Search Results (8,024)

Background: Literature suggests that both the Stroop task and visual short-term memory (VSTM) binding tasks can differentiate individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) from cognitively normal older adults. These cognitive processes have rarely been examined together. This study investigated how Stroop-like color-word incongruency and directional incongruency between arrow orientation and motion affect memory accuracy and reaction time (RT) measures during a VSTM binding task in cognitively normal adults and individuals screening positive for MCI. Methods: A total of 115 adults participated: 34 healthy young adults (mean age = 24.7 ± 3.0 years), 61 cognitively normal older adults (mean age = 70.5 ± 6.3 years), and 20 older adults screening positive for MCI (mean age = 73.9 ± 5.9 years), i.e., MCI-indicatives. Participants completed two non-speeded VSTM binding tasks under low (two items) and high (four items) memory load conditions. Experiment 1 used color words displayed in congruent or incongruent ink colors, while Experiment 2 used arrows whose orientation and motion directions were congruent or incongruent. Results: In Experiment 1, overall % memory accuracy was significantly lower in the MCI-indicative group than in the cognitively normal older group and the young healthy group (p < 0.001); the difference between the young and cognitively normal older group was, however, not significant. In Experiment 2, % memory accuracy in the cognitively normal older group was significantly lower than in the young group but better than in the MCI-indicative group (p < 0.01). Across both experiments, the MCI-indicative group showed slower RTs overall. Incongruency did not affect accuracy but significantly increased RTs in older adults and the MCI group in Experiment 1 (p < 0.001), with no significant effect in young adults. Conclusions: The MCI-indicative group showed significantly decreased overall accuracy and longer RTs during VSTM tasks involving Stroop-like colored word-location and directional binding. While Stroop-like incongruency and directional incongruency did not affect memory accuracy, they selectively increased RT in older and MCI-indicative groups, suggesting that executive processing demands may uncover subtle cognitive changes associated with normal aging and early MCI. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hematological malignancies (HMs) are an important component of the cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (AYA, 15–39 years), requiring long-term specialized care. In Poland, recent healthcare reforms under the National Oncology Network (KSO) have not formally included haemato-oncology or AYA-specific needs. Methods: A population-based study was conducted using data from the Polish National Cancer Registry. AYAs diagnosed with HM between 2000 and 2022 were included. Descriptive analyses and projections were based on cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2022, whereas age-specific incidence trend analyses were restricted to the 2015–2022 period. Tumours were classified according to the HAEMCARE framework. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs), annual percentage changes (APCs), and short-term projections through 2028 were estimated using generalized linear models. Additionally, data from the National Health Fund (NFZ) were analyzed to assess the geographical distribution of reimbursed drug programmes dedicated to selected HMs. Results: A total of approximately 23,000 AYA patients diagnosed with HMs were identified. Hodgkin lymphomas (HL) were the predominant tumour type across all age groups, while lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma was most common among younger AYAs and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) increased in relative importance with age. Between 2015 and 2022, ASIRs remained stable only in two age groups (20–24 and 25–29), whereas statistically significant increases were observed among individuals aged 15–19, 30–34 and 35–39 years. Despite largely stable incidence patterns, projections indicated a growing absolute number of cases for DLBCL and follicular lymphomas. Analysis of NFZ data revealed substantial regional variation in the availability of reimbursed drug programmes, with up to six-fold differences in facility density between voivodships. Conclusions: HM epidemiology among AYAs in Poland is characterized by increasing incidence in selected lymphoma subtypes alongside declining mortality. Incorporating haemato-oncology and AYA-specific needs into national cancer planning frameworks should therefore be considered essential for future healthcare system preparedness. Full article

