bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute and Chronic Changes in Muscle Androgen Receptor Markers Are Not Associated with Muscle Hypertrophy in Women and Men
Authors: BERGAMASCO JOÃO G. A. , SCARPELLI MAÍRA C. , GODWIN JOSHUA S. , MESQUITA PAULO H. C. , CHAVES TALISSON S. , DA SILVA DEIVID G. , BITTENCOURT DIEGO , DIAS NATHALIA F. , MEDALHA JUNIOR RICARDO A. , CARELLO FILHO PAULO C. , ANGLERI VITOR , COSTA LUIZ A. R. , MICHEL J. MAX , VECHIN FELIPE C. , KAVAZIS ANDREAS N. , UGRINOWITSCH CARLOS , ROBERTS MICHAEL D. , LIBARDI CLEITON A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Androgen receptor (AR) expression and signaling have been regarded as a mechanism for regulating muscle hypertrophy. However, little is known about the associations between acute and chronic changes in skeletal muscle total AR, cytoplasmic AR (cAR), nuclear AR (nAR), and AR DNA-binding (AR-DNA) induced by resistance training (RT) and hypertrophy outcomes in women and men. This study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of RT on skeletal muscle total AR, cAR, and nAR contents and AR-DNA in women and men. In addition, we investigated whether these acute and chronic changes in these markers were associated with muscle hypertrophy in both sexes.

Methods

Nineteen women and 19 men underwent 10 wk of RT. Muscle biopsies were performed at baseline, 24 h after the first RT session, and 96 h after the last session. AR, cAR, and nAR were analyzed using Western blotting, and AR-DNA using an ELISA-oligonucleotide assay. Fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA) was analyzed through immunohistochemistry and muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) by ultrasound.

Results

At baseline, men demonstrated greater nAR than women. Baseline cAR was significantly associated with type II fCSA hypertrophy in men. Acutely, both sexes decreased AR and cAR, whereas men demonstrated greater decreases in nAR. After 10 wk of RT, AR, and nAR remained unchanged, men demonstrated greater cAR compared with women, and both sexes decreased AR-DNA activity. Acute and chronic changes in AR markers did not correlate with muscle hypertrophy (type I/II fCSA and mCSA) in women or men.

Conclusions

Baseline cAR content may influence hypertrophy in men, whereas neither RT-induced acute nor chronic changes in AR, cAR, nAR, and AR-DNA are associated with muscle hypertrophy in women or men.
Changes in Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers after a Combined Exercise Program in Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: SILVA FERNANDA M. , DUARTE-MENDES PEDRO , FERREIRA JOSÉ P. , CARVALHO EUGÉNIA , MONTEIRO DIOGO , MASSART ALAIN , FARINHA CARLOS , SOARES CARLOS M. , TEIXEIRA ANA M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

We investigated the effects of a 16-wk combined exercise training on body composition, and metabolic and inflammatory markers in sedentary middle-aged workers. We also assessed whether alterations in metabolic markers were associated with changes in health-related outcomes.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial involved 46 participants randomly allocated into control and exercise groups. The exercise group performed 16-wk combined aerobic and resistance training for 75 min per session, 3 times a week. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 16-wk intervention to determine lipid profile, and metabolic and inflammatory markers as primary outcomes.

Results

A total of 36 participants completed the intervention (53.70 ± 6.92 yr old; n = 18 in each group). Waist circumference (interaction effect: F = 7.423, P = 0.002), fat mass (interaction effect: F = 5.070, P = 0.011), and muscle mass (interaction effect: F = 5.420, P = 0.007) were improved in the exercise group compared with the control group. Fasting glucose increased after the 16-wk follow-up (time effect: F = 73.253, P < 0.001), without an intergroup difference. Insulin levels were greater in the control compared with exercise group (group effect: F = 6.509, P = 0.015). The control group tended to increase the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (interaction effect: F = 3.493, P = 0.070) and to decrease the QUICKI index (interaction effect: F = 3.364, P = 0.075) to a greater extent compared with the exercise group. Exercise group reduced leptin (interaction effect: F = 11.175, P = 0.002) and adiponectin (interaction effect: F = 4.437, P = 0.043) concentrations in a greater magnitude than the control group. Interleukin (IL)-6 (time effect: F = 17.767, P < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor α (time effect: F = 9.781, P = 0.004) concentrations decreased after the intervention, without an intergroup difference. IL-17A levels increased in the control compared with exercise group (interaction effect: F = 5.010, P = 0.033). Effects on adiponectin, IL-6, and IL-17A levels seem to depend on baseline body mass index, age, and sex. Percentage changes in leptin correlated positively with changes in homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index in the exercise (r = 0.565, P = 0.015) and control (r = 0.670, P = 0.002) groups.

