Saved Queries

Background/Objectives: The widespread phenomenon of “brain rot”, named the Oxford Word of the Year 2024, refers to the cognitive decline and mental exhaustion experienced by individuals, particularly adolescents and young adults, due to excessive exposure to low-quality online materials, especially on social media. The present study is exploratory and interpretative in nature, aiming to investigate the phenomenon of “brain rot”, with a focus on its key pillars, psychological factors, digital behaviors, and the cognitive impact resulting from the overconsumption of low-quality digital content. Methods: This study employs a rapid review approach, examining research published between 2023 and 2024 across PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. It explores the causes and effects of brain rot, focusing on the overuse of social media, video games, and other digital platforms. Results: The findings reveal that brain rot leads to emotional desensitization, cognitive overload, and a negative self-concept. It is associated with negative behaviors, such as doomscrolling, zombie scrolling, and social media addiction, all linked to psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. These factors impair executive functioning skills, including memory, planning, and decision-making. The pervasive nature of digital media, driven by dopamine-driven feedback loops, exacerbates these effects. Conclusions: The study concludes by offering strategies to prevent brain rot, such as controlling screen time, curating digital content, and engaging in non-digital activities. Given the increasing prevalence of digital engagement, it is essential to explore a variety of strategies, including mindful technology use, to support cognitive health and emotional well-being. The results can guide various stakeholders—policymakers, practitioners, researchers, educators, and parents or caregivers—in addressing the pervasive impact of brain rot and promoting a balanced approach to technology use that fosters cognitive resilience among adolescents and young adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Adolescents)

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Steps of conducting a rapid review [<a href="#B23-brainsci-15-00283" class="html-bibr">23</a>]. Full article ">Figure 2
Data selection process. Full article ">Figure 3
Relationship between the most frequently repeated words for factors that contribute to the recognition of “brain rot”. Full article ">Figure 4
The relationships between digital behaviors and cognitive control and decline. Full article ">Figure 5
Relationship between internet addiction behaviors and cognitive poverty among young people. Full article ">Figure 6
The correlational analysis of screen time and improved mental health and cognitive functions. Full article ">

26 pages, 1320 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sleep and Cancer

by Courtney M. Vaughn and Bradley V. Vaughn

Cancers 2025, 17(6), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17060911 (registering DOI) - 7 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Sleep issues are common in the general population, and these problems occur even more frequently for people with cancer. Sleep problems may pre-exist a patient’s cancer diagnosis, and there is a growing interest in understanding the impact of sleep on cancer development and progression. Sleep disorders may impact cancer through altered metabolism, impacts on immune response, and alterations in hormones and gene expression. Sleep disorders may also arise after, or be aggravated by, an individual’s cancer and cancer treatment. Treating a person with cancer’s sleep disorder may help improve their healing, mental health, cognition, and overall resilience. Methods: Studies examining a variety of aspects of the relationship between sleep and cancer were found by searching the National Library of Medicine and characterized by their specific information provided on the relationship between sleep and cancer. Results: This review article summarizes our current understanding of the complex inter-relationship between sleep and cancer, the underlying mechanisms that create these connections, and the methods and impact of treating sleep issues in cancer patients. The article also outlines an approach to sleep complaints for clinicians caring for patients with cancer. Conclusions: Significant research is still needed to understand the full relationship between sleep disorders and cancer. The impact of sleep issues on cancer and of cancer on sleep appears to be specific to the tissue and the molecular type of cancer. The treatment of sleep disorders is multimodal, and offers a promising avenue to improve the health and quality of life of cancer patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socio-Demographic Factors and Cancer Research)

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This figure depicts the two process model. The homeostatic drive increases as a result of activity while awake and then is metabolized during sleep. This drive increases the drive for sleep. The circadian drive also increases through the day and opposes the homeostatic drive by promoting wakefulness. The circadian rhythm is accentuated by light, activity, food, and social interaction during the waking period. Full article ">Figure 2
This diagram demonstrates the variety of mechanisms by which sleep, sleep disruption, and sleep disorders may influence cancer development and progression. Full article ">Figure 3
Many factors can influence sleep. This diagram illustrates the variety of components involved in achieving good sleep and the domains by which sleep may be disrupted. Full article ">

