Longitudinal characterization of symptoms, healthcare resource utilization, and costs among people with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura compared with non-thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura controls.

AIMS: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an ultra-rare blood disorder, characterized by severe ADAMTS13 deficiency. Affected individuals present with potentially life-threatening acute events and may experience sub-acute and chronic TTP manifestations often resulting in long-term organ damage. Incremental symptom prevalence before, during, and after an acute event as well as healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs during and after an acute event were compared between people with TTP and matched non-TTP controls. METHODS: This retrospective, matched study used data from Merative MarketScan Commercial Database and Medicare Supplemental Database (from January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2021) to identify people with TTP (inpatient diagnosis for "thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)" or "congenital TTP," and ≥1 claim for plasma exchange or infusion). People with TTP were matched (1:2) with non-TTP controls on age, sex, geographic region, index year, and select Elixhauser comorbidities. RESULTS: 255 people with TTP were matched with 510 non-TTP controls. Both cohorts had a mean age of 43.9 years; 71% were female. Overall, more people with TTP reported symptoms compared with non-TTP controls prior to (51% vs 43%), during (99% vs 52%), and after an acute event (85% vs 50%; p < 0.05 for all periods). Symptom prevalence decreased following an acute event compared with during an acute event, but remained high-85% of people with TTP experienced symptoms compared with 50% of non-TTP controls. HCRU and mean costs per patient per month were significantly higher in all care settings among people with TTP compared with non-TTP controls (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: Identification of patient populations may have been limited due to coding errors, as the data were obtained from an administrative claims database. CONCLUSIONS: TTP is associated with a substantial symptom burden and increased costs and HCRU during and up to almost a year after acute events, demonstrating the longitudinal burden of this disease.

Vertical arrays of artificial rockpools on a seawall provide refugia across tidal levels for intertidal species in the UK.

Eco-engineering of coastal infrastructure aims to address the insufficient intertidal habitat provided by coastal development and flood defence. There are numerous ways to enhance coastal infrastructure with habitat features, but a common method involves retrofitting artificial rockpools. Often these are 'bolt-on' units that are fixed to existing coastal infrastructure but there is a paucity of literature on how to optimise their arrangement for biodiversity. In this study, 24 artificial rockpools were installed at three levels between High Water Neaps and Mean Tide Level on a vertical concrete seawall on the south coast of the UK. The species abundance of the rockpools and adjacent seawall were surveyed at low tide for 2 years following rockpool installation and compared. Over the course of the study, sediment had begun to accumulate in some of the rockpools. At the 2-year mark, the sediment was removed and assessed for macrofauna. Algal biomass of the seawall and rockpools was estimated using previously obtained dry weight values for the dominant algae taxa. After 2 years, it was determined that artificial rockpools successfully increase species richness of seawalls, particularly at higher tidal levels where water-retaining refugia are crucial for many species. The rockpools hosted 37 sessile taxa and 9 sessile taxa were recorded on the seawall. Rockpools increased the vertical elevation for brown canopy-forming seaweeds by providing better attachment surfaces. Although the retained sediment only hosted 3 infaunal species, it was observed to provide shelter for shore crabs during surveys. As sea levels and ocean and air temperatures continue to rise, vertical eco-engineering arrangements will play a crucial role in allowing species to migrate up the tidal zone, negating habitat loss and localised extinction.

Well-Being Outcomes from the Delivery of RASCALs, a Group Activity Intervention Using Nature-Focused Livestream Broadcasts.

Group activities and connection with nature are associated with improved well-being for older adults. This quasi-experiment tests the effectiveness of RASCALs, an innovative program of group activities using nature-focused livestream broadcasts. Assisted living residents in the experimental group (n = 16) lived in buildings that received RASCALs programming twice a week for 3 months. Compared to residents in the comparison group (n = 17) who received regular group activity programming, they experienced significant positive change in the Positive Relations with Others domain of well-being (ß = .873, p = .008). Combining nature-focused livestream broadcasts with groups activities for older adults in assisted living communities may be an innovative and effective way to overcome barriers to accessing nature and improve residents' well-being.

Next-generation chemotherapy treatments based on black hole algorithms: From cancer remission to chronic disease management.

