Network Analysis Research Articles

Microarray-Based Detection of Critical Overexpressed Genes in the Progression of Hepatic Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Protein-Protein Interaction Network Analysis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent cause of chronic liver disease and encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders, including simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. However, due to the global epidemic of NAFLD, where invasive liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, it is necessary to identify a more practical method for early NAFLD diagnosis with useful therapeutic targets; as such, molecular biomarkers could most readily serve these aims. To this end, we explored the hub genes and biological pathways in fibrosis progression in NAFLD patients. Raw data from microarray chips with GEO accession GSE49541 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and the R package (Affy and Limma) was applied to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the progress of low- (mild 0-1 fibrosis score) to high- (severe 3-4 fibrosis score) fibrosis stage NAFLD patients. Subsequently, significant DEGs with pathway enrichment were analyzed, including gene ontology (GO), KEGG and Wikipathway. In order to then explore critical genes, the protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was established and visualized using the STRING database, with further analysis undertaken using Cytoscape and Gephi software. Survival analysis was undertaken to determine the overall survival of the hub genes in the progression of NAFLD to hepatocellular carcinoma. A total of 311 significant genes were identified, with an expression of 278 being upregulated and 33 downregulated in the high vs. low group. Gene functional enrichment analysis of these significant genes demonstrated major involvement in extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. The PPI network was constructed with 196 nodes and 572 edges with PPI enrichment using a p-value < 1.0 e-16. Based on this cut-off, we identified 12 genes with the highest score in four centralities: Degree, Betweenness, Closeness, and Eigenvector. Those twelve hub genes were CD34, THY1, CFTR, COL3A1, COL1A1, COL1A2, SPP1, THBS1, THBS2, LUM, VCAN, and VWF. Four of these hub genes, namely CD34, VWF, SPP1, and VCAN, showed significant association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. This PPI network analysis of DEGs identified critical hub genes involved in the progression of fibrosis and the biological pathways through which they exert their effects in NAFLD patients. Those 12 genes offer an excellent opportunity for further focused research to determine potential targets for therapeutic applications.

Associations between posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic growth elements: A network analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a collective trauma causing profound psychological distress and, in some cases, positive psychological changes. The present study ascertained the most influential symptoms and strong connections between posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG) elements. It also examined the symptoms/elements that acted as a bridge between the two, to elucidate how PTS and PTG co-exist. The PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were used to assess PTS symptoms and PTG, respectively, in a sample of 509 adults from Kashmir, India. The network analysis revealed negative trauma-related emotions as the most influential symptom in the PTS network, and the ability to do better things with life as the most influential element in the PTG network. Eight bridge symptoms/elements emerged between the PTS and PTG, namely intrusive thoughts, nightmares, more compassion for others, sleep disturbances, trauma-related amnesia, hypervigilance, willingness to express emotions, and counting on others more. The study identified the most influential symptom in the PTS network and the bridge symptoms in the combined network of PTS symptoms and PTG elements in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the present sample. The bridge symptoms helped in understanding how PTS and PTG co-existed in adults exposed to disasters such as COVID-19. Identification of these symptoms can be highly significant for developing targeted interventions. These implications have been discussed further in the present study. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mairin from Huangqi Decoction Mitigates Liver Cirrhosis through Suppression of Pro-inflammatory Signaling Pathways: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Study

