bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The History of Experience, Implicit Narratives, and a Sense of the Possible
Authors: Meretoja Hanna
Published: February 2025

This article argues that the history of experience needs to take seriously the narrative mediation of experience, which is an important aspect of the historically mediated nature of experience, and that cultural narratives are not merely retrospective accounts of experiences or events but also function as models of sense-making that shape how things are experienced in the first place. The article suggests that by theorising the (currently undertheorised) concept of experience and its narrative mediation, narrative hermeneutics has much to offer to the field of the history of experience and provides a better fit for it than cognitive narratology. We can distinguish between two levels of the narrative mediation of experience: first, experience is narratively mediated through the constant entanglement of living and telling; second, it is mediated through implicit cultural narratives that shape experiences by functioning as models of sense-making. The article revisits the idea that history deals with the actual and fiction with the possible, and it suggests that this conceptual dichotomy has led to a dismissal of how a sense of the possible constitutes an important aspect of intersubjective reality in every actual, historical world. It proposes that literature can enrich and expand our sense of historical worlds as spaces of possibilities.
Battling the Covid Hangover: Reconsidering Students’ Relationship to the Academy
Authors: Kelly Katelyn , Van Vechten Renée
Published: February 2025

In this preliminary paper we investigate shifts among undergraduate students’ educational values and their motivations to pursue a college degree. As the academic community strives to overcome the effects COVID-19 pandemic, many educators search for ways to return to pre-pandemic norms. They often encounter relatively lower student engagement levels and lack of preparedness, which may have been exacerbated by the conditions of remote learning. We dig into the causes of these challenges, assessing existing literature on student motivation, preparation, and engagement. Our exploration highlights the need for adaptive strategies that acknowledge and respond to sometimes subtle shifts in norms and students’ educational priorities.
"Rise Up and Vote:" An Exploration of Interview-Based Assessment of Student Views on Voting and Student-Centered Experiential Learning
Authors: Davis John , Mosser Lyndyn , Newton Laura
Published: February 2025

In the Fall of 2024, an upper-division campaigns and elections class at the University of Arkansas devoted two weeks to reading about and discussing the myriad barriers college students face when attempting to vote, as well as the cognitive and non-cognitive skills required for voting. During this same time, the authors of this paper--two students from that class and their professor--collaborated on a voter registration and information event with the university’s residential life office. In the process, the students collected 27 peer interviews on the topics related to voting and the challenges college students face when attempting to vote. The following provides a preliminary analysis of those interviews. In addition to providing critical insights into the thought processes of these students regarding civic engagement, this study invites faculty to consider a student-centered perspective for learning beyond the classroom.
Pengaruh Keberagaman Produk, Kualitas Produk Dan Citra Merek Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Kosmetik Wardah Di Batam Center
Authors: Ningsih Maurine Givanka , Siagian Mauli
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk menyelidiki pengaruh keberagaman produk, kualitas produk dan citra merek terhadap keputusan pembelian kosmetik Wardah di Batam Center. Populasi yang menjadi fokus penelitian ini adalah konsumen Wardah pada Guardian One mall Batam dan jumlahnya didasari pada data penjualan pada Agustus 2023 sebesar 317 pelanggan. Sampel sebanyak 177 responden dipilih menggunakan metode rumus Slovin. Analisis data dilakukan melalui pendekatan regresi linier berganda. Proses analisis meliputi pengujian terhadap uji kualitas data, uji asumsi klasik, uji pengaruh dan uji hipotesis. Hasil dari analisis regresi linier berganda menunjukkan bahwa keberagaman produk memiliki pengaruh sebesar 23,1% terhadap keputusan pembelian. Kualitas produk memiliki penagruh sebesar 25,8% terhadap keputusan pembelian. Citra merek memiliki pengaruh sebesar 36,0% terhadap keputusan pembelian. Temuan dari pengujian koefisien determinasi (R2) menunjukkan bahwa keberagaman produk, kualitas produk dan citra merek secara keseluruhan dapat menjelaskan sekitar 63,8% variasi dalam keputusan pembelian. Selain itu, hasil dari uji t dan uji F mengindikasikan bahwa baik keberagaman produk, kualitas produk dan citra merek baik secara parsial maupun secara simultan memiliki pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian kosmetik Wardah di Batam Center
Reactivity in cell culture medium and in vitro anticancer activity of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol: link to metal-catechol interactions
Authors: Levina Aviva , Crans Debbie C. , Lay Peter A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Catechol moieties are common in natural bioactive molecules, and their ability to bind metal ions is widely explored both naturally with siderophores and in the development of metal-based drugs. The reactivities and biology activities of a sterically hindered model catechol compound, 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (dtbH2) and its oxidation product 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-quinone (dtbQ), were studied in cell culture medium to understand better the medicinal roles of this class of molecules.

