Ramadan fasting involves prolonged daytime abstinence from food and fluid intake and may influence cardiovascular and physiological regulation. Although prior studies have examined metabolic and cardiovascular effects, evidence on ambulatory blood pressure patterns and geriatric outcomes in the "oldest old" remains limited. To evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on ambulatory blood pressure, hydration status, mobility, and fall risk in community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 80 years. In this prospective within-subject repeated-measures study, 69 adults aged ≥ 80 years were evaluated during both fasting and non-fasting periods. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed using a validated automated device. Hydration status was assessed using serum and urine osmolality and the Dehydration Screening Tool. Functional and geriatric outcomes were evaluated using the Katz Activities of Daily Living scale, Timed Up and Go test, Five-Times Sit-to-Stand test, and the Itaki Fall Risk Scale. Paired comparisons were conducted between periods, and linear mixed-effects regression models were used to assess hourly blood pressure patterns. Mean 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure demonstrated small but statistically significant increases during fasting compared with the non-fasting period (132.5 ± 16.1 vs. 129.8 ± 14.8 mmHg, p = 0.049; and 70.2 ± 9.6 vs. 68.0 ± 8.7 mmHg, p = 0.008, respectively). Hydration parameters and functional mobility did not differ significantly between periods. However, fall risk scores were significantly higher during fasting (mean difference 0.44 points; Cohen's dz = 0.52; p < 0.001). Mixed-effects analyses demonstrated significant circadian variation in blood pressure, with the greatest divergence between fasting and non-fasting conditions observed in the afternoon (approximately 15:00). In adults aged ≥ 80 years, Ramadan fasting was associated with small effect-size increases in ambulatory blood pressure and a moderate effect-size increase in fall risk, without significant changes in hydration status, or mobility. These findings suggest that fasting may be tolerated in selected very elderly individuals; however, individualized clinical assessment, blood pressure monitoring, and fall risk evaluation should be considered in primary care settings.
Intermittent fasting is now the third most commonly practiced diet in the USA. Yet, despite more than 225 clinical trials-including nearly 40 in patients with diabetes or prediabetes-intermittent fasting has not yet been recommended as part of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care or the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Global Clinical Practice Recommendations. In this Personal View, we start by synthesising evidence from trials in patients with type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. In adults with type 2 diabetes, diverse types of intermittent fasting, such as time-restricted eating, the 5:2 diet, and the fasting mimicking diet, reduce HbA1c (typically by 0·3-1·2%), fasting glucose, 24-h glucose, and bodyweight relative to usual eating patterns. Moreover, intermittent fasting is as effective as calorie restriction for improving glycaemic control and does not increase the risk of hypoglycaemia when medications are adjusted using simple rules. Intermittent fasting might also reduce glycaemia in adults with prediabetes, whereas there are insufficient data to recommend its use in people with type 1 or gestational diabetes. Therefore, we argue that the evidence base has sufficiently matured to warrant including intermittent fasting in clinical practice guidelines as one of several evidence-based lifestyle options for type 2 diabetes. We also provide practical guidance for clinicians on prescribing intermittent fasting and safely managing people with diabetes.
Long-term fasting is a promising strategy to restore metabolic health. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiome may mediate some of fasting benefits, but the role of its viral component remains poorly understood. Using shotgun metagenomic data from a single-arm, monocentric fasting intervention, this study profiled the gut virome (n = 89 individuals, n = 241 samples) before and after 9.8 days of fasting ( ~ 250 kcal/day) as well as one and three months afterwards. Fasting induced a transient loss of viral diversity and a shift toward increased representation of virulent phages. External dataset validation identified 49 phages showing reproducible directional changes during fasting. Many were linked to bacterial hosts, showing concordant shifts, including depletion of Faecalibacterium-associated phages and enrichment of Bacteroides-associated phages. Cross-domain network analyses revealed denser viral-bacterial networks at the end of fast, with enriched connections to butyrate producers, suggesting phages may participate in the fasting-induced restructuring of microbial networks involving health-associated taxa. Collectively, these findings indicate that fasting remodels the gut virome cross-domain associations through reproducible, functionally relevant phage-host interactions, with reorganisation persisting for up to three months and occurring in parallel with improvements in cardiometabolic markers.