Background:: Liver cirrhosis is a consequence of various chronic liver conditions and may lead to liver failure and cancer. Huangqi Decoction (HQD) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) effective for treating liver conditions, including cirrhosis. Therefore, both the active ingredients and the pharmacological actions of HQD deserve further exploration. The active components and pharmacological actions of HQD in preventing and treating liver cirrhosis were investigated using network pharmacology. The actions of the principal active ingredient, Mairin, were investigated empirically. Methods:: Using network pharmacology, the critical components of HQD were identified from multiple databases, and UPLC screening and targets were investigated using Swiss Target Prediction. Targets associated with liver cirrhosis were identified using the GeneCards database. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of targets that overlapped between HQD and cirrhosis were analyzed in DAVID, and a “component-target-pathway” network for HQD was created in Cytoscape 3.7.2. The biological functions of the key active component, Mairin, were investigated using in silico docking, cell experiments, and evaluation in a carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver cirrhosis. CCK-8 and F-actin assays were used to measure cell viability and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, respectively; fibrosis was measured by histological and immunohistochemical evaluations, and the levels of the cirrhosis-related protein α-SMA and predicted essential target proteins in the PI3KAKT, NFκB-IκBα, and NLRP3-IL18 pathways were determined by western blotting. Results:: Fourteen active HQD components, 72 targets, and 10 pathways common to HQD and cirrhosis were identified. Network analysis indicated the association of Mairin with most targets and with inflammation through the PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways. Dose-dependent reductions in the activation and proliferation of LX-2 cells after Mairin treatment were observed. Mairin reversed the histopathological changes in the livers of cirrhosis model mice. Mairin also significantly reduced the α-SMA, NF-κB, IκBα, NLRP3, and IL-18 protein levels while increasing those of p- PI3K and p-Akt, suggesting that Mairin mitigates liver cirrhosis through modulation of the PI3KAKT, NFκB-IκBα, and NLRP3-IL18 pathways. Conclusions:: Using a comprehensive investigative process involving network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental verification, it was found that Mairin, an active component of HQD, may be useful for developing specific treatments for preventing and treating liver cirrhosis.

The relation between peritraumatic dissociation and coping strategies: A network analysis.

Peritraumatic dissociation (PD) and coping strategies (CS) around the time of trauma are significant predictors of acute and long-term posttraumatic symptomatology (PTS), but it is unclear how they relate to each other. The aim of this study was to examine their association using a nationwide, representative sample following the September 11 attacks in the United States (N = 3,134). We used exploratory and confirmatory network analyses to estimate reliable associations between PD and CS, as well as looking at those variables as predictors of PTS at 2, 6, and 12 months after the attack. Analyses showed that: (a) PD formed 3 factors (alterations of consciousness, depersonalization, and compartmentalization) distinct from coping strategies; (b) PD related only to some CS; (c) coping through denial had a particularly strong link to alterations of consciousness among adults. Both altered consciousness and denial predicted PTS significantly 2, 6, and 12 months after the attack, with altered consciousness being the stronger predictor (and a better predictor of PTS than other types of PD). For teens, the only significant link between PD and CS was for compartmentalization and substance abuse. PD and CS were related in adults and contributed independently to later PTS. Future research should evaluate longitudinally the interactions between specific types of PD and CS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Design and performance analysis of asynchronous network on chip for streaming data transmission on FPGA

The majority of the system on chip (SoC) uses the network on chip (NoC) as routing ports for data transfer from node-to-node with minimal power consumption and low latency and high throughput. This paper concentrates on the ability to model the asynchronous NoCs on the asynchronous circuits on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). A 3×3 NoC and its universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART) protocol is designed and its simulation of the Verilog hardware description language (VHDL) code is done and tested on the Artix-7 FPGA kit, the testing processes in done using the Chipscope tool. In order to meet target requirements in terms of power consumption and latency, the label switching (LS) technique is used as routing. The proposed LS-NoC with level-encoded dual-rail (LEDR) encoding technique provides throughput by registering the packet between the different routers and it helps to improve throughput and speed. The effectiveness of the data transfer is measured and analyzed through a synthesis summary in terms of lookup table’s (LUT’s), slice registers, flip flops’s (FF’s), latency, and packet delivery ratio (PDR) for the traffic pattern generator. The proposed NoC is designed for 8×8 and each port size is 21 bits including ID’s of source and destination routers. The results can be justified by following results: improvement of LUTs is about 12%, flip-flops are 7%, improvement of throughput is 23% and delay is reduced by 26%.

The Controllability Analysis of Brain Networks During Rhythmic Propagation

The Controllability Analysis of Brain Networks During Rhythmic Propagation

Single-Nucleus Transcriptomic Atlas of Human Pericoronary Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Normal and Pathological Conditions.

