Research on designers' behavioral intention toward Artificial Intelligence-Aided Design: integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model.

Artificial Intelligence-Aided Design (AIAD) has numerous advantages and tremendous benefits for designers. However, not all designers are keen to integrate AIAD into their workflow, and their intention to use AIAD remains a research gap. This study explores designers' adoption of AIAD, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Drawing on extant literature, we proposed a research model and tested it using data from 392 Chinese designers. The results indicate that in terms of AIAD, (a) designers' attitudes toward AIAD (b = 0.259, p < 0.001), subjective norms (b = 0.363, p < 0.001), and perceived behavioral control (b = 0.556, p < 0.001) have significant and positive impacts on their intention to use AIAD; (b) perceived usefulness of AIAD (b = 0.910, p < 0.001) has a positive and significant correlation with attitudes toward AIAD while perceived ease of use (b = -0.126, p < 0.05) exerts no significant impact on attitudes; (c) the knowledge level of designers (b = -0.149, p < 0.01) has a negative moderating effect on the impact of attitudes toward AIAD on the intention to use them. The present research then discusses its practical significance.

Lipid-Conjugated Reduced Haloperidol in Association with Glucose-Based Nanospheres: A Strategy for Glioma Treatment.

Aggressive glioma exhibits a poor survival rate. Increased tumor aggression is linked to both tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which induce pro-aggression, invasion, and metastasis. Imperatively, for effective treatment, it is important to target both glioma cells and TAMs. Haloperidol, a neuropsychotic drug, avidly targets the sigma receptor (SR), which is expressed in higher levels in both the cell types. Herein, we present the development of a novel cationic lipid-conjugated reduced haloperidol (±RHPC8), which aims to mediate the SR-targeted antiglioma effect. Hypothetically, ±RHPC8 would act simultaneously as an SR-targeting ligand and anticancer agent. As the blood-brain barrier (BBB) obstructs direct targeting of in situ glioma, we used BBB-crossing glucose-based carbon nanospheres (CSPs) to deliver ±RHPC8 within the glioma tumor-bearing mouse brain. The resultant ±RHPC8-CSP nanoconjugate targeted SR-expressing glioma cells. In both orthotopic and subcutaneous mouse tumor models, ±RHPC8-CSP prolonged survival and regressed tumors compared to other treated groups. Notably, ±RHPC8-CSP was significantly taken up by SR-expressing TAMs thus resulting in macrophage polarization from M2 to M1, as exhibited by markedly reduced expression of immunosuppressive cytokines released by TAMs, including TGF-ß, IL-10, and VEGF. In conclusion, the designed ±RHPC8-CSP nanoconjugate presented an effective nanodrug delivery system for brain cancer treatment.

The protective role of Mertk in JEV-induced encephalitis by maintaining the integrity of blood-brain barrier.

Japanese encephalitis is an acute infectious disease of the central nervous system caused by neurotropic Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). As a member of TAM (Tyro3, Axl and Mertk) family, Mertk has involved in multiple biological processes by engaging with its bridging ligands Gas6 and Protein S, including invasion of pathogens, phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, inflammatory response regulation, and the maintenance of blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, its role in encephalitis caused by JEV infection has not been studied in detail. Here, we found that Mertk-/- mice exhibited higher mortality and more rapid disease progression than wild-type mice after JEV challenge. There were no significant differences in viral load and cytokines expression level in peripheral tissues between Wild type and Mertk-/- mice. Furthermore, the absence of Mertk had little effect on the inflammatory response and immunopathological damage while it can cause an increased viral load in the brain. For the in vitro model of BBB, Mertk was shown to maintain the integrity of the BBB. In vivo, Mertk-/- mice exhibited higher BBB permeability and lower BBB integrity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Mertk acts as a protective factor in the development of encephalitis induced by JEV infection, which is mainly associated with its beneficial effect on BBB integrity, rather than its regulation of inflammatory response.

