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19 pages, 3691 KiB  
Article
Assessing CFTR Function and Epithelial Morphology in Human Nasal Respiratory Cell Cultures: A Combined Immunofluorescence and Electrophysiological Study
by Roshani Narayan Singh, Vanessa Mete, Willy van Driessche, Heymut Omran, Wolf-Michael Weber and Jörg Grosse-Onnebrink
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7618; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157618 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common hereditary lung disease in Caucasians, is caused by dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We evaluated CFTR function using a newly developed Ussing chamber system, the Multi Trans Epithelial Current Clamp (MTECC), in an [...] Read more.
Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common hereditary lung disease in Caucasians, is caused by dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We evaluated CFTR function using a newly developed Ussing chamber system, the Multi Trans Epithelial Current Clamp (MTECC), in an in vitro model of human airway epithelia. Air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures were established from nasal brushings of healthy controls (HC) and CF patients with biallelic CFTR variants. ALI layer thickness was similar between groups (HC: 62 ± 13 µm; CF: 55 ± 9 µm). Immunofluorescence showed apical CFTR expression in HC, but reduced or absent signal in CF cultures. MTECC enabled continuous measurement of transepithelial resistance (Rt), potential difference (PD), and conductance (Gt). Gt was significantly reduced in CF cultures compared to HC (0.825 ± 0.024 vs. −0.054 ± 0.016 mS/cm2), indicating impaired cAMP-inducible ion transport by CFTR. Treatment of CF cultures with elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor (Trikafta®) increased Gt, reflecting partial restoration of CFTR function. These findings demonstrate the utility of MTECC in detecting functional differences in CFTR activity and support its use as a platform for evaluating CFTR-modulating therapies. Our model may contribute to the development of personalized treatment strategies for CF patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Pathophysiology of Cystic Fibrosis)
21 pages, 826 KiB  
Article
Socio-Economic and Environmental Trade-Offs of Sustainable Energy Transition in Kentucky
by Sydney Oluoch, Nirmal Pandit and Cecelia Harner
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7133; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157133 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
A just and sustainable energy transition in historically coal-dependent regions like Kentucky requires more than the adoption of new technologies and market-based solutions. This study uses a stated preferences approach to evaluate public support for various attributes of energy transition programs, revealing broad [...] Read more.
A just and sustainable energy transition in historically coal-dependent regions like Kentucky requires more than the adoption of new technologies and market-based solutions. This study uses a stated preferences approach to evaluate public support for various attributes of energy transition programs, revealing broad backing for moving away from coal, as indicated by a negative willingness to pay (WTP) for the status quo (–USD 4.63). Key findings show strong bipartisan support for solar energy, with Democrats showing the highest WTP at USD 8.29, followed closely by Independents/Others at USD 8.22, and Republicans at USD 8.08. Wind energy also garnered support, particularly among Republicans (USD 4.04), who may view it as more industry-compatible and less ideologically polarizing. Job creation was a dominant priority across political affiliations, especially for Independents (USD 9.07), indicating a preference for tangible, near-term economic benefits. Similarly, preserving cultural values tied to coal received support among Independents/Others (USD 4.98), emphasizing the importance of place-based identity in shaping preferences. In contrast, social support programs (e.g., job retraining) and certain post-mining land uses (e.g., recreation and conservation) were less favored, possibly due to their abstract nature, delayed benefits, and political framing. Findings from Kentucky offer insights for other coal-reliant states like Wyoming, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Illinois. Ultimately, equitable transitions must integrate local voices, address cultural and economic realities, and ensure community-driven planning and investment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy, Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development)
25 pages, 426 KiB  
Review
Survey on the Application of Robotics in Archaeology
by Panagiota Kyriakoulia, Anastasios Kazolias, Dimitrios Konidaris and Panagiotis Kokkinos
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4836; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154836 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This work explores the application of robotic systems in archaeology, highlighting their transformative role in excavation, documentation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. By combining technologies such as LiDAR, GIS, 3D modeling, sonar, and other sensors with autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms, archaeologists can [...] Read more.
