Occurrence and prevalence of Legionella species in dental chair units in Germany with a focus on risk factors.

PURPOSE: Water-bearing instruments and treatments in dental units produce aerosols originating from the dental unit waterlines (DUWLs), which are often microbially contaminated. Particularly, the presence of Legionella mainly realized as aerosols leads to a risk of infection in patients and dental staff. METHODS: Here, we record the general bacteriological status of DUWLs in Germany and investigated the prevalence of Legionella spp., with a focus on identification and occurrence of distinct species considering the various aspects of dental practice such as dental chair equipment, disinfection methods, and temperatures. RESULTS: Out of 3789 water samples of 459 dental practices, collected in the years 2019 and 2020, 36.4% were Legionella positive with predominance of L. anisa (97.89%) identified by MALDI-TOF biotyping. L. pneumophila was detected very rarely. Risk factor analysis revealed that temperatures >20°C are a significant factor for increased Legionella colonization. CONCLUSION: In order to minimize the risk of infection, routine monitoring of the water quality in dental chair units is recommended with regard to general microbiological loads and to the presence of Legionella as opportunistic pathogen as well as the regular application of routine disinfection procedures.

The biomechanical benefits of active sitting.

This cross-sectional study examined the biomechanical effects of two active chairs (AC1: had the feature to pedal and slide forward on the seat pan; AC2: a multiaxial motion seat pan) compared to a traditional office chair and standing workstation. Twenty-four healthy participants worked at each of the workstations for 60-min. The following equipment was used: Motion Capture, Electromyography, Ratings of Perceived Discomfort Questionnaire, and Exit Survey. The active protocol had positive effects on the body, including increased neuromuscular activity in the gastrocnemius, increased overall movement, and a more open trunk-thigh angle. Greater discomfort in the buttocks due to the lack of seat pan contour was reported for the AC1 which identified a need for a design modification. While standing, participants' shoulders were less flexed than when sitting in any of the three seats, however, greater discomfort was reported in the lower legs after 1 h of computer work. Practitioner summary: A comparison of four different workstations was conducted to further understand the use of active workstations. Active sitting was found to have positive effects on the body, such as allowing sitters to increase movement while sitting without the high activation of muscular activity. Standing can also provide a positive break from sitting.

Implementing Machine Learning Algorithms to Classify Postures and Forecast Motions When Using a Dynamic Chair.

Many modern jobs require long periods of sitting on a chair that may result in serious health complications. Dynamic chairs are proposed as alternatives to the traditional sitting chairs; however, previous studies have suggested that most users are not aware of their postures and do not take advantage of the increased range of motion offered by the dynamic chairs. Building a system that identifies users' postures in real time, as well as forecasts the next few postures, can bring awareness to the sitting behavior of each user. In this study, machine learning algorithms have been implemented to automatically classify users' postures and forecast their next motions. The random forest, gradient decision tree, and support vector machine algorithms were used to classify postures. The evaluation of the trained classifiers indicated that they could successfully identify users' postures with an accuracy above 90%. The algorithm can provide users with an accurate report of their sitting habits. A 1D-convolutional-LSTM network has also been implemented to forecast users' future postures based on their previous motions, the model can forecast a user's motions with high accuracy (97%). The ability of the algorithm to forecast future postures could be used to suggest alternative postures as needed.

Creating mosquito-free outdoor spaces using transfluthrin-treated chairs and ribbons.