13 pages, 4078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Engineered Yeast Expressing an Artificial Heavy Metal-Binding Protein Enhances the Phytoremediation of Alum Mine Soils

by Wenming Wang, Liling Xie, Lin Zhao and Qilin Yu

Microorganisms 2025, 13(3), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13030612 (registering DOI) - 7 Mar 2025

Abstract

Alum mining leads to significant heavy metal and acid pollution within soils. Phytoremediation is a common strategy used to treat alum mine soils, but its efficiency is frequently compromised by the alum-mining-induced impairment of plant growth. To improve the strength of plants against mine pollution, this study constructed the artificial yeast strain ScHB (heavy metal-binding protein-containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae) expressing the de novo designed protein HBGFP (heavy metal-binding green fluorescence protein) and investigated its effect on the phytoremediation of alum mine soils with soil physiochemical assays and heavy metal quantification. This protein was composed of an N-terminal signal peptide, an HB (heavy metal-binding) domain, and a GFP (green fluorescence protein) domain, as well as a C-terminal glycolphosphatidylinositol-anchoring fragment. The exposure of the HBGFP on the ScHB surface increased the growth rate of the yeast cells and enhanced cadmium capture from the cadmium-containing medium. After culturing Medicago sativa in the alum mine soils for 30 days, ScHB remarkably increased the plants’ average height from 17.5 cm to 27.9 cm and their biomass from 3.03 g/plant to 4.35 g/plant, as well as increasing the accumulation of antioxidant agents in the plants. Moreover, the ScHB cells strongly improved the soil quality, with an increase in the soil pH values from 5.47 to 6.21 to 6.9, and increased the levels of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and living bacteria. Furthermore, ScHB efficiently improved the plants’ abilities to remove soil heavy metals, decreasing the levels of cadmium, lead, chromium, and copper by 90%, 86%, 97%, and 88%, respectively. This study developed a genetic engineering method to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation against pollution from alum mining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Molecular Microbial Ecology)

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Construction of the artificial heavy metal-binding yeast ScHB. (a) A scheme illustrating the construction of ScHB. (b) Confocal observation of the control Sc0 cells and the ScHB cells. The white arrows indicate the exposure of HBGFP on the yeast cells. (c) Fluorescence intensity of the yeast cells. The asterisk (*) indicates significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 2
Growth curves (a) and cadmium-capturing capacity (b) of Sc0 and ScHB. The asterisks (*) indicate significant differences between the two strains (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 3
EDS mapping analysis of element distribution in the yeast cells. The yeast cells were cultured in YPD medium containing 5 mg/L of Cd2+ for 24 h, followed by centrifugation, drying, and EDS mapping analysis. (a) The EDS mapping images of the yeast cells. (b) The C mass percent. (c) The S mass percent. (d) The Cd mass percent. The asterisks (*) indicate significant differences between the two strains (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 4
The growth of M. sativa plants cultured in alum mine soils. (a) Image of the plants. The young plants (height = 10 cm ± 1 cm) were cultured in the alum mine soils with no addition of the yeast cells (Ms), with the addition of Sc0 cells (1 × 108 yeast cells/kg soil, Ms + Sc0), or the addition of Sc0 cells (1 × 108 yeast cells/kg soil, Ms + Sc0). The plants were further cultured for 30 days and then photographed. (b) The height of the plants after 30 days. (c) The biomass of the plants. (d) The chlorophyl contents in the plant leaves. (e) The GSH contents in the leaves. (f) The ascorbic acid contents in the plant leaves. Different letters indicate significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 5
The quality of alum mine soils cultured with M. sativa (Ms, Ms + Sc0, Ms + ScHB) or not (control) after 30 days: (a) pH values. (b) Organic matter contents. (c) Total nitrogen (TN) contents. (d) Available phosphorus (AvP) contents. Different letters indicate significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 6
The number of total (a) and cadmium-tolerant (b) bacteria in the rhizosphere alum mine soils of M. sativa. The rhizosphere soils were sampled after 30 days of culturing to determine the bacterial numbers using CFU assays. Different letters indicate significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 7
Heavy metal contents in the rhizosphere alum mine soils of M. sativa after 30 days of culturing. (a) Cadmium contents. (b) Lead contents. (c) Chromium contents. (d) Copper contents. Different letters indicate significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). Full article ">

