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This study aimed to investigate the association between protein-energy wasting (PEW) and cognitive impairment (CI) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). In this single-center cross-sectional study, 86 patients receiving MHD were enrolled. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements, including mid-arm circumference (MAC) and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), as well as the Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS). Cognitive function was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), with patients classified into CI (n = 50) and non-CI (n = 36) groups based on education-adjusted scores. Group comparisons, Spearman correlation analysis, multivariable logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. Cognitive impairment was present in 58.1% of the patients. Compared with the non-CI group, patients with CI had a higher Malnutrition-Inflammation Score and lower MAMC. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that lower MAMC (adjusted OR 0.571, 95% CI 0.400-0.816, p = 0.002) and higher MIS (adjusted OR 1.249, 95% CI 1.006-1.550, p = 0.044) were independently associated with cognitive impairment. ROC analysis demonstrated that a multivariable model combining age, years of education, dialysis vintage, MAMC, and MIS exhibited excellent discriminative ability (AUC = 0.942, 95% CI 0.898-0.987). Lower MAMC and higher MIS were independently associated with cognitive impairment in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. These two indicators (MAMC and MIS) showed stronger and more consistent associations with cognitive impairment than single biochemical markers. Given the cross-sectional design of the study, the temporal direction of the association cannot be determined. Prospective studies are warranted to clarify whether muscle loss precedes cognitive decline or occurs as a consequence of it, and to evaluate whether preserving muscle mass can protect cognitive function in this population.

Ultra-processed food (UPF) has been extensively linked to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic disease, and cancer. It also contributes to the development of inflammation, oxidative stress, and other disease pathways, with obesity being a major concern. In this review, we offer insights into the role of UPF consumption on nutritional behavior, diet quality, and health. We also raise the questions of whether UPF promotes obesity that subsequently mediates the development of infertility, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hypertension, and whether UPF independently drives these conditions through obesity-independent pathways. Understanding the impact of UPF on diet quality and health can guide strategies to reduce its consumption and address related public health and sustainability challenges.

Listening to music while studying is common, yet it remains unclear whether self-selected popular music facilitates or interferes with memory performance. This exploratory pilot fMRI study examined whether preferred Japanese pop music (J-Pop), compared with unpleasant sounds and a no-sound baseline, was descriptively associated with differences in visual memory retrieval, subjective focus, and regional brain activity in healthy young adults. Five participants completed a visual encoding and retrieval task under three auditory conditions during fMRI. Behavioral performance, focus ratings, and region-of-interest (ROI) activity in the anterior insula and temporo-occipital visual association cortex were examined using descriptive statistics and nonparametric analyses. Descriptively, recall accuracy and subjective focus were highest in the preferred J-Pop condition, intermediate in the no-sound condition, and lowest in the unpleasant condition; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Exploratory ROI analyses showed that anterior insula activity was descriptively higher during the J-Pop condition, whereas temporo-occipital visual association cortex activity was descriptively highest during unpleasant sounds, intermediate during J-Pop, and lowest during the no-sound condition. Brain-behavior correlations were also exploratory and should be interpreted cautiously given the very small sample size. These findings do not establish that preferred J-Pop improves memory performance or supports a specific neural mechanism. Rather, they suggest that this paradigm is feasible and may be useful for generating hypotheses about how affectively positive, self-selected music relates to visual memory retrieval, subjective focus, and salience-related neural processing in future adequately powered studies.

Vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) remains a challenging sequela of radical prostatectomy (RP). To evaluate endoscopic outcomes in men with VUAS using a patient-centred composite endpoint of concurrent urethral patency and continence. Retrospective, single-centre consecutive case series. We analysed 60 consecutive men treated endoscopically for VUAS (2014-2023). Primary endpoints were urethral patency (passage of a 20F catheter at 6-month follow-up) and continence (0-1 pad/day at last follow-up; for men with an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS), assessed after device activation). Secondary endpoints included AUS implantation and complications. Subgroup comparisons by prior pelvic radiotherapy (RTx) were performed using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Median follow-up was 40 months. Patency was achieved in 45/60 (75%). Continence was achieved in 22/60 (36.7%): 5 men remained continent without AUS and 17 became continent after AUS; 4/21 AUS required explant for erosion. Composite success (patency plus continence) occurred in 20/60 (33.3%). Prior RTx was not significantly associated with patency, continence, composite success, or AUS implantation. Three men required urinary diversion for pubic bone fistulation and three were diagnosed with bladder cancer (no AUS implanted). Seventeen patients declined AUS despite persistent stress urinary incontinence. Endoscopic treatment restores urethral patency in most men with post-RP VUAS, but the final patient-centred outcome of simultaneous patency and continence is achieved in one-third. These data may support shared decision-making regarding expectations and staged continence surgery. Not applicable. Keyhole treatment of scarring after prostate surgery: what reopening the urine passage means for regaining bladder control? After prostate removal surgery, some men develop scarring where the bladder joins the urethra. This can narrow or block the urine passage and is often linked with urine leakage. The usual first step is an endoscopic (“keyhole”) procedure that cuts the scar from inside to reopen the passage. We reviewed 60 men treated this way at our centre (2014–2023). We checked, over several follow up visits up to six months, whether the passage stayed open and whether men could control urine (defined as using 0–1 pad per day). We also recorded who needed an artificial urinary sphincter (a small implanted device that helps prevent leakage) and any complications. Results: the urine passage remained open in 45 of 60 men (75%). Good bladder control was achieved in 22 of 60 (37%). Our “final success” combined both goals—an open passage and good control—and was seen in 20 of 60 men (33%). An artificial sphincter was implanted in 21 men (35%); 17 other men chose not to have this device despite ongoing leakage. Four implanted devices later eroded and were removed. Three men needed urinary diversion because of a rare complication (a fistula involving the pubic bone), and three were diagnosed with bladder cancer during follow up. In this study, having had radiotherapy in the past did not clearly change the chances of success. What this means: keyhole treatment usually reopens the passage, but many men will still need an artificial sphincter to be reliably dry. Knowing this helps patients and clinicians plan realistic timelines and next steps after the first procedure. If scarring keeps coming back or the narrowing is severe, early discussion of reconstructive surgery may be appropriate.

This study aims to assess the association between the Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota (DI-GM) and sarcopenic obesity (SO) in middle-aged and elderly populations, and to evaluate whether the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) acts as the mediation in this relationship. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 3746 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2011 to 2018. Weighted multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to explore the association between DI-GM and the prevalence of SO, DI-GM and HSI, and HSI and the prevalence of SO. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to assess the potential nonlinear relationship between DI-GM and SO. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the consistency of this relationship across different demographic groups. Additionally, mediation analysis was conducted to explore whether there existed a potential association between DI-GM, HSI, and SO. Among the 3746 participants included in the study, 369 (9.8%) were diagnosed with SO. After adjusting for all covariates by weighted multivariate logistic regression, each unit increase in DI-GM was associated with a 15% decrease in the prevalence of SO [Model 3: OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.85, 95% CI (0.76, 0.95), p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.006]. When DI-GM was categorized into quartiles, the results remained significant [Model 3: OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.47, 95% CI (0.30, 0.75), p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.002]. Further analysis indicated that the protective effect of DI-GM was primarily attributed to the Beneficial gut microbiota score (BGMS). RCS analysis revealed a significant linear relationship between DI-GM and SO (p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the robustness of this association across various subgroups. Mediation analysis showed that 17.8% of the association between DI-GM and SO was mediated by HSI (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). DI-GM is significantly inversely associated with the prevalence of SO in the aging population, and HSI partially mediates this association.