Conclusions

A combined training program can be an effective strategy to improve body composition and inflammatory markers and prevent marked reductions in insulin sensitivity among middle-aged workers.
From Participatory Leadership to Digital Transformation under the interpretation of Political Philosophy:
Authors: Vavouras Elias , Koliopoulou Maria , Manolis Kyriakos
Published: June 2024

Leadership is a field of inquiry and a practical skill that involves the ability of an individual or organization to "lead" or guide other individuals, groups, or entire organizations. Academic settings define leadership as a process of social influence in which an individual can help and support others in accomplishing a shared task. Leadership from a European and academic perspective includes a view of a leader who can be motivated not only by community goals but also by the pursuit of personal power, but also emerges from a combination of many factors. In recent years, scientific interest has focused on the investigation of parameters related to school leadership, in an effort to upgrade the quality of the educational work provided and also more efficient operation of the school unit. Particular emphasis is still placed on the systematic utilization of new technologies in the entire range of administrative and teaching functions, underlining the multiple advantages they entail. The modern school leader must combine a variety of skills in order to adequately cope with his role. In this context technology is an integral part of school leadership in the sense that the profile of the digital leader is an amalgam of effective leadership styles (distributed, transformational, pedagogic) in which technology is a fundamental component.
Leadership and power:
Authors: Papaoikonomou Antonis
Published: June 2024

This study delves into the intricate portrayal of power and leadership in William Shakespeare's "Richard III," focusing on the titular character's psychopathology. Richard III is depicted as a quintessential tyrant, whose quest for power is marked by manipulation, betrayal, and ruthless ambition. The analysis examines how Shakespeare crafts Richard's character through a blend of physical deformity and psychological complexity, suggesting that his tyrannical actions stem from a deep-seated need to compensate for his personal inadequacies and societal rejection.
Shakespeare's Richard embodies the traits of Machiavellian ambition, employing deceit and brutality to usurp the English throne. His manipulative prowess and disdain for moral boundaries highlight the corrupting influence of power and the perilous consequences of unchecked political ambition. The study explores the thematic elements of Richard's character, including his relentless pursuit of dominance, his contempt for legal and social norms, and his pathological delight in causing suffering.
Moreover, the paper discusses the historical and cultural context of Richard's characterization, noting Shakespeare's reliance on contemporary beliefs linking physical deformity with moral and psychological flaws. Richard's turbulent relationship with his mother and the societal scorn he faces due to his appearance are scrutinized as pivotal factors shaping his despotic rule.
In conclusion, this analysis underscores Richard III's role as a symbol of the dangers posed by leaders whose pursuit of power is intertwined with personal pathology. Through Shakespeare's vivid portrayal, Richard III serves as a cautionary figure, illustrating the destructive potential of a leader driven by unbridled ambition and psychological torment.
Saint Jnaneshwar: A Spiritual Leader of Varkari Sampradaya (Sect) of Maharashtra; a Retrospection
Authors: Pitale Puradkar Rina A.
Published: June 2024

Throughout human history, spiritual masters have come to this world to awaken within us the light of divinity with the help of their teaching they taught us that God is present in all creations and guide us to realize this. We too can be the bearers of this spiritual light, which we can share with this world by practicing it. Saint Jnaneshwar being spiritual leader (1275-1296) was the greatest mystic saint poet and philosophers of India (Maharashtra) during medieval era. He was born in Maharashtra in the thirteenth century. During this period in Maharashtra very few people were acquainted with the knowledge of Sanskrit in society. As a result of it the majority of the common masses were denied the wealth of ancient Hindu scriptures and religious knowledge. He rose as a very bright star on the horizon of Maharashtra as the authority of scriptural, spiritual knowledge and he rebelled out against the strict norms set up by the Brahmins by using the local language Marathi as his vehicle for preaching.
The name Jnaneshwar means ‘Lord of knowledge’ (Jnaniyacha Raja). He is also called as ‘Mauli’ means ‘mother’. Jnaneshwar is said to have laid the foundation of the Bhakti movement ‘Varkari Sampradaya’ in Maharashtra which was later on taken to its peak by Tukaram and other saints. This paper tries to explore the intellectual and spiritual legacy and teachings of Saint Jnaneshwar for the establishment of bhakti marga for the wellbeing of common man and path to attain moksha.
Associations between nature connectedness and mental health – mediating effects of coping strategies.
Authors: Gawrych Magdalena
Published: June 2024

Aim of the study

The study aimed to clarify the relationships between experienced nature connectedness (NC) and depression, anxiety and stress levels with mediating role of coping strategies.

Subject or material and methods

Study group included 81 young adults (Mean = 28.02; SD 8.22) who completed questionnaires measuring nature connectedness, coping strategies, well-being, and mental illness. To verify whether the associations between connectedness to nature (measured by CNS) and mental health status (stress, anxiety and depression measured by DASS-21) are mediated by coping strategies parallel mediation analysis was employed. Following three coping strategies as mediators were tested: problem-focused coping strategy, emotion-focused coping strategy, avoidant-focused coping strategy.

