Biology subjects

Real, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Real, R..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Potential climate change effects on the distribution of urban and sylvatic dengue and yellow fever vectors

Climate change may increase the risk of dengue and yellow fever transmission by urban and sylvatic mosquito vectors. Previous research primarily focused on Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. However, these diseases involve a complex transmission cycle in which sylvatic vectors are also involved. Our aim was to analyse which mosquito species could contribute to the increased risk of transmission of these diseases due to climate change, and to identify where the risk increase could most likely occur. Using a biogeographical approach, we mapped areas where mosquito favourability could increase, decrease or remain stable in the near (2041-2060) and distant (2061-2080) future. Models predict dengue vectors expanding in West and Central Africa and in South-East Asia, reaching Borneo. Yellow fever vectors could spread in West and Central Africa and in the Amazon. In Europe, the models suggest a re-establishment of Ae. aegypti, while Ae. albopictus will continue to find new favourable areas. The results underline the need to focus more on vectors Ae. vittatus, Ae. luteocephalus and Ae. africanus in West and Central sub-Saharan Africa, especially Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, and northern Democratic Republic of Congo; and suggest the need for a protocol to prevent dengue and yellow fever that include surveillance of neglected sylvatic vectors.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2022

The IPDGC/GP2 Hackathon - an open science event for training in data science, genomics, and collaboration using Parkinson's disease data

BackgroundOpen science and collaboration are necessary to facilitate the advancement of Parkinsons disease (PD) research. Hackathons are collaborative events that bring together people with different skill sets and backgrounds to generate resources and creative solutions to problems. These events can be used as training and networking opportunities. ObjectiveTo coordinate a virtual hackathon to develop novel PD research tools. Methods49 early career scientists from 12 countries collaborated in a virtual 3-day hackathon event in May 2021, during which they built tools and pipelines with a focus on PD. Resources were created with the goal of helping scientists accelerate their own research by having access to the necessary code and tools. ResultsEach team was allocated one of nine different projects, each with a different goal. These included developing post-genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis pipelines, downstream analysis of genetic variation pipelines, and various visualization tools. ConclusionHackathons are a valuable approach to inspire creative thinking, supplement training in data science, and foster collaborative scientific relationships, which are foundational practices for early career researchers. The resources generated can be used to accelerate research on the genetics of PD.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2018

The psychometric validation of the Dutch version of the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common neurological conditions. It can have wide-ranging physical, cognitive and psychosocial effects. Most people recover within weeks to months after the injury, but a substantial proportion are at risk of developing lasting post-concussion symptoms. The Rivermead Post-Concussion Syndrome Questionnaire (RPQ) is a short validated 16-items self-report instrument to evaluate post-concussive symptoms. The aim of this study was to test psychometrics characteristics of the current Dutch translation of the RPQ.\n\nMethodsTo determine the psychometric characteristics of the Dutch RPQ, 472 consecutive patients six months after they presented with a traumatic brain injury in seven medical centers in the Netherlands (N=397), and in two in Belgium (Flanders) (N=75) took part in the study which is part of the large prospective longitudinal observational CENTER-TBI-EU-study. Psychometric properties at six months post TBI, were assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Sensitivity was analyzed by comparing RPQ scores of patients after mild vs. moderate and severe TBI.\n\nFindingsThe Dutch version of RPQ proved good, showing excellent psychometric characteristics: high internal consistency (Cronbachs .93), and good construct validity, being sensitive to self-reported recovery status at six months post TBI. Moreover, data showed a good fit to the three dimensions structure of separate cognitive, emotional and somatic factors (Chi2=119; df=117; p=.4; CFI=.99; RMSEA=.006), reported earlier in the literature.\n\nDiscussionPsychometric characteristics of the Dutch version of RPQ proved excellent to good, and can the instrument therefore be applied for research purposes and in daily clinical practice.

scientific communication and education↗