MOLLY LAWRENCE

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This study looked at a new program aimed at reducing opioid prescriptions given to patients after surgery. The program, which included educational materials and tracking tools, successfully cut the number of opioid pills given to patients by 67%, dropping the average prescription from 8.7 to 2.9 pills, and even eliminated prescriptions for 10 out of 15 types of surgery. This matters because it helps decrease the risk of opioid dependence and contributes to better patient outcomes by ensuring fewer unnecessary prescriptions. Who this helps: This helps patients who are recovering from surgery.

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This study explored how a type of fat-based nanoparticle, called cubosomes, interacts with biological membranes. Researchers found that these nanoparticles exchanged lipids more effectively with negatively charged membranes than with neutral ones, demonstrating that the type of membrane influences how well the cubosomes can connect and deliver drugs. This information is important because it helps improve the design of drug delivery systems, making them more effective in targeting diseases. Who this helps: Patients who need targeted drug therapies will benefit from these advancements.

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This study examined the performance of American female youth and junior weightlifters from 2015 to 2023, focusing on their progress in three main lifts: the snatch, clean and jerk, and overall total weight lifted. Researchers found that in the first six months, athletes improved their snatch by about 12.4% and their clean and jerk by approximately 11.1%. However, performance plateaued around the seventh year of training, indicating that coaching methods have enhanced initial success, but consistent engagement and strategies are needed to maintain progress over time. Who this helps: This benefits young female weightlifters and their coaches.

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This research focused on testing a drug called miglustat as a potential treatment for a young man with Tangier disease, a very rare condition that causes nerve damage. The study lasted for two years, during which the patient showed improvement in his ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills and hand strength, with noticeable benefits over 21 months of extended treatment. These findings are significant because they suggest that miglustat could help manage the nerve problems associated with Tangier disease, offering hope for patients suffering from this condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with Tangier disease and their doctors by providing a potential treatment option.

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This study looked at how certain behaviors of 911 callers can make people, including police officers, suspicious of them. Researchers found that callers who appeared more emotional or urgent were seen as less suspicious, while those who seemed to be managing information carefully or trying to control how they appeared were seen as more suspicious. The research is important because it shows that innocent people can be wrongfully suspected based on how they communicate during a call for help. Who this helps: This helps callers to 911 and law enforcement officers.

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This study looked at patients with Still disease to understand how lung disease and certain immune reactions are related. Researchers examined 54 patients and found that only 2 had evidence of previous Epstein-Barr virus infection, and none of the patients showed signs of hypersensitivity or reactivation of common herpesviruses linked to these serious conditions. These findings suggest that the mechanisms behind lung disease and drug reactions in Still disease are not linked to these viral infections or allergies, which is important for guiding treatment options. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers by clarifying the underlying issues in treating Still disease patients.

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This study focused on how the drug propranolol interacts with cell membranes, which is important for its effectiveness as a treatment. Researchers found that propranolol binds to the membranes in three stages and that there are more drug molecules than lipid molecules in the membrane, which could affect how well the drug works in the body. Understanding these interactions reveals that the drug’s unique properties can influence its effectiveness in treating patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing propranolol for conditions like high blood pressure or anxiety.

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This research paper examined how the global food governance system has changed over time and the challenges it faces in transforming food systems for better health and sustainability. It found that the system has shifted from being mainly controlled by governments to involving many different non-governmental organizations, but powerful corporations now dominate discussions, often sidelining public health concerns. This shift complicates efforts to create fair and effective food policies that address health, environmental issues, and social inequalities. Who this helps: This benefits patients, communities, and advocates for public health and environmental justice.

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Researchers studied the physical characteristics of a specific type of cell called cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in prostate cancer and found that these cells are larger, stiffer, and have a distinct shape compared to normal fibroblasts from healthy patients. They analyzed samples from 35 patients and discovered that a combined score based on these physical changes can predict how well patients will do after treatment. This matters because understanding these changes might lead to new ways to treat prostate cancer by targeting the tumor environment more effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits prostate cancer patients and their doctors by providing insights that could improve treatment strategies.

