Associations of dietary advanced glycation end products and the risk of depression and anxiety

Dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) might exert adverse effects on mental disorders. To explore whether elevated dietary AGEs intake is associated with increased risk of mental disorders, and whether this association might be affected by genetic risk and allostatic load (AL). A prospective cohort study, including a total of 112,989 participants, conducted at least two 24-h dietary assessments in the UK Biobank Study (2006-2010) and were followed up until 2021. Dietary AGEs, including Nε-(1-Carboxyethyl)-l-lysine (CEL), Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), and Nδ-(5-hydro-5-methyl-4-imidazolon-2-yl)-ornithine (MG-H1) were estimated via averaged data from the multiple 24-h food assessments according to the ultra-performance LC-tandem MS based dietary AGEs database. Incident depression and anxiety, ascertained via hospital admission records and mental health questionnaires. During an average follow-up period of 12.9 years, 5489 and 5163 participants developed depression and anxiety, respectively. When comparing high (Q5) quantiles with low quantiles (Q1&2) of dietary AGEs intake, HRs (95%CIs) of depression, anxiety, and mental disorders were 1.16 (1.07, 1.27), 1.11 (1.01, 1.22) and 1.14 (1.07, 1.22), respectively. High dietary CML and MG-H1 intake were also associated increased risk of depression, anxiety, and their co-occurrence. The positive associations between dietary AGEs intake and the risk of depression were more pronounced among participants with intermediate and high genetic risk (P-interaction < 0.001) and with high AL level (P-interaction = 0.019). Consuming high levels of dietary AGEs (including CML and MG-H1) was associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. This association may be affected by genetic risk and AL. [Abstract copyright: © 2025. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Willing to be the change: Perceived drivers and barriers to participation in urban smart farming projects

Psychological research on perceptions on urban smart farming is scarce, especially in a Global South context. To reach wide acceptance of urban smart farming and create effective strategies for the implementation of this innovative technology, we need insights into people’s perceptions. In this article, we investigate the factors that motivate or hinder people to engage in community-led urban smart farming projects. We present a systematic assessment of perceived drivers and barriers for urban smart farming, based on a survey study in three African countries, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. Using multiple regression analysis, we could identify country-specific drivers and barriers. People’s demographics have been found to play less of a role in predicting intentions to be involved in urban smart farming projects. We recommend considering the human dimension when promoting innovative technologies such as urban smart farming and encourage practitioners to assess each region individually when promoting innovative farming techniques

Modulation of proteinoid electrical spiking activity with magnetic nanoparticles

This study looks at how proteinoid microspheres and their magnetic polystyrene (PS) hybrids behave electrochemically. It also explores their computational abilities. These systems show complex membrane potential dynamics. Pure proteinoids spike without external influence, ranging from 5.39 to 9.81 mV. In contrast, PS-modified variants exhibit sinusoidal oscillations. Their behavior can be described by the equation ( ) =  sin(2π ) + , where is about 1.5 mV and is around 0.05 Hz. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows key differences in charge transport. The PS-modified systems have better conductivity: | | = 7.22 × 10 Ω compared to | | = 2.03 × 10 Ω. The systems can perform Boolean logic operations with a 5 mV threshold. They show time-dependent gate behavior, making them suitable for unconventional computing applications. Doping with Fe(NO ) changes the electrical response. This happens through redox processes where Fe gains an electron to become Fe . As a result, there are greater potential differences and more complex timing behaviors. These findings help us understand proteinoid-based bioelectricity better. They also show how these building blocks can be used in biomolecular computing systems

Influence of proteinoids on calcium carbonate polymorphs precipitation in supersaturated solutions