Epithelioid sarcoma (EPS) is an ultra-rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of uncertain differentiation that comprises two distinct clinicopathological subtypes: classic and proximal. Classic EPS most commonly occurs in the distal upper extremity of adolescents and young adults, whereas proximal-type EPS most often affects the truncal regions of young to middle-aged adults. Both classic and proximal-type EPSs exhibit aggressive clinical behavior, including a higher risk of local recurrence and regional lymph node or distant metastasis. Histologically, classic EPS is characterized by irregular nodules composed of epithelioid and spindled cells, while proximal-type EPS consists of multinodular distributions and sheets of large polygonal cells. EPS has a distinctive immunoprofile with characteristic expression of cytokeratins and epithelial membrane antigen. Loss of nuclear expression of SMARCB1 protein occurs in the vast majority of cases. Moreover, SMARCB1 homozygous deletions have also been observed in both subtypes. Surgery is the mainstay treatment approach for localized EPS. Systemic treatment options for metastatic or unresectable locally advanced disease are very limited. The withdrawal of tazemetostat has created a significant gap in available treatment options. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the clinical and radiological features, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, pathogenesis, and management of EPS. Full article

Assessments based solely on gesture execution may not reproduce the sensory and biomechanical demands of actual tool use. This study compared upper-limb muscle activation during gesture execution (GE) and actual tool use (AU) in 52 healthy adults in their twenties performing five tasks derived from the Florida Apraxia Screening Test-Revised: sprinkling salt, drinking water, stirring coffee, combing hair, and writing. Surface electromyography was recorded from eight muscles of the dominant right upper limb. Because GE and AU were obtained from the same participants, primary comparisons were performed using two-sided paired-samples t tests. Family-wise error across 40 muscle-by-task comparisons was controlled using the Holm procedure, and mean paired differences, 95% confidence intervals, p values, and Cohen’s dz were reported. After Holm adjustment, 18 of 40 comparisons were significant (absolute dz = 0.52–1.62). GE showed greater anterior deltoid activation in Tasks 1, 2, 3, and 5 and greater biceps and triceps activation in Task 3. AU showed greater extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum activation in Task 2; greater activation of all measured wrist and finger muscles in Task 4; and greater posterior deltoid, triceps, wrist, and finger muscle activation in Task 5. These findings demonstrate task- and muscle-specific differences in normalized EMG amplitude between GE and AU. The observed differences may be associated with physical interaction during AU, but the underlying biomechanical and sensorimotor mechanisms were not directly measured. The results provide exploratory reference data from healthy young adults for future studies comparing representational and actual tool-use conditions. Full article

Background: Smartphone screen exposure has increased substantially among young adults and has been associated with headache and sleep disturbances. This study aimed to investigate the associations between smartphone screen time, headache severity, sleep duration, and sleep quality in young adults presenting to the emergency department with headache. Methods: This single-center case–control study was conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital between November 2025 and April 2026. A total of 300 participants aged 18–40 years were enrolled, including 150 patients with headache and 150 controls without headache. Daily smartphone screen time was obtained from the built-in smartphone records for the preceding completed seven-day period, headache severity was assessed using the 11-point Numeric Rating Scale, and sleep quality was evaluated using the validated Turkish version of the Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale. Results: Participants with headache had longer smartphone screen time (7.0 vs. 5.0 h/day; p < 0.001), shorter sleep duration (7.0 vs. 8.0 h/day; p = 0.005), and poorer sleep quality (5.0 vs. 7.0; p < 0.001) than controls. Screen time correlated with headache severity (ρ = 0.430, p < 0.001) and inversely with sleep quality after adjustment for study group (partial ρ = −0.185, p = 0.001). Nonlinear multivariable modeling showed an association with headache presentation (p < 0.001); relative to 6 h/day, the aOR at 7 h/day was 8.83 (95% CI: 5.00–15.60), with a plateau at higher exposures. Conclusions: Longer device-recorded smartphone screen time was associated with headache presentation and severity in young adults. Participants with headache also reported poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration. These findings suggest relevant associations between smartphone exposure, sleep, and headache but do not establish causality or a clinical screen-time threshold. Prospective studies are warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: To characterize the clinical and imaging phenotypes of schwannomatosis (SWN) in children, adolescents, and young adults (AYAs). Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients (age ≤ 25 years) with suspected SWN with archived magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at Johns Hopkins between 2020–2026. Clinical characteristics, genetic testing results, and tumor imaging (including anatomic distribution), and treatment approaches were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: In total, thirty-eight patients with suspected SWN were identified (median age 20 years, range 6–25; 32% female). NF2-related SWN was the most common diagnosis (31/38, 82%; de novo: 24/31 (77%) and familial: 7/31 (23%)), followed by LZTR1-SWN (n = 1) and SWN-NOS/NEC (n = 2). A total of four patients (asymptomatic LZTR1 carriers (n = 2) and possible SWN (n = 2)) did not fulfill diagnostic criteria based on craniospinal and whole-body MRI. Familial NF2-SWN demonstrated a trend toward earlier presentation (median 5 vs. 8 years; p = 0.12). Visual manifestations occurred at a younger age than hearing loss (median 8 vs. 16 years; p = 0.053). Imaging burden was high (median 23 MRI/patient (range: 1–60). Bilateral vestibular schwannomas were nearly universal (30/31, 97%). Familial disease demonstrated a trend toward increased cranial meningiomas (86% vs. 54%; p = 0.20), while peripheral schwannomas (43% vs. 67%; p = 0.38) and ependymomas (14% vs. 42%; p = 0.37) were less frequent compared with de novo disease. Operative and non-operative management was documented in 65% (20/31) each. Conclusions: NF2-related SWN is the predominant subtype in a pediatric and AYA patient population and was associated with substantial early tumor burden at a tertiary specialty NF center. Full article

