The concept of Self-Compassion has recently gained significant importance in research and psychotherapy. However, little is known about its neural correlates. Related constructs, such as compassion for others, empathy, and emotion regulation, have been repeatedly associated with structural correlates in subcortical brain regions - including the amygdala, hippocampus, and insula - but corresponding associations with Self-Compassion have not been examined yet. Therefore, this study investigated the potential association between Self-Compassion and brain structure. Structural MRI data from N = 301 (gender (m/f): 106/195) healthy participants were analyzed. Threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE) corrected voxel-wise multiple regression analyses of the Self-Compassion Scale and its two subscales (Self-Compassionate Attitude and Self-Critical Attitude) on gray matter volume (GMV) were conducted separately within the bilateral amygdala, hippocampus, and insula as regions of interest (ROIs). An exploratory whole-brain analysis was performed for all three models. Significance threshold for all analyses was p_FWE < .05. The analysis revealed a significant negative association between Self-Compassion and the GMV in the left amygdala (k₌ 94, t₂₉₆ = 2.53, p_TFCE-FWE =.042). Further, a significant negative association was found between Self-Compassionate Attitude and GMV in the bilateral amygdala (k = 196, t₂₉₆ = 2.59, p_TFCE-FWE =.032; k = 63, t₂₉₆ = 2.53, p_TFCE-FWE =.043). No other significant associations were observed (all p ≥ .080). The findings indicate initial evidence that Self-Compassion, as well as Self-Compassionate Attitude, is associated with subcortical brain structures involved in emotion processing, indicating a relevance of Self-Compassion with regard to emotional encoding and appraisal.

Adolescence is characterized by extensive development in neural circuits that support emotion processing and regulation, and by increased risk for depression. While altered frontolimbic functioning during emotion processing has been implicated in youth with depression relative to healthy controls, the directions of the associations have been inconsistent.

We examined the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and frontoamygdala connectivity during implicit regulation of negative emotions (affect labeling) across adolescence in 193 participants (116F/77M) who completed four assessments (age 9-13 years at baseline), each two years apart. We first used latent class mixed modeling to identify classes (groups) with similar trajectories of depressive symptom development. We then conducted generalized additive mixed models to test whether these groups differed in trajectories of amygdala-ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) connectivity during negative affect labeling using psychophysiological interaction analysis.

We identified two groups: a group with consistently lower symptoms ("low symptoms") and a group with higher and steeper increases in symptoms ("high symptoms"). These groups differed in their trajectories of right amygdala-left VLPFC connectivity during affect labeling. Right amygdala-left VLPFC connectivity during implicit regulation of negative emotions decreased over time for the high symptoms group, becoming more strongly negative by mid-to-late adolescence relative to the low symptoms group, for whom connectivity was relatively stable across adolescence.

The functioning of the right amygdala-left VLPFC circuit during implicit emotion regulation might be an age-dependent neurobiological marker and target of intervention for depressive symptoms in adolescence.

Growing evidence supports an association between chronotype and mental health, with evening chronotype (ET) associated with increased vulnerability to bipolar disorder (BD).

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adults recruited between February and September 2022 from community COVID-19 points of care in Padua, Italy. Participants completed validated self-report measures assessing chronotype (rMEQ), affective temperaments (Brief-TEMPS-M), emotion regulation (DERS), and subthreshold bipolarity (MDQ and HCL-32-R2). Group differences across chronotypes were examined using ANOVA. Associations between chronotype and psychopathological traits were assessed using regression models adjusted for age and sex. Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with ET.

A total of 1997 participants (mean age = 31.4 ± 12.35 years; 66.3% female) were enrolled. Overall, 22.68% had ET, 22.33% morning chronotype (MT), and 54.98% neither chronotype (NT). Compared with other chronotypes, ET was associated with higher depressive, anxious, irritable, and cyclothymic temperament, greater emotional dysregulation, and increased bipolar-spectrum scores (all p < 0.001). In logistic regressions, obesity, student status, tobacco and drug use, and lack of religious belief increased the odds of ET, whereas older age, parenthood, living with other people, and good/excellent sleep quality decreased the odds. Cross-sectional design and regional sampling may limit generalizability.

Current findings support an association between ET and greater emotional dysregulation, cyclothymic temperament, and bipolar-spectrum features, suggesting that circadian-related patterns may be linked to mood instability. Chronotype may serve as a marker of bipolar-spectrum traits. Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify causality and evaluate its integration into existing prediction/assessment tools for BD at-risk.