Methods

Anti-proliferative activities of dtbH2 and dtbQ in fresh and aged solutions of the molecules were studied in two common human cancer cell lines, T98G (glioblastoma) and A549 (lung carcinoma). Electrospray mass spectrometry and UV/Vis spectroscopy were used to study the reactivities of the molecules in buffer solutions and cell culture medium, in the presence and absence of glutathione and imidazole.

Results and Discussion

The dtbH2 and dtbQ molecules showed high anti-proliferative activity (IC50 < 10 μM in 72 h assays) in T98G and A549 cell lines in the absence of added metal ions. The activity was observed when dtbH2 and dtbQ were freshly added to cell culture medium, while pre-incubation with the medium for 24 h reduced their activity 5-10-fold. This deactivation was avoided when the biological reductant, glutathione (GSH), was added to the medium at a physiologically relevant intracellular concentration (5.0 mM). These results were explained by speciation studies (UV/Vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry) of dtbH2 and dtbQ in cell culture medium, aqueous buffers, or organic solvents in the presence or absence of GSH. These studies showed that a redox equilibrium was established between dtbH2 and dtbQ, with the latter rapidly coupling the GSH in an oxidative manner. The resultant adduct is likely to be responsible for the high toxicity of dtbH2 and dtbQ in GSH-rich cancer cells via oxygen-dependent radical chain reactions. Deactivation of dtbH2 and dtbQ in cell culture medium in the absence of GSH was due to the reactions of dtbQ with nucleophiles, such as amino acids, followed by the formation of polymeric species. The reported high anti-proliferative activity of V(V)-catecholato complexes can be explained by a combination of their efficient cellular uptake and rapid decomposition in thiol-rich intracellular environment with the formation of active V(V) and dtbH2/dtbQ adducts with thiols (mainly GSH). Slower decomposition and deactivation of the complexes was observed in thiol-poor extracellular environments. These data show that speciation in cell culture medium is crucial for the biological activity not only of metal complexes but also of their ligands when the complexes dissociates.
Risk factors associated with mortality and pathogen characteristics of bloodstream infection-induced severe sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Jian , Huang Haixin , Zhang Ruichen , Fu Yueqiang , Jing Chunmei
Published: February 2025

Background

Bloodstream infection (BSI)-induced severe sepsis is a common cause of mortality, frequently resulting in septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). This study aimed to analyze mortality risk factors and summarize pathogen characteristics associated with BSI-induced severe sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital between January 2015 and December 2023, encompassing children with BSI-induced severe sepsis in the PICU. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, pathogen characteristics, and drug resistance profiles of the patients were collected. Clinical and laboratory indicators along with pathogen characteristics were summarized. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent risk factors associated with 28-day mortality.

Results

A total of 192 patients with bloodstream infection (BSI)-induced severe sepsis were identified, with a 28-day in-hospital mortality rate of 36.98% (71/192). The incidence of septic shock (42.1% vs. 69%, P < 0.001) and AKI (14% vs. 31%, P = 0.005) was significantly lower in the survival group compared to the non-survival group. In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for 28-day mortality were the pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) score (OR 1.176; 95% CI: 1.046-1.321, p = 0.007) and the P/F value (OR 0.994; 95% CI: 0.991-0.997, P < 0.001). Double organism growth was detected in 8 cultures, and a total of 200 pathogenic bacteria were isolated from all blood cultures. Of these, 110 strains (55.0%) were Gram-negative bacteria, 88 strains (44.0%) were gram-positive bacteria, and 2 strains (1.0%) were Candida albicans. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Escherichia coli. The detection rate of carbapenem resistance (CR) in Acinetobacter baumannii (66.7%) was higher than that in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.4%). The detection rates of extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance (ECR) and fluoroquinolone resistance (FQR) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) were higher than those in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Conclusion

In the PICU, higher mortality was observed in children with BSI-induced severe sepsis who presented with elevated pSOFA scores and low P/F values. Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited the highest levels of CR and FQR, while Escherichia coli demonstrated the highest level of ECR.
Research progress on climate change adaptation strategies to control invasive crop pest in sub-Saharan Africa: a bibliometric and systematic review
Authors: Assèdé Eméline Sêssi Pélagie , Othoo Calvince Ouko , Ly Ahmadou , Bayisa Gobena , Tarkegn Temesgen Gashaw , Zohoun Mègnissè , N’goran Anje-Jokebed
Published: February 2025