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate adults’ retrospective recollection regarding childhood cursive writing requirements and their view of their current reading–writing abilities, efficiency, speed, confidence, accuracy, and the perceived ease in and value of learning to read and write print and cursive. Method: An online survey, consisting of 24 questions, was administered to adults. A total of 190 participants without any history of speech, language, or reading disorders were included in the current analysis. Results: Of the 190 respondents, 70.53% were required and 29.47% were not required to learn cursive. Mann–Whitney U test revealed no significant differences between the two groups in the ratings for reading print, writing print, or communication. All participants reported poorer ability and ease, higher stress levels, and lower perceived value of learning to read and write cursive compared to print. Participants’ beliefs regarding their reading efficiency, speed, accuracy, or confidence levels did not differ based on whether they recalled having a childhood cursive requirement. Some of the participants (56.25%) with cursive requirements found it beneficial and worth the effort. Conclusions: Overall, adult perspectives provide little subjective justification for requiring young children to learn cursive to enhance reading and writing skills. Full article

Background: Cognitive control is the ability to adapt to varying cognitive demands. Alpha neurofeedback (α-NFB) training is reported to affect neural activity, but little is known about whether neurophysiological responses to auditory α-NFB differ across cognitive tasks with different cognitive load. This exploratory pilot study examined the neurophysiological effects of a single session of auditory α-NFB during cognitive tasks with different cognitive loads. Method: Fifteen healthy young adults participated in the study. Participants completed Tasks 1 and 3 of the New Stroop Test I before and after the intervention. Neural oscillations and task-performance measures were assessed before and after the intervention. Pre–post changes were compared between the intervention and control groups. Results: For Task 1, the intervention group exhibited a significantly greater pre–post intervention change in the α/β ratio than the control group. However, the increase in alpha oscillatory power did not remain statistically significant after Holm correction for multiple comparisons. For Task 3, no significant between-group differences were observed in any neurophysiological or behavioral measure. Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest that auditory αNFB may influence neurophysiological responses during Task 1, whereas no significant neurophysiological effects were observed during Task 3. This pattern is consistent with the possibility that neurophysiological responses to auditory αNFB may differ according to cognitive load; however, this interpretation remains preliminary and requires confirmation in larger studies. However, no corresponding differences in task performance were observed, and the findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating. Full article