13 pages, 776 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Factors Associated with Non-Compliance with Healthcare Accreditation in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Khalid Saad Alkhurayji, Abdulmunim Alsuhaimi, Hesham Alangari, Saja A. Alrayes and Arwa Alumran

Healthcare 2025, 13(6), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13060580 (registering DOI) - 7 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Compliance with healthcare standards is an absolute must for every healthcare organization seeking accreditation. Several factors were found to affect compliance, and in Saudi Arabia, certain standards were observed for non-compliance. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis seeks to identify the factors associated with non-compliance with healthcare accreditation in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) model was used to refine the research question. The Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (Press) guidelines were used to improve the search strategy. The databases used for the search were PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The dates searched were from 1 January 2000 to 1 November 2024. We used a data extraction form for study characteristics and outcome data, which was piloted on five studies in this review. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The analysis was carried out using the Fisher r-to-z transformed correlation coefficient as the outcome measure. A random-effects model was fitted to the data. Results: A total of ten studies were included for qualitative synthesis and five for quantitative synthesis. Several factors were observed for non-compliance, including insufficient training organization hurdles, a lack of implementation strategies, and the attitudes of healthcare providers. The estimated average correlation coefficient based on the random-effects model was 0.2568 (95% CI: −0.1190 to 0.6326). Conclusions: The dimension of quality in healthcare through pooled correlations from various studies highlighted a weak association among these dimensions. Full article

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PRISMA flowchart. Full article ">Figure 2
Forest plot of non-compliance factors [<a href="#B29-healthcare-13-00580" class="html-bibr">29</a>,<a href="#B30-healthcare-13-00580" class="html-bibr">30</a>,<a href="#B35-healthcare-13-00580" class="html-bibr">35</a>,<a href="#B36-healthcare-13-00580" class="html-bibr">36</a>,<a href="#B37-healthcare-13-00580" class="html-bibr">37</a>]. Full article ">

15 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Services, Risk Management, and Infection Prevention in Surgical Settings: A Qualitative Study

by Alice Yip, Jeff Yip, Zoe Tsui, Cheung-Hai Yip, Hau-Ling Lung, Kam-Yee Shit and Rachel Yip

Healthcare 2025, 13(6), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13060579 (registering DOI) - 7 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background/Objective In every surgical environment, the prevention of surgical site infections is not merely desirable but essential, given their profound impact on patient health and healthcare costs. To optimize patient care during surgery, a thorough exploration and assessment of all intraoperative nursing practices are necessary, guided by empirical evidence. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences with surgical site infection prevention practices in the intraoperative setting. Methods Twenty-one nurses working in clinical settings in Hong Kong participated in semi-structured interviews for this qualitative study. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Results Four main themes were identified from the interview data: ensuring safety and minimizing threats; facing silent, intangible, and hidden risks; team collaboration in eliminating risks; and persistent knowledge acquisition. Conclusions Nurses encountered diverse obstacles tied to teamwork, updated knowledge, communication, and patient safety. Enhanced quality of care in clinical settings can be achieved through strategic implementations. Focusing on quality improvement initiatives, establishing consistent teams, and recognizing the vital role of nurses strengthen care delivery. These actions contribute significantly to preventing surgical site infections and ensuring patient safety during intraoperative nursing practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Services)

1 pages, 126 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Chavda et al. Tirzepatide, a New Era of Dual-Targeted Treatment for Diabetes and Obesity: A Mini-Review. Molecules 2022, 27, 4315

by Vivek P. Chavda, Jinal Ajabiya, Divya Teli, Joanna Bojarska and Vasso Apostolopoulos

Molecules 2025, 30(6), 1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30061190 (registering DOI) - 7 Mar 2025

Abstract

There was an error in the original paper [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)

11 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Methods for Isolating Exosomes from Plasma Subjects with Normal and High Fat Percentages

by Jacqueline Noboa-Velástegui, Juan Carlos León, Jorge Castro, Ana Fletes, Perla Madrigal, Iñaki Álvarez and Rosa Navarro

Life 2025, 15(3), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030410 (registering DOI) - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

