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  Meaning Strategies for studying sex differences in brain aging refer to the systematic methodological, analytical, and conceptual approaches used to investigate how biological sex influences structural, functional, molecular, and cognitive changes in the brain across the lifespan. These strategies integrate neuroscience, genetics, endocrinology, neuroimaging, epidemiology, and computational modeling to identify sex-specific aging trajectories, vulnerability patterns, and resilience mechanisms. Introduction Brain aging is a complex, heterogeneous process involving gradual alterations in neural structure, connectivity, metabolism, and cognitive performance. Increasing evidence demonstrates that aging does not affect male and female brains identically. Sex-related differences emerge in brain volume decline, white matter integrity, neurotransmitter dynamics, hormonal modulation, and risk for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Histori...

  Meaning Assessing demographic bias in brain age prediction models refers to examining whether artificial intelligence (AI) systems estimate brain age differently across demographic groups such as sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age ranges. These models use neuroimaging data and deep learning techniques to predict a person’s “brain age,” which can indicate neurological health. When demographic bias exists, predictions may systematically favor certain groups, leading to inaccurate or unfair outcomes. Introduction Brain age prediction has become an important tool in neuroscience and clinical research for identifying early signs of neurological disorders and tracking brain health. With the rise of deep learning, various model architectures—such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), transformers, and hybrid models—are increasingly used for this task. However, concerns about fairness and bias have grown, especially when models are trained on datasets that underrepresent...

   MEANING Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disorder characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes in individuals with at least one metabolic risk factor, such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, or hypertension. MASLD represents a redefinition of the earlier term Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), emphasizing metabolic dysfunction as the central driver rather than excluding alcohol consumption alone. This shift reflects improved understanding of disease pathogenesis and aligns liver disease with systemic metabolic disorders.  INTRODUCTION MASLD has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately one-quarter of the global population. Its burden parallels the increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles. MASLD encompasses a disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction–asso...

  Meaning Gut microbiota-mediated neuroinflammation refers to the influence of intestinal microorganisms on inflammatory processes in the brain that affect neural function, cognition, emotions, and behavior. The gut microbiota communicates with the central nervous system (CNS) through the gut–brain axis using neural, immune, endocrine, and metabolic pathways. When microbial balance is disrupted (dysbiosis), pro-inflammatory signals can be activated, contributing to neuroinflammation and increasing vulnerability to psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. Introduction Psychiatric disorders are complex conditions involving genetic, environmental, and biological factors. Emerging evidence highlights the gut microbiota as a critical regulator of brain development and mental health. The gut-brain axis enables bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, with inflammation acting ...

  Meaning Artificial Intelligence-Driven Personalized Medicine refers to the use of advanced AI techniques—such as machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics—to tailor medical treatment, prevention strategies, and healthcare decisions to individual patients. It integrates genetic, clinical, lifestyle, and environmental data to predict disease risks, optimize therapies, and improve patient outcomes at a highly individualized level. Introduction Traditional healthcare often follows a “one-size-fits-all” approach, where patients with similar diagnoses receive the same treatment. However, individual variations in genetics, metabolism, environment, and lifestyle can significantly influence treatment effectiveness. Artificial Intelligence-Driven Personalized Medicine addresses this gap by leveraging massive healthcare datasets and computational intelligence to deliver precise, patient-specific care. This approach marks a paradigm shift from reactive treatment to predictive, p...

  Environmental Toxicology: Considerations for Exotic Pets Meaning Environmental toxicology is the scientific study of harmful chemicals, pollutants, and environmental stressors and their effects on living organisms. When applied to exotic pets —such as reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals, and invertebrates—it focuses on understanding how environmental contaminants in air, water, food, and habitat materials affect their health, behavior, reproduction, and survival. Introduction The popularity of exotic pets has increased globally due to their uniqueness and educational value. However, exotic animals are often more sensitive to environmental toxins than traditional pets like dogs and cats. Many originate from highly specific ecosystems, making them vulnerable to pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, plasticizers, household chemicals, and air contaminants. Environmental toxicology plays a crucial role in identifying risks, guiding safe husbandry practices, and impro...

  Meaning Environmental and toxicological implications of toxic element levels in marine fishes refer to the study of how potentially toxic elements (PTEs) —such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As)—accumulate in fish tissues, affect marine ecosystems, and pose health risks to humans consuming contaminated seafood. These studies connect environmental pollution , bioaccumulation , and toxicological outcomes within a food-web context. Introduction Marine ecosystems act as final sinks for many pollutants released through industrial discharge, urban runoff, mining activities, and oil exploration. The Red Sea , despite its ecological uniqueness and economic importance, is increasingly exposed to anthropogenic stressors due to coastal development, shipping activities, desalination plants, and tourism. Fish species inhabiting these waters can absorb toxic elements from water, sediments, and food sources, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Since mari...

  Meaning An Everglades Water Quality Recovery Model is a scientific and management framework designed to restore, protect, and sustain the natural water quality of the Florida Everglades ecosystem. It integrates hydrological modeling, nutrient transport analysis, ecological response indicators, and policy-driven management strategies to reduce pollutants—especially phosphorus and nitrogen —and reestablish the Everglades’ natural water balance and biodiversity. Introduction The Florida Everglades is one of the world’s most unique wetlands, often described as a “river of grass.” Over decades, agricultural expansion, urban development, and water diversion have significantly altered its hydrology and water chemistry . Excess nutrient loading, particularly phosphorus from fertilizers and runoff, has degraded native habitats, caused invasive species dominance, and disrupted ecosystem functions. An Everglades water quality recovery model serves as a decision-support tool that si...

  Meaning Oxygen vacancy–engineered Ru-doped Ni–MoO₂ core–shell nanoparticles refer to a nanostructured electrocatalyst where nickel–molybdenum dioxide forms a core–shell architecture, ruthenium atoms are introduced as dopants, and oxygen vacancies are deliberately created in the lattice. These features are designed to enhance catalytic activity and stability for overall water electrolysis in an anion exchange membrane (AEM) system. Introduction Hydrogen production through water electrolysis is a cornerstone technology for clean energy systems. Among various electrolyzer technologies, anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has attracted increasing attention due to its ability to operate under alkaline conditions while using non-precious or low-loading noble metal catalysts. However, achieving high efficiency, durability, and low cost remains challenging. Oxygen vacancy engineering and atomic-scale Ru doping in Ni–MoO₂ core–shell nanoparticles represent a promising...