Migratory fish populations have experienced great declines, and considerable effort have been put into reducing stressors, such as chemical pollution and physical barriers. However, the importance... Show moreMigratory fish populations have experienced great declines, and considerable effort have been put into reducing stressors, such as chemical pollution and physical barriers. However, the importance of natural sounds as an information source and potential problems caused by noise pollution remain largely unexplored. The spatial distribution of sound sources and variation in propagation characteristics could provide migratory fish with acoustic cues about habitat suitability, predator presence, food availability and conspecific presence. We here investigated the relationship between natural soundscapes and local river conditions and we explored the presence of human-related sounds in these natural soundscapes. We found that 1a) natural river sound profiles vary with river scale and cross-sectional position, and that 1b) depth, width, water velocity, and distance from shore were all significant factors in explaining local soundscape variation. We also found 2a) audible human activities in almost all our underwater recordings and urban and suburban river parts had elevated sound levels relative to rural river parts. Furthermore, 2b) daytime levels were louder than night time sound levels, and bridges and nearby road traffic were much more prominent with diurnal and weekly patterns of anthropogenic noise in the river systems. We believe our data show high potential for natural soundscapes of low-land river habitat to serve as important environmental cues to migratory fish. However, anthropogenic noise may be particularly problematic due to the omnipresence, and relatively loud levels relative to the modest dynamic range of the natural sound sources, in these slow-flowing freshwater systems. Show less
Baca, M.; Popović, D.; Agadzhanyan, A.K.; Baca, K.; Conard, N.J.; Fewlass, H.; ... ; Nadachowski, A. 2024
The narrow-headed vole, collared lemming and common vole were the most abundant small mammal species across the Eurasian Late Pleistocene steppe-tundra environment. Previous ancient DNA studies of... Show moreThe narrow-headed vole, collared lemming and common vole were the most abundant small mammal species across the Eurasian Late Pleistocene steppe-tundra environment. Previous ancient DNA studies of the collared lemming and common vole have revealed dynamic population histories shaped by climatic fluctuations. To investigate the extent to which species with similar adaptations share common evolutionary histories, we generated a dataset comprised the mitochondrial genomes of 139 ancient and 6 modern narrow-headed voles from several sites across Europe and northwestern Asia covering approximately the last 100 thousand years (kyr). We inferred Bayesian time-aware phylogenies using 11 radiocarbon-dated samples to calibrate the molecular clock. Divergence of the main mtDNA lineages across the three species occurred during marine isotope stages (MIS) 7 and MIS 5, suggesting a common response of species adapted to open habitat during interglacials. We identified several time-structured mtDNA lineages in European narrow-headed vole, suggesting lineage turnover. The timing of some of these turnovers was synchronous across the three species, allowing us to identify the main drivers of the Late Pleistocene dynamics of steppe- and cold-adapted species. Show less
Haastrecht, M.A.N. van; Haas, M.; Brinkhuis, M.J.S.; Spruit, M.R. 2024
Introduction: Depressive and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders ranking among the leading causes of global disease burden. Not all clients currently benefit from therapy and clients are... Show moreIntroduction: Depressive and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders ranking among the leading causes of global disease burden. Not all clients currently benefit from therapy and clients are looking for modern ways of therapy. Online psychotherapy is a promising option for better meeting clients’ needs. Recently, a new psychotherapy concept has emerged that combines videoconferencing sessions with support through a mobile application. The latter allows for ecological momentary assessments and interventions, facilitates communication between patients and therapists in between sessions through chat, and allows for incorporating feedbackinformed treatment principles. Material and methods: The study was a retrospective observational matched cohort study, comparing online psychotherapy with Therapy As Usual (TAU) for clients with depressive or anxiety disorders. Data were obtained via questionnaires, which are part of standard clinical care. Primary outcomes included general mental functioning, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Secondary outcomes were efficiency, client satisfaction, and therapy costs. Primary endpoints were analyzed using linear mixed models analysis, with an interaction term between time and group. Secondary outcomes were analyzed using linear regression. Results: Larger improvements were observed in the online compared to the TAU group for general mental functioning and depressive disorder (i.e., General mental functioning: B = -8.50, 95 CI: − 15.01 − − 1.97, p = 0.011; Depressive disorder: B = − 3.66, 95 % CI: − 5.79 – -1.54p < 0.01). No significant differences in change over time between the two groups were observed for anxiety disorder (B = -3.64, 95 % CI: (− 13.10 – 5.82) p = 0.447). The total number of sessions was significantly higher in the online psychotherapy group than in TAU (B = 3.71, p < 0.01), although clients were matched on treatment time in weeks. Treatment session duration in minutes was comparable across the groups. Discussion: Online psychotherapy with app support showed to be a promising alternative to TAU for depressive and anxiety disorders. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and client satisfaction of online psychotherapy compared to TAU, such as randomized controlled trials or studies multiple baseline series designs, and in-depth qualitative research. Show less