This bibliometric and systematic review assesses research progress and climate change adaptation strategies to control invasive crop pests in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientific publications on crop pest management in sub-Saharan Africa in a context of climate change adaptation were extracted from papers published between 1991 and 2024. A literature search was conducted on Scopus, dimension, and google scholar, followed by screening and data extraction in compliance with ROSES standards. Findings indicated that pests such as armyworms, fruit flies and coffee berry borer cause huge losses. Communities are adopting integrated pest management, water harvesting, drip irrigation, resistant varieties, and improving production efficiency. Agro-ecological practices reduce pest invasions while preserving the environment. Meanwhile, chemical insecticide use remains an emergency solution as its effects on pest control would be more efficient. However, promising approaches emerge around biocontrol, agroforestry integrating pest management, and gender-tailored strategies. Nevertheless, regional disparities persist in scientific output. In conclusion, while invasive pests represent a major plant health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, this review highlights innovative adaptation strategies. Their development will require coordinated mobilization to catalyze the sustainable agro-ecological transition that sub-Saharan Africa needs to address these multidimensional challenges. Future research should assess farmer’s perception on the effectiveness of the existing pest management practices for invasive crop pests.
Faculty acceptance and use of generative artificial intelligence in their practice
Authors: Nevárez Montes Julián , Elizondo-Garcia Josemaria
Published: February 2025

The effective integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into educational practices holds promise for enhancing teaching and learning processes. Examining faculty acceptance and use of GenAI implementation can provide valuable insights into the conditions necessary for its successful application. This study consisted of a survey to measure the acceptance and use of GenAI in the educational practice of 208 faculty members at a private university in Mexico. The survey instrument used integrates elements of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). The original questionnaire was translated into Spanish and validated by experts to ensure reliability and validity in the new context. Overall, acceptance dimensions obtained middle-high results. Behavioral intention obtained the highest values whereas Subjective norm obtained the lowest values. Significant differences in GenAI acceptance regarding faculty disciplines and sociodemographics were not identified. Also, faculty GenAI acceptance is positively moderate correlated with faculty GenAI use to produce text. The identified acceptance level among faculty toward the use of GenAI in educational environments leads to expect a promising future for its integration into teaching and learning practices. In addition, further research on GenAI integration for student use and the impact of faculty training on the effective use of GenAI in educational settings are encouraged.
Students with disabilities in higher education call for personal empowerment, equitable inclusive systems, and individualized accommodations
Authors: Bartolo Paul A. , Borg Michelle , Callus Anne-Marie , Camilleri Liberato , De Gaetano Alistair , Mangiafico Marchita , Mazzacano D'Amato Edward , Sammut Carmen , Vidal Ramona Vella , Vincent Jonathan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The number of students with disabilities in higher education is increasing, but research shows that they continue to face significant challenges for equitable participation. This study aims to deepen our understanding of these challenges through the perceptions of students with disabilities themselves.

Methods

Participants were students with disabilities enrolled at the University of Malta. Data was collected through a student survey with quantitative and open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews with students on their aspirations, on how far they felt enabled to participate in the university academic and social environments, and on how useful were the individual accommodations provided for their equitable participation. The online questionnaire was completed by 51 students constituting 21% of the total relevant population, while four semi-structured interviews were held with autistic students.

Results

The findings firstly showed that these students considered the university as mainly an opportunity for self-development but experienced significant difficulties during their transition to and at the university for developing a healthy self-identity in the ableist university environment. Secondly, students called for the teaching system to be more pedagogically effective and sensitive to diverse student needs and for their involvement in the development of appropriate facilities for students. Thirdly, they reported that individual accommodations were necessary for their equitable participation and called for less bureaucratic processing of applications, individual negotiation of accommodations, and a system for informing lecturers of students' needs.

Discussion

The study suggests that higher education institutions should listen to the concerns of students with disabilities and involve them in curricular and environmental planning. They need to create a diversity respectful ethos and socio-emotional support that promotes everyone's membership in the university community, while adopting a universal design for learning mindset that is open to the diverse needs of students and providing a smooth system of accommodations for other individual needs.
Australia's progress toward SDG4 targets for school-age students with disability
Authors: Hay Stephen , Beamish Wendi
Published: February 2025

Australia's progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) for students with disability reveals both challenges and opportunities. Despite existing disability discrimination legislation, systemic barriers persist within government and non-government schooling sectors. A lack of a coordinated national strategy, combined with fragmented policies, has constrained efforts to promote inclusive education, leaving students with disability underserved, particularly in regional, rural, and remote areas. Underinvestment in mainstream schools has also created disparities in educational access and quality. Moreover, inadequate training of classroom teachers in these schools has continued to restrict the implementation of inclusive and individualized approaches, limiting educational outcomes for this student group. These students therefore continue to experience lower success and completion rates than their peers. This paper emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reforms, including targeted investments and a national policy framework aligned with SDG4, to address these issues. We argue that to achieve equitable, inclusive, and quality education for all students, collaborative effort across all levels of government and education sectors is required for Australia to realize sustainable progress toward its international commitments.
Insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction in individuals with normal glucose tolerance but elevated 1-h post-load plasma glucose
Authors: Nie Qianwen , Jin Xue , Mu Yahui , Huang Youyuan , Dong Aimei
Published: February 2025

Objective

Diabetes and its complications impose a significant burden on public health, necessitating early identification and intervention, yet current prediabetes diagnostic criteria may not fully capture all high-risk individuals. Evaluate and compare insulin resistance (IR) and β-cell dysfunction in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 1-hour post-load plasma glucose (1-h PG) ≥ 8.6 mmol/L versus < 8.6 mmol/L, as well as prediabetes based on IFG and/or IGT.

