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- Schmied, C., et al.
(author)
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Community-developed checklists for publishing images and image analyses
- 2024
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In: Nature Methods. - 1548-7091 .- 1548-7105. ; 21:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Images document scientific discoveries and are prevalent in modern biomedical research. Microscopy imaging in particular is currently undergoing rapid technological advancements. However, for scientists wishing to publish obtained images and image-analysis results, there are currently no unified guidelines for best practices. Consequently, microscopy images and image data in publications may be unclear or difficult to interpret. Here, we present community-developed checklists for preparing light microscopy images and describing image analyses for publications. These checklists offer authors, readers and publishers key recommendations for image formatting and annotation, color selection, data availability and reporting image-analysis workflows. The goal of our guidelines is to increase the clarity and reproducibility of image figures and thereby to heighten the quality and explanatory power of microscopy data. Community-developed checklists offer best-practice guidance for biologists preparing light microscopy images and describing image analyses for publications.
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| 3. |
- Ambrosioni, J., et al.
(author)
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Epidemiological Changes and Improvement in Outcomes of Infective Endocarditis in Europe in the Twenty-First Century: An International Collaboration on Endocarditis (ICE) Prospective Cohort Study (2000-2012)
- 2023
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In: Infectious Diseases and Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2193-8229 .- 2193-6382. ; 12:4, s. 1083-1101
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction Infective endocarditis (IE) has undergone important changes in its epidemiology worldwide.Methods The study aimed to compare IE epidemiological features and outcomes according to predefined European regions and between two different time periods in the twenty-first century.Results IE cases from 13 European countries were included. Two periods were considered: 2000-2006 and 2008-2012. Two European regions were considered, according to the United Nations geoscheme for Europe: Southern (SE) and Northern-Central Europe (NCE). Comparisons were performed between regions and periods. A total of 4195 episodes of IE were included, 2113 from SE and 2082 from NCE; 2787 cases were included between 2000 and 2006 and 1408 between 2008 and 2012. Median (IQR) age was 63.7 (49-74) years and 69.4% were males. Native valve IE (NVE), prosthetic valve IE (PVE), and device-related IE were diagnosed in 68.3%, 23.9%, and 7.8% of cases, respectively; 52% underwent surgery and 19.3% died during hospitalization. NVE was more prevalent in NCE, whereas device-related IE was more frequent in SE. Higher age, acute presentation, hemodialysis, cancer, and diabetes mellitus all were more prevalent in the second period. NVE decreased and PVE and device-related IE both increased in the second period. Surgical treatment also increased from 48.7% to 58.4% (p < 0.01). In-hospital and 6-month mortality rates were comparable between regions and significantly decreased in the second period.Conclusions Despite an increased complexity of IE cases, prognosis improved in recent years with a significant decrease in 6-month mortality. Outcome did not differ according to the European region (SE versus NCE).
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- Morales-Suarez-Varela, M.M., et al.
(author)
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Occupational exposures and Mycosis Fungoides. A European multicentre case-control study (Europe)
- 2005
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In: Cancer Causes and Control. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0957-5243 .- 1573-7225. ; 16:10, s. 1253-1259
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is a rare disease with an occurrence indicating that occupational exposures may play a role. To estimate the association between MF and occupational exposures as measured by means of an job-exposure matrix (JEM). Methods: A European multicenter case-control study was conducted from 1995 to 1997 and included seven rare cancers, one of which was MF. Patients between 35 and 69 years of age, diagnosed with MF (n = 140), were recruited and the diagnoses were checked by a reference pathologist who classified 83 cases as definite, 35 cases as possible and 22 cases as not accepted. Among the 118 accepted cases, 104 cases were interviewed, of which 76 were definite cases. We selected population controls and colon cancer controls to serve all seven case groups. Altogether 833 colon cancer controls and 2071 population controls were interviewed. Based on the reported occupational experiences, a team of industrial hygiene specialists identified five potential exposures and developed an JEM. This JEM was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for MF as a function of these exposures. The JEM included aromatic and/or halogenated hydrocarbons (AAHs), chrome (VI) and its salts, electromagnetic radiations, silica and pesticides. Results: Exposures to AHHs (OR 6.3, C.I 2.4-16.7 for male) were associated with a high MF risk. Conclusions: The study supports the hypothesis that some MFs have an occupational etiology but only a small fraction of exposed workers are apparently susceptible since the disease is so rare. © Springer 2005.
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- Chaplin-Kramer, R., et al.
(author)
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Transformation for inclusive conservation : Evidence on values, decisions, and impacts in protected areas
- 2023
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In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. - : Elsevier. - 1877-3435 .- 1877-3443. ; 64
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As countries consider new area-based conservation targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity, protected areas (PAs) and their impacts on people and nature are coming under increasing scrutiny. We review the evidence base on PA impacts, combining the findings from existing rigorous impact evaluations with local case studies developed for this study. We identify characteristics of PA establishment and management that improve the sustainability of biodiversity conservation and justice for local communities. We find that recognizing and respecting local values and knowledge about natural resource stewardship, colearning, and comanagement are key to achieving positive impacts for nature and people. Transforming PA governance toward more inclusive conservation depends upon the ability of PAs to be designed and implemented around the values and needs of local people.
