Microneedle electrodes: materials, fabrication methods, and electrophysiological signal monitoring‑narrative review

Flexible, microneedle-based electrodes offer an innovative solution for high-quality physiological signal monitoring, reducing the need for complex algorithms and hardware, thus streamlining health assessments, and enabling earlier disease detection. These electrodes are particularly promising for improving patient outcomes by providing more accurate, reliable, and long-term electrophysiological data, but their clinical adoption is hindered by the limited availability of large-scale population testing. This review examines the key advantages of flexible microneedle electrodes, including their ability to conform to the skin, enhance skin-electrode contact, reduce discomfort, and deliver superior signal fidelity. The mechanical and electri-cal properties of these electrodes are thoroughly explored, focusing on critical aspects like fracture force, skin penetration efficiency, and impedance measurements. Their applications in capturing electrophysiological signals such as ECG, EMG, and EEG are also highlighted, demonstrating their potential in clinical scenarios. Finally, the review outlines future research directions, emphasizing the importance of further studies to enhance the clinical and consumer use of flexible microneedle electrodes in medical diagnostics

Sulfur cycling in the gabbroic section of the Oman ophiolite

We present sulfur mineralogy and isotope geochemistry from the gabbro transect of the Oman Drilling Project to unravel the sulfur cycle during hydrothermal alteration of the plutonic oceanic crust. The sheeted dike–gabbro transition (Hole GT3A) shows low sulfide‑sulfur concentrations (GT3Amedian = 178 ppm, σ = 4873 ppm) but with great sulfur isotope variability (δ34S = −12.8 to 14.4 ‰ V-CDT, weighted average + 5.8 ‰) and unusually heavy compositions relative to in-situ or ophiolitic crust. These features are consistent with abiogenic thermochemical sulfate reduction during intense hydrothermal alteration under greenschist facies conditions which formed a low-variance and relatively high-fS2 assemblage of pyrite ± chalcopyrite ± bornite. The heaviest isotope compositions (+10 to +14 ‰) occur within 10 m of the uppermost gabbro screen suggesting focused fluid-rock exchange with isotope enrichment relative to seawater due to closed-system reservoir effects. The change in isotope compositions from +5 to 0 ‰ in the overlying sheeted dike reflect fluids gradually buffered by magmatic sulfur to signatures similar to the Oman Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide deposits. Hole GT3A represents a deep hydrothermal reaction zone with extensive S and base metal losses and incorporation of up to ∼80 % seawater-derived sulfate. The amount of Cu and Zn released in a 1 km3 crustal section similar to Hole GT3A is ∼3 times greater than the average contents of Omani VMS deposits. The mid to lower crustal section (Holes GT2A and GT1A) mostly preserves MORB sulfur isotope compositions but highly variable sulfide‑sulfur contents (GT2Amedian = 454, σ = 693 ppm, GT1Amedian = 114, σ = 277 ppm). Away from fault zones, silicate microvein networks enabled variable sulfide and metal remobilization. Magmatic sulfides persist as remobilized remnants along with sulfidation reactions and mild isotopic enrichments (\u3c+2.7 ‰) in secondary sulfides (millerite + siegenite-polydimitess + pyrite). The mid-lower crustal section experienced redistribution of magmatic sulfur mixed with minor inputs of seawater-derived sulfur (\u3c10 %), under very low fluid/rock ratios and moderate sulfur fugacities, that chiefly preserved base metal abundances in secondary sulfides. The many faulted intervals present in Holes GT1A and GT2A record near complete sulfur and metal leaching of magmatic sulfides without the deposition of secondary sulfides, but preserve sulfate with a Cretaceous seawater sulfate‑sulfur isotope signature (+16.1 to +17.3 ‰). These structures are the expression of crustal scale channeled hydrothermal recharge fluid flow and record a previously unaccounted sulfur budget introduced in the deep crust

Exploring the challenges experienced by patients and families using palliative and end-of-life care services: A qualitative focus group study