Proteinoids, or thermal proteins, are amino acid polymers formed at high temperatures by non-biological processes. Pro- teinoids form microspheres in liquids. The microspheres exhibit electrical activity similar to that of neurons. The electrically spiking microspheres are seen as proto-neurons capable of forming networks and carrying out information transmission and processing. Previously, we demonstrated that ensembles of proteinoid microspheres can respond to optical and electrical stimulation, implement logical gates, recognise arbitrary wave forms, and undergo learning. Thus, the ensembles of proteinoid microspheres can be seen as proto-brains. In present paper we decided to uncover morphologies of these proto-brains. We utilise a supersaturated solution of calcium carbonate to facilitate the crystallisation of proteinoids and subsequently generate proteinoid brain structures. Our hypothesis suggests that calcium carbonate crystals have the potential to serve as scaffolds and connectors for proteinoid microspheres, thereby improving their electrical properties and facilitating communication. In this section, we outline the experimental methods and techniques used in our study. We share our findings and results regarding the morphology, composition, stability, and functionality of proteinoid brain structures. We discuss the implications and applications of our work in the fields of bio-inspired computing, artificial neural networks, and origin of life research

Women from minoritised ethnicities’ perception of cervical screening information leaflets

Cervical screening rates are dropping in the UK, with non-attendance rates remaining higher in those from minoritised ethnicities. Amongst barriers to attendance includes a lack of awareness of risk of cervical cancer and understanding of the role of screening. Information leaflets given with invitations to screening could address this, but these are generally seen as difficult to understand. This study explored the perception of women from minoritised ethnicities of two versions of a cervical screening information leaflet. 42 women from minoritised ethnicities completed an online qualitative survey. Half the participants were asked questions about the UK NHS cervical screening leaflet, whilst half were asked about a version that had been redesigned with patient and public involvement. Responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Six themes describe participants’ experience of holding concerns about screening, whilst being unable to discuss this with family members. The current leaflet was perceived as containing abundant information but is hard to navigate and intimidating. The redesign was perceived to address concerns about screening and was viewed as consoling readers into attendance. Redesigning the current UK NHS leaflet may help encourage people from minoritised ethnicities to attend cervical screening. Future research could investigate where people who are not engaging with cervical screening can go to have conversations about their concerns

Understanding the psychological impact of medical care experiences on adults with craniofacial conditions: A pilot survey of traumatic stress symptoms and resilience

Craniofacial conditions often require extensive medical care and surgeries throughout childhood and adolescence. However, there is limited research investigating the psychological effects of craniofacial care including risks for medical traumatic stress. This cross-sectional study investigated the medical care experiences of adults with craniofacial conditions, including the frequency of potentially traumatic medical events, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and resilience. Participants (N = 34; mean age 35.2 ± 12.2 years; 71% female) were recruited at three U.S. pediatric hospitals and craniofacial support organizations. Participants completed the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Craniofacial Experiences Questionnaire, and open-ended questions about their medical care experiences. Most participants reported experiencing potentially traumatic medical experiences such as prolonged and/or painful dental (79%) and medical treatments (73%) and hospitalization in the intensive care unit (70%). On the PCL-5, 21% met criteria for PTSD, which is similar to other medical populations and higher than the 6% rate of PTSD in the general U.S. population. Participants reported both stressors and positive aspects related to living with a craniofacial condition, however resilience scores were lower relative to a U.S. community sample. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses identified themes including interactions with providers, medical treatment experiences, and psychosocial impacts. Adults with craniofacial conditions appear to be vulnerable to post-traumatic stress symptoms related to their medical care experiences and report reduced resilience relative to community samples. Implications for clinical care and research include integration of trauma-informed care approaches and strategies to support coping and resilience across the lifespan

Distributed estimation and motion control in multi-agent systems under multiple attacks

This paper addresses the problem of distributed estimation and motion control (DEMC) in multi-agent systems (MASs) with both linear and Lipschitz nonlinear dynamics. Unlike conventional DEMC methods designed for MASs under ideal conditions, this work investigates scenarios where all agents are vulnerable to various forms of attacks. The considered attacks comprise false-data injection (FDI) attacks and denial of service (DoS) attacks that affect the communication channels among agents to destabilize the MAS. Also, the unbounded actuator attacks which exist in practical environments to intentionally degrade the MAS performance is considered. To cope with these kinds of attacks, two novel resilient approaches are established aimed at estimating and following a mobile target under attacks. The proposed distributed attack-resilient control strategies are designed based on a dual-layer structure, guaranteeing effective DEMC with an ultimately bounded error. The results from two simulation examples are provided to validate the presented algorithms