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| 6. |
- Mari-Bauset, S, et al.
(author)
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Endocrine Disruptors and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Pregnancy: A Review and Evaluation of the Quality of the Epidemiological Evidence
- 2018
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In: Children (Basel, Switzerland). - : MDPI AG. - 2227-9067. ; 5:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy has been linked to adverse health outcomes later in life. Notable among these pollutants are the endocrine disruptors chemicals (EDCs), which are ubiquitously present in the environment and they have been measured and quantified in the fetus. In this systematic review, our objective was to summarize the epidemiological research on the potential association between prenatal exposure to EDCs and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) published from 2005 to 2016. The Navigation Guide Systematic Review Methodology was applied. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review, including: five cohorts and 12 case-control. According to the definitions specified in the Navigation Guide, we rated the quality of evidence for a relationship between prenatal exposure to EDCs and ASD as “moderate”. Although the studies generally showed a positive association between EDCs and ASD, after considering the strengths and limitations, we concluded that the overall strength of evidence supporting an association between prenatal exposure to EDCs and later ASD in humans remains “limited” and inconclusive. Further well-conducted prospective studies are warranted to clarify the role of EDCs on ASD development.
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| 7. |
- Mari-Bauset, S, et al.
(author)
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Systematic review of prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and autism spectrum disorder in offspring
- 2022
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In: Autism : the international journal of research and practice. - : SAGE Publications. - 1461-7005. ; 26:1, s. 6-32
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Epidemiological studies, which can have inherent methodological limitations, are used to study the relation between endocrine disrupting chemicals and autism spectrum disorder. The objective is to systematically review the treatment of methodological limitations and assess the quality and strength of the findings in the available literature. The quality and strength of the evidence were evaluated using the Navigation Guide Systematic Review Methodology. The overall quality and strength of the available studies were “moderate” and “limited,” respectively. Risk of bias due to the methodological limitations regarding the exclusion of potential confounding factors and the lack of accuracy of exposure assessment methods were the most prevalent and were also considered to arrive at these results. The omnipresence of endocrine disrupting chemicals, their persistence and bioaccumulation, and the biological plausibility of the association between prenatal exposure to these and later development of autism spectrum disorder highlight the need to carry out well-designed epidemiological studies that overcome the methodological limitations observed in the currently available literature in order to be able to inform public policy to prevent exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. Autism spectrum disorders comprise a complex group with many subtypes of behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental abnormalities in two core areas: deficits in social communication and fixated, restricted, repetitive, or stereotyped behaviors and interests each with potential unique risk factors and characteristics. The underlying mechanisms and the possible causes of autism spectrum disorder remain elusive and while increased prevalence is undoubtable, it is unclear if it is a reflection of diagnostic improvement or emerging risk factors such as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Epidemiological studies, which are used to study the relation between endocrine disrupting chemicals and autism spectrum disorder, can have inherent methodological challenges that limit the quality and strength of their findings. The objective of this work is to systematically review the treatment of these challenges and assess the quality and strength of the findings in the currently available literature. The overall quality and strength were “moderate” and “limited,” respectively. Risk of bias due to the exclusion of potential confounding factors and the lack of accuracy of exposure assessment methods were the most prevalent. The omnipresence of endocrine disrupting chemicals and the biological plausibility of the association between prenatal exposure and later development of autism spectrum disorder highlight the need to carry out well-designed epidemiological studies that overcome the methodological challenges observed in the currently available literature in order to be able to inform public policy to prevent exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals and aid in the establishment of predictor variables to facilitate early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and improve long-term outcomes.
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| 8. |
- Diaz-Faes, A. A., et al.
(author)
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Assessing the variety of collaborative practices in translational research: An analysis of scientists' ego-networks
- 2023
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In: Research Evaluation. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0958-2029 .- 1471-5449. ; 32:2, s. 426-440
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Translational research policies aim to reshape how biomedical scientists organize, conceive, and conduct science in order to accelerate healthcare improvements and medical innovations. Yet most analyses and evaluations of these initiatives focus on measuring the outputs generated in the different stages of the research process rather than observing scientists' research practices directly. In this article, we analyze the collaboration networks formed by the biomedical scientists participating in a large translational research initiative. Based on data derived from a large-scale survey, we examine the network configurations established by biomedical scientists to advance their research in the context of the CIBER program-a Spanish flagship initiative aimed at supporting translational research. We adopt an ego-network perspective and draw on three network attributes-network diversity, tie strength, and tie content-to understand how scientists use their interpersonal connections to mobilize tangible and intangible resources and enable the translation of scientific knowledge into practical applications. Our cluster analysis identifies a range of scientist profiles: downstream-oriented scientists, upstream-oriented scientists, and brokering scientists. It shows that the scientists participating in the CIBER program deploy different types of collaborative behavior and engage in a variety of medical innovation activities. This suggests that the results achieved by a research program aimed at supporting collaborative networks will depend on the types of networks in which the participating scientists engage. Consequently, evaluations of these programs need to capture collaboration patterns, and should focus primarily on the collaborative process rather than the outputs that emerge from the collaboration.
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