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PubMed2026

Quo vadis, BGA? A collaborative EDNAP exercise on the challenges and progress in forensic biogeographical ancestry inference.

There is a broad consensus that forensic tests for the prediction of externally visible characteristics (EVC) and analysis of biogeographic ancestry (BGA) of an individual are technically reliable. However, interpretation of the results and population-specific genotype distribution patterns remains challenging. EVC and BGA analyses provide valuable information for population genetics studies and as investigative leads for criminal cases, as well as for historical and contemporary identification tests. However, inaccurate or incorrect predictions, for example, from subjective bias in the interpretations made, have the potential to misdirect police investigations. The legal situation regarding EVC and BGA testing varies by country: ranging from countries where it is explicitly prohibited, to those without specific regulations on biogeographic ancestry prediction, and others that have already enacted laws governing its use. The reluctance to utilize these analyses is not only due to legal restrictions and data protection concerns, but also to initial limited sets of sufficiently comprehensive forensic DNA assays. Forensic BGA marker panels typically contain up to ∼300 SNPs. This relatively small number of genetic markers, along with limited reference population data, complicates the interpretation of results from donors of unknown origin. This paper presents the results of a collaborative EDNAP study, which, for the first time, evaluated the approach to reporting EVC and BGA data between international laboratories. For the study, DNA from nine individuals with self-reported ancestry was collected and analysed using various forensic panels differing in the number and composition of ancestry-informative markers genotyped, comprising: the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel, the VISAGE Basic Tool and the VISAGE Enhanced Tool for Appearance and Ancestry Prediction, and the Ion AmpliSeq™ PhenoTrivium Panel. To ensure full data protection, all SNP genotypes and uniparental marker haplotypes obtained were not shared with third parties. Instead, the genetic data were analysed using a range of commonly used population analysis software packages. These analysis outcomes were then distributed to twelve European forensic laboratories (both academic and law enforcement institutions), who were asked to prepare reports based on their interpretation of the phenotypes and ancestry they inferred from the analysis data. A questionnaire sent alongside the genetic information, aimed to evaluate which difficulties were encountered by the participants in processing the BGA analysis data they were given.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Pain outcomes of pediatric circumcision patients following administration of pre-operative ketorolac: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Circumcision is a common surgical intervention, and pain is the most common complaint. Poorly managed pain can increase morbidity and reduce patient and parent satisfaction. Ketorolac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), provides analgesia and may be effective in reducing pain after circumcision in pediatric patients. STUDY OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine the effect of pre-operative intravenous ketorolac versus normal saline placebo on parental perception of postoperative pain at 24 h. We also explored the effect of ketorolac on postoperative pain scores, incidence of bleeding, incidence of vomiting, and analgesic use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial was conducted at a single tertiary children's hospital. Patients aged 1-17 presenting for circumcision were included and randomized to either normal saline injectate or ketorolac (0.5 mg/kg, maximum 30 mg). Postoperative delirium and pain scores were recorded in the post-anesthetic care unit. Parents completed the parents' postoperative pain measure (PPPM) at 24 h. The CONSORT criteria and checklist were used to guide reporting of this randomized controlled trial. RESULTS: A total of 100 participants were included. 50 participants were in each group. Mean (SD) PPPM score 24 h after normal saline and ketorolac was 6.1 (3.4) and 5.5 (3.3), respectively for a mean difference of -0.55 points [95% CI: -1.9 to 0.83; p = 0.427]. The mean (95% CI) fixed effect size of ketorolac on post anesthetic care unit reported Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability score was -0.17 (-0.77 to 0.43, p = 0.585) points, while the mean (95% CI) effect size of ketorolac on numerical rating scale was -1.2 (-2.2 to -0.18, p = 0.026) points. DISCUSSION: Pre-operative intravenous ketorolac, compared to normal saline placebo, did not result in a difference in parental perception of postoperative pain at 24 h after circumcision surgery. As part of exploratory analyses, those receiving ketorolac had modestly lower mean immediate postoperative pain scores, likely not of clinical importance. Ketorolac has often been avoided due to concerns of increased bleeding risk, however it is important to consider that there is no substantial evidence to support this. This is the first study to our knowledge evaluating the effect of ketorolac in pediatric circumcision patients. While the PPPM score is a family centered outcome, it is an indirect measurement of pediatric pain. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative intravenous ketorolac was not associated with lower parental reported pain scores at 24 h compared to normal saline placebo after pediatric circumcision surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02973958.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Azacitidine-Venetoclax or Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Induction chemotherapy has long been a key component of curative therapy for fit patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), despite its frequently severe side effects and substantial health care utilization. For patients who are ineligible for induction chemotherapy, hypomethylating therapy plus venetoclax is the standard treatment owing to its efficacy and side-effect profile. METHODS: In this multicenter, phase 2 trial, we randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, previously untreated adults with AML who were eligible for induction chemotherapy to receive either azacitidine plus venetoclax or induction chemotherapy. Patients with core binding factor fusions, mutations in the gene encoding FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), or mutations in the gene encoding nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1; unless the patient was ≥60 years of age) were excluded. The primary end point was event-free survival. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients underwent randomization, with 86 patients assigned to each group. The median age of the patients was 64 years. A total of 72% of the patients had adverse-risk disease according to the European LeukemiaNet 2022 classification. At a median follow-up of 21.9 months, the median event-free survival was 14.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.4 to 24.4) in the azacitidine-venetoclax group, as compared with 6.2 months (95% CI, 4.1 to 10.1) in the induction chemotherapy group, corresponding to a hazard ratio for event or death of 0.57 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.84; P = 0.002 by the stratified log-rank test). Infection of grade 3 or higher occurred in 28% of the patients (95% CI, 19 to 39) receiving azacitidine-venetoclax and in 41% of those (95% CI, 30 to 52) receiving induction chemotherapy; hemorrhage of grade 3 or higher occurred in 2% (95% CI, 0.3 to 8) and 12% (95% CI, 6 to 20), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this phase 2, randomized trial, azacitidine-venetoclax therapy led to significantly longer event-free survival than induction chemotherapy among induction-eligible patients with AML. (Funded by AbbVie and others; PARADIGM ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04801797.).