Results

Results showed a significant mediation of the association between nature connectedness and mental health via coping strategies. The study indicated that: 1) NC was indirectly related to stress and depression through its relationship with the problem-focused coping; 2) NC was neither directly nor indirectly associated with anxiety symptoms.

Discussion

The health and wellbeing benefits of contact with nature are becoming increasingly recognized in psychology and medicine. Nevertheless, until now researchers haven't clearly recognized underlying mechanisms of nature-related mental health well-being. Presented study indicate one of the key pathways of associations.

Conclusions

The findings support thesis that nature connectedness seems to be a mental health protective factor.
Editorial
Authors: Cyranka Katarzyna , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: June 2024

Here is the abstract of the Editorial of the June Issue of Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotheray.
The long-awaited time of holiday rest is ahead of us, and many of you will certainly go on a well-deserved break, at home or abroad, with family, partners, friends, or will choose a completely non-standard form of rest consistent with your own preferences.
However, perhaps some of you will also want to get acquainted with new scientific and clinical reports from the world of psychiatry and psychotherapy. Reading the new June issue of APP is certainly a great opportunity to do this.
Impact of Flower Position and Pollinator Diversity on Yield Parameters of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)
Authors: Vijayakaumar K. T. , Nithin Kumar H. L. , Rakshita T. N. , Nayimabanu T.
Published: June 2024

The present study investigated the flower position characteristics of Pomegranate (variety: Bhagwa) pollinator diversity and their effect on fruit yield. The study covered floral biology, fruit attributes related to size, flower vigor, stigma receptivity, and aril development. The presence of both staminate (male) and hermaphrodite (bisexual) flowers in pomegranate allows it to be self- and cross-pollinated. The pomegranate inflorescence is a cyme. Flowers can appear solitary on spurs and in pairs or clusters terminally. The study revealed that the weight of pomegranate fruit resulting from the solitary flower was higher (351 g) with a greater number of arils (743 per fruit) than the fruit from the terminal flower (306.67 g and 620 arils) and lateral flower (221 g and 352 arils). Studies on modes of pollination provide evidence that qualitative and quantitative traits of fruits were improved by open and Apis cerana pollination. A total of 19 species of flower visitors were recorded. Apis dorsata was the primary flower visitor, followed by A. florea and A. cerana. The yield per plant under open conditions was 24.93 kg, which was on par with bee-pollinated (22.76 kg) and significantly higher than the control (15.36 kg).
Consequences of Parasitized Prey Provision on the Fitness and Development Parameters of a Solitary Wasp, Rhynchium brunneum brunneum (Vespidae: Eumeninae)
Authors: Udayakumar Amala , Shamappa Venu Hunasikote , Guptar Ankita , Shivalingaswamy Timalapur M. , Subaharan Kasevan , Sushil Satya Nand
Published: June 2024

The solitary wasp, Rhynchium brunneum brunneum (Fabricius), constructs nests in hollow cavities of bamboo, provisions her brood cells with caterpillars, and partitions the cells using mud. The wasp larva, upon hatching, feeds on the provisioned lepidopteran larvae and completes its development inside the cell. The fitness and development of immature stages of the wasp on the prey parasitized by Dolichogenidea sp. (Braconidae: Microgastrinae) was studied. The number of cells with parasitized prey was significantly higher during September (6.60 ± 0.11 parasitized prey/cell), October (9.20 ± 2.77 parasitized prey/cell), November (9.10 ± 2.59 parasitized prey/cell), and December (9.00 ± 2.01 parasitized prey/cell). The percentage of healthy prey per cell ranged between 53.33% to 100%, and parasitized prey per cell ranged from 0 to 25% in the sampled nests. The mortality of late instar wasp larvae (50 to 80%) was higher in the cells provisioned with the parasitized prey. The number of prey larvae provisioned per cell was significantly higher in the healthy cells (9.80 ± 0.84 prey/cell) compared to the unhealthy cells (3.60 ± 0.55 prey/cell). The prey biomass in the healthy cells (0.592 g) was significantly higher than in the unhealthy cells (0.161 g). The emergence percentage of the adults was significantly higher in the healthy nests (100%) than in unhealthy nests (38.67%). The study confirms the inability of the adult wasp to discriminate between healthy and parasitized prey. The adult wasp compensated for the fitness of her immature stages by collecting a mixture of healthy prey with parasitized prey to favor the growth and development of her broods in the nest.
By the Way, Does the Presence of Ants in Flowers Interfere with Floral Visitation, or Not? A community Ecology Study
Authors: Oliveira Gabriela Santana de , Schramm Júnior José Eneas , Santos Tamires Bastos dos , Santos Gilberto Marcos de M.
Published: June 2024