Janus-kinase inhibitor use in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases beyond licensed indications: A scoping review

IntroductionThe use of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) beyond licence is expanding rapidly. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and present the available evidence on the efficacy of JAKis in all conditions without marketing authorisation.MethodsThrough a systematic literature search we identified studies including 5 or more patients that assessed the use of any JAKi for any efficacy outcome. Quantitative analyses in the form of pairwise meta-analyses were performed for eligible data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) only.ResultsEighty-three (n = 83) studies in total were included in our review, assessing efficacy of JAKis in 34 IMIDs. In most conditions, JAKis exhibited generally positive effects, though the majority of evidence came from observational, non-comparative studies. Pairwise meta-analyses were possible for hidradenitis suppurativa and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For hidradenitis suppurativa, we found a clear benefit of treatment with JAKis compared with placebo in achieving clinical response (OR 2.35, 95 % CI 1.24 to 4.46). For treatment-resistant SLE, the results were equivocal; JAKis showed some benefit over placebo but statistical significance was only reached for one of the two meta-analysed outcome measures (SLE Responder Index 4, OR 1.41, 95 % CI 1.01 to 1.98; SLE Disease Activity Index 2000; OR 1.36, 95 % CI 0.99 to 1.88).ConclusionsThere is a rapidly increasing use of JAKis beyond current licensing in most IMIDs. Large comparative trials are necessary to confirm efficacy and guide future licensing decisions

Unseen and unheard: How the future generations act is not addressing the needs of the Welsh deaf community

2015 places a duty on public bodies to consider the impact of their decisions on future generations and to work towards achieving the seven well-being goals. Using doctrinal, socio-legal and autoethnographic methods, this article seeks to ascertain whether the needs of the Welsh deaf community have been considered. The Act does not explicitly mention them, and there is no evidence that public bodies have taken their needs into account when implementing the Act. The Welsh deaf community is marginalised in Welsh society, and this has been exacerbated by the closure of deaf schools and the decline of deaf clubs. The Welsh Government and the Future Generations Commissioner have a responsibility to ensure that the well-being of the Welsh deaf community is considered in the implementation of the Act and recommendations and thoughts are put forward on how they can achieve this

Preferences for facial femininity/masculinity across culture and the sexual orientation spectrum

Judgments of attractiveness have many important social outcomes, highlighting the need to understand how people form these judgments. One aspect of appearance that impacts perceptions of attractiveness is facial femininity/masculinity (sexual dimorphism). However, extant research has focused primarily on White, Western, heterosexual participants’ preferences for femininity/masculinity in White faces, limiting generalizability. Indeed, recent research indicates that these preferences vary by culture, and other work findsdifferences between gay/lesbian and heterosexual individuals. Aspects of identity such as culture and sexual orientation do not exist in isolation from one another, but rather intersect, leaving a critical gap in understanding. Our research therefore bridged across these hitherto separate areas of inquiry to provide a more comprehensive understanding of facial femininity/masculinity preferences. We tested how White British and East Asian Japanese individuals’ culture and sexual orientation (including, crucially, bisexual individuals) predict their femininity/masculinity preferences for White and East Asian women’s and men’s faces, using two experimental tasks (forced-choice, interactive). Results show that individuals’ culture and sexual orientation consistently interact to predict their preferences for femininity/masculinity in women’s and men’s faces, and we furthermore reveal bisexual individuals’ preferences to differ from those of other sexual orientations. We also find differences between experimental tasks, with greater preferences for femininity emerging in the interactive task, compared to the forced-choice task. Altogether, our findings highlight theimportance of considering intersecting identities, consequences of methods of measurement, and shortcomings of extant explanations for preferences for facial femininity/masculinity