Distributional semantic representations were used to investigate crossmodal correspondences within language, offering a comprehensive analysis of how sensory experiences interconnect in linguistic constructs. By computing semantic proximity between words from different sensory modalities, a crossmodal semantic network was constructed, providing a general view of crossmodal correspondences in the English language. Community detection techniques were applied to unveil domains of experience where crossmodal correspondences were likely to manifest, while also considering the role of affective dimensions in shaping these domains. The study revealed the existence of an architecture of structured domains of experience in language, whereby crossmodal correspondences are deeply embedded. The present research highlights the roles of emotion and statistical associations in the organization of sensory concepts across modalities in language. The domains identified, including food, the body, the physical world and emotions/values, underscored the intricate interplay between the senses, emotion and semantic patterns. These findings align with the embodied lexicon hypothesis and the semantic coding hypothesis, emphasizing the capacity of language to capture and reflect crossmodal correspondences’ emotional and perceptual subtleties in the form of networks, while also revealing opportunities for further perceptual research on crossmodal correspondences and multisensory integration.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at increased risk for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, with prior data suggesting women may be particularly vulnerable. Our global mental health study aimed to examine factors associated with gender differences in psychological distress and depressive symptoms among HCWs during COVID-19. Across 22 countries in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, 32,410 HCWs participated in the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study between March 2020 and February 2021. They completed the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and questions about pandemic-relevant exposures. Consistently across countries, women reported elevated mental health problems compared to men. Women also reported increased COVID-19-relevant stressors, including insufficient personal protective equipment and less support from colleagues, while men reported increased contact with COVID-19 patients. At the country level, HCWs in countries with higher gender inequality reported less mental health problems. Higher COVID-19 mortality rates were associated with increased psychological distress merely among women. Our findings suggest that among HCWs, women may have been disproportionately exposed to COVID-19-relevant stressors at the individual and country level. This highlights the importance of considering gender in emergency response efforts to safeguard women’s well-being and ensure healthcare system preparedness during future public health crises.

Apolipoprotein B (APOB) is associated with the development of atherosclerosis and consequently in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) physiopathology. Single number variants (SNVs) in apolipoprotein B gene (APOB) influence over the susceptibility for this syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the rs1469513, rs673548, rs676210, and rs1042034 SNVs and serum levels of APOB in the risk of ACS in a population from western Mexico. We included 300 patients in the group of cases (ACSG) and 300 individuals in the control group (CG). APOB levels were evaluated by immunonephelometry, and SNVs were genotyped with TaqMan probes. We found significant allelic and genotypic differences between groups for rs673548 and rs676210 (OR = 1.33, p=0.030, OR = 2.69, p < 0.001) and rs1042034 (OR = 0.50, p=0.037) SNVs. We found a risk haplotype TAGT (OR: 2.14, IC 1.50–3.04, p < 0.001). Our findings support a significant risk association between rs673548 and rs676210 variants for ACS; meanwhile, rs1042034 could be considered protective factor in a western Mexican population. Also, in this population, haplotype TAGT may confer 2.14 times a higher risk. APOB serum levels were compared by genotype variants in both groups without any significant statistical difference.

Reproductive cycles were studied in seven natural populations of the intertidal bivalve Perumytilus purpuratus, distributed in a latitudinal gradient of ~2400 km along the Chilean Pacific coast (20–40°S). The results, both qualitative (gametogenic stages) and quantitative (GSI and GVF), over a period of 24 months, showed that these populations presented asynchrony in the reproductive cycle. Semi-annual cycles in Iquique (20°S), Antofagasta (23°S) and Montemar (32°S), and annual cycles in Caleta Bolfin (23°S), Taltal (25°S), Tumbes (36°S) and Pucatrihue (40°S) (2010–2012) were found. The results indicate that latitude does not have an effect on the development stage, but it does on the spawning date. However, there is a relationship between the reproductive cycles and temperature fluctuations. In addition, there was a significant negative linear correlation between gonadosomatic index and sea surface temperature in the populations studied. The decrease in temperature reduces the rate of development stages and, therefore, increases the reproductive cycles from semi-annual to annual, as evidenced in bivalve samples from Taltal, along a semi-decadal period (2007–2012). From these results, we discuss the likely biological and ecosystem consequences in connection to the effects of climate change in the South Pacific.