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Survey Study on College Student’s Acceptance and Attitude Towards Generative AI to Their Learning
Full text linkThis study investigated college students’ attitudes and acceptance of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. These tools are advanced programs capable of understanding questions and responding in a conversational manner. The main objective is to determine whether college students find generative AI tools helpful for their learning and schoolwork. A comprehensive survey was conducted with 57 college students at an online survey platform SurveyMonkey.com. The survey solicited college students’ perceived usefulness of generative AI tools in academic settings regarding their school activities (such as writing papers, explaining complex topics, coding, solving math problems, and researching information). The model of Diffusion of innovations and UTAUA2 guided the design of this study. The study revealed several key insights into college students\u27 use of generative AI tools. Primarily, students\u27 intention to use generative AI tools are significantly influenced by the perceived ease of use and reasonable cost. Additionally, students\u27 attitudes towards generative AI tools are positively affected by the perceived ease of use and the support they receive from their social circles. When it comes to actual usage, having access to necessary resources and technical support, as well as being influenced by early adopters, plays a crucial role. Notably, the study found that age and gender do not significantly affect these relationships, indicating consistent factors across different demographic groups
Can Secure Base Script Knowledge Predict Changes in Perceptions of Conflict Resolution Discussions in Engaged Couples Over Time?
Full text linkAccording to attachment theory, attachment representations shape the way in which individuals obtain and organize social information. One facet of social information processing that has been studied in relation to attachment representations is memory reconstruction, which is the process by which previous experiences and prior knowledge shape the recollection of past events. In this study, we examined how secure base script knowledge, an aspect of attachment representations that reflects access to a temporal-causal sequence regarding receiving support from close others, predicts changes in how romantic partners perceive conflict resolution discussions over time. Members of engaged couples (N =154) rated levels of support offered and received during conflict resolution discussions with their fiancés immediately following the interaction and at a four-week follow-up. Results indicated that ASA did not significantly predict changes in perceptions of conflict resolution discussions with romantic partners over time. These findings diverge from previous research that supports an association between attachment representations and changes in memory of conflict interactions. Findings from the current study suggest that secure base script knowledge may not be an effective intervention target for improving relationship quality
Fearing the other: The underlying mechanisms of mental illness stigma
No full textThis study sought to clarify the underlying mechanisms behind mental illness stigma. Using a sample of 303 adults from the general population, participants completed a series of online self-reports in response to a vignette about “Harry,” an individual who was described as either Black or White, with schizophrenia or depression. Respondents answered questions regarding perceptions of dangerousness, causal attributions of mental illness, and endorsement of stigmatizing beliefs, and also provided narratives for Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) cards that were coded using the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS). Results of structural equation modeling indicated that there was no direct relationship between diagnosis or race and level of stigma. However, participants did endorse higher levels of stigma when Harry was diagnosed with schizophrenia versus depression, through increased endorsement of perceived dangerousness, indicating that perceptions of dangerousness play a critical role in individuals’ stigma schemas. While biological beliefs about mental illness did not mediate the relationship between diagnosis and level of stigma, exploratory analyses found that participants who identified themselves as having been diagnosed with a mental illness endorsed lower levels of stigma overall, though self/other representations did not impact this relationship. Despite limited findings, the replication of research regarding perceptions of dangerousness, intersectional nature of the study, and inclusion of projective personality measures make this a novel contribution to stigma research. Clinical and social implications as well as limitations and future directions were also considered
The head, the heart, and the human: A developmental cascade perspective of adults with Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries
No full textAs survival rates for individuals with complex congenital heart disease (CHD), such as dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA), increase, there is a growing need to examine neurocognitive and psychosocial challenges from a lifespan perspective. However, research often overlooks the integration of these factors, despite evidence from other chronic illness populations suggesting their interplay influences psychosocial functioning in adulthood. This study assessed psychosocial maturity in emerging adults with d-TGA and explored its relationship with executive functioning (EF) and social cognition (SC) longitudinally. Data were drawn from the Boston Circulatory Arrest Study (BCAS) cohort at age 16 (n = 80) and adulthood (n = 87, mean age = 28.95 ± 1.26), along with an adult age-matched control group (n = 41) to assess 1) EF and SC longitudinally, respectively, 2) the relationship between age 16 EF and adult SC, and 3) the mediating effects of SC on the relationship between EF and adult psychosocial maturity. Within the d-TGA group, EF and SC remained stable from age 16 to adulthood; however, age 16 EF did not predict adult SC. SC did not mediate the relationship between EF and adult psychosocial maturity in either group. Across both groups, EF emerged as the strongest predictor of adult psychosocial maturity, with no effect of group membership. Findings highlight the importance of a biopsychosocial framework in understanding developmental trajectories in d-TGA, emphasizing EF as a key predictor of long-term psychosocial outcomes and a potential target for intervention across the lifespan.