Unveiling the contribution of tumor-associated macrophages in driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition: a review of mechanisms and therapeutic Strategies.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), fundamental constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), significantly influence cancer development, primarily by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT endows cancer cells with increased motility, invasiveness, and resistance to therapies, marking a pivotal juncture in cancer progression. The review begins with a detailed exposition on the origins of TAMs and their functional heterogeneity, providing a foundational understanding of TAM characteristics. Next, it delves into the specific molecular mechanisms through which TAMs induce EMT, including cytokines, chemokines and stromal cross-talking. Following this, the review explores TAM-induced EMT features in select cancer types with notable EMT characteristics, highlighting recent insights and the impact of TAMs on cancer progression. Finally, the review concludes with a discussion of potential therapeutic targets and strategies aimed at mitigating TAM infiltration and disrupting the EMT signaling network, thereby underscoring the potential of emerging treatments to combat TAM-mediated EMT in cancer. This comprehensive analysis reaffirms the necessity for continued exploration into TAMs' regulatory roles within cancer biology to refine therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes.

Lidocaine combined with general anesthetics impedes metastasis of breast cancer cells via inhibition of TGF-ß/Smad-mediated EMT signaling by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages.

Surgical resection is the best-known approach for breast cancer treatment. However, post-operative metastases increase the rate of death. The potential effect of anesthetic drugs on long-term tumor growth, risk of metastasis, and recurrence after surgery has been investigated in cancer patients. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the anti-metastatic effect of lidocaine combined with common anesthetics and its mechanisms of action on lung metastasis in breast cancer models. The combination of lidocaine with propofol or sevoflurane inhibited the growth of TNBC cells compared to treatment alone. In addition, the combination effectively inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion. It suppressed tumor growth and increased the survival rate in breast 4 T1 orthotopic models. More importantly, it inhibited lung metastasis and recurrence compared with groups treated with a single anesthetic. In co-culture with TAMs and TNBC cells, lidocaine not only reduced M2-tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) that were increased by sevoflurane or propofol but also increased M1 macrophage polarization, impeding tumor growth in TNBC. Also, we found that the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) derived from TAMs increased EMT signaling in TNBC cells, and that lidocaine affected cancer cells as well as M2-TAMs, inducing M2 to M1 reprogramming and decreasing TGF-ß/Smads-mediated EMT signaling in TNBC cells, leading to inhibition of cancer metastasis and recurrence. These findings suggest lidocaine combined with general anesthetics as a potential therapeutic approach for the inhibition of recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer patients undergoing curative resection.

Anatolian medicinal plants as potential antiviral agents: bridging traditional knowledge and modern science in the fight against COVID-19 and related viral infections.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was the cause of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), commonly known as the coronavirus pandemic. Since December 2020, COVID-19 vaccines have been extensively administered in numerous countries. In addition to new antiviral medications, the treatment regimen encompasses symptom management. Despite sustained research efforts, the outbreak remains uncontrolled, with affected patients still lacking proper treatment. This review is a valuable asset for researchers and practitioners aiming to delve into the yet unexplored potential of Anatolian flora in the fight against COVID-19 and other viral infections. Numerous medicinal plants in Anatolia, such as thyme, sage, cannabis, oregano, licorice root, and Origanum sp., contain bioactive compounds with proven antiviral properties that have been used in the region for centuries. The rich legacy of traditional Anatolian medicine (TAM), has significantly influenced modern medicine; thus, the profusion of medicinal plants native to Anatolia holds promise for antiviral drug development, making this review essential for researchers and practitioners.

Comparative immunohistochemical expression of Beta catenin and CD163 between dysplastic / non-dysplastic oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions (EX-VIVO STUDY).