This systematic review aims to summarize the currently available literature regarding the association of plasma metabolites and vitamins with the nutritional status in adult hospitalized patients.... Show moreThis systematic review aims to summarize the currently available literature regarding the association of plasma metabolites and vitamins with the nutritional status in adult hospitalized patients. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE, and all studies comparing metabolite or vitamin levels in malnourished versus well-nourished hospitalized patients were included. Twenty-three studies were eligible for inclusion, representing 3803 hospitalized patients. Several metabolites involved in the metabolism of methionine, purine, glutathione, carnitine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, as well as some vitamins, seem to be associated with malnutrition in hospitalized patients. These compounds can potentially be used to assess nutritional status. Show less
Kat, A.C. de; Roelofs, F.; Slagboom, P.E.; Broekmans, F.J.M.; Beekman, M.; Berg, N. van den 2024
Research questionAre age at last childbirth and number of children, as facets of female reproductive health, related to individual lifespan or familial longevity?DesignThis observational study... Show moreResearch questionAre age at last childbirth and number of children, as facets of female reproductive health, related to individual lifespan or familial longevity?DesignThis observational study included 10,255 female participants from a multigenerational historical cohort, the LINKing System for historical family reconstruction (LINKS), and 1258 female participants from 651 long-lived families in the Leiden Longevity Study (LLS). Age at last childbirth and number of children, as outcomes of reproductive success, were compared with individual and familial longevity using the LINKS dataset. In addition, the genetic predisposition in the form of a polygenic risk score (PRS) for age at menopause was studied in relation to familial longevity using the LLS dataset.ResultsFor each year increase in the age of the birth of the last child, a woman's lifespan increased by 0.06 years (22 days; P = 0.002). The yearly risk for having a last child was 9% lower in women who survived to the oldest 10% of their birth cohort (hazard ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.95). Women who came from long-living families did not have a higher mean age of last childbirth. There was no significant association between familial longevity and genetic predisposition to age at menopause.ConclusionsFemale reproductive health associates with a longer lifespan. Familial longevity does not associate to extended reproductive health. Other factors in somatic maintenance that support a longer lifespan are likely to have an impact on reproductive health. Show less
Due to extensive research efforts in the last decades, substantial survival benefit has been achieved in most malignancies and a variety of treatment options have become available. Thereby, the... Show moreDue to extensive research efforts in the last decades, substantial survival benefit has been achieved in most malignancies and a variety of treatment options have become available. Thereby, the quest to improve patients' quality of life (QoL) while living with, or being treated for, cancer is increasingly essential. The research presented in this thesis aims to gain more insight in how to improve management of certain side-effects and create more awareness for QoL. Show less
The research in this thesis explores the interaction between the parasitic worm Schistosoma mansoni and the immune system. The co-evolution of these worms with the human host has enabled them to... Show moreThe research in this thesis explores the interaction between the parasitic worm Schistosoma mansoni and the immune system. The co-evolution of these worms with the human host has enabled them to develop optimal strategies to influence the immune system. The studies presented focus on extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the worms and the role of glycans (sugar molecules) in this interaction. Both adult worm and larval EVs contain glycans and have different effects on immune cells, such as B-lymphocytes and dendritic cells, stimulating the release of signaling molecules. The glycans on the EVs appear to be crucial for interacting with specific receptors on immune cells. This research contributes to understanding the communication between parasites and their hosts and could potentially lead to the development of new therapies for immune-related diseases. Show less