The purposes of this study were to determine (1) whether delay to total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) after traumatic distal humerus fracture affects heterotopic ossification (HO) formation and (2) whether HO is associated with postoperative elbow range of motion (ROM). This retrospective cohort study included patients with distal humerus fractures who underwent TEA at a single institution by a single orthopaedic surgeon from 2017 to 2021. All procedures were performed using a triceps fascial tongue approach. Patients did not receive HO prophylaxis and followed a standardized postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records and entered into an electronic database. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed for evidence of periarticular HO. HO volume was estimated using three-dimensional linear measurements derived from orthogonal radiographic views. Pearson bivariate correlation analyses were performed to assess associations between HO volume, time to surgery, and patient characteristics. Sixteen female patients were included, with a mean age of 78.9 (&#xb1;9.8) years. Median time to surgery was 14.5 days (IQR, 11-27.5). There was no significant correlation between delay to surgery and HO volume, which averaged 5.5 (&#xb1;4.5) cm3. Among five of fifteen patients with a postoperative total elbow arc of motion <100&#xb0;, the mean time to surgery was 17.6 days and mean HO volume was 9.2 cm3. Delay to TEA was not associated with HO volume in geriatric patients treated for distal humerus fractures. However, increased HO volume was associated with reduced postoperative elbow ROM.

Diagnosing SHOX gene variations is important because growth hormone treatment is an approved option for affected children. Subtle clinical and radiological abnormalities were reported in SHOX deficiency associated with idiopathic short stature (ISS). Whether systematic or phenotype-based molecular screening should be performed remains debated. To determine whether simple radiological features on left-hand radiography could serve as indicators for molecular analysis of the SHOX gene, and to compare these with published clinical/radiological scores. This retrospective study included 266 patients diagnosed with ISS who underwent SHOX gene analysis without any predefined selection criteria at the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit of Angers University Hospital from 2016 to 2023, aiming to determine the rate of SHOX gene variations. We also included 33 ISS patients diagnosed with a SHOX gene variation between 2005 and 2015 to refine sensitivity analyses. Systematic screening using MLPA identified SHOX gene variations in 9.8% of ISS children and sequencing in MLPA-negative subjects detected an additional 6%. Variations occurred in the coding regions in one-third and in the enhancer regions in two-thirds. A cutoff of 147&#xb0; for the convexity of the distal radial metaphysis showed sensitivity/specificity of 89%/50%. A cutoff of 128&#xb0; for pyramidalization of the carpal row yielded sensitivity/specificity of 86%/49%. Combining both criteria yielded 91% sensitivity and 70% specificity. Previous scores proposed by Rappold and Binder had sensitivity/specificity of 36%/51% and 81%/10%, respectively. Systematic molecular screening by MLPA and sequencing is recommended to detect all SHOX gene variants in children with ISS.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to manage menopausal symptoms, but its perioperative use raises concerns about increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Clinical guidelines vary, with some advising temporary discontinuation before surgery. This scoping review aims to synthesise evidence and guidance on whether perioperative cessation of HRT influences postoperative VTE risk. A systematic search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library identified studies evaluating pre-operative HRT and VTE outcomes. Search terms included Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT, Venous Thromboembolism, Venous Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Perioperative Care and Surgical Procedures, Operative. Studies included adult women on HRT undergoing surgery and assessed discontinuation and VTE risk. Data were synthesised narratively. The search identified 246 records, four of which met the inclusion criteria: three primary studies and one systematic review. Only one study compared perioperative continuation versus cessation of HRT and found no significant increase in postoperative VTE with continued use. Other studies examined HRT among multiple VTE risk factors, with inconsistent findings. Clinical guidelines recognise oral oestrogen as a VTE risk factor and distinguish between higher-risk oral and lower-risk transdermal formulations; however, few provide explicit perioperative recommendations. Evidence is limited and insufficient to support routine perioperative HRT cessation. The only comparative study found no significant increase in VTE with continuation, though limitations restrict interpretation. Overall, the literature reflects uncertainty. Given limited and heterogeneous data, perioperative HRT management should be individualised. Further prospective research is needed to determine whether temporary withdrawal, particularly of oral oestrogen, reduces postoperative VTE risk.

