Search Results (615)

Background/Objectives: Cyber bystanders can choose from several different strategies during cyberbullying incidents and have a significant effect on the situation. Hence, cyber bystanders are specifically targeted by prevention programmes and research investigating variables influencing cyber bystander responses is crucial for such programmes. The aim of our study was (1) to explore contextual factors’ effect on cyberbullying incidents’ perceived severity and (2) the most frequent cyber bystander responses. We also aimed (3) to learn how the context of cyberbullying incidents affects cyber bystander responses and the joint effect of individual and contextual variables on cyber bystander responses. Methods: In total, 314 Hungarian high school students participated in our online survey (mean age = 16.15, SD = 3.28). The respondents filled in self-administered questionnaires that measured cyber bystander responses, severity of different cyberbullying incidents, empathy, moral disengagement, social desirability, and cyberbullying engagement. Results: First, our results showed that the respondents perceived public and visual cyberbullying, and when the victim was upset by it the most severe incidents. Second, in almost every condition, the two most likely cyber bystander responses were ignorance and emotional support for the victim. Third, the individual and contextual variables had a joint effect influencing cyber bystander responses except for emotional support to the victim that was only influenced by individual variables, i.e., empathy, moral disengagement, and social desirability. Conclusions: All in all, our results showed that all cyberbullying contexts were associated with cyber bystander responses and the prominent association between moral disengagement, social desirability, empathy, and prosocial cyber bystander responses. Moreover, these results could guide cyberbullying prevention to focus on cyber bystanders’ empathy training, decreasing their moral disengagement, and educating them about the effects of online contextual variables. Full article

Bone metastases mark a critical and often terminal phase in cancer progression, where disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) manage to infiltrate and exploit the complex microenvironments of the bone marrow. While most current therapies focus on the well-known late-stage “vicious cycle” of osteolysis, they often overlook the earlier stages, namely, tumor cell colonization and dormancy. During these early phases, cancer cells co-opt hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches, using them as sanctuaries for long-term survival. In this review, we bring together emerging insights that highlight a trio of underappreciated cellular players in this metastatic takeover: megakaryocytes, erythroid lineage cells, and perivascular stromal subsets. Far from being passive bystanders, these cells actively shape the metastatic niche. For instance, megakaryocytes and platelets go beyond their role in transport; they orchestrate immune evasion and dormancy through mechanisms such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling and the physical shielding of tumor cells. In parallel, we uncover a distinct “erythroid-immune” axis: here, stress-induced CD71⁺ erythroid progenitors suppress T-cell responses via arginase-mediated nutrient depletion and checkpoint engagement, forming a potent metabolic barrier against immune attack. Furthermore, leptin receptor–positive (LepR⁺) perivascular stromal cells emerge as key structural players. These stromal subsets not only act as anchoring points for DTCs but also maintain them in protective vascular zones via CXCL12 chemokine gradients. Altogether, these findings reveal that the metastatic bone marrow niche is not static; it is a highly dynamic, multi-lineage ecosystem. By mapping these intricate cellular interactions, we argue for a paradigm shift: targeting these early and cooperative crosstalk, whether through glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant (GARP) blockade, metabolic reprogramming, or other niche-disruptive strategies, could unlock new therapeutic avenues and prevent metastatic relapse at its root. Full article

Background/Objectives: The treatment of bacterial infections is complicated by emerging antibiotic resistance. This paper identifies a novel approach with a nanoparticle that targets bacterial surface charge and is responsive to the nutrient environment (i.e., glucose) and presence of metabolically active bystander species (i.e., amylase secretion) within microbial communities. Methods: Thus, metabolically responsive composite nanoparticles (440 ± 58 nm) were fabricated via electrohydrodynamic jetting of a cationic starch polymer incorporating 5–7 nm copper nanoparticles (0.3 wt%). Starch was selected as the base polymer, as it is a common carbon source for amylase-producing bacterial communities, in particular under glucose-limited growth conditions. Results: The resulting positively charged particles effectively associated with Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, forming co-aggregates with bacterial cells and exhibiting antibacterial activity tenfold greater than free copper nanoparticles. In co-cultures of S. aureus and the amylase-producing bystander species, Bacillus subtilis, enzymatic degradation of the copper–starch nanoparticles increased antibacterial activity against S. aureus by 44%. Conclusions: This work highlights the potential for metabolically regulated particles as a novel paradigm for selective, narrow-spectrum antibacterial therapies that exploit ecological interactions within microbial communities. Full article

