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The Forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) is an evolutionary conserved transcription factor involved in the maintenance of neuronal networks, implicated in language disorders. Some evidence suggests a possible link between FOXP2 genetic variability and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) pathology and related endophenotypes. To shed light on this issue, we analysed the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FOXP2 and FTD in 113 patients and 223 healthy controls. In addition, we investigated SNPs in two putative targets of FOXP2, CNTNAP2, Contactin-associated protein-like 2 and PRNP, prion protein genes. Overall, 27 SNPs were selected by a tagging approach. FOXP2-rs17213159-C/T resulted associated with disease risk (OR = 2.16, P = 0.0004), as well as with age at onset and severity of dementia. Other FOXP2 markers were associated with semantic and phonological fluency scores, cognitive levels (MMSE) and neuropsychological tests. Associations with language, cognitive and brain atrophy measures were found with CNTNAP2 and PRNP genetic variability. Overall, although preliminary, results here presented suggest an influence of regulatory pathways centred on FOXP2 as a molecular background of FTD affecting neurological function of multiple brain areas.

While migration from Africa to Europe is increasing, aspiring migrants from Africa are still less likely than those from other continents to migrate to their preferred destinations. An analysis of the reasons for this is needed. This paper investigates how individual‐level traits and country income levels influence intentions and abilities to migrate from Africa to Europe, while also exploring regional differences. It does so through an approach investigating the influence of both micro‐level factors and macro‐level factors, as well as their interactions. It first analyses migration intentions in 47 African countries in the Years 2010–2015, by investigating plans to migrate to Europe. It then analyses abilities to migrate from these countries to Europe in the Years 2011–2016, by exploring the proxy of the conversion of migration plans into flows. The analysis is based on Gallup World Poll, Eurostat, Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, Frontex, and World Bank data and estimates. The paper finds that 1.4% of individuals in the African countries considered were planning to migrate to Europe in the Years 2010–2015, and an estimated 5.8% of these was able to migrate in 2011–2016. Migration intentions and abilities are shaped by a complex interplay of micro‐ and macro‐level factors. While some individual‐level traits have similar effects on migration intentions across country income levels, others increase the likelihood of planning to migrate to a stronger extent in countries of origin with higher income levels. Abilities to convert migration plans into actual migration, and to do so through regular channels, increase with higher country income levels. The influence of individual‐level traits and country income levels on migration intentions and abilities appears to vary across regions. Findings confirm the relevance of approaches investigating migration intentions and abilities by assessing both micro‐ and macro‐level factors, as well as their interactions. A more nuanced understanding of these interactions is crucial to inform migration policies that recognise the different needs and realities of aspiring migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The special issue of the journal Simulation titled "Distributed and Real-Time Simulation of Next-Generation Complex Systems" explores innovative methodologies for modeling and optimizing complex systems in various domains such as transportation, industry, biology, and social interactions. Traditional simulation methods struggle to capture the adaptive and nonlinear nature of these systems, leading to the need for more effective tools. The special issue showcases five research papers that delve into distributed and real-time simulation techniques, including simulating agent-based models, estimating network performance for IoT multimedia applications, modeling disease spread using geographical models, improving navigation accuracy in urban environments, and assessing communication protocols for road traffic simulation. The special issue aims to highlight the potential and diversity of these simulation methods while encouraging further research and innovation in the field. [Extracted from the article]