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Social isolation (SI) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). One mechanism linking SI and CVD is accelerated biological ageing, which can be assessed using artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiography (AI-ECG). We investigated whether longitudinal changes in SI status are associated with changes in biological ageing patterns. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study including 17 663 individuals without significant CVD who completed ≥2 Berkman and Syme Social Network Index and had paired ECGs within 1 year of each questionnaire. Longitudinal SI status was defined by comparing baseline and follow-up SI status. Ageing trends were assessed using Δage-gap, defined as the change in the gap between AI-ECG-predicted age and chronological age from baseline to follow-up. Linear regression models predicting Δage-gap and survival analyses with Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression for all-cause mortality were performed. Persistently connected individuals were older [63.1 (52.1, 70.6) years] and had a higher prevalence of hyperlipidaemia and hypertension, yet demonstrated more favourable ageing trajectories. Similarly, those who became connected showed a non-significant attenuation of accelerated ageing. In multivariable linear regression, being persistently isolated [β = +0.412 years, P < 0.001] or becoming isolated [β = +0.438 years, P = 0.012] was associated with accelerated ageing compared to being persistently connected. In survival analyses, becoming isolated (aHR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.53-2.46, P < 0.001) and being persistently isolated (aHR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.40-1.96, P < 0.001) were associated with significantly higher all-cause mortality, independent of chronological age and comorbidities. Persistent social connection is associated with slower biological ageing and lower mortality. The effects of SI on ageing and survival appear to be potentially reversible, calling for a prospective study to evaluate interventions aimed at improving both the social and biological burden of SI. Social isolation (SI) is a well-recognized yet underestimated risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and accelerated biological ageing is a key mechanism linking SI to cardiovascular disease. However, most studies rely on a single assessment of SI and of ageing, which fails to capture the dynamic nature of both entities. Our study showed that:Repeated measurements of SI provide greater insight into individual ageing trajectories than a one-time assessment.Persistent social connections over time are associated with slower ageing, whereas becoming isolated or being persistently isolated is linked to accelerated biological ageing.
Recurrent drought events are becoming increasingly frequent under climate change, yet how perennial clonal grasses adjust their functional traits and recovery trajectories across repeated drought-recovery cycles remain poorly understood. Here, we examined whether exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) modifies physiological performance, biomass allocation, and recovery dynamics of the clonal grass Festuca rubra under recurrent drought. Plants were exposed to three consecutive drought-recovery cycles in a controlled growth-chamber experiment with factorial drought and MeJA treatments. We quantified physiological traits (chlorophyll concentration, maximum quantum efficiency of PSII), structural traits (specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content), and performance-related traits (ramet number and biomass allocation). Recurrent drought progressively reduced photosynthetic performance and ramet production, with recovery becoming increasingly incomplete across cycles. In contrast, MeJA treatment mitigated drought-induced declines in chlorophyll concentration and PSII efficiency and stabilized recovery responses. MeJA also altered biomass allocation patterns, increasing aboveground biomass and reducing root-to-shoot ratios under drought, in contrast to drought-only plants, which showed enhanced belowground investment. Post-hoc analyses revealed that MeJA + drought plants differed significantly from drought-only plants for aboveground biomass and several functional traits. Overall, our results demonstrate that MeJA modulates drought responses and recovery trajectories in F. rubra, promoting conservative trait expression and improved performance under recurrent drought. These findings highlight the potential role.