Based on the theoretical framework of psychological barriers among third-party bystanders in school bullying contexts, grounded in Protection Motivation Theory and Ecological Systems Theory, this study developed and validated the “Adolescent Bystander Intervention Barrier Perception Scale” (ABIBPS). The initial item pool was developed through literature review and semi-structured interviews, followed by item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses across three samples (middle school students, N = 388; middle school students, N = 474; upper elementary school students, N = 547). Results revealed a robust two-factor structure comprising “Personal Risk and Fear Perception” and “Intervention Efficacy and Outcome Uncertainty.” The scale demonstrated measurement invariance across different age groups, good internal consistency reliability, structural validity, and criterion-related validity. Correlation analyses indicated that adolescent bystander intervention barrier perceptions were significantly negatively associated with prosocial behavior, positive youth development, intentional self-regulation, and self-esteem. This study provides a valid measurement tool for understanding the psychological barrier mechanisms of bystander behavior in school bullying, offering significant theoretical and practical implications for promoting active intervention behaviors among adolescents. Full article

Secular trees have an important contribution to today’s communities, not only due to cultural or historical reasons but also to recreational aspects. Management of such species can be done after a thorough analysis is done related to their health status. In most cases, a visual inspection to determine the health status can lead to unsatisfactory results. Modern technology, such as computer tomography, has results that are accurate and valid. A total of 17 secular oak trees (Quercus robur) were sampled and analyzed with Arbotom 2D (Arbotom 2D, Rinn Tech, Heidelberg, Germany) by using sensors on the tree trunks. Besides this, it is imperative to compare the results in the field with the view of the community related to their local symbol. Results revealed severe internal decay (75%–80% damaged wood) in eight oaks, while in the core of the trunk (10%–50% damaged wood), it was seen in seven oaks. Only two oaks have good health status. Survey results indicated the oaks as moderate healthy; only 18.8% respondents from the community consider the oaks unhealthy or in visible decline. This can lead to serious injuries to bystanders. The results have demonstrated a great link between technical and social research so decision-making stakeholders can apply a tailored management for their area. Full article

Intratumoral microbiota, once considered passive bystanders, are now recognized as active modulators of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME)—the complex network of immune cells, stromal components, and signaling molecules within tumors—and ultimately shape immunotherapy outcomes in lung cancer. This review aims to elucidate the exact roles of intratumoral microbiota in lung cancer immuno-therapy responses and the potential mechanism, offering novel perspectives for overcoming resistance. We conducted a narrative review of the literature using a PubMed and Web of Science search of articles written in English from inception to November 2025. We summarize current evidence on the characteristics of intratumoral microbiota in lung cancer and their associations with patient outcomes following immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. We discuss how intratumoral microbes, their metabolites, and extracellular vesicles influence and remodel TIME, thereby either promoting or counteracting ICI efficacy. Furthermore, we explore the potential of microbial signatures as predictive biomarkers and highlight microbiota-targeted strategies—including probiotics, engineered bacteria, and rational antibiotic use—to overcome resistance and enhance clinical benefits. Collectively, available data support intratumoral microbiota as crucial modulators and promising therapeutic targets in lung cancer, and decoding their multifaceted interactions may inform precision microbiota-targeting strategies to improve patient outcomes. Full article

Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) has emerged as a potential contributor to prostate cancer (PCa) pathogenesis, yet the mechanistic basis remains unclear. This review explores the prevalence, persistence and mechanistic impact of C. acnes within the prostate to help decipher the functional consequence and diagnostic value of a C. acnes infection in this setting. We examine the evidence supporting C. acnes colonisation of both premalignant and malignant tissue, and critically evaluate how prostate tumour physiology, particularly hypoxia and low pH, may facilitate microbial persistence. Emerging data suggest that C. acnes modulates inflammatory and immune pathways, influencing macrophage activation, cytokine production, and the regulation of immune checkpoints. Additionally, we discuss studies demonstrating its involvement in DNA damage, host cell metabolism, and extracellular matrix remodelling. The identification of C. acnes in urinary and gut microbiomes, alongside the presence of its genomic DNA in extracellular vesicles in circulation indicate broad diagnostic potential. While discrepancies in methodology have hampered a consensus, recent genomic and functional studies provide new avenues to distinguish contamination from true pathogenicity. Ultimately, future research exploring whether C. acnes is a biomarker, bystander, or bona fide driver of PCa, and its potential role in personalised diagnostics are crucial to advance the field and unravel the predictive and therapeutic value of C. acnes. Clarifying this relationship will advance our understanding of microbiome-cancer dynamics and could help inform innovative early detection and screening strategies that improve patient care. Full article

This study investigated the impact of sexual and bystander harassment experiences on work attitudes, stress, withdrawal, and psychological well-being of part-time employees. Participants included 314 female employees who worked part-time in their organizations. All participants completed a computer-administered workplace experience survey assessing various aspects of their work environment, including personal and bystander harassment experiences, work-related attitudes (supervisor satisfaction, coworker satisfaction, and general job stress), work behaviors (work and job withdrawal), and psychological well-being. Experiences of sexual harassment and bystander harassment were predicted to be negatively related to satisfaction and psychological health and positively related to stress and withdrawal. Both forms of harassment were expected to contribute additively to the prediction of work outcomes and psychological health. Moderator models were examined to explore the potential interactions between sexual and bystander harassment. Results indicated that both forms of harassment were related to work attitudes, stress, and withdrawal. Sexual harassment was the strongest predictor of work outcomes. Discriminant Function Analysis provided additional support for group-based distinctions. The results are discussed in terms of interpersonal and organizational implications, limitations, and future research directions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early bystander CPR helps to restore perfusion and improves the likelihood of favorable survival and neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). One strategy to improve bystander CPR is the use of crowd-sourcing mobile CPR applications such as PulsePoint, which notifies bystanders of nearby OHCA. In 2019, PulsePoint was deployed in an urban county. Prior to its deployment, bystander CPR rates were 42.9% in this county. This descriptive analysis seeks to analyze bystander intervention after PulsePoint implementation in an urban county. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all PulsePoint activations in Alachua County from June 2020 to September 2023. Patient characteristics and survey data were extracted from EMS patient care reports, hospital electronic medical records, and Pulsepoint dispatch and responder data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patient and responder characteristics, PulsePoint activation circumstances, and patient care. Results: Of 225 PulsePoint activations, 95 (42.2%) were confirmed OHCA. Among these, 54 (56.8%) received bystander CPR prior to EMS arrival. Out of 15 prehospital defibrillations, laypersons defibrillated 9 patients (60.0%). There was an average of 3.3 eligible PulsePoint responders within a 0.25-mile radius of the OHCA victim. A majority of PulsePoint survey respondents were formally trained in CPR and automated defibrillator use. Conclusions: The data from our urban EMS experience demonstrate that bystander CPR rates were higher after PulsePoint deployment (56.8%) than before. Our bystander CPR rate was also higher than the national average. Full article

Approximately 80% of invasive breast cancers are classified as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative; however, many of these tumors have detectable levels of HER2 surface expression. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is a HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugate with a membrane-permeable payload that is cytotoxic to both HER2-expressing tumor cells and neighboring cells via the bystander antitumor effect. T-DXd has shown significant antitumor activity in clinical trials for patients with HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+ or IHC 2+/in situ hybridization [ISH]+) breast cancer. In addition, the results of the DESTINY-Breast04 trial demonstrated the clinical benefit of T-DXd in patients with HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH−) breast cancer after receiving prior chemotherapy. DESTINY-Breast06 demonstrated the clinical benefit of T-DXd in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH−), and HER2-ultralow (IHC 0 with membrane staining) metastatic breast cancer who had not received prior chemotherapy in the advanced setting. These results validate the need for a standard-of-care diagnostic test to identify HER2-low and HER2-ultralow expression levels in patients with metastatic breast cancer to guide therapeutic decision-making. Furthermore, effective treatment sequencing strategies and adverse event management are essential for maximizing patient benefit. This review presents the identification of HER2-low and HER2-ultralow breast cancer, sequencing of T-DXd with other treatments, and management of common or clinically significant adverse events reported with T-DXd. Full article