BACKGROUND: Residents of malaria-endemic communities spend several hours outdoors performing different activities, e.g. cooking, story-telling or eating, thereby exposing themselves to potentially-infectious mosquitoes. This compromises effectiveness of indoor interventions, notably long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). This study characterized common peri-domestic spaces in rural south-eastern Tanzania, and assessed protective efficacy against mosquitoes of hessian fabric mats and ribbons treated with the spatial repellent, transfluthrin, and fitted to chairs and outdoor kitchens, respectively. METHODS: Two hundred households were surveyed, and their most-used peri-domestic spaces physically characterized. Protective efficacies of locally-made transfluthrin-emanating chairs and hessian ribbons were tested in outdoor environments of 28 households in dry and wet seasons, using volunteer-occupied exposure-free double net traps. CDC light traps were used to estimate host-seeking mosquito densities within open-structure outdoor kitchens. Field-collected Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles funestus mosquitoes were exposed underneath the chairs to estimate 24 h-mortality. Finally, The World Health Organization insecticide susceptibility tests were conducted on wild-caught Anopheles from the villages. RESULTS: Approximately half (52%) of houses had verandas. Aside from these verandas, most houses also had peri-domestic spaces where residents stayed most times (67% of houses with verandas and 94% of non-veranda houses). Two-thirds of these spaces were sited under trees, and only one third (34.4%) were built-up. The outdoor structures were usually makeshift kitchens having roofs and partial walls. Transfluthrin-treated chairs reduced outdoor-biting An. arabiensis densities by 70-85%, while transfluthrin-treated hessian ribbons fitted to the outdoor kitchens caused 77-81% reduction in the general peri-domestic area. Almost all the field-collected An. arabiensis (99.4%) and An. funestus (100%) exposed under transfluthrin-treated chairs died. The An. arabiensis were susceptible to non-pyrethroids (pirimiphos methyl and bendiocarb), but resistant to pyrethroids commonly used on LLINs (deltamethrin and permethrin). CONCLUSION: Most houses had actively-used peri-domestic outdoor spaces where exposure to mosquitoes occurred. The transfluthrin-treated chairs and ribbons reduced outdoor-biting malaria vectors in these peri-domestic spaces, and also elicited significant mortality among pyrethroid-resistant field-caught malaria vectors. These two new prototype formats for transfluthrin emanators, if developed further, may constitute new options for complementing LLINs and IRS with outdoor protection against malaria and other mosquito-borne pathogens in areas where peri-domestic human activities are common.

Changes in the burnout profile of chairs of academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology over the past 15 years.

BACKGROUND: While many studies have documented the high prevalence of burnout in practicing physicians and medical trainees, fewer reports describe burnout in academic leaders. In 2002, we observed a moderate-high to high level of burnout in 41.4% of chairs of academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify trends in burnout and associated factors in today's obstetrics and gynecology chairs as they face complex changes to the current health care environment. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. A survey was developed based on the questionnaire used in our first investigation and sent electronically to all members of the Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Burnout was measured using an abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Sciences Survey. In addition to demographic data, we assessed perceived stressors, job satisfaction, spousal/partner support, self-efficacy, depression, suicidal ideation, and stress management. RESULTS: The response rate was 60% (84/139). Almost 30% of chairs were women, increased from 7.6% in 2002. Hospital and department budget deficits and loss of key faculty remain major stressors noted by participants. The Maslach Burnout Inventory results have changed dramatically over the past 15 years. Today's chairs demonstrated less burnout but with an "ineffective" profile. Subscale scores for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were reduced but >50% reported low personal accomplishment. Spousal support remained important in preventing burnout. CONCLUSION: Chairs of academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology continue to face significant job-related stress. Burnout has decreased; however, personal accomplishment scores have also declined most likely due to administrative factors that are beyond the chairs' perceived control.