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This study looked at whether a new emergency response system for stroke patients improved outcomes for those with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) compared to the usual care. It involved 303 patients and found that the new protocol did not significantly change rates of favorable outcomes (64% after the new system vs. 58% before), death rates (9% vs. 12%), or good neurological recovery (19% vs. 13%). This matters because it highlights that what works for one type of stroke may not help those with sICH, suggesting that different strategies are needed for this group. Who this helps: Patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

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This study looked at how stroke survivors continue to practice mindfulness after completing a specific program called HEADS: UP, which helps with anxiety and depression. Researchers found that seven key factors influence whether these survivors keep practicing mindfulness, such as believing it helps, personal preferences, and how supportive their social environment is. Understanding these factors can help create better programs and support for stroke survivors, making it easier for them to manage their mental health long-term. Who this helps: This helps stroke survivors and the healthcare professionals who support them.

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This research focused on creating a new method for processing images using low power and miniaturized technology. The study found that their technique can effectively filter images with very low energy, achieving a threshold as low as 0.1 milliwatts while maintaining a high level of detail. This is important because it allows for efficient image processing without needing a lot of power, making it suitable for applications in devices that require less energy. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and developers of energy-efficient imaging technologies.

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This study focused on a skin disease affecting bottlenose dolphins that arises from exposure to low-salinity water, causing various skin lesions. Researchers developed a scoring system to assess the severity of these lesions, finding that dolphins diagnosed with freshwater skin disease had clear differences in their skin compared to healthy dolphins, with salinity levels at their stranding sites helping confirm the diagnosis. This work is important because it establishes a standard way to evaluate and diagnose this disease in dolphins, aiding in better understanding and treatment. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and marine biologists working with dolphins.

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This research focused on creating a reliable scoring system to assess sustainable healthy diets, looking at three key areas: the variety of minimally processed foods, the amount of animal products consumed, and the intake of ultra-processed foods. Thirteen experts participated in surveys and agreed that a total of twelve food groups should indicate dietary variety, five groups for animal product consumption, and a limit of 10% of calories from ultra-processed foods should be set. This scoring system is important because it helps to evaluate both the health and environmental impact of what people eat. Who this helps: This benefits nutritionists, health care providers, and individuals looking to improve their diets sustainably.

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This study looked at how often a genetic condition called mosaicism appears in patients with immune issues and even in healthy people. They examined samples from 452 patients and found that 9.5% had mosaic genetic changes linked to immune problems, compared to 7.8% in healthy individuals. Interestingly, one-third of the variants found in patients were likely harmful, indicating that some undiagnosed patients might finally get answers about their condition. Who this helps: This research helps patients with unexplained immune disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at a procedure called superficial bone decortication, which is done after Mohs micrographic surgery for certain aggressive skin cancers to ensure all tumor cells are removed. Researchers performed this procedure on 11 patients, finding that it was safe and well-tolerated, with patients reporting minimal pain (an average score of 0.4 out of 10) during the surgery. This is important because it allows for complete treatment of stubborn tumors in one visit, making for a more convenient experience for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with aggressive skin cancers by providing a quicker and less painful treatment option.

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This study focused on exploring how certain cells in the adult pancreas can be turned into functional cells that produce insulin and glucagon, which are crucial for regulating blood sugar. Researchers found a specific group of these cells, called islet progenitor-like cells (IPCs), which can grow and develop into organoids that successfully secrete insulin and glucagon when treated with a compound called ISX9. This research is important because it paves the way for using adult pancreatic tissue to create new cells for treating diabetes and other related disorders. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes and medical professionals looking for new treatment options.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) can help predict whether patients with gunshot wounds to the head will survive their hospital stay, using initial CT scans of the brain. Out of 222 patients analyzed, 116 (52.2%) died while 106 (47.8%) survived; the AI model successfully identified those at the highest risk of death with an accuracy rating of 0.92. This matters because it could lead to quicker and more accurate decision-making in emergencies, potentially improving patient outcomes for those with severe brain injuries. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare professionals in emergency settings.

