobalske Bret W. , Lentink David
Published: July 2023

Avian takeoff requires peak pectoralis muscle power to generate sufficient aerodynamic force during the downstroke. Subsequently the much smaller supracoracoideus recovers the wing during the upstroke. How the pectoralis work loop is tuned to power flight is unclear. We integrate wingbeat-resolved muscle, kinematic and aerodynamic recordingsin vivowith a new mathematical model to disentangle how the pectoralis muscle overcomes wing inertia and generates aerodynamic force during takeoff in doves. Doves reduce the angle of attack of their wing mid-downstroke to efficiently generate aerodynamic force, resulting in an aerodynamic power dip, that allows transferring excess pectoralis power into tensioning the supracoracoideus tendon to assist the upstroke—improving the pectoralis work loop efficiency simultaneously. Integrating extant bird data, our model shows how the pectoralis of birds with faster wingtip speed need to generate proportionally more power. Finally, birds with disproportionally larger wing inertia need to activate the pectoralis earlier to tune their downstroke.

Subject area in eLife

Ecology

Impact statement

Doves improve their wingbeat efficacy without elevating maximum pectoralis power by angling their wings mid-downstroke to efficiently generate aerodynamic force while simultaneously tensioning the supracoracoideus tendon to assist the upstroke.
Genomic unveiling of the diversity in grain protein and lysine content throughout a genebank collection of winter wheat
Authors: Berkner Marcel O. , Weise Stephan , Reif Jochen C. , Schulthess Albert W.
Published: July 2023

Globally, wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is a major source of proteins in human nutrition despite its unbalanced amino acid composition. The low lysine content in the protein fraction of wheat can lead to protein-energy-malnutrition prominently in developing countries. A promising strategy to overcome this problem is to breed varieties which combine high protein content with high lysine content. Nevertheless, this requires the incorporation of yet undefined donor genotypes into pre-breeding programs. Genebank collections are suspected to harbor the needed genetic diversity. In the 1970s, a large-scale screening of protein traits was conducted for the wheat genebank collection in Gatersleben; however, this data has been poorly mined so far. In the present study, a large historical dataset on protein content and lysine content was curated and the corresponding adjusted entry means were calculated. High-quality phenotypic data of 558 accessions was leveraged by engaging four genomic prediction approaches. Based on the predicted phenotypes of 7,651 winter wheat accessions, few of them were recommended as donor genotypes due to suitable protein characteristic. Further investigation of the passport data suggested an association of the adjusted lysine content with the elevation of the collecting site. This publicly available information can facilitate future pre-breeding activities.

Highlight

Historical data of lysine and protein content can be leveraged by engaging genomic prediction of an entire winter wheat genebank collection which enables to propose donor genotypes for pre-breeding.
Zero is not absence: censoring-based differential abundance analysis for microbiome data
Authors: Chan Lap Sum , Li Gen
Published: July 2023

Microbiome data analysis faces the challenge of sparsity, with many entries recorded as zeros. In differential abundance analysis, the presence of excessive zeros in data violates distributional assumptions and creates ties, leading to an increased risk of type I errors and reduced statistical power. To address this, we developed a novel normalization method, called CAMP, for microbiome data by treating zeros as censored observations, transforming raw read counts into tie-free time-to-event-like data. This enables the use of survival analysis techniques, like the Cox proportional hazards model, for differential abundance analysis. Extensive simulations demonstrate that CAMP achieves proper type I error control and high power. Applying CAMP to a human gut microbiome dataset, we identify 60 new differentially abundant taxa across geographic locations, showcasing its usefulness. CAMP over-comes sparsity challenges, enabling improved statistical analysis and providing valuable insights into microbiome data in various contexts.
Reconfigurations of cortical manifold structure during reward-based motor learning
Authors: Nick Qasem , Gale Daniel J. , Areshenkoff Corson , De Brouwer Anouk , Nashed Joseph , Wammes Jeffrey , Zhu Tianyao , Flanagan Randy , Smallwood Jonny , Gallivan Jason
Published: July 2023