Research design and methods

This retrospective study included individuals at risk for diabetes who underwent an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), classified as having NGT or prediabetes according to ADA criteria. IR and β-cell dysfunction were assessed using the Matsuda index, insulinogenic index (IGI30), and oral disposition index (DI).

Results

Among the 9,452 participants, 37.8% had NGT, and 62.2% were IFG or IGT in OGTT. Of the NGT group, 39.2% had a 1-h PG ≥ 8.6 mmol/L, with a higher mean age (53 vs. 47 years for those with 1-h PG < 8.6 mmol/L). Glucose and insulin curves showed that the NGT group with 1-h PG ≥ 8.6 mmol/L exhibited glucose profiles similar to those with isolated impaired fasting glucose (I-IFG), marked by elevated glucose, early insulin secretion impairment, and delayed insulin peaks. Older individuals (≥ 65 years) had higher glucose and a higher prevalence of abnormal 1-h PG but showed no significant differences in IR or β-cell dysfunction compared to younger individuals.

Conclusions

A 1-h PG ≥ 8.6 mmol/L in individuals with NGT is associated with substantial β-cell dysfunction, highlight the value of incorporating 1-h PG measurement into diagnostic assessments for early detection of insulin secretion impairments across age groups.
Patient perspectives on acromegaly disease burden: insights from a community meeting
Authors: Shah Shruti N. , Yuen Kevin C. J. , Bonert Vivien , Huang Wenyu , Sisco Jill , Palaty Chrystal , Dancel-Manning Kristen , Agrawal Nidhi
Published: February 2025

Objective

A profound mismatch between biological and symptom control in acromegaly creates a high disease burden despite achieving optimal biological control. There is a great need to learn more about the perspectives of patients living with acromegaly.

Methods

Acromegaly Community hosted a virtual meeting in January 2021 and prepared a detailed report capturing participants’ input on acromegaly symptoms and current and future treatment approaches. The findings of this report are reviewed and summarized in this study.

Results

Fatigue/muscle weakness (92%) and joint pain/arthritis (90%) are the two most common and troublesome symptoms reported by meeting participants. Acromegaly negatively impacts all aspects of daily living: social interaction (49%); exercise (42%); sports/recreational activities (39%); household activities (38%); attending school or job (38%); family relationships (33%); and walking (26%). Anxiety/depression is experienced by 75% of respondents. Eighty-three percent of patients underwent pituitary surgery, and over 71% of patients require medical therapy. Patients desire future improvements in medication efficacy, tolerability, and administration; mental health resources for themselves and their families; and other multimodal approaches to address their physical symptoms, specifically hunger, weight gain, muscle weakness, and joint pains.

Conclusion

Acromegaly patients experience significant physical and psychological burdens despite biochemical control, highlighting the need for comprehensive and patient-centered care. In particular, the impacts on activities of daily living (ADLs) and heavy psychosocial and socioeconomic burdens are striking. We advocate for periodic screening for impacted ADLs, multidisciplinary teams to proactively address these symptoms, and call for further research on under-evaluated aspects of the disease.
Association of body roundness index with cardiovascular disease in patients with cardiometabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2009-2018
Authors: He Xiaohua , Zhu Jingling , Liang Wenfei , Yang Xiuling , Ning Weimin , Zhao Zhan , Chen Jingyi , He Qiuxing
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS), marked by abdominal obesity and metabolic dysregulation, is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Compared to the traditional anthropometric predictors represented by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), body roundness index (BRI) appears to provide a more accurate reflection of the abdominal fat distribution associated with metabolic diseases. Therefore, this study intends to investigate the association of BRI with the risk of CVD and its components including congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary heart disease (CHD), angina, heart attack, and stroke in patients with CMS. At the same time, we hypothesized that BRI would identify CVD better than BMI or WC.

Methods

Data from the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Logistic regression models were mainly utilized to evaluate the relationship between BRI and CVD in patients with CMS, including smooth curve analysis, threshold effects analysis, subgroup analysis and multiple imputation. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the ability of BRI to predict CVD.

Results

The logistic regression model showed a positive association between the BRI and CVD. The highest quartile of BRI (Q4) showing the strongest association with CVD. The smoothed curve revealed a linear relationship between BRI and CVD, but a U-shaped association between the BRI and CHF. For CVD, stratified analyses did not show significant difference between strata. For CHF, BMI interacted with the association, with BRI being associated with decreased risk of CHF in a subgroup of normal weight subjects and increased risk of CHF in a subgroup of obese subjects. The multiple imputation further confirmed the robustness of these results. Additionally, the ROC curve indicated that BRI, BMI and WC had predictive power for CVD and CHF (AUC > 0.05). BRI has similar predictive power to WC but better than BMI.

