Life Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Natural anticoagulant drugs can be obtained from plants, rich in secondary bioactive metabolites which, in addition to being effective antioxidants, also possess anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties and, for this reason, can be... more

Natural anticoagulant drugs can be obtained from plants, rich in secondary bioactive metabolites which, in addition to being effective antioxidants, also possess anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties and, for this reason, can be excellent candidates for the treatment of thrombotic diseases. This review reports an overview of the hemostatic process and thrombotic disorders together with data on plants, more and less common from around the world, containing bioactive compounds characterized by antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity. The reported literature was obtained from Medline, PubMed, Elsevier, Web of Science, Google Scholar considering only articles in the English language, published in peer-reviewed journals. The number of citations of the articles and the impact factor of the journals were other parameters used to select the scientific papers to be included in the review. The analysis of the literature data selected demonstrates that many plants’ bioactive compounds show...

It is well known that cold environments are predominant over the Earth and there are a great number of reports analyzing bacterial adaptations to cold. Most of these works are focused on characteristics traditionally involved in cold... more

It is well known that cold environments are predominant over the Earth and there are a great number of reports analyzing bacterial adaptations to cold. Most of these works are focused on characteristics traditionally involved in cold adaptation, such as the structural adjustment of enzymes, maintenance of membrane fluidity, expression of cold shock proteins and presence of compatible solutes. Recent works based mainly on novel "omic" technologies have presented evidence of the presence of other important features to thrive in cold. In this work, we analyze cold-adapted bacteria, looking for strategies involving novel features, and/or activation of non-classical metabolisms for a cold lifestyle. Metabolic traits related to energy generation, compounds and mechanisms involved in stress resistance and cold adaptation, as well as characteristics of the cell envelope, are analyzed in heterotrophic cold-adapted bacteria. In addition, metagenomic, metatranscriptomic and metaprote...

Dung beetles use excrement for feeding and reproductive purposes. Although they use a range of dung types, there have been several reports of dung beetles showing a preference for certain feces. However, exactly what determines dung... more

Dung beetles use excrement for feeding and reproductive purposes. Although they use a range of dung types, there have been several reports of dung beetles showing a preference for certain feces. However, exactly what determines dung preference in dung beetles remains controversial. In the present study, we investigated differences in dung beetle communities attracted to horse or cow dung from a functional diversity standpoint. Specifically, by examining 18 functional traits, we sought to understand if the dung beetle assembly process is mediated by particular traits in different dung types. Species specific dung preferences were recorded for eight species, two of which prefer horse dung and six of which prefer cow dung. Significant differences were found between the functional traits of the mouthparts of the dung beetles attracted to horse dung and those that were attracted to cow dung. Specifically, zygum development and the percentage of the molar area and the conjunctive area dif...

Female athletes have garnered considerable attention in the last few years as more and more women participate in sports events. However, despite the well-known repercussions of female sex hormones, few studies have investigated the... more

Female athletes have garnered considerable attention in the last few years as more and more women participate in sports events. However, despite the well-known repercussions of female sex hormones, few studies have investigated the specificities of elite female athletes. In this review, we present the current but still limited data on how normal menstrual phases, altered menstrual phases, and hormonal contraception affect both physical and cognitive performances in these elite athletes. To examine the implicated mechanisms, as well as the potential performances and health risks in this population, we then take a broader multidisciplinary approach and report on the causal/reciprocal relationships between hormonal status and mental and physical health in young (18–40 years) healthy females, both trained and untrained. We thus cover the research on both physiological and psychological variables, as well as on the Athlete Biological Passport used for anti-doping purposes. We consider th...

Aqueous extracts of two Cistus species wild growing in Croatia—Cistus creticus (CC) and Cistus salviifolius (CS)—have been assessed with UPLC-MS/MS, showing 43 different phytochemicals, with flavonol glycosides: myricetin-3-hexoside and... more

Aqueous extracts of two Cistus species wild growing in Croatia—Cistus creticus (CC) and Cistus salviifolius (CS)—have been assessed with UPLC-MS/MS, showing 43 different phytochemicals, with flavonol glycosides: myricetin-3-hexoside and myricetin-rhamnoside, predominate ones in CC and myricetin-3-hexoside in CS. Antioxidant potential tested with the FRAP method showed no difference between CS and CC aqueous extracts, while higher phenolic content of CC comparing to CS, determined with a Folin–Cicolateu reagent correlated to its higher antioxidant capacity observed by the DPPH method. Both extracts were assessed for antimicrobial activity, using disc-diffusion and broth microdilution assays, targeting the opportunistic pathogens, associated with food poisoning, urinary, respiratory tract, blood stream and wound infections in humans. Antimicrobial assays revealed that fungi were in general more sensitive to both Cistus aqueous extracts, comparing to the bacteria where two extracts sho...