Physical inactivity affects 36.2% of adults in the European Union (EU), contributing substantially to the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The WHO's Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 targets a 15% relative reduction in physical inactivity by 2030, supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4.1 to achieve over 30% reduction in premature NCD mortality. This study estimates the number of averted deaths, premature deaths and cause-specific NCD deaths averted if physical activity targets are achieved across EU countries.

We applied the WHO Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl using baseline physical activity and body mass index from waves 2 and 3 of the European Health Interview Survey. The counterfactual scenario modelled a 15% increase in metabolic equivalent of task hours/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and a 15% relative reduction in the proportion of adults who are physically inactive across the EU.

Increased physical activity is associated with an estimated 24 178 premature deaths averted by 2030 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 23 253-25 103), equivalent to 3.3% of premature NCD mortality. Overall, 107 108 deaths (95% UI: 102 479-111 737) across all ages could be prevented, representing 4.7% of total NCD deaths in EU member states.

Increasing physical activity alone is unlikely to achieve the SDG 3.4.1 target of reducing premature NCD deaths by 2030. However, when combined with other WHO 'best buy' interventions, such as improved diet and reduced tobacco and alcohol use, this target could be attainable across the EU.

It is still unclear how the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) changes across life course and the specific influence of body mass index (BMI) on risk trajectory.

We included 106,962 participants aged 35-74 from a Chinese longitudinal cohort during 1992 to 2021 with 4 repeated measurements. China-PAR (Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China) equation was applied to calculate 10-year CVD risk. General additional mixed model and Joinpoint model were used to elaborate CVD risk trajectory and the potential benefits of normal BMI.

The 10-year CVD risk for Chinese adults increased from 1.11% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00%, 1.22%] to 14.87% (95%CI: 14.76%, 14.99%) dramatically between ages 35-74, with average CVD risk reaching moderate- and high-risk level at 53 and 65 years, respectively. Compared to overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), normal BMI (< 25 kg/m²) could effectively slow the increase of CVD risk during lifespan (average slope: 0.42% vs. 0.33%), and postpone the moderate- and high-risk age window by 4 years and 5 years, respectively. Risk difference between overweight/obesity and normal BMI groups gradually climbed from -0.10% (95%CI: -0.47%, 0.28%) to 3.02% (95%CI: 2.69%, 3.35%) between ages 35-74. Women displayed a similar uptrend, while men experienced peak benefits at 53 years (2.09%, 95%CI: 1.86%, 2.31%) followed by a slight decrease.

This study delineated cardiovascular risk trajectory, identifying critical intervention windows and demonstrating potential cardiovascular benefits of normal BMI, particularly in women.

Mycobacterium shinjukuense is a rare type of non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) first reported in Japan. Reported cases of Mycobacterium shinjukuense pulmonary diseases are rare where hosts exhibited apparent risk factors for NTM infection. No consensus has been made on its treatment regimen.

We report a case of Mycobacterium shinjukuense pulmonary disease in a previously healthy young woman presented as focal bronchiectasis and nodules. The diagnosis was established with 16S rRNA sequencing on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid mycobacterium culture. The patient was successfully treated with a thrice-a-week regimen of azithromycin, isoniazid and rifampicin. Whole-exome sequencing revealed mutations in TNFRSF13B and TLR2.

The presence of Mycobacterium shinjukuense pulmonary disease was confirmed in China. Macrolide, rifampicin and isoniazid was effective in treatment of Mycobacterium shinjukuense pulmonary disease. Genetic susceptibility to NTM should be considered in young patients without apparent risk factors.

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) was responsible for approximately 4.9 million deaths globally in 2023; however, empirical evidence on PM_2.5-attributable health impacts remains sparse in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. This study quantified PM_2.5 concentrations and estimated attributable mortality and economic burden in Can Tho City, Vietnam, for 2023. The study utilized satellite-derived PM_2.5 estimates at 1 × 1 km resolution combined with local mortality data. Attributable deaths were calculated using the Global Exposure Mortality Model across six health endpoints, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, lower respiratory infections (LRI), and non-communicable diseases plus lower respiratory infections (NCD + LRI). Economic losses were monetized using a Vietnam-specific Value of Statistical Life (VSL) derived through benefit transfer from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, yielding VSL estimates of 10.4 and 6.8 billion VND, respectively. The annual mean PM_2.5 concentration was 27.7 μg/m³, 5.5-fold higher than the World Health Organization guideline (5 μg/m³) and exceeding the Vietnamese national standard (25 μg/m³). Among 3417 NCD + LRI deaths in adults aged 25+ in 2023, 705 (95% CI: 546-828) were attributable to PM_2.5, representing more than one in five deaths (20.6%) in this category (88 deaths per 100,000 population). Economic losses ranged from 3713 to 8611 billion VND, accounting for 3-7% of Can Tho City's gross regional domestic product. These findings demonstrate that PM_2.5 pollution imposes a substantial health and economic burden on Can Tho City and provide robust quantitative evidence to support air quality management strategies in the Mekong Delta region.

