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464 papers

The intergenerational transmission of reflective functioning in adoptive families: A prospective study from pre-adoption to early adolescence.

Fiore S et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Parental reflective functioning is crucial for the development of children's reflective functioning, with cross-sectional evidence supporting this idea. However, there is a lack of long-term, prospective studies in this area and no previous studies have examined parental reflective functioning and child reflective functioning in the context of adoption. Using a structural equation modeling approach, this study addressed this knowledge gap by examining the associations between 96 Belgian adoptive mothers' and fathers' reflective functioning during the transition to adoptive parenthood, their levels of parental reflective functioning during their adopted child's early childhood, and the children's reflective functioning in early adolescence (M age = 12 years, SD = .58, range = 11-13; 17 boys, 11 girls). Findings showed that parents' pre-adoptive reflective functioning was positively associated with parental reflective functioning in early childhood. Parental reflective functioning in early childhood, but not pre-adoptive reflective functioning, predicted child reflective functioning in early adolescence. Maternal reflective functioning mediated the association between pre-adoptive reflective functioning and child reflective functioning. Although the small sample size precludes drawing strong conclusions from this study, this study provides new evidence for the intergenerational transmission of reflective functioning even in the context of adoption. Implications for future research are discussed.

Psychology

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment of Human H5N1 Infection From Consumption of Fluid Cow's Milk.

Koebel KJ et al. · Jul 1, 2026

The spillover of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b into dairy cattle has raised concerns over the safety of fluid milk. While no foodborne infection has been reported in humans, this strain has infected at least 70 people, and milk from infected cows is known to be infected by ingestion of multiple other species. Investigation into the public health threat of this outbreak is warranted. This farm-to-table quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) uses stochastic models to assess the risk of human infection from consumption of raw and pasteurized fluid cow's milk from the United States supply chains. These models were parameterized with literature emerging from this outbreak and then employed to estimate the H5N1 infection risk and evaluate multiple potential interventions aimed at reducing this risk. The median (5th and 95th percentiles) probabilities of infection per 240-mL serving of pasteurized, farmstore-purchased raw, or retail-purchased raw milk were 7.66E-19 (2.39E-20, 4.02E-17), 1.56E-7 (6.67E-10, 1.28E-5), and 1.40E-7 (6.65E-10, 1.13E-05), respectively. Our results confirm that pasteurization is highly effective at reducing H5N1 infection risk. Scenario analysis revealed quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qrRT-PCR) testing of bulk tank milk to be an effective method for numerically reducing risk from raw milk. In addition, we identify knowledge gaps related to the human H5N1 dose‒response by ingestion and raw milk consumption patterns. These findings emphasize the importance of mechanistic epidemiologic models for informing public health responses amidst outbreaks with foodborne potential and highlight the need for additional research into raw milk consumption patterns to better understand this exposure pathway.

Agricultural and Biological Sciences

pr2-Wormifier: A Bioinformatics Pipeline to Create Custom Reference Databases for Improved Metabarcoding of Marine Protists.

Knell S et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Metabarcoding of environmental and ancient environmental DNA (eDNA and sedaDNA) is a powerful approach for studying and monitoring marine communities. However, its effectiveness is limited by the availability of comprehensive and well-curated reference databases, particularly for protists. Here, we introduce pr2-wormifier, a bioinformatics pipeline designed to create customized and improved reference databases for 18S rRNA-based metabarcoding. This pipeline integrates sequences from PR 2 and NCBI with taxonomic information from the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) and AlgaeBase, allowing for refined taxonomic assignments at the genus and species levels. pr2-wormifier enables users to tailor reference databases to specific taxonomic groups or geographic regions, enhancing the resolution and accuracy of biodiversity assessments. We benchmarked the pipeline using a sedimentary ancient DNA dataset from the Baltic Sea, focusing on marine protists, especially ciliates and dinoflagellates. The customized database generated by pr2-wormifier identified more sequences at the genus and species levels than PR 2 alone, while maintaining taxonomic consistency and quality. Our results demonstrate that pr2-wormifier addresses common limitations of existing databases, such as low taxonomic resolution and missing taxa and facilitates more reliable classification in metabarcoding studies. By enabling the creation of locally relevant, taxonomically curated databases, pr2-wormifier offers a flexible and scalable solution for improving the identification of protists in environmental and paleoenvironmental research.