Conclusions

An elevated BRI is associated with a heightened risk of CVD in patients with CMS. BRI has similar ability to predict CVD and CHF as WC, but superior to BMI.
Environmental technology’s diminishing marginal returns: a study of green patents and emission reductions in China
Authors: Yin Xiaoyu , Xu Baofeng , Li Jia , Wu Jingyi
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Do environmental technologies always yield desirable returns? This study addresses this question through the lens of command-and-control environmental regulation. It explores the theoretical and empirical mechanisms influencing the efficacy of technology in reducing emissions, focusing on the non-linear characteristics of technological returns under equilibrium conditions.

Methods

A socio-economic model integrating pollution discharge issues was developed to examine the marginal effects of emission reduction technology. Empirical validation was conducted using green patent data from Chinese listed companies (2005–2020) and pollution emissions data from various cities. Fixed effects models and generalized random forest models were employed to analyze the relationships.

Results

The analysis revealed that technological innovation exhibits diminishing marginal returns in reducing emissions due to existing technological constraints. The results were further dissected by categorizing patents and city characteristics, shedding light on the factors influencing emission reduction effectiveness.

Discussion

The findings emphasize the importance of addressing the non-linear nature of technological innovation in environmental regulation. Policy recommendations include fostering tailored innovation strategies and supporting cities with unique characteristics to maximize technological impact on emission reduction.
Enhancing aboveground biomass estimation in Moso bamboo forests: the role of on-year and off-year phenomena in remote sensing
Authors: Li Nan , Hu Mengyi , Xie Jingyi , Wei Linjia , Wu Tianzhen , Zhang Wei , Gu Shuangxi , Li Longwei
Published: February 2025

Accurate estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) in Moso bamboo forests (MBFs) has garnered significant attention over the past two decades. However, the remote sensing-based estimation of AGB in MBFs remains challenging because of the limited understanding of the relationship between Moso bamboo growth characteristics and remote sensing data, particularly concerning alternating on-year and off-year cycles. In this study, Sentinel-2 remote sensing imagery and plot survey data were selected, a novel change detection algorithm to assess plot level AGB dynamics between 2018 and 2019 was developed, a hierarchical classifier was proposed to map the spatial distributions of on-year and off-year MBFs, and a time series model was developed for estimating the AGB of MBFs to characterize AGB dynamics between November and December. The results indicated that the AGB of the MBFs exhibited a distinct dynamic cycle characterized by the rapid accumulation of new bamboo and sharp reductions due to selective harvesting during the on-year period, alongside a steady accumulation of lignified bamboo during the off-year period. The AGB of the MBFs during the on-year and off-year cycles ranged primarily from 30 to 80 Mg/ha, with the AGB of the on-year MBFs generally exceeding that of the off-year MBFs. This study demonstrated the potential to accurately estimate AGB and its dynamic changes by accounting for on-year and off-year phenomena.
Mendelian randomization and multiomics comprehensively reveal the causal relationship and potential mechanism between atrial fibrillation and gastric cancer
Authors: Sicheng Zhao , Jingcheng Zhang , Shuo Zhang , Jiaheng Lou , Yan Cai , Xing Bai , Tao Jiang , Guangji Zhang
Published: February 2025

Objective

Gastric cancer is a harmful disease, the comorbidity mechanism and causality relationship between this disease and other diseases are worth studying.

Methods

Using a two-sample Mendelian Randomization method, this study revealed the potential causal effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on gastric cancer (GC) risk by constructing a genetic instrument containing 136 AF associated SNPs. Subsequently, analysis identifies 62 AF-GC co-associated genes and constructs a protein-protein interaction network of key genes. High-throughput sequencing data were further used to analyze the association between the two and their impact on the survival outcome of gastric cancer.

Results

The results showed that AF was negatively associated with gastric cancer, and further analysis revealed that this relationship was independent of GC risk factors such as chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and alcohol consumption. Enrichment analysis reveals associations of key genes with pathways related to cardiovascular disease, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, and tumorigenesis. Through single-cell sequencing data analysis, fibroblast subpopulations associated with the key gene set are identified in GC, showing significant correlations with cancer progression and inflammation regulation pathways. Transcription factor analysis and developmental trajectory analysis reveal the potential role of fibroblasts in GC development. Finally, prognosis analysis and gene mutation analysis using TCGA-STAD data indicate an adverse prognosis associated with the key gene set in GC.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the association between AF and GC and offers novel clues for understanding its impact on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of GC.
The cancer-associated fibroblasts interact with malignant T cells in mycosis fungoides and promote the disease progression
Authors: Zhao Yige , Li Yong , Wang Panpan , Zhu Mengyan , Wang Jiaqi , Xie Bo , Tang Chenyu , Ma Yangyang , Wang Shiwen , Jin Sha , Xu Jinhui , Li Zhao , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Liuyu , Song Xiuzu , Wang Ping
Published: February 2025

Background

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a heterogeneous group of T-cell lymphomas characterized with the presence of clonal malignant T cells. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of CTCL. However, the pathogenesis of MF and the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain unclear.