A strobiology is the science that seeks to understand the story of life in our universe. Astrobiology includes investigation of the conditions that are necessary for life to emerge and flourish, the origin of life, the ways that life has... more

A strobiology is the science that seeks to understand the story of life in our universe. Astrobiology includes investigation of the conditions that are necessary for life to emerge and flourish, the origin of life, the ways that life has evolved and adapted to the wide range of environmental conditions here on Earth, the search for life beyond Earth, the habitability of extraterrestrial environments, and consideration of the future of life here on Earth and elsewhere. It therefore requires knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and many more specialized scientific areas including astronomy, geology, planetary science, microbiology, atmospheric science, and oceanography.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) presents as an exaggerated immune reaction that occurs during dysregulated immune restoration in immunocompromised patients in late-stage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who... more

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) presents as an exaggerated immune reaction that occurs during dysregulated immune restoration in immunocompromised patients in late-stage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who have commenced antiretroviral treatments (ART). Virtually any opportunistic pathogen can provoke this type of immune restoration disorder. In this review, we focus on recent developments in the identification of risk factors for Cryptococcal IRIS and on advancements in our understanding of C-IRIS immunopathogenesis. We overview new findings in blood and cerebrospinal fluid which can potentially be useful in the prediction and diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis IRIS (CM-IRIS). We assess current therapeutic regimens and novel treatment approaches to combat CM-IRIS. We discuss the utility of biomarkers for clinical monitoring and adjusting treatment modalities in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients co-infected with Cryptococcus who hav...

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major therapeutic challenges that limits the efficacy of chemotherapeutic response resulting in poor prognosis of ovarian cancer (OC). The multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is a membrane-bound... more

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major therapeutic challenges that limits the efficacy of chemotherapeutic response resulting in poor prognosis of ovarian cancer (OC). The multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is a membrane-bound ABC transporter involved in cross resistance to many structurally and functionally diverse classes of anticancer drugs including doxorubicin, taxane, and platinum. In this study, we utilize homology modelling and molecular docking analysis to determine the binding affinity and the potential interaction sites of MRP1 with Carboplatin, Gemcitabine, Doxorubicin, Paclitaxel, and Topotecan. We used AutoDock Vina scores to compare the binding affinities of the anticancer drugs against MRP1. Our results depicted Carboplatin < Gemcitabine < Topotecan < Doxorubicin < Paclitaxel as the order of binding affinities. Paclitaxel has shown the highest binding affinity whereas Carboplatin displayed the lowest affinity to MRP1. Interestingly, our data sh...

We have synthesized inorganic micron-sized filaments, whose microstucture consists of silica-coated nanometer-sized carbonate crystals, arranged with strong orientational order. They exhibit noncrystallographic, curved, helical... more

We have synthesized inorganic micron-sized filaments, whose microstucture consists of silica-coated nanometer-sized carbonate crystals, arranged with strong orientational order. They exhibit noncrystallographic, curved, helical morphologies, reminiscent of biological forms. The filaments are similar to supposed cyanobacterial microfossils from the Precambrian Warrawoona chert formation in Western Australia, reputed to be the oldest terrestrial microfossils. Simple organic hydrocarbons, whose sources may also be abiotic and indeed inorganic, readily condense onto these filaments and subsequently polymerize under gentle heating to yield kerogenous products. Our results demonstrate that abiotic and morphologically complex microstructures that are identical to currently accepted biogenic materials can be synthesized inorganically.

Two projects explored the links between language use and aging. In the first project, written or spoken text samples from disclosure studies from over 3,000 research participants from 45 different studies representing 21 laboratories in 3... more

Two projects explored the links between language use and aging. In the first project, written or spoken text samples from disclosure studies from over 3,000 research participants from 45 different studies representing 21 laboratories in 3 countries were analyzed to determine how people change in their use of 14 text dimensions as a function of age. A separate project analyzed the collected works of 10 well-known novelists, playwrights, and poets who lived over the last 500 years. Both projects found that with increasing age, individuals use more positive and fewer negative affect words, use fewer selfreferences, use more future-tense and fewer past-tense verbs, and demonstrate a general pattern of increasing cognitive complexity. Implications for using language as a marker of personality among current and historical texts are discussed.