Identifying taxa in the earliest phases of speciation is critical for understanding how reproductive isolation arises. In Nova Scotia, Canada, "white" threespine stickleback co-occur with common marine stickleback but differ in size, nuptial coloration, nesting behavior, and parental care, raising the possibility that they represent a distinct ecotype with some degree of reproductive isolation. We combined population genomics, morphometrics, and stable isotope analysis to test whether white stickleback represent a distinct lineage and whether they have diverged along ecological axes as have freshwater stickleback populations. Genotyping-by-sequencing revealed that male and female white stickleback form a genetic cluster distinct from sympatric common stickleback with evidence of ongoing gene flow yet with very low overall genomic divergence (FST&#x2009;&#x2248;&#x2009;0.01). Genetic differences were distributed across many loci rather than localized to a single genomic region. Morphological and isotopic analyses revealed no differences in most classic ecological traits (body shape, armor, gill rakers, or trophic niche). Instead, whites are smaller-bodied, paler, and exhibit shorter spines, reduced testes size, and smaller but more numerous eggs compared to common stickleback. These results indicate that white stickleback are genetically distinct from the common Atlantic threespine stickleback but have not diverged conspicuously in their ecology other than in size, suggesting that their differentiation is driven by reproductive and sexual traits rather than trophic specialization. The white stickleback thus represent a promising new system for investigating the interplay of sexual selection, reproductive strategy, and gene flow in the early stages of speciation.

Whether retinoids and carotenoids impact on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is unknown. We conducted a 1:1 randomized controlled trial with extracorporeal photopheresis for GVHD-prophylaxis as the intervention. The plasma levels of retinoids and carotenoids were determined at randomization and 3 months after ASCT. We found no significant difference in GVHD occurrence and levels of retinoids between the intervention and control groups at either of the two time points. Whether routine vitamin A supplementation is warranted for GVHD prevention, needs further study. Our exploratory study highlights the complex role of retinoid homeostasis in immune function during ASCT. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03204721.

Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) yields excellent clinical outcomes. However, untreated concomitant acetabular dysplasia is associated with higher failure rates after arthroscopy. A combined approach of hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) has shown promising results, but it remains unclear whether outcomes are equivalent to those of arthroscopy alone for FAIS without dysplasia. The primary purpose of this study was to compare 2-year patient-reported outcome (PROs) between patients with FAIS and acetabular dysplasia treated with staged hip arthroscopy and PAO and nondysplastic patients with FAIS treated with hip arthroscopy alone. The secondary purpose was to identify independent predictors of PROs at 2 years postoperatively. It was hypothesized that patients with FAIS and acetabular dysplasia treated with arthroscopy and PAO would demonstrate similar 2-year PROs compared with nondysplastic FAIS patients treated with arthroscopy alone. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 147 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS were identified, including 23 patients in the dysplastic group and 124 in the control group. PROs were assessed at 2 years using Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5), 12-item international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), Physical Function Short Form of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS-PS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Scale, Adult Single Item Measure (SIM) of Physical Activity, Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) single item, and repeat surgery. Multivariate analyses adjusted for baseline demographics, preoperative superior joint space width, prior corticosteroid injection, and mental health status. The dysplastic group was younger (mean age, 27.9 &#xb1; 8.7 years) and predominantly female (95.7%) compared with the control group (36.3 &#xb1; 12.8 years; 80.6% female) (age, P = .003; sex, P = .046, respectively). No differences were observed in 2-year iHOT-12 scores (67.20 vs 62.05; P = .45, respectively) or PASS achievement (69.56% vs 54.84; P = .18). On multivariate analysis, dysplasia was not an independent predictor of iHOT-12 score, PASS, or unplanned additional surgery. Preoperative joint space width was a significant predictor of revision surgery (adjusted odds ratio, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.49-11.1; P = .006). The treatment of FAIS with concomitant acetabular dysplasia with hip arthroscopy and PAO has similar 2-year PROs to patients with FAIS without dysplasia treated with arthroscopy alone.