Methods

We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on tumor and adjacent normal tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) from patients with advanced MF and healthy control (HC). We compared skin lesions in different stages within the same patient to overcome inter-individual variability.

Results

The malignant clones displayed dual phenotypes characterized with tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) and central memory T cells (TCMs). We supposed that the tumor cells transformed from TRM-dominant phenotype to TCM-dominant phenotype during MF progressed from early-stage to advanced-stage. The cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) showed active role in TME. The occurrence of inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) may represent the advanced-stage MF. There may be mutual positive feedback of the crosstalk between tumor cells and CAFs during the MF development. Tumor cells promote CAF generation, and the CAFs, in turn, improve the invasiveness and metastasis of the malignant T cells through the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/SOX4 or IL-6/HIF-1α/SOX4 pathway. SOX4 may be a critical regulatory gene of this positive feedback loop. Target SOX4 may disrupt the interactions between tumor cells and CAFs.

Conclusion

Our study revealed the origin and evolution trajectory of MF and uncovered the intercellular interactions between malignant T cells and CAFs, providing new insights into the novel treatment targets of MF.
Assessment of prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer patients based on the level of immune cell infiltration
Authors: Liao Kaili , Zhu Minqi , Guo Lei , Gao Zijun , Cheng Jinting , Sun Bing , Qian Yihui , Lin Bingying , Zhang Jingyan , Qian Tingyi , Jiang Yixin , Xu Yanmei , Zhong Qionghui , Wang Xiaozhong
Published: February 2025

Objective

To build a new prognostic risk assessment model based on immune cell co-expression networks for predicting overall survival and evaluating the efficacy of immunotherapy for colon cancer patients.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to obtain mRNA expression profiling data, clinical information, and somatic mutation data from colorectal cancer patients. The degree of tumor immune cell infiltration of the samples was analyzed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. Co-expression of immune-related genes was analyzed using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and gene modules were identified. Prognosis-related genes were screened and models were constructed using LASSO-Cox analysis. The models were validated by survival analysis. The prognostic potential of the models was quantitatively assessed using Cox regression analysis and the development of column line plots. Immunotherapy sensitivity analysis was performed using CIBERSORT and TIMER algorithms. Gene biofunction analysis was performed using Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and Gene set variation analysis (GSVA). And the chemotherapeutic response to different drugs was assessed.

Results

We established a novel prognostic model utilizing the WGCNA method, which demonstrated robust predictive accuracy for patient survival. The high-risk subgroup in our model exhibited elevated immune cell infiltration coupled with a higher tumor mutation burden, but the difference in response to immunotherapy was not significant compared to the low-risk group. Furthermore, we identified distinct chemotherapy responses to 39 drugs between these risk subgroups.

Conclusion

This study revealed a significant correlation between high levels of immune infiltration and unfavorable prognosis in patients with colon cancer. Furthermore, an accurate prognostic risk prediction model based on the co-expression of relevant genes by immune cells was developed, enabling precise prediction of survival of colon cancer patients. These findings offer valuable insights for accurate prognostication and comprehensive management of individuals diagnosed with colon cancer.
Ecological risk assessment of marine resources caught as bycatch in industrial bottom trawl shrimp fishery in the Amazon Continental Shelf
Authors: Peixoto Ualerson I. , Sporcic Miriana , Hobday Alistair J. , Bentes Bianca , Passarone Rafaela , Fredou Flavia Lucena , Isaac Victoria Judith
Published: February 2025

Ecological risk assessment (ERA) has been widely used to assess species’ vulnerability to the impacts of fishing and then to prioritize any additional management actions to reduce impacts. The Ecological Risk Assessment for the Effects of the Fishing framework is based on a hierarchy of qualitative and semi-quantitative tools that work well in data-deficient situations. This study first used the Scale Intensity and Consequence (SICA) and Productive and Susceptibility Analyses (PSA) tools to evaluate the impacts of the industrial bottom trawl of southern brown shrimp on the Amazon Continental shelf in Northern Brazil. A total of 540 species were identified as having direct or indirect interaction with the trawls. The SICA identified that the main risk was related to fishing capture activities, potentially impacting the species’ population size. Of the 47 species evaluated in the PSA, 12 displayed low vulnerability, 23 displayed moderate vulnerability, and 12 displayed high vulnerability to the impacts of fishing. Future fisheries management should focus on reducing species vulnerability by prioritizing data collection for the most at-risk species. Also, fishing gear modification, such as bycatch exclusion devices (BRDs), should be employed to decrease the species’ vulnerability.
Competency-based training in anaesthesiology: train the trainers first. A descriptive cross-sectional survey by the committee of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) Teach the Teachers Masterclass
Authors: Neskovic Vojislava , Oliveira Carmen , Raz Aeyal , Bromley Lesley , Jovanovic Gordana
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The level of competence in teaching among trainers expected to deliver training according to the European Training Requirement in anaesthesiology is unknown. The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional survey, performed from 1 September 2021 until 31 October 2021, and promoted by the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) was to establish the current level of knowledge and faculty development among European countries regarding competency-based education and training (CBMET) in anesthesia and intensive care.

