Context-Dependent Gestural Laterality: A Multifactorial Analysis in Captive Red-Capped Mangabeys

Catarrhine primates gesture preferentially with their right hands, which led to the hypothesis of a gestural origin of human left-hemispheric specialization for language. However, the factors influencing this gestural laterality remain understudied in non-hominoid species, particularly in intraspecific contexts, although it may bring valuable insights into the proximate and ultimate causes of language lateralization. We present here a preliminary investigation of intraspecific gestural laterality in catarrhine monkeys, red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus). We described the spontaneous production of brachio-manual intentional gestures in twenty-five captive subjects. Although we did not evidence any significant gestural lateralization neither at the individual- nor population-level, we found that mangabeys preferentially use their right hands to gesture in negative social contexts, such as aggressions, suggesting an effect of emotional lateralization, and that they adapt to the position of their receiver by preferentially using their ipsilateral hand to communicate. These results corroborate previous findings from ape studies. By contrast, factors related to gesture form and socio-demographic characteristics of signaler and receiver did not affect gestural laterality. To understand better the relationships between gestural laterality and brain lateralization from an evolutionary perspective, we suggest that the gestural communication of other monkey species should be examined with a multifactorial approach.

A Multifactorial Approach for Sarcopenia Assessment: A Literature Review

Sarcopenia refers to a progressive and generalized weakness of skeletal muscle as individuals age. Sarcopenia usually occurs after the age of 60 years and is associated with a persistent decline in muscle strength, function, and quality. A comparison of the risk factors associated with sarcopenia based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia (1 and 2) in Older People, the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (1 and 2), the International Working Group on Sarcopenia, and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health revealed no consistent patterns. Accordingly, the identification of a single risk factor for sarcopenia is unpredictable due to its “multifactorial” pathogenesis, with the involvement of a multitude of factors. Therefore, the first aim of this review was to outline and propose that the multiple factors associated with sarcopenia need to be considered in combination in the design of new experimentation in this area. A secondary aim was to highlight the biochemical risk factors that are already identified in subjects with sarcopenia to assist scientists in understanding the biology of the pathophysiological mechanisms affecting the old people with sarcopenia. We also briefly discuss primary outcomes (physical) and secondary outcomes (social and financial) of sarcopenia. For future investigative purposes, this comprehensive review may be useful in considering important risk factors in the utilization of a panel of biomarkers emanating from all pathways involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. This may help to establish a uniform consensus for screening and defining this disease. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact may be exacerbated in older populations, which requires immediate attention. Here, we briefly suggest strategies for advancing the development of smart technologies to deliver exercise in the COVID-19 era in an attempt regress the onset of sarcopenia. These strategies may also have an impact on sarcopenia’s primary and secondary outcomes.

The Assessment of a Multifactorial Score for the Adaptability Evaluation of Six Poultry Genotypes to the Organic System

This study aimed to develop an adaptability score (AS) for chicken strains, which includes behavioral, plumage conditions, and body lesion indicators through a multifactorial approach. A total of 600 male chickens from 6 poultry genotypes—Ranger Classic (R1), Ranger Gold (R2), Rowan Ranger (R3), Hubbard Red JA (A), CY Gen 5 × JA87 (CY), and M22 × JA87 (M)—were reared under organic conditions, fed ad libitum, and individually weighed weekly to calculate the daily weight gain (DWG). The behavioral observations consisted of the explorative attitude (EA), recorded at 21 days, and the behavioral patterns (BPs) recorded the week before the slaughter. The AS was established by a principal component analysis, and the AS of these genotypes was compared. Moreover, the effect of DWG and genotype on the AS was evaluated by univariable and multivariable regression models. Although the DWG and genotype were strictly dependent, genotype was the most important factor affecting the AS. In fact, its effect was significant both in univariable (p < 0.001) and multivariable models (p < 0.001). Conversely, the DWG was significant only in the univariable and lost significance when the effect of genotype was introduced in the model.

Progress in analgesic development: How to assess its real merits?

Background: Assessing analgesic drugs developed over preceding 50 years demonstrated that very intensive efforts directed at diverse molecular pain targets produced thousands of PubMed articles and the introduction of more than 50 new analgesics. Nevertheless, these analgesics did not have a sufficiently broad spectrum of action and level of effectiveness to demonstrably affect the use of opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain. Analgesics in current are only modestly effective in chronic pain (at least with respect to neuropathic pain), and the widespread application of mu opioid receptor agonists for this purpose culminated in the global "opioid crisis”. The introduction of every new drug is regarded as an important success, at least initially. Assessing the merit of a new analgesic is extremely complicated. Objective: The aim of this article is to describe an approach that combines very different categories of drug evaluation – multifactorial approach to assessment of new analgesics. It is based on conclusiveness of clinical trials, novelty of a drug’s molecular target, a drug’s commercial appeal, and the interest in a drug reflected by scientometric indices. Results: This approach was applied to analgesics developed in 1982-2016. It shows that although several new agents have completely novel mechanisms of action, all newly approved drugs, and drug candidates, demonstrated the same persistent problems: relatively low therapeutic advantage over previous treatment and narrow spectrum of use in different types of pain, compared to opioids or NSAIDs. Conclusion: The use of the suggested multifactorial approach to drug assessment may provide a better view of the whole spectrum of analgesics advantages and disadvantages.

