Brain aging in bipolar disorder using a neuroimaging and machine learning-derived metric: Findings from the ENIGMA BD Working Group.

All organisms employ strategies to cope with changing environmental conditions. In budding yeast, nutrient deprivation induces a reversible non-proliferative state known as quiescence, characterized by extensive remodeling of gene expression, metabolism, and cellular biophysical properties. Yeast cells survive prolonged periods of starvation-induced quiescence, provided they can respire in the early stages of glucose withdrawal, and blocking respiration causes premature aging and markedly reduced survival and cytoplasmic diffusion. We find that respiration is required to initiate a quiescence-specific adaptive program. Induction of such a program prior to glucose withdrawal bypasses the need for respiration, rescuing survival and biophysical properties to the levels of respiration-competent cells. This rescue relies on proteomic adaptation and is mediated by Ras/PKA inactivation and Msn2/4-dependent activation of the environmental stress response, leading to modulation of cytoplasmic diffusion. Together, this enables long-term survival in quiescence even in the absence of respiration, underscoring the role of the stress response and the modulation of cytoplasmic properties in quiescence and aging.

Lactate-lactylation axis as an emerging metabolic-epigenetic pathway in diabetic microvascular complications.

Progerin, a truncated lamin A isoform generated by cryptic LMNA splicing, is the pathogenic driver of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) and has been implicated as a putative marker in natural ageing. Low-level progerin arises in normal tissues, particularly skin, vasculature, and blood-derived cells, where it contributes to nuclear deformation, chromatin disorganization, DNA damage, telomere attrition, mitochondrial stress, stem cell exhaustion, and premature senescence. These cellular effects align with damage accumulation and senescence-based theories of ageing, while HGPS illustrates accelerated convergence of these mechanisms. Endogenous suppressors, including WRN helicase and telomere-protective factors, modulate progerin levels and mitigate its harmful consequences, highlighting the existence of regulatory pathways buffering nuclear lamina stress. Although its detection in normal ageing is constrained by low abundance and tissue specificity, progerin provides domain-rich information about vascular and dermal ageing, complementing systemic measures such as epigenetic clocks. Standardized ultrasensitive assays, longitudinal tissue-resolved studies, and interventional tests targeting upstream drivers or reinforcing endogenous inhibitors are key to validating progerin as part of multimodal biomarker panels. These insights may collectively position progerin as a mechanistic link between premature ageing and physiological ageing, positioning it as a potential component of biomarker strategies.

A multiperspective study on the role of support and self-efficacy in middle school students using the CTCM method.

Profound prelingual sensorineural hearing loss affects oral language development. Cochlear implants, especially at an early age, enable the acquisition of functional auditory and language skills. This observational, retrospective, longitudinal study evaluated the auditory-language performance of 15 children with profound bilateral prelingual hearing loss who underwent bilateral cochlear implantation before the age of 5 and were followed up at 2 and 5 years after activation. We used an ad hoc functional scale to classify performance. The median age at implantation was 1.8 years (0.7-3.7). At 2 years, three patients showed excellent performance; at 5 years, 10 achieved this. Eleven children showed improvement between the two assessments, with no deterioration in any case.

Epidemiology, treatment practices, and societal and economic burden of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Finland: A retrospective register and chart review study.

Progressive gait and motor deficits in a rat model of Alexander disease.

Characterizing neuroma-like formation after tail docking in sheep.

We sought to clarify the inter-relationships among a range of psychiatric and substance use disorders by employing two-dimensional genetic maps, with axes defined by family genetic risk for major depression (MD) and drug use disorder (DUD). Using comprehensive Swedish national register data, we located cases of 12 disorders within this space and examined how their genetic risk profiles varied as a function of sex, age at onset, and level of recurrence. Disorders segregated robustly into two clusters. Internalizing disorders were characterized by moderate genetic liability for MD and low liability for DUD, while externalizing disorders displayed substantial risk for both genetic dimensions. These patterns were replicated across regions of Sweden. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grouped with the internalizing cluster, whereas borderline personality disorder aligned with the externalizing group. Sex differences in genetic liability were common and frequently involved both axes: typically, the sex with the lower disorder prevalence carried higher genetic risk, with the most striking contrasts observed for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and DUD. Across most disorders, earlier age at onset was associated with elevated genetic liability, with particularly strong effects for AUD, MD and PTSD. Similarly, high level of recurrence consistently indexed increased genetic risk, often spanning both axes, with notable prominence for AUD, DUD, MD and PTSD. Taken together, these findings suggest that the genetic liabilities underlying psychiatric and substance use disorders are not fixed entities but vary systematically with key clinical features. Considering multiple genetic risks simultaneously provides an informative framework for understanding cross-disorder relationships between psychiatric disorders.

