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The collective collapse of a sport team is typically accompanied by unpleasant emotions and their transfer between team members. Strategies to regulate these emotions may determine whether a team collapse unfolds in a team. Applying a pragmatist interpretivist paradigm, we explored emotion regulation strategies applied by sport teams in team collapse versus performance recovery situations and used video recordings of both situations to stimulate focus group interviews and conduct written observations. Twenty-two athletes of four sport teams (cricket, volleyball, and European handball) and three observers from the same sports participated. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyze the data. Results showed that applied emotion regulation strategies differed between team collapse and performance recovery situations with fewer and less effective strategies used in team collapse situations. This may be due to an emotional shutdown and/or the avoidance of emotion regulation. Future research developing and testing prevention and intervention strategies is needed.
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The evolution of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) has been fundamentally shaped by advances in charge transport materials, with copper-based coordination complexes enabling efficient redox mediation and, uniquely, the in situ formation of solid-state hole transport networks. This Spotlight traces the materials design principles underpinning the "zombie" DSC, devices that maintain or even improve performance after the spontaneous solidification of a liquid electrolyte within the mesoporous TiO2 scaffold. Building on the 2015 demonstration of copper-phenanthroline complexes forming self-assembled, conductive matrices, we discuss the interplay of ligand rigidity, redox potential, and reorganization energy and compare with recent breakthroughs in cobalt and iron polypyridyl complexes as well as polyiodide systems. Advances in ligand engineering have yielded amorphous, robust hole conductors with conductivities exceeding 1 mS cm-1 and power conversion efficiencies up to 38% under 1000 lx indoor light, with less than 5% efficiency loss after 1000 h continuous operation. Rapid, scalable processing, such as direct electrode drying and microwave-assisted evaporation, now enables large-area modules to be fabricated in under an hour, with stable integration into Internet of Things (IoT) sensor systems. By uniting molecular design, process optimization, and real-world device integration, zombie DSCs offer a compelling route to sustainable, high-performance indoor photovoltaics and self-powered electronics. Envisioning a new phase of IoT, these DSCs can power small, autonomously operating sensor modules. Moreover, integrating local intelligence, such as resource-limited neural networks, allows on-device analytics and real-time energy management, boosting efficiency while relying solely on ambient light.
Alterations in blink rate and dynamics are common during visually demanding tasks such as video gaming or digital device use, leading to tear film instability and ocular and visual symptoms. Sustained visual attention during gaming may reduce blink frequency and alter tear production, increasing ocular surface symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine whether experienced action video game (AVG) players exhibited adaptations in blink rate and tear volume compared with non-video game (NVG) players, and to explore the relationship between these adaptations and ocular symptoms. Thirty participants (17 AVG and 13 NVG) were enrolled. All participants played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare® (Zombies mode) for 25 minutes under controlled conditions. Blink rate was recorded at baseline and during dynamic and non-dynamic scenes using the Pupil Core eye tracker. Tear volume was assessed with the Schirmer test before and after gameplay. Dry eye symptoms were evaluated using the SANDE questionnaire at baseline and the IOSS questionnaire every five minutes during gameplay. No significant group differences were observed at baseline in blink rate, tear volume, or SANDE scores (all p > 0.05). During gameplay, AVG players exhibited significantly lower blink rates than NVG players in both dynamic (5.94 ± 2.61 vs. 7.88 ± 2.40 blinks/min, p = 0.045) and non-dynamic scenes (10.44 ± 3.34 vs. 13.73 ± 3.82 blinks/min, p = 0.018). Schirmer test values did not differ significantly pre - post session (p > 0.05). IOSS scores increased during gameplay in both groups (p < 0.0001), appearing earlier in NVG players. Expert AVG players demonstrate altered blink behaviour compared with NVG players, possibly reflecting adaptations that minimise visual information loss. These adaptations may influence ocular surface health during prolonged visual tasks. Further research is warranted to clarify the mechanisms underlying these changes.