This work explores the application of robotic systems in archaeology, highlighting their transformative role in excavation, documentation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. By combining technologies such as LiDAR, GIS, 3D modeling, sonar, and other sensors with autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms, archaeologists can now reach inaccessible sites, automate artifact analysis, and reconstruct fragmented remains with greater precision. The study provides a systematic overview of underwater, aerial, terrestrial, and other robotic systems, drawing on scientific literature that showcases their innovative use in both fieldwork and museum settings. Selected examples illustrate how robotics is being applied to solve key archaeological challenges in new and effective ways. While the paper emphasizes the potential of these technologies, it also addresses their technical, economic, and ethical limitations, concluding that successful adoption depends on interdisciplinary collaboration, careful implementation, and a balanced respect for cultural integrity. Full article
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12 pages, 1394 KiB  
Article
Integrating Cartilage Explant Culture with Simulated Digestion and Hepatic Biotransformation Refines In Vitro Screening of Joint Care Nutraceuticals
by Michelina Crosbie, Kailey Vanderboom, Jamie Souccar-Young and Wendy Pearson
Methods Protoc. 2025, 8(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps8040091 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
In vitro cartilage explant culture has been used to assess nutraceuticals on cartilage responses to inflammatory stimuli. However, applying extracts of nutraceuticals directly to cartilage explants does not account for effects of digestion and hepatic biotransformation, or selective exclusion of product metabolites from [...] Read more.
In vitro cartilage explant culture has been used to assess nutraceuticals on cartilage responses to inflammatory stimuli. However, applying extracts of nutraceuticals directly to cartilage explants does not account for effects of digestion and hepatic biotransformation, or selective exclusion of product metabolites from joint fluid by the synovial membrane. The current study produced a simulated biological extract of a common nutraceutical (glucosamine; Gsim) by exposing it to a simulated upper gastrointestinal tract digestion, hepatic biotransformation by liver microsomes, and purification to a molecular weight cut-off of 50 kDa. This extract was then used to condition cartilage explants cultured for 120 h in the presence or absence of an inflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide). Media samples were analyzed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and nitric oxide (NO). Tissue was digested and analyzed for GAG content and stained for viability. Conditioning of explants with Gsim significantly reduced media GAG in stimulated and unstimulated explants and reduced nitric oxide production in unstimulated explants. These data provide evidence for the value of glucosamine in protecting cartilage from deterioration following an inflammatory challenge, and the model improves applicability of these in vitro data to the in vivo setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Sciences and Physiology)
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19 pages, 753 KiB  
Article
In-Context Learning for Low-Resource Machine Translation: A Study on Tarifit with Large Language Models
by Oussama Akallouch and Khalid Fardousse
Algorithms 2025, 18(8), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/a18080489 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study presents the first systematic evaluation of in-context learning for Tarifit machine translation, a low-resource Amazigh language spoken by 5 million people in Morocco and Europe. We assess three large language models (GPT-4, Claude-3.5, PaLM-2) across Tarifit–Arabic, Tarifit–French, and Tarifit–English translation using [...] Read more.
This study presents the first systematic evaluation of in-context learning for Tarifit machine translation, a low-resource Amazigh language spoken by 5 million people in Morocco and Europe. We assess three large language models (GPT-4, Claude-3.5, PaLM-2) across Tarifit–Arabic, Tarifit–French, and Tarifit–English translation using 1000 sentence pairs and 5-fold cross-validation. Results show that 8-shot similarity-based demonstration selection achieves optimal performance. GPT-4 achieved 20.2 BLEU for Tarifit–Arabic, 14.8 for Tarifit–French, and 10.9 for Tarifit–English. Linguistic proximity significantly impacts translation quality, with Tarifit–Arabic substantially outperforming other language pairs by 8.4 BLEU points due to shared vocabulary and morphological patterns. Error analysis reveals systematic issues with morphological complexity (42% of errors) and cultural terminology preservation (18% of errors). This work establishes baseline benchmarks for Tarifit translation and demonstrates the viability of in-context learning for morphologically complex low-resource languages, contributing to linguistic equity in AI systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Evolutionary Algorithms and Machine Learning)
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31 pages, 18795 KiB  
Review
Timber Architecture for Sustainable Futures: A Critical Review of Design and Research Challenges in the Era of Environmental and Social Transition
by Agnieszka Starzyk, Nuno D. Cortiços, Carlos C. Duarte and Przemysław Łacek
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2774; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152774 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This article provides a critical review of the current design and research challenges in contemporary timber architecture. Conducted from the perspective of a designer-researcher, the review focuses on the role of wood as a material at the intersection of environmental performance, cultural meaning, [...] Read more.