Adipose tissue is responsible for fat storage and is an important producer of extracellular vesicles (EVs). The biological content of exosomes, one kind of EV, provides information on aspects such as immunometabolic alterations. This study aimed to compare three plasma exosome isolation methods—using a commercial kit (CK), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and differential centrifugation (DC)—and select the best one. Individuals categorized by normal and high body fat percentages were used. The DC and CK were proven to be the most advantageous out of the exosome isolation methods, so we suggest these methods for further protein and molecular analyses, respectively. Still, we emphasize the importance of selecting an appropriate methodology depending on the specific research objectives. At the same time, no statistical differences in exosome quality, morphology, total protein, or microRNA concentration were observed between individuals categorized by body fat percentage, so we suggest that the exosomal cargo varies in individuals with normal and high fat percentages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Applications of Extracellular Vesicles: From Diagnostics to Drug Delivery)

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Exosome total protein and microRNA concentration. (a) Protein concentration means of 4.09, 3.97, and 3.97 mg/mL for the CK, SEC, and DC, respectively (one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests), and (b) microRNA concentration means of 579 and 603 mg/mL for the CK and SEC, respectively (Mann–Whitney U test). Both were measured from exosomes, n = 118, with no significance. (c) Total protein concentration and (d) total microRNA concentration (Qubit assay kits, Invitrogen™) from plasma exosomes isolated by a commercial kit (Mann–Whitney U test, no significance). Abbreviations: CK: commercial kit; SEC: size exclusion chromatography; and DC: differential centrifugation. Full article ">Figure 2
DLS of plasma exosomes isolated by the CK, SEC, and DC, as well as TEM and cryo-TEM exosome photomicrography. The exosomes’ average diameter was 235.1 nm, 736.9 nm, and 138.2 nm for the CK, SEC, and DC, respectively (n = 15 for each method, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey tests; p < 0.05). TEM of exosomes isolated by the CK (Invitrogen Cat. No. 4404450). Diameter of 53.9 nm, scale of 50 nm. Cryo-TEM of exosomes isolated by SEC. Diameter of 191.7 (blue arrow) nm, scale of 500 nm. Exosomes from plasma samples of individuals were classified by fat percentage (59 for each group). Abbreviations: DLS: dynamic light scattering; CK: commercial kit; SEC: size exclusion chromatography; and TEM: transmission electron microscopy. Full article ">Figure 3
CD9 and CD81 markers of exosomes isolated by SEC. (a,c) CD9 marker: the presence of exosomes of the exclusion fractions from 4 to 10. (b,d) CD81 marker: the presence of exosomes of the exclusion fractions from 5 to 10. Exosomes were isolated from plasma samples of individuals that were classified by fat percentage: (a–d) high (59 for each group). Abbreviation: SEC: size exclusion chromatography. Full article ">

28 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maximum Trimmed Likelihood Estimation for Discrete Multivariate Vasicek Processes

by Thomas M. Fullerton, Michael Pokojovy, Andrews T. Anum and Ebenezer Nkum

Economies 2025, 13(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13030068 (registering DOI) - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

The multivariate Vasicek model is commonly used to capture mean-reverting dynamics typical for short rates, asset price stochastic log-volatilities, etc. Reparametrizing the discretized problem as a VAR(1) model, the parameters are oftentimes estimated using the multivariate least squares (MLS) method, which can be susceptible to outliers. To account for potential model violations, a maximum trimmed likelihood estimation (MTLE) approach is utilized to derive a system of nonlinear estimating equations, and an iterative procedure is developed to solve the latter. In addition to robustness, our new technique allows for reliable recovery of the long-term mean, unlike existing methodologies. A set of simulation studies across multiple dimensions, sample sizes and robustness configurations are performed. MTLE outcomes are compared to those of multivariate least trimmed squares (MLTS), MLE and MLS. Empirical results suggest that MTLE not only maintains good relative efficiency for uncontaminated data but significantly improves overall estimation quality in the presence of data irregularities. Additionally, real data examples containing daily log-volatilities of six common assets (commodities and currencies) and US/Euro short rates are also analyzed. The results indicate that MTLE provides an attractive instrument for interest rate forecasting, stochastic volatility modeling, risk management and other applications requiring statistical robustness in complex economic and financial environments. Full article