Response inhibition is often summarized as a single individual score, although performance may change within a session as temporal demand and repeated exposure vary. We examined whether change in No-Go motor performance differed across stimulus-rate conditions and was associated with affective temperament in 53 physically active participants, predominantly young adults. Participants completed three blocks of an elbow-based Go/No-Go task; four 50-stimulus series were administered at 40, 50, 60, and 70 bpm in randomized order. The analysis included 636 series-level observations and 6360 No-Go trials, including 3185 commission errors (50.1%). Commission-error occurrence was given primary interpretive priority; conditional error duration was considered complementary, and the pragmatically weighted integrated error index was treated as a secondary composite. Error burden differed across stimulus-rate conditions, and rate-by-block interactions emerged for commission-error occurrence (trial-level GEE; Wald χ²(6) = 25.96, p < 0.001), conditional error duration (Wald χ²(6) = 14.96, p = 0.021), and the integrated index (Wald χ²(6) = 30.40, p < 0.001). Direct contrasts confirmed larger Block-1-to-Block-3 reductions at 50–70 bpm than at 40 bpm. A secondary exploratory participant-level analysis suggested that higher irritable temperament was associated with a more negative Block-3-minus-Block-1 change (β = −0.82, 95% CI −1.39 to −0.26, FDR-adjusted p = 0.020), although the corresponding moderation did not survive global correction across all temperament tests. Overall, the data indicate rate-associated differences in within-session No-Go motor performance; temperament-related findings remain exploratory. Full article

As global aging accelerates, identifying age- and lifestyle-associated gut microbiota alterations has become critical for understanding healthy aging and microbiota-targeted interventions. To explore the associations of age and lifestyle factors with gut microbiota profiles in community-dwelling adults, 159 Chongqing residents were divided into young (18–39, n = 44), middle-aged (40–59, n = 71) and elderly (60–89, n = 44) groups. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and lifestyle factors were assessed using a study-specific structured questionnaire. The Shannon index differed significantly between the young and middle-aged groups (p < 0.05), whereas other α-diversity and β-diversity analyses showed no significant differences. Age-related shift trends included decreased Bacillota and increased abundance of Bacteroidota. Young adults were enriched in Parasutterella, the [Eubacterium] ventriosum group and Anaerostipes; middle-aged adults were enriched in Clostridium sensu stricto 4, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Holdemanella; and elderly adults were enriched in Prevotellaceae UCG-004, Helicobacter, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Fusobacterium. Lifestyle factors were independently associated with specific microbial signatures, including tea-related enrichment of Catenibacterium and Escherichia–Shigella, exercise-related enrichment of Dialister and Bavariicoccus, and milk-related enrichment of Bacillus and Klebsiella (formerly Raoultella). Overall, these findings provide population-based evidence linking age and lifestyle factors with gut microbial profiles and may inform microbiota-targeted strategies for healthy aging. Full article

This study examined the applicability of forest therapy in alleviating psychological distress among socially isolated young adults, with a particular focus on their associations with the mindfulness. A total of 159 socially isolated young adults were recruited from the community and participated in a two-day, one-night forest therapy program. Psychological distress (depression, anxiety, loneliness, and stress) and mindfulness were assessed before and after the program. Multilevel analyses were conducted to examine changes in psychological distress and mindfulness following participation, as well as whether the five mindfulness subcomponents (nonreactivity, observing, acting with awareness, describing, and non-judging) were associated with individual differences in changes in these outcomes. The results indicated reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness, along with an increase in overall mindfulness after the program. Among the mindfulness subcomponents, reductions in psychological distress over time occurred most closely in parallel with changes in nonreactivity, non-judging, and acting with awareness, whereas the parallel was weaker for describing and observing. These findings suggest that forest therapy may be a promising intervention for reducing psychological distress among socially isolated young adults, and that incorporating activities designed to cultivate mindfulness skills—particularly nonreactivity, non-judging, and awareness—could further enhance its mental health benefits. As this study did not include a control group, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these effects. Full article

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a hallmark of the Mediterranean diet and an important dietary source of bioactive phenolic compounds, including hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol derivatives, which have been investigated in relation to cardiometabolic health. However, the potential metabolic effects of phenolic-rich EVOO in young healthy adults remain poorly characterized. In this randomized crossover trial, 28 healthy adults (29.0 ± 3.4 years) consumed either phenolic-rich EVOO or regular olive oil (OO) (0.7 g/kg/day) for 4 weeks. The cardiometabolic outcomes reported here were secondary endpoints of the trial. Anthropometric measurements, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and urinary phenolic metabolites were assessed at baseline and after each intervention period; selected phenolic metabolites were quantified in 24-h urine using targeted LC–HRMS. Treatment effects were evaluated using mixed-effects models. Compared with OO, EVOO markedly increased urinary hydroxytyrosol-glucuronide (GMR = 9.9; 95% CI: 2.0, 49.0; p = 0.005), together with other hydroxytyrosol- and tyrosol-derived metabolites, providing objective evidence of greater phenolic exposure during the EVOO intervention. Exploratory between-intervention differences favored EVOO for waist circumference (β = −2.21 cm; 95% CI: −3.37, −1.05), waist-related indices, and HbA1c (β = −0.13%; 95% CI: −0.25, −0.01). In exploratory analyses, increases in urinary hydroxytyrosol-glucuronide during EVOO intake were inversely correlated with changes in HbA1c (Spearman’s rho = −0.49, p = 0.011) and WHR (rho = −0.38, p = 0.048). Post hoc sensitivity analyses showed greater stability for the waist-circumference estimate than for HbA1c. Overall, phenolic-rich ‘Corbella’ EVOO substantially increased urinary phenolic metabolite exposure, whereas the observed cardiometabolic differences should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in larger trials specifically powered for these outcomes. Full article

The Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) is a gamebird of global conservation concern. Knowledge of the species’ diet remains limited across its distribution. This study investigated seasonal, altitudinal, and age-related variation in the diet of the Rock Partridge in northwestern and central Greece using crop content analysis. A total of 247 crops were collected between September 2000 and September 2001; 15 were empty and were excluded, resulting in 232 crops analyzed. Green parts, seeds, fruits, flowers, bulbs, arthropods, and bryophytes were the main food categories identified. Diet composition varied considerably among seasons, with green parts and flowers predominating during winter and spring, while seeds and bulbs occurred more frequently during summer and autumn. Arthropods were also more frequently recorded during summer and spring. In central Greece, autumn crops from low and subalpine zones showed similar frequencies of green parts, seeds, bulbs, and arthropods, whereas flowers and fruits differed between zones. In the subalpine zone of northwestern Greece, seeds occurred more frequently in adults than in young bird crops during autumn. Overall, these findings demonstrate pronounced seasonal variation in Rock Partridge diet and provide baseline information for understanding food utilization across seasons and altitudes in Greece. Full article

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied unilaterally to the cerebellum (c-tDCS) can improve several aspects of human motor performance. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of dual source tDCS delivered bilaterally over the cerebellar cortices (dsc-tDCS) on the time to task failure (TTF) of a fatiguing contraction in young adults. Methods: The study utilized a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects, crossover design, and participants were given either dsc-tDCS or SHAM stimulation in two different experiments held 7 days apart in a fully counterbalanced order. Every aspect of the two experiments was the same except the type of stimulation (dsc-tDCS or SHAM) delivered during the fatiguing contraction. The fatiguing contraction was executed with a precision grip at 15% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force, and participants were instructed to maintain the contraction for as long of time as possible. Results: The TTF and fatigue index were both similar for the dsc-tDCS and SHAM stimulation conditions. In addition, the electromyographic (EMG) activity, force error, and standard deviation (SD) of force measured during the fatiguing contraction were also not statistically different between the dsc-tDCS and SHAM stimulation conditions. Conclusions: The findings suggest that dsc-tDCS does not decrease the rate of progression of muscle fatigue. Full article

Self-checkout (SCO) systems have become an integral part of modern retail, yet their increasing popularity has also revealed a number of technical and usability challenges that influence customer experience and technology acceptance. This paper investigates human–machine interaction in self-checkout systems based on a survey conducted among 419 young adults in Poland. The study combines quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify the most commonly reported technical difficulties, users’ attitudes toward current self-checkout systems, and their expectations regarding future technological developments. The results indicate that although self-checkout systems are generally perceived as intuitive, convenient, and time-saving, their broader acceptance is limited by recurring self-reported problems related to age verification, weighing scales, product recognition, and the need for employee intervention. Respondents consistently emphasized that future technological innovations should build upon reliable and user-centered existing systems by addressing current usability limitations before introducing entirely new functionalities. At the same time, they expressed a positive attitude toward AI-assisted solutions, including automated product recognition and intelligent age verification, provided that these technologies increase perceived reliability and preserve users’ sense of control. The findings highlight that successful technological innovation in self-checkout systems should be driven by human-centered design, with improvements in usability forming the foundation for the adoption of future AI-assisted solutions. Full article