Microorganisms are intricately interrelated with each other in the gut microecosystem, which influences the colonization and functional roles of probiotics. However, how these interactions dynamically change during host development and whether their topological features influence host phenotypes, such as average daily gain (ADG), remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed metagenome analysis for 2,311 fecal samples collected from a specifically designed eight genetically divergent breed intercrossed mosaic F6 and F7 population, at three developmental ages of 25 days (D25), 120 days (D120), and 240 days (D240) of each individual, covering pre-weaning to market. By constructing their microbiota co-abundance networks, we systematically characterized dynamic changes in beneficial commensal bacteria involved co-abundance networks in the pig gut microbiome across three ages. We elucidated conserved and variable co-abundance features involving these bacteria across developmental stages. We observed that the cross-age stable co-abundance correlations of beneficial commensal bacteria were maintained by a large set of weak correlations. A subset of age-shared co-abundance correlations remained variable across different ages in correlation strength and direction. Topological analysis revealed that beneficial commensal bacteria involved co-abundance networks were highly age-specific. Among the three age stages sampled in this study, the D120 stage represented a critical window for the structural and functional reorganization of gut microbiota. Using metagenomic sequencing data at the D120, we identified two guilds that were significantly associated with ADG from D120 to D240. Guild 1 included short chain fatty acid-producing taxa and was positively associated with ADG, whereas Guild 2 tended to self-utilization of energy and was negatively associated with ADG. We also inferred the ecological interaction mechanisms of ADG-associated microbial communities using genome-scale metabolic models. These findings provided a theoretical basis for stage-specific intervention in the pig gut microbiome using probiotics to improve production traits.

Mental health continues to be a growing concern among young adult college students. Prior research has shown that later sleep midpoint and greater sleep midpoint variability were associated with worse mental health, but these studies primarily focused on adolescents and middle- to older-aged adults. The lack of exploration into sleep midpoint and mental health in young adults creates a unique gap in the literature. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the longitudinal associations between sleep midpoint and mental health among young adult college students. College students (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;256) between the ages of 18-26 from two universities recorded their sleep patterns and mental health (PHQ-2, GAD-2, and PSS-4) using electronic daily diaries over 2&#xa0;weeks. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to identify how within- and between-person sleep midpoints were associated with mental health outcomes among college students. Between participants, later sleep midpoint was robustly associated with depression (B&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.19, SE&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.05, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), anxiety (B&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.21, SE&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.06, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), and stress (B&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.33, SE&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.13, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.008). Greater sleep midpoint variability was correlated with worse depressive symptoms (r&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.14, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.03). Intervention studies need to determine whether addressing sleep timing and sleep regularity could improve young adult mental health.

Neonatal calf diarrhea caused by bovine rotavirus (BRV) remains a major health and economic burden in cattle production, and current oral antibody approaches require frequent dosing because of poor systemic persistence. This study investigated whether a single oral dose of a BRV-specific antibody engineered with an immunoglobulin Fc region-designed to extend circulatory half-life-could be detected in the blood of newborn calves for up to 28&#x202f;days. The antibody construct showed high-affinity binding to BRV antigen and effectively neutralized viral infection in cell culture. In a controlled calf trial, neonatal Holstein calves under 24&#x202f;h of age (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;5 per group) received a single oral dose of 20&#x202f;mg of the Fc-fused antibody in milk replacer; control calves received milk replacer alone. Blood samples were collected over 28&#x202f;days. Treated calves showed numerically higher serum antibody signals than controls throughout the observation period, with statistically significant differences at days 6 and 10. An assay targeting the Fc region provided numerically greater group separation than a general antibody detection format. These results provide proof-of-principle that a single oral dose of an Fc-fused single-domain antibody was systemically detectable for up to 28&#x202f;days in neonatal calves, supporting the potential for extended dosing intervals compared with conventional oral immunoglobulin strategies.