Insulin resistance (IR) constitutes a critical pathophysiological mechanism linking pediatric obesity to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Recent investigations in adult populations have proposed 20/ fasting C-peptide × fasting plasma glucose (20/ (Fcpep X FBG)) as a good biomarker for IR. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of this novel index in detecting IR among obese pediatric patients. This case-control study included 100 children (50 obese and 50 controls), aged 6-16 years. Anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory assessments were performed, including fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, fasting C-peptide, and lipid profile. IR was evaluated using HOMA-IR, HbA1c, TyG index, and 20/ (Fcpep X FBG). Obese children demonstrated significantly elevated metabolic parameters, including body mass index (BMI), HOMA-IR, and fasting C-peptide. The (20/Fcpep x FBG) index was significantly lower in obese subjects (0.10 ± 0.04 vs. 0.18 ± 0.05, p < 0.001) and exhibited strong inverse correlations with HOMA-IR, BMI, TyG index, and HbA1c. 20/ Fcpep X FBG can significantly predict IR at a cut-off ≤0.164 with 86.67% sensitivity, 85% specificity. The 20/ (Fcpep X FBG) index represents a convenient and accurate biomarker for IR detection in obese pediatric populations, demonstrating robust correlations with established metabolic indicators. Insulin resistance (IR) constitutes a critical pathophysiological mechanism linking pediatric obesity to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index serve as the established surrogate markers; recent investigations in adult populations have proposed 20/ fasting C-peptide × fasting plasma glucose (20/ (Fcpep X FBG) as a superior alternative. However, its utility in pediatric patients with obesity has not been evaluated. We found that the (20/ (Fcpep X FBG) is a promising and reliable marker for detecting IR in obese children and adolescents.
Ketogenic dietary therapies can reduce seizure frequency in drug-resistant epilepsy, but adherence to the classical ketogenic diet is often poor. Intermittent fasting supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may offer a more feasible and less restrictive alternative. We assessed whether 16:8 intermittent fasting with exogenous MCT supplementation improves seizure outcomes in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. This prospective, single-center, two-period crossover pilot trial included adults (≥18 years) with drug-resistant epilepsy and at least three seizures per month during the initial 4-week baseline period. Participants completed two, 12-week intervention periods-(1) 16:8 intermittent fasting plus MCT supplementation (IF-MCT) and (2) 16:8 intermittent fasting alone (IF)-separated by a 4-week washout period. Participants were allocated 1:1 to the initial sequence using deterministic alternating allocation. The primary endpoint was seizure frequency during IF-MCT compared with IF and standard therapy during the baseline period. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06013761). Of 36 enrolled participants, 22 completed both intervention periods with evaluable seizure diary data and were included in per-protocol analyses. During IF-MCT, two participants (9%) achieved sustained seizure freedom. In post hoc analyses, the proportion of participants achieving earlier ≥50% seizure reduction was numerically higher during IF-MCT than during IF (Breslow: p = .233), although not statistically significant. Concentrations of ketone bodies and octanoic and decanoic acids increased during IF-MCT, without an apparent correlation with seizure reduction. In this exploratory crossover pilot trial, intermittent fasting combined with MCT supplementation was associated with a numerical, although not statistically significant, reduction in seizure frequency compared with intermittent fasting alone in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. Although the study was not powered to detect definitive differences, the observed trend suggests a potential signal of efficacy. As one of the first studies to evaluate this combined dietary approach using a crossover design, the results support further investigation in larger, adequately powered multicenter efficacy trials.