Effect of chair types on work-related musculoskeletal discomfort during vaginal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evidence supports that surgeons are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the effect of different chairs on work-related musculoskeletal discomfort for surgeons during vaginal operations. STUDY DESIGN: This crossover study randomly assigned 4 surgeons to 4 chair types using a 4 × 4 Latin square model: a conventional round stool, a round stool with a backrest, a saddle chair with a backrest, and a Capisco chair. Subjective assessments of surgeon discomfort were performed with a validated body discomfort survey, and workload was assessed with the surgical task load index. The objective postural load was quantified with inertial measurement units of the modified rapid upper limb assessment limits. Subjective and objective assessments of chair comfort were performed with an 11 point scale and seat interface pressure-mapped distributions, respectively. The primary outcome was the difference in body discomfort scores between pre- and postsurgery measurements. Secondary outcomes were the differences in chair comfort scores, postural load, and seating interface pressure-mapped distribution. For each outcome, comparisons among the chair types were based on fitting a linear mixed model that handled the surgeon as a random effect and the chair type as a fixed effect. RESULTS: Data were collected for 48 vaginal procedures performed for pelvic organ prolapse. Mean (SD) duration of surgery was 122.3 (25.1) minutes. Surgeons reported body discomfort during 31 procedures (67.4%). Subjective increase in discomfort from the preoperative state was noted most commonly in the lower back (n = 14, 30.4%), followed by right shoulder (n = 12, 26.1%), upper back (n = 8, 17.4%), hips and buttocks (n = 7, 15.2%), left shoulder (n = 6, 13.0%), right or left thigh (n = 6, 13.0%), and neck (n = 6, 13.0%). Pre- and postsurgery body discomfort scores did not differ with respect to chair type. Chair discomfort scores for the round stool and the saddle chair were significantly higher than the round stool with backrest and the Capisco chair (P < .001). Although the average modified rapid upper limb assessment postural scores showed moderate to high musculoskeletal risk of neck and shoulder discomfort across the 4 surgeons; chair type did not affect postural scores. The saddle chair had significantly reduced dispersion of seated pressure vs the round stool with backrest (P ≤ .001), depicted by the number of cells with pressure values >5 mm Hg. An increased dispersion of pressure across the chair surface was associated with increased comfort (Spearman correlation, 0.40, P = .006). CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal strain and associated discomfort for surgeons are very high during vaginal operations. Chair type can affect comfort, and chairs with more uniform distribution and fewer pressure points are more comfortable. However, the chair type used in surgery did not influence the musculoskeletal postural load findings.

Evidence of health risks associated with prolonged standing at work and intervention effectiveness.

PURPOSE: Prolonged standing at work has been shown to be associated with a number of potentially serious health outcomes, such as lower back and leg pain, cardiovascular problems, fatigue, discomfort, and pregnancy-related health outcomes. Recent studies have been conducted examining the relationship between these health outcomes and the amount of time spent standing while on the job. The purpose of this article was to provide a review of the health risks and interventions for workers and employers that are involved in occupations requiring prolonged standing. A brief review of recommendations by governmental and professional organizations for hours of prolonged standing is also included. FINDINGS: Based on our review of the literature, there seems to be ample evidence showing that prolonged standing at work leads to adverse health outcomes. Review of the literature also supports the conclusion that certain interventions are effective in reducing the hazards associated with prolonged standing. Suggested interventions include the use of floor mats, sit-stand workstations/chairs, shoes, shoe inserts and hosiery or stockings. Studies could be improved by using more precise definitions of prolonged standing (e.g., duration, movement restrictions, and type of work), better measurement of the health outcomes, and more rigorous study protocols. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of interventions and following suggested guidelines on hours of standing from governmental and professional organizations should reduce the health risks from prolonged standing.

You Want to be a Surgical Leader? Consider Training Elsewhere - An Observation of How Training Background May Impact Leadership Selection.