Background: While extensive research has examined the antecedents of utilitarian moral judgment, its subsequent social consequences remain less explored. Drawing on the moral reciprocal partner selection model and the moral intuition modular myopia hypothesis, this study investigates the impact of utilitarian moral judgment on bystander cooperation behavior and the moderating role of personal force. Objectives: This research aims to determine whether utilitarian moral judgments, compared to non-utilitarian ones, decrease bystander cooperation (Hypothesis 1), and whether this effect is more pronounced when the utilitarian judgment involves personal force (Hypothesis 2). Methods: Two progressive between-subjects experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 (N = 159) employed a single-factor design (utilitarian vs. non-utilitarian judgment) using a footbridge dilemma scenario and a trust task to measure cooperation. Experiment 2 (N = 346) utilized a 2 (judgment: utilitarian vs. non-utilitarian) × 2 (personal force: personal force vs. no personal force) factorial design, employing the same trust task. Results: In Experiment 1, bystanders invested significantly fewer tokens in the trust task after observing a utilitarian judgment compared to a non-utilitarian one. Experiment 2 revealed a significant main effect of moral judgment and a significant interaction between moral judgment and personal force. Simple effects analysis confirmed that the negative effect of utilitarian judgments on cooperation was stronger when personal force was involved. Conclusions: Utilitarian moral judgments reduce bystander cooperation compared to non-utilitarian judgments, and this reduction is more substantial when the judgment involves personal force. These findings highlight the interpersonal costs of utilitarian decision-making and underscore the importance of contextual features like personal force in understanding its social reception. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two of the most rapidly rising chronic diseases globally. Despite appearing distinct, an emerging body of literature identifies shared etiopathogenic mechanisms mediated by gut microbiota. This review synthesizes 38 peer-reviewed studies to evaluate the compositional, metabolic, immune, and translational intersections of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of T2DM-associated CRC. Methods: This narrative literature review examined 38 primary research articles (human and animal studies) retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Studies were selected based on relevance to the microbiota-mediated mechanisms linking T2DM and CRC, with a focus on compositional analysis, metabolomic shifts, immune activation, and therapeutic interventions. Results: The findings highlight a mechanistically rich overlap between T2DM and CRC through shared dysbiosis, characterized by depletion of SCFA-producing taxa (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Butyricicoccus), enrichment of pathobionts (e.g., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus), and the disruption of mucosal immunity and epithelial integrity. Metabolic shifts include reduced butyrate and increased toxic bile acids (e.g., deoxycholic acid), TMAO, and oxidative metabolites, while immune dysregulation features elevated LPS, IL-1β, CXCL3, and NF-κB signaling. Therapeutically, microbiota modulation via diet, metformin, and probiotics shows promise. Conclusions: Gut microbiota lies at the nexus of T2DM and CRC, functioning as a modifiable mediator rather than a passive bystander. Future research should prioritize longitudinal, multi-omic, and intervention-driven studies to enable personalized prevention and treatment strategies. Full article