The practice of physical activity in a variable climate during the same competition is becoming more and more common due to climate change and increasingly frequent climate disturbances. The main aim of this pilot study was to understand... more

The practice of physical activity in a variable climate during the same competition is becoming more and more common due to climate change and increasingly frequent climate disturbances. The main aim of this pilot study was to understand the impact of cold ambient temperature on performance factors during a professional cycling race. Six professional athletes (age = 27 ± 2.7 years; height = 180.86 ± 5.81 cm; weight = 74.09 ± 9.11 kg; % fat mass = 8.01 ± 2.47%; maximum aerobic power (MAP) = 473 ± 26.28 W, undertook ~20 h training each week at the time of the study) participated in the Tour de la Provence under cold environmental conditions (the ambient temperature was 15.6 ± 1.4 °C with a relative humidity of 41 ± 8.5% and the normalized ambient temperature (Tawc) was 7.77 ± 2.04 °C). Body core temperature (Tco) was measured with an ingestible capsule. Heart rate (HR), power, speed, cadence and the elevation gradient were read from the cyclists’ onboard performance monitors. The inte...

Due to early implementation of public health measures, Greece had low number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 severe incidents in hospitalized patients. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (ΝΚUA), especially its... more

Due to early implementation of public health measures, Greece had low number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 severe incidents in hospitalized patients. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (ΝΚUA), especially its health-care/medical personnel, has been actively involved in the first line of state responses to COVID-19. To estimate the prevalence of antibodies (Igs) against SARS-CoV-2 among NKUA members, we designed a five consecutive monthly serosurvey among randomly selected NKUA consenting volunteers. Here, we present the results from the first 2500 plasma samples collected during June–July 2020. Twenty-five donors were tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs; thus, the overall seroprevalence was 1.00%. The weighted overall seroprevalence was 0.93% (95% CI: 0.27, 2.09) and varied between males [1.05% (95% CI: 0.18, 2.92)] and females [0.84% (95% CI: 0.13, 2.49)], age-groups and different categories (higher in participants from the School of Health Sciences and i...

KEETON ON THE LAW OF TORTS 946 (5th ed. 1984) ("[Wlrongful death statutes usually provide that an action can be maintained for 'any wrongful act, neglect or default' which causes death."). 12. Dietrich v. Inhabitants of Northampton, 138... more

KEETON ON THE LAW OF TORTS 946 (5th ed. 1984) ("[Wlrongful death statutes usually provide that an action can be maintained for 'any wrongful act, neglect or default' which causes death."). 12. Dietrich v. Inhabitants of Northampton, 138 Mass. 14, 17 (1884) (holding that a fetus who died when its mother was injured by defendant's negligence was not a "person" for whom suit could be brought).

Objectives: Understanding and managing the process of aging is a central issue in modern society. This is a critical factor given the demographic shift toward an aging population and the negative stereotypes around aging that can limit... more

Objectives: Understanding and managing the process of aging is a central issue in modern society. This is a critical factor given the demographic shift toward an aging population and the negative stereotypes around aging that can limit people's worldview on aging with gratitude and well-being. Methods: Building on three decades of qualitative and quantitative studies on positive worldview transformation at the California-based Institute of Noetic Sciences, this article applies an empirically derived naturalistic model of transformation to aging. The Grateful Aging Program is introduced as a set of transformative steps to promote well-being and to shift fear of aging into inspiration for living well. Results: Nine steps to Grateful Aging are identified: 1) answer the call to transformation, 2) cultivate curiosity, 3) formalize a Grateful Aging practice, 4) set intention for Grateful Aging, 5) pay attention to the gifts of aging, 6) build Grateful Aging habits, 7) find guidance, 8) move to acceptance, and 9) transform self and society. Educational programs are described for elderly patients and for the health care professionals who serve them. Conclusion: The Grateful Aging Program is designed to expand awareness of healthy, mindful, and meaningful aging; to promote individual and social well-being; and to facilitate a supportive atmosphere for personal enrichment and shared learning.