Pavlovian-Instrumental Transfer (PIT) exemplifies how Pavlovian-motivational influences modulate goal-directed behavior, yielding outcome-specific (specific PIT) and general (general PIT) transfer. General PIT is commonly interpreted as outcome-general invigoration and is sensitive to stress. However, human PIT research typically uses visual, appetitive procedures, whereas rodent PIT research often uses auditory cues, limiting translation. We tested whether cue modality, along with additional factors such as immersive threat contexts, modulates PIT, and whether virtual reality (VR) enhances general transfer. Across three experiments (N = 196), participants completed a PIT task: (1) two-dimensional (2D) appetitive PIT with auditory vs. visual cues (Experiment 1; n = 60); (2) VR PIT comparing appetitive (positive reinforcement) vs. aversive (negative reinforcement; "zombie") contexts (Experiment 2; n = 40); and (3) aversive VR PIT preceded by immersive compound threat scenarios (neutral, spiders, contamination) in individuals stratified by contamination fear (CF) (Experiment 3; n = 96). Specific and general PIT were computed from baseline-corrected response rates. Stress induction (Experiment 3) was assessed using photoplethysmography-derived heart rate variability (HRV), salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), and self-report measures. Robust specific (η p 2 > 0.45) and general PIT (η p 2 > 0.68) were observed across all experiments. In Experiment 1, PIT magnitude did not differ by cue modality; specific PIT exceeded general PIT across auditory and visual conditions. In Experiment 3, threat scenario type and contamination fear did not significantly alter transfer effects. Nevertheless, increased stress indices were observed, including phase-dependent HRV changes, elevated sAA from pre- to post-test, and higher self-reported anxiety (with stronger subjective fear/disgust in the contamination condition). Across experiments, general PIT was larger in the VR studies than in the 2D study, whereas specific PIT remained stable; however, VR was not manipulated independently of reinforcement context and other procedural differences, precluding strong causal inference about its effect on general PIT. Despite this, human PIT appeared robust across cue modality and reinforcement context, and there was an indication that VR immersion may selectively amplify general invigoration while sparing specific PIT across all three experiments, albeit with a small effect (pseudo-R 2 = 0.06).
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Hypocrealean fungi include numerous entomopathogens, notably the hyperdiverse genus Ophiocordyceps, in which lineages manipulate insect hosts to die in specific microhabitats, such as mosses, which may facilitate spore dispersal. A dual endophyte-entomopathogen lifestyle has been proposed for Ophiocordyceps from temperate and subtropical systems; however, megadiverse tropical ecosystems remain poorly explored. Our study aims to characterize fungal communities in central Amazonian bryophytes from the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve in order to investigate the alleged dual lifestyle within a hyperdiverse tropical environment. Four sample types were analyzed: 1) Ophiocordyceps from the host insect; 2) bryophyte leaves at the host insect biting site; 3) bryophyte leaves adjacent to (≥ 5 cm) the biting site; 4) and bryophyte leaves (≥ 10 m) from the same locality within the study site. Total genomic DNA was extracted, the TEF1-α region was amplified, and amplicons were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technology. Metabarcoding of 45 libraries revealed structured fungal communities within Amazonian bryophytes, resulting in the identification of 2,277 fungal taxa. Across all bryophyte samples, we report a significant detection of entomopathogenic fungi, mostly comprising ant-specific Ophiocordyceps (e.g., O. camponoti-nidulantis and O. kniphofioides). Together, these results support the hypothesis of a ubiquitous endophytic stage of myrmecophilous Ophiocordyceps among Amazonian bryophytes, indicating a closer link between host manipulation and plant association than previously recognized.
This commentary commends Evers et al.'s multidimensional heuristic for structuring artificial consciousness research while arguing it cannot, as stated, adjudicate the nomological possibility of phenomenal consciousness, which is at stake in current debates. Behavioral-cognitive "profiles" lack a justified principle linking function to experience, and the awareness case study illustrates how externally specified goals can just as well underwrite as-if (pseudo-intentional) control rather than original intentionality. Moreover, the proposed heuristic overlooks that substrate similarity is currently indispensable for justifiably inferring the presence of consciousness beyond the validated case of the adult human brain. Given all this, the framework seems to provide a blueprint for building a more sophisticated philosophical zombie; it does not-and cannot-tell us whether anyone is there.