Several mutualistic interactions occur in natural communities that, in some cases, present antagonistic functions happening simultaneously and even within the same interaction, so both mutualistic and antagonistic partners present direct and indirect interactions reflecting the system’s whole structure. The mutualistic interaction some ants have with plants – based on which defense is offered in exchange for another benefit (such as food and/or shelter) – raises doubts about its likely effect on floral visitors that account for pollination processes. The current study uses the complex network approach to assess whether these divergent interactions affect each other at the community level. We adopted interactions’ connectedness as a response metric to highlight the strength of interactions within a given community. We tested the hypothesis that ants’ presence in flowers interferes with floral visitation by other animal species, influences floral visitors’ network structure, and, consequently, reduces networks’ connectedness. According to the current results, ants’ presence in flowers did not change floral visitors’ network structure. Although it had some impact on certain floral visitors, such as bees, as also evidenced in studies conducted at the population level, it was not significant enough to change the community’s structure. The findings in the present study maintained the concept of mutualism, according to which benefits outweigh the losses. Yet, they did not show antagonism in the ants/plants association.
Contribution of Omnidirectional Flight Traps to Assess the Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Diversity in an Agroforestry System
Authors: Koch Elmo Borges A. , Silva Priscila Santos , Arnhold Alexandre , Ferraz Edie Carvalho Ribeiro , Leponce Maurice , Mariano Cléa dos Santos F. , Delabie Jacques H. Charles
Published: June 2024

The Malaise trap is widely used for monitoring the diversity of flying insects. The omnidirectional model (Omnidirectional flight trap) is well known when hung in the understory, where it divides the sampling of these insects into two interception strata, a lower and an upper one. In general, the interest in using this trap type is because it allows to collect organisms with distinct flight behaviors to be discriminated against. Here, we investigated what information this trap can provide from samples of canopy ants and winged individuals as workers. We evaluated the sampling efficiency of the ant fauna, comparing the collection strata of this trap in a cocoa agroforestry system. To collect the ants, 40 traps were installed near an equivalent number of shading trees in a cacao plantation. A total of 374 specimens of ants belonging to 94 species or morphospecies of Formicidae were captured. Of these, 44 species were represented by alates of both sexes, while workers represented 68 species. A significant difference in the average number of ant species, both winged individuals and workers, was observed according to the trap interception stratum. A greater number of alates were collected in the upper stratum than in the lower one. An inverse pattern was observed for workers. However, we do not observe any difference according to the trap interception stratum when focusing on the whole ant diversity independently from their cast. On the contrary, the pattern of species composition comparing the two trap interception strata varied according to the ant casts. The Malaise traps are also interesting because they provide valuable information about the activity of canopy ants, such as foraging (workers) and mating flight (alates: height, orientation, time, according to the schedule of trap use).
Activation of the social capital of Poles and Britons for war refugees from Ukraine
Authors: Skrabacz Aleksandra , Bsoul-Kopowska Magdalena , Baylis Monika
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To present the attitudes, reactions and concerns of Polish and British societies towards refugees from Ukraine based on an analysis of the stock of social capital. The benchmark of Polish refugee activism was compared to British society. Its choice was justified by the fact of the UK's high political activity in the international arena in relation to Russian military aggression, as well as British support for the Ukrainian people.

Material and methods

The theoretical layer was based on analysis and synthesis and induction and deduction. The empirical layer used nationwide statistical data and the results of our own research, carried out by means of a diagnostic survey using the author's survey questionnaire on a randomly selected research sample of Poles and Britons. The research was conducted in late 2022 and early 2023 in Poland and the UK.

Results

The multi-million pound influx of war refugees from Ukraine, observed from February 2022 onwards, has unexpectedly triggered huge amounts of social capital among Poles and Britons. Both societies became involved in helping people in need, although each society to a different extent. The Poles offered direct aid, first at the national border, then at home. The British supported the refugees financially and materially by offering assistance programmes. Both societies feared the conflict in Ukraine, feeling threats to their homeland, including fear, anger, irritation and anxiety.

Conclusions

The conducted research confirms the assumption that social capital has a direct impact on people's ability to organise themselves in emergencies to help those in need. The study confirmed, based on the data presented earlier on levels of social capital and civic involvement, that the indicators for the two societies are comparable.
The Role of Physical Activity in the Improvement of Well-being - the Case of University Staff
Authors: Szarek Stanisław , Bombiak Edyta , Wysokińska Aneta
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of physical activity of university staff members on their well-being and work performance. In the course of analyses, the author attempted to find an answer to the question to what extent physical activity contributes to the improvement of well-being of the workforce.

Material and methods

The study was based on a diagnostic survey method employing a questionnaire.In the course of analyses, the authors attempted to find an answer to the question to what extent physical activity contributes to the improvement of internal and external well-being of the Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities staff.