Adult↗
PubMed2026

Exercise-associated epigenetic remodeling and TCR repertoire dynamics in Lynch syndrome carriers.

Lynch syndrome (LS) carriers are at elevated cancer risk. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise may serve as a non-pharmacologic preventive strategy, yet the epigenetic and immunological mechanisms underlying its protective effects in this population remain unclear. Here, we perform integrative multi-omics profiling of DNA methylation, gene expression, and the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in LS carriers undergoing a 52-week aerobic cycling intervention. We identify compartment-specific DNA methylation changes, including innate immune activation in cfDNA and oncogenic pathway repression in tissue. Integrative transcriptomic analysis highlights ISL1 as a key exercise-repressed, epigenetically regulated gene, and identifies FLCN as a colorectal cancer (CRC)-associated methylation target. TCR analysis reveals an exercise-associated increase in systemic repertoire diversity and tissue-specific clonal convergence, thus suggesting antigen-driven recruitment. Collectively, these findings uncover epigenetic and immune remodeling as potential mechanisms of exercise-mediated protection in LS.

Lynch syndrome↗
PubMed2026

Retinoid dynamics in immune cells during age-related diseases.

Retinoids comprise vitamin A and its structurally related natural and synthetic derivatives. Retinoid dynamics involves multiple retinoid forms, carrier proteins, and enzymes that orchestrate the absorption, transport, storage and biotransformation of dietary vitamin A. Beyond their canonical metabolic functions, metabolites and proteins involved in retinoid metabolism also play distinct roles in signal transduction and transcriptome reprogramming, broadening the mechanisms that influence immune cell fate decisions. Age‑related changes in retinoid bioavailability and signaling intensity alter immune cell polarization and function, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, and other age-related diseases. In this review, we focus on age-related alterations in the retinoid metabolic pathway and their impact on inflammation and the progression of age-related diseases. This review highlights the pivotal role of retinoid metabolism in anti-ageing interventions and considers future directions and challenges in this field.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Spatial transcriptomics of Ciona adult brains reveals functional zonalization and insights into neural gland function.

