Adaptive Pathways Research Articles

Whole-genome transcriptomic profiling reveals distinct sex-specific responses to heat stroke.

Heat-related mortality remains health challenges exacerbated by climate change, with sex-based differences in outcomes, yet underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study examined transcriptomic responses to heat exposure in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 19 heat stroke patients (8 males, mean age 64.8 ± 6.6 years; 11 females, mean age 49.7 ± 11 years) and 19 controls (11 males, mean age 48.9 ± 9.6 years; 8 females, mean age 44.9 ± 11.8 years). At admission, gene expression revealed upregulation of heat shock protein genes and pathway analysis, demonstrated activation of heat shock and unfolded protein responses across both sexes consistent with proteotoxic stress. However, distinct metabolic, oxidative stress, cell cycle control and immune responses were observed within each sex. Females displayed inhibition of protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolic pathways, including glucose metabolism, indicative of a hypometabolic state. Males maintained metabolic activity pre-cooling, and enhanced ATP production post-cooling. Females activated NRF2-mediated oxidative stress responses and inhibited DNA replication and mitosis, potentially mitigating genomic instability, while these pathways showed limited regulation in males. Females promoted innate immunity via IL-6, inflammasome, and TREM1 signaling, whereas, males showed suppression of both innate and adaptive immunity, including IL-12, Th1, and T-cell receptor pathways. Upstream analysis identified over 100 transcription factors in both sexes. Males primarily relied on transcriptional mechanisms, whereas females also exhibited translational regulation via LARP1, FMR1, IGF2BP1, and EIF6. These findings suggest distinct, sex-specific molecular adaptations to heat stroke, underscoring the need for targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate heat-induced morbidity and mortality.

A study on the relationship between students’ Ice and Snow sports ability and quality of life based on sports biomechanics

This study investigated the relationship between students’ level of competence in Ice and Snow sports and their quality of life at Heilongjiang Institute of Construction Technology. It examined the participants’ profile namely gender, grade level, and program of study, assessed their level of competence in knowledge, skills, and attitude towards Ice and Snow sports, and measured their quality of life across physical, psychological, environmental, and social domains. The study also explored significant differences in competence and quality of life across participant profiles, investigated the relationship between these two constructs, and identified problems and challenges faced by students in relation to Ice and Snow sports. Biomechanical analysis reveals that regular participation enhances postural stability (ROM improvement 15%–22%) and muscle coordination efficiency (EMG variance reduction 18% ± 3%), mediating 31% of QoL improvement through physiological adaptation pathways. It employed a mixed research approach and included students and teachers as participants. Participants were selected through a random sampling technique using the Lynch formula. Results show that participants’ level of competence on Ice and Snow sports is high in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitude. Additionally, they have a high level of quality of life in terms of physical, psychological, environmental, and social relationships. Based on the findings, the research proposed a plan of action to enhance both students’ competence in Ice and Snow sports and their overall quality of life, aiming to provide insights for improving educational and recreational programs within the context of the Heilongjiang Institute of Construction Technology.

Age-associated differences in mucosal and systemic host responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Age is among the strongest risk factors for severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here we describe upper respiratory tract (URT) and peripheral blood transcriptomes of 202 participants (age range of 1 week to 83 years), including 137 non-hospitalized individuals with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and 65 healthy individuals. Among healthy children and adolescents, younger age is associated with higher URT expression of innate and adaptive immune pathways. SARS-CoV-2 infection induces broad upregulation of URT innate and adaptive immune responses among children and adolescents. Peripheral blood responses among SARS-CoV-2-infected children and adolescents are dominated by interferon pathways, while upregulation of myeloid activation, inflammatory, and coagulation pathways is observed only in adults. Among SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals, fever is associated with blunted URT immune responses and more pronounced systemic immune activation. These findings demonstrate that immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 differ across the lifespan, from distinct signatures in childhood and adolescence to age-associated alterations in adults.