There is no broadly accepted definition of 'life.' Suggested definitions face problems, often in the form of robust counter-examples. Here we use insights from philosophical investigations into language to argue that defining... more

There is no broadly accepted definition of 'life.' Suggested definitions face problems, often in the form of robust counter-examples. Here we use insights from philosophical investigations into language to argue that defining 'life' currently poses a dilemma analogous to that faced by those hoping to define 'water' before the existence of molecular theory. In the absence of an analogous theory of the nature of living systems, interminable controversy over the definition of life is inescapable.

Dung beetles use excrement for feeding and reproductive purposes. Although they use a range of dung types, there have been several reports of dung beetles showing a preference for certain feces. However, exactly what determines dung... more

Dung beetles use excrement for feeding and reproductive purposes. Although they use a range of dung types, there have been several reports of dung beetles showing a preference for certain feces. However, exactly what determines dung preference in dung beetles remains controversial. In the present study, we investigated differences in dung beetle communities attracted to horse or cow dung from a functional diversity standpoint. Specifically, by examining 18 functional traits, we sought to understand if the dung beetle assembly process is mediated by particular traits in different dung types. Species specific dung preferences were recorded for eight species, two of which prefer horse dung and six of which prefer cow dung. Significant differences were found between the functional traits of the mouthparts of the dung beetles attracted to horse dung and those that were attracted to cow dung. Specifically, zygum development and the percentage of the molar area and the conjunctive area dif...

Life is commonly referred as open systems driven by organic chemistry capable to self reproduce and to evolve. The notion of life has also been extended to non chemical systems such as robots. The key characteristics of living systems,... more

Life is commonly referred as open systems driven by organic chemistry capable to self reproduce and to evolve. The notion of life has also been extended to non chemical systems such as robots. The key characteristics of living systems, i.e. autonomy, self-replication, self-reproduction, self-organization, self-aggregation, autocatalysis, as defined in chemistry and in robotics, are compared in a dialogue between a chemist and a robotitian.

The ultimate Toon Blast would, of course, be the one that gives you free coins. Coins are a highly valuable aspect of this game. Why? Well, simply because sometimes you really need a few extra moves at the end of the level in order to... more

This paper presents the qualitative research originally in English and had three objectives, namely: - (1) to explore the concept of happiness access according to Buddhist principles and the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH); (2)... more

This paper presents the qualitative research originally in English and had three objectives, namely: - (1) to explore the concept of happiness access according to Buddhist principles and the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH); (2) to examine a theory of biofeedback; and (3) to propose a conceptual model of Bi-Dimensional development of mind and wisdom for happiness access in life via biofeedback process. Data collection and in-depth interviews were carried out with eight key informants from six countries. They were monks and Buddhist scholarly representatives with the index of item-objective congruence (IOC) examined by three experts.
The findings show that Buddhism mentions the access of superior happiness while the model of GNH is constructed by the four pillars including sustainable and equitable socio-economic development for instance, together with the Buddhist doctrines such as the middle path, contentment and social engagement. The Biofeedback skillfully employed instruments including EMG and EEG. into treatments. It was found that when they are integrated with Buddhist meditation, a practitioner can entrain the assessment of happiness in a tangible way. That is, when a practitioner experiences happiness in concentration which is a psycho-physiological change, the EMG provides prompt and accurate “feedback” to the practitioner to facilitate progressiveness in their practice.
The Bi-Dimensional Model to develop happiness access consists of two discrete parts. The first is the Mental Dimension or access to the fivefold happiness in concentration, namely: - Gladdening (pāmojja), Happiness (pīti), Tranquility (passaddhi), Bliss (sukha), and Concentration (samādhi). The biofeedback tools measure happiness according to the mind-body phenomena in the practice. The second is the Wisdom Dimension for perpetual happiness access or Nibbāna, the supreme happiness.

Consciousness cannot be approached as an entity (res), an entity that we call consciousness. Consciousness is not an entity. The systems are the entities. The systems are dispositionally gifted for the cognitive activity that they need,... more

Consciousness cannot be approached as an entity (res), an entity that we call consciousness. Consciousness is not an entity. The systems are the entities. The systems are dispositionally gifted for the cognitive activity that they need, in terms of their sustainable permanence in the existence.