OBJECTIVE: The significance of thought differences has always held importance in medicine, but it could be considered as increasingly acknowledged and valued to a greater extent in recent times as more emphasis is placed on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These unique perspectives have been examined according to race, gender, and ethnicity, but there is limited published data examining the prevalence of leadership roles within surgical departments in terms of training background. Our main objective is to identify trends in surgical leaders' education, and emphasize training diversity in surgical leadership. DESIGN: A descriptive study of the training background of all surgical academic leaders. SETTING: This internet search was performed at a tertiary care, academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Academic chairpersons, division directors, and program directors. RESULTS: 124 programs had pertinent information available. There was a mean of 7.6 leaders per institute examined: total 939 positions (119 chairs, 704 division directors, 116 program directors). 90/119 (76%) of the Chairs led at institutions outside of the places they completed their training. 4/119 (3%) did all their training at the same institution they chaired. 25/119 (21%) completed at least some but not all their training there, and later rose to the role of Chair. Among division directors, 217/704 (31%) did some training at that institution, and program directors were significantly more likely to have completed some training at their current institute (53/116, 46%; p = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences when examined geographically. Women made up 18% of the leaders and were significantly more likely to lead as program director rather than a chair or division director (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A majority of surgery chairs hold positions at institutions where they did not complete their medical training. This suggests that outside perspective could be a contributing factor when searching for this position.

Assessment of changes in sensory perception, biometrics and emotional response for spaceexploration by simulating microgravity positions.

Long-term space exploration endeavors, encompassing journeys from the Earth to the Moon by 2030 and subsequent voyages from the Moon to Mars by 2040, necessitate the utilization of plant-based materials not solely for sustenance and refreshments but also the production of pharmaceuticals and repair compounds, such as plastics, among others. Nevertheless, the vital aspects of research in this domain pertain to the nutritional value and sensory perception associated with plant-based food. Prior investigations have shown altered sensory perception in space, manifested as diminished olfactory sensations and heightened taste perception (saltiness and sweetness). Nonetheless, studies concerning changes in aroma, basic tastes, and mouthfeel have been limited due to the logistical challenges associated with conducting experiments in the unique environment of space. To address this limitation, the present study employed sensory trials and biometrics from video using simulated microgravity chairs to simulate alterations in sensory perception akin to those encountered in space conditions. The findings of this study align with previous reports of changes in aroma and taste perception and contribute to the understanding of changes in the mouthfeel, heart rate, blood pressure, and emotional response that could be experienced in space environments. These experimental endeavors are critical to facilitate the advancement and development of novel plants and food materials tailored to the requirements of long-term space exploration.

Genotypic and morphological identification of opportunistic microorganisms in triple-syringe tubing from dental units.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico and around the world, water in dental units, including triple syringes, comes from municipal chlorinated water mains. The microbial contamination of dental unit water systems constitutes a risk factor for opportunistic infections. OBJECTIVES: The present work aimed to identify the bacteria present in the triple-syringe water lines of dental units at a dental school of a public university in Mexico, with a hypothesis that opportunistic bacteria of importance to human health would be found. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried-out. A total of 100 samples of triple-syringe tubing from dental units operated by a dental school of a public university in Mexico were analyzed before and after their use in dental practice. Bacterial biofilm was cultured and isolated from the tubing, using standard microbiological methods, and then the species present were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The characterization of the biofilm was performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Bacterial growth was observed in 20% of the non-disinfected and 10% of the disinfected samples, with 11 strains isolated. Six genera and 11 bacterial species were genetically identified. Coagulasenegative staphylococci (CoNS), considered opportunistic human pathogens, were among the most critical microorganisms. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a thick polymeric matrix with multiple bacterial aggregates. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunistic bacteria from human skin and mucous membranes were detected. Under normal conditions, these bacteria are incapable of causing disease, but are potentially harmful to immunosuppressed patients.

A trace fiber population study on upholstered chairs in a military environment.

This fiber population study has assessed the prevalence of the color and type of trace fibers present on upholstered seats in a specific setting to identify the most common and rare colors and to determine their evidentiary value. Nearly 22,000 fibers were collected via tape lifts from 25 fabric covered chair seats in a lobby area on Beale Air Force Base and examined microscopically to determine their apparent colors. Overall, blue and white/colorless were the most and nearly equally common colors (32.0 % and 31.5 %, respectively), followed by black/grey (19.6 %), brown (8.6 %), yellow/tan (4.9 %), and red/pink (2.5 %), while orange, purple, and green were the rarest (0.5 %, 0.3 %, and 0.3 %, respectively). Among rarest color fibers, plant-based fibers were predominant (77.7 %), consisting of mainly cotton, followed by synthetic fibers (17.4 %), then the least prevalent animal fibers (5.0 %). These color rankings align similarly to previous studies, despite the prominence of blue color fibers and higher proportions of brown and yellow/tan color fibers.

