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Frontiers in Psychology

Organizational Psychology

Frontiers in Communication

Antecedents and Consequences of Knowledge Hiding and Organizations

IntroductionNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of neonatal death and long-term morbidity, involving complex pathophysiology including prematurity, abnormal bacterial colonization, and ischemia-reperfusion injury, partially mediated by neutrophils. However, the limitations of current animal models hinder the development of targeted therapies for NEC. Thus, this study aimed to develop a human intestinal organoid model for NEC to investigate its pathophysiology, understand neutrophil involvement, and bridge animal and human research.MethodsOrganoid cultures were established from human neonatal intestinal samples with NEC (n=7) and without gut inflammation (controls, n=7), treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and/or cocultured with neutrophils. Flow cytometry quantified neutrophil survival (propidium iodide/Annexin-V), activation (CD11b/CD66b), and TLR-4 expression, as well as organoid TLR-4 expression and apoptosis markers. NEC status and neutrophil recruitment were analyzed using immunofluorescence.ResultsAfter LPS administration, NEC organoids showed significantly increased TLR-4 expression, intestinal apoptosis markers, and NEC scores compared to controls, with more pronounced differences after neutrophil addition. Neutrophil activation markers were elevated when cocultured with both NEC and control organoids, but TLR-4 expression increased only with NEC organoids.DiscussionThe findings suggest that epithelial cells from NEC patients have a heightened innate TLR-4 expression upon LPS stimulation, potentially contributing to NEC development. LPS stimulation resulted in more pronounced NEC-like lesions in NEC organoids, which were exacerbated by neutrophils. This model demonstrates that neutrophils might contribute to NEC manifestation and maintenance and that NEC organoids can reflect disease aspects, potentially aiding in the development of targeted therapies.

Neutrophils aggravate inflammatory lesions in intestinal organoids from necrotizing enterocolitis

Glial cells missing transcription factor 2 (GCM2) is one of the genes responsible for isolated hypoparathyroidism. Most cases of hypoparathyroidism caused by GCM2 pathogenic variants result from homozygous or compound heterozygous loss-of-function variants, with only a limited number of heterozygous variants reported. A 24-year-old woman with recurrent tonic convulsions was admitted to our hospital. Laboratory findings revealed severe hypocalcemia (1.28 mmol/L), normophosphatemia (1.36 mmol/L), and low intact parathyroid hormone levels (0.84 pmol/L). Based on this, hypoparathyroidism was diagnosed. Comprehensive gene analysis using next-generation sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous frameshift pathogenic variant (c.1366delG, p.Ala456ProfsTer75) in the GCM2 gene (NM_004752.4). Sanger sequencing of the patient and parents confirmed de novo occurrence. This variant is predicted to exert a dominant-negative effect by impairing GCM2 function. This case provides further evidence that heterozygous GCM2 variants can lead to hypoparathyroidism. Additionally, it underscores the importance of genetic testing for hypoparathyroidism of unknown etiology even in adults.

A novel heterozygous frameshift pathogenic variant in GCM2 gene causing isolated hypoparathyroidism: a case report

Sepsis is a syndrome of inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) triggered when the host is exposed to bacterial, viruses, and other infectious agents. The resulting inflammation compromises intestinal integrity, and this gut injury subsequently amplifies systemic inflammation, ultimately leading to multiple organ failure. This review synthesizes recent advances in sepsis-induced intestinal injury, focusing on four key aspects: pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, crosstalk among relevant signaling pathways, and therapeutic strategies. Our analysis reveals extensive interactions between these signaling pathways, with most being critically dependent on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). We propose that the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway serves as a central hub in the mechanistic network of septic gut injury. By delineating the interplay of signaling pathways in intestinal damage during sepsis. This work aims to provide novel therapeutic perspectives.