Prolonged preoperative fasting is common in pediatric anesthesia, yet its effect on gastric residual volume (GRV) remains inadequately explored. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study to examine the association between prolonged fasting duration and GRV measured using point-of-care gastric ultrasonography. A total of 491 children aged 1-12 years scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia after fasting more than 8 h were included. GRV was measured using point-of-care gastric ultrasonography and calculated using a validated formula, then normalized to body weight. The primary endpoint was the association between fasting duration and weight-adjusted GRV (GRV/WT). Among the participants (median age 89 months; 308 boys), fifteen patients (3.05%) had a stomach at risk of aspiration (GRV/WT > 1.25 mL kg-1) and 29 (5.91%) showed high-risk gastric antrum morphology. Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated no significant association between prolonged fasting duration and GRV/WT (ρ = 0.037, 95% CI: - 0.054 to 0.128, p = 0.41). GRV/WT correlated positively with age and negatively with body mass index. These findings suggest that prolonged preoperative fasting does not independently associate with GRV in pediatric patients.
Fast coherent state transport is essential to quantum computation and quantum information processing. While an adiabatic transport of atomic qubits guarantees a high fidelity of the state preparation, it requires a long timescale that defies efficient quantum operations. Here, we propose an adaptable and fast bang-bang-bang protocol, utilizing a combination of forward- and backward-moving trap potentials, to expedite the coherent state transport. We further showcase the advantage of applying squeezed coherent state evolution under a deeper potential followed by a weaker one, where a design of symmetric squeezing potential transports promotes an even shorter timescale for genuine state preparation. Our protocols outperform conventional forward-moving-only methods, providing new insights and opportunities for rapid state transport and preparation, ultimately advancing the capabilities of quantum control and quantum operations.
It is suggested that intermittent fasting, specifically time-restricted eating (TRE), may have potential impact on depression in obese patients with major depression disorder (MDD). This study will aim to evaluate the effects of TRE with and without calorie restriction, compared to the traditional calorie restriction in patients suffering from MDD and obesity. This single-center, single-blinded, prospective, randomized trial will be conducted on 90 obese patients with major depression over 24 weeks. Participants were randomly divided into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. Group 1: recipients of TRE with 8-h food intake restriction (fixed 8-h time period), 2: recipients of TRE (fixed 8-h time period) and calorie restriction (75% of required calories), and 3: group receiving calorie restriction (75% of required calories). The primary objective is assessment of changes in depression severity scores, alongside secondary outcomes including changes in parameters such as body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass, fat-free mass, circadian rhythm score, quality of life, physical activity, and key metabolic factors such as fasting glucose levels, serum insulin, hemoglobin A1C, insulin resistance and sensitivity, lipid profile, and blood pressure. While calorie restriction can promote weight loss, its long-term adherence and mental health effects remain inconsistent. Emerging approaches like TRE have shown promise in improving body weight and metabolic parameters, but their impact on mental health is less understood. This study aims to fill this gap by comparing time-restricted eating with a fixed 8-h eating window plus and minus calorie restriction, against standard calorie restriction, in obese patients with major depressive disorder. The findings could have significant clinical implications for integrated management of obesity and depression. Iran Clinical Trials Registry, IRCTID: (https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/IRCT20241029063543N1). Registered on 26-11-2024.