Representation of International Medical Graduates Among Diagnostic Radiology Chairs, Neuroradiology Chiefs, and Program Directors.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The number of international medical graduates (IMGs) entering radiology residencies and neuroradiology fellowships averaged 9.7% and 20.9% from 2021 to 2023, respectively. We aimed to determine whether IMG graduates are populating leadership roles at a proportionate rate in diagnostic radiology (DR) and neuroradiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We surveyed 191 DR program directors, 94 neuroradiology program directors (PDs), 192 chairs of radiology, and 91 directors of neuroradiology inquiring about their original citizenship and medical school (American Medical Graduates [AMG] vs IMG). We reviewed institutional websites to obtain missing data and recorded H indices for each person using Scopus. RESULTS: We confirmed the original citizenship and medical school location in 61-75% and 93-98% of each leadership group. We found that 16.2% of DR program directors, 43.7% of neuroradiology PDs, 28.5% of Chairs, and 40.6% of neuroradiology directors were not originally US citizens. The IMG rate was 18/188 (9.6%), 20/90 (22.2%), 26/186 (14.0%), and 19/85 (22.4%) for the same groups respectively. The most common country of origin and medical school cited was India for all leadership groups. IMGs had a median H index of 14 while AMG 10, significantly different (p = 0.021) CONCLUSION: Compared to the rate of diagnostic and neuroradiology trainees entering from 2021 to 2023, IMGs are proportionately represented at the leadership positions studied. The H index of the IMGs was higher than AMG. We conclude that IMGs have made substantial and proportionate inroads in radiology and neuroradiology leadership.

Gender differences in appointments to pathology department interim chair positions and subsequent advancement to permanent chair positions.

Females are under-represented as departmental chairs in academic medical centers and identifying ways to increase their numbers in this position would be useful. A previous study of women chairs of pathology showed that 35% of permanent chairs had previously been interim chairs, suggesting that the interim position was a common pathway for women to advance to a permanent chair position. We sought to determine whether it might also be true for males and if not, possible reasons for the difference. Between January 2016 and June 2022, the Association of Pathology Chairs identified 50 people who had served as interim pathology department chairs. Males served as interim chairs more often than females (66% vs 34%), but, within this time frame, female interim chairs were more likely to become permanent chairs than males (47% of females compared to 27% of males). To better understand the difference in the rate of advancement from interim to permanent chair, we surveyed the 50 individuals who had served as interim chairs to explore gender differences in backgrounds, reasons for serving as interim chairs and reasons for seeking or not seeking the permanent chair position. No significant gender differences were found except that male interim chairs were older (59.2 years) than female interim chairs (50.4 years). This study affirms that serving as an interim chair is a common pathway for females to become permanent chairs, while it is less so for males, although the reasons for this difference could not be determined.

Comparison of anthropometric dimensions of preschool children and chairs in kindergartens in North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Croatia.

The mismatch the kindergarten furniture dimensions with the children's anthropometric, as well as the design of non-ergonomic kindergarten furniture, potentially affects inappropriate body positions, and thus potential low back pain when sitting in later human development. The aim of this study was to examine the anthropometric measurements of preschool children and compare them with the dimensions of the preschool chairs in kindergartens in North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Croatia, in order to perceive the current situation and suggest improving for kindergarten furniture design. 848 children in 27 kindergartens participated in the research. A total of 36 types of chairs was found and measured. Children's upper leg length, popliteal height and hip width were measured and compared with the three main chair functional dimensions according to the EN 1729-1:2015. The main value of this research is the comparative data obtained, which indicates that there is a significant difference between preschool chairs and children's dimensions in some groups, but that the results cannot be generalized since they refer to a specific kindergarten population. In reality, it will never be possible to satisfy all dimensions of children and furniture, primarily due to the existence of (too) tall and (too) short children in certain groups. A further recommendation is to introduce a systematic measurement of preschool children at the beginning of the new school year and thus harmonize their anthropometric dimensions with the furniture.

