Warmed soon: Early-life thermal stress elevates glucocorticoids and delays dispersal in a long-lived bird

Schizophrenia is traditionally classified as a serious mental illness (SMI), emphasizing chronicity and disability. However, growing evidence supports that it also shows features of a neurodevelopmental syndrome, highlighting disruptions in early brain development and a diverse spectrum of trajectories. This paper proposes expanding the conceptualization of schizophrenia as both an SMI and a neurodevelopmental syndrome. We review biological, clinical, and epidemiological evidence supporting a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia. We then propose a three-pronged strategy to operationalize this reframing: (i) reclassification in the ICD-11 and DSM-5 as a neurodevelopmental syndrome; (ii) renaming to reflect established and evolving scientific evidence; and (iii) reshaping societal narratives so schizophrenia is understood as a developmental condition that remains modifiable. A neurodevelopmental framing may advance access, quality, and equity in schizophrenia care. Reframing schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental syndrome reflects modern science and, based on precedent from other countries, could catalyze systemic changes to improve care, access, and equity.

Adaptive Dynamics models for the evolution of class-structured populations in stable systems.

Identification and expression of transient receptor potential (TRP) genes in Urechis unicinctus and the role of TRPC5 in immune response.

MRI-based structural development of the human newborn hypothalamus.

CASK-related disorders are rare X-linked neurological conditions. Heterozygous and hemizygous variants in the CASK gene located at Xp11.4 are strongly associated with developmental delay and intellectual disability. However, no long-term clinical information has been reported in the Chinese population. Here, we delineated the clinical and genetic characteristics of 21 Chinese patients with CASK variants. We used whole-exome sequencing and copy number variant sequencing to identify CASK variants in 21 Chinese patients (18 females and 3 males). Information on the age, sex, genetic data, feeding situation, growth, developmental conditions, and auxiliary examinations of the cohort was collected. We identified a total of 20 CASK alterations, 12 of which were novel variants, including five copy number alterations. The clinical phenotypes of the cohort included severe developmental delay, severe intellectual disability, microcephaly, muscle tone abnormalities, feeding difficulties, relatively low weight gain, and seizures. Significant differences in the sex composition of patients with CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders were noted; compared with male patients, more female patients had CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders and had relatively mild clinical manifestations. Compared with that in previously reported cohorts in other countries, the age of seizure onset was earlier in the Chinese population with CASK variants, and these patients tended not to suffer from severe ophthalmologic problems. The present study revealed the clinical and genetic spectrum of 21 Chinese individuals carrying CASK variants. The core clinical phenotypes of the present cohort overlapped with those in previously reported cohorts, but there were several unique features, such as earlier seizure times. The present study emphasized the role of CASK as a disease-causing gene of unexplained intellectual disability.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that most commonly develops in the third decade of life, but may emerge during adolescence, although in rare cases it can also present in childhood. Pre-adult onset is associated with substantial morbidity, functional impairment, and long-term disability. Accurately diagnosing schizophrenia in youth is particularly challenging, as its symptoms frequently overlap with or are misattributed to other psychiatric or developmental conditions. Conversely, misdiagnosis can also occur when psychotic symptoms are present in patients suffering from other conditions. Establishing an accurate and timely diagnosis is therefore critical to prevent errors in treatment and to optimize prognosis and functional outcomes. Antipsychotic medications are first-line interventions for schizophrenia in youth, with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) having the strongest evidence base in this population. Randomized controlled trials and open-label studies support the efficacy of risperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, paliperidone, lurasidone, and brexpiprazole in reducing psychotic symptoms in adolescents. In contrast, ziprasidone and asenapine have not demonstrated clear benefit in treatment of schizophrenia in youth. Similar to studies in adults, evidence from pediatric clinical trials suggests that clozapine remains the most effective option for treatment-resistant adolescent schizophrenia, although its use requires close monitoring for hematologic and other adverse effects. While SGAs are generally favored over first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) in youth because of their reduced propensity for causing extrapyramidal side effects as well as a stronger evidence base to support their use, their safety profiles require careful consideration. Weight gain, metabolic syndrome, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms, and endocrine effects have been reported in youth with schizophrenia. Such side effects can significantly impact adherence and long-term physical health, necessitating the need for ongoing monitoring and thoughtful agent selection tailored to each patient's individual clinical profile and risk factors. Overall, current evidence supports SGAs as the foundation of psychopharmacologic treatment for schizophrenia in pediatric-aged patients, with clozapine reserved for refractory cases. However, the relative paucity of pediatric-specific data compared with adult populations underscores the importance of continued research to guide clinical practice. In the meantime, accurate diagnosis, early intervention, and vigilant monitoring of both therapeutic response and side effects remain essential to optimizing outcomes for youth with schizophrenia.