Exciton Kinetics Within Two Interacting Quantum Dots Featuring the A‐Type Blinking—Kinetic Monte Carlo Approach for Coupled QDs Simulations

AbstractSince the first reports of quantum dot (QD) based quasi‐molecules formed by near‐field‐coupled QDs, how to design and apply such systems in the field of quantum information processing are still in learning process. Experimentally, single‐particle spectroscopy is the method of choice for studying kinetic processes in such structures. However, current efforts focus on detecting all the photons emitted by the quasi‐molecule, making it difficult to understand the precise changes occurring in each of the coupled QDs. In this study, a different approach is implemented by adapting the kinetic Monte Carlo algorithms to gain comprehensive insights into the temporal evolution of each coupled QD. This encompasses not only photon emission events, but also the full range of kinetic processes, including exciton transfer between the QDs. It is, therefore, important to gain insight into the adaptation pathways caused by exciton exchange between near‐field coupled QDs. The attention is strict to a system of two interacting QDs in different coupling regimes. The results point to new mechanisms of sequential/cascade excitonic relaxation, which are not typical for a QD in an isolated state. For this reason, the methodology presented here seems to be significant and complementary to the experimental approach.

Uncovering the drivers of intent to use the metaverse: diverse experiences in sustainability education

This study investigates how technological and pedagogical factors influence students’ intention to engage with virtual worlds on educational metaverse platforms and examines the resulting learning outcomes in sustainability education. Traditional sustainability education often fails to effectively engage students with real-world challenges. Metaverse platforms provide immersive, interactive environments that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application but face usability, complexity, and user comfort issues that can hinder engagement and learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, 54 undergraduate students from Hong Kong and the Philippines participated in sustainability modules via the Classlet metaverse platform. Regression analysis revealed that Ease of Use, Enjoyment, Perceived Performance, and Immersion accounted for 77.1% of the variance in intent to engage. Ease of Use and Enjoyment were the strongest positive predictors, while higher Immersion negatively impacted VR users, indicating that excessive complexity reduces usability. Additionally, gaming experience influenced enjoyment, with weekly gamers reporting higher engagement. Desktop users showed the highest intent to use the platform, whereas VR users experienced greater immersion but also more discomfort. Qualitative feedback highlighted the platform’s engaging and innovative features alongside technical and navigational challenges affecting learning outcomes. These findings highlight the need to balance interactivity, usability, and adaptability in educational technologies. Recommendations include implementing adaptive learning pathways, enhancing onboarding processes, and offering customizable interaction levels to accommodate diverse learner needs. Refining immersive learning approaches can better connect theoretical concepts with real-world sustainability applications, fostering increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes.

Environmental pressures on livelihood transformation in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: Implications and adaptive pathways.

Environmental pressures on livelihood transformation in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: Implications and adaptive pathways.

Unraveling tetracycline and its degradation product: Induction mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli.

Unraveling tetracycline and its degradation product: Induction mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli.

Optimisation of Android-Based AI Application Using the Design Thinking Framework in Problem-Based Learning to Enhance Students' Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are crucial in modern education and can be improved through Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and AI technology using the Design Thinking framework. This study explores the integration of Design Thinking into the curriculum to develop Android-based AI applications for PBL involving high school students and teachers. The novelty of this research lies in its systematic integration of AI with Design Thinking in a PBL setting, enhancing students' critical and creative thinking skills. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation and analysed thematically to identify key insights. The results show that optimising AI applications with Design Thinking significantly enhances problem-solving skills. This study provides practical recommendations for educators and policymakers while identifying gaps, such as the need for adaptive learning pathways and further empirical validation, offering opportunities for future research in AI-driven PBL models.

Dynamic flood adaptation pathways for Shanghai under deep uncertainty

Decision-making for flood adaptation in coastal cities is complicated by deep uncertainty about sea level rise, subsidence, and socioeconomic trends, which increases the possibility of under- or over-investment. Using the megacity of Shanghai as a case study, we apply the dynamic adaptive policy pathways (DAPP) framework to demonstrate robust and flexible decision-making under uncertainty. The framework integrates compound flood risk modeling of flood risk, economic evaluation, and dynamic adaptation pathways. Our results show that without adaptation, annual damages and annual casualties could increase by 86–167%, and 45–97 times, respectively, by the year 2100. ‘Hard adaptation strategies’ such as levees can reduce projected damages by 58–94%. In contrast, local scale ‘soft adaptation’ (flood-proofing buildings) is only effective and economically efficient in combination with hard adaptation (‘hybrid strategy’). The best economic performance is a hybrid strategy that starts implementing a large storage tank adding a mix of measures around 2050 (coastal wetlands, dry-floodproofing, and land elevation). Depending on how the future plays out, a hybrid strategy of a combination of a storm-surge barrier and coastal wetlands would yield high economic benefits after ~2070.

Integrating adaptation pathways and Ostrom's framework for sustainable governance of social-ecological systems in a changing world.

Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathway (DAPP) maps are used to plan management decisions in contexts of high uncertainty, such as those driven by environmental changes affecting critical assets. Recent discussions emphasize their relevance for addressing complex common-pool resource challenges, where diverse species, actors, and ecosystem services are intricately connected. However, designing DAPPs for such multifaceted social-ecological systems (SES) is challenging due to the extensive range of potential adaptation options. This study presents a general method to address these challenges by leveraging Ostrom's theoretical frameworks for the governance of common pool resources-the Institutional Analysis & Development framework (IADF), the social-ecological systems framework (SESF), and the coupled infrastructure systems framework (CISF). These frameworks were used to design nested DAPP maps that structure a large number of adaptation actions across multiple levels of institutional arrangement (operational, collective-choice, constitutional), and then develop a mathematical model to analyze the dynamic robustness of a SES across all potential pathways. The method was applied to predict and understand DAPP maps for supporting the collective management of hedgerow networks delivering diverse ecosystem services. DAPP maps for two SES were compared-one rural and one peri-urban-in France's agro-ecological landscapes of the Auvergne region. We further modeled the impact of climate change on hedgerows characterized by different size and species richness, revealing the sensitivity of these DAPP maps to transit between nine nested institutional arrangements. We discuss the methodological and practical implications of this approach for managing SES characterized by greater diversities of interconnected species, actors, and ecosystem services, highlighting its strengths and challenges in guiding adaptation under deep uncertainty.

Overcoming barriers: the potential of AI digital textbooks in multicultural middle school education

ABSTRACT This study explores the potential of AI Digital Textbooks (AIDT) to improve educational experiences for multicultural middle school students in Korea. As the student population becomes more diverse, traditional methods often fail to meet the unique needs of multicultural learners. The research evaluates AIDT’s effectiveness in providing personalized, interactive, and culturally relevant content. By analyzing test versions of AIDT through inclusive education theory, the study identifies gaps, including the lack of multilingual support, culturally relevant content, and adaptive learning pathways. The findings stress the need for real-time feedback, interactive simulations, personalized study plans, collaborative learning tools, and enhanced cultural understanding through group projects. The study also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive teacher training to integrate AIDT effectively in diverse classrooms. The recommendations aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, ensuring that both.

Paecilomyces variotii improves growth performance and modulates immunological biomarkers and gut microbiota in vaccinated Atlantic salmon pre-smolts.

Paecilomyces variotii improves growth performance and modulates immunological biomarkers and gut microbiota in vaccinated Atlantic salmon pre-smolts.

Growth factor-triggered de-sialylation controls glycolipid-lectin-driven endocytosis.

Glycolipid-lectin-driven endocytosis controls the formation of clathrin-independent carriers and the internalization of various cargos such as β1 integrin. Whether this process is regulated in a dynamic manner remained unexplored. Here we demonstrate that, within minutes, the epidermal growth factor triggers the galectin-driven endocytosis of cell-surface glycoproteins, such as integrins, that are key regulators of cell adhesion and migration. The onset of this process-mediated by the Na+/H+ antiporter NHE1 as well as the neuraminidases Neu1 and Neu3-requires the pH-triggered enzymatic removal of sialic acids whose presence otherwise prevents galectin binding. De-sialylated glycoproteins are then retrogradely transported to the Golgi apparatus where their glycan make-up is reset to regulate EGF-dependent invasive-cell migration. Further evidence is provided for a role of neuraminidases and galectin-3 in acidification-dependent bone resorption. Glycosylation at the cell surface thereby emerges as a dynamic and reversible regulatory post-translational modification that controls a highly adaptable trafficking pathway.

Adaptogens in Long-Lasting Brain Fatigue: An Insight from Systems Biology and Network Pharmacology.

