Mocarts: a lightweight radiation transport simulator for easy handling of complex sensing geometries

In functional neuroimaging (fNIRS), elaborated sensing geometries pairing multiple light sources and detectors arranged over the tissue surface are needed. A variety of software tools for probing forward models of radiation transport in tissue exist, but their handling of sensing geometries and specification of complex tissue architectures is, most times, cumbersome. In this work, we introduce a lightweight simulator, Monte Carlo Radiation Transport Simulator (MOCARTS) that attends these demands for simplifying specification of tissue architectures and complex sensing geometries. An object-oriented architecture facilitates such goal. The simulator core is evolved from the Monte Carlo Multi-Layer (mcml) tool but extended to support multi-channel simulations. Verification against mcml yields negligible error (RMSE~4-10e-9) over a photon trajectory. Full simulations show concurrent validity of the proposed tool. Finally, the ability of the new software to simulate multi-channel sensing geometries and to define biological tissue models in an intuitive nested-hierarchy way are exemplified

Perinatal asphyxia: CNS development and deficits with delayed onset

Perinatal asphyxia constitutes a prototype of obstetric complications occurring when pulmonary oxygenation is delayed or interrupted. The primary insult relates to the duration of the period lacking oxygenation, leading to death if not re-established. Re-oxygenation leads to a secondary insult, related to a cascade of biochemical events required for restoring proper function. Perinatal asphyxia interferes with neonatal development, resulting in long-term deficits associated to mental and neurological diseases with delayed clinical onset, by mechanisms not yet clarified. In the experimental scenario, the effects observed long after perinatal asphyxia have been explained by over expression of sentinel proteins, such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), competing for NAD+ during re-oxygenation, leading to the idea that sentinel protein inhibition constitutes a suitable therapeutic strategy. Asphyxia induces transcriptional activation of proinflammatory factors, in tandem with PARP-1 overactivation, and pharmacologically induced PARP-1 inhibition also down-regulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Nicotinamide has been proposed as a suitable PARP-1 inhibitor. Its effect has been studied in an experimental model of global hypoxia in rats. In that model, the insult is induced by immersing rat foetuses into a water bath for various periods of time. Following asphyxia, the pups are delivered, treated, and nursed by surrogate dams, pending further experiments. Nicotinamide rapidly distributes into the brain following systemic administration, reaching steady state concentrations sufficient to inhibit PARP-1 activity for several hours, preventing several of the long-term consequences of perinatal asphyxia, supporting the idea that it constitutes a lead for exploring compounds with similar or better pharmacological profiles

Planning for Climate Resilient Barangays in the Philippines: The Case of Barangay Tumana in Marikina City, Metro Manila

The Philippines is among the countries most threatened by climate change. This combined with other human and developmental factors compounds the challenge that barangays, the smallest political and administrative units in the country, face: to build and scale-up local resilience. This paper presents the case of Barangay Tumana in Marikina City, Philippines, the second most populated barangay in the city and the most devastated when Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) hit the country in 2009. The study examines key hazards and elements of the communities in Barangay Tumana that contribute to its susceptibility to climate-related impacts, using the definition of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to frame the process of analysis. In particular, it characterizes the biophysical/environmental risks and socioeconomic/demographic vulnerabilities of the communities (exposure and sensitivity elements) in Barangay Tumana that can be addressed through planning in order to further community resilience and enhance long-term quality of life (Ensor, and Berger, 2009). These risks and vulnerabilities are established through various quantitative and qualitative methods of data gathering and analysis, including questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, reviews of key local documents and related literature, and a multi-stakeholder validation and consultation. Policy options to build barangay resilience in the context of climate change are then recommended

Kon-tiki/Perdido enhances PS2 integrin adhesion and localizes its ligand, Thrombospondin, in the myotendinous junction.