Adaptive motor behavior depends on the coordinated activity of multiple neural systems distributed across the brain. While the role of sensorimotor cortex in motor learning has been well-established, how higher-order brain systems interact with sensorimotor cortex to guide learning is less well understood. Using functional MRI, we examined human brain activity during a reward-based motor task where subjects learned to shape their hand trajectories through reinforcement feedback. We projected patterns of cortical and striatal functional connectivity onto a low-dimensional manifold space and examined how regions expanded and contracted along the manifold during learning. During early learning, we found that several sensorimotor areas in the Dorsal Attention Network exhibited increased covariance with areas of the salience/ventral attention network and reduced covariance with areas of the default mode network (DMN). During late learning, these effects reversed, with sensorimotor areas now exhibiting increased covariance with DMN areas. However, areas in posteromedial cortex showed the opposite pattern across learning phases, with its connectivity suggesting a role in coordinating activity across different networks over time. Our results establish the neural changes that support reward-based motor learning and identify distinct transitions in the functional coupling of sensorimotor to transmodal cortex when adapting behavior.
An approximate likelihood method reveals ancient gene flow between human, chimpanzee and gorilla
Authors: Galtier Nicolas
Published: July 2023

Gene flow and incomplete lineage sorting are two distinct sources of phylogenetic conflict,i.e., gene trees that differ in topology from each other and from the species tree. Distinguishing between the two processes is a key objective of current evolutionary genomics. This is most often pursued via the so-called ABBA-BABA type of method, which relies on a prediction of symmetry of gene tree discordance made by the incomplete lineage sorting hypothesis. Gene flow, however, need not be asymmetric, and when it is not, ABBA-BABA approaches do not properly measure the prevalence of gene flow. I introduce Aphid, an approximate maximum-likelihood method aimed at quantifying the sources of phylogenetic conflict via topology and branch length analysis of three-species gene trees. Aphid draws information from the fact that gene trees affected by gene flow tend to have shorter branches, and gene trees affected by incomplete lineage sorting longer branches, than the average gene tree. Accounting for the among-loci variance in mutation rate and gene flow time, Aphid returns estimates of the speciation times and ancestral effective population size, and a posterior assessment of the contribution of gene flow and incomplete lineage sorting to the conflict. Simulations suggest that Aphid is reasonably robust to a wide range of conditions. Analysis of coding and non-coding data in primates illustrates the potential of the approach and reveals that a substantial fraction of the human/chimpanzee/gorilla phylogenetic conflict is due to ancient gene flow. Aphid also predicts older speciation times and a smaller estimated effective population size in this group, compared to existing analyses assuming no gene flow.
Female journalists who have reached the top: perceptions on communication, leadership, and gender bias in the Portuguese press
Authors: Cunha Maria Joao , Lúcio Martins Rita
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand challenges and constraints in reaching top leadership positions for women in the Portuguese press. Specifically, it aims at characterizing their communication and leadership styles, and at identifying main gender biases in newsrooms routines from their point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method was employed by conducting in-depth interviews with four women who have held higher management positions in Portuguese leading newspapers. Participants were asked to characterize their communication and leadership style, but also newsrooms environment, trying to understand how gender asymmetries persist and manifest. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

While considering that Portuguese newsrooms are no longer environments marked by a sexist/macho environment, through increasing female participation, women still represent a minority in leadership. Leadership traits linked to male styles, including assertiveness and courage, were revealed, though mixed with a more participative/relational leadership. Also, female leaders regret when emotional ties with teams are not developed and recognized some degree of privilege towards other women through family support or not having children.

Research limitations/implications

There is a limited number of interviews, although they represent the few top women leaders in Portuguese journalism.

Practical implications

Policymaking recommendations derived from conclusions include participative leadership, implementing quotas, and monitoring tools of gender biases and special training.

Social implications

Media literacy policies and open debates on main media outlets concerning female leadership and communication styles may contributes toward the acknowledgement of lingering gender biases in the industry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a fuller insight into the identification of leadership and personal traits among women who managed to disrupt stigmas and break barriers. Their voices are seldom heard in studies focusing leadership, so results enable ascertaining whether there is a female way of leading in journalism and comprehending the sense of privilege these women perceive.