While falling costs have expanded access to genomic sequencing, clinical utility is frequently hindered by the challenge of interpreting complex genetic data. Variant analysis for rare disease patients especially requires significant time and expertise, creating a bottleneck that delays diagnostics. Although advances in genetic variant classification have improved diagnostic precision, they have also increased the identification of variants of uncertain significance (VUSs), widening the interpretation gap between data generation and clinical actionability. The high prevalence of VUSs can lead to false reassurance or psychological distress by misinterpretting inconclusive results. We propose that artificial intelligence (AI) is a critical clinical decision-support tool for bridging this gap, offering a scalable framework to optimize variant interpretation and shorten the diagnostic odyssey. While reclassification ultimately requires biological evidence that AI cannot replace, these tools serve as essential aggregators and prioritizers, especially as guidelines transition toward the upcoming quantitative ACMG v4 framework. We advocate integrating AI throughout the genetic diagnostic workflow-from initial phenotyping to variant prioritization-to facilitate data-driven, personalized treatment. We outline current AI-assisted approaches and discuss anticipated challenges in this pursuit, such as privacy, training data bias and quality, model explainability, and the necessity of a total product life cycle for validation. To address these challenges, we provide recommendations for "human-in-the-loop" design and intuitive workflow integration to ensure AI tools meet the highest standards of precision, reproducibility, and transparency to maximize adoption. By standardizing AI across the variant analysis pipeline, we can fast-track the path to genetic diagnoses, effectively bridging the interpretation gap and enabling rapid delivery of personalized medical interventions.
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become the leading energy storage systems for both portable electronic devices and stationary energy storage applications. However, their further advancement is hindered by the lack of fast-charging, durable anode materials. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising candidate anode materials owing to their high porosity and diverse structures. This study developed a novel LIB anode Bi/C@C featuring a distinctive core-shell structure via a metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived approach, exhibiting rapid lithium storage performance (275 mAh g-1 at 5000 mA g-1) and exceptional cycling stability (85% capacity retention over 2000 cycles). This structure contains a 3D Bi-C porous core and a dense yet defect-rich carbon shell, enabling efficient ion/charge transport, functional interfacial isolation, and mechanical buffering against volume changes. DFT calculations further demonstrate that the core-shell structure possesses strong lithium-ion adsorption and a low reaction energy barrier (-0.32 eV), effectively facilitating electrochemical kinetics. Furthermore, the Bi/C@C-500//LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 full cell demonstrates unparalleled rate capacity (183 mAh g-1at 20 C) and remarkable cycling stability (86% capacity retention after 100 cycles). These findings establish the 3D porous core-shell Bi/C@C as a highly promising anode for LIBs, holding great significance for advancing the development of high-performance energy storage technologies.
Analog spatial differentiation is an emerging computational paradigm. By virtue of high speed and low-power consumption, optical method plays an important role in data compression, microscopy and computer vision. However, most developed optical differentiators are static and lack the reconfigurability of differentiation functions. Herein, we propose a reconfigurable space-variant ferroelectric chiral nanostructure to dynamically control the optical differentiation. Via switching the polarity of external electric field, 1st-order/2nd-order spatial differentiation or bright-field imaging can be actively selected with an ultra-short response time down to 62 μs. Edges of biological cells, as well as intensity objects, can be well identified, while their direct imaging is also achievable synchronously. Such fast-switchable differentiator shows excellent reliability and reversibility for over 1.8 million cycles and over 200 days. This work advances the ingenious building of ferroelectric nanostructures, and offers an important glimpse into their potential in neuromorphic photonics, biomedical microscopy and artificial intelligence.
The sluggish room-temperature curing kinetics and low-temperature brittle failure of epoxy resins have long constrained their deployment in extreme environments. Although existing acceleration strategies can enhance curing rates, they are invariably accompanied by issues of intense exothermic heat release, cohesive embrittlement, and toxic emissions. Herein, inspired by mussel adhesive proteins, we present an interfacial-bulk synergistic optimization strategy that leverages triazolinedione-indole (TAD-indole) click chemistry to construct a room-temperature, second-scale curable epoxy adhesive (RTIA). This strategy exploits the TAD-indole cycloaddition reaction to form a high-density C-N crosslinked network, while concurrently endowing the crosslinking sites with dicarbonyl hydrogen bond acceptor functionalities, thereby achieving synchronous enhancement of cohesive strength and interfacial adhesion. The RTIA adhesive exhibits a dry shear strength of 9.42 MPa and retains 3.12 MPa after boiling water treatment, demonstrating stable performance across a broad temperature window from -196°C to 80°C. Notably, the indole moieties confer intrinsic antibacterial properties that effectively suppress bacterial adhesion. This heat-free curing mechanism fundamentally circumvents the adverse effects associated with conventional accelerators, enabling compatibility between instantaneous on-site processing and deployment in extreme environments and thereby establishing a new paradigm for the design of high-performance structural adhesives.