In part I, multimodality imaging was used for coronary plaque characterization and computational haemodynamic simulation. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel technique to calculate invasive... Show moreIn part I, multimodality imaging was used for coronary plaque characterization and computational haemodynamic simulation. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel technique to calculate invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR), without the need for a pressure wire or hyperaemia induction. We confirmed the potential of QFR to accurately detect myocardial ischaemia on single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI). Despite the increased risk of coronary microvascular dysfunction, QFR was highly accurate in a diabetic patient population compared with invasive FFR. Moreover, QFR is feasible to use for the selection of patients for invasive FFR referral. Coronary computed tomography angiography is able to non-invasively assess the progression of coronary artery disease. We showed an increased progression of calcified coronary plaque and reduced progression of non-calcified coronary plaque in statin-taking patients. Moreover, our results show the ability of specific lipid species to predict non-calcified coronary plaque changes. In part II, non-invasive imaging modalities were used for risk stratification. Our results confirmed the long-term prognostic value of SPECT MPI to predict cardiac death or reinfarction. Also, we showed that left atrial appendage morphology could be assessed for risk stratification in patients with and without atrial fibrillation. Show less
This PhD thesis by Ulgu Arslan titled as “hiPSC-derived 3D cardiac microphysiological systems that can integrate immune and vascular components” explores culture conditions and their effects to... Show moreThis PhD thesis by Ulgu Arslan titled as “hiPSC-derived 3D cardiac microphysiological systems that can integrate immune and vascular components” explores culture conditions and their effects to incorporate human induced pluripotent stem cell derived macrophages in 3D cardiac microtissues; and endothelial cells to form vascularized and perfusable 3D cardiac microtissues on chips. It discusses and compares current state-of-the-art 3D microphysiological models with respect to their applications, readouts, limitations and possible implementation for their future use. Then, it establishes static microtissue or perfused organ-on-chip models with an emphasis on their potential to study microenvironmental cues, cellular crosstalk, disease modelling and drug testing in cardiovascular research. Show less
Kivit, S. de; Mensink, M.; Kostidis, S.; Derks, R.J.E.; Zaal, E.A.; Heijink, M.; ... ; Borst, J. 2024
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress pro-inflammatory conventional T cell (Tconv) responses. As lipids impact cell signaling and function, we compare the lipid composition of CD4+ thymus-derived (t... Show moreRegulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress pro-inflammatory conventional T cell (Tconv) responses. As lipids impact cell signaling and function, we compare the lipid composition of CD4+ thymus-derived (t)Tregs and Tconvs. Lipidomics reveal constitutive enrichment of neutral lipids in Tconvs and phospholipids in tTregs. TNFR2-co-stimulated effector tTregs and Tconvs are both glycolytic, but only in tTregs are glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle linked to a boost in fatty acid (FA) synthesis (FAS), supported by relevant gene expression. FA chains in tTregs are longer and more unsaturated than in Tconvs. In contrast to Tconvs, tTregs effectively use either lactate or glucose for FAS and rely on this process for proliferation. FASN and SCD1, enzymes responsible for FAS and FA desaturation, prove essential for the ability of tTregs to suppress Tconvs. These data illuminate how effector tTregs can thrive in inflamed or cancerous tissues with limiting glucose but abundant lactate levels. Show less
A holistic, interdisciplinary approach is essential for developing a comprehensive strategy that can significantly reduce the incidence of chronic pain and mitigate the socio- economic impacts of... Show moreA holistic, interdisciplinary approach is essential for developing a comprehensive strategy that can significantly reduce the incidence of chronic pain and mitigate the socio- economic impacts of work disability. By integrating specialized interventions from various medical disciplines, the PASTA protocol can present a forward-thinking model poised to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions. Despite the lack of extensive attention in the bariatric metabolic field, the rising number of surgical interventions underscores the urgency of adopting such innovative approaches. Show less
In this dissertation, we study partition-based models that can be used both for interpretable predictive modeling and for understanding data via interpretable patterns. Specifically, we study... Show moreIn this dissertation, we study partition-based models that can be used both for interpretable predictive modeling and for understanding data via interpretable patterns. Specifically, we study probabilistic rule-based models for multi-class classification and histogram models for discretization, explanatory data analysis, and conditional mutual information estimation. Show less