PROBLEM: Therapeutic planning strategies have been developed to enhance the effectiveness of cancer drugs. Nevertheless, their performance is highly limited by the inefficient biological representativeness of predictive tumor growth models, which hinders their translation to clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study proposes a disruptive approach to oncology based on nature-inspired control using realistic Black Hole physical laws, in which tumor masses are trapped to experience attraction dynamics on their path to complete remission or to become a chronic disease. This control method is designed to operate independently of individual patient idiosyncrasies, including high tumor heterogeneities and highly uncertain tumor dynamics, making it a promising avenue for advancing beyond the limitations of the traditional survival probabilistic paradigm. DESIGN: Here, we provide a multifaceted study of chemotherapy therapeutic planning that includes: (1) the design of a pioneering controller algorithm based on physical laws found in the Black Holes; (2) investigation of the ability of this controller algorithm to ensure stable equilibrium treatments; and (3) simulation tests concerning tumor volume dynamics using drugs with significantly different pharmacokinetics (Cyclophosphamide and Atezolizumab), tumor volumes (200 mm3 and 12 732 mm3) and modeling characterizations (Gompertzian and Logistic tumor growth models). RESULTS: Our results highlight the ability of this new astrophysical-inspired control algorithm to perform effective chemotherapy treatments for multiple tumor-treatment scenarios, including tumor resistance to chemotherapy, clinical scenarios modelled by time-dependent parameters, and highly uncertain tumor dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide strong evidence that cancer therapy inspired by phenomena found in black holes can emerge as a disruptive paradigm. This opens new high-impacting research directions, exploring synergies between astrophysical-inspired control algorithms and Artificial Intelligence applied to advanced personalized cancer therapeutics.

Evaluating Nature-based Solutions as urban resilience and climate adaptation tools: A meta-analysis of their benefits on heatwaves and floods.

Extreme weather events driven by climate change threaten the resilience of urban structures and urban dwellers. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are an effective tool to reduce urban vulnerability to climate risks and, at the same time, develop more liveable urban areas. Despite the acknowledged positive impacts of individual observed NbS, numerous questions persist unanswered. While existing research supports NbS' positive influence on urban climate adaptation, the extent of their impact remains insufficiently studied. Understanding the magnitude of NbS impact is crucial for justifying their preference over non-NbS alternatives and, consequently, for securing public investment. Via a meta-analysis, this paper aims to contribute to research and practice by providing a more systematic assessment of NbS effects, offering urban planners and decision-makers a robust justification for their incorporation in climate change adaptation, urban resilience, and enhanced liveability. The results of the meta-analytic model indicate that the effect of NbS is indeed positive. When assessing the impact on temperature and flood protection, there is a general positive effect across the studied NbS. However, when evaluating an average effect, the task appears to be more complex due to methodological issues and limitations. The need to increase the formalisation of how the impact of NbS is measured and reported also emerges as a result. Replicable protocols would positively impact the formalisation of the literature on the topic and positively affect the evidence-based support for the implementation of NbS by urban decision-makers.

Genetic architecture of long-distance migration and population genomics of the endangered Japanese eel.

The Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica), a flagship anguillid species for conservation, is known for its long-distance-oriented migration. However, our understanding of the genetic architecture underlying long-distance migration and population genomic characteristics of A. japonica is still limited. Here, we generated a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly and conducted whole-genome resequencing of 218 individuals to explore these aspects. Strong signals of selection were found on genes involved in long-distance aerobic exercise and navigation, which might be associated with evolutionary adaptation to long-distance migrations. Low genetic diversity was detected, which might result from genetic drift associated with demographic declines. Both mitochondrial and nuclear genomic datasets supported the existence of a single panmictic population for Japanese eel, despite signals of single-generation selection. Candidate genes for local selection involved in functions like development and circadian rhythm. The findings can provide insights to adaptative evolution to long-distance migration and inform conservation efforts for A. japonica.

Old lessons for new science: How sacred-tree metaphors can inform studies of the public-health benefits of the natural environment.

Many studies have identified an association between exposure to the natural environment and improved public-health outcomes. However, much of this observational work lacks a theoretical foundation, so we look to the humanities for a stronger basis for green-health research, examining how trees have been used as religious metaphors and symbols for health and wellbeing. In particular, the tree of life, sacred trees, and other religious symbols provide a promising theoretical basis for green-health research. Based on this review, we propose the value of incorporating attributes such as vegetation species and size in exposure metrics, and considering the interactions between exposure attributes (e.g., species) and individual attributes (e.g., culture).