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25 pages, 2608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of a Microbial Biofilm and Its Application on Tomato Seeds to Improve Crop Development in a Lead-Contaminated Substrate

by Gabriela Cristina Sarti, Antonio Paz-González, Josefina Ana Eva Cristóbal-Miguez, Ana Rosa García and Mirta Esther Galelli

Processes 2025, 13(3), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030767 (registering DOI) - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

The plant growth-promoting bacterium, B. subtilis subsp. Spizizizenii, has been proven to develop a biofilm under certain culture conditions, which can be applied as an efficient bioinoculant. Biofilm can be produced cost-effectively using biodiesel byproduct glycerol as a carbon source. Soils from urban peripheries may contain very high lead (Pb) levels. The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of biofilm seed inoculation on plant development and fruit quality of tomatoes growing on a Pb-contaminated substrate. Also, effects of excess Pb on biofilm production, stability, and seed germination were analyzed. B. subtilis biofilm was produced with Pb concentrations ranging from 0 to 300 ppm. Biofilm stability was tested at 4 °C and 25 °C. The impacts of Pb and inoculation on seed germination were evaluated in laboratory conditions, while the impacts on plant agronomic parameters were assessed via a greenhouse assay. Adding Pb to the culture medium increased biofilm production by about 20%. Regardless of Pb level, biofilms were more stable at 4 °C than at 25 °C. Beneficial effects of biofilm on germination were greater on seeds exposed to 200 and 300 ppm Pb. Excess Pb significantly reduced plant biomass and tomato yield. However, biofilm inoculation significantly increased plant aboveground and root biomass, plant height, leaf area, fruit number, and fruit size, regardless of substrate Pb excess. Tomato fruits of plants grown in the metal-contaminated substrate showed no significant increases in Pb concentration with respect to the control. In summary, the biofilm produced by B. subtilis subsp. spizizenii proved to be an effective bioinoculant to counteract the negative effects of substrate excess Pb on tomato germination, growth, and production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biofilms: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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13 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Preliminary Report on the Effects of Daridorexant in Patients with Comorbid Insomnia and Substance Use Disorders

by Marco Di Nicola, Maria Pepe, Lorenzo Bonomo, Miriam Milintenda, Isabella Panaccione, Roberto Brugnoli and Gabriele Sani

Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(3), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18030378 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background. Sleep disturbances are frequent in patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) and are associated with craving and addiction relapses, leading to increased clinical severity and detrimental outcomes. Daridorexant, a selective dual orexin receptor antagonist, has been approved for persistent insomnia disorder (ID), but specific insights on patients with SUDs are lacking. Methods. This observational, retrospective study investigated the effects of a three-month treatment with daridorexant (50 mg/day) in 41 outpatients with comorbid IDs and SUDs. Improvement in subjective sleep measures, assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and subjective total sleep time, was the primary outcome measure. Changes in anxiety and depression symptoms, quality of life, clinical global severity, and craving were also investigated through the following: Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scale; Five-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index; Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale; Visual Analog Scale for Craving. Results. All sleep outcomes significantly improved throughout treatment, which was generally safe and well tolerated, with mild and transient drowsiness and sluggishness reported in 21.1% of patients. Similar improvements were observed in psychopathology, quality of life, and craving, and positive correlations were found among ISI scores and anxiety/depression symptoms and craving. An abstinence rate (i.e., absence of any substance use, regardless of the amount, throughout treatment) of 65.8% was also detected at the endpoint. Conclusions. These preliminary findings suggest that daridorexant might represent a promising tool for treating insomnia in patients with SUDs. Identifying interventions effectively targeting insomnia with a good safety/tolerability profile in SUDs is crucial to achieve remission and full functional recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Biomarkers and Pharmacotherapies for Substance Use Disorders)