ObjectivesIn the UK, access to dignified and compassionate palliative care is increasingly being reported as inadequate. This is a particular issue in South-West England, where there is an ageing population, historical lack of research, and particular challenges due to its rural and coastal location. The aim of this study was to provide a holistic view of patient and family experiences of care toward the end-of-life in this location and to collaboratively identify the challenges they face.MethodsSix qualitative focus groups were held with people who were toward the end of their life, family/carers, and people who were bereaved. Participants were recruited via hospice networks. Most focus groups were face-to-face, and all were facilitated by two researchers.ResultsA range of challenges were identified at different stages of the patient and family carer journey near the end-of-life. These included issues related to the delivery of care, such as communication challenges, a lack of out of hours care, and also a lack of personalized care. Patients and families also experienced everyday challenges due to the impact of living with a life-shortening condition and altered family dynamics as family members became carers. There were also some traumatic experiences of death and a sense of abandonment when care could not be accessed.Significance of resultsThis study provides a core first step in developing partnership working with members of the public, which can be built upon to develop future research agendas. This work has identified areas for improvement, so that ultimately, end-of-life experience for the individual, their carers, and families can be improved

Dinah Between Rape and Seduction: Maarten van Heemskerck and Renaissance Attitudes Towards Gender and Conflict

Marteen van Heemskerck’s Old Testament print series about Dinah, daughter of Jacob, was engraved by Herman Jansz. Muller and published by Gerard de Jode in Antwerp in 1569. In these images Heemskerck reinterprets the Old Testament narrative from a highly misogynistic standpoint, disputing the biblical claim that Shechem raped Dinah. The paper traces the sporadic representations of the episode in print and painting and examines visual strategies that emphasize male vulnerability over the suffering the female victim. Heemskerck’s artistic choices are evaluated in the context of exegetical differences between Martin Luther and John Calvin

Factors associated with link workers considering leaving their role: a cross-sectional survey

Background Social prescribing (SP) link workers (LWs) listen to patients’ concerns and difficulties, and connect them to relevant community assets (groups/organisations/charities) that can help with their non-medical issues (eg, loneliness, debt, housing). LW retention is key to sustaining SP within primary care.Aim To examine occupational self-efficacy, job discrepancy and other factors as potential predictors of LWs’ intentions to leave or remain in their post.Design & setting Cross-sectional survey involving LWs from the United Kingdom.Method An online questionnaire was distributed via SP-related organisations. Questions were on: a) intention to leave the role, b) demographics, and c) role experience, including occupational self-efficacy and discrepancy between expectations and reality of the job. Questions were mainly closed, although some allowed LWs to provide a written response. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify predictors, and content analysis used to categorise open ended responses.Results 342 questionnaire responses were included in the analysis. Higher job discrepancy was associated with past (odds ratio [OR] per 30 unit increase=6.86; 95% CI: 3.91 to 12.0; P=0.003) and future (OR=4.86; 95% CI: 2.70 to 8.72; P\u3c0.001) intentions to leave, whilst lower occupational self-efficacy was associated only with past intentions to leave (OR per 10 unit decrease=1.91; 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.93; P=0.003).Conclusion Findings highlight factors influencing LW retention, offering a foundation for targeted interventions, which could include clearer communication about the role during recruitment, and adjusting job descriptions and support when required

The Wind in the Willows Effect: Does age affect human versus animal faux pas recognition?

Children’s literature is rife with anthropomorphic or non-human characters that may be used as a scaffold to teach children about theory of mind (ToM) or the ways in which people think or feel about the social world. In this study, 107 typically developing U.K. school children in Years 1, 3, and 5 (5–10 years of age) completed a human and anthropomorphic ToM test that tested their understanding of faux pas. Specifically, children from these three age groups were given a human version of 20 faux pas stories and an identical animal version of the same stories 1 week apart (with counterbalancing between classes). Pairwise comparison showed that participants in Year 1 did significantly better on the animal ToM test compared with the human ToM test, matching ToM scores of children in Year 3. On the human version of the task, there was a clear progression in age-related ToM abilities, with older children outperforming younger children and improving when the stories were human rather than anthropomorphic. Implications and future directions are discussed, in line with theories of species specialization and the importance of anthropomorphism for children

‘It’s just so much work for our little hands’: Exploring the multi-dimensionality of pre-school children’s lived experience in shaping expressions and perceptions of learning.