Results

A total of 711 responses of anaesthesiologists working in 46 European countries were analyzed. The great majority (530/74.64%) had more than 10 years of experience in anesthesia, were experienced specialists, or held more senior positions (645/90.97%), worked in academic hospitals (451/63.5%), and claimed to be involved in teaching residents (561/79.01%). Most respondents declared either not sure or no knowledge (115/546; 21.06% and 232/546; 42.49%) about European training requirements in anaesthesiology. One-third claim to know about CBMET. Formal training in teaching has 21% of respondents. Lack of time (369/506; 72.92%) and overload with work (351/506; 69.36%) are reported as the most important obstacles in teaching residents. A disparity in the answers is present between, but within the countries too.

Conclusions

The results of the presented survey reveal that even among experienced anesthesia professionals dedicated to medical education there is still a lack of knowledge on CBMET as well as systemic support for faculty development in European countries. The differences within and between European countries regarding the perception of CBMET. Dedication to faculty development is necessary to improve European anesthesia and intensive care education.
Stabilization effect and mechanism of heavy metals by microbial consortium of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and urease-producing bacteria
Authors: Zhu Xuezhe , Zhou Yupin , Yan Zhenghao , Yan Yongfang , Li Shuangquan , Yu Mingjiao , Yan Xiao , Zhang Mingjiang
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Stabilization of heavy metals through phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) induced phosphate precipitation and urease-producing bacteria (UPB) induced carbonate precipitation are promising bioremediation methods. However, little attention has been conducted on the combined action of the above two bioremediations to stabilize heavy metals.

Methods

PSB and UPB were isolated from the environment and their growth characteristics and antagonistic properties were studied. A simulated solution of acidic leachate was prepared based on heavy metal contaminated soil. Microbial consortium of PSB and UPB were constructed for the stabilization of heavy metals by optimizing carbon and nitrogen sources. The microstructural and compositional changes during the biostabilization process were more deeply analyzed using XRD, FT-IR and SEM-EDS.

Results and discussion

The precipitation of heavy metals could be promoted effectively when soluble starch (10.2 g/L) was used as carbon source and urea (7.8 g/L) as nitrogen source. The stabilization rates for Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were 98.35, 99.78, 99.09, and 92.26%, respectively. The stabilization rates of the combined action of PSB and UPB were significantly higher than that of the two microorganisms alone. An in-depth analysis showed that the composite metals were precipitated as dense precipitate encased in carbonate and phosphate, and additionally could be stabilized in the form of biosorption. Finally, the stabilization mechanism of heavy metals based on biomineralization and biosorption is proposed. These findings provide new theoretical support for sustainable remediation and management strategies for composite heavy metal polluted areas.
Failure or future? Exploring alternative antibacterials: a comparative analysis of antibiotics and naturally derived biopolymers
Authors: Sceglovs Artemijs , Skadins Ingus , Chitto Marco , Kroica Juta , Salma-Ancane Kristine
Published: February 2025

The global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is escalating due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, the slow development of new therapies, and the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. Traditional antibiotic treatments face limitations, including the development of resistance, disruption of the microbiota, adverse side effects, and environmental impact, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative alternative antibacterial strategies. This review critically examines naturally derived biopolymers with intrinsic (essential feature) antibacterial properties as a sustainable, next-generation alternative to traditional antibiotics. These biopolymers may address bacterial resistance uniquely by disrupting bacterial membranes rather than cellular functions, potentially reducing microbiota interference. Through a comparative analysis of the mechanisms and applications of antibiotics and antibacterial naturally derived biopolymers, this review highlights the potential of such biopolymers to address AMR while supporting human and environmental health.
Enrichment of electrotrophic microorganisms from contrasting shallow-sea hydrothermal environments in bioelectrochemical reactors
Authors: Carissimo Antoine , Comes Victoria , Heussner Alenica , Prime Anne-Hélène , Price Roy E. , Erauso Gaël , Liebgott Pierre-Pol , Kerzenmacher Sven , Pillot Guillaume
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Hydrothermal vents are inhabited by electrotrophic microorganisms, which are capable of oxidizing extracellular compounds, such as metals, to power their metabolisms. However, their diversity is poorly known, especially in shallow-sea hydrothermal vents where it has not been extensively studied. Bioelectrochemical reactors can be used to investigate such electrotrophic diversity by providing an electrode as an electron donor.