Results

The analyses confirmed that the stimulation of physical activity in the workplace may benefit employee well-being on many levels. The results of the study demonstrated that physical activity has a positive impact on emotional, psychological, and social well-being of university staff, and that it augments the efficiency, focus, and creativity in the workplace. The research findings may be of importance to employees, employers, and decision-makers involved in the taking of decisions about health promotion programmes in the workplace. The study may contribute to the promotion of the concept of well-being, above all, in non-profit organizations, where new tendencies in human resource management are typically introduced later than they are in commercial organizations

Conclusions

Against a backdrop of the conducted analyses, the emphasis on employee well-being needs to be viewed now as one of the best investments a modern organization may make. Creating an optimal environment in which employees can fulfil their potential is one of the key factors in the long-term effectiveness of an organisation. Healthy and fit staff mean an efficient organisation.
De las redes a las calles: El activismo digital en Cuba como nuevo espacio para la acción colectiva y la participación ciudadana
Authors: León Velia Cecilia Bobes
Published: June 2024

RESUMEN: Este trabajo analiza el activismo digital (AD) que se ha venido desarrollando en Cuba en los últimos años y busca descubrir cuáles son sus impactos, así como los obstáculos y desafíos que enfrenta. Haciendo un recorrido por diferentes tipos de activismo, el análisis muestra que el AD ha propiciado un aumento de la expresión y actividad de los ciudadanos en el espacio público y facilitado la acción contenciosa y la protesta, abriendo nuevos canales de participación e incidencia a los ciudadanos, aunque también aumentado la vigilancia y el control estatal. Desde esta perspectiva, el AD se constituye como un antecedente del estallido social del 11J, por lo que su análisis puede aportar elementos para su comprensión. ABSTRACT: This article analyzes the digital activism that has been developing in Cuba in recent years and seeks to discover what its impacts are, as well as the obstacles and challenges it faces. Taking a tour of different types of activism, the analysis shows that the Digital Activism has led to an increase in the expression and activity of citizens in the public space and facilitated contentious action and protest, opening new channels of participation and incidence to citizens, but also increased surveillance and state control. From this perspective, the Digital Activism is constituted as a antecedent of the social explosion of 11J, so its analysis can contribute elements for its understanding.
Record bandwidth waveband-shift-free optical phase conjugation in nonlinear fiber optical loop mirror
Authors: Gordienko Vladimir , Boscolo Sonia , Bastamova Mariia , Ellis Andrew D. , Doran Nick J.
Published: June 2024

We present a novel configuration for broadband, wavelength-shift-free optical phase conjugation (OPC) utilizing four-wave mixing in a nonlinear fiber optical loop mirror (NOLM). In the proposed configuration, the input signals and the pump wave return to the input port of the NOLM whereas the phase-conjugated signals generated in the NOLM loop are transmitted through the output port. This allows the phase-conjugated copies to occupy the same wavelength band as the input signals, in line with the requirements for practical deployment of OPC in communication links. The demultiplexing of the phase conjugates from the input signals sharing the same band is achieved by imparting an asymmetric phase shift on the pump via a fiber Bragg grating. We experimentally demonstrate waveband-shift-free OPC with an extinction ratio between signals and conjugated copies at the NOLM output of 17 dB to 25 dB across a band of 35 nm. Whilst a 7-nm wide performance gap exists in the middle of the band, this is the record bandwidth for waveband-shift-free OPC in an all-fiber setup. We compare the experimental results with numerical simulations of the OPC-NOLM, identify the reason for the observed performance gap, and justify the route for further performance improvement.
Prioritizing drug targets by perturbing biological network response functions
Authors: Perrone Matthew C. , Lerner Michael G. , Dunworth Matthew , Ewald Andrew J. , Bader Joel S.
Published: June 2024

Therapeutic interventions are designed to perturb the function of a biological system. However, there are many types of proteins that cannot be targeted with conventional small molecule drugs. Accordingly, many identified gene-regulatory drivers and downstream effectors are currently undruggable. Drivers and effectors are often connected by druggable signaling and regulatory intermediates. Methods to identify druggable intermediates therefore have general value in expanding the set of targets available for hypothesis-driven validation. Here we identify and prioritize potential druggable intermediates by developing a network perturbation theory, termedNetPert, for response functions of biological networks. Dynamics are defined by a network structure in which vertices represent genes and proteins, and edges represent gene-regulatory interactions and protein-protein interactions. Perturbation theory for network dynamics prioritizes targets that interfere with signaling from driver to response genes. Applications to organoid models for metastatic breast cancer demonstrate the ability of this mathematical framework to identify and prioritize druggable intermediates. While the short-time limit of the perturbation theory resembles betweenness centrality,NetPertis superior in generating target rankings that correlate with previous wet-lab assays and are more robust to incomplete or noisy network data.NetPertalso performs better than a related graph diffusion approach. Wet-lab assays demonstrate that drugs for targets identified byNetPert, including targets that are not themselves differentially expressed, are active in suppressing additional metastatic phenotypes.
Tackling climate change: The Albarella island example
Authors: Zanella Augusto , Bolzonella Cristian , Rosatti Mauro , Longo Enrico , Banas Damien , Fritz Ines , Concheri Giuseppe , Squartini Andrea , Xu Guo-Liang , Mo Lingzi , Mozzato Daniele , Porrini Claudio , Lenzi Lucia , Menta Cristina , Visentin Francesca , Bellonzi Marco , Ranzani Giulia , Bruni Debora , Buson Matteo , Casarotto Daniele , Longo Michele , Bianchi Rebecca , Bernardon Tommaso , Borella Elisa , Ballarin Marco , Linnyk Vitaliy , Pengo Patrizia , Campagnolo Marco , Bonneval Karine , Udo Nils , Bonaventura Vera , Mainardi Roberto , Ihlein Lucas , Yeomans Allan , Hager Herbert
Published: June 2024