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus is a well-known chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder, which has clinical and histological presentation that mimics oral lichenoid reaction. According to the fifth edition of WHO, both conditions are considered as oral potentially malignant disorders. Recent studies on oral potential disorders documented deregulation of some signaling molecules related to the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Therefore this study aimed to compare the immune expression of ß-catenin & CD163 in dysplastic /non-dysplastic cases of Oral lichen planus & oral lichenoid lesion. In addition, a statistical correlation between both immune markers was done regardless of the type of the study group. METHODS: Four study groups were designated as 2 groups of Oral lichen planus (one dysplastic & one non -dysplastic) and the other 2 groups were oral lichenoid lesions (one dysplastic & one non -dysplastic). Ten cases in each group were collected and investigated by immunohistochemistry. The area percent of beta catenin and also counting of m2 macrophages expressing + CD163 marker was calculated in the study groups. RESULTS: The Statistical analysis highlighted a statistically significant difference between the studied groups. Moreover, Pearson correlation test reported a significant moderate positive correlation between beta catenin & CD163 expression in the studied cases. CONCLUSION: Our findings supported new perceptions of the mechanism by which tumor associated macrophage specific ß-catenin signaling promotes the aggressive behavior of oral potential malignant disorders. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evidence of the relationship between beta catenin and M2 macrophages (+ CD163) may enhance the development of macrophage-based strategies for treatment and improve the prognosis of such cases.

Effects of game-based learning on academic outcomes: A study of technology acceptance and self-regulation in college students.

Objective: This study investigates the interplay between the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), self-regulation strategies, and academic self-efficacy, and their collective impact on academic performance and perceived learning among college students engaged in remote education. Methods: A sample of 872 university students from Southern China participated in this study. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the theoretical relationships among the variables. The research focused on two primary areas: the connection between academic self-efficacy and gameful self-regulation strategies within the framework of TAM, and the influence of TAM's three dimensions on students' perceived learning and academic performance. Results: Findings highlight self-efficacy and gameful self-regulation strategies, in enhancing technology acceptance. Improved acceptance of technology is shown to positively affect academic performance and the perceived learning experience of students in classes using game-based online resources. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the significance of self-efficacy and gameful self-regulation strategies in shaping students' perceptions and attitudes towards technology. These factors are found to be key determinants of both perceived learning and academic achievement in the context of game-based online resource classes.

The multidimensional influence structure of college students' online gamified learning engagement: A hybrid design based on QCA-SEM.

In the post-epidemic era, gamification is widely recognized for its potential to enhance the asynchronous nature of college students' online learning interactions and mitigate efficiency deficits. However, the intrinsic structure and core conditions influencing online gamified learning engagement remain unclear. The challenge lies in understanding the mechanisms through which gamification alters learning behaviors. This study employs fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (FSQCA) for core condition identification and robustness testing, innovatively combining it with structural equation modelling (SEM). Drawing on the extended technology acceptance model (TAM) theory, this research delves deeply into the structural relationships that influence student engagement in online gamified learning. The evaluation reveals that immersive experience and habit are core conditions fostering high engagement among college students in online gamified learning. A lack of immersive experience leads to non-high engagement results. Structural equation modelling confirms the mediating role of immersive experience and habit in the effects of performance expectations and perceived fun in student engagement. Furthermore, the study substantiates the moderating influence of learning style on perceptual factors and normalizing elements and describes an interactive relationship between perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and online gamification behavior. This research extends our understanding of perceptions, norms, and structural factors within a gamified learning environment. It uncovers the mechanisms of engagement from perception to normalization factors, highlighting the positive bidirectional influence of subjective cognition and objective factors on gamified learning and emphasizing the moderating role of learning style between perceptual factors and normalization elements. These findings provide a solid foundation for future research and practice in online gamified learning.

The combination of apatinib and antigen-specific DC-induced T cells exert antitumor effects by potently improving the immune microenvironment of osteosarcoma.