Keywords: congenital heart disease, d-TGA, executive functioning, social cognition, emerging adulthood, psychosocial outcomes, psychosocial maturit
How Does Early-Life Antibiotic Exposure Impact Gut Microbiome Composition, and What Are the Long-Term Metabolic Consequences Associated with These Changes?
No full textINTRODUCTION: The gut microbiome is integral to drug metabolism and metabolic regulation. Disruptions in microbial composition due to early-life antibiotic exposure have been associated with long-term metabolic consequences, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. This study explores the impact of early antibiotic use on the gut microbiome and its implications for metabolic health.
METHOD: A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed database for studies published between February and March 2025. Key search terms included gut microbiota, pharmacokinetics, xenobiotics, biotransformation, and antibiotics. Studies were included if they were in English, human-based, and focused on children, antibiotics, the microbiome, and metabolism. Exclusion criteria were non-clinical or agricultural studies. A total of 23 studies, comprising randomized trials and observational studies, were analyzed.
RESULTS: The review revealed consistent associations between early antibiotic exposure and gut dysbiosis. Beta-lactam antibiotics were shown to reduce Bifidobacterium populations by up to 40% and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii by 35%, while macrolides led to a 30% decrease in Bacteroidetes and a 50% increase in Proteobacteria. A large retrospective cohort study involving over 6,400 children found that infants exposed to antibiotics before age 1 had a 25% higher risk of developing obesity by age 7. Another study reported that short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was reduced by 45% in antibiotic-exposed infants, suggesting impaired energy regulation and increased risk for insulin resistance. These microbial shifts were consistently linked to long-term metabolic disturbances, including weight gain, inflammation, and altered glucose homeostasis.
CONCLUSION: Early-life antibiotic exposure disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to long-term metabolic effects, including an increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance. These findings highlight the need for cautious antibiotic use in early life and suggest that future research should focus on probiotics and microbiome-based therapies to promote long-term metabolic health
1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D Enhances the Differentiation of Intestinal Stem Cells Ex Vivo and In Vivo
No full textInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder in the intestines. Current therapies aim at suppressing inflammation to prevent further damage. However, healing already damaged intestinal epithelia is still an unmet medical need. In this regard, epithelial healing is achieved via intestinal stem cells (ISCs) that are located in the intestinal crypts. Considering the literature reports that the active vitamin D (1,25[OH]2D) is essential for the maintenance of Lgr5+ ISCs, the active proliferating ISCs, we recently proposed to deliver locally high 1,25(OH)2D concentrations to the proximity of intestinal crypts to promote intestinal stem cell functions. This local delivery was devised to avoid potential side effects associated with systemically high 1,25(OH)2D concentrations. Using 5-Bromo-20-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label the actively proliferating ISCs, our previous data indicated that the locally delivered 1,25(OH)2D enhanced the migration and differentiation of Lgr5+ ISCs. However, although sparse in the crypts, other proliferating cells may be labeled with BrdU. This current study used a unique mouse strain to precisely trace Lgr5+ ISCs and consolidated our previous finding that the locally delivered 1,25(OH)2D augmented ISC differentiation. Besides, we generated pure Lgr5+ ISC lines that could be induced to differentiate on demand. Our data showed that, in vitro, 1,25(OH)2D enhanced the differentiation of Lgr5+ ISCs. Moreover, by knocking down the vitamin D receptor (VDR), we demonstrated that the 1,25(OH)2D functions in ISCs are mediated through VDR. Accordingly, our findings suggest that locally high 1,25(OH)2D concentrations are a promising strategy for intestinal epithelial healing
The Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Prescription Drug Costs and Pharmaceutical Innovation: Analysis of Seven Selected Drugs
No full textINTRODUCTION: In 2020, U.S. prescription drug expenditures exceeded 370 billion, with Medicare enrollees facing rising out-of-pocket costs. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in 2022, granted the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the authority to negotiate drug prices to reduce costs for Medicare beneficiaries. This research evaluates how IRA-mandated price negotiations may impact prescription drug prices and pharmaceutical innovation. METHOD: Data was sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CMS, Statista, Macrotrends, and financial reports from pharmaceutical manufacturers. Seven of the ten drugs selected for IRA negotiations were analyzed: Januvia, Fiasp/Novolog, Farxiga, Enbrel, Stelara, Xarelto, and Eliquis. Correlation analysis examined domestic R&D expenditure and revenue trends from 1985 to 2023, while regression analysis assessed the relationship between the U.S. prescription drug Consumer Price Index (CPI) and domestic sales revenue. RESULTS: In 2023, the seven analyzed drugs accounted for 41.6 billion in Medicare Part D spending, generating 20.5 billion annually by 2026, but manufacturer revenue is expected to decline to 7.1 billion loss. Correlation analysis (r = 0.9896) indicated strong ties between revenue and R&D investment, while regression analysis (R² = 0.9277) showed a strong link between CPI trends and revenue. Manufacturers historically reinvested 20% of revenue into R&D, meaning projected losses could reduce R&D spending by $1.43 billion in 2026 alone. CONCLUSION: While IRA negotiations will significantly reduce Medicare costs, the projected revenue decline could reduce R&D investment, potentially slowing pharmaceutical innovation. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of these price controls on drug development and patient access
Exploring the Relationship Between Adult Attachment, Reflective Functioning, and Head Orientation in Fathers
No full textINTRODUCTION: Investigating nonverbal interactions—especially head orientation—between fathers and children may reveal unique contributions fathers make to their children’s emotional development. This study examined how reflective functioning and adult attachment styles relate to nonverbal behaviors, specifically head orientation, in fathers of preschool-aged children.