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14 pages, 482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Participation and Performance in Boccia International-Level Events

by Cátia C. Ferreira, José M. Gamonales, Jesús Muñoz-Jiménez and Mário C. Espada

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010087 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Boccia is an attractive and growing adapted sport. For approximately 30 years, this parasport was played together by male and female athletes, a fact that recently changed, to our best knowledge, without scientific support. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the relationship between gender participation and performance in Boccia international-level events. Methods: For data collection, four specific international-level Boccia events between 2012 and 2018 were selected as partials were available in the official competition websites (2708 partials, which represent a total of 32,496 ball throws). Results: We found that partials won by male athletes systematically increased between 2012 and 2018 but tended to stabilize between 2017 and 2018, contrary to females, with a growing trend from 2016 onwards. No differences were observed, considering the players’ gender and the type of partials (adjusted, balanced, and unbalanced) in the Boccia classes BC1, BC2, and BC3. In BC4 differences were found, but with little variance or low association level (Cramer’s Phi coefficient of 0.114). Conclusions: The results emphasize that based on performance, both men and woman can play Boccia together. Although, if the focus of separating genders in Boccia is toward growing and effective female participation and equal success and reward opportunities, this study highlights as a good perspective aiming regular practice of physical activity, exercise, and sport in people with disabilities, promoting their quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives and Challenges in Adapted Sports)

32 pages, 2592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational Success Across the Lifespan: On the Differential Importance of Childhood Intelligence, Social Background, and Education Across Occupational Development

by Georg Karl Deutschmann, Michael Becker and Yi-Jhen Wu

J. Intell. 2025, 13(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13030032 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

What shapes (occupational) success in later life? This study examines the differential importance of intelligence in late childhood, socioeconomic background, and education across later occupations. The quantity and quality of educational success are thought to mediate the other dimensions. We analyzed data from N = 4387 participants in a German longitudinal large-scale study in multiple regression and mediation models to examine how childhood intelligence and socioeconomic background predict income and occupational status at different career stages. Both childhood intelligence and socioeconomic background predict status and income in adulthood, with childhood intelligence being the stronger predictor. However, education is an even stronger predictor and—once included in the model—mediates virtually all effects of childhood intelligence and socioeconomic background. This pattern remains stable across career stages, and education has unique effects on income and occupational status in later work life, even when controlling for work experience. Our results emphasize the pivotal role of education in transitioning to the labor market and further development at work, even at later career stages. Given the stronger link between childhood intelligence and educational success in Germany than in other countries, we find that Germany is one of the more intelligence-driven systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Intelligence and Non-cognitive Constructs in Predicting Achievement)

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Regression of income and occupational status on childhood intelligence and socioeconomic background. IQ = late childhood intelligence. SEB = socioeconomic background. Income = monthly gross income, logarithmized. Occ. status = occupational status, coded according to the ISEI Index. Full article ">Figure 2
Regression of income and occupational status on childhood intelligence and socioeconomic background, mediated by education. IQ = late childhood intelligence. SEB = socioeconomic background. Education years (CASMIN) = general and vocational education years, weighted according to CASMIN. GPA: general education = grade point average of highest certificate in general education. GPA: vocational education = grade point average of highest certificate in vocational education. Income = monthly gross income, logarithmized. Occ. status = occupational status, coded according to ISEI-Index. Full article ">Figure 3
Regression of income and occupational status on childhood intelligence and socioeconomic background, mediated by education, autoregressive paths. IQ = late childhood intelligence. SEB = socioeconomic background. Education years (CASMIN) = general and vocational education years, weighted according to CASMIN. GPA: general education = grade point average of highest certificate in general education. GPA: vocational education = grade point average of highest certificate in vocational education. Income = monthly gross income, logarithmized. Occ. status = occupational status, coded according to ISEI-Index. Full article ">

12 pages, 5212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Ecological Corridors of the Bush Cricket Saga pedo in Fragmented Landscapes

by Francesca Della Rocca, Emanuele Repetto, Livia De Caria and Pietro Milanesi

Insects 2025, 16(3), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030279 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