The effects of green exercise on the mental and physical health of people with chronic conditions: a systematic review.

Green exercise, defined as physical activity in natural settings, shows promise for enhancing exercise participation and improving health. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of green exercise in people with chronic conditions. Seven electronic databases were searched and of the 7801 screened articles, 14 trials met the inclusion criteria. Green exercise was a safe and well-tolerated intervention, with low drop-out levels. It was found to positively affect participants' quality of life in three studies and mental health in four studies. Compared to non-exercise groups, green exercise significantly improved physical and mental health in patients with breast cancer, COPD, cardiovascular disease risk, chronic low back pain, obesity, and diabetes. However, it had no impact on the physical health of stroke patients or the cognitive performance of those with ADHD. Green exercise appears to be a safe intervention that can improve various chronic health issues.

An introduction to key ecological concepts, financial opportunities, and risks underpinning aspirations for nature positive.

Global biodiversity is in decline, and businesses and society are being required to urgently create new operating models to ameliorate the crisis. Among the strategies proposed to do this, implementing the concept of nature positive has captured worldwide attention. Critical to its success will be effective collaboration between ecologists and businesspeople, driven by a shared understanding of key nature positive terminology, concepts, and risks. To this end, we introduce three core aspects: the ecological concepts in the definition of nature positive (health, abundance, diversity, and resilience), a typology of financial instruments that may be applied to achieving nature positive, and an overview of risks to biodiversity and society. The pivotal findings include that ecological complexity and uncertainty belie the simplicity of the definition of nature positive and that managing risk requires embedding aspirations into existing and emerging biodiversity conservation and restoration science and policy. Although it is challenging, nature positive deserves pursuit.

Which dimensions of nature contact in Urban Green Spaces most significantly contribute to mental wellbeing? A multidimensional analysis in Brazilian metropolitan cities.

BACKGROUND: Urban environments pose challenges to mental health, an issue that Urban Green Spaces (UGS) can potentially mitigate. While the benefits of nature contact for mental wellbeing are recognized, a multidimensional analysis remains unexplored. PURPOSE: This study aims to fill this gap by examining the association between nature contact within UGS and mental health. It underscores the importance of considering multiple dimensions of nature engagement-such as naturalness, intensity, duration, frequency, and infrastructure-in enhancing psychological wellbeing. METHOD: A comprehensive analysis, including canonical correlation, multivariate analyses of variance, and Fisher discriminant analysis, was applied to survey data from several Brazilian metropolitan cities to assess how different aspects of nature contact influence mental health. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal association between these dimensions and mental wellbeing indicators, highlighting the importance of a multidimensional perspective. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results advocate for incorporating diverse aspects of nature contact in UGS design and policy-making to enhance urban dwellers' mental health. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Further research should focus on longitudinal studies and explore the mediating effects of socio-demographic factors. Additionally, expanding research to include other developing countries will provide valuable comparative insights.

"It Helps Make the Fuzzy Go Away": Autistic Adults' Perspectives on Nature's Relationship with Well-being Through the Life Course.

Background: While previous work highlights the links between nature and various positive well-being-related outcomes, the experiences of autistic people in nature have received limited empirical research. Our study aimed at gathering autistic adults' perspectives on the relationship between nature and well-being in both childhood and adulthood. Methods: We used an online survey to capture the views of 127 autistic adults across the United Kingdom. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we analyzed responses to three questions focused on nature experiences in childhood and adulthood and how the participants felt that nature was (or was not) related to well-being. Guided by self-determination theory, we used both inductive and deductive analysis. Results: We developed three main themes to reflect the nature experiences of autistic adults: choosing to escape into nature, supporting relatedness through connecting in (and to) nature, and nature doesn't judge, but other people do. Compared with many other contexts, nature provides a non-judgmental space through which (in both childhood and adulthood) many, but not all, autistic individuals can meet individual needs and experience autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Conclusion: This analysis of how autistic adults in the United Kingdom utilize nature to support well-being has implications for how nature can be used in social prescribing as well as in ensuring that existing outdoor spaces, organizations, and activities are supportive of autistic people.