Long-lasting brain fatigue is a consequence of stroke or traumatic brain injury associated with emotional, psychological, and physical overload, distress in hypertension, atherosclerosis, viral infection, and aging-related chronic low-grade inflammatory disorders. The pathogenesis of brain fatigue is linked to disrupted neurotransmission, the glutamate-glutamine cycle imbalance, glucose metabolism, and ATP energy supply, which are associated with multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways in neuroendocrine-immune and blood circulation systems. Regeneration of damaged brain tissue is a long-lasting multistage process, including spontaneously regulating hypothalamus-pituitary (HPA) axis-controlled anabolic-catabolic homeostasis to recover harmonized sympathoadrenal system (SAS)-mediated function, brain energy supply, and deregulated gene expression in rehabilitation. The driving mechanism of spontaneous recovery and regeneration of brain tissue is a cross-talk of mediators of neuronal, microglia, immunocompetent, and endothelial cells collectively involved in neurogenesis and angiogenesis, which plant adaptogens can target. Adaptogens are small molecules of plant origin that increase the adaptability of cells and organisms to stress by interaction with the HPA axis and SAS of the stress system (neuroendocrine-immune and cardiovascular complex), targeting multiple mediators of adaptive GPCR signaling pathways. Two major groups of adaptogens comprise (i) phenolic phenethyl and phenylpropanoid derivatives and (ii) tetracyclic and pentacyclic glycosides, whose chemical structure can be distinguished as related correspondingly to (i) monoamine neurotransmitters of SAS (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) and (ii) steroid hormones (cortisol, testosterone, and estradiol). In this narrative review, we discuss (i) the multitarget mechanism of integrated pharmacological activity of botanical adaptogens in stress overload, ischemic stroke, and long-lasting brain fatigue; (ii) the time-dependent dual response of physiological regulatory systems to adaptogens to support homeostasis in chronic stress and overload; and (iii) the dual dose-dependent reversal (hormetic) effect of botanical adaptogens. This narrative review shows that the adaptogenic concept cannot be reduced and rectified to the various effects of adaptogens on selected molecular targets or specific modes of action without estimating their interactions within the networks of mediators of the neuroendocrine-immune complex that, in turn, regulates other pharmacological systems (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive systems) due to numerous intra- and extracellular communications and feedback regulations. These interactions result in polyvalent action and the pleiotropic pharmacological activity of adaptogens, which is essential for characterizing adaptogens as distinct types of botanicals. They trigger the defense adaptive stress response that leads to the extension of the limits of resilience to overload, inducing brain fatigue and mental disorders. For the first time, this review justifies the neurogenesis potential of adaptogens, particularly the botanical hybrid preparation (BHP) of Arctic Root and Ashwagandha, providing a rationale for potential use in individuals experiencing long-lasting brain fatigue. The review provided insight into future research on the network pharmacology of adaptogens in preventing and rehabilitating long-lasting brain fatigue following stroke, trauma, and viral infections.

Lineage plasticity of the integrated stress response is a hallmark of cancer evolution.

The link between the "stress phenotype"-a well-established hallmark of cancer-and its role in tumor progression and intratumor heterogeneity remains poorly defined. The integrated stress response (ISR) is a key adaptive pathway that enables tumor survival under oncogenic stress. While ISR has been implicated in promoting tumor growth, its precise role in driving tumor evolution and heterogeneity has not been elucidated. In this study, using a genetically engineered mouse models, we demonstrate that ISR activation-indicated by elevated levels of phosphorylated eIF2 (p-eIF2) and ATF4-is essential for the emergence of dedifferentiated, therapy-resistant cell states. ISR, through the coordinated actions of ATF4 and MYC, facilitates the development of tumor cell populations characterized by high plasticity, stemness, and an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-prone phenotype. This process is driven by ISR-mediated expression of genes that maintain mitochondrial integrity and function, critical for sustaining tumor progression. Importantly, genetic, or pharmacological inhibition of the p-eIF2-ATF4 signaling axis leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and significantly impairs tumor growth in mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Moreover, ISR-driven dedifferentiation is associated with poor prognosis and therapy resistance in advanced human LUAD, underscoring ISR inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy to disrupt tumor evolution and counteract disease progression.

