Genetic summary data are broadly accessible and highly useful, including for risk prediction, causal inference, fine mapping, and incorporation of external controls. However, collapsing individual-level data into summary data, such as allele frequencies, masks intra- and inter-sample heterogeneity, leading to confounding, reduced power, and bias. Ultimately, unaccounted-for substructure limits summary data usability, especially for understudied or admixed populations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Loneliness is a common experience following stroke. Stroke support groups may protect against loneliness, but little is known about how these groups exert their influence. This research drew upon current theorising on the role of groups for health and explored i) social identification as a potential mechanism for overcoming loneliness, and ii) psychological group resources (support, control, self-esteem), and functional group processes (clear goals, group autonomy, member continuity) which might structure social identification.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrobes Infect
November 2024
The manuscript disputes the exclusive mono-infectious way of thinking, which presumes that for every infection only one pathogen is responsible and sufficient, when infectious vectors, close contact and reduced immunity meet. In situations involving heavily colonized anatomical sites such an approach often ends in insoluble contradictions. Upon critical reflection and evaluation of 20 years research on spatial organization of vaginal microbiota it is apparent, that in some situations, pathogens may act and operate in permanent, structurally organized consortia, whereas its individual components may be innocuous and innocent, failing to express any pathogenic effect.
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