Despite legal and ethical commitments to dignified end-of-life care, open communication with seriously ill patients remains inconsistent across the National Health Service (NHS). The Serious Illness Care Programme was implemented in two NHS hospital sites to improve communication and care planning for patients with serious illness. Explore the lived experiences of seriously ill patients and their clinicians participating in Serious Illness Conversations. Qualitative study using a phenomenological approach within an interpretive paradigm. Narrative interviews were undertaken, and Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to identify patterns of meaning. Outpatient clinics in two NHS hospital sites: a tertiary cancer centre and a renal unit within a city teaching hospital. Fourteen patients (seven cancer, seven renal failure) and nine clinicians (six oncologists, three nephrologists) were interviewed. The following three interrelated themes were generated from the analysis: (1) Patients described the conversations as 'a transformative experience', fostering reflection, practical planning, and reframed hope despite a limited prognosis; (2) Serious Illness Conversations were 'different conversations' from routine consultations, with use of the Serious Illness Conversation Guide enabling deeper, more holistic dialogue; however, they were segregated from routine practice; (3) Systemic and cultural barriers hindered these conversations from becoming embedded, perpetuating inequity of access to these conversations: 'Systems, Structure, Process: Serious Illness Conversations, epistemic injustice and cultural violence'. Findings from this study directly challenge the commonly held belief that these conversations are inherently negative to reveal the transformative power of these important and necessary conversations. They opened up different types of conversations, giving patients agency to direct certain aspects of their life. However, their integration into routine practice is hindered by structural and cultural constraints. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensure all patients have equitable access to these conversations. Patient and clinician experiences of serious illness conversations in NHS Hospitals in the UK This study explored how seriously ill patients, and the clinicians who care for them, experienced Serious Illness Conversations in two NHS acute hospitals. Serious Illness Conversations are structured conversations designed to help patients talk about their future, their values, and what matters most to them, to align their care with their wishes. Interviews were undertaken with 14 patients (7 with cancer and 7 with kidney failure) and 9 clinicians (6 oncologists and 3 nephrologists). Patients described the Serious Illness Conversations as transformative. They gave patients space to reflect, plan practically, and reframe hope even when facing a limited prognosis. Patients appreciated clinicians’ willingness to talk openly and honestly about dying and the future. The conversation enhanced their understanding about their illness and enabled them to make decisions about their care and prepare for the future. Clinicians recognised the value of these conversations, which promoted more holistic conversations that went beyond diagnosis and treatment. The Serious Illness Conversation Guide provided a framework for clinicians to structure these conversations with their patients. However, they were seen as different conversations that were organised in addition to routine clinic appointments, making them difficult to integrate into their already busy schedules. Access to Serious Illness Conversations was also unequal. Decisions about which patients were invited were made by clinicians, not patients. Clinicians often faced organisational barriers preventing them from scheduling these conversations such as a lack of available time and space within the hospital setting. This study concluded that Serious Illness Conversations can be powerful and positive for patients and clinicians, but structural and cultural barriers prevent them from becoming routine. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensure all patients have equal access to these conversations.
Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa of around half of the world's population and is a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. Current therapies are becoming increasingly ineffective due to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance, creating an urgent need for new treatment options with distinct mechanisms of action. Drug repurposing offers a practical and cost-effective approach to address this gap. PBT2 is an 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative originally developed for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and has more recently been shown to possess antimicrobial activity. In this study, we demonstrate that PBT2 displays potent bactericidal activity against H. pylori, including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. PBT2 rapidly killed H. pylori in vitro at low concentrations, with faster killing kinetics than commonly used antibiotics, and no resistance was detected after 30 days of continuous exposure. Importantly, PBT2 was effective in clearing an H. pylori infection in a murine model. Quantitative sequential window acquisition of all theoretical-mass spectrometry proteomic analysis revealed that PBT2 triggers broad disruption of essential bacterial processes, including global suppression of translation, impairment of iron-sulfur cluster assembly and respiration, dysregulation of metal homeostasis, and reduced abundance of virulence- and motility-associated proteins. We reported that PBT2 can act as a nickel ionophore, with Ni2+ being the highest-affinity ligand for PBT2 reported to date. Together, these findings suggest that PBT2 acts through a multifaceted, metal-dependent mode of action that limits the potential for emergence of resistance. Our work highlights PBT2 as a promising candidate for repurposing to treat multidrug-resistant H. pylori infections.IMPORTANCEAntibiotic resistance is steadily reducing our ability to treat common bacterial infections, while the development of new antibiotics has slowed. Helicobacter pylori is a clear example of this growing problem, with treatment failures becoming more common worldwide. This study highlights the value of taking a different approach by repurposing existing drugs for new antibacterial uses. Rather than acting on a single bacterial target, the compound examined here disrupts multiple essential processes at once, reducing the probability of resistance developing.