We attempted to consider Albarella Island as a model for estimating the ability of humans and the capacity of the environment to react to climate change. On its 550 hectares, this island hosts management centers, 2800 private homes, several restaurants and hotels, shops, public and private swimming pools, a golf course, beaches, green areas equipped to satisfy the 2,000 stable inhabitants and more than 110,000 annual tourists. We collected data on the following variables: 1) net carbon storage of the semi-natural ecosystems; 2) diet of humans staying on the island; 3) currently used fossil energy; 4) electricity demand; 5) waste produced; 6) transport. A dynamic simulation model of the island’s CO2 equivalent (CO2eq) emissions proposes two scenarios that illustrate how these variables can change over the next 10 years if the management remains that of the present day, or switching to all photovoltaics, proposing new diets to inhabitants and tourists, and planting trees on half of the island’s lawns. In the second case, CO2eq emissions lowered to 1/4 of the current value, bringing them to the level of 50-60 years ago. Running the Albarella touristic activities with renewed technology and minimum emissions impact in 2032 produces 4.8 kty-1of CO2eq: 14.5% (0.7 kty-1 of CO2eq) of these emissions could be stored in the ecosystems of the island, 25% (1.2 kty-1) would be produced by the solar panels construction, functionning and recycling that would furnish all the necessary domestic and industrial energy, and 60.5% (2.9 kty-1) would correspond to the emissions to supply the island’s food needs. Theoretically, the technological response works. The implementation of the model on the island is discussed, opening up global perspectives. Maintaining the current level of consumption, with the technical and natural means available today, it is not possible to go below 20% of today’s emissions.
Explainable deep learning for disease activity prediction in chronic inflammatory joint diseases
Authors: Trottet Cécile , Allam Ahmed , Horvath Aron N. , Finckh Axel , Hügle Thomas , Adler Sabine , Kyburz Diego , Micheroli Raphael , Krauthammer Michael , Ospelt Caroline
Published: June 2024

Analysing complex diseases such as chronic inflammatory joint diseases (CIJDs), where many factors influence the disease evolution over time, is a challenging task. CIJDs are rheumatic diseases that cause the immune system to attack healthy organs, mainly the joints. Different environmental, genetic and demographic factors affect disease development and progression. The Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatic Diseases (SCQM) Foundation maintains a national database of CIJDs documenting the disease management over time for 19’267 patients. We propose the Disease Activity Score Network (DAS-Net), an explainable multi-task learning model trained on patients’ data with different arthritis subtypes, transforming longitudinal patient journeys into comparable representations and predicting multiple disease activity scores. First, we built a modular model composed of feed-forward neural networks, long short-term memory networks and attention layers to process the heterogeneous patient histories and predict future disease activity. Second, we investigated the utility of the model’s computed patient representations (latent embeddings) to identify patients with similar disease progression. Third, we enhanced the explainability of our model by analysing the impact of different patient characteristics on disease progression and contrasted our model outcomes with medical expert knowledge. To this end, we explored multiple feature attribution methods including SHAP, attention attribution and feature weighting using case-based similarity. Our model outperforms temporal and non-temporal neural network, tree-based, and naive static baselines in predicting future disease activity scores. To identify similar patients, a k-nearest neighbours regression algorithm applied to the model’s computed latent representations outperforms baseline strategies that use raw input features representation.
Golgi associated RAB2 interactor protein family contributes to murine male fertility to various extents by assuring correct morphogenesis of sperm heads
Authors: Wang Haoting , Iida-Norita Rie , Mashiko Daisuke , Pham Anh Hoang , Miyata Haruhiko , Ikawa Masahito
Published: June 2024