Objective: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone sarcoma with a high propensity for local invasion and metastasis. Although the antitumor effect of apatinib has been well confirmed in advanced OS, the synergistic effect of apatinib and immunotherapies has not yet been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we established tumour-bearing mice and observed tumour size with low and high doses of apatinib treatments. The expression of 17 cytokines, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was detected by protein microarray analysis. Moreover, we designed apatinib and antigen-specific dendritic cell (DC)-T combination treatment for tumour-bearing mice. Tumour growth was detected by statistical analysis of tumour size and microvessel density (MVD) counting, the protein expression of VEGF by western blotting, the cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-17 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumour-infiltration macrophages (TAMs) by flow cytometry. Results: The results showed that apatinib efficiently suppressed tumour growth, and high-dose apatinib achieved a stronger effect. The same was true for DC-T immunotherapy. However, their combination treatment revealed a better oncolytic effect. Meanwhile, apatinib or DC-T treatment inhibited the expression of VEGF and the proangiogenic mediators IL-6 and IL-17 but increased IFN-γ production. Combination therapy further reduced/increased these effects. In addition, the combination treatment reduced MDSC but enhanced TAM-M1 ratios in the OS microenvironment. These findings indicated that apatinib and antigen-specific DC-T combination therapy was more efficient in oncolysis by regulating pro-/anti-angiogenic inducers and improving the immune state in the OS microenvironment. Conclusion: This study proved that it was feasible to employ immunotherapy with therapeutic agents in OS treatment, which may provide a new approach in addition to the combination of surgery with chemotherapy in tumour treatment.

Increasing monocytes after lung cancer surgery triggers the outgrowth of distant metastases, causing recurrence.

Patients with lung cancer have a high incidence of tumor recurrence even after curative surgical resection. Some reports indicated that immunosuppressive cells induced by surgical stress could contribute to tumor recurrence after surgery; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we found that increased postoperative blood monocytes served as a risk factor for tumor recurrence in 192 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We established the lung cancer recurrent mouse model after tumor resection and showed that the surgical stress immediately increased the level of serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which subsequently increased blood monocytes. These blood monocytes were rapidly recruited into distant micrometastases and became tumor growth-promoting tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). Furthermore, even after the blood MCP-1 and monocytes decreased enough 72 h after tumor resection, TAMs in micrometastases remained rich because the MCP-1 secreted by micrometastases themselves continued to recruit monocytes around the tumor. Consequently, tumor resection triggered the outgrowth of distant metastases via the MCP-1-Monocyte-TAM axis. When we administered the MCP-1 inhibitor to the lung cancer recurrent model mice, blood monocytes decreased after tumor resection, and TAMs in micrometastases also dramatically decreased. Finally, peri- and postoperative treatment with the MCP-1 inhibitor suppressed distant metastases after surgery. Targeting the MCP-1-Monocyte-TAM axis may inhibit surgical stress-induced NSCLC recurrence by attenuating postoperative immunosuppressive monocytes in micrometastases.

Identification of hypoxic macrophages in glioblastoma: Unveiling therapeutic insights from tumour microenvironment analysis.

Tumor-associatedmacrophages (TAMs) exhibit remarkable heterogeneity in glioblastoma. Spatially resolved single-cell transcriptomic studies identified a monocyte-derived TAM subset localized in the peri-necrotic niche, driven by hypoxic cues to acquire ahypoxia response signature. These hypoxia-TAMs destabilize endothelial adherens junctions through adrenomedullin paracrine signaling, promoting the formation of hyperpermeable neovasculature that impedes drug delivery. Blocking adrenomedullin produced by hypoxia-TAMs restores vascular integrity, increases drug deliveryinto tumors, and provides combinatorial therapeutic benefits. Here we discuss the heterogeneity of TAMs regarding functional states and locations in glioblastomas, and propose future directions for studying the temporospatial dynamics of multifaceted TAM. HIGHLIGHTS: Single-cell omics reveal a functionally and spatially distinct hypoxia-TAM subset in glioblastoma. Adrenomedullin secreted by hypoxia-TAM destabilizes tumor vasculature and its blockade enhances vessel integrity and drug delivery.

Acceptance of e-learning and associated factors among postgraduate medical and health science students at first generation universities in Amhara region, 2023: using modified technology acceptance model.