To provide a descriptive analysis of the overall health and well-being of older adults of Pacific Peoples ethnicity using the interRAI-Home Care assessments, compared with NZ Europeans. A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was conducted of interRAI-Home Care assessments assessed between 5 July 2016 and 31 December 2020. Basic descriptive information was gathered from Pacific Peoples and NZ Europeans separately. The frequency and percentage of the health conditions of interest were reported. Binary and multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to investigate any differences between the prevalence of health conditions. A total of 123,023 interRAI-HC assessments were examined, of which 5390 (4%) were Pacific Peoples and 117,633 (96%) NZ Europeans. The mean age of Pacific Peoples was 75.8 years (SD 8.4) and NZ Europeans 82.6 years (SD 7.5). After adjusting for age and sex, Pacific Peoples were less likely to smoke, consume alcohol, have coronary heart disease, fall, report loneliness or have difficulty hearing than NZ Europeans. In contrast, Pacific Peoples were more likely to have diabetes, cognitive impairment, congestive heart failure, require a mobility aid or be bed bound, experience bladder incontinence, have difficulty understanding others or have poorer vision than NZ Europeans. Older Pacific Peoples who were assessed for home support and aged residential care have more complex needs and require services at an earlier age than NZ Europeans. There is a need for improvements in equity in the health system and underlying social determinants of health to raise the earlier age and lower the high burden of chronic diseases that Pacific Peoples face.

The association between age at menarche and polycystic ovary syndrome among reproductive-aged women in the US.

Revisiting the Pb content threshold for copper provenance investigation in Early Bronze Age China

A new baurioid therocephalian, Jiucaiyuangnathus confusus, was recently described from the Lower Triassic Jiucaiyuan Formation of Jimusar, Xinjiang, China. Here, two or three newly collected specimens from the same horizon of Turpan, Xinjiang, including a complete skull with lower jaw and partial skeletons, are referred to this species. The new skull is slightly larger than that of the holotype. Histological features, in conjunction with other anatomical characters, indicate known specimens should be early juveniles with an overall rapid osteogenesis and probably less than 1 year old at death. Different from the holotype, the new specimen has six upper incisors, a short diastema between the last incisor and first maxillary tooth, more distinct canines (and canine boss), and 15 dentary teeth. The new finding indicates that reduced size and/or absence of canine in the juvenile would not be a useful phylogenetic character for therocephalian. The prootics of the new specimen show unreported features from other therocephalians: a prominent medial process (may be present in Olivierosuchus) and strongly folded dorsal margin of the lateral surface. After the description of the new material, the following diagnostic features are proposed for the taxon: maxillary palatal process contacts the premaxillary vomerine process and the vomer; five to six upper incisors. Jiucaiyuangnathus confusus is the best known Baurioidea from Pangea North, and although resembling several features to Ericiolacerta parva of Pangea South, it seems quite likely that most of the similarities are related to both taxa being represented by specimens of early ontogenetic age.