To examine whether different caregiving arrangements influence hospitalization risk and frequency among older adults with functional limitations. This longitudinal study used linear probability and Poisson regression models with individual and wave fixed effects, lagged predictors, and household-clustered standard errors to assess associations between different caregiving arrangements and hospitalization outcomes among community-dwelling older adults in the United States. Caregiving was categorized as no help, family help, formal help, or combined help. Outcomes included any hospitalization and the number of hospital stays over a two-year period. Data came from eight waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2004-2018). The samples included adults aged 65 and older who reported difficulty with at least one activity of daily living and participated in at least two survey waves. The final analytic sample comprised 2926 individuals contributing 5595 person-wave observations. While the overall hospitalization risk did not differ significantly by caregiving type, receiving combined support was associated with a reduced number of hospital stays among those hospitalized (IRR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.712, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), compared to receiving no support. Cognitive functioning modified these relationships, with formal help linked to fewer hospitalizations among those with impairment but more among those without. Differences also emerged across racial and ethnic groups, where formal help was linked to lower hospitalization rates for Black individuals, and combined help was associated with increased hospitalizations among Hispanic older adults. Policies that expand access to both formal and family caregiving support may help reduce hospitalizations among older adults with functional limitations, particularly when tailored to care recipient characteristics.

This study explored the dual effects-both academic and social-of a peer tutoring framework where a twice-exceptional student with autism spectrum disorder (2e-ASD) served as a tutor for three students with learning disabilities (LDs). The goal was to assess whether peer-mediated instruction could improve tutees' reading accuracy while fostering tutors' social development. Using a multiple baseline design across participants, with a numerous probe structure, ensured rigorous methodology and intervention fidelity. Reading accuracy was systematically monitored across phases, and social validity feedback from parents and educators offered insights into perceived academic and social outcomes. The results showed significant, sustained improvements in reading accuracy for all students with LD following the peer tutoring intervention. At the same time, qualitative feedback highlighted notable enhancements in the tutor's social engagement, communication and self-confidence. Stakeholders observed that the tutoring structure promoted positive peer relationships and increased classroom participation. These findings highlight the mutual benefits of peer tutoring, especially when the strengths of twice-exceptional learners are deliberately incorporated into instructional design. The research adds to growing evidence supporting inclusive, strength-based peer learning models. By demonstrating that peer tutoring can enhance multidimensional learning outcomes, this study presents a scalable instructional approach with practical implications for special education, collaborative learning and teacher training. The findings encourage wider adoption of peer-mediated frameworks that acknowledge and utilize diverse learner profiles.

The global population is experiencing rapid aging, and the mental health needs of older adults have become an urgent public health concern, with anxiety levels becoming increasingly prevalent among older adults. In Thailand, stress and anxiety among older adults are anticipated to double in the next decade. Neuroticism, characterized by emotional instability and an impulse for negative feelings, is a significant psychological characteristic associated with anxiety. Older adults with higher neuroticism have heightened sensitivity to stress and frequently struggle with emotional regulation, hence increasing their vulnerability to anxiety and other mental health disorders. Loving-kindness, a core Buddhist principle, has been shown to benefit mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, primarily in Western or short-term settings. However, there is limited research assessing its role among older adults in Buddhist cultural contexts, such as Thailand. This study investigated whether loving-kindness moderated the relationship between neuroticism and anxiety symptoms among 232 Thai adults aged 60 and above, using secondary data collected between December 2019 and September 2022. Measures included the Neuroticism Inventory, Core Symptom Index for anxiety, and the Inner Strength-Based Inventory for loving-kindness. Multiple regression analysis evaluated potential moderating effects. The results revealed that anxiety had a positive correlation with neuroticism and a negative correlation with loving-kindness and education; nevertheless, an unexpected pattern occurred in the moderation analysis. Loving-kindness specifically enhanced the correlation between neuroticism and anxiety at high levels, rather than mitigating it. Older adults exhibiting higher levels of neuroticism and loving-kindness reported increased anxiety symptoms. Education was identified as a protective factor, exhibiting a negative correlation with anxiety. Loving-kindness did not mitigate the effect of high neuroticism on anxiety in Thai older adults. Rather, it intensified this correlation, indicating that robust prosocial characteristics lacking sufficient emotional regulation may exacerbate stressful emotions. These findings contradict prevailing theories regarding the universal advantages of loving-kindness and underscore the necessity for therapies that incorporate loving-kindness with emotional regulation and self-care in older adults.