BACKGROUND: Electronic learning is the process of remote teaching and learning through the use of electronic media. There is a dearth of research on the factors influencing e-learning acceptance in Ethiopia using the modified technology acceptance model (TAM). Previous research appears to have overlooked the mediating impact of factors on e-learning acceptability Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the acceptance of e-learning and its associated factors among postgraduate medical and health science students by applying TAM at first-generation universities in the Amhara region. METHODS: This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15 to April 20, 2023, at Amhara First Generation University, Ethiopia. A total of 659 students participated in the study. A self-administered questionnaire in the Amharic language was used to collect the data. SEM analysis was employed to test the proposed model and the relationships among factors using SPSS version 25 and AMOS version 26. RESULTS: The proportion of postgraduate students who agreed to use e-learning was 60.7%, 95% CI (56.9-64.4). SEM analysis revealed that perceived ease of use (ß = 0.210, p < 0.001), attitude (ß = 0.377, p < 0.001) and perceived usefulness (ß = 0.330, p < 0.001) had positive direct relationships with acceptance of e-learning. Perceived usefulness (ß = 0.131, p < 0.001), and perceived ease of use (ß = 0.029, p < 0.01) significantly mediate the relationship between self-efficacy, and acceptance of e-learning. Accessibility had a positive indirect effect on acceptance of e-learning through perceived ease of use (ß = 0.040, p < 0.01). Facilitating condition had a positive indirect on acceptance of e-learning through perceived ease of use (ß = 0.070, p < 0.01), and perceived usefulness (ß = 0.084, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Overall, the proportion of postgraduate students who accepted e-learning is promising. Perceived ease of use perceived usefulness, and attitude had positive direct effects on the acceptance of e-learning. Facilitating conditions and self-efficacy had positive indirect effects on the acceptance of e-learning. Thus, implementers need to prioritize enhancing the provision of devices, students' skills, and knowledge of e-learning by providing continuous support to improve students' acceptance of the use of e-learning.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids promote M2-like TAM deposition via dampening RhoA-YAP1 signaling in the ovarian cancer microenvironment.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal metastases frequently occur in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), resulting in poor prognosis and survival rates. Tumor-associated-macrophages (TAMs) massively infiltrate into ascites spheroids and are multi-polarized as protumoral M2-like phenotype, orchestrating the immunosuppression and promoting tumor progression. However, the impact of omental conditioned medium/ascites (OCM/AS) on TAM polarization and its function in tumor progression remains elusive. METHODS: The distribution and polarization of TAMs in primary and omental metastatic EOC patients' tumors and ascites were examined by m-IHC, FACS analysis, and immunofluorescence. QPCR, immunofluorescence, FACS analysis, lipid staining assay, ROS assay, and Seahorse real-time cell metabolic assay characterized TAMs as being polarized in the ascites microenvironment. The oncogenic role of TAMs in tumor cells was demonstrated by co-cultured migration/invasion, proliferation, and spheroid formation assays. Mechanistic studies of the regulations of TAM polarization were performed by using RNA-Seq, GTPase pull-down, G-LISA activation assays, and other biochemical assays. A Yap1 macrophages (MФs) conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model demonstrated the roles of YAP1 in TAM polarization status and its pro-metastatic function. Finally, the anti-metastatic potential of targeting TAMs through restoring YAP1 by pharmacological agonist XMU MP1 was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in OCM/AS suppressed RhoA-GTPase activities, which, in turn, downregulated nuclear YAP1 in MФs, leading to increased protumoral TAM polarization accompanied by elevated OXPHOS metabolism. Abolishment of YAP1 in MФs further confirmed that a higher M2/M1 ratio of TAM polarization could alleviate CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytotoxicity in vivo. Consistently, the loss of YAP1 has been observed in EOC metastatic tissues, suggesting its clinical relevance. On the contrary, restoration of YAP1 expression by pharmaceutical inhibition of MST1/2 induced conversion of M2-to-M1-like polarized MФs, elevating the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and attenuating tumor growth. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that PUFAs-enriched OCM/AS of EOC promotes M2-like TAM polarization through RhoA-YAP1 inhibition, where YAP1 downregulation is required for accelerating protumoral M2-like TAM polarization, thereby causing immunosuppression and enhancing tumor progression. Conversion of M2-to-M1-like polarized MФs through Yap1 activation inhibits tumor progression and contributes to developing potential TAMs-targeted immunotherapies in combating EOC peritoneal metastases.

