Phase transitions in the q-voter model with two types of stochastic driving

In this paper we study nonlinear $q$-voter model with stochastic driving on a complete graph. We investigate two types of stochasticity that, using the language of social sciences, can be interpreted as different kinds of nonconformity. From a social point of view, it is very important to distinguish between two types nonconformity, so called anti-conformity and independence. A majority of works suggests that these social differences may be completely irrelevant in terms of microscopic modeling that uses tools of statistical physics and that both types of nonconformity play the role of so called 'social temperature'. In this paper we clarify the concept of 'social temperature' and show that different type of 'noise' may lead to qualitatively different emergent properties. In particularly, we show that in the model with anti-conformity the critical value of noise increases with parameter $q$, whereas in the model with independence the critical value of noise decreases with the $q$. Moreover, in the model with anti-conformity the phase transition is continuous for any value of $q$, whereas in the model with independence the transition is continuous for $q \le 5$ and discontinuous for $q>5$

Criteria equivalent to the Riemann Hypothesis

We give a brief overview of a few criteria equivalent to the Riemann Hypothesis. Next we concentrate on the Riesz and B{\'a}ez-Duarte criteria. We proof that they are equivalent and we provide some computer data to support them. It is not compressed to six pages version of the talk delivered by M.W. during the XXVII Workshop on Geometrical Methods in Physics, 28 June -- 6 July, 2008, Bia{\l}owie{\.z}a, Poland.Comment: It is not compressed to six pages version of the talk delivered by M.W. during the XXVII Workshop on Geometrical Methods in Physics, 28 June -- 6 July, 2008, Bia{\l}owie{\.z}a, Poland. New Fig.1 is include

Risk factors and potential outcomes of COVID-2019 — a narrative review with focus on cardiovascular health

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), spreads rapidly and has been announced a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 especially affects cardiovascular system, mostly by leading to the dysfunction of endothelium and its consequences. On the other hand, patients with a history of chronic disease are believed to have a more severe course of COVID-19. Furthermore, apart from an undoubted influence on morbidity and mortality, COVID-19 results in changes in many aspects of human life. It is worth noting that pandemic will also affect people who did not suffer from disease. Nevertheless, due to constantly elevated stress level, COVID-19 may have influence on mental health. Paradoxically, in dealing with stress and COVID-related problems, faith and religiosity can play a leading role. In this review, attention was paid not only to possible cardiac complications of infection but also to the impact of the pandemic on psychological and spiritual effects of the pandemic.

Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Equine Adipose-Derived Stromal Stem Cells (ASCs) Mitigate Tunicamycin-Induced ER Stress in Equine Corneal Stromal Stem Cells (CSSCs)

Corneal ulcers, characterized by severe inflammation of the cornea, can lead to serious, debilitating complications and may be vision-threatening for horses. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in corneal stem progenitor cell (CSSC) dysfunction and explore the potential of equine adipose-derived stromal stem cell (ASC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to improve corneal wound healing. We showed that CSSCs expressed high levels of CD44, CD45, and CD90 surface markers, indicating their stemness. Supplementation of the ER-stress-inducer tunicamycin to CSSCs resulted in reduced proliferative and migratory potential, accumulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stressed cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, increased expression of proinflammatory genes, induced oxidative stress and sustained ER stress, and unfolded protein response (UPR). Importantly, treatment with EVs increased the proliferative activity and number of cells in the G2/Mitosis phase, enhanced migratory ability, suppressed the overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines, and upregulated the anti-inflammatory miRNA-146a-5p, compared to control and/or ER-stressed cells. Additionally, EVs lowered the expression of ER-stress master regulators and effectors (PERK, IRE1, ATF6, and XBP1), increased the number of mitochondria, and reduced the expression of Fis-1 and Parkin, thereby promoting metabolic homeostasis and protecting against apoptosis in equine CSSCs. Our findings demonstrate that MSCs-derived EVs represent an innovative and promising therapeutic strategy for the transfer of bioactive mediators which regulate various cellular and molecular signaling pathways

Complement C3 and its polymorphism: biological and clinical consequences

Complement 3 (C3) is a crucial component of the innate immune system, which in association with other complement proteins, forms a major host mechanism for detection and clearance of potential pathogens. The central role of the complement system and its polymorphism has already been studied extensively. Although the identification of 03 in echinoderms and tunicates suggests that this multifunctional protein emerged at least 700 million years ago, the underlying functional difference between C3S and C3F variants have not yet been clearly demonstrated. Focussing on the examined associations between C3F and C3S polymorphisms and disease states, the presence of the C3F allele has generally been linked with a detrimental outcome. In this review the general characteristics and analytical aspects of 03 and the knowledge about the biological and clinical consequences of 03 polymorphism have been summarised

Phage treatment of human infections

Phages as bactericidal agents have been employed for 90 years as a means of treating bacterial infections in humans as well as other species, a process known as phage therapy. In this review we explore both the early historical and more modern use of phages to treat human infections. We discuss in particular the little-reviewed French early work, along with the Polish, US, Georgian and Russian historical experiences. We also cover other, more modern examples of phage therapy of humans as differentiated in terms of disease. In addition, we provide discussions of phage safety, other aspects of phage therapy pharmacology, and the idea of phage use as probiotics