This article provides a critical review of the current design and research challenges in contemporary timber architecture. Conducted from the perspective of a designer-researcher, the review focuses on the role of wood as a material at the intersection of environmental performance, cultural meaning, and spatial practice. The study adopts a conceptual, problem-oriented approach, eschewing the conventional systematic aggregation of existing data. The objective of this study is to identify, interpret and categorise the key issues that are shaping the evolving discourse on timber architecture. The analysis is based on peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025, sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Fifteen thematic challenges have been identified and classified according to their recognition level in academic and design contexts. The subjects under discussion include well-established topics, such as life cycle assessment and carbon storage, as well as less commonly explored areas, such as symbolic durability, social acceptance, traceability, and the upcycling of low-grade wood. The review under consideration places significant emphasis on the importance of integrating technical, cultural, and perceptual dimensions when evaluating timber architecture. The article proposes an interpretive framework combining design thinking and transdisciplinary insights. This framework aims to bridge disciplinary gaps and provide a coherent structure for understanding the complexity of timber-related challenges. The framework under discussion here encourages a broader understanding of wood as not only a sustainable building material but also a vehicle for systemic transformation in architectural culture and practice. The study’s insights may support designers, educators, and policymakers in identifying strategic priorities for the development of future-proof timber-based design practices. Full article
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18 pages, 4635 KiB  
Article
Nylon Affinity Networks Capture and Sequester Two Model Bacteria Spiked in Human Plasma
by Fatema Hashemi, Silvia Cachaco, Rocio Prisby, Weidong Zhou, Gregory Petruncio, Elsa Ronzier, Remi Veneziano, Barbara Birkaya, Alessandra Luchini and Luisa Gregori
Pathogens 2025, 14(8), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080778 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Ensuring bacterial safety of blood transfusions remains a critical focus in medicine. We investigated a novel pathogen reduction technology utilizing nylon functionalized with synthetic dyes (nylon affinity networks) to capture and remove bacteria from plasma. In the initial screening process, we spiked phosphate [...] Read more.
Ensuring bacterial safety of blood transfusions remains a critical focus in medicine. We investigated a novel pathogen reduction technology utilizing nylon functionalized with synthetic dyes (nylon affinity networks) to capture and remove bacteria from plasma. In the initial screening process, we spiked phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and human plasma (1 mL each) with 10 or 100 colony forming units (cfu) of either Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus epidermidis, exposed the suspensions to affinity networks and assessed the extent of bacterial reduction using agar plate cultures as the assay output. Nineteen synthetic dyes were tested. Among these, Alcian Blue exhibited the best performance with both bacterial strains in both PBS and plasma. Next, bacterial suspensions of approximately 1 and 2 cfu/mL in 10 and 50 mL, respectively, were treated with Alcian Blue affinity networks in three sequential capture steps. This procedure resulted in complete bacterial depletion, as demonstrated by the lack of bacterial growth in the remaining fraction. The viability of the captured bacteria was confirmed by plating the post-treatment affinity networks on agar. Alcian Blue affinity networks captured and sequestered a few plasma proteins identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. These findings support the potential applicability of nylon affinity networks to enhance transfusion safety, although additional investigations are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)
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19 pages, 8835 KiB  
Article
The Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Traditional Villages’ Tourism Transformation Level in Shaanxi, China
by Huidi Jia, Lanbo Li, Siying Wu, Ruiqi Zhao and Huan Yang
Land 2025, 14(8), 1602; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081602 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Although numerous studies have examined the spatial patterns of traditional villages and their driving factors, limited attention has been devoted to the transformation of tourism. This study focused on traditional villages in Shaanxi Province, employing geodetector and grounded theory methods to analyze their [...] Read more.