Why is this an important issue? Autistic adults often experience poorer mental health and overall well-being than neurotypical adults. Since some autistic adults are very interested in nature and often report that they feel better after spending time in nature, natural spaces and activities taking place outside could be one way of improving well-being for autistic adults. What was the purpose of this study? There is very little research on how autistic adults experience nature, although some autistic people have written about their experiences. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of how autistic people experience nature and how nature might benefit their well-being. What did the researchers do? We created a survey that asked 26 questions about how autistic adults experience nature. This survey included questions about how often they visited nature, if they had a focused interest in nature, whether and how nature was related to their well-being, and childhood experiences of nature. Focusing on three of the questions, we used reflexive thematic analysis (a way of identifying patterns in data) to develop three themes. What were the results of the study? The three themes we developed were: choosing to escape into nature, supporting relatedness through connecting in (and to) nature, and nature doesn't judge, but other people do. These themes illustrate the different ways that autistic adults experienced nature. For some, nature was a way of relating to others and relating more deeply with themselves. Nature was also a way of escaping from people who were unkind, from situations that were uncomfortable, and from other stresses in life. Many autistic participants reported that nature was helpful to their well-being, because they experienced less judgment from natural spaces and creatures­though other people were sometimes judgmental, which made nature experiences worse. What do these findings add to what was already known? These findings confirm previous research showing that many autistic people have focused interests in nature. The findings not only add to the numerous existing anecdotal accounts about how autistic people feel in nature but also demonstrate a diverse range of perspectives. Not all autistic participants in this study felt that nature was beneficial to their well-being. What are the potential weaknesses of the study? Unfortunately, surveys are only accessible to people who have Wi-Fi/internet access, can use a computer or phone, and have the time to complete the survey. The survey might also have drawn in participants who were specifically interested in this topic, which might influence the findings. How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future? These findings will help autistic adults, practitioners, and carers to identify a potential source of support for well-being. As autistic adults in this study used nature to meet different needs related to their well-being, natural space and nature-based activities may help improve well-being in autistic adults who enjoy nature.

Urban greening in Dhaka: Assessing rooftop agriculture suitability using GIS and MCDM techniques.

Dhaka ranks among the world's most densely populated cities, with built-up areas expanding to accommodate the demands of a growing population. The rapid urbanization has reduced green space and exacerbated urban heat and pollution in the city. In the quest for a greener and healthier urban environment, rooftop agriculture has emerged as a promising solution, offering opportunities for the restoration of the environment and safe food production. Despite its potential, limited studies have explored the viability of this alternative greening solution for Dhaka. Therefore, this study aims to assess the suitability of rooftops for agricultural activities employing Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques. First, seven criteria were selected based on the literature, such as building age, height, rooftop size, building utility, property value, sunlight, and water availability. Second, an expert opinion survey was conducted using the Best Worst Method (BWM) to calculate the criteria's weights. Finally, the suitability map for Dhaka was derived by combining the criteria layers and was subsequently validated. Rooftop area and property value were identified as the most and least important criteria. Approximately 9% (6.27 km2), 68% (46.59 km2), 22% (15.15 km2), and a negligible portion (0.1 km2) of Dhaka city has been classified as highly suitable, suitable, moderately suitable, and not suitable, respectively, for rooftop agriculture. By identifying and promoting the most suitable locations for rooftop agriculture and highlighting existing opportunities, this research will help to initiate and expand sustainable agriculture practices that can contribute to climate change adaptation and urban resilience.

Towards a modelling framework for nature-based solutions in wastewater treatment.

This article presents the authors' perspectives on modelling best practices for nature-based solutions (NBS). The authors led a workshop on NBS modelling as part of the 8th IWA Water Resource Recovery Modelling Seminar (WRRmod2022+) in January 2023, where the discussion centred around the design, use cases, and potential applications of NBS models. Four real-world case studies, encompassing an aerated lagoon, a biofilm-enhanced aerated lagoon, a stormwater basin, and a constructed wetland were reviewed to demonstrate practical applications and challenges in modelling NBS systems. The initial proposed modelling framework was derived from these case studies and encompassed eight sub-models used for these NBS types. The framework was subsequently extended to include eight additional NBS categories, requiring a total of 10 sub-models. In a subsequent step, with a different perspective, the framework was refined to focus on 13 primary use cases of NBS, identifying 10 sub-models needed or potentially required for these specific NBS applications. These frameworks help to identify the necessary sub-models for the NBS system at hand or the use case. This article also discusses the benefits and challenges of applying water resource recovery modelling best practices to NBS, along with recommendations for future research in this area.