The constructal law accounts for the universal phenomenon of generation and evolution of design (configuration, shape, structure, pattern, rhythm). This phenomenon is observed across the board, in animate, inanimate and human systems. The... more

The constructal law accounts for the universal phenomenon of generation and evolution of design (configuration, shape, structure, pattern, rhythm). This phenomenon is observed across the board, in animate, inanimate and human systems. The constructal law states the time direction of the evolutionary design phenomenon. It defines the concept of design evolution in physics. Along with the first and second law, the constructal law elevates thermodynamics to a science of systems with configuration. In this article we review the more recent work of our group, with emphasis on the advances made with the constructal law in the natural sciences. Highlighted are the oneness of animate and inanimate designs, the origin of finite-size organs on animals and vehicles, the flow of stresses as the generator of design in solid structures (skeletons, vegetation), the universality and rigidity of hierarchy in all flow systems, and the global design of human flows. Noteworthy is the tapestry of distributed energy systems, which balances nodes of production with networks of distribution on the landscape, and serves as key to energy sustainability and empowerment. At the global level, the constructal law accounts for the geography and design of human movement, wealth and communications.

Astrobiologists are aware that extraterrestrial life might differ from known life, and considerable thought has been given to possible signatures associated with weird forms of life on other planets. So far, however, very little attention... more

Astrobiologists are aware that extraterrestrial life might differ from known life, and considerable thought has been given to possible signatures associated with weird forms of life on other planets. So far, however, very little attention has been paid to the possibility that our own planet might also host communities of weird life. If life arises readily in Earth-like conditions, as many astrobiologists contend, then it may well have formed many times on Earth itself, which raises the question whether one or more shadow biospheres have existed in the past or still exist today. In this paper, we discuss possible signatures of weird life and outline some simple strategies for seeking evidence of a shadow biosphere.

This paper examines the abortion issue from a Buddhist perspective. As the consciousness is held to enter the embryo at conception, it is felt to be fully human at that moment. Thus, Buddhism strongly discourages abortion except in the... more

This paper examines the abortion issue from a Buddhist perspective. As the consciousness is held to enter the embryo at conception, it is felt to be fully human at that moment. Thus, Buddhism strongly discourages abortion except in the situation of an immediate threat to the mother's life. Though Buddhism has clearly a “pro-life” position on abortion, the final decision should be left to the pregnant woman.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) This woman is in her seventies. Have you ever wondered how somebody her age would assess her life? If she recalls anything about her life, it is surely that it was a "fleeting life". She would simply remark... more

When the dual solution of the energy/momentum/mass equation of Einstein's special relativity is interpreted a cosmological representation of the universe governed by a diverging and a converging force and vibrating between peaks of... more

When the dual solution of the energy/momentum/mass equation of Einstein's special relativity is interpreted a cosmological representation of the universe governed by a diverging and a converging force and vibrating between peaks of expansion and concentration is obtained. During the diverging phase time flows forward, whereas during the converging phase time flows backward. In this representation causality and retrocausality constantly interact.

Lusoga proverbs have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom embedded in the metaphors used. These selected proverb clusters address issues connected with humanity, family, socialization and gender equity. Above all, they address relationships... more

Lusoga proverbs have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom embedded in the metaphors used. These selected proverb clusters address issues connected with humanity, family, socialization and gender equity. Above all, they address relationships between people and people, people and objects, people and plants and people and animals. The ultimate livelihood of the individual is rooted in the cultivation of the right relationships with the environment. Food, women and habits are at the center of this pedagogy and the riddle within the proverbs is enacted through the performance of these proverbs in real life thus giving them a life.

Є істини, які не старіють від багаторазового повторювання, а навпаки, зблискують новими гронами. «Роздуми...» свящ. Михайла Димида просто й ненав'язливо супроводжують християнина впродовж значної частини літургійного року. Розважливі, а... more

Є істини, які не старіють від багаторазового повторювання, а навпаки, зблискують новими гронами. «Роздуми...» свящ. Михайла Димида просто й ненав'язливо супроводжують християнина впродовж значної частини літургійного року. Розважливі, а подекуди й емоційні міркування автора спонукають до роздумів і закликають до переображення. Збірник адресовано всім християнам і просто всім.
There are truths that do not aging from frequent repetition, but, conversely, each time reveal a new one. "Reflections ..." of a priest Mychajlo Dymyd simply and unobtrusively accompany a Christian during a significant part of the liturgical year. Sensible, and sometimes emotional considerations of the author encourage the reflection and call for a transformation. The collection is addressed to all Christians and just to everyone.