Although numerous studies have examined the spatial patterns of traditional villages and their driving factors, limited attention has been devoted to the transformation of tourism. This study focused on traditional villages in Shaanxi Province, employing geodetector and grounded theory methods to analyze their spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors. First, most traditional villages have not developed tourism. Only 11.98% reached the relatively mature tourism stage. Second, the spatial distribution of mature traditional tourism villages is scattered and primarily clustered in Liuba County, Mizhi County, and Jia County. Third, the factors influencing spatial distribution characteristics include resource endowment, transportation accessibility, and regional economic conditions. Among these factors, the level of traditional villages, village heritage values, and the local tourism environment show the strongest explanatory power. These findings can help enhance cultural resilience, promote economic transformation and upgrading, and support the sustainable development of traditional villages. Full article
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20 pages, 11251 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Extracts of Spirulina platensis Inhibit Colletotrichum orchidearum and Fusarium nirenbergiae: A Green Approach to Hydroponic Lettuce Protection
by Leticia Eduarda Bender, Emily da Luz Monteiro, José Luís Trevizan Chiomento and Luciane Maria Colla
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2483; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082483 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
The growing demand for food and the environmental impact of conventional agriculture have prompted the search for sustainable alternatives. Phycocyanin (PC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) extracted from Spirulina platensis have shown potential for the biological control of phytopathogens. The extraction method directly [...] Read more.
The growing demand for food and the environmental impact of conventional agriculture have prompted the search for sustainable alternatives. Phycocyanin (PC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) extracted from Spirulina platensis have shown potential for the biological control of phytopathogens. The extraction method directly influences the yield and stability of these compounds. This study aimed to establish an efficient extraction protocol for PC and TPC and to evaluate their antimicrobial efficacy in vitro against Colletotrichum orchidearum, Fusarium nirenbergiae, and Alternaria sp. isolated from hydroponically grown lettuce. The phytopathogens were identified based on phylogenetic analyses using sequences from the ITS, EF1-α, GAPDH, and RPB2 gene regions. This is the first report of C. orchidearum in hydroponic lettuce culture in Brazil, expanding its known host range. Extracts were obtained using hydroalcoholic solvents and phosphate buffer (PB), combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (bath and probe). The extracts were tested for in vitro antifungal activity. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (p < 0.05), followed by Tukey’s test. The combination of the PB and ultrasound probe resulted in the highest PC (95.6 mg·g−1 biomass) and TPC (21.9 mg GAE·g−1) yields, using 10% (w/v) biomass. After UV sterilization, the extract retained its PC and TPC content. The extract inhibited C. orchidearum by up to 53.52% after three days and F. nirenbergiae by 54.17% on the first day. However, it promoted the growth of Alternaria sp. These findings indicate that S. platensis extracts are a promising alternative for the biological control of C. orchidearum and F. nirenbergiae in hydroponic systems. Full article
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13 pages, 224 KiB  
Review
Cultural, Religious, and Spiritual Influences on Communication in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Narrative Review Focused on Children with Severe Neurological Conditions
by Francesca Benedetti, Luca Giacomelli, Simonetta Papa, Viviana Verzeletti and Caterina Agosto
Children 2025, 12(8), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12081033 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care (PPC) aims to enhance the quality of life of children with life-limiting conditions and their families through individualized, interdisciplinary support. Among this population, children with neurological diseases represent a substantial and growing group, often facing prolonged disease courses, cognitive impairment, [...] Read more.
Pediatric palliative care (PPC) aims to enhance the quality of life of children with life-limiting conditions and their families through individualized, interdisciplinary support. Among this population, children with neurological diseases represent a substantial and growing group, often facing prolonged disease courses, cognitive impairment, and high prognostic uncertainty. Effective communication is central to PPC; however, it remains deeply influenced by cultural, religious, and spiritual frameworks that shape family perceptions of illness, suffering, and decision-making. This narrative review explores communication strategies in PPC, with a specific focus on children with neurological conditions, highlighting conceptual foundations, cross-cultural variations, and emerging best practices. Key findings highlight the importance of culturally humble approaches, family-centered communication models, and structured tools, such as co-designed advance care planning and dignity therapy, to enhance communication. Additionally, the review highlights the presence of ethical and interdisciplinary challenges, particularly in neonatal and neurology settings, where misaligned team messaging and institutional hesitancy may compromise trust and timely referral to palliative care. Future research, policy, and clinical education priorities should advocate for models that are inclusive, ethically grounded, and tailored to the unique trajectories of neurologically ill children. Integrating cultural competence, team alignment, and family voices is essential for delivering equitable and compassionate PPC across diverse care settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Palliative Care and Pain Management)
33 pages, 891 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of a Mind–Body Intervention at Improving Mental Health and Performance Among Career Firefighters
by Anthony C. Santos, Seth Long, Christopher P. Moreno and Dierdra Bycura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081227 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Almost one in three firefighters develop mental health disorders at some point during their careers, a rate double that in the general population. Frequent exposures to potentially traumatic situations can contribute to symptoms of these disorders, two of the most common being depression [...] Read more.