Intestinal injury signaling pathway in sepsis

Sleep health and correct complementary feeding are important considerations in public health.This study aims to confirm that correct complementary feeding (CCF) practices are complex and crucial, and they can also influence the development of healthy sleep patterns in infants' caregivers.Using a convenience sampling method, we identified a cohort of Chongqing Caregiver-Infant Pairs (CQ CG-Inf P). Caregivers' sleep conditions were primarily collected through selfreports, while complementary feeding practices were gathered using the Complementary Food Guide Tool. We employed multiple regression and subgroup analysis to explore the relationship between these factors.Of the 1,230 respondent pairs, 82.6% of infants were cared for by their mothers, 22% received CCF, and 56.3% of caregivers were housewives. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, both before (Model 1) and after (Model 2) adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics and health conditions of both children and caregivers, consistently indicate that CCF is inversely associated with the establishment of longer sleep patterns among caregivers.The results of the subgroup analysis revealed that the relationship between caregivers' CCF and long sleep patterns was not influenced by the interaction of caregivers' basic demographic factors.This study showed that caregivers providing CCF may face challenges in establishing long sleep patterns. By examining diverse feeding indicators, this research advances understanding in this field. More intuitive training on complementary feeding guidelines can support caregiver sleep health and enhance parent-child interactions.

Complementary Feeding and Caregiver Sleep: Findings from a Representative Survey in Chongqing, China

In fruit crops, sugars are essential metabolites, that are produced in leaves and subsequently transported to fruits. However, the sugar levels, gene expression patterns, and sucrose-metabolizing enzyme activities in the leaves of kiwifruit remain poorly understood. In this study, the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform was utilized to sequence the kiwifruit leaf transcriptome at 4 developmental stages (A-D), which yielded 109,832 unigenes (mean length, 1135 bp). In addition, the sugar-related genes were compared for their expression profiles and their associations with sugar accumulation and enzyme activities in kiwifruit leaves during growth. The fructose content increased from stages A to C and declined in stage D (mature leaf stage), but the glucose, sucrose, and starch contents increased continuously throughout the leaf development period. The gene expression patterns and sucrosemetabolizing enzyme activities in kiwifruit leaf samples exhibited variations from those of other plant species. Sucrose synthase was revealed as the primary enzyme for sucrose breakdown during early leaf development (stages A and B), whereas cytoplasmic invertase and cell wall invertase exhibited activities comparable to those of vacuolar invertase in the later stages of leaf development (stages C and D), which is consistent with the transcriptional changes noted in most of their encoding genes. On the other hand, Sucrose synthase, operating in the synthetic direction, exhibited greater activity than sucrose phosphate synthase across all leaf developmental stages. Overall, these results shed more light on the molecular mechanisms associated with sugar metabolism in kiwifruit leaves.

Transcriptome and Selected Metabolite Analyses Reveal Points of Sugar Metabolism in the Developing Leaves of Kiwifruit

Background/Objectives: Recent studies have sought to determine the correlation between atopic dermatitis (AD) and the occurrence of stroke; however, these investigations have not reached a consensus. Consequently, our team conducted this meta-analysis and systematic review to further explore the potential relationship between these two conditions.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception until January 2025 to identify observational studies examining the association between atopic dermatitis and stroke risk. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using the generic inverse variance method, and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Additionally, sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the stability of the results and explore potential sources of heterogeneity.This meta-analysis included 12 observational studies, comprising 8 cohort studies, 2 case-control studies, and 3 cross-sectional studies, with a total of 14,517,146 participants. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between AD and the risk of stroke (n=17, OR=1.27,95%CI=1.14-1.43). Subgroup analyses indicated a particularly strong association among males (n=3, OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.07-1.60) and in the context of ischemic stroke types (n=5, OR=1.14 95%CI=1.00-1.30). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the results were stable and reliable.AD is independently associated with an increased risk of stroke, especially in men, and there is a notable association with ischemic stroke. Moreover, the risk appears to be positively correlated with the severity of AD.

Association between atopic dermatitis and risk of stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study introduces a novel dual-purpose quinoa production method, allowing the harvest of leafy greens first and grains later from the same plant, thereby enhancing overall production and economic returns. Four quinoa lines were evaluated under two treatments: (1) cut, where leafy greens were harvested four weeks after germination, and plants were subsequently allowed to mature, and (2) control, where plants were grown to full maturity without cutting. The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications across three planting dates spaced at one-week intervals. Similar management practices were followed for both treatments and the date of planting.Results showed a significantly higher grain yield in cut plants (22.87g plant⁻¹) compared to control plants (15.52g plant⁻¹, p < 0.05). Quinoa line PI614927 yielded the highest in both cut and control treatments, with 29.15 and 18.33g plant -1 , respectively. Grain yield was higher in the cut than the control on all three planting dates. The cut plants matured two days later than the control due to late branching and flowering. Shoot dry weight was significantly higher in cut plants (77.67g) than in the control (53.80g plant -1 ) due to a higher number of branches in cut plants (4-6 plant -1 ). In contrast, plant height and panicle length were higher in the control plant. The root dry weight was significantly higher in the cut (14.99g) than in the control (12.87g plant -1 ) plants. The two treatments showed no significant differences in 100-seed weight and root length. There was no significant difference in the nutritional compositions of quinoa grains between the treatments and dates of planting. This study has three benefits: harvesting leafy greens and higher grains, profound environmental benefits from using less water and fertilizer, one-time field preparation, and short duration (around 100 days).These research findings can accelerate quinoa leafy greens and grains production, contributing to food and nutritional security and sustainable alternative crop production, especially for small farmers.