Sperm heads contain not only the nucleus but also the acrosome which is a distinctive cap-like structure located anterior to the nucleus and is derived from the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi Associated RAB2 Interactors (GARINs; also known as FAM71) protein family shows predominant expression in the testis and all possess a RAB2-binding domain which confers binding affinity to RAB2, a small GTPase that is responsible for membrane transport and vesicle trafficking. Our previous study showed that GARIN1A and GARIN1B are important for acrosome biogenesis and that GARIN1B is indispensable for male fertility in mice. Here, we generated KO mice of other Garins, namely Garin2, Garin3, Garin4, Garin5a, and Garin5b (Garin2-5b). Using computer-assisted morphological analysis, we found that the loss of each Garin2-5b resulted in aberrant sperm head morphogenesis. While the fertilities of Garin2-/- and Garin4-/- males are normal, Garin5a-/- and Garin5b-/- males are subfertile, and Garin3-/- males are infertile. Further analysis revealed that Garin3-/- males exhibited abnormal acrosomal morphology, but not as severely as Garin1b-/- males; instead, the amounts of membrane proteins, particularly ADAM family proteins, decreased in Garin3 KO spermatozoa. Moreover, only Garin4 KO mice exhibit vacuoles in the sperm head. These results indicate that GARINs assure correct head morphogenesis and some members of the GARIN family function distinctively in male fertility.
How strongly does diet variation explain variation in isotope values of animal consumers?
Authors: Arnoldi Jean-François , Bortoluzzi Jenny Rose , Rowland Hugh , Harrod Chris , Parnell Andrew C. , Payne Nicholas , Donohue Ian , Jackson Andrew L.
Published: June 2024

Analysis of stable isotopes in consumers is used commonly to study their ecological and/or environmental niche. There is, however, considerable debate regarding how isotopic values relate to diet and how other sources of variation confound this link, which can undermine the utility. From the analysis of a simple, but general, model of isotopic incorporation in consumer organisms, we examine the relationship between isotopic variance among individuals, and diet variability within a consumer population. We show that variance in consumer isotope values is directly proportional to variation in diet (through Simpson indices), to the number of isotopically distinct food sources in the diet, and to the baseline variation within and among the isotope values of the food sources. Additionally, when considering temporal diet variation within a consumer we identify the interplay between diet turnover rates and tissue turnover rates that controls the sensitivity of stable isotopes to detect diet variation. Our work demonstrates that variation in the stable isotope values of consumers reflect variation in their diet. This relationship, however, can be confounded with other factors to the extent that they may mask the signal coming from diet. We show how simple quantitative corrections can recover a direct 1:1 correlation in some situations, and in others we can adjust our interpretation in light of the new understanding arising from our models. Our framework provides guidance for the design and analysis of empirical studies where the goal is to infer niche width from stable isotope data.
Global dynamics and computational modeling for analyzing and controlling Hepatitis B: A novel epidemic approach
Authors: Farhan Muhammad , Shah Zahir , Ling Zhi , Shah Kamal , Abdeljawad Thabet , Islam Saeed , Garalleh Hakim A. L.
Published: June 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue. We offer a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of HBV, which can be successfully controlled with vaccine and treatment. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes a significantly more severe and protracted disease compared to hepatitis A. While it initially presents as an acute disease, in approximately 5 to 10% of cases, it can develop into a chronic disease that causes permanent damage to the liver. The hepatitis B virus can remain active outside the body for at least seven days. If the virus penetrates an individual’s body without immunization, it may still result in infection. Upon exposure to HBV, the symptoms often last for a duration ranging from 10 days to 6 months. In this study, we developed a new model for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) that includes asymptomatic carriers, vaccination, and treatment classes to gain a comprehensive knowledge of HBV dynamics. The basic reproduction number R 0 is calculated to identify future recurrence. The local and global stabilities of the proposed model are evaluated for values of R 0 that are both below and above 1. The Lyapunov function is employed to ensure the global stability of the HBV model. Further, the existence and uniqueness of the proposed model are demonstrated. To look at the solution of the proposed model graphically, we used a useful numerical strategy, such as the non-standard finite difference method, to obtain more thorough numerical findings for the parameters that have a significant impact on disease elimination. In addition, the study of treatment class in the population, we may assess the effectiveness of alternative medicines to treat infected populations can be determined. Numerical simulations and graphical representations are employed to illustrate the implications of our theoretical conclusions.
Evaluating predictions of the patterning cascade model of crown morphogenesis in the human lower mixed and permanent dentition
Authors: Kenessey Dori E. , Stojanowski Christopher M. , Paul Kathleen S.
Published: June 2024

Objective

The patterning cascade model of crown morphogenesis has been studied extensively in a variety of organisms to elucidate the evolutionary history surrounding postcanine tooth form. The current research is the first to use a large modern human sample to examine whether the crown configuration of lower deciduous and permanent molars aligns with expectations derived from the model. This study has two main goals: 1) to determine if metameric and antimeric pairs significantly differ in size, accessory trait expression, and relative intercusp spacing, and 2) assess whether the relative distance among early-forming cusps accounts for observed variation in accessory cusp expression.

Methods

Tooth size, intercusp distance, and morphological trait expression data were collected from 3D scans of mandibular dental casts representing participants of the Harvard Solomon Islands Project. Paired tests were utilized to compare tooth size, accessory trait expression, and relative intercusp distance between diphyodont metameres and permanent antimeres. Proportional odds logistic regression was implemented to investigate how the odds of greater accessory cusp expression vary as a function of the distance between early-developing cusps.