Bullying is increasingly understood as a group-based phenomenon in which bystanders play a critical role, yet little is known about how witnessing bullying affects bystanders’ self-esteem and academic motivation. The aim of this study was to explore adolescents’ perspectives on how witnessing bullying in school may be linked to their self-esteem and academic motivation. This qualitative study explored these experiences among 35 Swedish adolescents (22 girls and 13 boys, aged 14–16) using focus group interviews analyzed through constructivist grounded theory. The analysis generated a core category, Authenticity in witnessing bullying, reflecting how adolescents balanced empathic responses, self-image, and academic motivation when confronted with bullying. In addition, six interrelated categories emerged: (1) sympathetic wounding, (2) relationship buffering, (3) fear-driven avoidance, (4) academic shielding, (5) academic draining, and (6) normalization of bullying. Witnessing bullying affected participants’ feelings of authenticity, self-esteem, coping strategies, and academic focus. Academic motivation was shaped divergently: some students withdrew and lost motivation, while others increased focus on grades to secure transfer to a safer school environment. The theory offers a framework that is grounded in participants’ accounts that helps the understanding of how authenticity shapes the social context, emotional experience, and academic engagement. Interventions that address the emotional and motivational consequences of witnessing bullying and foster supportive school climates, empowering students to act constructively, are needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite progress in recognizing sexual diversity, homophobic bullying persists. This study had four objectives: (1) to identify the prevalence of homophobic bullying (victims, perpetrators, and bystanders); (2) to explore whether differences exist between victims and perpetrators as a function of sexual orientation with respect to emotional factors and psychopathological symptoms; (3) to analyze whether victims and perpetrators of homophobic bullying have sought psychological assistance significantly more often; and (4) to identify predictive variables of victimization and perpetration of homophobic bullying. Methods: The sample comprised 1558 Bolivian students aged 13 to 17 years (M = 14.64; SD = 0.96), who completed six standardized assessment instruments. Results: (1) A substantial percentage of students reported homophobic bullying behaviors. Victims: 76.6% reported experiencing homophobic behaviors, with significantly higher rates among non-heterosexual students (χ² = 7.40, p < 0.01) and no gender differences (χ² = 0.013, p > 0.05). Perpetrators: 11.8% admitted engaging in homophobic aggressive behaviors, with no differences by sexual orientation (χ² = 0.306, p > 0.05) but significantly higher rates among males (χ² = 8.49, p < 0.01). Bystanders: 51.9% reported witnessing homophobic behaviors, with significantly higher prevalence among non-heterosexual students (χ² = 7.03, p < 0.01) and females (χ² = 4.98, p < 0.05). (2) Analyses of variance showed that non-heterosexual victims scored significantly lower on emotional regulation, empathic joy, overall empathy, and happiness, and significantly higher on fear of negative social evaluation, overall social anxiety, all psychopathological symptom dimensions assessed (somatization, obsession–compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, psychoticism), and the global severity index. Non-heterosexual perpetrators also displayed significantly higher scores on several psychopathological symptoms (depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation, psychoticism) and on the global severity index. Effect sizes were moderate for psychopathological symptoms and small for emotional variables. (3) Victims (OR = 1.392, 95% CI [1.04, 1.86], p = 0.024) and perpetrators (OR = 1.507, 95% CI [1.07, 2.10], p = 0.017) of homophobic bullying reported significantly higher rates of seeking psychological assistance in the past year compared to those uninvolved in bullying. (4) Hierarchical regression analyses identified significant predictors of victimization (R² = 18.6%): non-heterosexual orientation, male gender, higher somatization, paranoid ideation, fear of negative evaluation, and lower happiness. For perpetration, only being male and higher levels of phobic anxiety emerged as significant predictors in the final model, explaining 5.1% of the variance. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgency of implementing school-based psychoeducational anti-bullying prevention programs that include activities designed to foster tolerance toward sexual diversity. Full article

Bullying is a significant social issue, yet research often relies on quantitative methods. Our study aimed to gain a deeper insight by giving students a voice in expressing their experiences and perceptions, focusing on how youth define and perceive bullying, the different roles involved, and the coping strategies they identify. We conducted 16 focus groups with 220 Italian students, using the Consensus Qualitative Research method. Seven key domains emerged, with core ideas classified by frequency: general (>75%), typical (25–75%), and variant (≤25%). In “Characteristics of bullying,” power imbalance was general, intentionality was typical, and repetition was variant. In “Bullying behaviors,” physical and verbal bullying were general; relational bullying was variant. Regarding “The bully,” moral disengagement and compensation were general, retaliation was typical, and intimidation was variant. For “The victim,” perceived weakness and well-being were general, ethnic victimization was typical, and victim blaming was variant. In “Other roles,” pro-bullies and passive bystanders were typical; defenders were variant. “Victim’s coping strategies” included nonchalance, distancing, and seeking social support as general; retaliation as typical; and talking with the bully as variant. Finally, “Bystanders’ coping strategies” included protecting the victim (typical) and self-protection (variant). These findings offer a nuanced perspective on bullying and inform more targeted interventions. Full article