The susceptible-cleric-zombie-recovered (SCZR) model is a compelling generalization of classical epidemic frameworks, introducing a cleric subclass that can cure infectives through direct intervention. This work uncovers the profound mathematical structure underlying this model. We demonstrate that the SCZR dynamics admit a noncanonical bi-Hamiltonian formulation, a definitive signature of complete integrability. By identifying three independent invariants of motion, we construct two distinct, compatible Poisson brackets and their corresponding Hamiltonian functions. Leveraging this integrable structure, we reduce the four-dimensional dynamics to a single first-order autonomous equation that is solvable by quadrature, yielding the formal analytical solution. Furthermore, we derive an explicit closed-form solution for the special case where the cleric and susceptible infection rates are identical (α=β). Analysis of the solution, supported by numerical illustrations, reveals a rich bifurcation structure. We demonstrate that the transition from a susceptible-infected-like (zombie-dominated) to a susceptible-infected-recovered-like (human survival) outcome not only depends on the critical rate ratio γ/α (where γ is the cleric-induced healing rate), but is also critically controlled by the initial cleric fraction c_{0} and the susceptible infection rate β. Our analytical framework provides a complete characterization of the SCZR model's mean-field behavior, establishing its integrability and offering a powerful baseline for studying more complex, nonintegrable variations.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of increasing concern, yet their in vivo fate and mechanisms of intestinal toxicity remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) undergo a previously overlooked enterohepatic recirculation pathway that markedly enhances their intestinal retention. Using oral exposure and a Zombie mouse model with intravenous PS-NPs delivery, we show that systemically absorbed PS-NPs are efficiently captured by the liver, concentrated in the gallbladder, and subsequently reintroduced into the intestine via bile. Chronic PS-NPs exposure caused pronounced epithelial injury, including goblet cell loss, tight-junction disruption, and robust cytokine-mediated inflammation. Multiomics analyses revealed gut microbial dysbiosis, extensive shifts in metabolite profiles, and enrichment of neuroactive signaling pathways, suggesting microbiome-metabolite contributions to toxicity. We further identified significant enteric neurotoxicity characterized by reduced expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide, increased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, and downregulation of the mechanosensitive PIEZO1 channel. Together, these findings establish hepatobiliary recycling as a key driver of intestinal PS-NPs accumulation and demonstrate that epithelial damage, microbiome-metabolite imbalance, and enteric nervous system dysfunction collectively mediate PS-NPs-induced gut pathology. This work provides mechanistic insights essential for evaluating the health risks of environmental PS-NPs exposure.
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in immune tolerance and are promising targets for treating immune-mediated diseases. This study investigated the direct effects of PEGylated graphene oxide nanoparticles (LP-GO, BP-GO at 5-25 μg/mL) and fullerenol C60(OH)24 (25-200 μg/mL) on human Treg viability and differentiation in vitro. Tregs were induced from peripheral blood CD4+ T cells using IL-2, TGF-β, and CD2/CD3/CD28 activation beads for 72 h with nanoparticles. Assessments included viability, apoptosis (Zombie aqua/Annexin V), phenotype (CD45+CD4+CD25+CD127dim/-FOXP3+), nanoparticle sorption (intrinsic fluorescence), and IL-10 production. Neither PEGylated graphene oxide nor fullerenol C60(OH)24 affected T-helper (CD4+) viability (95.35-96.15%) nor early/late apoptosis levels. Despite this, we found a decrease in the percentage of CD4+ cells in cultures exposed to 50-200 μg/mL of fullerenol C60(OH)24. The percentage and absolute number of Treg cells decreased with 100-200 μg/mL of fullerenol, while IL-10 levels declined following treatment with 200 μg/mL of the same nanoparticles. Graphene oxide nanoparticles showed virtually no localization within or on cells. However, T helper and Treg cells demonstrated concentration-dependent sorption of fullerenol C60(OH)24 at concentrations of 100-200 μg/mL without a reduction in viability. These findings demonstrate good in vitro biocompatibility of the nanoparticles at pharmacological concentrations up to 25 μg/mL, alongside the inhibition of Treg differentiation with 100-200 μg/mL of fullerenol C60(OH)24.
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Over the last decade, the use of e-cigarettes (colloquially known as 'vaping') has risen sharply worldwide. Although e-cigarettes were initially promoted in some countries as a tool for nicotine replacement and restricted in others due to concerns about potential misuse, there is now growing concern over drug-laced e-cigarettes containing illicit substances such as etomidate, ketamine, heroin and methamphetamine, which pose serious public health risks. In Singapore, there has been a rise in the consumption of drug-laced e-cigarettes (also referred to as 'Kpods', 'zombie vapes' or 'space oil'), predominantly affecting young people in the community. In this review, we sought to provide practical guidance for frontline clinicians in the identification and management of suspected cases of drug-laced e-cigarette use and its associated medical complications. We also highlight the current preventative and mitigating strategies adopted by the government to address this public health epidemic.
Copper complexes have recently emerged as key materials for advancing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) toward more sustainable and high-performance photovoltaic technologies. This minireview summarizes the most significant achievements reported from 2024 onwards, highlighting the multifaceted role of copper in DSSCs as sensitizers, redox mediators, and functional components in innovative device architectures. Significant progress has been achieved in all these roles; however, the most remarkable advances concern copper-based redox mediators, where fine-tuning of ligand environments, additives, and electrolyte formulations has enabled excellent efficiencies, exceeding 10%, together with outstanding long-term stability. Developments in aqueous and quasi-solid-state systems further enhance the environmental compatibility and durability of these devices. In addition, novel concepts, including retro cells and copper-based "zombie" DSSCs, demonstrate the versatility of copper chemistry in simplifying device design and enabling new applications. Overall, these findings confirm copper complexes as highly promising earth-abundant alternatives to noble-metal-based systems although further work is still required to optimize light absorption, suppress charge recombination, and improve large-scale device stability.