In the new era characterized by the accelerated integration of science, technology, and industry, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a core force driving enterprise transformation. Innovation serves as the primary engine of rapid corporate development, with employee creativity being the key to such innovation. As an externally enabling technological tool, AI not only effectively extends the boundaries of employee creativity but also significantly unlocks employees' innovative potential. Therefore, enhancement of employee creativity is closely related to the effective utilization of AI technology. Based on conservation of resources theory and social exchange theory, this study develops a research model to investigate how AI usage affects employee creativity. Moreover, previous studies have predominantly focused on modeling mediating effects. To address this research gap, the present study broadens its scope by incorporating the moderating role of technology acceptance and examining its effects. Targeting Chinese SMEs, the study collected 316 samples and performed empirical analyses using SPSS and Amos. The findings reveal that AI usage influences employee creativity through work engagement. In addition, the interaction between technology acceptance and AI usage amplifies the effects on both work engagement and employee creativity. Theoretically, this study advances interdisciplinary research by integrating AI technology with organizational behavior, thus establishing a foundation for subsequent studies. Practically, it provides concrete guidance for Chinese SMEs in their digital transformation endeavors.
To evaluate tear CHI3L1 (tCHI3L1) as a minimally invasive biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS), compare it with serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CHI3L1, and assess associations with clinical phenotype and disease measures. This cross-sectional study included 111 MS patients (71 relapsing-remitting MS [RRMS] and 40 progressive MS [PMS]) and 23 healthy controls (HC). tCHI3L1 was quantified by optimized ELISA and normalized to tear volume (tCHI3L1 ratio). Paired tear-serum samples were available for 99 patients to measure sCHI3L1, sGFAP, and sNFL. Associations with age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and disease duration, were analyzed. An independent cohort of 34 patients with paired tear-serum-CSF samples was used to assess biomarker relationships across biological fluids. Receiver operating characteristic analyses evaluated discrimination between PMS and RRMS. PMS patients showed higher tCHI3L1 ratios than RRMS patients (p = 0.033) and HC (p = 0.024). Tear and serum CHI3L1 levels were not correlated. In patients with matched tear-serum-CSF samples, the tCHI3L1 ratio showed a trend toward correlation with CSF CHI3L1 (r = 0.3; p = 0.08), becoming significant in patients without inflammatory activity (r = 0.45; p = 0.038). Serum biomarkers correlated with age, disease duration, and EDSS. sNFL, followed by sGFAP, showed the best discrimination between PMS and RRMS, whereas serum and tear CHI3L1 showed the lowest discriminatory power. tCHI3L1 is elevated in PMS and may provide complementary information on compartment-specific disease biology. Its minimally invasive nature supports further evaluation as an accessible biomarker in MS.
To identify key recent research in the field of binocular vision anomalies, highlight important advances and identify where new developments are emerging. This allows identification of gaps in our knowledge, which may inform future research efforts. A narrative review of the peer-reviewed literature on amblyopia, strabismus and non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies (NSBVA) was carried out under the following headings: prevalence, impact and new developments (e.g., in technology, treatment and disease understanding). The prevalence of amblyopia and strabismus continues to be studied intensively in different geographical regions and amongst different ethnicities, with results revealing large variations in rates of esotropia versus exotropia. Studies of NSBVA prevalence frequently suffer from major methodological limitations, leaving uncertainty about their prevalence and impact. This stems from variability in diagnostic criteria and an uncertain link between the conditions and the symptoms generated. There has been an upsurge in evaluations of the impact of strabismus and amblyopia. Along with their effect on vision, changes are seen in visuomotor and other functional task performance (e.g., reading). Additionally, there are important psychosocial impacts (e.g., in self-confidence), particularly when strabismus is present. Digital applications are emerging for both detecting and treating binocular anomalies, although much remains to be done to establish their acceptability to patients and overall usefulness. The quality of the research evidence guiding amblyopia treatment is much stronger than for strabismus, where evidence for the treatment of the condition is still lacking. With greater awareness of the need for robust research evidence, the knowledge gaps concerning binocular vision anomalies are becoming clearer. As high-quality research evidence emerges and armed with a greater understanding of their prevalence and impact, it is hoped that future management of these visual anomalies will be based more upon robust research evidence and less upon clinical consensus.