Results/Significance

Comparing paired molars, significant differences were identified for tooth size and cusp 5 expression. Several relative intercusp distances emerged as important predictors of cusp 6 expression, however, results for cusp 5 and cusp 7 did not match expected patterns. These findings support previous quantitative genetic results and suggest the development of neighboring crown structures represents a zero-sum partitioning of cellular territory and resources. As such, this study contributes to a better understanding of the foundations of deciduous and permanent molar crown variation in humans.
PTPRD gene variant rs10739150: A potential game-changer in hypertension diagnosis
Authors: AL-Eitan Laith
Published: June 2024

Background

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension (HTN), is a complicated disorder that is controlled by a complex network of physiological processes. Untreated hypertension is associated with increased death incidence, rise the need for understanding the genetic basis affecting hypertension susceptibility and development. The current study sought to identify the genetic association between twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within seven candidate genes (NOS3, NOS1AP, REN, PLA2G4A, TCF7L, ADRB1, and PTPRD)

Methods

The current study included 200 Jordanian individuals diagnosed with hypertension, compared to 224 healthy controls. Whole blood samples were drawn from each individual for DNA isolation and genotyping. The SNPStats tool was used to assess haplotype, genotype, and allele frequencies by the mean of chi-square (χ2).

Results

Except for rs10739150 of PTPRD (P = 0.0003), the genotypic and allelic distribution of the SNP was identical between patients and controls. The prevalence of the G/G genotype in healthy controls (45.5%) was lower than in hypertension patients (64.3%), suggesting that it might be a risk factor for the disease. PTPRD TTC genetic haplotypes were strongly linked with hypertension (P = 0.003, OR = 4.03).

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the involvement of rs10739150 within the PTPRD gene in hypertension. This new knowledge could potentially transform the way we approach hypertension diagnosis, providing an accurate diagnostic tool for classifying individuals who are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Genetic ancestry is related to potential sources of breast cancer health disparities among Colombian women
Authors: Rey-Vargas Laura , Bejarano-Rivera Lina María , Serrano-Gómez Silvia J.
Published: June 2024

Breast cancer health disparities are linked to clinical-pathological determinants, socioeconomic inequities, and biological factors such as genetic ancestry. These factors collectively interact in complex ways, influencing disease behavior, especially among highly admixed populations like Colombians. In this study, we assessed contributing factors to breast cancer health disparities according to genetic ancestry in Colombian patients from a national cancer reference center. We collected non-tumoral paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks from 361 women diagnosed with breast cancer at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to estimate genetic ancestry using a 106-ancestry informative marker (AIM) panel. Differences in European, Indigenous American (IA) and African ancestry fractions were analyzed according to potential sources of breast cancer health disparities, like etiology, tumor-biology, treatment administration, and socioeconomic-related factors using a Kruskal–Wallis test. Our analysis revealed a significantly higher IA ancestry among overweight patients with larger tumors and those covered by a subsidized health insurance. Conversely, we found a significantly higher European ancestry among patients with smaller tumors, residing in middle-income households, and affiliated to the contributory health regime, whereas a higher median of African ancestry was observed among patients with either a clinical, pathological, or stable response to neoadjuvant treatment. Altogether, our results suggest that the genetic legacy among Colombian patients, measured as genetic ancestry fractions, may be reflected in many of the clinical-pathological variables and socioeconomic factors that end up contributing to health disparities for this disease.
Breaking the spiral of silence: News and social media dynamics on sexual abuse scandal in the Japanese entertainment industry
Authors: Tanihara Tsukasa , Irihara Mitsuki , Murayama Taichi , Yoshida Mitsuo , Toriumi Fujio , Miyazaki Kunihiro
Published: June 2024

Highlighting minorities and crime survivors through public discourse is essential for their support and protection. However, advocating for minorities is challenging due to the fear of potential isolation from one’s social circles. This reluctance contributes to the societal phenomenon known as the “spiral of silence,” significantly impeding efforts to support socially vulnerable individuals. This study centers on a pivotal instance where the silence surrounding sexual abuse in the Japanese entertainment industry was disrupted, in which the late company president had allegedly abused idol trainees of the company for decades. Utilizing extensive data from news media and social media, the study probes the engagement dynamics of public attention to this scandal. Results indicate that users on social media provided earlier and greater coverage for this scandal compared to news media outlets. Furthermore, television demonstrated a significant delay in addressing this issue compared to other news media, such as tabloids, magazines, and online news. Regarding social media engagement, idol fans exhibited a more subdued response to the issue compared to the general public. Notably, fans more loyal to the company tended to be slower to mention the issue, with a higher likelihood of standing in defense of the perpetrators. Moreover, conflicting attitudes were observed within the fan communities, culminating in an observable “echo chamber” phenomenon. This paper presents a novel examination of the process of disruption of social silence and offers critical insights for aiding vulnerable individuals in environments dominated by an unacknowledged spiral of silence. This study is novel in that it suggests a reinterpretation of the “spiral of silence theory” in the age of social media, through a comprehensive analysis of relevant social media data and news media data. This contributes to the body of research that has analyzed the spiral of silence theory online.