The ascidian Ciona is a pivotal chordate model for illuminating the evolutionary origins of the vertebrate brain. Here, spatial transcriptomics of the adult Ciona neural complex, combined with image-based computational super-resolution mapping, resolved distinct tissue domains including the cerebral ganglion, neural gland, ciliated funnel, neural gland duct/dorsal strand, and body wall muscle. Within the cerebral ganglion, high-resolution mapping revealed clear molecular zonalization separating the cortex and medulla, alongside regional specialization within the cortex itself. The neural gland exhibited localized enrichment of genes associated with extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions. These spatial features suggest that the neural gland functions as a homeostatic and signaling interface, reminiscent of primitive vertebrate meninges or choroid plexus. Overall, this spatially defined gene expression map provides a foundational framework for understanding functional regionalization in the tunicate brain and its evolutionary relationship to vertebrate nervous systems.

Ciona↗
PubMed2026

Relationships between cannabis and cocaine use in a randomized trial of combined buprenorphine and naltrexone for DSM-IV cocaine dependence.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the United States, and among people who use cannabis, polysubstance use is common and understudied. We aimed to examine the association of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) positive urine drug screen (+UDS) with the odds of submitting a cocaine + UDS during cocaine use disorder treatment. METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis of a previously reported double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, CTN0048. Participants meeting criteria for opioid abuse/dependence were assigned to receive extended-release naltrexone and one of three conditions of buprenorphine (placebo, 4 mg/day, 16 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze urine samples (Liu et al., 2018) collected over time, examining the association between THC + UDS and cocaine + UDS during treatment. RESULTS: Participants (n = 301) averaged 46 (SD = 8.64) years of age, were majority male (78.41 %), non-Hispanic (89.70 %), and African American (66.45 %). GEE results indicated that patients who submitted THC + UDS had significantly higher odds of submitting cocaine + UDS compared to participants who submitted THC-negative UDS across the 25 time points examined (OR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.21-1.79, p = 0.00). Time (OR = 0.9998, 95 % CI: 0.9997, 0.9999, p = 0.018) and the covariate of sex assigned at birth (OR = 1.77, 95 % CI = 1.13-2.77, p = 0.013) were also significant in the model, indicating very small decreases in the odds of submitting a cocaine + UDS over time for all patients and 77 % higher odds of submitting cocaine + UDS for females. CONCLUSION: THC + UDS was associated with increased odds of submitting a cocaine + UDS during treatment. Further investigation is needed to discern whether decreasing THC use will result in reduced cocaine use; however, these results suggest that it may be beneficial to counsel patients on cannabis use cessation both before and during treatment for cocaine use, as it is related to cocaine use treatment outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Secondary data analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov, TRN: NCT01402492 ("A randomized study to test the safety and effectiveness of buprenorphine in the presence of naltrexone for the treatment of cocaine dependence"; National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) clinical trial: CTN0048), Registration date: 27 July 2011.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

First Report of Fibromyxoma in a Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) From Aquarium of Genoa.

In teleosts, mesenchymal tumours like fibromas are frequently observed, whereas their malignant counterparts, fibrosarcomas, occur only sporadically. In our study, an adult female greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) reared at the Aquarium of Genoa developed a slow-growing mass protruding from the ventral right side of the head. The tissue was firm and white greyish with localized cranial haemorrhaging on the external surface. Cut-section examination showed a homogeneous, dry, whitish and richly vascularized tissue layout. Tissue samples from the mass were stained with Masson's Trichrome, Alcian Blue-PAS (pH 2.5), and Toluidine blue for differential diagnosis. Microscopically, it was characterized by alternating collagenous spindle-cell septa and hypocellular metachromatic myxoid areas positive for acidic mucopolysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans. The absence of cellular atypia, mitotic activity and necrosis confirms the diagnosis of fibromyxoma. Documenting rare tumours in aquarium fish expands comparative pathology literature and highlights public aquaria as valuable research platforms for long-term health monitoring under controlled husbandry conditions.