A103 GUTLINK SMARTPATH: AN ONLINE TOOL TO IMPROVE PATIENT CARE

Abstract Background Lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common reasons patients present to primary healthcare providers (PHCP). It can be challenging for PHCPs to identify dietary and functional conditions versus serious illnesses that require specialty assessment. Unfortunately, access to GI care in Nova Scotia is limited with patients waiting well beyond published standards. The Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy (DDCE) at Dalhousie University has developed a referral management system to prioritize patients. Unfortunately, the lack of standardization in referral requirements creates challenges to implementing a robust and accurate referral management system. To support the evaluation and management of patients with lower GI symptoms within primary care, we developed an adaptive clinical care pathway (SmartPath), delivered within an online platform, Virtual Hallway (VH). The SmartPath is an evidence-informed clinical support tool facilitating appropriate primary care investigations and management as well as specialist referrals, as required. Aims To evaluate the implementation and early effectiveness of the lower GI symptom SmartPath. Methods We conducted a cohort study of SmarthPaths initiated with primary care. Descriptive data was extracted from the Virtual Hallway platform, with results of a short survey PHCPs were asked to complete following completion of a SmartPath. To assess the quality of referrals facilited by SmartPath versus traditional referral pathways, a series of 20 consecutive referrals for 3 common lower GI complaints (diarrhea, constipation and rectal bleeding) were selected for comparison. Interim data is presented for Smartpaths initiated between October 2023 and August 2024. Results A total of 272 SmartPaths were initiated by 103 unique PCHPs, of which 179 (65.8%) led to a specific action, with the 93 (34.2%) remaining in process within primary care. Of the 37 DDCE referrals, 26 (62.1%) were accepted, 11 (29.7%) were declined or redirected to another service. 60 consecutive traditional lower GI symptoms referrals were analyzed, 27 (45%) of which were declined. 31 (51.7%) did not provide any investigations, 42 (70%) did not provide physical examinations, and 34 (56.7%) did not provide a past medical history. Survey responses were provided by 57 PHCPs with mean scores (out of 5) of 4.2 for ease of use, 3.9 for overall satisfaction, and 4.2 for likelihood to use again. Conclusions An adaptive care pathway is effective for facilitaing investigation and management of common lower GI symptoms within primary care while facilitating access to specialized services, as required. Referrals received through smartpath had a higher acceptance rate. Funding Agencies None

Supporting adaptive pathways planning using archetypes for climate adaptation

Adaptive pathways planning supports adaptation under deep uncertainty. The approach has been broadly applied, resulting in the development of multiple methods and tools. As a result, practitioners are not only challenged with the urgent and complex task of adaptation planning but may also have difficulties in selecting adequate methods. With this research, we introduce three adaptive pathways planning archetypes that represent typologies of contexts (e.g. a city or a region) based on Adaptation Awareness and Capacity. We validate them with local coastal adaptation data. The archetype is determined at a specific moment in time, and a context can evolve from one archetype to another over time by further developing Adaptation Awareness and/or Capacity. The archetypes aim to guide practitioners in selecting methods and tools for adaptive pathways planning. For this purpose, a questionnaire is developed for practitioners to position their case within the archetypes. Based on literature and interviews, we provide recommendations of adaptive pathways planning methods and tools for each archetype. We illustrate the approach for Venice, Italy. Our results confirm how each archetype can develop adaptive pathways with fit-for-purpose methods and tools. Considering the recently started 7th IPCC assessment cycle and implementation of the work program on the global goal on adaptation, it is worthwhile to consider how the archetypes presented here may provide adequate tools for meta-assessments of the status of adaptation worldwide.

Modelling protein-protein interactions for the design of vaccine chimeric antigens with protective epitopes.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a growing burden worldwide and vaccines are effective control interventions. Vaccine formulations with tick antigens such as BM86/BM95 (BM) and Subolesin (SUB) have shown reduction in tick fitness and infestation in immunized hosts. However, antigen combination is a challenging approach to improve vaccine efficacy (E) against multiple tick species. Herein, in silico and in music algorithms were integrated to model BM-SUB protein-protein interactions to apply a quantum vaccinology approach for combining protective epitopes or immunological quantum in the chimeric antigen Q38-95. Cattle immunized with Q38-95 and infested with African blue tick Rhipicephalus decoloratus showed an 82% E similar to BM86 and higher than SUB. The immune mechanisms activated in cattle in response to vaccination with Q38-95 were mediated by anti-BM/SUB antibodies that interfered with BM-SUB interactions and through activation of other innate and adaptive immune pathways. The results support modelling protein-protein interactions affecting E to identify and combine candidate protective epitopes in chimeric antigens.

Toward an adaptive learning assessment pathway

The purpose of this study is to investigate how an adaptive assessment pathway can contribute to promoting personalized learning and improving access to education for all learners, regardless of their individual learning styles, paces, or needs. The study suggests a personalized learning assessment plan incorporating differentiated pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). We conduct the experiment using the Moodle platform, taking advantage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to reach a larger number of learners. The research used a mixed methodology to qualitatively analyze traditional learning assessment pathways’ limitations and quantitatively examine the proposed adaptive pathway’s impact on learning outcomes. While the results show a significant improvement in learning outcomes (88.9% improvement in Text study, 50% in Language activity, 55.6% in Writing, 80.6% in Total Control, and 77.8% in Oral production), the study also highlights the need for further research into the mechanisms, strategies, tools, approaches, issues, and future prospects associated with learning assessment.

Formyl-methionine-mediated eukaryotic ribosome quality control pathway for cold adaptation.

Formyl-methionine-mediated eukaryotic ribosome quality control pathway for cold adaptation.