Environmental Science

Hearing Loss in Adults With Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Nisar M et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Diabetes impairs hearing through microvascular damage and neuropathy, yet the prevalence of moderate-to-severe hearing loss (≥ 40 dB HL) remains inadequately explored. Variations by age, diabetes duration, and socioeconomic factors are inadequately characterised. This systematic review quantified the prevalence and comparative risk of moderate-to-severe hearing loss in diabetes and prediabetes, exploring variations across age, national income level, and disease duration. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL (2000-2025) for observational studies reporting audiometric thresholds in diabetic or prediabetic subjects (PROSPERO: CRD42018100742). Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects meta-analyses generated pooled prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was evaluated via funnel plots and Egger's regression. Of 3490 records, 29 studies qualified. Most examined type 2 diabetes; one included prediabetes. Twenty-three studies (n = 5221) yielded a pooled prevalence of 24% (95% CI: 19%-30%; I 2 = 94%). Eleven studies showed diabetes doubled hearing loss odds versus controls (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.62-3.60; I 2 = 86.6%). Risk was significantly elevated in younger adults (< 60 years: OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 2.17-4.22) but not in older adults (≥ 60 years: OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.72-3.22). Low- and middle-income countries showed the highest risk (OR = 4.51, 95% CI: 2.43-8.40) versus high-income countries (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.05-3.02). Diabetes duration < 10 years conferred elevated risk (OR = 2.68). Small-study effects were detected (Egger's p = 0.019) but sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness. One in four diabetic adults has clinically significant hearing loss, particularly in younger individuals and resource-limited populations. These findings support the integration of routine audiometric screening into diabetes care.

Neuroscience

Oestrogen receptor phosphorylation profiles and in silico PAM50 subtyping reflect sexual dimorphism in breast cancer.

Chatterji S et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Breast cancer (BC) is most prevalent in females but also accounts for <1% of male cancer cases and 0.2% of male cancer-related deaths. Distribution of histological subtypes, receptor status, and age of diagnosis varies based on sex, and a growing body of evidence supports sex-specific molecular differences in BC. However, this is limited by the smaller number of male cases available for study compared to the thousands of cases of female BC. We combined publicly available male BC gene expression datasets for 195 patients from 4 studies and split randomly into discovery and validation sets. Clustering and gene expression analysis were performed. Two stable clusters were identified initially, confirmed in the validation set. Cluster C1 was enriched for genes associated with MAPK signalling and arylesterase activity. Cluster C2 showed enrichment of genes associated with proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, along with enrichment of gene ontology and pathway terms related to ECM regulation, particularly collagen-containing ECM. Of note, when stratified by ERα and PR status, no enrichment was observed with the predicted PAM50 classification. ERα and MAPK signalling were enriched in both clusters, albeit through different gene sets. Since these pathways were enriched, we investigated the signalling regulation of ERα based on immunohistochemical expression of phosphorylated ERα (S104, S118, S167, S294) and their prognostic roles. This analysis also revealed distinctions from female BC, showing a lack of prognostic outcome for any of these biomarkers. We show that male BC does not align with female BC in the same way that intrinsic subtypes of female BC are not identical. As BC heterogeneity is well recognised, we propose that male BC should be considered as a potentially unique clinical subtype of BC.

Medicine

Maintaining Health in Later Life: Perspectives of Older Indian Migrants in Melbourne, Australia.

Sandhu S et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Issues addressed Little is known about how older migrants maintain their health, despite health promotion's emphasis on strengthening everyday capacities for well-being. Older Indian migrants are one of Australia's fastest-growing ageing populations, yet existing research has focused predominantly on barriers, disease management and service access. As a result, the health-promoting strategies older migrants already use remain largely invisible in policy and practice. This study addresses this gap by exploring the practices that older Indian migrants in Melbourne employ to maintain their health. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured individual and focus group interviews with 55 India-born adults aged 50+ (32 temporary and 23 permanent migrants) living in Melbourne, Australia. Interviews were undertaken in English, Hindi and Punjabi. Results Participants identified interconnected practices underpinning everyday health maintenance, including reliance on home remedies; culturally familiar yet adaptive dietary and physical activity routines, including walking; domestic labour and group activities. Community and family networks facilitated motivation and support, while gendered household roles constrained women's capacity for rest and engagement in structured physical activity. Conclusion This study found that older Indian migrants sustain health through home remedies, culturally embedded dietary routines, physical activity and a strong social network. These practices reflect a strengths-based orientation to well-being, drawing on intergenerational knowledge and community support to maintain health in later life. So what Health-promotion strategies should work with, rather than replace, the culturally grounded practices older Indian migrants already use. Culturally considerate, family-centred health advice; intergenerational activities and digital media partnerships may enhance healthy ageing.