Engineers, designers and architects often look to nature for inspiration. The research on 'natural constructions' is aiming at innovation and the improvement of architectural quality. The introduction of life sciences terminology in the... more

Engineers, designers and architects often look to nature for inspiration. The research on 'natural constructions' is aiming at innovation and the improvement of architectural quality. The introduction of life sciences terminology in the context of architecture delivers new perspectives towards innovation in architecture and design. The investigation is focused on the analogies between nature and architecture. Apart from other principles that are found in living nature, an interpretation of the so-called 'signs of life', which characterize living systems, in architecture is presented. Selected architectural projects that have applied specific characteristics of life, whether on purpose or not, will show the state of development in this field and open up future challenges. The survey will include famous built architecture as well as students' design programs, which were carried out under supervision of the author at the

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in interest in biodegradable materials for use in packaging, agriculture, medicine, and other areas. In particular, biodegradable polymer materials (known as biocomposites) are of... more

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in interest in biodegradable materials for use in packaging, agriculture, medicine, and other areas. In particular, biodegradable polymer materials (known as biocomposites) are of interest. As a result, many researchers are investing time into modifying traditional materials to make them more userfriendly, and into designing novel polymer composites out of naturally occurring materials. A number of biological materials may be incorporated into biodegradable polymer materials, with the most common being starch and fiber extracted from various types of plants. The belief is that biodegradable polymer materials will reduce the need for synthetic polymer production (thus reducing pollution) at a low cost, thereby producing a positive effect both environmentally and economically. This paper is intended to provide a brief outline of work that is under way in the area of biodegradable polymer research and development, the scientific theory behind these materials, areas in which this research is being applied.

Livre en cours de rédaction sur les Méditations métaphysiques de René Descartes, publiées en latin en 1641 puis en français, dans la traduction du Duc de Luynes en 1644. Où il est question de prouver, ou conduire rationnellement le... more

Livre en cours de rédaction sur les Méditations métaphysiques de René Descartes, publiées en latin en 1641 puis en français, dans la traduction du Duc de Luynes en 1644. Où il est question de prouver, ou conduire rationnellement le lecteur à voir que Dieu est.

Tra l’autunno del 2007 e la primavera del 2008 è stata organizzata presso il Centro per le Scienze Religiose della Fondazione Bruno Kessler un’intensa attività seminariale sul tema della vita e della sua presunta sacralità. I risultati di... more

Tra l’autunno del 2007 e la primavera del 2008 è stata organizzata presso il Centro per le Scienze Religiose della Fondazione Bruno Kessler un’intensa attività seminariale sul tema della vita e della sua presunta sacralità. I risultati di questo lavoro comune sono confluiti (in parte) in un numero monografico di "Fenomenologia e società" (4/2008). Questo è il volume così come l'avevamo concepito originariamente. Dopo più di dieci anni non ha perso la sua attualità.
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Between the Fall and Spring semesters of 2007-2008, a series of workshops on the topic of life and its alleged sacredness were organized at the Center for Religious Studies of the Fondazione Bruno Kessler. This joint effort led (among other things) to a special issue of "Fenomenologia e società" (4/2008). This is the volume as it was originally designed. After more than 10 years, it hasn't lost an ounce of its relevance.

The allostatic load (AL) model represents an interdisciplinary approach to comprehensively conceptualize and quantify chronic stress in relation to pathologies throughout the life cycle. This article first reviews the AL model, followed... more

The allostatic load (AL) model represents an interdisciplinary approach to comprehensively conceptualize and quantify chronic stress in relation to pathologies throughout the life cycle. This article first reviews the AL model, followed by interactions among early adversity, genetics, environmental toxins, as well as distinctions among sex, gender, and sex hormones as integral antecedents of AL. We next explore perspectives on severe mental illness, dementia, and caregiving as unique human models of AL that merit future investigations in the field of developmental psychopathology. A complimenting transdisciplinary perspective is applied throughout, whereby we argue that the AL model goes beyond traditional stress-disease theories toward the advancement of person-centered research and practice that promote not only physical health but also mental health. R.-P. Juster et al. 726 Chronic stress in relation to psychopathology 727 R.-P. Juster et al. 728 Chronic stress in relation to psychopathology 729 Figure 3. Nonlinear network of mediators of allostasis and allostatic load. Arrows indicate that each system regulates the others in a reciprocal manner, creating a nonlinear network (McEwen, 2006a). R.-P. Juster et al. 730 R.-P. Juster et al. 734

Enlightenment, republicanism, and skepticism indicate three distinct and successive periods of the young Hegel's speculative itinerary. But they also indicate, in a certainly more significant way, three currents of thought whose... more