Artificial intelligence tools utilized in nursing education: Incidence and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence technology is among the most significant advancements that provide students with effective learning opportunities in this digital era. Therefore, the National League for Nursing states that it is necessary to reframe the nursing education process. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the factors that affect the usefulness and sustainability of artificial intelligence tools used in nursing education. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among. Three models, including the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM), the Information System Success Model (ISSM), and the Online Learning Self-Efficacy (OLSE), were used. PARTICIPANT: All of fourth- year undergraduate nursing students who were enrolled in nursing department regularly (N = 420), and who respond (n = 204). SETTING: In the nursing department of the health professions faculty at AL-Quds University, in Palestine. RESULTS: Among the 204 students who responded, 9.80 % employed simulation, 5.40 % utilized virtual reality, 19.10 % used Chat GPT, 42.20 % used mobile applications, and 23.50 % utilized PowerPoint AI as part of their learning process. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were computed for key parameters related to the information system success model (AI) (ISSM) (M = 4.52, SD = 1.17). Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (M = 4.61, SD = 1.16). Online Learning Self-Efficacy (OLSE) (M = 4.55, SD = 1.28). CONCLUSION: There is a need to adapt teaching strategies and integrate AI tools as useful learning tools, which have become essential for students to complete their learning activities through enhancing knowledge of the multimodal technological factors that should be taken into consideration while creating AI tools across several domains for universities and developers.

Distinct tumor-TAM interactions in IDH-stratified glioma microenvironments unveiled by single-cell and spatial transcriptomics.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) residing in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are characterized by their pivotal roles in tumor progression, antitumor immunity, and TME remodeling. However, a thorough comparative characterization of tumor-TAM crosstalk across IDH-defined categories of glioma remains elusive, likely contributing to mixed outcomes in clinical trials. We delineated the phenotypic heterogeneity of TAMs across IDH-stratified gliomas. Notably, two TAM subsets with a mesenchymal phenotype were enriched in IDH-WT glioblastoma (GBM) and correlated with poorer patient survival and reduced response to anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). We proposed SLAMF9 receptor as a potential therapeutic target. Inference of gene regulatory networks identified PPARG, ELK1, and MXI1 as master transcription factors of mesenchymal BMD-TAMs. Our analyses of reciprocal tumor-TAM interactions revealed distinct crosstalk in IDH-WT tumors, including ANXA1-FPR1/3, FN1-ITGAVB1, VEGFA-NRP1, and TNFSF12-TNFRSF12A with known contribution to immunosuppression, tumor proliferation, invasion and TAM recruitment. Spatially resolved transcriptomics further elucidated the architectural organization of highlighted communications. Furthermore, we demonstrated significant upregulation of ANXA1, FN1, NRP1, and TNFRSF12A genes in IDH-WT tumors using bulk RNA-seq and RT-qPCR. Longitudinal expression analysis of candidate genes revealed no difference between primary and recurrent tumors indicating that the interactive network of malignant states with TAMs does not drastically change upon recurrence. Collectively, our study offers insights into the unique cellular composition and communication of TAMs in glioma TME, revealing novel vulnerabilities for therapeutic interventions in IDH-WT GBM.

Enhancing Healthcare Management: Assessing User Acceptance and Usability of the 'SmartCG' Mobile Application.

In Thailand, increasing caregiving needs for senior citizens, particularly in low-income homes, may elevate the caregiver (CG) burden. This study assesses the user acceptance and usability of the 'SmartCG' mobile application in enhancing healthcare management. The app offers health evaluations, home visits, knowledge management, screening forms, and care plans. Using the Technology Acceptance Model, 402 caregivers from Mahasarakham province evaluated the app's usability on a 5-point Likert scale. Results showed a significant increase in acceptance scores after using SmartCG (11.49 ± 1.54 to 13.19 ± 2.74, p < 0.001). Users reported high satisfaction with its ease of use (mean = 4.10 ± 0.61) and found the knowledge-based menu (mean = 4.07 ± 0.63) and visiting/map menus (mean = 4.05 ± 0.63) user-friendly. This study provides empirical evidence that the SmartCG app effectively enhances healthcare management, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly interfaces in healthcare technology.