Sex differences in lifespan and age-associated phenotypes are pervasive across species, yet the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major hallmark of aging, but whether skeletal muscle mitochondria age along sex specific trajectories remains incompletely defined. Here, we profiled mitochondrial bioenergetics and DNA integrity in flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle from young (3-4 months) and aged (20-24 months) male and female C57BL/6 mice. We quantified cellular respiration in intact myofibers, measured mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, and assessed expression of genes involved in mitochondrial dynamics, electron transport chain (ETC) function, and mtDNA maintenance. Cellular respiration differed by sex at baseline and changed with age in a sex-dependent manner. Aged females exhibited a lower basal and ATP-linked respiration than aged males. In contrast, spare respiratory capacity increased in aged females relative to aged males, consistent with age- and sex-specific remodeling of the bioenergetic reserve. mtDNA copy number increased with age in both sexes, with a greater increase in mtDNA content in aged males. Gene-expression analyses revealed age- and/or sex-dependent changes, including lower Pink1 expression in females compared to males, an age-related increase in the mtDNA maintenance gene Polg2 only in males, though most genes were not significantly different. As an exploratory systemic readout, we additionally assessed DNA damage responsiveness in whole-blood leukocytes using the alkaline comet assay following oxidative challenge; young females exhibited greater induced DNA damage than young males. Together, these data define sex- and age-associated mitochondrial remodeling in FDB and provide an initial assessment of sex-dependent inducible DNA damage responses in blood, underscoring the importance of sex as a biological variable in studies of aging.

Introduction Tobacco use significantly contributes to the occurrence of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, preventing tobacco use is very important to reduce these health risks. Groups that have jobs (such as bus drivers) have increased susceptibility to tobacco use based on&#xa0;extended work hours, workplace-related stress, sedentary job activities, and social peer pressure, all of which can increase the likelihood of tobacco use. Tobacco education programs that are located at the workplace provide a good opportunity for educating workers about smoking cessation and increasing their knowledge, motivation, and readiness to stop using tobacco. Aim This study aims to determine whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based tobacco education programs or basic health education (BHE) tobacco education programs are effective for increasing quit readiness among&#xa0;bus drivers. Methods A randomized comparative pilot trial compared CBT and BHE interventions on quit readiness among 40 active male smoker bus drivers. Participants were randomized into a CBT-based tobacco awareness program (n = 20) or a BHE-based program (n = 20). The transtheoretical model (TTM)&#xa0;stages of change were assessed at baseline, four weeks, and six months using the validated stages of change questionnaire. Results Baseline stage distributions were comparable (p = 0.751). At four weeks, the CBT group showed significantly greater progression toward the preparation and action stages (p = 0.033). At six months, the CBT group demonstrated substantially greater advancement toward the action and maintenance stages (p = 0.001). Conclusion Workplace-based tobacco awareness programs incorporating CBT were more effective than BHE in enhancing quit readiness, as measured by TTM stage progression, among bus drivers. These findings should be interpreted with caution, given the pilot design, reliance on self-reported outcomes, and the absence of biochemical verification of cessation. Larger, multicenter trials with longer follow-up and objective cessation measures are needed to confirm these results.