Association between anthropometric measurements of chairs and biomechanical variables leading to musculoskeletal problems in students at different government universities of Multan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between anthropometric measurements of chairs and biomechanical variables leading to musculoskeletal problems in students at different government universities in Multan. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was done on 383 students at different government universities in Multan, Pakistan. There were 23 anthropometric measurements like shoulder height (SH), shoulder breadth (SB), knee height (KH), popliteal height (PH), elbow height sitting (EHS), elbow-fingertip length (EFL), abdominal depth (ABD), buttock-popliteal length (BPL), thigh thickness (TT), forearm width (FW), hip angle (HA), knee angle (KA), cervical flexion (CF), cervical extension (CE), cervical lateral flexion (CLF), cervical rotation (CR), thoracic flexion (TF), thoracic extension (TE), lumber flexion (LF), lumber extension (LE), lumber lateral flexion (LLF), and lumber rotation (LR). There were 11 dimensions of chairs: seat height (SH), seat depth (SD), seat width (SW), desk length (DL), desk width (DW), desk height (DH), backrest height (BH), backrest depth (BD), and seat pan depth (SPD) were measured in six types of commonly used chairs in different universities in Multan. This research was done to determine the fitness of chairs using combinational equations. RESULTS: There was a huge difference between most anthropometric measurements of students and chairs. The recommended measurements were SH (33.2 cm), SW (43.6 cm), SD (42 cm), DH (24.5 cm), DL (51.1 cm), DW (95 cm), BW (42.6 cm), BD (2 cm), BH (55 cm), and SPD (4 cm). CONCLUSIONS: None of the chairs used in the universities of Multan were found to be designed according to the anthropometric dimensions of students, resulting in musculoskeletal problems. It is necessary to revise the design of chairs according to the anthropometric data of students to minimize musculoskeletal problems.

Chair Size Design Based on User Height.

General principles derived from anatomical studies of human body sizes should be applied to chair designs. Chairs can be designed for a specific user or a particular group of users. Universal chairs for public spaces should be comfortable for the largest possible group of users and should not be adjustable, such as office chairs. However, the fundamental problem is that the anthropometric data available in the literature either come from many years ago and are out of date or do not provide a complete set of all the dimensional parameters of a sitting human body position. This article proposes a way to design chair dimensions solely based on the height range of the intended chair users. For this purpose, based on literature data, the main structural dimensions of the chair were assigned to the appropriate anthropometric body measurements. Furthermore, calculated average body proportions for the adult population overcome the incompleteness, outdated and burdensome access to anthropometric data and link the main chair design dimensions to one easily accessible anthropometric parameter: human height. This is achieved by seven equations describing the dimensional relations between the chair's essential design dimensions and human height or even a height range. The result of the study is a method of determining the optimal functional dimensions of a chair for a chosen range of sizes of its future users based only on users' height range. Limitations of the presented method: the calculated body proportions are correct only for people with a standard body proportion characteristic of adults, i.e., they exclude children and adolescents up to 20 years of age, seniors, and people with a body mass index exceeding 30.

Using an Annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dashboard to Accelerate Change in Academic Radiology Departments.