Background: Occupational Therapists play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing essential rehabilitation services to individuals with physical, mental, and developmental conditions. Due to the demanding nature of their profession, they are often exposed to varying levels of workplace stress. While workplace stress has been widely studied in other healthcare professions, limited attention has been given to occupational therapists, particularly in the Indian context. This study aims to evaluate the levels of workplace stress experienced by occupational therapists in Chengalpattu district, providing insight into the overall stress patterns within this professional group.  Method: A cross-sectional study design was adopted to evaluate the workplace stress among occupational therapists. A convenient sampling was adopted for the study. The 61 individuals who were working as occupational therapists (Hospital, clinic, private sector and other) in Chengalpattu district were included in the study. The Workplace Stress Scale was used to evaluate the workplace stress.  Results: Analysis of data from 61 occupational therapists in Chengalpattu district showed that most participants experienced moderate levels of workplace stress. The likelihood ratio test revealed statistically significant associations between workplace stress and work setting (p = 0.001), while educational qualification (p = 0.064) and specialty (p = 0.287) showed no significant associations.  Conclusion: The study found that of 61 occupational therapists who participated in the study, the majority experienced moderate levels of workplace stress. A statistically significant association was found between work setting and stress levels, while no significant association was observed with educational qualification or area of specialization. Demographic imbalances may affect the generalizability of the results. Overall, the findings highlight the presence of workplace stress among occupational therapists.

Given the heart-brain relationship, children with congenital heart conditions (CHC) may experience poor academic outcomes, even if not diagnosed with developmental conditions. Among children without diagnosed developmental conditions, this study evaluates the "healthy and ready to learn" (HRL) metric by CHC status and identifies associated factors. Using 2022-2023 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data, we compared HRL among 3-5-year-olds with no known genetic, intellectual, or developmental disabilities by CHC status using adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). HRL was defined using an established algorithm with 5 domains (Early Learning skills, Social-Emotional Development, Self-Regulation, Motor Development, Health) and scored as "needs support," "emerging," or "on track," aligning with developmental expectations. Among children with CHC, we further identified associated characteristics. Of 19,094 included children, 408 (1.9%) had CHC. Compared to children without heart conditions, fewer children with CHC were "on track" for HRL overall (CHC = 62.4%; no HC = 70.4%) and for each HRL domain (CHC range: 64.3%-83.9%; no HC range: 71.9%-92.5%), though most aPR 95% CIs included 1. Among children with CHC, characteristics associated with not being "on track" in some domains were: ≥3h of screen time on most weekdays, having special healthcare needs, access to fewer neighborhood amenities, experiencing ≥ 1 adverse childhood event, or caregivers with less than a high school education (aPRs range: 0.58-0.79). Less than two-thirds of children with CHC were HRL. Families of preschoolers with CHC may benefit from intervention efforts and resources to improve school readiness.

Hemispheric specialization is a widespread feature of vertebrate nervous systems, but the minimal conditions under which bilateral systems differentiate, acquire polarity, and retain asymmetric states remain unclear. Here, we examined these issues using a minimal evolutionary model with two initially equivalent processing channels. Each channel evolved a spatial integration width while receiving the same input, and fitness rewarded the magnitude of a bilateral mismatch-separation signal rather than explicit anomaly localization. Under exact developmental symmetry, 40 lineages evolved robust left–right differences in integration width without significant directional fixation (median |Δa| = 2.511; 22 right-wider, 18 left-wider). Weak developmental gain asymmetry biased polarity selection in a graded manner, shifting outcomes toward right-wider or left-wider solutions depending on bias direction. Forced-symmetry, shared-parameter, and single-channel controls showed that high performance depended on allowing differentiated bilateral processing. After biased solutions were reseeded under restored symmetry, differentiation was retained and amplified (median |Δa| > 6.6), consistent with history-dependent persistence within the sampled fitness landscape. Structured backgrounds increased differentiation magnitude but imposed greater decision-time costs. These results distinguish differentiation, polarity bias, and persistence as separable components of minimal hemispheric specialization.