METHOD: A sample of 76 fathers of children aged 3 to 6 years was recruited from preschools. Inclusion criteria required participants to be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and a residential biological father, stepfather, or father figure, with at least one child aged 3 to 6 years. Eligible participants were scheduled for a laboratory session where the study aims were explained, and interviews and measures were completed. After completing the session, participants were debriefed. Participants completed the Brief Reflective Functioning Interview and the Experience in Close Relationships scale. For the BRFI, participants were assigned an overall reflective functioning score. For the ECR-S, participants were categorized as secure, avoidant, or anxious based on percentiles. Head orientation during interviews was coded through microanalysis (1-second intervals) of the first 30 seconds of four demand questions on the BRFI. A final score of head orientation—either toward or away from the interviewer was assigned. The BRFI and head orientation were coded by two independent raters who passed reliability in administration and coding.
RESULTS: The study hypothesized that securely attached fathers would be more likely to orient their head toward the interviewer, with reflective functioning positively mediating this relationship. However, no participants were classified as securely attached. Instead, 44.74% were avoidant, and 55.27% were anxiousavoidant. Head orientation was split, with 46.01% of fathers orienting toward the interviewer and 54% orienting away. Reflective functioning scores were generally low (M = 2.58). A post-hoc logistic regression revealed no significant predictors of head orientation.
CONCLUSION: These findings raise questions about the absence of securely attached fathers, differences in head orientation, and the generally low levels of reflective functioning in the sample
Effects of Storage Temperature on Blood Components Using δ13C and δ15N SIA
No full textStable Isotopes are non-radioactive variants that facilitate the analysis of δ13C and δ15N across various elements. Through the application of stable isotope analysis in blood storage, this study aims to evaluate the preservation and stability of cellular components over a seven-month period in blood samples obtained from two spayed female dogs: a Doberman and a Rottweiler. We recorded empty and wet weight of the blood samples, which were stored at four different temperatures: -80°C, room temperature, refrigerator, and freezer. For δ13C and δ15N, storage in -80°C and room temperature seem to track each other in plasma and RBCs, which was predicted to be the farthest apart. The results indicate that there is not a significant difference in isotope ratios of the samples during the observed period. We anticipate that our findings will provide valuable insights into the effects of various storage methods and their impact on the integrity of blood samples, thereby informing future studies on blood sample preservation
Narcissists in the feedback loop: Status dynamics and defensive responses
No full textThe rising prevalence of narcissistic traits has sparked interest in how individuals with these traits navigate social interactions. Existing research often emphasizes antagonistic or provocative scenarios, potentially overlooking reactions in everyday contexts. This study examines responses to negative feedback in a less aggressive setting, where 205 undergraduate students wrote about something personally meaningful before receiving critical feedback from either a high-status or low-status evaluator. Emotional responses, including internalization, externalization, and self-protection strategies, were analyzed across varying levels of narcissistic traits. Findings revealed that evaluator status did not significantly influence emotional processing or self-protection strategies, regardless of narcissism levels, potentially due to factors discussed in the discussion and future directions sections. Exploratory analyses tested alternate models. While narcissistic traits shaped emotional responses, they appeared less central in moderating reactions to feedback than previously thought, offering a nuanced perspective on narcissistic vulnerability and self-protection in realistic contexts