Coumarin and its derivatives are naturally occurring benzopyrone compounds with multiple pharmacological activities. Recent studies indicate that they possess notable anticancer potential, particularly relevant for cancers with the highest rates of incidence and mortality worldwide. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological activities of coumarin derivatives against the top nine cancers worldwide, categorized by incidence and mortality, and to evaluate their potential as lead molecules in cancer drug discovery. A comprehensive review of coumarin derivatives reported to be active against the top nine cancer types, including their mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships, and pharmacological relevance, was summarized. Coumarin derivatives have demonstrated notable anticancer activity across the top nine cancer types. Their mechanisms of action include COX-2 inhibitory activity; induction of apoptosis through regulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins such as BAK, APAF-1, p53, BAD, BAX, Bcl- 2, and Bcl-XL; and cell cycle arrest at both the G1 and G2/M phases. Additional effects involve inhibition of angiogenesis, suppression of metastasis, and downregulation of oncogenic long noncoding RNAs (SNHG6 and CASC11) along with their associated targets. Moreover, coumarin derivatives modulate multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and AMPK/mTOR, highlighting their potential as multitargeted anticancer agents. Coumarin derivatives have significant anticancer potential but lack clinical evidence. Currently, it is limited to becoming a potent anticancer candidate for drug delivery. Therefore, future research should be designed to conduct clinical studies to validate the potential of coumarin derivatives as anticancer agents. Coumarin derivatives demonstrate considerable potential as anticancer agents, particularly against malignancies with the highest global incidence and mortality. Their structural diversity, multitargeted mechanisms of action, and ability to circumvent drug resistance underscore their value as scaffolds for future anticancer drug development. Rigorous clinical investigations are essential to establish their therapeutic utility.
Providing care for older family members (e.g., parents or relatives) and fulfilling one's work responsibilities, known as family eldercare, is becoming increasingly common due to the growing population of older adults in many societies. A burgeoning literature has begun investigating the negative spillover effects of eldercare burden on employees' experiences and performance at work. In particular, scholars have called for more attention to identifying effective strategies for coping with eldercare burden and mitigating its negative impact. The present research examined whether challenge appraisals of eldercare could mitigate the effect of eldercare burden on employees' positive affect, which, in turn, was related to their sense of thriving at work. In two studies-an experiment and a 2-week experience sampling study-we found that challenge appraisals weakened the relationship between eldercare burden and employees' positive affect. Employees' challenge appraisals also weakened the indirect relationship between eldercare burden and thriving at work through positive affect. This research demonstrates that employees' eldercare burden negatively spills over into the work domain. However, challenge appraisals of eldercare can buffer this spillover process. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
While the mean left atrial pressure (mLAP) reduction during mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) has been suggested as a potential prognostic marker, comprehensive evidence from large-scale, real-world cohorts is limited, especially with stratification by mitral regurgitation (MR) aetiology. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of intraprocedural haemodynamic changes, particularly the mLAP reduction, during M-TEER for MR, using multicentre registry data. From the OCEAN-Mitral registry, 2,629 patients undergoing M-TEER with intraprocedural direct mLAP measurements were included. A decrease in the mLAP was defined as follows: postprocedural mLAP-preprocedural mLAP<0. The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) rehospitalisation. Among 2,629 patients (degenerative MR [DMR]: 825 [31.4%], functional MR [FMR]: 1,804 [68.6%]), the postprocedural mLAP decreased in 1,548 patients (58.9%). In the DMR cohort, the mLAP reduction was associated with a significantly lower risk of the composite outcome (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-0.96; p=0.028), while no such association was observed in the FMR cohort (adjusted HR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.75-1.08; p=0.251). Interaction analysis confirmed a significant difference in prognostic impact based on MR aetiology (p for interaction=0.006). Pulmonary vein flow patterns improved, with systolic waves becoming greater than diastolic waves across both groups; however, their combination with the mLAP reduction predicted better outcomes only in DMR patients. A reduction in the mLAP during M-TEER is independently associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with DMR but not in those with FMR. These findings underscore the importance of real-time haemodynamic assessment - especially in DMR - as a valuable procedural endpoint that may aid in optimising long-term outcomes beyond anatomical MR reduction alone.