Cell-extracellular matrix adhesion is mediated by cell receptors, mainly integrins and transmembrane proteoglycans, which can functionally interact. How these receptors are regulated and coordinated is largely unknown and key to understand cell adhesion in development. We show that the conserved transmembrane proteoglycan Kon-tiki/Perdido (Kon) interacts with αPS2βPS integrin to mediate muscle-tendon adhesion. Double mutant embryos for kon and inflated show a synergistic increase in muscle detachment. Furthermore, Kon modulates αPS2βPS signaling at the muscle attachment, since P-Fak is reduced in kon mutants. This reduction in integrin signaling can be rescued by the expression of a truncated Kon protein containing the transmembrane and extracellular domains, suggesting that these domains are sufficient to mediate this signaling. We show that these domains are sufficient to properly localize the αPS2βPS ligand, Thrombospondin, to the muscle attachment, and to partially rescue Kon dependent muscle-tendon adhesion. We propose that Kon can engage in a protein complex with αPS2βPS and enhance integrin-mediated signaling and adhesion by recruiting its ligand, which would increase integrin-binding affinity to the extracellular matrix, resulting in the consolidation of the myotendinous junction.Ramón y Cajal program and the Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Research was funded by the Ministerio de Economıa y Competitividad ́ (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation) (BFU2008-036550, BFU2011-26745). Proyecto de Excelencia of the Consejerıa de Econom ́ ıa, ́ Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo, Junta de Andalucıa (PO9-CVI-5058). A.G.E.-Z. and ́ the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation) (BFU2008-036550, BFU2011-26745)

Socio-Economic Status, Territory and Political Participation in Twenty-First-Century Mexico

This article is built on the reflections that the authors have had during their latest research on political participation in several municipalities of Mexico. Thus, based on the ethnographies conducted between 2006 and 2016, mainly in the town of Xico (Veracruz state), we set up as analyzing unities specific political interactions (including patronizing) among Mexican citizens within the five types recognized by Social Sciences: voting, campaigning, contacting political officials, working on public affairs and talking about politics. On this basis, we explore the articulation of the aforementioned interactions and, more specifically, of the roles adopted by the interacting citizens as identity markers linking these people in a highlighted way with a series of socio?economic and socio?territorial features, dimensions that, ultimately, turn out inseparable from the existing power relations in the local societies. In conclusion, we are of the opinion that, together with indicators of income, education, professional category or living nearby territory, it can be affirmed that the political behavior in Mexico is shown as both socio?economic indicator and socio?territorial belonging not because parties represent interests of class, but because there are well defined spheres of political behavior depending on the socio?economic stratum and the socio?territorial belonging of the individual

Salud de los trabajadores

Actividad física y su relación con los factores de riesgo cardiovascular de carteros chilenosAnálisis de resultados: riesgos psicosociales en el trabajo Suceso-Istas 21 en Cesfam QuellónAusentismo laboral por enfermedades oftalmológicas, Chile 2009Brote de diarreas por norovirus, posterremoto-tsunami, Constitución, Región del MauleCalidad de vida en profesionales de la salud pública chilenaCaracterización del reposo laboral en personal del SSMN durante el primer semestre de 2010Concentración de nicotina en pelo en trabajadores no fumadores expuestos a humo de tabaco ambientalCondiciones de trabajo y bienestar/malestar docente en profesores de enseñanza media de SantiagoDisfunción auditiva inducida por exposición a xilenoErgonomía aplicada al estudio del síndrome de dolor lumbar en el trabajoEstimación de la frecuencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en trabajadores de una empresa mineraExposición a plaguicidas inhibidores de la acetilcolinesterasa en Colombia, 2006-2009Factores de riesgo y daños de salud en conductores de una empresa peruana de transporte terrestre, 2009Las consecuencias de la cultura en salud y seguridad ocupacional en una empresa mineraPercepción de cambios en la práctica médica y estrategias de afrontamientoPercepción de la calidad de vida en la Universidad del BiobíoPesos máximos aceptables para tareas de levantamiento manual de carga en población laboral femeninaRiesgo coronario en trabajadores mineros según la función de Framingham adaptada para la población chilenaTrastornos emocionales y riesgo cardiovascular en trabajadores de la salu

Beyond the Binary: Queer Media Engagement\u27s Role in Shaping LGB Youth Identity Formation