Pericoronary epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a unique visceral fat depot that surrounds the adventitia of the coronary arteries without any anatomic barrier. Clinical studies have demonstrated the association between EAT volume and increased risks for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the association remain elusive. We performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing on pericoronary EAT samples collected from 3 groups of subjects: patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery for severe CAD (n=8), patients with CAD with concomitant type 2 diabetes (n=8), and patients with valvular diseases but without concomitant CAD and type 2 diabetes as the control group (n=8). Comparative analyses were performed among groups, including cellular compositional analysis, cell type-resolved transcriptomic changes, gene coexpression network analysis, and intercellular communication analysis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to confirm the presence of CAD-associated subclusters. Unsupervised clustering of 73 386 nuclei identified 15 clusters, encompassing all known cell types in the adipose tissue. Distinct subpopulations were identified within primary cell types, including adipocytes, adipose stem and progenitor cells, and macrophages. CD83high macrophages and FOSBhigh adipocytes were significantly expanded in CAD. In comparison to normal controls, both disease groups exhibited dysregulated pathways and altered secretome in the primary cell types. Nevertheless, minimal differences were noted between the disease groups in terms of cellular composition and transcriptome. In addition, our data highlight a potential interplay between dysregulated circadian clock and altered physiological functions in adipocytes of pericoronary EAT. ANXA1 (annexin A1) and SEMA3B (semaphorin 3B) were identified as important adipokines potentially involved in functional changes of pericoronary EAT and CAD pathogenesis. We built a complete single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of human pericoronary EAT in normal and diseased conditions of CAD. Our study lays the foundation for developing novel therapeutic strategies for treating CAD by targeting and modifying pericoronary EAT functions.

Do depressed people with subjective psychomotor retardation show a different symptomatic pattern? A network analysis approach using a cross-national sample

Background and objectivesPsychomotor retardation (PMR) has been associated with worse clinical course in depressed people. Explanations for this finding remain inconclusive. This study aimed to analyse whether depressed people with subjective PMR might show a different symptomatic pattern and to describe their clinical and sociodemographic profiles. MethodsA total of 1024 participants from Finland, Spain and Poland, part of the “COURAGE in Europe” Project who screened positive for a depressive episode according to International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) criteria using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 (CIDI 3.0), were included. Two group networks of depressive symptoms were estimated according to the presence (555 people) and absence (469 people) of subjective PMR. Measures of strength and betweenness of depressive symptoms were explored. ResultsPeople with subjective PMR showed a higher number of symptoms (11.30 (±2.67) versus 9.26 (±2.77)) and global disability score (38.30 (±26.41) versus 19.59 (±19.31) than people without subjective PMR. Although no difference was found in the global structure (M-Test=1.531; p = 0.994) nor the global strength (S-Test=0.248; p = 0.954) of depressed symptoms between depressed people with and without subjective PMR, differences were found in the type of central symptoms; “Restlessness/Jitters” (p = 0.01) and “Early Wake-Up” (p = 0.02) were relevant for the subjective PMR group. These two symptoms worked as bridge items between other depressive symptoms specifically for depressed people with subjective PMR. ConclusionsOur results confirm that subjective PMR in depression is associated with higher severity of symptoms and disability. Depressed People with subjective PMR might show a different pattern of nuclear symptoms. Suicidal attempt, early wake-up and restlessness could be high-priority targets in the treatment of depressed people with subjective PMR.

Psikopatoloji Araştırmalarında Yeni Bir Yöntem: Ağ Analizi

Though network analysis has a long history in both natural and social sciences it has emerged as a new method in psychology in recent years. Unlike medical disorders, mental disorders are not observable in laboratory. However, we can identify them by the way of observable symptoms. According to the network perspective, a disorder occurs when an external event triggers a psychological symptom. Activated symptom also interacts with other symptoms and forms a pattern of symptoms. Network approach criticizes traditional categorical diagnostic approach and focuses on symptom organization. Probably, treating the most effective symptom will accelerate recovery process and provide more effective treatment. Network analysis can be used in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Psychological networks provide opportunities to investigate direction of the relationship among symptoms, comorbidity, external triggers of psychological symptoms, effectiveness of treatment, comparison of symptom pattern according to sample characteristics. Despite the utility of psychological networks, accuracy of them has been questioned and certain methods to prove accuracy of networks proposed as response. Technological progress in recent years enabled network analysis to be more eligible in psychology. R Statistics software is very useful in network analysis which is totally free and open sourced and supported by many additional packages. This review article aims is to provide information about usage of network analysis in psychology, especially in clinical research. In the first part historical and theoretical background of network analysis was introduced and in the following parts structure, validity of psychological networks and R Statistics Software which is used for conducting network analysis were explained briefly.

