PaperPlayer biorxiv scientific communication and education

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.12.248369v1?rss=1 Authors: Wren, J. D., Georgescu, C. Abstract: Although citations are used as a quantifiable, objective metric of academic influence, cases have been documented whereby references were added to a paper solely to inflate the perceived influence of a body of research. This reference list manipulation (RLM) could take place during the peer-review process (e.g., coercive citation from editors or reviewers), or prior to it (e.g., a quid-pro-quo between authors). Surveys have estimated how many people may have been affected by coercive RLM at one time or another, but it is not known how many authors engage in RLM, nor to what degree. Examining a subset of active, highly published authors (n=20,803) in PubMed, we find the frequency of non-self citations (NSC) to one author coming from one paper approximates Zipf's law. We propose the Gini Index as a simple means of quantifying skew in this distribution and test it against a series of "red flag" metrics that are expected to result from RLM attempts. We estimate between 81 (FDR <0.05) and 231 (FDR<0.10) authors are outliers on the curve, suggestive of chronic, repeated RLM. Based upon the distribution, we estimate approximately 3,284 (16%) of all authors may have engaged in RLM to some degree, possibly opportunistically. Finally, we find authors who use 18% or more of their references for self-citation are significantly more likely to have NSC Gini distortions, suggesting their desire to see their work cited carries over into their peer-review activity. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.11.246637v1?rss=1 Authors: Candal-Pedreira, C., Ruano-Ravina, A., Fernandez, E., Ramos, J., Campos-Varela, I., Perez-Rios, M. Abstract: Background: Retracted articles continue to be cited after retraction, and this could have consequences for the scientific community and general population alike. This study was conducted to analyze the impact of retraction on citations received by retracted papers in two-time frames: during a post-retraction period equivalent to the time the article had been in print before retraction; and during the total post-retraction period. Results: The results indicated an increase in post-retraction citations when compared with citations received pre-retraction. There were some exceptions however: first, citations received by articles published in first-quartile journals decreased immediately after retraction (p<0.05), only to increase again after some time had elapsed; and second, post-retraction citations decreased significantly in the case of articles that had received many citations before their retraction (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate that retraction of articles has no impact on citations in the long term, since the retracted articles continue to be cited, thus circumventing their retraction. More effective mechanisms should be established to prevent the citation of retracted articles in scientific papers. Methods: Quasi-experimental, pre-post evaluation study. A total of 304 retracted original articles and literature reviews indexed in Medline fulfilled the exclusion criteria. Articles were required to have been published in Pubmed from January 2013 through December 2016 and been retracted between January 2014 and December 2016. The main outcome was the number of citations received before and after retraction. Results were broken down by journal quartile according to impact factor and the most cited papers (pre-retraction) were specifically analyzed. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.10.240879v1?rss=1 Authors: Mishra, P., Prasad, A., Babu, S., Yadav, G. Abstract: Extraction and analysis of useful knowledge from the vast amount of relevant published literature can add valuable insights to any research theme or area of interest. We introduce a simplified bibliometric data analysis protocol for gaining substantial insights into research thematics, which can also serve as a handy practical skill for researchers, while working from home. In this paper, we provide ways of developing a holistic research strategy using bibliometric-data driven approaches that integrate network analysis and information management, without the need of full paper access. This protocol is a comprehensive multi-modular pathway for analysis of metadata obtained from major scientific publishing houses by use of a Decision Support System (DSS). A simple case study on the invasive species Lantana camara has been presented as a proof-of-concept to show how one can implement this DSS based protocol. Some perspectives are also provided on how the outcomes can be used directly or scaled up for long term research interventions. We hope that this work will simplify exploratory literature review, and enable rational design of research objectives for scholars, as well as development of comprehensive grant proposals that address gaps in research. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.05.237313v1?rss=1 Authors: Sarkar, B., Munshi, A., Ghosh, B., Ganesh, T., Manikandan, A., Biswal, S. S., Sahid, T., B, R., Sengupta, S., Roychaowdhary, S., Bhattacharya, J., Gazi, M., De, A., George, K., Ghosh, T., Akhter, J., Mandal, S., Gupta, R., Roy, S., Jassal, K., Rastogi, K., Bansal, K., Chaterjee, P., Biswas, L. N., Bondopadhay, S., Pradhan, A., Mohanti, B. K. Abstract: Background: This study aims to analyze the dynamics of the published articles and preprints of Covid 19 related literature from different scientific databases and sharing platforms. Methods: The PubMed, Elsevier, and Research Gate (RG) databases were under consideration in this study over a specific time. Analyses were carried out on the number of publications as (a) function of time (day), (b) journals and (c) authors. Doubling time of the number of publications was analyzed for PubMed all articles and Elsevier published articles. Analyzed databases were (1A) PubMed all articles (01/12/2019 to 12/06/2020) (1B) PubMed Review articles (01/12/2019 to 2/5/2020) and (1C) PubMed Clinical Trials (01/01/2020-30/06/2020) (2) Elsevier all publications (01/12/2019 to 25/05/2020) (3) RG (Article, Pre Print, Technical Report) (15/04/2020 to 30/4/2020). Findings: Total publications in the observation period for PubMed, Elsevier, and RG were 23000, 5898 and 5393 respectively. The average number of publications/day for PubMed, Elsevier and RG were 70.0 {+/-}128.6, 77.6{+/-}125.3 and 255.6{+/-}205.8 respectively. PubMed shows an avalanche in the number of publication around May 10, number of publications jumped from 6.0{+/-}8.4/day to 282.5{+/-}110.3/day. The average doubling time for PubMed, Elsevier, and RG was 10.3{+/-}4 days, 20.6 days, and 2.3{+/-}2.0 days respectively. In PubMed average articles/journal was 5.2{+/-}10.3 and top 20 authors representing 935 articles are of Chinese descent. The average number of publications per author for PubMed, Elsevier, and RG was 1.2{+/-}1.4, 1.3{+/-}0.9, and 1.1{+/-}0.4 respectively. Subgroup analysis, PubMed review articles mean and median review time for each article were <0|17{+/-}17|77> and 13.9 days respectively; and reducing at a rate of -0.21 days (count)/day. Interpretation: Although the disease has been known for around 6 months, the number of publications related to the Covid-19 until now is huge and growing very fast with time. It is essential to rationalize the publications scientifically by the researchers, authors, reviewers, and publishing houses. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.04.235879v1?rss=1 Authors: Wu, H., Eungpinichpong, W., Ruan, H., Zhang, X., Dong, X. Abstract: This study investigates motor fitness (MF), fundamental movement skills (FMS), and functional movement screen (FMS) in 7-10-year-old children, and evaluates the relationship between FMS?MF and FMS combination with Seefeldt`s model for empirical research, thus to present effective strategies of physical development in children. A class was randomly selected in four school grades (1-4) along with 30 students from each to take the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). A total of 117 children (42 girls, aged 7-10) participated in three tests: TGMD-2, MF tests, and FMS. MF levels (good, fair, and poor) and FMS levels (high, moderate, and low) were classified according to specific percentile ranges. A multiple (RxC) chi-square test analysis of the relationship between MF, FMS, and FMS was applied and post hoc testing estimated the possibility of FMS and FMS predicting MF. The results showed that only 43% of children were rated "good" on MF. Most fourth-grade students exhibited a certain gap with mature FMS (TGMD-2 score 70.13{+/-}9.68< 96 full scores). Boys scored significantly higher on the object control subtest and the TGMD-2 total score compared to girls (p<0.001), while girls had a significantly greater score than boys on the FMS ( p =0.001). The results of multiple chi-square demonstrated FMS to be weakly correlated with MF, {chi} 2 (4,N=117) =14.605, p =0.006< 0.01, Cramers V = 0.25. Both 60.5% of "excellent" FMS and 59.6% of "high" FMS children were categorized as having a "good" MF level. On the other hand, only 23.1% of the "worst" FMS and 24.3% of "low" FMS individuals were classified as having a "good" MF level. Our results suggest that MF, FMS, FMS are relatively independent systems linking with each other, generating mutual interaction in childrens motor development. At different stages or different advantages of them motor development, we may emphasize training one or a few parts. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.03.225979v1?rss=1 Authors: Araujo, G. S. Abstract: Teaching computer programming is not a simple task and it is challenging to introduce the concepts of programming in graduate programs of other fields. Little efforts have been made on engaging students in computational development after programming trainings. An emerging need is to establish subjects of bioinformatics and programming languages in genetics and molecular biology graduate programs, when students in these degree programs are immersed in a sea of genomic and transcriptomic data, which demands proficient computational treatment. I report an empirical guideline to introduce programming languages and recommend Python as first language for graduate programs in which students were from genetics and molecular biology backgrounds. Including the development of programming solutions related to graduate students' research activities may improve programming skills and better engagement. These results suggest that the applied approach leads to enhanced learning of introductory to autonomy in highly advanced programming concepts by graduate students. This guide should be extended for other research programs. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.30.228916v1?rss=1 Authors: Yanai, I., Lercher, M. Abstract: When analyzing the results of an experiment, the mental focus on a specific hypothesis might prevent the exploration of other aspects of the data, effectively blinding one to new ideas. To test this notion, we performed an experiment in which we asked undergraduate students to analyze a fictitious dataset. In addition to being asked what they could conclude from the dataset, half of the students were asked to also test specific hypotheses. In line with our notion, students in the hypothesis-free group were almost 5 times more likely to observe an image of a gorilla when simply plotting the data, a proxy for an initial step towards data analysis. If these findings are representative also of scientific research as a whole, they warrant concern about the current emphasis on hypothesis-driven research, especially in the context of information-rich datasets such as those now routinely created in the biological sciences. Our work provides evidence for a link between the psychological effect of selective attention and hypothesis-driven data analysis, and suggests a hidden cost to having a hypothesis when analyzing a dataset. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.30.228643v1?rss=1 Authors: Shiina, A., Niitsu, T., Kobori, O., Idemoto, K., Hashimoto, T., Sasaki, T., Igarashi, Y., Shimizu, E., Nakazato, M., Hashimoto, K., Iyo, M. Abstract: To control the spread of the newly developed corona viral infection diseases (COVID-19), peoples appropriate precautionary behaviors should be promoted. We conducted a series of online questionnaire survey, to gather a total of 8,000 citizens responses on March 27-28, 2020 in Japan and April 17-21 in the UK and Spain. Compared to Japan, the knowledge and anxiety level and the frequency of precautionary behaviors were higher in the UK and Spain. Participants with infected acquaintances were more concerned about COVID-19. However, participants in the UK rarely wore a medical mask. Participants in the UK and Spain were eager to get information about COVID-19 compared to those in Japan. The participants in Spain tended not to trust official information and to believe specialists' comments instead. The urgency of the spread of COVID-19, cultural backgrounds, and recent political situations appear to contribute to the differences among countries revealed herein. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.29.226464v1?rss=1 Authors: Gompo, T. R., Jyoti, S., Pandit, S., Sapkota, R. C., Pandey, A. Abstract: Nepal has an agrarian-based economy where the livestock sector contributes about 12 percent to the national GDP. Rupandehi district is one of the largest dairy pocket areas in the nation, but the disease, such as leptospirosis, posed a negative impact on their production and productivity. Despite the economic importance of cattle leptospirosis, the disease is concerned for the people's occupational risk and food safety. Although leptospirosis is a priority zoonosis in Nepal, the effective implementation of the control program lacks both in animal and human health. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and identify associated risk factors of cattle leptospirosis from March 2019 to April 2020. Altogether, 206 cattle herds located in all the sixteen local levels of the district were visited. The owners were interviewed to record the cattle management system's information and their knowledge of the zoonotic diseases. A total of 383 cattle serum samples were collected, and an indirect antibody ELISA was performed to estimate the infection status of leptospirosis in the cattle herds. All the data were analyzed by Open epi and R software for the descriptive and analytical study. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess the potential herd level and animal level risk factors. Out of seven potential herd-level risk factors, the purchased cattle herds (OR: 7.2, 95% CI: 1.24-136.5, p=0.025) and cattle with herd size >10 (OR: 14.92, 95% CI: 2.61-283.38, p=0.025) were identified as significant risk factors for leptospirosis. At the animal level, the cattle taken for grazing in pastureland accessed by the community dog was a significant risk factor (OR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.13- 14.06, p=0.034). Surprisingly, none of the farmers had heard about leptospirosis before. The outcome of this research could be an epidemiological insight in control of priority zoonosis to protect the livestock economy and reduce their negative impact on public health. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.28.225953v1?rss=1 Authors: Huang, A., Hancock, D., Clemson, M., Yeo, G., Harney, D. J., Denny, P., Denyer, G. Abstract: Production of high-quality multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for both formative and summative assessment is a time-consuming task requiring great skill, creativity, and insight. The transition to online examinations, with the concomitant exposure of previously tried-and-tested MCQs, exacerbates the challenges of question production, and highlights the need for innovative solutions. Several groups have shown that it is practical to leverage the student cohort to produce a very large number of syllabus-aligned MCQs for study banks. Although student-generated questions are well suited for formative feedback and practice activities, they are generally not thought to be suitable for high-stakes assessments. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate that training can be provided to students in a scalable fashion to generate questions of similar quality to those produced by experts, and that identification of suitable questions can be achieved with minimal academic review and editing. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students were assigned a series of activities designed to coach them in the art of writing and critiquing MCQs. This training resulted in the production of over one thousand MCQs that were then gauged for potential by either expert academic judgement, or via a data-driven approach in which the questions were trialled objectively in a low-stakes test. Questions selected by either method were then deployed in a high-stakes in-semester assessment alongside questions from two academically authored sources: textbook-derived MCQs, and past paper questions. A total of 120 MCQs from these four sources were deployed in assessments attempted by over 600 students. Each question was subjected to rigorous performance analysis, including the calculation of standard metrics from classical test theory and more sophisticated Item Response Theory (IRT) measures. The results showed that MCQs authored by students and selected at low cost performed as well as questions authored by academics, illustrating the potential of this strategy for the efficient creation of large numbers of high quality MCQs for summative assessment. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.22.216689v1?rss=1 Authors: Ray, T., Limon, M. S. H., Tuhin, M. S. H., Sharmin, A. Abstract: Southwestern region of Bangladesh is very rich in floral diversity, and their diversified uses. An extensive survey was conducted to investigate ethnobotanical applications of botanical species by the community of Khulna, Bangladesh. We focused on plants and community relationships, identify the most important species used, determine the relative importance of the species surveyed and calculated the Fidelity level (FI) and Cultural Significance Index (CSI) concerning individual species. In total, we have listed 136 species of 114 genera under 52 families, of which 32% (45 species) were used for folk medicine. Inheritance of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants was the primary source of knowledge acquisition through oral transmission over the generations. However, only 34% of the informants were traditional herbal practitioners. Most of the medicinal uses are primly associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic, expectorant, antidote, fever reduction, and pain relief. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.25.218453v1?rss=1 Authors: Dill-McFarland, K. A., Koenig, S. G., Mazel, F., Oliver, D., McEwen, L. M., Hong, K. Y., Hallam, S. J. Abstract: We live in an increasingly data-driven world, where high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry platforms are transforming biology into an information science. This has shifted major challenges in biological research from data generation and processing to interpretation and knowledge translation. However, post-secondary training in bioinformatics, or more generally data science for life scientists, lags behind current demand. In particular, development of accessible, undergraduate data science curricula has potential to improve research and learning outcomes and better prepare students in the life sciences to thrive in public and private sector careers. Here, we describe the Experiential Data science for Undergraduate Cross-Disciplinary Education (EDUCE) initiative, which aims to progressively build data science competency across several years of integrated practice. Through EDUCE, students complete data science modules integrated into required and elective courses augmented with coordinated co-curricular activities. The EDUCE initiative draws on a community of practice consisting of teaching assistants, postdocs, instructors and research faculty from multiple disciplines to overcome several reported barriers to data science for life scientists, including instructor capacity, student prior knowledge, and relevance to discipline-specific problems. Preliminary survey results indicate that even a single module improves student self-reported interest and/or experience in bioinformatics and computer science. Thus, EDUCE provides a flexible and extensible active learning framework for integration of data science curriculum into undergraduate courses and programs across the life sciences. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.24.219683v1?rss=1 Authors: Morosoli, J. J., Colodro-Conde, L., Barlow, F. K., Medland, S. E. Abstract: We conducted the first systematic text mining review of online media coverage of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and analyzed trends in media coverage, readability, themes, and mentions of ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI). Over 5,000 online news articles published from 2005 to 2018 all over the world were included in analyses. Our results show that while some GWAS attract a great deal of online interest many are not reported on, and that those that are covered are described in language too complex to be understood by the general public. Ethical issues are largely unaddressed, while suggestions for translation are increasing over time. Our review identifies areas that need to improve to increase the effectiveness and accuracy of the communication of genetic research findings in online media. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.23.218743v1?rss=1 Authors: Maggio, L. A., Larsen, K., Costello, J., Thomas, A., Artino, A. R. Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize the extent, range, and nature of scoping reviews published in core medical education journals. In so doing, the authors identify areas for improvement in the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews, and highlight opportunities for future research. Method: The authors searched PubMed for scoping reviews published between 1999 through April 2020 in 14 medical education journals. From each review, the authors extracted and summarized key bibliometric data, the rationales given for conducting a scoping review, the research questions, and key reporting elements as described in the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Rationales and research questions were mapped to the reasons for conducting a scoping review, as described by Arksey and O'Malley. Results: One hundred and one scoping reviews were included. On average 10.1 scoping reviews (MED=4, SD=13.08) were published annually with the most reviews published in 2019 (n=42) in 13 of the included 14 journals reviewed. Academic Medicine published the most scoping reviews (n=28) overall. Authors described multiple reasons for undertaking scoping reviews, including to: summarize and disseminate research findings (n=77); examine the extent, range, and nature of research activity in a given area (n=74); and to analyze an emerging topic or heterogenous literature base (n=46). In 11 reviews there was alignment between the rationales for the scoping review and the stated research questions. No review addressed all elements of the PRISMA-ScR, with only a minority of authors publishing a protocol (n=2) or including stakeholders (n=20). Authors identified several shortcomings of scoping review methodology, including being unable to critically assess the included studies. Conclusions: Medical educators are increasingly conducting scoping reviews with a desire to characterize the literature on a topic. There is room for improvement in the reporting of scoping reviews, including the alignment of research questions, the creation and publishing of protocols, and the inclusion of external stakeholders in published works. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.24.219279v1?rss=1 Authors: Frimpong, K. A., Abban-Baidoo, E., Marschner, B. Abstract: Soil fertility decline represents a major constraint to crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Many studies have shown that addition of biochar or compost can effectively improve soil quality. Biochar produced from crop residues are often N-poor but rich in stable C while poultry manure composts, which is often rich in nutrients including N decomposes rapidly under high rainfall and temperature conditions. Combined biochar and compost application can compensate for the shortcomings of each other such that their interactive effect is likely to improve soil quality. A 30-days incubation experiment was carried out on a Haplic acrisol amended with corn cob biochar, rice husk biochar, coconut husk biochar, poultry manure compost and composted rice husk or corn cob biochar to examine the effect of compost and biochar, applied singly, in combination or as co-compost on basal soil respiration, and soil quality indicators such as soil pH; soil microbial carbon; cation exchange capacity; total organic carbon, total nitrogen and available nitrogen concentration. The results showed that addition of the different amendments increased soil pH compared with the untreated control with the combined corn cob and rice biochar and compost treatments recording the highest pH values. Basal respiration following sole compost, composted biochar and combined biochar and compost application were significantly greater than the sole biochar and the control treatments. TOC increased by 37% in the sole compost treatment to 117.3% in the combined corn cob biochar and compost treatment, respectively. MBC increased by 132.2% in the combined rice husk biochar and compost treatment and by 247% in the sole compost treatment compared to the control. The study has demonstrated the potential of compost, biochar and especially composted biochar to enhance soil quality, C stabilization and reduce soil C loss through basal respiration. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.23.217331v1?rss=1 Authors: Orlando, V., Rea, F., savare, L., Guarino, I., Mucherino, S., Perrella, A., Trama, U., Coscioni, E., Menditto, E., Corrao, G. Abstract: BackgroundThe novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic spread rapidly worldwide increasing exponentially in Italy. To date, there is lack of studies describing clinical characteristics of the population most at risk of infection. Hence, we aimed to identify clinical predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and to develop and validate a score predicting SARS-CoV-2 infection risk comparing it with unspecific surrogates. MethodsRetrospective case/control study using administrative health-related database was carried out in Southern Italy (Campania region) among beneficiaries of Regional Health Service aged over than 30 years. For each subject with Covid-19 confirmed diagnosis (case), up to five controls were randomly matched for gender, age and municipality of residence. Odds ratios and 90% confidence intervals for associations between candidate predictors and risk of infection were estimated by means of conditional logistic regression. SARS-CoV-2 Infection Score (SIS), was developed by generating a total aggregate score obtained from assignment of a weight at each selected covariate using coefficients estimated from the model. Finally, the score was categorized by assigning increasing values from 1 to 4. SIS was validated by comparison with specific and unspecific predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ResultsSubjects suffering from diabetes, anaemias, Parkinsons disease, mental disorders, cardiovascular and inflammatory bowel and kidney diseases showed increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similar estimates were recorded for men and women and younger and older than 65 years. Fifteen conditions significantly contributed to the SIS. As SIS value increases, risk progressively increases, being odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection among people with the highest SIS value (SIS=4), 1.74 times higher than those unaffected by any SIS contributing conditions (SIS=1). ConclusionThis study identified conditions and diseases making individuals more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results are a decision-maker support tool for identifying population most at risk allowing adoption of preventive measures to minimize a potential new relapse damage. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.23.217372v1?rss=1 Authors: Trakarnvanich, T., Manomaipiboon, A., Pupipatpab, S., Chomdee, P. C., Boonyapatkul, P. Abstract: Filter facepiece respirators (FFRs) are critical for preventing the transmission of respiratory tract infection disease, especially the dreadful coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2). The N95 mask is a prototype, high-efficiency protective device that can effectively protect against airborne pathogens of less than 0.3 m. The N95 mask is tightly fitting and has high filtration capacity. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a greater requirement for FFR. This rising demand greatly exceeds current production capabilities and stockpiles, resulting in shortages. To address this, our team has invented a new type of half-piece respirator made from silicone and assembled with HEPA or elastostatic filter. A variety of methods have been used to evaluate this new device, including a qualitative fit test with the Bitrex(R) test kit and filtration test. The preliminary results showed that the new N99 respirators pass the fit test. The filtration tests also confirmed the superiority of N99 over traditional N95 masks, with a mean performance of protection greater than 95%. For the filters, we used two types: SafeStar, which is a kind of HEPA filter; and CareStar, which is considered an elastostatic filler. CareStar was developed to filter virus and bacteria in the operating room, with a limit duration of use up to 24 h, while the safe star was designed for 72 h use and has the quality equivalent to a HEPA filter. Our study demonstrated superior filtration efficacy of both filters, more than 98% even after 24 h of use. CareStar has significantly more filtration efficacy than a safe star (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the development of our new N99 half-piece respirator should ultimately be applicable to healthcare workers with at least non-inferiority to the previously used N 95 respirators.. Currently, the adequate supply of such equipment is not feasible. The advent of the new protective device will help protect healthcare workers and replenish the shortage of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.21.214288v1?rss=1 Authors: He, F., Jaehnig, S. C., Wetzig, A., Langhans, S. D. Abstract: Freshwater ecosystems are amongst the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They are subject to intense and increasing threats and have a higher proportion of threatened and extinct species than terrestrial or marine realms. Concurrently, freshwater ecosystems are largely underrepresented in both conservation research and actions arguably as a consequence of less popularity and promotion. To test this assumption, we used cover images as a proxy of exposure and promotion opportunities provided by conservation journals. We collected information on cover images of 18 conservation journals from 1997 to 2016 and data on citations and Altmetric scores of papers published in them. We found that freshwater ecosystems (10.4%) were featured less often than marine (15.2%) or terrestrial (74.4%) ecosystems on covers of these journals. All 15 most featured species are from terrestrial or marine ecosystems, with 14 of them being large vertebrates such as elephants, big cats, rhinos, polar bears, and marine turtles. None of the 95 species featured more than once on the covers of conservation journals spend their whole life history in fresh waters, i.e. they are at least partly associated with terrestrial or marine ecosystems. Our results indicated that cover-featured studies received more attention from academia and the general public, i.e. showed higher citations and Altmetric scores, than non-featured ones within the same issue. By featuring freshwater species and habitats on covers, therewith providing more exposure opportunities, conservation journals hold the potential to promote biodiversity conservation in fresh waters. Scientists can help that endeavour by submitting freshwater-related photos together with their manuscripts for review, therewith providing more options for editors to portray freshwater species and habitats and to ultimately raise awareness and appreciation of freshwater life. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.22.215574v1?rss=1 Authors: Loh, S. Y., Ee, S. I., Marret, M., Chinna, K. Abstract: BackgroundSensory processing difficulties and participation in childhood occupation in children impact their development, but the association among Malaysian children is unknown. The aim of this study is to provide empirical evidences on sensory processing and participation in childhood occupation, in children with autism and compare them with typical children without autism /typical. MethodTwo groups of participants (parents of children with autism and parents of normal children were recruited from 5 hospitals, and from tuition/care centre/school respectively. Children with autism, age 6 to 10 years were matched (age/gender) with typical children. The Participation of childhood occupation (PICO) and Sensory Processing (SSP) measures were used. Data were analysed descriptively for patterns, and Chi-square cross tabs used to compare sensory processing and participation (categorical variables) between the two groups. Results186 parents (93 children with autism and 93 typically developing children) participated. In the autism group, 77.4 percent (n=72) were males, or 4:1 male to female ratio. Children with autism compared with typical group experienced- a) higher sensory processing difficulties and b) less participation in childhood occupation (except basic activities like eating and sleep). Sensory processing difficulties in the autism children is lower compared to developed countries, but, the prevalence of sensory processing difficulties in the typical children (21.5 percent) was higher than data from USA and Israel (9-15%). There were significant differences in sensory processing difficulties between the two group (p<0.05), except for movement sensitivity (p=0.28). Auditory filtering section were most affected in children with autism. ConclusionDifferences were found in the sensory processing difficulties (especially auditory filtering) and lower participation in autism group compared to normal group. A higher percentage of sensory processing difficulties was also found in the normal/ typically developing children, which may be attributed to cultural or geographical factors (living in high rise flats with less playing space). More studies are needed comparing rural and urban children. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.17.208355v1?rss=1 Authors: Imtiaz, R., Dhakal, S., Karim, M. J., Al Kawsar, A., Irish, J., Rahman, M. M., Tupps, C., Kabir, A. Abstract: IntroductionIn 2008, Bangladesh initiated Preventive Chemotherapy (PCT) for school-age children (SAC) through bi-annual school-based mass drug administration (MDA) to control Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections. In 2016, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfares Program on Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination and STH (ELFSTH) initiated district-level community impact assessments with Children Without Worms (CWW) using standardized, population-based sampling to measure the post-intervention STH burden across all ages ([≥] 1 yr) for the three STH species. Methods & Principal FindingsThe Integrated Community-based Survey for Program Monitoring (ICSPM) was developed by CWW and was used to survey 12 districts in Bangladesh from 2017 - 2020. We combined the individual demographic and parasite-specific characteristics from 10 districts and linked them with the laboratory data for collective analysis. Our analysis identified district-specific epidemiologic findings, important for program decisions. Of the 17,874 enrolled individuals, 10,824 (61%) provided stool samples. Overall, the prevalence of any STH species was substantially reduced to 14% from 79.8% in 2005. The impact was similar across all ages. STH prevalence was below 10% in 10 districts collectively, but remained high in 4 districts, despite their high reported PCT coverage in previous years. Among all, Bhola district was unique because it was the only district with high Trichuris prevalence. ConclusionBangladesh successfully lowered STH prevalence across all ages despite targeting SAC only. Data from the survey indicate significant number of adults and pre-school age children (PSAC) were self-deworming with purchased pills. This may account for the flat impact curve across all ages. Overall prevalence varied across surveyed districts, with persistent high transmission in the northeastern districts and a district in the central flood zone, indicating possible service and ecological factors. Discrepancies in the impact between districts highlight the need for district-level data to evaluate program implementation after consistent high PCT coverage. Authors SummaryBangladesh government conducted school-based mass drug administration (MDA) for over 10 years to control soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. School-based evaluations of MDA indicate a reduction in STH burden among school-aged children (SAC). To further assess the impact on the community, Children Without Worms and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfares Program on Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination and STH (ELFSTH) initiated district-level community impact surveys in 12 districts. We share the results from the latter 10 districts here. Our analysis of 10,824 interviews and stool samples from 10 districts showed an estimated 14% of community members infected with at least one species of STH. This finding is substantially lower than the baseline STH prevalence (79.8%) estimated in 2005. Bangladeshs successful impact was achieved across all ages despite only treating SAC. Deworming source data showed significant numbers of adults and pre-school age children (PSAC) self-dewormed with locally purchased pills. Prevalence varied across the surveyed districts, with persistent high transmission in the northeastern districts and a district in the central flood zone, indicating possible ecological and service factors contributing to persistent infections. Discrepancies in the impact across districts highlights the need for sub-national level data to evaluate program performance fllowing consistent high intervention. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info