Investigation and management of pulmonary embolism 2: specific clinical conditions

Pulmonary embolism remains a common and potentially deadly disease, despite advances in diagnostic imaging, treatment and prevention. Managing pulmonary embolism requires a multifactorial approach involving risk stratification, determining appropriate diagnostics and selecting individualised therapy. The first part of this article reviewed the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic management and early outpatient management of pulmonary embolism. This second part summarises pulmonary embolism in the setting of pregnancy, COVID-19, recurrent disease and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Investigation and management of pulmonary embolism 1: a probability-based approach

Pulmonary embolism remains a common and potentially deadly disease, despite advances in diagnostic imaging, treatment and prevention. Managing pulmonary embolism requires a multifactorial approach involving risk stratification, determining appropriate diagnostics and selecting individualised therapy. This article reviews the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic management and early outpatient management of pulmonary embolism. The second part summarises pulmonary embolism in the setting of pregnancy, COVID-19, recurrent disease and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Formation of a System of Indicators of Assessment of Economic Security of Regions

The economic security category of the region is complex, multifaceted and has many features. Therefore, the use of a multifactorial approach to assessing economic security is justified. Assessment of the economic security of a region is possible provided that formal approaches are used, using specific indicators. The practical implementation of the analytical and regulatory components of the process of ensuring the economic security of the region requires an economic assessment on the basis of and in comparison with the thresholds. In order to control the level of economic security of the region in order to develop preventive measures for expected threats, it is necessary to carry out a continuous study of the regional economic situation on the chosen system of indicators. The quantitative expression of indicators determines the thresholds for the functioning of the economic system of the region.

Dolor de espalda en adolescentes: factores asociados desde un enfoque multifactorial (Back pain in adolescents: associated factors with a multifactorial approach)

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue analizar la prevalencia del dolor de espalda en adolescentes y hallar la relación entre el dolor de espalda y algunos factores asociados. La muestra estuvo constituida por 57 escolares con una edad media de 14,11±0,43 años. Se tomaron los datos relativos al peso y la talla, con los que se calculó el IMC; se administró la encuesta sobre el dolor de espalda en adolescentes para conocer los hábitos sobre práctica deportiva, sedentarismo, forma de llevar la mochila y dolor de espalda; y se midió la fuerza flexora y extensora del tronco y la flexibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural. Se encontró que el 43,86% de los sujetos habían sufrido dolor de espalda en algún momento de sus vidas, siendo el dolor lumbar el más habitual (36,84%). Entre un 15 y 25% aproximadamente de los adolescentes habían visitado al médico de cabecera o al fisioterapeuta a causa del dolor de espalda a lo largo de su vida. Se encontró cierta tendencia, sin que hubiera diferencias significativas, a que la presencia de dolor de espalda fuera mayor entre los practicantes de deporte (r=0,250; p=0,059), especialmente entre los que practicaban menos horas a la semana (r=0,348; p=0,076). Los escolares que presentaron dolor de espalda tenían tendencia a presentar menos fuerza flexora y extensora del tronco y una menor extensibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural, sin que hubiera diferencias significativas entre grupos (p>0,05). El sexo, el tiempo en actividades sedentarias, la forma de llevar la mochila y el IMC tampoco se relacionaron con el dolor de espalda (p>0,05). En conclusión, la práctica de deporte, la fuerza del tronco y la extensibilidad isquiosural son variables que podrían afectar a la incidencia de dolor de espalda en adolescentes. Abstract. The objective of the current study was to analyze the prevalence of spine pain in adolescents and to show the relationship between back pain and some associated factors. The sample consisted of 57 schoolchildren, mean age 14.11±0.43 years-old. Body mass and height were measured to calculate BMI; the survey about back pain in adolescents was completed to register the prevalence of PA, sedentary lifestyle, way of carrying a backpack and spine pain; and the strength of the flexor and extensor muscles and hamstring extensibility was evaluated. It was found that a 43.86% of the subjects had spine pain, with low back pain as the most common (36.84%). Approximately 15 to 25% of the adolescents had visited the family doctor or physiotherapist because of spine pain throughout their lives. A tendency, with no significant differences, was found for a greater presence of spine pain in sport practitioners (r=0.250; p=0.059), especially among those who practiced fewer hours a week (r=0.348; p=0.076). The schoolchildren who presented spine pain tended to have less flexor and extensor strength of the trunk and less hamstring extensibility, with no significant differences between groups (p>0.05). Sex, time spent in sedentary activities, way of carrying a backpack and BMI were not related to spine pain (p>0.05). In conclusion, the sport practice, trunk strength and hamstring extensibility are variables that could affect the incidence of spine pain in adolescents.