Almost one in three firefighters develop mental health disorders at some point during their careers, a rate double that in the general population. Frequent exposures to potentially traumatic situations can contribute to symptoms of these disorders, two of the most common being depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While various psychological interventions have been implemented among this group, reports of their effectiveness include mixed results. To this end, the current study endeavored to test the effectiveness of a 12-week intervention combining occupationally-tailored high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and psychological resilience training (RES) in reducing depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs), as well as increasing psychological resilience and mental wellbeing, in career firefighters. Thirty career firefighters completed four mental health measurements over 17 weeks while anthropometrics and physical performance (i.e., number of stations completed in 20 min during an eight-station simulated job-task circuit workout [T-CAC]) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Pre to post comparisons were made via repeated-measures t-tests. Significant mean differences were observed for T-CAC stations completed, PTSSs, and psychological resilience between pre- and post-intervention. In future interventions, researchers should actively engage firefighters, maximize integration with daily operations, and employ culturally-relevant practices to explore the links between physical and mental health. Full article
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29 pages, 7038 KiB  
Article
Developing a Practice-Based Guide to Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) for Heritage Documentation
by Junshan Liu, Danielle Willkens and Russell Gentry
Heritage 2025, 8(8), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8080313 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This research advances the integration of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) in heritage documentation, targeting the development of holistic and practical guidance for practitioners to adopt the technology effectively. Acknowledging the pivotal role of TLS in capturing detailed and accurate representations of cultural heritage, [...] Read more.
This research advances the integration of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) in heritage documentation, targeting the development of holistic and practical guidance for practitioners to adopt the technology effectively. Acknowledging the pivotal role of TLS in capturing detailed and accurate representations of cultural heritage, the study emerges against a backdrop of technological progression and the evolving needs of heritage conservation. Through a comprehensive literature review, critical case studies of heritage sites in the U.S., expert interviews, and the development of a TLS for Heritage Documentation Best Practice Guide (the guide), the paper addresses the existing gaps in streamlined practices in the domain of TLS’s applications in heritage documentation. While recognizing and building upon foundational efforts such as international guidelines developed over the past decades, this study contributes a practice-oriented perspective grounded in field experience and case-based analysis. The developed guide seeks to equip practitioners with structured methods and practical tools to optimize the use of TLS, ultimately enhancing the quality and accessibility of heritage documentation. It also sets a foundation for integrating TLS datasets with other technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) for heritage preservation, tourism, education, and interpretation, ultimately enhancing access to and engagement with cultural heritage sites. The paper also critically situates this guidance within the evolving theoretical discourse on digital heritage practices, highlighting its alignment with and divergence from existing methodologies. Full article
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20 pages, 1831 KiB  
Article
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 Supernatant Improves Markers of Gut Barrier Function and Inflammatory Response in Small Intestinal Organoids
by Louisa Filipe Rosa, Steffen Gonda, Nadine Roese and Stephan C. Bischoff
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081167 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Objectives: Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, a probiotic yeast, is effectively used for the treatment of acute diarrhea as well as for the prevention and treatment of traveller‘s diarrhea and diarrhea under tube feeding. The underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Both antitoxic [...] Read more.