Molecular detection, subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in migratory birds from nature reserves in northeastern China.

Migratory birds play an important role in the cross-regional transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Assessing the presence of zoonotic pathogens carried by migratory birds is critical for disease control. However, information about Blastocystis infection in the migratory birds is very limited. Thus, we conducted this study with the aim to explore the occurrence, prevalence and subtyping of Blastocystis in four breeds of migratory birds in northeastern China. From October 2022 to April 2023, a total of 427 fresh fecal samples were obtained from four breeds of migratory birds in five nature reserves in northeastern China, and screened for Blastocystis by PCR amplification. Twenty-one (4.92 %) of the studied samples were confirmed Blastocystis-positive, and two known zoonotic subtypes ST6 and ST7 were founded, with ST7 being the major subtype. Until now, we firstly reported the infection status and subtyping of Blastocystis in the migratory Greater White-Fronted Goose, White Stork, Oriental White Stork and Bean Goose in China. More importantly, these findings present further data on the genetic diversity and transmission routes of Blastocystis and further arouse public health concerns about this organism.

A Pre-Post Study Design Exploring the Potential Benefits of a Hiking Intervention for Active and Inactive Older Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) is essential for healthy aging, yet PA levels are low in older adults. Group-based nature programming may be an ideal opportunity for engaging older adults in PA and improving health-related quality of life. METHODS: Twenty-seven older adults, 55-75 years of age (n = 14 active and n = 13 previously inactive), enrolled in a biweekly 8-week hiking program. At baseline, participants completed online questionnaires on health-related quality of life, behavioral and psychological outcomes, and a one-mile walk test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. RESULTS: Average attendance was 81% in the previously inactive groups and 74% in the active group. There was a significant increase in the physical component of quality of life over time in the previously inactive group (p = .03, d = 0.71). Participants significantly improved their cardiorespiratory fitness (p = .003, d = 0.77) and competency (p = .005, d = 0.41) as assessed by the Basic Psychological Needs for Exercise Scale. The previously inactive group additionally increased their self-efficacy for exercise (p = .001, d = 1.43). Both active and previously inactive groups exercised at a similar relative intensity during the hikes based on heart rate; however, perceived exertion at the end of the hike on average was lower among active participants (p = .014). CONCLUSION: Group-based hiking for previously inactive older adults significantly improved physical health-related quality of life over an 8-week biweekly intervention. Hiking at an individualized pace may allow for hiking to be an appropriate PA program in previously inactive older adults.

Integrating carbon and water footprint into nature-based solution (NBS) for urban planning in a highly built-up area in Guangzhou, China.

Stormwater management problems have been deteriorated with the high frequency and intensity of precipitation owing to rapid urbanization and climate variability, especially in urban highly built-up area. Nature-based solutions (NBS) have emerged as a powerful measure for rising these challenges due to their ability to mitigate urban waterlogging and increase carbon sequestration. Identifying optimal locations for NBS implementation remains a critical research focus. This study integrates carbon and water footprint accounting into NBS-based planning for sustainable urban development in central Guangzhou, China, to enhance urban flooding mitigation and carbon sequestration. Through carbon-water footprint analysis and weighting, we prioritized NBS planning. To achieve the objectives of increasing sequestered carbon and reducing urban runoff, three types of NBS-green roofs, permeable pavements, and bioretention systems-were optimized for a high-priority town street. The results showed that the implementation of green roof and permeable pavement reduced the surface runoff by 3.58 %, while the biological retention system reduced the runoff gray water by 27 %. Moreover, the application of green roof and biological retention increased the carbon sequestration by 2.57 million kg CO2-eq (life cycle). The findings of this study provide comprehensive insights into optimization of NBS planning based on carbon-water footprint accounting, facilitating to enhance mitigation of urban flooding vulnerability and carbon sequestration.

Exploring the Facilitators of the Gerotranscendence Theory: Correlations among Sustainable Behaviors, Biophilic Design, and Nature Connectedness.