Physio-Cognitive Decline Syndrome (PCDS) is a clinical characterized by concurrent declines in physical and cognitive functions that precede disability. Taiwan's rapidly aging population highlights declines in physical and cognitive functions as precursors to disability, posing key challenges in geriatric care. Research shows these declines begin in early middle age and progress with age. Understanding middle-aged and older adults' experiences and coping strategies for Physio-Cognitive Decline Syndrome (PCDS) is essential for developing effective interventions. This study explored the subjective experiences and perceptions of PCDS among middle-aged and older adults to identify key themes and coping strategies in response to such declines. This qualitative study utilized purposive sampling, semi-structured face-to-face interviews with middle-aged (55-64 years) and older (≥65 years) adults to explore PCDS perceptions. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Participant experiences and perceptions formed three themes: (1) aging accelerates PCDS progression, (2) PCDS threatening daily life, and (3) adapting to changes. These findings further delineate a four-phase PCDS process: Individual Perception (recognizing decline), Life Threat (impact on daily life), Adaptation (accepting reality), and Positive Coping (implementing management strategies). Correspondingly, participants developed coping strategies to mitigate physical and cognitive decline, seek professional assessment, and strengthen support systems. Middle-aged and older adults with PCDS face physical and cognitive declines, mobility limitations, psychological stress, and social isolation. They adopt coping strategies like health maintenance, cognitive training, and social participation. Family and social support systems play a crucial role in their coping processes, while seeking professional medical assistance and engaging in community activities further enhance their confidence in managing PCDS.

Diet, mobility and gendered violence: Integrating multi-isotope analysis with proteomic sex identification at the bi-ritual Early Iron Age cemetery of Statzendorf, lower Austria

Vascular Age: A narrative review of assessment methods, clinical applications, and future directions.

Chinese adults' and children's heights have grown over two decades, but many parents remain unaware of the main factors affecting their children's height. This study analyzed clinical and early pharmacological interventions for preventing and treating growth disorders and promoting normal growth in children with deviations. This study involves a non-randomized intervention. A retrospective study of 120 children examined at our hospital from March 2023 to February 2025 were divided into four groups based on height and development: short stature group (SS, n=28), less short stature group (LSS, n=32), early development group (ED, n=41) and central precocious puberty group (CPP, n=19). The SS group and LSS group received oral lysine, inositol, vitamin B12 solution + γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the ED group and CPP group received oral Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan and all children were given health guidance. Clinically relevant information, such as baseline information, height growth values, and growth factor levels before and after treatment, was collected and compared among the four groups of children, and pre-treatment factors affecting children's height growth outcomes were also analyzed. Before treatment, the four children's groups differed significantly (P < 0.05). After 3 and 6 months, all children's heights increased, with the fastest growth in the LSS group. Logistic regression showed sex and age before treatment were key factors affecting height. ROC curves revealed AUCs for sex, age and the model of 0.599(95% CI: 0.497-0.701), 0.774(95%CI: 0.686-0.861) and 0.818 (95% CI: 0.735-0.900). Clinical analysis and early intervention for children with growth deviations detected during school physical exams can restore normal growth, slow early bone age advancement, improve height outcomes and prevent or treat growth disorders.

Outcomes in pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia with and without fetal growth restriction at high altitude: A cross-sectional study.

The burden of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is considerable in Saudi Arabia, with an increased incidence rate and lower overall survival (OS) rate and characterized by earlier age of onset, more aggressive disease, and limited access to molecular diagnostics and advanced therapies in some regions. While international guidelines provide general management pathways, regional differences necessitate tailored recommendations for patients progressing beyond second-line treatment in Saudi Arabia. A three-step modified Delphi method was adopted to develop the expert consensus on the management of mCRC beyond second-line therapy in Saudi Arabia. Ten medical oncologists from leading national cancer centers participated in the process, which included literature review, two voting rounds, and a panel discussion. The present consensus consisted of 56 statements reaching predefined agreement levels. The statements provided recommendations regarding the factors affecting treatment selection beyond second-line therapy, treatment sequencing in third and later lines of therapy, dosing modifications, management of toxicities, and the role of combination regimens in third and later lines. The consensus also underscores systemic disparities in drug access and the lack of real-world data or registries in Saudi Arabia. This consensus provides contextualized, evidence-based guidance to Saudi oncologists managing mCRC beyond second-line therapy. It emphasizes individualized treatment, toxicity control, and the need for national registries and biomarker research. The recommendations aim to improve consistency of care while acknowledging infrastructural and epidemiological challenges unique to the region.