Objectives: Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, a probiotic yeast, is effectively used for the treatment of acute diarrhea as well as for the prevention and treatment of traveller‘s diarrhea and diarrhea under tube feeding. The underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Both antitoxic and regulatory effects on the intestinal barrier, mediated either by the yeast or yeast-derived substrates, have been discussed. Methods: To examine the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii released substrates (S.b.S) on gastrointestinal (GI) barrier function, a murine small intestinal organoid cell model under stress was used. Stress was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure or withdrawal of growth factors from cell culture medium (GFRed). Stressed organoids were treated with S.b.S (200 µg/mL), and markers of GI barrier and inflammatory response were assessed. Results: GFRed-induced stress was characterized by disturbances in selected tight junction (TJ) (p < 0.05), adherent junction (AJ) (p < 0.001), and mucin (Muc) formation (p < 0.01), measured by gene expressions, whereby additional S.b.S treatment was found to reverse these effects by increasing Muc2 (from 0.22 to 0.97-fold change, p < 0.05), Occludin (Ocln) (from 0.37 to 3.5-fold change, p < 0.0001), and Claudin (Cldn)7 expression (from 0.13 ± 0.066-fold change, p < 0.05) and by decreasing Muc1, Cldn2, Cldn5, and junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM-A) expression (all p < 0.01). Further, S.b.S normalized expression of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (Nod)2- (from 44.5 to 0.51, p < 0.0001) and matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp)7-dependent activation (from 28.3 to 0.02875 ± 0.0044 ** p < 0.01) of antimicrobial peptide defense and reduced the expression of several inflammatory markers, such as myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (Myd88) (p < 0.01), tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfα) (p < 0.01), interleukin (IL)-6 (p < 0.01), and IL-1β (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745-derived secretome attenuates inflammatory responses and restores GI barrier function in small intestinal organoids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Probiotics: New Avenues)
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21 pages, 264 KiB  
Article
Pre-Service Early Childhood Teachers’ Perceptions of Critical Thinking and Sustainability: A Comparative Study Between Spain and Poland
by Lourdes Aragón, Robert Opora and Juan Casanova
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7129; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157129 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of future educators, specifically Early Childhood Education students at the Universities of Cádiz and Gdansk, regarding the interconnections between critical thinking and sustainability. The work aims to provide valuable insights into general teacher training, examining how these students’ [...] Read more.
This study explores the perceptions of future educators, specifically Early Childhood Education students at the Universities of Cádiz and Gdansk, regarding the interconnections between critical thinking and sustainability. The work aims to provide valuable insights into general teacher training, examining how these students’ experiences are contextualized within their respective educational systems and cultural contexts. To achieve this, eleven group interviews (three in Cádiz, eight in Gdansk) were conducted using a structured and expert-validated script. The transcribed data were qualitatively analyzed using QDA MINER v.6 software. Key findings reveal divergent perceptions of critical thinking among pre-service teachers: while Spanish students leaned towards a subjective understanding, Polish students emphasized an objective, data-driven approach. This distinction has significant implications for the conceptualization and teaching of critical thinking in educator training. Despite these differences, both groups of participants highlighted the necessity of implementing active methodologies in higher education (such as cooperative learning, problem-solving, and debates) to foster critical thinking, both for their own development and for preparing for their future practice with young children. This study also identified an excessive emphasis on theoretical aspects of sustainability in these future teachers’ training and a limited understanding of their practical application in the classroom. Furthermore, explicit connections between critical thinking and sustainability were scarce in student responses, highlighting a gap in current educator training in these areas. Collectively, the results suggest significant weaknesses in current teacher training efforts regarding the development of critical thinking and its effective integration with sustainability competencies. Full article
19 pages, 298 KiB  
Review
Speaking the Self: How Native-Language Psychotherapy Enables Change in Refugees: A Person-Centered Perspective
by Viktoriya Zipper-Weber
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151920 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, countless forcibly displaced individuals facing not only material loss, but also deep psychological distress, have sought refuge across Europe. For those traumatized by war, the absence of a shared language in therapy can hinder healing [...] Read more.
Background: Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, countless forcibly displaced individuals facing not only material loss, but also deep psychological distress, have sought refuge across Europe. For those traumatized by war, the absence of a shared language in therapy can hinder healing and exacerbate suffering. While cultural diversity in psychotherapy has gained recognition, the role of native-language communication—especially from a person-centered perspective—remains underexplored. Methods: This narrative review with a thematic analysis examines whether and how psychotherapy in the mother tongue facilitates access to therapy and enhances therapeutic efficacy. Four inter-related clusters emerged: (1) the psychosocial context of trauma and displacement; (2) language as a structural gatekeeper to care (RQ1); (3) native-language therapy as a mechanism of change (RQ2); (4) potential risks such as over-identification or therapeutic mismatch (RQ2). Results: The findings suggest that native-language therapy can support the symbolic integration of trauma and foster the core conditions for healing. The implications for multilingual therapy formats, training in interpreter-mediated settings, and future research designs—including longitudinal, transnational studies—are discussed. Conclusions: In light of the current crises, language is not just a tool for access to therapy, but a pathway to psychological healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees)
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