The interaction between income and mental health conditions for subsequent physical health conditions: a nationwide Danish cohort study from 2000 to 2021.

Dermestes maculatus, a globally distributed beetle of significant forensic importance, is commonly found on decomposing remains, its presence on corpse aiding in post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation and is economically important due to its destructive feeding on stored animal products. Its cuticle contains species-specific cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), which vary with developmental stage, sex, and environmental conditions. This study investigated the use of larval body size (length, head capsul width, and weight) and CHC profiles as potential indicators of larval age under controlled rearing temperatures (20°C, 30°C, and 40°C). Adult beetles were collected, identified morphologically and through mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene sequencing, and bred and reared to obtain larvae. Larvae were reared under laboratory conditions (60% RH, 12:12h L: D light-dark cycle) at the three temperature regimes. Developmental duration and morphometric data were recorded across instars, and CHCs were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass-mass spectrometry (GC- MS) in the 2nd, 4th and 6th instars. Results demonstrated a temperature-dependent decrease in developmental time and an increase in larval size between 20°C and 30°C, while development was arrested at 40°C, with high egg mortality. CHC profiles varied significantly with instar and temperature, highlighting their sensitivity to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. These findings demonstrate that morphological measurements and cuticular hydrocarbon analysis are reliable indicators of larval age in D. maculatus, although validation under field conditions is required before routine application to forensic post-mortem interval estimation.

Developmental follow-up is a necessary part of neonatal care to identify additional support needs but also to allow national surveillance and research. Follow-up at 4 years of age enables assessment before school entry, allowing schools to be ready for and support children and their families. This is not currently routine across the UK despite the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations in 2017. This best practice guide was developed by the British Association for Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up, a special interest group of the British Association of Perinatal Medicine.This framework supports clinicians developing and delivering a 4-year developmental follow-up service for children whose neonatal experiences put them at risk of developmental conditions or additional learning needs. This should include as a minimum those born before 28 weeks' gestation and infants with moderate to severe neonatal encephalopathy. Infants with risk factors for developmental problems should also be considered.This framework recommends assessment of developmental domains including physical development and growth, cognitive development, emotional and behavioural development, sensory needs, speech, language and communication skills, social skills and relationships. A summary report should be shared with caregivers and key individuals in health, education and social care. This should describe the child's strengths and needs to support transition into and throughout education.Specific service arrangements will vary depending on local resources and existing services. This framework provides guidance for clinical teams to enhance follow-up for children whose early experiences put them at risk of challenges, facilitating lifelong learning, participation and well-being.

Antagonistic trade-offs between early-life fitness and somatic maintenance are predicted to maintain variation in longevity, yet empirical support is scarce. Shephard et al. (2026) experimentally tested whether such trade-offs are concealed under typical developmental conditions using Mexican spadefoot tadpoles (Spea multiplicata) reared on typical or atypical diets. The atypical diet revealed cryptic genetic variation in larval growth and a significant negative genetic correlation with telomere length, indicating a diet-dependent trade-off in somatic maintenance.

Background: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged as part of the aging process. BPH Primarily affects men over the age of 40, of all races and ethnic backgrounds. No one knows specifically why an enlarged prostate occurs. However, hormones and genetics may play a role in the condition's development some researchers believe that it may be related to a drop in testosterone levels as men age. Others believe that one enlarged prostate cause is the reawakening of cells that deliver signals to other cells in the prostate.Objective: To evaluate the relation between serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the effects of 4 weeks of solifenacin therapy for BPH patients.Patients and Methods: A total of 108 patients attending the consultation department at Tikrit teaching hospital were enrolled in this case control study during the period from Novemberl®, 2011 tol™ of August, 2012. All patients had BPH with al- blocker treatment during the study period, a change in type and dosage of al-blocker was not allowed, Solifenacin (Smg) once daily dose was administered to the patients for 4 weeks.PSA level, serum DHT, IPSS, post voiding residual PVR, and prostatic size were measured before and after treatment. The patients themselves serve as their own control group. Estimation of Serum DHT and serum PSA using Elisa kit. Results: The relationship between PSA level and prostate size is probably the most natural reason for the correlation of urinary symptoms and serum PSA level .also found age and Higher serum DHT concentration were associated with larger prostate volume, elevate PSA level, less response to solifenacin. In the present study, strong direct and significant relationship found between storage symptom, voiding symptom and total IPSS with DHT level for men who treated with solifenacin +a- blocker than men who take a-blocker alone. While clarified non-significant differences found between PVR and the use of solifenacin +a-blocker and prostate size.Conclusion: Serum PSA and DHT can be used to predict effect of solifenacin on BPH after al-blockers monotherapy.