The simultaneous improvement in sensitivity, response speed, and operating range of flexible pressure sensors is crucial for their applications in human-computer interaction, health monitoring, and robotic perception. Inspired by the microgroove structure of scorpion slit sensilla, a biomimetic pressure sensor based on a rigid-flexible hybrid design strategy is proposed in this study. This sensor is composed of a flexible layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a rigid layer of spring steel. A microgroove array template is fabricated on a zirconia ceramic substrate using a femtosecond laser, and a biomimetic microgroove array is formed on the PDMS surface via the template replication method. Silver nanoparticles are sputtered onto the surface as the conductive layer. Experimental results show that the sensor has a high sensitivity of 1.50 ± 0.04 kPa-1, a wide operating range of 0.2 kPa to 140 kPa, an average linearity (R2) as high as 0.995 within the 0.2 kPa to 20 kPa range, a response time of 45 ± 4 ms, and a recovery time of 40 ± 3 ms. By integrating the sensor into the sole of a quadruped robot and combining it with a Bluetooth wireless transmission module and machine learning algorithms, the system achieves high-precision identification of four types of geological environments.
We demonstrate a single-photon detector operating in the microwave domain, based on photoassisted quasiparticle tunneling events that poison a superconducting island. The detection relies on continuously monitoring the island's charge parity using microwave reflectometry. This scheme achieves 10% detection efficiency with sub 50 ns time resolution and short dead time (∼1  μs), for microwave photons at 10 GHz. The detector features three junctions connected to a superconducting island, which together carry out photoelectric conversion and charge readout. The enhanced light-matter coupling, crucial to photon-to-quasiparticle conversion, is provided by a granular aluminum-based high-impedance microwave resonator. The time-resolved detection of itinerant microwave photon opens up new perspectives in quantum sensing, microwave quantum optics, and mesoscopic physics.
Obesity, especially visceral obesity, is a major health issue globally, leading to metabolic disorders. Visceral fat accumulation is closely linked to insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities. The role of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, e.g. leucine, isoleucine, and valine) in metabolic health, particularly in visceral obesity, remains unclear. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the relationships among body fat composition, BCAAs, and metabolic dysfunction in visceral obesity. This study investigates the correlation between serum BCAAs levels and body fat composition in individuals with visceral obesity, as well as the association between these levels and metabolic indicators. A total of 105 participants were recruited and categorized into three groups: obesity without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 52), obesity with T2DM (n = 32), and healthy controls (n = 21). All participants underwent assessments of anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and serum amino acid profiles. Correlation tests and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze relationships among variables and potential associations. Serum BCAAs levels were significantly higher in both obese groups than in the healthy, normal-weight control group (p < 0.001). Compared with the healthy normal-weight controls, valine showed the greatest increase (obesity non-T2DM: 36.48 ± 8.33 µg/mL; obesity and T2DM: 43.46 ± 7.68 µg/mL; controls: 30.48 ± 4.19 µg/mL). In Pearson's analysis, BCAAs were positively associated with visceral fat area (VFA), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat ratio, and IR-related markers (HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, and HbA1c) (all p < 0.05). Valine demonstrated the strongest correlations with HOMA-IR (r = 0.481, p < 0.001) and WC (r = 0.507, p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were also observed between BCAAs and fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and lipid parameters. In multivariable models, valine was independently and positively associated with central adiposity, as reflected by WC (standardized β = 0.357, p = 0.001), and with insulin resistance, as assessed by HOMA-IR (standardized β = 0.306, p = 0.003). Leucine and isoleucine were independently associated with WC and fasting insulin levels, while no independent associations were observed for phenylalanine or tyrosine. Valine is associated with central adiposity and insulin resistance in obesity and was independently associated with WC and HOMA-IR. BCAAs profiling may help identify individuals with increased metabolic risk; however, further prospective studies are required to validate its clinical and predictive value. Not applicable.