Maximizing Quinoa Production Through a Dual-Purpose Harvesting Method

Objective: To evaluate the current state of interventional clinical trials in otology and neurotology.Study Design/Methods: Review of registered clinical trials on ClinicalTrials.gov from January 1st 2019 through May 31st 2025. Interventional trials and those that met keyword criteria for otologic/neurotologic disorders were included. For each study, key characteristics including trial status, trial phase, study design, participants, intervention type, funding source, and results status were collected.Setting: National databaseResults: Though the number of interventional otologic and neurotologic clinical trials has grown over the past fifteen years, in the past five years, there has been a stagnation of the steady growth seen in the preceding ten. The greatest proportion of trials were focused on hearing loss, utilized devices, were randomized, and were funded by sources other than industry or the government. Compared to 2008-2018, trends included a shift towards device and procedural interventions for vestibular disorders and a decrease in device trials and increase in behavioral interventions for tinnitus. Emerging areas include novel pharmacological and gene therapies for hearing loss and vestibular schwannoma, but these areas remain gaps and are promising therapeutic avenues that merit further exploration.Conclusion: Future interval assessments exploring the trends in otologic and neurotologic clinical trials should be performed to identify gaps that offer opportunities for innovation of novel therapies and to monitor the health of the clinical trial environment.

Clinical Trials in Otology and Neurotology: State of the Science

Maximum height (Hmax) is a principal driver or correlate of interspecific variation in many plant functional traits. Still, it remains unclear why leaf resource economic traits are invariant with Hmax at global scale and why broad-scale interspecific trait correlations are not retained at local scale. Here we proposed that the actual plant height (Hact), which is tightly linked with highly localized abiotic and biotic interactions, is more important than Hmax in determining plant morpho-physiological traits among locally co-occurring plants. We tested the idea across community, regional, and global scales. We also examined correlations among 22 traits, including leaf physiology, hydraulics, and crown architecture, within a subtropical forest in Eastern China.Additionally, we explored how Hact-driven trait variations align with vertical patterns of microclimates. Results showed stronger correlations between leaf traits and Hact at the community level, except for leaf area. Intraspecific variation exceeded interspecific variation, and trait correlations were stronger at the individual level than the species level. Hact positively correlated with traits like crown area, leaf mass per area, stomatal density, and hydraulic conductivity but negatively with stem hydraulic safety margin and leaf coverage. Vertical changes in photosynthetically active radiation explained most Hact-driven trait variations. Our findings suggest that Hact influences plant tradeoffs in biomass allocation and photosynthetic-hydraulic limitations, shaping functional diversity within communities. This highlights Hact as a key factor in balancing resource use, support, and water transport among coexisting plants.

Importance of the actual plant height in modulating the within-community spectrum of plant form and function

Background: African walnut (Plukenetia conophora) oil (AWO) has been employed in the management of glucose dysmetabolic-mediated ailments, with emerging evidence suggesting that its modulatory effects on erythrocyte glucose dysmetabolism may mitigate dysfunctions implicated in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases.Objective: The present study investigated the effect of AWO on glucose uptake and its effect on glucose metabolism, purinergic and antioxidant activities and surface morphology in isolated rats' erythrocytes ex vivo.Methods: Isolated erythrocytes were incubated with AWO (30-240 μg/mL) and glucose (11.1 mM) for 2 h at 37 ˚C. Negative control consisted of erythrocytes incubated with glucose only, while normal control consisted of erythrocytes not incubated with AWO and/or glucose.Metformin served as the standard hypoglycemic drug.Incubation with AWO led to significant increase in erythrocyte glucose uptake, with concomitant suppression in superoxide dismutase, adenosine triphosphatase, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase, glucose 6-phosphatse and fructose-1,6bisphosphatase activities and iron level, while concomitantly enhancing glutathione and magnesium levels. Furthermore, the surface morphology of erythrocytes was improved following incubation with AWO. Molecular docking analysis revealed strong molecular interactions between AWO's phytoconstituents (linolenic acid and linoleic acid) and hemoglobin. Molecular Dynamics simulation further revealed strong protein-ligand relationships between hemoglobin the oil's constituents as revealed by root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, solvent accessible surface area, and radius of gyration values, with hydrogen, hydrophobic, ionic bonds and water bridges contributing to the stability of the protein-ligand complex. These results suggest the ability of AWO to improve erythrocyte glucose metabolism and morphology, mitigate oxidative stress, and may be of translational relevance in managing erythrocytes' dysfunction in metabolic diseases.