fibromyxoma↗
PubMed2026

Crinecerfont: emerging role in the management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a rare genetic endocrine disorder characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis, excessive adrenal androgen production, and elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. The current standard of care involves supraphysiologic doses of glucocorticoids to suppress ACTH and manage androgen excess, often leading to long-term complications. AREAS COVERED: A literature search of PubMed was conducted. This review critically examines the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and potential role of crinecerfont in redefining CAH management. EXPERT OPINION: Crinecerfont, a selective corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 receptor (CRF1) antagonist, offers a novel therapeutic approach by targeting ACTH secretion at its hypothalamic origin. Recent Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials have demonstrated promising efficacy and safety across adult, adolescent, and pediatric populations. Crinecerfont may represent a promising adjunctive therapy in CAH management, addressing both biochemical control as well as quality of life and potentially long-term outcomes.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Colorimetric gold nanosensors for monitoring protein aggregation: implications for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. It remains a major public health challenge due to the lack of early diagnostic tools and effective disease-modifying therapies. Molecularly, AD is characterized by extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular Tau tangles, as well as soluble oligomers that are likely the neurotoxic species. However, the transient and heterogeneous nature of these oligomers makes them difficult to detect using conventional biosensing approaches. Nanomaterial-based colorimetric biosensors have emerged as promising platforms for detecting protein aggregates and discovering aggregation inhibitors. Specifically, the localized surface plasmon resonance properties of metallic nanomaterials can enable rapid, label-free, and visually detectable colorimetric sensing of molecular interactions. These features can be leveraged to monitor protein aggregation processes in real time and achieve high-throughput screening of aggregation inhibitors, which may collectively enable early detection and timely intervention of AD progression. This Review Article presents the design and engineering of gold-nanomaterial-based colorimetric biosensors for monitoring protein aggregation and highlights the current challenges and emerging opportunities for applying these nanosensors to combat AD.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2026

Distinct functions of mammalian RAD51 paralogs in genome maintenance.

RAD51 paralogs (RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D, XRCC2, and XRCC3) are evolutionarily conserved essential proteins for cell survival and genome maintenance. RAD51 paralogs were originally identified to play a role in homologous recombination-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, investigations over the last decade have uncovered new roles of RAD51 paralogs beyond DSB repair in replication stress responses, including replication fork progression, fork stability, and its restart. Recent structural studies have not only uncovered the molecular architecture of previously known RAD51 paralog complexes but also identified novel paralog complex assemblies, providing mechanistic insights into their various genome-maintenance functions. Additionally, a role for RAD51 paralogs in resolving R-loops has been identified, and studies with cancer-associated variants suggest that RAD51 paralogs are potential determinants of cancer susceptibility and therapeutic responses. In the present review, we highlight the recently deciphered structures and novel functions of RAD51 paralog complexes and discuss the clinical and therapeutic implications.

Rad51 Recombinase↗
PubMed2026

From fear to empowerment: the impact of employees AI awareness on workplace well-being - a new insight from the JD-R model.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of the study was to explore the impact of health workers' awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) on their workplace well-being, addressing a critical gap in the literature. By examining this relationship through the lens of the Job demands-resources (JD-R) model, the study aimed to provide insights into how health workers' perceptions of AI integration in their jobs and careers could influence their informal learning behaviour and, consequently, their overall well-being in the workplace. The study's findings could inform strategies for supporting healthcare workers during technological transformations. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employed a quantitative research design using a survey methodology to collect data from 420 health workers across 10 hospitals in Ghana that have adopted AI technologies. The study was analysed using OLS and structural equation modelling. FINDINGS: The study findings revealed that health workers' AI awareness positively impacts their informal learning behaviour at the workplace. Again, informal learning behaviour positively impacts health workers' workplace well-being. Moreover, informal learning behaviour mediates the relationship between health workers' AI awareness and workplace wellbeing. Furthermore, employee learning orientation was found to strengthen the effect of AI awareness on informal learning behaviour. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. The study was conducted in a specific context (Ghanaian hospitals adopting AI), which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other healthcare settings or industries. Self-reported data from the questionnaires may be subject to response biases, and the study did not account for potential confounding factors that could influence the relationships between the variables. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study offers practical implications for healthcare organizations navigating the digital transformation era. By understanding the positive impact of health workers' AI awareness on their informal learning behaviour and well-being, organizations can prioritize initiatives that foster a learning-oriented culture and provide opportunities for informal learning. This could include implementing mentorship programs, encouraging knowledge-sharing among employees and offering training and development resources to help workers adapt to AI-driven changes. Additionally, the findings highlight the importance of promoting employee learning orientation, which can enhance the effectiveness of such initiatives. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study contributes to the existing literature by addressing a relatively unexplored area - the impact of AI awareness on healthcare workers' well-being. While previous research has focused on the potential job displacement effects of AI, this study takes a unique perspective by examining how health workers' perceptions of AI integration can shape their informal learning behaviour and, subsequently, their workplace well-being. By drawing on the JD-R model and incorporating employee learning orientation as a moderator, the study offers a novel theoretical framework for understanding the implications of AI adoption in healthcare organizations.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