Kinematic movement analysis is highly relevant in patients with glenohumeral instability, a pathology characterized by fatigue-induced slowing of repetitive movements. However, the optimal exercise approach for this symptom remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of the MoveUS Program on the improvement of kinematic fatigue in patients with glenohumeral instability. This randomized controlled trial was developed at Axarquia Hospital (Spain). The study evaluated 47 adult patients with glenohumeral instability, and 38 patients finished the study. The patients were asked to perform the modified 30-s and 120-s T-Fast Test as well as three tests using analytical movements such as flexion, abduction, and scaption for 30 seconds as quickly as possible. The outcome variables were the reference point, the time to fatigue, and the percentage of fatigue, both in linear acceleration and angular velocity. The main statistical method was linear mixed-effects models. The MoveUS Program Group showed significant improvements in time to fatigue compared with the control group in the 30″ T-Fast Test (β = 5.09-5.12; p = 0.001-0.003), 120″ T-Fast Test (β = 16.62-31.0; p < 0.001), flexion (β = 8.13-9.51; p < 0.001), abduction (β = 12.7-13.53; p < 0.001), and scaption (β = 13.8-14.94; p < 0.001). As for the percentage of fatigue, the MoveUS Program showed significant differences but only in the 120″ T-Fast Test (β = -19.51--28.11; p = 0.001-0.02). In contrast, significant differences were not found between groups regarding the reference point. This study suggests that the MoveUS Program may be useful to generate a delay in the time to fatigue in patients with glenohumeral instability. Future research is needed to confirm the results of this study. NCT05443295. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05443295.
Migraine is a neurovascular disorder involving serotonergic, vascular, metabolic and haematological pathways. Peripheral serotonin has been implicated in migraine biology, but its relationship with glycaemic and haematological markers remains unclear. This study evaluated serum serotonin in migraine and examined associations with clinical, glycaemic and haematological variables. This comparative cross-sectional study included 74 adults with migraine diagnosed using International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition criteria and 82 non-migraine controls from a tertiary-care teaching hospital. Demographic data, anthropometry, blood pressure, pulse rate, fasting glucose, HbA1c, estimated average glucose, haemoglobin, thyroid-stimulating hormone and serotonin were recorded. Group comparisons used t-tests and age-adjusted analysis of covariance. Pearson and partial correlations assessed serotonin associations. Multiple regression used estimated average glucose in the primary model and HbA1c in a sensitivity model, as estimated average glucose is derived from HbA1c. Among 156 participants, the migraine group was older and had higher blood pressure, pulse rate, fasting glucose and HbA1c/estimated average glucose, with lower haemoglobin. Serum serotonin was lower in migraine than control participants (10.72 ± 5.42 vs. 88.43 ± 6.26 ng/mL; p < 0.001), remaining significant after age adjustment. Serotonin correlated inversely with HbA1c/estimated average glucose, fasting glucose, blood pressure and pulse rate, and positively with haemoglobin. In multivariable analysis, estimated average glucose, haemoglobin and age were independently associated with serotonin. Adults with migraine showed lower peripheral serotonin and altered glycaemic, haemodynamic and haematological profiles. These exploratory findings require validation in longitudinal studies with detailed migraine phenotyping.