Opioid use disorder (OUD) among US adolescents represents a public health crisis, with overdose deaths becoming a leading cause of mortality. Despite their efficacy, naloxone and buprenorphine remain underutilized. The pediatric emergency department (PED) presents an intervention opportunity, as many adolescents with OUD present there before fatal overdoses. This quality improvement initiative examined the use of education and hybrid screening to improve the provision of naloxone and buprenorphine in the PED. A multifaceted OUD screening and treatment protocol was implemented in a PED using Best Practice Alerts (BPA) triggered by specific chief complaints (CC), alerting providers to the need for additional screening. Components included provider education, formulary changes, and clinical pathways. Data from adolescent encounters over 45 months were analyzed, comparing naloxone and buprenorphine prescribing rates before and after implementation. Secondary analyses examined demographics, insurance, and psychiatric comorbidities. During the study, 63 adolescents initiated buprenorphine, and 246 received naloxone. Among patients with BPA-qualifying CCs, naloxone dispensing increased from 3.89% to 11.39% and buprenorphine prescribing increased from 1.04% to 2.46%. Postimplementation, Black/African American adolescents and those with government insurance received more medications than peers, and overall naloxone prescribing increased from 0.4% to 0.79% of all visits. Patients triggering the BPA experienced longer ED stays regardless of medication receipt, with no increase in return visits. Electronic screening alerts coupled with provider education increased the provision of medications for adolescents at risk for opioid-related harm. The intervention is achievable in a PED without increasing return visits.
Volar locking plates become the standard treatment for distal radius fractures and are mostly applied through volar approaches that rely on the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) as a superficial landmark. Although usually straightforward, anomalous flexor musculature may complicate exposure, misdirect dissection and increase the risk of iatrogenic neurovascular injury. We report two rare anatomical variants encountered during open reduction and internal fixation: FCR brevis (FCRB) associated with anomalous insertion of the pronator quadratus, and complete agenesis of the FCR. Both substantially altered the expected surgical anatomy. The FCRB obscured the typical superficial interval and was associated with ulnar displacement of the pronator quadratus on deeper dissection. In the second case, the absence of the FCR eliminated a key landmark, with the palmaris longus becoming the most radial tendon, increasing the risk of inadvertent ulnar dissection towards the median nerve and its palmar cutaneous branch. Recognition of these variants is essential to ensure safe volar exposure and avoid neurovascular injury. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).
Recovery in eating disorders (EDs) is often defined in terms of symptom remission, potentially overlooking the broader meanings individuals attribute to illness and recovery. Qualitative research has highlighted the multidimensional nature of recovery, yet less is known about how therapeutic contexts may shape how individuals make sense of illness, change, and recovery. This study aimed to explore how individuals with EDs conceptualize illness and recovery, and how these meanings may be shaped through participation in group psychotherapy. A qualitative study was conducted within an interpretivist framework using reflexive thematic analysis. Ten adult outpatients with EDs participated in semi-structured interviews at the end of a group psychotherapy program integrated within a multidisciplinary treatment setting. Participants described a shift from understanding the ED mainly through food, weight, body image, and symptom control toward a more emotionally and relationally informed understanding of distress. Recovery was increasingly constructed as a multidimensional and non-linear process involving emotional awareness, self-acceptance, agency, identity renegotiation, and connection with others. The group was experienced as a space that fostered recognition, belonging, and reflection, while also exposing participants to shame, fear of judgment, and emotional vulnerability. Findings suggest that group psychotherapy may support a reconfiguration of how individuals with EDs understand illness and recovery, moving from a primarily symptom-centred perspective toward a more holistic, relational, and personally meaningful framework. Rather than operating mainly through direct behavioural change, the group appeared to function as a space for meaning-making, emotional reflection, and relational experimentation. This study highlights emotional awareness, identity renegotiation, self-acceptance, and interpersonal connection as potential targets for fostering recovery in EDs. Trial registration The study protocol (n. 0034565/i) was approved by the local Institutional Review Board. Eating disorders are often understood mainly in terms of eating behaviours, weight, and body image. However, people with eating disorders may experience illness and recovery in broader and more personal ways, involving emotions, relationships, identity, shame, and self-acceptance. This study explored how adults with eating disorders understood their illness and recovery after taking part in group therapy within a multidisciplinary treatment setting. Ten adults were interviewed after completing a group therapy program. Before the group experience, participants often described their eating disorder mainly through symptoms such as food restriction, bingeing, purging, body dissatisfaction, and weight control. After the group, many described their difficulties in a broader way, linking the eating disorder to emotions, relationships, and personal experiences. Recovery was seen not only as reducing symptoms, but also as becoming more aware of emotions, accepting oneself, developing personal agency, and connecting with others. The group helped some participants feel understood and less alone, but it could also involve shame, fear of judgment, and emotional vulnerability. Overall, group therapy appeared to support broader and more personally meaningful understandings of recovery.