Teachable moments are periods of time that increases someone's openness to lifestyle change and lifestyle advice. As a result of this greater receptiveness, interventions centered around important... Show moreTeachable moments are periods of time that increases someone's openness to lifestyle change and lifestyle advice. As a result of this greater receptiveness, interventions centered around important life events demonstrate great potential. This thesis explores how life events, particularly those related to cardiovascular disease, serve as teachable moments, addressing three key questions: whether life events indeed have the potential to be teachable moments, the underlying mechanism that turn a life event into an increased motivation for behavior change, and how to best utilize teachable moments in healthcare. The findings reveal that both societal crises and personal health events can create a teachable window where individuals are more receptive to lifestyle advice. Several factors driving this motivation include changes in self-concept, heightened awareness of vulnerability, interpreting an event in terms of behavior causes and consequences, avoiding future regret over unhealthy choices, and wanting to regain control over one's life through positive lifestyle changes. Additionally, the findings underscores the critical role of timing and approach in delivering lifestyle advice, to fully optimize the potential that teachable windows have. Show less
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of mortality. Endothelial dysfunction, an early reversible stage of CVD development, is marked by decreased nitric oxide production... Show moreCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of mortality. Endothelial dysfunction, an early reversible stage of CVD development, is marked by decreased nitric oxide production linked to Ca2+ influx in endothelial cells. Existing probes for Ca2+ detection application for imaging in tissues is limited by light penetration and autofluorescence. Here, we demonstrate calcium-sensitive systems utilizing triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) for intracellular imaging applications. First, we developed a system combining TTA-UC and photoelectron transfer (PET) mechanisms by covalently binding a perylene annihilator with calcium-sensitive moiety. When integrated with a red-light photosensitizer in methanol, the system achieves upconverted blue luminescence only in the presence of Ca2+. For calcium sensing in water, we encapsulated the system in different liposomes and investigated how the lipid composition affects the system sensitivity. Additionally, we studied structure-activity relationships by comparing three modified perylene analogues with varied linkers in homogeneous solution and on liposome. While the sensing properties of the annihilators varied significantly in solutions, the calcium-dependent behavior of the upconverting liposomes correlated mainly with the lipid bilayer composition. This study underscores the necessity of understanding sensor behavior across diverse chemical contexts to advance TTA-UC-based sensing technology for imaging applications. Show less
This research explores the relationship between combat and its cultural significance in the Bronze Age. By reconstructing the events surrounding the deliberate deposition of bronze weapons into... Show moreThis research explores the relationship between combat and its cultural significance in the Bronze Age. By reconstructing the events surrounding the deliberate deposition of bronze weapons into rivers, the study seeks to cast more light on the martial values and practices of the time. Experimental archaeology and micro-wear analysis are used to investigate the use-life of Bronze Age weaponry. A systematic experimental methodology to study the wear formation dynamics of bronze swords and spears is developed and applied.The wear formation dynamics are thoroughly studied with a focus on the relationship between the combat movement and style performed and the type of wear developed.A selection of Late Bronze Age weapons from watery depositions in the Low Countries has been found bearing marks consistent with (skilled) use in combat. The social significance of the practices and identities associated with the use of bronze weaponry is explored, suggesting that these weapons may have become prominent in Bronze Age martial discourse as a means of exhibiting qualities of risk-taking and prowess. Show less
The expanding population and economic activity are driving up global energy consumption. Simultaneously, there is an urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources to mitigate the... Show moreThe expanding population and economic activity are driving up global energy consumption. Simultaneously, there is an urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources to mitigate the climate crisis, primarily caused by fossil fuel combustion. This shift increases the demand for materials related to low-carbon energy technologies. This thesis addresses the material challenges of the energy transition through dynamic material flow and scenario analysis, quantifying the material requirements, stocks, and waste generation of global energy systems. It includes critical and other materials and examines these factors under various climate scenarios. Additionally, it explores different circular economy strategies, including lifetime extension and recycling, to address the material challenges of the global energy transition. By analyzing material stocks and requirements, this research provides insights into sustainable strategies to meet the increasing material demands while supporting climate goals, highlighting the importance of effective material management in the shift to renewable energy. Show less