African walnut (Plukenetia conophora) Oil Improves Glucose Uptake and Metabolic Activities in Erythrocytes

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disease characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Currently incurable, relapse and drug resistance remain significant challenges, necessitating the exploration of novel anti-MM agents. Ferroptosis, a form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a critical player in MM pathology and treatment. With advancing research, emerging evidence links ferroptosis to MM pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. Natural products (NPs) and certain antitumor agents, owing to their broad bioactivities, demonstrate unique pharmacological advantages in MM therapy by targeting ferroptosis-related pathways. Purpose: This review systematically examines ferroptosis-related pathways in MM pathogenesis, focusing on pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms of natural products (NPs) and antitumor compounds in modulating ferroptosis-related pathways. It aims to provide novel insights and strategies for MM research and clinical therapy. Methods: We systematically retrieved data from PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Scopus, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) spanning database inception to March 2025, followed by taxonomic integrative analysis of NPs' and antitumor compounds' echanistic classifications. Results: Shikonin, apigenin, artesunate, ginsenosides, and chemical agents exert anti-MM effects via ferroptosis modulation, mechanistically mediated through: (1) lipid metabolism reprogramming; (2) ferritinophagy-driven iron homeostasis regulation; (3) ROS-mediated oxidative stress potentiation; (4) autophagic activation; (5) Genes and proteins regulation. Conclusions: NPs and antitumor compounds demonstrate therapeutic potential against MM through multi-dimensional ferroptosis modulation, yet clinical translation faces two critical hurdles: (1) predominant focus on single-target mechanisms lacking systems pharmacology-level network analysis; (2) overreliance on in vitro models with insufficient clinical validation. Prioritize developing biomarkers and ferroptosis inducers to advance novel ferroptosis-targeting anticancer compounds.

Ferroptosis: a novel pharmacological mechanism against multiple myeloma

Objectives: This cross-sectional analytical study explores the predictors of the healthcare utilization in the adult population with cardiovascular diseases; Methodology: The research was carried out as part of the fourth Serbian National Health Survey, in the period from October to December 2019, as a descriptive, cross-sectional analytical study and included the population of cardiovascular patients (N=4712) aged over 20 years; Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including percentage-based structure indicators, Chi-square (χ2) tests for categorical variable differences, and logistic regression for examining relationships between dependent and independent variables, were used in the data analysis. Results: The analysis identified several significant contributors to cardiovascular healthcare utilization, emphasizing distinct and overlapping factors that impact various types of healthcare use. The chi-square test has shown that predominantly, each form of healthcare utilization is most prevalent among the 60-69 age group (general practitioner visits: 33.9%, specialist visits: 33.1%, hospitalization: 31.4%, p<0.001 Self-assessment of general health (bad/very bad) and the presence of multiple chronic conditions were positively associated with general practitioner (PR=1.037(1.001-1.075);p=0.044, PR=1.077(1.039-1.117);p<0.001), specialist visits (PR=1.381(1.281-1.490);p<0.001, PR=1.279(1.181-1.385);p<0.001) and hospitalization p<0.001,  p<0.001).Sociodemographic factors and some aspects of health status have a significant impact on the cardiovascular healthcare, thereby precise recommendations for facilitating appropriate healthcare utilization should be established. A top priority for academics, physicians and public health specialists is to keep emphasizing the significance of socio-demographic determinants in lowering cardiovascular complications, as well as strengthening cardiovascular healthcare.

The Effect of Sociodemographic, Socioeconomic, and Health Factors on Healthcare Utilization in Cardiovascular Patients in Serbia: A Part of National Health Survey