Trisomy 13 (T13, Patau syndrome) and trisomy 18 (T18, Edwards syndrome) are the second and third most common aneuploidies with significant morbidity and mortality. Survival beyond infancy is becoming increasingly recognized. However, surgical needs of these populations are not well described. We aim to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of the surgical care of pediatric patients with T13 and T18 in Texas. The Texas Hospital Inpatient Discharge Public Use Data File (2017-2023) was queried to identify all pediatric admissions (<18 y) with T13 and T18 using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. Therefore, transfers to outside hospital were excluded to avoid systematic double counting. Descriptive statistics were performed (median, [interquartile range]). A total of 582 admissions were identified (181 T13, 401 T18). The majority of admissions occurred in the first year of life. Overall inpatient mortality rates were high in both (T13 27.1%, T18 23.7%) with highest mortality in neonates (≤28 d; T13 65.6%, T18 56.4%). Notably, inpatient mortality in older admissions dramatically decreased. Across all age groups, length of stay and median charges were highest for infants (29-365 d) (T13 length of stay 17 d [3-31], T18 16 d [5-43]) with frequent operative interventions, which persisted throughout childhood. While cardiovascular anomalies were prevalent in the younger cohort, supportive operative interventions including airway, vascular, and feeding access were the most common procedures. While T13 and T18 both have high mortality, particularly in infancy, there is survival with persistent health-care utilization and operative needs throughout childhood. This highlights significant long-term health-care needs and evolving surgical indications. Longitudinal care coordination of multidisciplinary surgical care is needed to optimize outcomes of affected patients.
The structure and dynamics of extractant-based aggregates strongly influence metal ion extraction and third-phase formation in liquid-liquid systems. Here, classical molecular dynamics simulations were used to study aggregates composed of Eu(NO3)3, water, and the extractants DMDOHEMA or DMDBTDMA in two linear n-alkanes, n-heptane, and n-dodecane. Micelle organization and solvent interactions were analyzed through radial distribution functions and potentials of mean force. Polar and apolar micellar radii were similar for both extractants, but diluent penetration into the apolar region was greater in n-dodecane than in n-heptane. Extractant chains generally wrapped around the polar core, with orientations primarily driven by entropy, except for DMDBTDMA in n-dodecane, where stronger diluent-extractant interactions were observed. Penetrating diluent molecules are oriented roughly perpendicular to the micelle, following the same behavior as the extractant chains. These results reveal that the apolar regions of the aggregates are highly dynamic, with chain motions becoming nearly isotropic beyond the polar core. Solvent molecules readily penetrate the micelle interior, challenging the conventional view of reverse micelles as rigid, star-like structures. Overall, this study demonstrates how the interplay between the extractant and diluent governs aggregate structure and dynamics, offering molecular-level insights into the factors controlling ion extraction and third-phase formation.