Aim: This study aims to shift views away from negative perceptions towards aging by exploring the following research question: How are the multiple levels of the gerotranscendence theory influenced by the sustainable behavior and attitude toward the biophilic design of older adults? Background: Improving perceptions of aging is vital for positively impacting both the biological and societal aspects of the global aging phenomenon. Methods: The study utilized a mixed-method design. Initially, 300 older Turkish adults completed self-reported measures including the Gerotranscendence Scale (GS), Pro-environmental Behavior (PB), Environmental Identity Scale (EID), Biophilic Design Importance Level (BDI), and Inclusion of Nature in the Self Scale (INS). Subsequently, the second phase involved diary logs from 30 participants who volunteered during the initial phase. Results: Results indicated that a higher importance level placed on biophilic design was linked to a greater inclusion of nature in the self. Moreover, a stronger interest in nature correlated positively with the gerotranscendence experience. Conclusions: The results bring significant attention to biophilic design, especially its relevance in supporting sustainable environmental behaviors and positive aging.

Benefits for emotional regulation of contact with nature: a systematic review.

Introduction: Exposure to natural environments, such as parks, forests, and green areas, is often linked to a decrease in stress, anxiety and depression, while contributing to improved emotional wellbeing. These observations are supported by well-established theories, such as the Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration Theory, which highlight the psychological benefits of interacting with nature. However, the relationship between exposure to nature and emotions, and in particular, with emotional regulation, is an evolving aspect of research with no clear conclusions. Emotional regulation can be deliberate in nature, where individuals voluntarily participate in modifying various aspects of their emotions, such as their type, intensity, quality or duration. Alternatively, it may be automatic, originating from sensory perception and acting without full awareness, but significantly influencing emotional experiences. In this context, the environmental self-regulation hypothesis, suggests that people consciously or unconsciously use their physical environment to regulate their emotions. Method: To analyze the evidence of the relationship between contact with nature and emotional regulation, we conducted this review. Using the PRISMA statement as a reference, we conducted keyword searches in five databases in the period between 2013 and 2023. The databases selected were Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, PsycINFO and ScienceDirect. Results: In addition, a manual search was carried out of journals in the research field. Initially, from which gray literature, reviews and duplicates were removed in a first step. The resulting articles were then filtered using their titles and abstracts. Subsequently, the abstracts of the 25 selected articles were reviewed and discussed by researchers to reach a final decision based on consensus about the adequacy of each paper. Finally, nine articles were included in the systematic review. Discussion: In general terms, this review suggests that research on the relationship between contact with nature and emotional regulation provides valuable insights into how natural environments can contribute to the emotional wellbeing and physical and mental health of the population.

Harnessing the power of nature exposure to mitigate adolescents' Internet addiction: A chain mediation model.

Previous studies have focused more on the facilitating effect of nature exposure on positive behavioural consequences. However, less attention has been paid to whether nature exposure can inhibit internalized problem behaviours, such as Internet addiction. Within the framework of the stimuli-organism-response theory, the present study examined the relationship between nature exposure and Internet addiction and investigated the mediating roles of anthropomorphism of nature and awe. In China, we recruited 1469 adolescents (mean age = 13.90 years old, SD = 0.59, 53.2% girls). Mediation analyses indicated that awe partially mediated the relationship between nature exposure and adolescents' Internet addiction. The anthropomorphism of nature and awe served as sequential mediating roles in the relationship between nature exposure and adolescents' Internet addiction. This study provides a nature-based perspective on the prevention and intervention of adolescents' Internet addiction.

Cajal and his love for Nature: a sentimental essence in the legacy of neurosciences.

Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852-1934) revolutionized the branches of neuroscience in a forceful way, and he did it with extreme delicacy and candor. His scientific writings and drawings are full of allusions to Nature, a fact that demonstrates how he saw, understood and enjoyed it with exquisite sensitivity and pressing emotion. Neuroscience awakened in him the utmost curiosity to delve into the powerful mysteries of the mind, and neurohistology allowed him to satisfy his deepest concerns for fascinating scenarios, a desire not sufficiently fulfilled throughout the fields, mountains and forests of his childhood and youth. Through that wonderful microscopic world Cajal changed the size of the dreamed landscapes but not the dimension of the longed-for adventures. Exploring and entering unknown paths he unraveled some of the greatest enigmas that the nervous system hid, but he would do so with a deep feeling toward the infinite beauty that Nature itself offered him. In short, Nature was the vital axis of Cajal's overwhelming and complex personality, his most genuine essence and the inexhaustible source of inspiration where he poured his imagination and fantasy. He became a vocational adventurer, an insatiable explorer, a talented artist and an exquisite humanist. An eminently romantic soul who knew how to link Nature and Neuroscience with unconditional and perpetual emotionality.