Methods

Here, a total of 60 different reactors were set up and inoculated with either a microbial community coming from the shallow, acidic (ca. pH 5.5) and hot (ca. 120°C) hydrothermal system of Panarea, Aeolian islands, Italy, or the shallow, alkaline (pH 11) and mild (40°C) hydrothermal system of Prony Bay, New Caledonia.

Results

With the alkaline sample, no electrical current increase was seen in any of the 15 reactors operated for 6 days under Prony hydrothermal conditions (pH 10, 30–75°C). By contrast, a 6-fold increase on average was observed in reactors operated under the Panarea hydrothermal fluid conditions (pH 4.5–7, 75°C). A Multi-Factor Analysis revealed that the overall bioelectrochemical performances of these reactors set them apart from all the other Panarea and Prony conditions, not only due to their higher current production but also archaeal abundances (measured through qPCR). Most reactors produced organic acids (up to 2.9 mM in 6 days). Still, coulombic efficiencies indicated that this might have been due to the (electro) fermentation of traces of yeast extract in the medium rather than CO2 fixation. Finally, microbial communities were described by 16S metabarcoding and ordination methods, and potential electrotrophic taxa were identified. In Panarea reactors, higher growth was correlated with a few bacterial genera, mainly Bacillus and Pseudoalteromonas, including, for the former, at higher temperatures (55°C and 75°C). In reactors reproducing the Prony Bay hydrothermal conditions, known facultative methylotrophs, such as Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium, were dominant and appeared to consume formate (provided as carbon source) but no electrons from the cathode.

Conclusion

These results provide new insights into the distribution and diversity of electrotrophs in shallow-sea hydrothermal vents and allow the identification of potential novel biocatalysts for Microbial Electrosynthesis whereby electricity and carbon dioxide are converted into value-added products.
Potential common targets of music therapy intervention in neuropsychiatric disorders: the prefrontal cortex-hippocampus -amygdala circuit (a review)
Authors: Dan Yuqin , Xiong Ying , Xu Danghan , Wang Yuqi , Yin Meng , Sun Pengwei , Ding Yi , Feng Ziyun , Sun Peng , Xia Weili , Yu Gongchang , Li Li
Published: February 2025

As life becomes more stressful, neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, and comorbidities of the two are becoming more and more of a concern. Multiple neuropsychiatric disorders share the same mental and somatic dysfunction and may involve common brain circuits and mechanistic targets. Music therapy, as an art form with proven efficacy, low cost and few side effects, is promoted for use in interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders. This may be closely related to the release of signaling molecules such as monoamine neurotransmitters, the glutamatergic system, the gut-microbiota-brain axis, pro-inflammatory cytokines and the endogenous opioid peptide system. However, fewer studies have mentioned the main targets of music to promote functional changes in brain regions. Therefore, this paper is a review of the mechanisms by which music therapy interacts with the prefrontal cortex-hippocampus-amygdala circuit through the aforementioned molecules. It is also hypothesized that glial cells, mitochondria and microRNAs are microscopic targets for musical intervention in neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim is to give new ideas for future research into the biological mechanisms of music therapy intervention in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Functional connectivity in burnout syndrome: a resting-state EEG study
Authors: Afek Natalia , Harmatiuk Dmytro , Gawłowska Magda , Ferreira João Miguel Alves , Golonka Krystyna , Tukaiev Sergii , Popov Anton , Marek Tadeusz
Published: February 2025

Chronic occupational stress is associated with a pronounced decline in emotional and cognitive functioning. Studies on neural mechanisms indicate significant changes in brain activity and changed patterns of event-related potentials in burnout subjects. This study presents an analysis of brain functional connectivity in a resting state, thus providing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms accompanying burnout syndrome. The sample consists of 49 burnout employees and 49 controls, matched by age, gender and occupation (Mage = 36.15, SD = 8.10; 59 women, 39 men). Continuous dense-array EEG data were collected from a 256-channel EEG system. The difference in functional connectivity between burnout and control subjects was tested in the eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) conditions using the resting-state paradigm. The results indicate significant differences in brain activity between the burnout and the control groups. The resting-state network of the burnout group is characterized by decreased functional connectivity in frontal and midline areas in the alpha3 sub-band (11–13 Hz) in an eyes-open condition. The most significant effect of decreased connectivity was observed in the right frontal brain area. For the first time, these analyses point to distinctive aspects of functional connectivity within the alpha3 sub-band in burnout syndrome. These findings provide insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of burnout syndrome and its associations with changed resting-state networks. The data on neural characteristics in burnout subjects may help to understand the mechanisms of decline in cognitive function and emotion regulation and to search for adequate methods of treatment.