Physical inactivity remains a persistent global health challenge despite long-standing evidence that regular physical activity (PA) reduces chronic disease risk, cognitive decline and premature mortality. In parallel, digital health technologies have expanded rapidly, yet it remains unclear how distinct platform types have emerged, diffused and been differentially adopted in clinical vs. non-clinical populations. We conducted a large-scale bibliometric trend analysis of technology-supported PA interventions indexed in Scopus and SportDiscus, covering records published from 1953 to 2025. Using an active-learning screening workflow with title/abstract screening, sensitivity checks and consensus adjudication, we identified 2,981 eligible studies published between 1988 and 2025 across 757 journals and 63 countries. Studies were coded by population (clinical vs. non-clinical), platform cluster, and author-reported PA outcome direction abstracted from the publication record. Publications increased markedly after 2008, with smartphone/mHealth and wearable sensors becoming the dominant platform clusters in the 2010s and early 2020s. In the smoothed overall trajectories, publication activity reached its highest level around 2022, followed by a contraction concentrated mainly in mature clinical platform clusters. Non-clinical studies generally adopted newer platforms earlier, whereas clinical studies showed a recurrent lag before converging for more established, accessible technologies. A distinct population-level reversal was visible in mature platforms: non-clinical studies led early smartphone, wearable and web-based uptake, clinical studies became more prominent around the COVID-19 period, and non-clinical studies again predominated by 2025 for smartphone/mHealth, wearable sensors and web applications. Multi-component designs were common, with the strongest network backbone centred on smartphone, wearable and web-based combinations. Reported PA improvement signals were common across both population strata, but these findings reflect patterns in published study reporting rather than comparative effectiveness. By providing a platform-centred, cross-population and temporally resolved map of technology-enabled PA interventions, this study identifies mature technology backbones, emerging areas of experimentation, and recurrent translational gaps between clinical and non-clinical contexts. The findings support more theory-informed and implementation-aware intervention design while underscoring that bibliometric prominence should not be equated with real-world efficacy.
Although space travel is becoming more accessible, our understanding of how the space environment and microgravity (μG) affect biology, physiology, and human health remains incomplete. This study examined the effects of μG on synaptic signaling and neuromuscular aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. The D01 cohort, consisting of L4 larvae to young adults raised in μG, exhibited a downregulation of genes linked to synaptic signaling, dopamine response, locomotion, cuticle development, and mitochondrial metabolism. This was accompanied by altered synapse dynamics, reduced motility, and shorter body length. In μG, aged worms showed a reduction in collagen gene expression, increased abnormalities in motor neuron morphology, changes in synaptic vesicle dynamics, and a collapse of mitochondrial morphology in body wall muscles, highlighting exacerbated aging-like phenotypes. The gentle-touch mechanoreceptor MEC-4 was identified as a key mediator of μG-induced body length reduction and changes in extracellular matrix gene expression. mec-4 mutants did not show μG-associated body shortening. The expression of most mechanoreceptor genes, including stretch-activated channels unc-105 and del-1, was downregulated under μG conditions. Notably, the expression of tmc-1 and degt-1 mechanoreceptor genes was downregulated independently of MEC-4. Restoration of physical stimulation using culture medium with small beads in space mitigated many μG-induced neuromuscular defects and expression alterations including those in mechanoreceptor genes. These results highlight the role of mechanical stimuli in maintaining neuromuscular integrity during spaceflight and suggest that restoring tactile input could counter health risks from reduced tactile stimulation during long-term space missions.
The development of surface-active materials to improve the performance of electrochemical processes is becoming increasingly important in response to the growing challenges of sustainability. Due to their high active surface area, arrangements of nanoparticles are strong candidates for electrode materials. However, the surface activity of nanoparticles is often affected by the presence of stabilization agents such as organic ligand layers on the particle surface. This work investigates the postsynthetic aerobic and anaerobic pyrolysis of iron oxide mesocrystals to transform the organic ligand shell into an electrochemically active surface. This process introduces fissures into the nanoparticle assemblies while concomitantly reducing the particle separation distances, thereby enhancing both capacitance and magnetic coupling. Our findings demonstrate that anaerobic pyrolysis preserves mesocrystalline order, whereas aerobic pyrolysis disrupts order but significantly improves electrochemical activity by enhancing the active surface area.