CONTRIBUTION OF GIS IN HEALTH PLANNING, CASES OF ONCOLOGY IN ALGERIA

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become an essential tool in health planning, allowing for the analysis and visualization of spatial data to improve healthcare. In Algeria, the use of GIS in oncological care is still in its early stages, but has the potential to greatly enhance the planning and delivery of cancer services. This study aims to assess the contribution of GIS to health planning in the provision of oncological care in Algeria. Specifically, we will examine how Network analysis can be used to identify areas with high accessibility, map out healthcare facilities and resources, and optimize the allocation of resources to improve access to cancer treatment.A review of existing literature on the use of GIS in health planning and oncological care will be conducted, along with an analysis of cancer incidence data in Algeria. GIS software will be used to map out accessibility rates, healthcare facilities, and population distribution to identify areas in need of improved oncological services. The results of this study will provide valuable insights into how GIS can be utilized to enhance health planning in the provision of oncological care in Algeria. By identifying areas with high accessibility rates and mapping out healthcare resources, policymakers and healthcare providers can better allocate resources to improve access to cancer treatment and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

From everyday life to measurable problematic smartphone use: The development and validation of the Smartphone Use Problems Identification Questionnaire (SUPIQ).

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has gained attention, but its definition remains debated. This study aimed to develop and validate a new scale measuring PSU-the Smartphone Use Problems Identification Questionnaire (SUPIQ). Using two separate samples, a university community sample (N = 292) and a general population sample (N = 397), we investigated: (1) the construct validity of the SUPIQ through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses; (2) the convergent validity of the SUPIQ with correlation analyses and the visualized partial correlation network analyses; (3) the psychometric equivalence of the SUPIQ across two samples through multigroup confirmatory factor analyses; (4) the explanatory power of the SUPIQ over the Short Version of Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV) with hierarchical multiple regressions. The results showed that the SUPIQ included 26 items and 7 factors (i.e., Craving, Coping, Habitual Use, Social Conflicts, Risky Use, Withdrawal, and Tolerance), with good construct and convergent validity. The configural measurement invariance across samples was established. The SUPIQ also explained more variances in mental health problems than the SAS-SV. The findings suggest that the SUPIQ shows promise as a tool for assessing PSU. Further research is needed to enhance and refine the SUPIQ as well as to investigate its clinical utility.

Ras-dependent activation of BMAL2 regulates hypoxic metabolism in pancreatic cancer.

To identify drivers of malignancy in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we performed regulatory network analysis on a large collection of expression profiles from laser capture microdissected samples of PDAC and benign precursors. We discovered that BMAL2 plays a role in the initiation, progression, post resection survival, and KRAS activity in PDAC. Functional analysis of BMAL2 target genes led us to hypothesize that it plays a role in regulating the response to hypoxia, a critical but poorly understood feature of PDAC physiology. Knockout of BMAL2 in multiple human PDAC cell lines revealed effects on viability and invasion, particularly under hypoxic conditions. Loss of BMAL2 also affected glycolysis and other metabolic processes. We found that BMAL2 directly regulates hypoxia-responsive target genes. We also found that BMAL2 is necessary for the stabilization of HIF1A upon exposure to hypoxia, but destabilizes HIF2A under hypoxia. These data demonstrate that BMAL2 is a master transcriptional regulator of hypoxia responses in PDAC and may serve as a long-sought molecular switch that distinguishes HIF1A- and HIF2A-dependent modes of hypoxic metabolism.

Computational Drug Discovery in Diaphragm dysfunction via Text Mining and Biomedical Database.