Neural correlates of late talking: A systematic review of electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies.

ABSTRACT While existing research has examined bilinguals' language practices and cultural identities, less attention has been paid to how heritage language engagement develops across the life course, particularly in intra-Asian contexts. Addressing this gap, this study investigates identity negotiation and heritage language engagement among adolescents from Chinese-Korean multicultural families. Drawing on qualitative interview data, the analysis shows that heritage language engagement is a dynamic, socially mediated process shaped by developmental transitions, changing conditions of social recognition and key life events. The findings indicate that heritage language engagement and transcultural identity development are mutually constitutive, with language practices embedded in broader identity work. Multicultural settings supported hybrid identification and sustained engagement, whereas monolingual settings intensified identity tensions and emotional distancing. Mobility and educational transitions emerged as key turning points in how the heritage language was valued and enacted. Based on these findings, the study advances a Critical Life Course Perspective to explain how developmental trajectories, agency and structural conditions shape heritage language engagement over time. It highlights the importance of inclusive multilingual environments in supporting positive identity development among multilingual youth.

Computerized cognitive training (CCT) is increasingly used in pediatric rehabilitation; however, its application across developmental disorders remains heterogeneous in terms of targets, delivery models, and outcomes. This scoping review aimed to map the currently available CCT tools used in children with developmental disorders and to summarize their main characteristics, clinical targets, and evidence gaps. We conducted a scoping review in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR framework and registered the protocol on the Open Science Framework (OSF; DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/9XQ5H). We searched peer-reviewed studies investigating CCT in children with developmental disorders and extracted data on device characteristics, target domains, training modalities, study design, and main findings. Twenty-two studies describing 21 devices were included. Evidence was heterogeneous across diagnoses, intervention architectures, comparators, and outcome measures. The most consistent signal emerged in ADHD, where some programs reported improvements in working memory and selected executive-function outcomes. Evidence in learning-related and intellectual developmental conditions was more variable and device-specific, while the only ASD study identified did not show superiority over mock training. CCT appears clinically attractive because of its adaptability, gamified delivery, and potential for home-based use; however, the current evidence base is uneven and does not support broad efficacy claims across developmental disorders. More disorder-specific studies with stronger comparators and ecologically valid outcomes are needed. https://osf.io/9xq5h, doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/9XQ5H.

Interleukin-11 (Il11) is a cytokine that belongs to the IL-6 family and is involved in inflammation, fibrosis, cancer, and ageing. Here, we generated an Il11-Cre knock-in mouse line and crossed it with the R26-tdTomato reporter to label and track of Il11-positive cells and their descendants under both developmental and pathological conditions. Using multicolor immunofluorescence staining, we identified tdTomato cells in various cell types, including fibroblasts and osteoblasts in bone, neurons in brain, enteroendocrine cells and fibroblasts in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatic β-cells, and serous acinar cells in the submandibular glands. Notably, we observed a significant increase in fibroblasts labelled by tdTomato in a colitis model. These results indicate that this Il11-Cre line can serve as a useful genetic tool for genetic manipulation studies based on the Cre-loxp system in the aforementioned cells.

Cognitive rehabilitation is widely used to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning in children with developmental and neurological conditions. The preadolescent i.e. age group of 8 to 15 years is particularly important, as this period involves significant cognitive growth and academic development. Although digital tools and serious games are increasingly applied in rehabilitation for this population, many existing systems lack structured adaptability and systematic evaluation methods. Most current solutions use fixed difficulty levels and limited personalization, which may reduce long-term effectiveness and engagement in children. This study proposes a structured adaptive framework for technology-enhanced cognitive rehabilitation systems specifically designed for children between the age group from 8 to 15 years. The framework integrates baseline cognitive assessment, adaptive progression mechanisms, performance monitoring, and structured feedback layers that are suitable for this developmental stage. The proposed model aims to provide a systematic approach for designing rehabilitation technologies that respond to individual performance levels and cognitive needs of school-aged children. Through comparative analysis of existing digital cognitive tools and framework validation using theoretical mapping and expert evaluation, this research aims to establish a structured model that enhances personalization, accessibility, and measurable cognitive outcomes for preadolescent children.