Biliary gastritis is an under-recognized inflammatory condition associated with duodenogastric bile reflux and nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, often leading to diagnostic challenges. Epidemiological data from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of biliary gastritis among adults with available diagnostic data and to examine its associations with demographic, lifestyle, dietary, and clinical factors.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2024 and April 2025 among 638 adults recruited from urban and rural healthcare centers. Biliary gastritis was identified based on documented clinical diagnosis and/or prior endoscopic findings. Among participants with available diagnostic documentation (n = 486), the prevalence of biliary gastritis was 26.7%. The mean age of participants was 43.53 ± 15.25 years. Significant associations were observed with sex, marital status, occupation, dietary factors (fast food consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, and caffeine intake), gallstone disease, liver disease, and gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found with diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or physical activity. Multivariable logistic regression identified several demographic, dietary, and clinical variables associated with biliary gastritis. These findings suggest that biliary gastritis represents a notable health concern in this setting, highlighting the importance of dietary modification and improved access to diagnostic services. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the cross-sectional design and reliance on facility-based data. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.

Waist circumference and grip strength are each associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk, but their joint associations have been less well studied.

We examined the separate and joint associations of waist circumference and grip strength with incident T2D among 483,578 adults aged 40-69 years (55% women) without T2D at baseline (2006-2010) from UK Biobank. Waist circumference was measured by trained staff and categorized using World Health Organization thresholds. Grip strength was assessed using a hydraulic dynamometer and categorized into age- and sex-specific tertiles. Incident T2D was ascertained through linkage to hospital inpatient records until 2022. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates.

During 13.0 years of follow-up (6.3 million person-years), 30,240 participants (6.3%) developed T2D. Compared to individuals with low waist circumference (men: ≤ 94 cm, women: ≤ 80 cm), HRs were 2.11 (95% CI 2.03-2.19) for those with intermediate (men: 95-102 cm, women: 81-88 cm) and 5.48 (95% CI 5.30-5.66) for those with high waist circumference (men: > 102 cm, women: > 88 cm). Compared to individuals with high grip strength, HRs were 1.08 (95% CI 1.05-1.11) for those with intermediate and 1.35 (95% CI 1.32-1.39) for those with low grip strength. Joint analyses showed the highest risk among participants with the combination of high waist circumference and low grip strength (HR 7.68, 95% CI 7.22-8.17) compared to individuals with the combination of low waist circumference and high grip strength. Associations between waist circumference and T2D were stronger in women, whereas associations with grip strength were stronger in men. Both patterns were more pronounced among younger adults.

Waist circumference and grip strength were separately and jointly associated with T2D risk. The combination of high waist circumference and low grip strength conferred the greatest risk. Joint assessment of waist circumference and grip strength identifies individuals at particularly elevated risk and may inform preventive strategies, though formal evaluation of incremental predictive utility is needed.

This study investigates the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and six psychosocial burdens (depressive symptoms, loneliness, and low levels of energy, life satisfaction, satisfaction with one's activity level, and perceived social support) among older adults, using data from the population-based longitudinal study Gesundheit 65+ in Germany.

Data were collected from June 2021 to April 2023 via a baseline survey and three follow-up waves, primarily using paper questionnaires. The present study included 12,514 observations across 3,547 participants aged 65 and older. The presence of type 2 diabetes in the last 12 months was self-reported. Psychosocial burdens were assessed using validated scales. Binomial and multinomial logistic regressions were conducted, adjusting for sex, age, education, physical activity, obesity, cardiovascular comorbidities and cancer.

Type 2 diabetes was significantly associated with all examined psychosocial burdens in the unadjusted analysis. In the fully adjusted model, having type 2 diabetes increased the odds of experiencing depressive symptoms (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.17), low energy (1.37, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.77), low/middle life satisfaction (1.41, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.73), loneliness (1.31, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.66) and neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction with one's activity level (1.38, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.72), whereas the association with perceived social support lost statistical significance. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the results. No significant interactions were found for sex, age group, or study wave.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with higher odds of different psychosocial challenges in older adults. These findings emphasize the need for integrated care models that routinely screen for and manage these conditions in persons with diabetes.