The bush cricket Saga pedo, listed as Vulnerable globally by the IUCN and included in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, is a parthenogenetic species highly sensitive to environmental changes, facing threats from forest expansion and agricultural intensification. S. pedo prefers dry, open habitats with sparse vegetation, and its pronounced thermo-heliophily makes it an indicator of xerothermic habitats. In many areas of Italy, including the Northern Apennines (Piedmont), semi-natural grasslands are fragmented. Open habitats have been reduced to small, isolated patches surrounded by forests due to the abandonment of agropastoral activities. Consequently, the occurrence of open habitat species is related to the quality and availability of suitable areas and ecological connectivity. We developed a spatial Bayesian framework to identify areas of occurrence for S. pedo. Using the inverse probability of occurrence, we derived ecological corridors among suitable patches. Our findings indicate that the occurrence and connectivity of S. pedo are reduced by intensive cultivation but favored by open habitats with 10–50% woody tree cover, suggesting sustainable land management is crucial for supporting the species. Given the extinction risk S. pedo faces, we urge local administrations to maintain and improve suitable areas and guarantee the network of ecological corridors identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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Study area. Black lines indicate Italian regional borders. Light–dark green scale indicates lower–higher elevation. Full article ">Figure 2
Distribution maps of Saga pedo estimated by weighted ensemble prediction of GLM- and GAM-INLA SPDE and landscape connectivity with Omniscape.jl. (A) Areas of predicted species occurrence estimated using a threshold value of 64.01 (threshold values estimated by maximizing TSS): presence indicated by yellow; absence indicated by black. (B) Probability of occurrence: yellow–blue scale indicates higher–lower occurrence probability values, respectively. (C) Landscape connectivity: yellow–blue scale indicates higher–lower landscape connectivity values, respectively. Full article ">Figure 3
Response curves (in blue) and relative 95% confidence intervals (in gray) of probability of occurrence of Saga pedo in relation to predictor variables. Full article ">Figure 4
Response curves (in blue) and relative 95% confidence intervals (in gray) of landscape connectivity of Saga pedo in relation to predictor variables. Full article ">

12 pages, 408 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

The Effect of Nordic Walking Intervention (NORDIN-JOY) on Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Families: A Multicenter Randomized Crossover Study

by Daniel González-Devesa, Carlos Ayán-Pérez, Eva González-Devesa and Jose Carlos Diz-Gómez

Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15030053 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background: We aim to evaluate the effect of the Nordic Walking program on the quality of life and functionality of individuals with intellectual disabilities; Methods: The NORDIN-JOY study is designed as a multicenter, randomized crossover trial. Participants in the experimental group will engage in a Nordic Walking intervention, while those in the control group will participate in a Fit 5-Fitness Cards intervention. Both physical training programs will consist of two 60 min sessions per week over a three-month period. The study will assess measures of quality of life and physical fitness. Additionally, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of both programs, as well as the average weekly physical activity levels during the six months following the intervention, will be evaluated; Results: The results of this study are anticipated to provide valuable insights into the effects of structured exercise interventions on individuals with intellectual disabilities. These findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences; Conclusions: This protocol seeks to establish evidence on the impact of exercise programs in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The findings have the potential to inform specific recommendations for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers, promoting physical activity as a cost-effective strategy for improving care and quality of life in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Pain and Rehabilitation)

14 pages, 819 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Evaluation of Ascophyllum nodosum and Sargassum spp. Seaweed Extracts’ Effect on Germination of Tomato Under Salinity Stress

by Eleni Papoui and Athanasios Koukounaras

Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030290 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

Abiotic stresses like salinity are proven to be crucial limiting factors in the seed germination of many plant species and the later establishment of cultivation regarding plant growth, yield and fruit quality. Therefore, there is a pressing need to find practices and materials to enhance abiotic stress tolerance from early stages such as germination so that plants can overcome these stresses as soon as possible. A total of six treatments of seaweed extracts [1, 2 and 3% of Algit Super (Ascophyllum nodosum) and Alga 300 (Sargassum spp.)] and three controls were tested, with 20 seeds per replication soaked in each extract concentration for 15′; four replications were carried out per treatment and seeds were placed on Petri dishes in the dark. Speed and percentage of germination, vigor index I and II, dry weight and average lengths of roots and shoots were evaluated under 75 mM NaCl stress. All treatments positively affected all parameters evaluated, whether significant or not. Results indicate that soaking tomato seeds in seaweed extracts of various concentrations led to a significantly increased speed and percentage of germination, vigor index I and II, dry weight and average lengths of roots and shoots. The best combination of concentration and seaweed species is concluded to be 2% Sargassum spp. for all parameters evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Propagation and Seeds)

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