The value of international collaborations for supporting neuroanesthesia practice, education, and research in resource-constrained settings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neuroanesthesia practice in low- and middle-income countries is constrained by workforce shortages, limited infrastructure, and variability in clinical practice. Growing global interest in collaboration makes it timely to evaluate how international partnerships can address these gaps and improve equity in care, education, and research. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature highlights substantial variability in neuroanesthesia practice and limited access to context-appropriate guidelines and advanced technologies. International collaborations, including training partnerships, scholarship programs, and research networks, have improved knowledge exchange, workforce development, and the adoption of standardized practices. Evidence suggests that specialized training is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, persistent inequities in research participation, authorship, and leadership, as well as concerns regarding sustainability and 'parachute research', remain. SUMMARY: International collaboration is a key strategy for advancing neuroanesthesia in resource-constrained settings. Sustainable, equitable partnerships that prioritize local ownership, capacity building, and contextual adaptation are essential to improving clinical practice, strengthening education, and enhancing global research representation.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Proteome-level evidence that tebuconazole, both alone and in interaction with thiacloprid, affects epigenetic events in bumblebee heads.

Tebuconazole, a widely used ergosterol biosynthesis-inhibiting fungicide, can affect nontargets, especially when combined with insecticides. We employed label-free quantitative proteomics to investigate the effects of long-term exposure to sublethal concentrations (100 μg/L) of tebuconazole, either by itself or alongside the neonicotinoid thiacloprid (100 μg/L), on the heads of Bombus terrestris workers. A Bayesian factor power analysis revealed that the experiment produced conclusive proteomic results. Tebuconazole treatment revealed eleven differentially abundant proteins, which increased elevenfold with thiacloprid. The proteins that changed in the same direction in both treatments suggest the occurrence of epigenetic events because they are involved in histone trimethylation (H3K4me3), pre-mRNA processing, and folate (vitamin B9) metabolism. Following co-exposure, the abundance of histone H2A.V and its associated proteins was affected. Two important detoxification-related proteins, CYP6BE1 and CYP6AQ1 (honey bee homologs), were identified, as well as proteins that suggest hormonal and neurotoxic effects. Overall, this study suggests that tebuconazole affects key epigenetic processes in bumblebee heads at the proteome level, though this was not confirmed at the biological level or through orthogonal methods. The tested chemicals were previously found to affect trimethylations, but not H3K4me3. We suggest analyzing the different trimethylations, their interplay, and associated hallmarks, such as folate levels. SIGNIFICANCE: The effects of pesticides and their combinations on organisms can be unexpected until they are examined using modern, complex methods. High-throughput proteomics can provide data on important biochemical processes affected by pesticides, offering a different perspective to that at the expression level. Despite their low acute toxicity, a group of fungicides that inhibit (ergo)sterol biosynthesis (EBI or SBI) are considered dangerous to pollinators, including bumblebees. This is due to the increasing toxicity of insecticides through the inhibition of cytochrome P450 detoxification enzymes. We found that tebuconazole had a similar effect on epigenetic events when used alone or in combination with the insecticide thiacloprid. Key proteins suggest that H3K4 histone trimethylation (H3K4me3) was impacted. To our knowledge, this expands the existing evidence suggesting that tebuconazole/triazole fungicides affect histone trimethylation H3K27me3. Since literature shows that thiacloprid affects H3K9me3, it is possible that thiacloprid and tebuconazole interact in these epigenetic events that affect each other. Overall, our results suggest that tebuconazole affects proteins involved in histone trimethylation, pre-mRNA processing, and folate metabolism. These are all hallmarks of epigenetic processes and were further extended by the co-exposure of tebuconazole and thiacloprid to more differently abundant proteins. Additionally, the results provide data on cytochrome P450s of the CYP6 family, which act as detoxifying proteins, as well as proteins that indicate hormonal and neurotoxic effects in bumblebee heads. Finally, the results of the Bayesian power analysis confirmed the meaningfulness of the proteomic data analyzed in this study. If the new findings obtained at the proteome level are verified by different methods, the full extent of the side effects of tebuconazole can be revealed.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Morphology-engineered NiFe@C nanocages boosting electrochemical quantification of ractopamine in meat samples.