Spin-and-valley-tronics explores the spin and valley degree of freedom for power-efficient and high-speed information storage and processing. A critical challenge in advancing spin-and-valley-tronic devices toward quantum operation lies in achieving coherent control over the spin and valley dynamics. A gigantic magnetic field is generally required to initiate fast coherent spin and valley precession to beat the subpicosecond valley decoherence in transition metal dichalcogenides. The magnetic proximity effect (MPE) can enhance the effective valley and spin magnetic moment, which has been explored extensively for engineering the magneto-optical properties of magnetic heterostructure. However, its influence on ultrafast coherent spin and valley dynamics remains unexplored. Herein, we investigate the MPE in WSe_{2}/CrSBr heterostructures, which feature resonantly aligned band structures that promote strong charge transfer (CT) with a noncollinear spin configuration. The valley Zeeman splitting and emission helicity of WSe_{2}/CrSBr are found substantially enhanced. We show that the enhanced exchange coupling together with noncollinear CT spin state drives subpicosecond coherent spin and valley precession, giving rise to anomalous magneto-optical properties. The anomalous MPE also leads to the observation of switchable exchange bias on the 2D ferromagnet with light helicity. Our work sheds light on the intriguing coherent spin and valley dynamics at the magnetic van der Waals interface and paves the way for ultrafast encoding and processing of coherent spin and valley information.
Efficient discrimination of thermal neutrons, fast neutrons, and γ-rays is of great importance for radiation monitoring, nuclear security, and fundamental research. However, conventional plastic scintillators, despite their low cost and fast response, generally suffer from limited neutron/gamma (n/γ) discrimination capability, which motivates the development of advanced scintillation materials and dedicated detection systems. In this work, we developed a polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) blended plastic scintillator that combines the high light yield of PS with the mechanical robustness of PMMA. A boron-containing dopant, bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2Pin2), was introduced together with optimized dye and cross-linker concentrations to enhance neutron sensitivity and overall scintillation performance. To evaluate the detector performance, we further constructed a custom measurement platform consisting of a photomultiplier tube (PMT)-based readout module and a high-speed pulse waveform analysis system. Experiments with a 241Am-Be source demonstrate that the developed scintillator exhibits effective pulse shape discrimination capability, demonstrating statistical discrimination of γ-ray-, fast-neutron-, and thermal-neutron-related event populations within a single detector system.
Previous studies have yielded inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between dietary patterns (DPs) and psychological disorders, with most evidence derived from cross-sectional studies. To examine the association between major DPs and the risk of depression symptoms (DepS) and anxiety disorder (AnxD). This study used data from The Maastricht Study [participants included in analyses for DepS: n=6967, mean age (SD): 59.94(8.66) years, female: 49.40%; for AnxD: n=6634, mean age (SD): 59.94(8.60) years, female: 49.40%]. A validated food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intakes. DPs were derived using principal component analysis. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaire were used annually to assess DepS and AnxD, respectively. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was incorporated to examine the associations. Stratified analyses were performed based on diabetes status, sex, body mass index, and smoking status. Three DPs were identified: "high vegetables and legumes", "high fast food and sugar", and the "vegetarian-like" DPs. After adjustment for all possible confounders, adherence to the "high fast food and sugar" DP was associated with a higher risk of DepS [HR(95%CIs) Q5 compared with Q1: 2.13(1.55,2.92), P<0.001, Ptrend<0.001] and AnxD [HR(95%CIs) Q5 compared with Q1: 2.03(1.33,3.10), P=0.001, Ptrend<0.001] in the total population. No association was found for other DPs in the total population. A significant interaction was observed between the "vegetarian-like" DP and smoking status on the risk of AnxD [Interaction term, HR(95%CIs): 0.76(0.64,0.90), P= 0.001]. Opposite but non-significant associations were noted in never-smokers [HR(95%CIs) Q5 compared with Q1: 1.47(0.83,2.60), P=0.19, Ptrend=0.06] and former/current smokers [HR (95%CIs) Q5 compared with Q1: 0.62(0.37, 1.04), P =0.07, Ptrend= 0.046]. A diet high in fast foods, confectionery, fried potatoes, sauces, sugar-sweetened beverages, and refined grains might be associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety in adults.