This study was conducted to examine the effect of smombie (attention distraction and alienation from the environment due to smartphone use) and phubbing (ignoring others by being preoccupied with one's phone during face-to-face interactions) levels on adolescents' psychological well-being. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 626 adolescents living in Turkey between June-September 2025. Data was collected via an online survey administered through Google Forms. The data collection tools used were the Smombie Scale for Adolescents, the General Phubbing Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. R programming language 4.1.3, G*Power 3.1, and SPSS-22 programs were used in the analysis of the study. According to hierarchical regression analysis results, smombie level explained 15.7% of the variance in psychological well-being (R2 = 0.157; F(1,624) = 117.64, p < 0.001) and was found to be negatively associated with psychological well-being (β = - 0.398; 95% CI [- 0.475, - 0.329]). With the addition of phubbing level, the total variance explained by the model increased to 22.3% (R2 = 0.223; F(2,623) = 90.70, p < 0.001). In this model, both smombie (β = - 0.171; 95% CI [- 0.266, - 0.079]) and phubbing (β = - 0.344; 95% CI [- 0.224, - 0.130]) levels showed statistically significant and negative relationships with psychological well-being; with phubbing being a stronger predictor. This study demonstrates that smombie and phubbing behaviors in adolescents are negatively associated with psychological well-being. The cross-sectional design of this study limits causal inferences. Therefore, future research should employ a longitudinal design to determine the direction of these relationships and their effects over time.
Brain aging represents a critical risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline, yet the measurement of biological brain age remains challenging. Brain aging clocks, which quantify the discrepancy between predicted brain age and chronological age, have emerged as powerful tools for assessing brain health and predicting disease outcomes. Recent advances have transformed these clocks from simple global metrics to sophisticated, multi-modal approaches that capture regional heterogeneity, measure the pace of aging, and achieve cellular resolution. This review examines the methodological evolution of brain aging clocks, including the development of regional brain age gradients, pace-of-aging measurements, and multi-modal integration strategies. We then explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying accelerated brain aging, with particular emphasis on cellular senescence, cell-type-specific aging patterns, vascular dysfunction and blood-brain barrier breakdown, mitochondrial decline, proteostasis failure, synaptic loss, and the accumulation of senescent cells in neurodegenerative conditions. Epigenetic clocks and emerging plasma biomarkers (neurofilament light, GFAP, phosphorylated tau), particularly DNA methylation-based approaches, are discussed in the context of their relationship with neuroimaging markers and cognitive outcomes. Clinical applications are reviewed, including the prediction of neurodegenerative disease, the impact of socioeconomic and geographic disparities on brain aging, and emerging senotherapeutic interventions. Finally, we address current challenges in biomarker standardization, the need for longitudinal validation, and future directions toward precision aging medicine. Together, these advances position brain aging clocks as essential tools for understanding neural aging mechanisms and developing targeted interventions to promote healthy brain aging. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: As populations age globally, predicting who will develop dementia or cognitive decline before symptoms appear has become a critical medical challenge. Brain aging clocks - tools that measure whether a person's brain appears biologically older or younger than their chronological age - offer a promising solution. This review explains how these tools have advanced from simple brain scans to sophisticated methods that detect aging at the level of individual cell types, and how "zombie cells" called senescent cells drive accelerated brain aging. We also show that brain aging may be slowed through lifestyle changes and emerging drugs, though robust human efficacy trials are ongoing. These insights open new paths toward earlier diagnosis and personalized treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders.
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Manipulation of host behavior is believed to result from parasitic genes influencing the host's genes or its environment. This adaptive strategy, known as an extended phenotype, boosts the fitness and adaptation of pathogens. Numerous examples of extended phenotypes exist in nature, including zombie ants, fearless mice, brood parasitism in cuckoos, and zombie spiders, some of which are discussed in this review. In certain cases, parasitic pathogens cause morphological changes in their hosts that directly benefit the parasites by enhancing their adaptive fitness. Notably, plant pathogens, such as phytoplasmas, display extended phenotypes on hosts and insect vectors through the secretion of effector proteins like SAP54, PHYL1, SAP11, SAP05, TENGU, SWP1, SJP1, SJP2, Zaofeng3 (SJP3), SJP39, and Zaofeng6. These effector proteins are key factors in producing phenotypic changes in host plants that increase plant attractiveness to leafhopper vectors by targeting and degrading key transcription factors and developmental regulators. This process aligns with the concept of extended phenotype, as it significantly improves the adaptive fitness of phytoplasmas. This review explores the extended phenotype of phytoplasmas on dual eukaryotic hosts, focusing on effector proteins, their mechanisms, and modern strategies to counteract them.