GutMicroNet: an interactive platform for gut microbiome interaction exploration

The human gut microbiome data has been proven to be a powerful tool to understand the human body in both health and disease conditions. However, understanding their complex interactions and impact on the human body remains a challenging task. Unravelling the species-level interactions could allow us to study the causality of the microbiome. Moreover, it could lead us to better under-stand the underlying mechanisms of complex diseases and, subsequently, the discovery of new therapeutic targets. Given these challenges and benefits, it has become evident that a freely accessible and centralized platform for presenting gut microbiome interaction is essential to untangle the complexity and open multiple new paths and opportunities in disease- and drug-related research. Here, we present GutMicroNet, an interactive visualization platform of human gut microbiome inter-action networks. We generated 45 gut microbiome co-abundance networks from various geographical origins, gender, and diseases based on the data presented in the Human Gut Microbiome Atlas. This interactive platform includes more than 1900 gut microbiome species and allows users to query multiple species at the same time based on their interests and adjust it based on the statistical properties. Moreover, users can download publication-ready figures or network information for further analysis. The platform can be accessed freely on https://gutmicro.net without any login requirements or limitations, including access to the full networks data.

The effect of local Suicide Prevention Action Networks (SUPRANET) on stigma, taboo and attitudes towards professional help-seeking: an exposure–response analysis

Purpose In 2017, the European Alliance against Depression (EAAD) programme was introduced in the Netherlands through the creation of six local Suicide Prevention Action Networks (SUPRANET Community). This programme consists of interventions on four levels: (1) a public awareness campaign, (2) training local gatekeepers, (3) targeting high-risk persons in the community and (4) training of primary care professionals. This study aims to gain insight into the effectiveness of the SUPRANET programme on attitudinal changes in the general public by studying the exposure–response relationship. Methods A repeated cross-sectional design, using general population surveys to measure key variables over time. The surveys were conducted in the six intervention regions (N = 2586) and in the Netherlands as a whole as a control region (N = 4187) and include questions on socio-demographic variables, brand awareness of the Dutch helpline, perceived taboo on suicide, attitudes towards depression and help-seeking. To examine the exposure–response relationship, regions were differentiated into 3 groups: low, medium and high exposure of the SUPRANET programme. Results The results revealed that respondents in the intervention regions considered professional help to be more valuable and were more likely to be familiar with the Dutch helpline than respondents in the control region. In the exposure–response analyses, the grading of effects was too small to reach statistical significance. Conclusion Our study provides the first evidence for the effectiveness of the SUPRANET Community programme on creating attitudinal change in the general public.

We are not all the same: what motivates individuals to be members of professional associations varies by sector

Does the sector that an individual works in influence their motivation to participate in voluntary associations? Private and public engagement motivation theories hold that individuals participate in these collective action associations to either benefit themselves or benefit the common good, respectively. While previous research has evaluated motivations to join, the influence of engagement motivation theory by sector has yet to be evaluated. This study uses the 2011 American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) ‘Decision to Join II’ study to examine whether an individual’s sector influences their motivation to engage in formal, voluntary collective action networks. We found that non-profit and government sector employees value benefits that impact the public good more than benefits that directly impact themselves. These findings suggest that there may be a difference in the type of benefits that individuals who work in for-profit, non-profit and government sectors value when deciding whether or not to engage in voluntary associations.

Focus on Weaknesses or Strengths? Determining Factors for an Inclusive and Relational Management in Public Community Social Service Organizations

This article, which is result of a research and development (R&D) project financed by the Spanish administration, studies the difficulties in managing social inclusion programs in Social Service (SS) Centers located in areas with high rates of exclusion in Andalusia (Spain). The research follows a qualitative methodology, based on observation, semi-open interviews (SOI), and focus groups (FG) aimed at the different actors in four Social Service Centers. Three dimensions are addressed: normative, functional, and perceived. The main results are four groups of incident factors: the mismatch between the expectations of non-professional actors (politicians, etc.) and those of technicians; the knowledge management of implemented dynamics; the position of the SS in local action networks; and the professional–client relationship. We concluded that, although these programs should be managed in an inclusive context, they are conditioned by scenarios with little possibility of social activation and a high level of interference and additional demands. Aspects that generate a great deal of organizational pressure divert professional practices to social assistance work.