Psychology

An Aging Clock Based on Immune Repertoire Features: COVID-19 Accelerates Aging.

Gao X et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Aging induces immunosenescence, a progressive decline in immune function underpinning age-related pathogen vulnerability, yet T/B cell receptor (TCR/BCR) repertoire remodeling during aging remains incompletely characterized, especially in non-European populations. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 may perturb immune homeostasis and accelerate aging, but its impact on immune repertoire aging is unclear. Here, we analyzed leukocyte DNA from 195 healthy Chinese individuals (25-93 years) and 94 post-COVID-19 cases via CDR3 high-throughput sequencing. Aging correlated with shorter CDR3 sequences, reduced VDJ gene/V-J combination diversity, declining TCR/BCR clonotype counts (179.7/507 per 3 years), expanded hyperexpanded TCR/large BCR clones, and reduced diversity (critical turning point ~60 years). These changes were intensified post-COVID-19, with altered amino acid usage, diminished diversity, and expanded SARS-CoV-2/Mycobacterium tuberculosis-related clones. We developed a LightGBM-based immune repertoire aging clock, validating accelerated biological aging (increased cAgeDiff) and reduced intrinsic capacity in post-COVID-19 individuals. Our findings reveal age-dependent immune repertoire remodeling exacerbated by COVID-19, deepening understanding of immunosenescence and post-viral dysfunction, with potential clinical applications for age-related immune decline and post-COVID-19 syndromes.

Immunology and Microbiology

Parental Perspectives and Experiences of Working With Speech and Language Therapists to Support Home Practice for Their Child With a Speech Sound Disorder: A Qualitative Study.

Pritchard K et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Background Speech sound disorder (SSD) is broadly defined as difficulty producing speech sounds in childhood. It can have a lasting impact on academic outcomes and well-being, making effective early intervention vital. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) consider parental involvement-particularly supporting their child with home practice-as essential to a child's progress. Relationships between SLTs and parents are known to facilitate this engagement. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding parents' perspectives, and little is known about what parents perceive to be most effective in supporting home practice. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for designing interventions that are both feasible and meaningful for families. Aim To explore the perspectives of parents of children with SSD aged ≤5;11, about their experiences with speech and language therapy intervention sessions and home practice. Methods and procedures This study used qualitative methodology. Nine parents, recruited via social media, professional networks and a university clinic, participated in focus groups or 1:1 interviews. A group of children, aged 4-6, who had lived experience of SSD, speech and language therapy and home practice were consulted to design the topic guide and inform data analysis. Discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Outcomes and results Four main themes were constructed as follows: (1) Building positive therapeutic relationships is fundamental to families' experiences and creates the foundation for successful home practice. (2) SLTs need to employ a wide range of skills and knowledge, including a multi-modal approach to empower parents and develop their capability. (3) Clear communication is key for shared power, understanding of roles, active involvement and effective home practice. (4) Factors outside an individual's control can impact parents' attitudes towards, and engagement with, home practice. Conclusions and implications We conclude that relationships between SLTs and parents, and the skills required to build these, underpin parental motivation to engage in home practice. To maximise parental capability, SLTs ensure that parents understand not only what to do but why they are doing it, utilising a variety of methods. Whilst some barriers for home practice are out of the SLT's control, using all opportunities to develop the motivation and capability of the parents is required. To achieve this, service delivery models may need to be reconsidered. What this paper adds What is already known on this subject SSD that persists into school years can have lasting implications for a child's academic outcomes and well-being. Effective and efficient early intervention is essential. SLTs and parents agree that working together, including parental delivery of home practice, is important for a child's progress. Little is known about how parents experience and perceive what SLTs do within intervention sessions to ensure parents feel confident and capable of delivering effective home practice. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This is the first study to explore parents' perceptions and experiences of what SLTs do within direct intervention sessions for young children with SSD and how this supports parents to become implementors of intervention for their child at home. Findings suggest that parents benefit from SLTs using a range of teaching and coaching approaches, including clear instructions and active involvement, to ensure parents feel confident and capable at home. Relationships between the parent, SLT and the child are highly valued by parents, and are fundamental for parental engagement with home practice. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? SLTs prioritising building effective relationships with parents and children can support parental motivation for home practice. SLTs can work with parents to increase opportunities for home practice by building it into their daily lives, including working with other family members. To maximise parental capability, it is important to ensure that parents understand not only what to do but why they are doing it, utilising a variety of methods. To achieve this, service delivery models may need to be reconsidered.