The diaphragm, which is crucial for ventilation, is the primary muscle responsible for inspiration. Patients with severe burns who experience diaphragmatic dysfunction have an increased risk of mortality. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective medications available to prevent or treat this condition. The objective of our study is to utilize bioinformatics to identify potential genes and drugs associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction. In this study, text mining techniques were utilized to identify genes associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction and recovery. Common genes were then analyzed using GO and KEGG pathway analysis, as well as protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The obtained hub genes were processed using Cytoscape software, and their expression levels in diaphragmatic dysfunction were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in severe burn rats. Genes that were confirmed were then examined in drug-gene interaction databases to identify potential drugs associated with these genes. Our analysis revealed 96 genes that were common to both the "Diaphragm dysfunction" and "Functional Recovery" text mining concepts. Gene enrichment analysis identified 19 genes representing ten pathways. qRT-PCR showed a significant increase in expression levels of 13 genes, including CCL2, CCL3, CD4, EGF, HGF, IFNG, IGF1, IL17A, IL6, LEP, PTGS2, TGFB1, and TNF, in samples with diaphragmatic dysfunction. Additionally, we found that a total of 56 drugs targeted 5 potential genes. These findings provide new insights into the development of more effective drugs for treating diaphragmatic dysfunction, and also present substantial opportunities for researching new target pharmacology and promoting drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Understanding complex effects on clinical outcomes and biomarker activities of food supplementation in heavy smokers: an approach using bayesian networks

BACKGROUND: Antioxidant administration can significantly alleviate smoking-mediated oxidative stress. In our previous research, using a concentrated mixed juice powder led to significant reduction in oxidative status markers and improved lung function among smokers. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of different antioxidant formulations of the retail product Juice Plus+® on oxidative status and lung function in healthy smokers via a a Bayesian Network (BN) analysis. METHODS: At baseline and after 3 months’ supplementation, pulmonary function, cardiovascular risk factors, and oxidative status were assessed in 101 smokers, randomized into three groups: placebo (P), fruit/vegetable (FV), and fruit/vegetable/berry (FVB) group. BN analysis was performed via Monte Carlo simulations. Statistical significance was assigned as p &lt; 0.05. RESULTS: No significant interaction was observed in P (network score –101.4, p = ns), whereas overall fit significantly improved in both FV (network score –185.7, p = 0.01) and FVB (–293.7, p = 0.003). Moreover, P group’s respiratory parameters appeared unrelated to the biochemical structure, whereas those of the FV and, to a greater extent, FVB groups were definitely related to it CONCLUSIONS: BN analysis demonstrated that the FV and FVB formulations contain nutraceutical compounds capable of synergistically acting and improving antioxidant modulation and respiratory function in smoking subjects

Information Resilience in Networks: An Analysis of a National Security Legislation Evidence Base

Governance theory emphasises that networks are pivotal to societal governance and related steering mechanisms. One important means of steering is legislation, the evidence base of which is built on the interaction between social actors and the expert hearings related to the legislative process. This research uses network analysis to examine the construction of a legislative knowledge base and the information resilience displayed in the related networks. The data are derived from experts (n=440) appearing in committee hearings on five proposed acts of parliament. The results show that the expert consultations behind the legislation are official-oriented and illuminate the limited information produced by the private sector and a narrow view of scientific expertise. The network reveals epistemic authorities – mainly representing the security cluster – acting as gatekeepers. A more systemic approach is needed to build an evidence base encompassing the views on societal phenomena derived from different disciplines.

Identification of toll-like receptor 2 as a key regulator of neuronal apoptosis in vascular dementia by bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

BackgroundVascular dementia (VaD), the second most prevalent type of dementia, lacks a well-defined cause and effective treatment. Our objective was to utilize bioinformatics analysis to discover the fundamental disease-causing genes and pathological mechanisms in individuals diagnosed with VaD. MethodsTo identify potential pathogenic genes associated with VaD, we conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differential expression analysis, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis. The exploration of potential biological mechanisms involved the utilization of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Moreover, a bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) mouse model of VaD was established, and the expression of the hub gene, its relationship with cognitive function and its potential pathogenic mechanism were verified by cognitive behavior tests, cerebral blood flow measurement, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence experiments. ResultsThis study identified 293 DEGs from the brain cortex of VaD patients and healthy controls, among these genes, the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) gene was identified as hub gene, and it was associated with the apoptosis-related pathway PI3K/AKT.The BCAS model demonstrated that the use of TLR2 inhibitors greatly enhanced the cognitive function of the mice (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a notable decrease in the number of apoptotic cells in the brain cortex of the mice (p < 0.01). Moreover, significant alterations in the levels of proteins related to the PI3K/AKT pathway and cleaved-caspase3 proteins were detected (p < 0.05). ConclusionsTLR2 plays a role in the pathophysiology of VaD by enhancing the neuronal apoptotic pathway, suggesting it could be a promising therapeutic target.