This thesis creatively explores the multi-dimensionality of pre-school children\u27s lived experience in shaping expressions and perceptions of learning within Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Concepts of ECEC practice within England continue to be shaped by the lasting legacies of those regarded as early years ‘pioneers’, alongside theories of child development and an ever-increasing influence of governmental legislation and policy. Pioneers and policy combined, has led to growing emphasis upon school readiness and performativity culture, resulting in repeated and often unchallenged pedagogy within ECEC. This qualitative study draws upon aspects of facet methodology as a research orientation, to disrupt existing ECEC routines and approaches. The children’s views of learning are illuminated to demonstrate how the many voices of children are significant, in establishing an additional angle to concepts of early learning. Cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) is used as a framework, to consider how well-established traditions, values and norms embedded within education may influence children’s views. The facets of insight gained highlight how the children’s expressions of learning appear to trouble carpet time, tidy-up time and the potential dis-enabling role of the educator. Alternatively, perceptions of learning cast light into the children’s recognition of the educator as a symbol of learning and the expectations placed upon the children to participate in line with adult informed learning requirements. The findings from this study suggest that the children overlook or remain unaware of the value and agency they bring to their own learning experiences. This indicates a need for educators to deviate away from the legacies left by pioneers and adult informed agendas, to support children in realising their capabilities and to value the potential children have towards shaping ECEC practices. The methodological approaches required to co-construct knowledge of learning from the children’s perspectives are also examined. I challenge whether the methodological and theoretical frameworks used within this thesis, provide an accurate representation of the many voices of children, questioning my researcher positionality and the existing power dynamics at play. This research concludes that co-constructed and fluid representations of children’s voices from one moment in time, can be illuminated through pairing facet methodology with CHAT

Tracking palaeotemperatures in Coniacian–Maastrichtian seas

In this study the stable isotopes of belemnites, are presented from the Coniacian–Maastrichtian interval (∼76–66 Ma) derived from the chalks of Yorkshire and Norfolk, UK, deposited on the western North Atlantic shelf. Cathodoluminescence and elemental geochemistry of the belemnites reveals that most of the rostra were well preserved. If interpreted in terms of temperature, our oxygen isotope record reveals that during the Coniacian (at ∼43 °N) the climate was relatively warm, with maximum mean temperatures of ∼26 °C, followed by cooling to \u3c∼21 °C during the Campanian and Maastrichtian. This overall stratigraphic trend is similar to other records, suggesting that the cooling pattern was not a regional trend and, therefore, driven predominantly by global mechanisms. Within our belemnite data, we also observe a decline in δ13C at the Campanian- Maastrichtian boundary, again consistent with other records. This trend has been interpreted as a result of an increased ratio of organic to inorganic carbon introduced into the oceans, driven by increased weathering and reworking of organic-rich sediments exposed on continental shelves during a sea-level fall. The latter related to a build-up of polar ice. Although our oxygen isotope data point to a cooling this was not necessarily linked to polar ice formation

Salinity does not affect late-stage in-egg embryonic or immediate post-hatch development in an ecologically important land crab species

Environmental drivers such as salinity can impact the timing and duration of developmental events in aquatic early life stages of crustaceans, including terrestrial crabs of the family Gecarcinidae. Low salinity delays larval development in land crabs, but nothing is known about its influence on the crucial late-stage encapsulated embryonic or immediate post-hatch development. Therefore, we exposed fertilised late-stage embryos of the Christmas Island red crab (Gecarcoidea natalis) to differing salinities (100%, 75%, 50% or 25% sea water) for 24 h during their spawning period and measured some key developmental and physiological traits. We found no effect of salinity on time of first heartbeat, time of hatching, first in-egg embryonic and post-hatch heart rate, or post-hatch activity duration. These results highlight the importance of considering all early life stages when fully characterising the effects of environmental drivers on crustacean development, including under climate change