Psychology

Traditional Fermented Dairy Products as Reservoirs of Bifidobacterium With Probiotic Potential: From Microbial Diversity to Functional Characterization.

Habiba MU et al. · Jul 1, 2026

Traditional fermented dairy products (TFDPs) are complex microbial ecosystems that may serve as reservoirs of many microorganisms, including those with probiotic potential such as Bifidobacterium species and lactobacilli. Although bifidobacteria are widely used as probiotic microorganisms in defined formulations, their occurrence, persistence, and functional relevance within TFDPs remain incompletely understood. This review critically synthesizes current evidence on the diversity, ecological roles, and traits associated with probiotic potential of Bifidobacterium spp. detected in TFDPs, including raw-milk fermentations, artisanal dairy products, and selected controlled dairy systems. Species such as Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium breve have been reported across yogurt, kefir, airag (traditional Mongolian fermented dairy beverage from mare milk), and raw milk cheeses, often at low abundance or as transient microbial community members. Many isolates from fermented dairy products exhibit traits commonly associated with probiotic functionality, including acid/bile tolerance, adhesion capacity, exopolysaccharide production, and antimicrobial activity. However, most reports remain limited to presence/absence or in vitro assays, with limited in vivo or clinical validation. Advances in molecular and omics-based approaches have improved detection, characterization, and safety evaluation; however, translation into validated applications remains constrained by challenges in isolation, viability, and strain-level confirmation. Importantly, detection of bifidobacteria in TFDPs does not confer probiotic status, which requires strain-level identification, demonstrated safety, adequate viable counts at consumption, and clinical evidence of health benefit. Collectively, TFDPs, as culturally embedded microbial reservoirs, may support the discovery of novel bifidobacterial strains for future development of functional foods or probiotic products following rigorous validation.

Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Sustained Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-Alpha Accumulation Disrupts the Articular Niche to Promote Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis.

Gong W et al. · Jul 1, 2026

The precise role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis remains controversial, often debated between a protective compensatory factor and a disease mediator. Here, we demonstrate that sustained, uncoupled HIF-1α accumulation functions as a potent, compartment-specific pathogenic driver of joint destruction. Using genetically engineered mouse models, we reveal that chondrocyte-specific HIF-1α overexpression (Acan CreERT2 ; Hif1αdPA fl/fl ) triggers spontaneous OA and exacerbates destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced post-traumatic joint degeneration. Mechanistically, continuous HIF-1α activation drives pathological angiogenesis that physically dismantles the avascular, hypoxic cartilage niche, forcing a profound metabolic dysregulation that culminates in catastrophic matrix degradation. Conversely, sustained HIF-1α activation within the synovial and superficial cartilage compartments (Prg4- GFPCreERT2; Hif1αdPA fl/fl ) drives a slowly progressive, late-onset spontaneous OA through chronic inflammatory accumulation that actively suppresses Col2a1 expression. Furthermore, this robust inflammatory priming establishes a highly vulnerable microenvironment, whereby DMM surgery significantly accelerates the progression of trauma-induced joint collapse. Finally, transient whole-joint HIF-1α induction via an intra-articular injection of lipid nanoparticles (LNP-mRNA) closely recapitulates these detrimental effects. Collectively, our study reconciles existing controversies by establishing sustained HIF-1α accumulation as a spatiotemporally dynamic, broad disease amplifier across the articular ecosystem, highlighting its targeted inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for OA.

Medicine