COVID-19 and human resource management: status, trends and research directions

PurposeThis study aims to conduct an extensive bibliometric analysis of research across COVID-19 and human resource management (HRM). It captures an exhaustive conceptual understanding of theoretical foundations, research trends, developments and research directions in the HRM domain.Design/methodology/approachA set of 505 HRM and COVID-19-specific articles collected from the Scopus database were systematically analyzed using a two-tier method. In the first tier of analysis, the evolution and current state of research are identified using citation analysis. In the second tier, network analysis and content analysis of research clusters and thematic mapping are done to identify the prominent research themes and research gaps and suggest future research directions.FindingsThe study highlights the emergence of six research clusters: SHRM and competitive advantage, employer branding and employee engagement, crisis management and resilience, challenges, career shock and job demand resources and burnout. The thematic mapping categorizes the themes into four categories: motor, basic, emerging or declining, and niche research themes published on COVID-19 and HRM. To understand the socio-cultural dynamics and cross-cultural issues during human resource management, the findings emphasized the need for the increased contribution of researchers and practitioners, especially from the developing and emerging nation’s context. Increased co-authorship among influential authors and institutions will also help formulate strategies and policies to effectively deal with similar pandemics.Originality/valueUnlike the previous literature review, the present findings provide meaningful insights for formulating people management techniques, policies, and practices in response to COVID-19 or similar pandemics.

Transcriptome responses of Arabidopsis to necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicae reveal pathways and candidate genes associated with resistance.

Alternaria leaf blight (ALB), caused by a necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicae is a serious disease of oleiferous Brassicas resulting in significant yield losses worldwide. No robust resistance against A. brassicae has been identified in the Brassicas. Natural accessions of Arabidopsis show a spectrum of responses to A. brassicae ranging from high susceptibility to complete resistance. To understand the molecular mechanisms of resistance/ susceptibility, we analysed the comparative changes in the transcriptome profile of Arabidopsis accessions with contrasting responses- at different time points post-infection. Differential gene expression, GO enrichment, pathway enrichment, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed reprogramming of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway involving lignin, hydroxycinnamic acids, scopoletin, anthocyanin genes to be highly associated with resistance against A. brassicae. T-DNA insertion mutants deficient in the biosynthesis of coumarin scopoletin exhibited enhanced susceptibility to A. brassicae. The supplementation of scopoletin to medium or exogenous application resulted in a significant reduction in the A. brassicae growth. Our study provides new insights into the transcriptome dynamics in A. brassicae-challenged Arabidopsis and demonstrates the involvement of coumarins in plant immunity against the Brassica pathogen A. brassicae.

A Network Analysis of the Fear Avoidance Model of Genital Pain

ABSTRACT Using a novel data-driven network approach, this study aimed to examine the interconnection between the key elements of the Fear-Avoidance Model of female genital pain – sexual arousal, fear-avoidant cognitions, and motivational coping – and its associated factors to predict the intensity and frequency of genital pain across women over time. Network modeling allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the Fear-Avoidance model while capturing the dynamic features of genital pain. We estimated a cross-sectional and a temporal, contemporaneous, and between-persons network model on convenience-based data of 543 female students (mean age = 23.7 years, SD = 3.6) collected at three time points. Results showed that lubrication, pain catastrophizing, pain avoidance, fear-avoidance beliefs, sexual satisfaction, anxiety, and frequency of coital and non-coital sex predicted pain, with lubrication being the most consistent predictor across estimations. The network of women with recurrent genital pain showed a similar pattern as the network of the total sample, except that pain avoidance and fear-avoidance beliefs rather than pain catastrophizing predicted pain directly, and frequency of coital and non-coital sexual activities played a more prominent role. These results suggest that the main problem of genital pain centers around women not being sufficiently aroused during intercourse and inadequate ways of pain coping, which are critical targets of cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment and should be developed further.

Quantifying relational change in community organisations participating in a Veteran suicide prevention learning collaborative: a social network analysis

BackgroundVeteran suicide remains a significant issue, as 17.5 Veterans die by suicide each day. The US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has implemented a robust suicide prevention program within its...