Despite widespread interest in creating a more equitable and inclusive culture, a lack of workforce diversity persists in Radiology, in part due to a lack of universal and longitudinal metrics across institutions. In an attempt to establish benchmarks, a subset of the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee volunteered to design a DEI dashboard as a potential tool for academic radiology programs to use to document and track their progress. This freely-available, modular dashboard includes suggested (plus optional department-defined) DEI activities/parameters and suggested assessment criteria across three domains: faculty, residents & fellows, and medical students; it can be completed, in whole or in part, by departmental leaders annually. The suggested metrics and their associated rubrics were derived from the collective experiences of the five working group members, all of whom are chairs of academic radiology departments. The resulting dashboard was unanimously approved by the remaining 14 DEI committee members and endorsed by the SCARD board of directors.

Communication during a global pandemic: The utility of a professional society listserv and journal.

The Association of Pathology Chairs listserv was studied in order to determine its utility in facilitating communication among pathology departments during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Between March 2020 and March 2022, there were 116 pandemic-related entries generated by 49 members that stimulated 395 responses from 109 members. Due to overlap between individuals providing listserv entries and those responding, there were 123 unique participants. The majority of entries (64%) as well as responses (64%) occurred during March and April 2020. The most common categorical theme (32% of entries and 39% of responses) related to COVID-19 testing protocols and procedures with the second most common theme being the proactive sharing of individual institutional experiences in coping with the pandemic (16% of entries and 11% of responses). Additional themes included remote pathologist sign-outs, use of alternative specimens for testing, supply chain issues, in-house preparation of viral transport media and swabs, autopsies on COVID-19 decedents, safety of the blood supply, disinfecting masks, Medicare payment for testing, and creation of a biorepository for specimens. Fifty-two (42%) of the 123 unique participants published 277 COVID-related papers during this time, and one third of COVID-19-related articles published during 2020 and 2021 in Academic Pathology, the official journal of the Association of Pathology Chairs, involved individuals who had contributed to the listserv either by generating entries or responding to them. These data suggest that professional society listservs and journals are effective vehicles for communication during crises by identifying issues, proposing solutions, and exporting this information into the literature.

Does active sitting provide more physiological changes than traditional sitting and standing workstations?

This cross-sectional study examined the physiological effects of two active chairs (AC1: had the feature to pedal and slide forward; AC2: was a multiaxial chair) compared to a traditional office chair and standing workstation. Twenty-four healthy participants computed at each of the workstations for 60 min. The active protocol was to alternate between a pedalling/side-to-side motion and sliding forward/front-to-back motion to the sound of a metronome operating at 40 bpm. The participants' physiological effects were recorded using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS); electrodermal activity (EDA) and a heart rate (HR) monitor for each collection period. Statistical analysis was conducted using a repeated measures analysis of variance for within-task and between-workstation comparisons. A Tukey's post hoc analysis was calculated for significant findings. Both active chairs significantly increased oxygenated blood in the gastrocnemius and participants' heart rate and EDA (stress) levels were affected slightly by task and time. However, participants felt more "productive" sitting in the control chair than in either of the active chairs.

Professors want to share: preliminary survey results on establishing open-source-endowed professorships.

This study proposes a novel policy to provide incentives for open science: to offer open-source (OS)-endowed professorships. To hold an open-source-endowed chair, in addition to demonstrated excellence in their field, professors would need to agree to (1) ensuring all of their writing is distributed via open access in some way and (2) releasing all of their intellectual property in the public domain or under appropriate open-source licenses. The results of this survey study of university professors in the U.S. show that a super majority (86.7%) of faculty respondents indicated willingness to accept an OS-endowed professorship, while only 13.3% of respondents would not be willing to accept the terms of an OS-endowed professorship. The terms of accepting an OS-endowed professorship that were the most popular among respondents were increased salary, annual discretionary budget, as a term of tenure and annual RA or TA lines. More than a quarter of responding professors declared that no additional compensation would be needed for them to accept the terms of an OS-endowed professorship. The results demonstrate a clear willingness of academics to expand open access to science, which would hasten scientific progress while also making science more just and inclusive. It is clear that science funders have a large opportunity to move towards open science by offering open-source-endowed chairs.