Mood effects on attitude judgements: the independent effects of mood before and after message elaboration

Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die voneinander unabhängigen Auswirkungen der erzeugten Stimmung auf die Aufnahme einer überzeugenden Mitteilung und auf das Treffen von Entscheidungen. Im ersten Experiment wurde eine positive bzw. negative Stimmung zum einen vor der Aufnahme einer anderen Meinung, zum anderen vor dem Treffen einer Entscheidung erzeugt. Wurde die Stimmung vor der Aufnahme der Mitteilung erzeugt, waren Personen in negativer Stimmung eher von starken Argumenten zu überzeugen. Personen in guter Stimmung ließen sich gleichermaßen von starken als auch von schwachen Argumenten überzeugen. Im zweiten Experiment wurde die Auswirkung der Stimmung nach der Aufnahme einer Mitteilung untersucht. Die Personen wurden mit einer gegensätzlichen Meinung konfrontiert und aufgefordert, entweder eine globale oder eine detaillierte Bewertung vorzunehmen. Anschließend wurde eine positive, negative oder neutrale Stimmung erzeugt. Personen mit guter Stimmung bevorzugten meist die globale Bewertung. (psz

Histological Effect of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Chronic Vocal Fold Scarring in a Rat Model

Objectives Vocal fold scarring is one of the most challenging laryngeal disorders to treat and there are currently no consistently effective treatments available. Our previous studies have shown the therapeutic potential of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for vocal fold scarring. However, the histological effects of bFGF on scarred vocal fold have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the histological effects of bFGF on chronic vocal fold scarring. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into phosphate buffered saline (sham) and bFGF groups. Unilateral vocal fold stripping was performed and the drug was injected into the scarred vocal fold for each group 2 months postoperatively. Injections were performed weekly for 4 weeks. Two months after the last injection, larynges were harvested and histologically analyzed. Results A significant increase of hyaluronic acid was observed in the vocal fold of the bFGF group compared with that of the sham group. However, there was no remarkable change in collagen expression nor in vocal fold contraction. Conclusion Significant increase of hyaluronic acid by local bFGF injection was thought to contribute to the therapeutic effects on chronic vocal fold scarring

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Nonlinear Dynamic-Based Analysis of Severe Dysphonia in Patients With Vocal Fold Scar and Sulcus Vocalis

Objective. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate a nonlinear dynamic approach to the acoustic analysis of dysphonia associated with vocal fold scar and sulcus vocalis. Study Design. Case-control study. Methods. Acoustic voice samples from scar/sulcus patients and age-/sex-matched controls were analyzed using correlation dimension (D-2) and phase plots, time-domain based perturbation indices (jitter, shimmer, signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]), and an auditory-perceptual rating scheme. Signal typing was performed to identify samples with bifurcations and aperiodicity. Results. Type 2 and 3 acoustic signals were highly represented in the scar/sulcus patient group. When data were analyzed irrespective of signal type, all perceptual and acoustic indices successfully distinguished scar/sulcus patients from controls. Removal of type 2 and 3 signals eliminated the previously identified differences between experimental groups for all acoustic indices except D2. The strongest perceptual-acoustic correlation in our data set was observed for SNR and the weakest correlation was observed for D2. Conclusions. These findings suggest that D2 is inferior to time-domain based perturbation measures for the analysis of dysphonia associated with scar/sulcus; however, time-domain based algorithms are inherently susceptible to inflation under highly aperiodic (ie, type 2 and 3) signal conditions. Auditory-perceptual analysis, unhindered by signal aperiodicity, is therefore a robust strategy for distinguishing scar/sulcus patient voices from normal voices. Future acoustic analysis research in this area should consider alternative (e. g., frequency-and quefrency-domain based) measures alongside additional nonlinear approaches.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders [R01 DC004428, R01 DC006019

Histologic and Rheologic Characterization of Vocal Fold Scarring

[[abstract]]Scarring of the vocal fold causes considerable dysphonia and presents significant treatment challenges. A rabbit model was developed to investigate the histologic ultrastructure and rheologic properties of the scarred vocal fold lamina propria. Eleven rabbit larynges were scarred by means of forcep biopsy. Sixty days postoperatively, the rabbits were sacrificed and their vocal folds were harvested. Histological analysis of the scarred and normal lamina propria was completed for collagen, procollagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Linear viscoelastic shear properties of the tissues were also measured, including elastic shear modulus and dynamic viscosity. Compared to normal vocal fold lamina propria, scarred tissues demonstrated significantly less collagen, an increase in procollagen, and a decrease in elastin. Rheologically, both elastic shear modulus and dynamic viscosity were significantly higher for the scarred tissues. Increased stiffness and viscosity do not appear to result from an increase in collagen, but rather appear to be related to the presence of new, disorganized collagen scaffolding. Results are interpreted in terms of the possible role of interstitial proteins in the etiology of increased stiffness and viscosity, which requires further investigation. This animal model should allow for systematic future investigations of vocal fold scarring and its treatment

Prevention of vocal fold scarring by topical injection of hepatocyte growth factor in a rabbit model

[[abstract]]Objectives/Hypothesis Vocal fold scarring disrupts the layer structure of the vocal fold lamina propria that is essential for optimal mucosal vibration. Prevention of vocal fold scarring remains challenging. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has strong antifibrotic activity. The authors' previous studies have found that HGF stimulates hyaluronic acid production and suppresses collagen production from vocal fold fibroblasts, suggesting that HGF has therapeutic potential in prevention of vocal fold scarring. The present study aimed to demonstrate the effects of HGF on vocal fold scarring in an in vivo rabbit model. Study Design Animal experiment. Methods The vocal fold mucosa was stripped unilaterally in 20 rabbits, then HGF or saline (sham‐treated group) was immediately injected into the injured site. At 6 months after the procedure, histological, rheological, and physiological examinations of vibratory behavior were completed. Results Histological examination revealed excessive collagen deposition and disorganized elastin in the sham‐treated group, whereas the HGF‐treated group presented with better wound healing exhibiting less collagen deposition. Contraction of the injured vocal folds observed in the sham‐treated group did not occur in the HGF‐treated group. Rheological data indicated that the HGF‐treated vocal folds were less stiff and viscous compared with the sham‐treated group. Mucosal vibration of HGF‐treated vocal folds appeared much better than the sham‐treated group in terms of phonation threshold pressure, vocal efficiency, mucosal wave amplitude, and glottal closure. Conclusion Hepatocyte growth factor proved to be useful in preventing vocal fold scarring and maintaining viscoelastic shear properties of the vocal fold

Treatment of vocal fold scarring: rheological and histological measures of homologous collagen matrix.

The current treatment options for dysphonia secondary to vocal fold scarring are limited. Few studies address changes in the lamina propria, which is critical to vocal fold biomechanical properties and voice production. Using rheological and histological measures of homologous collagen matrix (HCM)-injected vocal folds, we assessed HCM\u27s potential for providing bulk and restoring biomechanical performance. Twenty rabbits underwent bilateral vocal fold scarring. After 10 weeks of scar maturation, the rabbits had unilateral injections of HCM or saline solution. Ten weeks after the injections, histological studies revealed well-defined collagen globules distributed throughout the lamina propria and underlying muscular tissue. Significantly more procollagen was observed in the HCM-treated group. No significant differences in elastic shear modulus or dynamic viscosity were found between the treatment groups. This study demonstrates that HCM is an inert, relatively stable injectate that may serve well for medialization but does not appear to improve the dynamic properties of the lamina propria