This study examined the associations between queer media engagement, demographic factors, and social identity formation among Filipino lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) undergraduate students (N = 52, aged 18-24) using correlational analysis. Spearman\u27s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) revealed a significant positive association between monthly family income and queer media engagement (ρ= 0.28, p < .05), suggesting socioeconomic factors influence access to identity-affirming media resources. Weekly hours of media consumption demonstrated the strongest relationship with overall engagement level (ρ = 0.43, p < .01), validating the multidimensional nature of queer media engagement. Contrary to prevalent assumptions, findings showed a non-significant negative correlation between queer media engagement and identity formation (ρ = -0.16, p >.05), suggesting a more complex relationship than previously theorized. Analysis of identity formation components revealed stronger development in cognitive aspects (median = 4.0) than behavioral components (median = 2.0-2.5), aligning with established models of LGBTQIA+ identity development where internal affirmation typically precedes external expression. These findings challenge simplistic assumptions about media influence and suggest a nuanced dynamic where socioeconomic factors, developmental stages, and cultural context significantly shape how Filipino LGB youth engage with queer media and integrate these experiences into their identity formation processes. This underscores the importance of addressing potential digital access disparities and developing critical media literacy alongside increased representation

Família é afetos: 'a opção sexual é coisa dele'. Discursos de filhos com pais não heteros

This qualitative study makes a contribution to the interdisciplinary field of study about childhood and family and adopts a socio-anthropological approach. Analyzing the content of 8 interviews/conversations, we have elicited the meaning of family from four children whose parents name themselves as not heterosexual, all of them living in the metropolitan region of Recife-PE- Brazil. We have identified the construction and constitution of a familiar context and we have analyzed some elements that characterize the relationship between children and parents. Family is primarily defined by children as a social construction, based on affection, without considering the sexual identity of those who develop the parenthood.This qualitative study makes a contribution to the interdisciplinary field of study about childhood and family and adopts a socio-anthropological approach. Analyzing the content of 8 interviews/conversations, we have elicited the meaning of family from four children whose parents name themselves as not heterosexual, all of them living in the metropolitan region of Recife-PE- Brazil. We have identified the construction and constitution of a familiar context and we have analyzed some elements that characterize the relationship between children and parents. Family is primarily defined by children as a social construction, based on affection, without considering the sexual identity of those who develop the parenthood.Este estudo qualitativo busca contribuir para o campo interdisciplinar dos estudos sobre infância e família, e adota uma perspectiva de análise sócio-antropológica. Analisando o conteúdo de oito entrevistas/conversas, nós obtivemos informações sobre os significados de família para crianças cujos pais se autonomeavam como não-heterossexuais, todos eles vivendo na região metropolitana de Recife (PE) -Brasil. Identificamos a construção e constituição do contexto familiaranalisando alguns elementos que caracterizam a relação entre as crianças e os pais. A família é definida pelas crianças principalmente como uma construção social com base no afeto, sem considerar a identidade sexual daqueles que exercem a paternidad

PTRF acts as an adipokine contributing to adipocyte dysfunctionality and ectopic lipid deposition

Adipose tissue (AT) expands under obesogenic conditions. Yet, when the growth exceeds a certain limit, AT becomes dysfunctional and surplus lipids start depositing ectopically. Polymerase I and transcription release factor (PTRF) has been proposed as a mechanism leading to a dysfunctional AT by decreasing the adipogenic potential of human adipocyte precursors. However, whether or not PTRF can be secreted by the adipocytes into the bloodstream is not yet known. For this work, PTRF presence was investigated in plasma. We also produced a recombinant PTRF (rPTRF) and examined its impact on the functional interactions between the adipocyte and the hepatocyte in vitro. We demonstrated that PTRF can be found in human plasma, and is at least in part, carried by exosomes. In vitro treatment with rPTRF increased the hypertrophy and senescence of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In turn, those rPTRF-treated adipocytes increased lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Lastly, we found a positive correlation between circulating PTRF and the concentration of PTRF in the visceral fat depot. All these findings point toward the presence of an enlarged and dysfunctional visceral adipose tissue which secretes PTRF. This circulating PTRF behaves as an adipokine and may partially contribute to the well-known detrimental effects of visceral fat accumulation