Hallmarks of pancreatic cancer: spotlight on TAM receptors.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer and ranks among the most aggressive tumours, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 11%. Projections indicate that by 2030, it will become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. PDAC presents distinctive hallmarks contributing to its dismal prognosis: (i) late diagnosis, (ii) heterogenous and complex mutational landscape, (iii) high metastatic potential, (iv) dense fibrotic stroma, (v) immunosuppressive microenvironment, and (vi) high resistance to therapy. Mounting evidence has shown a role for TAM (Tyro3, AXL, MerTK) family of tyrosine kinase receptors in PDAC initiation and progression. This review aims to describe the impact of TAM receptors on the defining hallmarks of PDAC and discuss potential future directions using these proteins as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and targets for precision therapy in PDAC, an urgent unmet clinical need.

Consumers' Behavioral Willingness to Use Green Financial Products: An Empirical Study within a Theoretical Framework.

In an era marked by the expansion of the Internet economy and the intensification of environmental concerns, the convergence of digital finance and green finance has emerged as a significant global trend. China's Alipay Ant Forest, an innovative green financial product, has successfully quantified carbon emission reductions resulting from users' green consumption patterns, establishing the first carbon account-based green financial product and pioneering an innovative "green finance plus gamification" model. However, the academic literature has not fully explained the underlying mechanisms that drive consumer engagement with such green financial products. This study, motivated by the academic question of what factors influence consumers' willingness to use green financial products, employs Ant Forest as a case study and develops a novel structural equation model based on self-determination theory, customer-perceived value, and the technology acceptance model. The model incorporates user type as a control variable and considers autonomy, gamification, and bonuses as key independent variables, with customer-perceived value serving as a mediating variable. Data collection involved 606 participants, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing users' willingness to engage with green financial products. The findings support the proposed hypothesis, identifying several significant predictors of users' willingness to use green financial products, with the exception of age. This study advances the theoretical understanding of consumer behavior towards green financial products by integrating self-determination theory, customer-perceived value, and the technology acceptance model, while also offering practical insights for marketing strategies. It explores the interface between digital finance, environmental sustainability, and consumer behavior, highlighting opportunities for financial institutions to leverage Internet applications to promote green financial services and enhance their marketing approaches to influence consumer adoption.

Molecular epidemiology of bovine theileriosis and genetic diversity of Theileria annulata in three governorates of Egypt.

Bovine theileriosis is a protozoan disease caused by the intracellular parasite (Theileria spp.) transmitted by ticks and it is considered one of the most significant parasitic diseases, potentially endangering Egyptian cattle herd industry. The present study was conducted for a molecular survey of bovine theileriosis and its associated risk factors (season variations, geographical locations, breeds, age, sex, tick infestation, and acaricide applications) in three Egyptian governorates, Beni-Suef, Al-Faiyum, and Al-Minya for a year extended from December 2021 to November 2022, in addition, genetic diversity of Theileria isolates. A total of 961 cattle were examined for Theileria infection clinically, microscopically, and by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using 18S rRNA gene for piroplasms DNA detection, Theileria genus-specific primers of the small subunit of rRNA gene, and Theileria annulata specific primers of the Tams-1 gene. The prevalence rate of bovine theileriosis was 9.26%, and 11.86% using Giemsa-stained blood smear and PCR, respectively. All positive samples screened by Theileria genus-specific primers were positive for T. annulata when screened by the specific primers. Based on molecular screening, season, cattle breeds and acaricide applications were considered risk factors for T. annulata infection, while locality, age, sex and tick infestation had insignificant effects with the occurrence of the disease. A potential novel T. annulata haplotype based on the Tam-1 gene was identified with accession numbers OR364144 and OR915851. Therefore, T. annulata was the only Theileria species found and played a significant problem in the cattle population. This study could be the basis for future studies on unexplored regions and different animal species for well-structured prevention and control measures.