It is essential to acquire efficient electrocatalysts to develop ractopamine (RAC) electrochemical sensors. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of carbon coated NiFe alloy nanostructures (e.g., NiFe@C nanoparticles, nanocubes and nanocages) using NiFe Prussian blue analogue (PBA) as the precursor. The NiFe@C nanocages exhibited the best electrocatalytic performance for RAC sensing. This is attributed to the embedded NiFe alloy nanoparticles that provide abundant active sites, and the unique nanocage structure facilitates electron transfer pathways while offering a high specific surface area. The resulting sensor achieves a low detection limit (LOD) of 54 nM (S/N = 3) within a linear range of 0.2-12 μM. Moreover, the sensor demonstrates good reproducibility, stability, and excellent long-term stability. Practical applicability was confirmed in meat samples, yielding satisfactory recovery rates ranging from 98% to 108%. A feasible strategy was introduced herein for rational design of metal@carbon electrocatalysts.

Phenethylamines↗
PubMed2026

Recent advances in supramolecular macrocycle-based artificial light-harvesting systems.

Artificial light-harvesting systems (ALHSs) inspired by the antenna function of natural photosynthesis provide molecular platforms for collecting excitation energy and directing it to emissive or reactive acceptors. In many supramolecular ALHSs, however, practical performance is limited by poorly defined donor-acceptor orientation, aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), interfacial defects, and limited stability in aqueous or complex media. Supramolecular macrocycles-particularly pillar[n]arenes (PAs), cucurbit[n]urils (CBs), calixarenes (CAs), cyclodextrins (CDs), and supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs)-offer a useful design space because their cavities, pre-organized scaffolds, and reversible non-covalent interactions can confine chromophores, tune local donor/acceptor ratios, and modulate Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). This Review systematically examines the unique structural advantages and assembly mechanisms of the five macrocyclic families, with an emphasis on their use in constructing ALHSs-from single-step to cascaded FRET-and in advancing aqueous photocatalysis, near-infrared bioimaging, panchromatic fluorescence modulation, and singlet oxygen generation. The resulting structure-property-application framework is intended to guide the rational design of macrocycle-assisted photofunctional materials while avoiding overextension of the photosynthesis analogy.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2025

Financial Literacy Skills Instruction Among Autistic Individuals: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Financial literacy skills are crucial for an independent life in modern societies. However, it does not appear that researchers have examined financial literacy skills among autistic individuals. This manuscript uses a systematic review to identify existing research which examines financial literacy skill instruction for autistic individuals. METHOD: We used a systematic review strategy to identify approximately 9500 articles. These articles proceeded through abstract and full-text screening for relevance. RESULTS: We identified two studies which directly taught financial literacy skills, and ten more which taught more basic money skills (such as calculating change). Neither of the two studies which taught financial literacy skills did so as an exclusive focus; both taught these skills alongside other objectives, as part of a larger intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Research on financial literacy skill instruction among autistic individuals is lacking, though there is a foundation of research examining money skills and related life skills to build upon. We recommend additional research on financial literacy skill instruction, ideally designed with the unique skills and needs of autistic individuals in mind, and with their input.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Transcranial Photobiomodulation Variables Assessment Battery: Development and Validation.

Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) response variability is partly driven by biophysical characteristics such as skin tone and hair properties that attenuate photon penetration, and by lifestyle factors including sleep quality, alcohol use, and nicotine consumption that disrupt the mitochondrial and vascular pathways on which tPBM acts. To date, no validated self-report tool exists to capture these moderators systematically. To address this gap, the tPBM Variables Assessment Battery was developed and psychometrically evaluated. It integrates adapted versions of established measures (Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, E-cigarette Dependence Scale, Hair Scale Assessment PRO, Monk Skin Tone Scale, and Heaviness of Smoking Index), validated wellbeing evaluators (Ryff's Psychological Wellbeing), and custom measures (Hairstyle Classification, Hair Color Classification). Face and content validity met recommended expert thresholds, internal consistency was acceptable across adapted subscales, and criterion validity analyses confirmed meaningful associations between the lifestyle components and PROMIS-10 global health outcomes. The battery is low-burden, digitally deployable, and psychometrically defensible, offering a practical tool for characterizing the variables most likely to moderate tPBM response in home-use studies.

Humans↗