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This study looked at how thyroid hormones affect the release of platelets, which are important for blood clotting. Researchers found that a hormone called Triiodothyronine (T3) and its analogs can significantly increase platelet production in lab settings—up to nearly 18 times more with some treatments. Understanding this process is important because it could lead to better methods for producing platelets in the lab for patients who need them during medical treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits patients needing platelet transfusions, such as those undergoing surgery or cancer treatment.

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This study looked at how different countries screen newborns for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) using a method called TREC testing, which checks for specific genetic markers. The researchers found that among 39 countries outside the U.S., only 15 (38%) perform nationwide screening, while the rest either have regional programs or conduct pilot tests. The findings highlight significant differences in how SCID is tested and reported globally, emphasizing the need for standard practices to ensure that all newborns receive timely and accurate diagnoses. Who this helps: This benefits newborns at risk of SCID and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined the process of removing breast implants and whether to take out the surrounding capsule at the same time. It found that after removal, many patients experience changes like sagging breasts or skin issues that might need additional surgical procedures to fix, involving rearranging tissue or adding fat. It’s important for doctors to talk with patients about the pros and cons of these options to find the best approach for each individual. Who this helps: Patients looking for guidance on breast implant removal.

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The paper discusses how current laws and regulations classify drugs, like marijuana, into schedules that don't always reflect their actual benefits or risks. The authors argue that there isn’t a schedule that accurately represents how these drugs should be used or managed. This is important because the wrong classification can lead to unfair restrictions, preventing people from getting the treatments they need. Who this helps: Patients who could benefit from medical marijuana or other drugs.

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This study looked at how stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy affects the brain connections of their young children. Researchers found that children exposed to maternal distress before birth had weaker brain connections between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex compared to children who were not exposed, with significant differences observed in boys. This matters because these differences in brain connectivity are linked to behavioral issues that might emerge later in childhood. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the importance of supporting maternal mental health during pregnancy.

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This study looks at three proteins, Sox8, Sox9, and Sox10, that are important for the development of various tissues in animals, including parts of the nervous system, ear, and cartilage. Researchers found that while these proteins have some overlapping roles, they also serve unique functions, such as Sox9 being crucial for cartilage development and Sox10 being important for skin and nerve cells. Understanding how these proteins work is important because changes in their activity can be linked to developmental disorders and diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with developmental disorders and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, which labels food based on its healthiness, aligns with other food classification systems and dietary guidelines in Australia. Researchers found that between November 2020 and June 2023, the percentage of ultra-processed foods with a high HSR rating increased from 60.2% to 78.5%, and for discretionary foods, it went from 47.0% to 62.5%. However, HSR still has issues with accurately reflecting food healthiness, especially for less healthy products. Who this helps: This benefits consumers who want to make healthier food choices.

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This study looks at how scientists are trying to use stem cells to create new insulin-producing cells for people with diabetes. They found that while there have been some improvements in making these cells work, there are still several challenges to overcome, such as making sure the cells last long enough and are protected from the immune system. This is important because diabetes affects about 830 million people worldwide, and better treatments could significantly improve their quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes, especially those who struggle with managing their condition.

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Researchers studied a new treatment called tarlatamab for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and found that measuring certain tumor cells in the blood (called circulating tumor cells or CTCs) can predict who will benefit from the drug. In a group of 20 patients, they discovered that if the CTCs showed high levels of a protein called DLL3 before treatment, 85% of those patients responded well to tarlatamab, with a perfect accuracy rate in identifying non-responders. This information is important because it helps doctors choose the right patients for this treatment and adjust plans based on how the disease evolves. Who this helps: This helps patients with small cell lung cancer and their doctors.

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This study examined how exposure to a chemical called tributyltin during pregnancy affects future generations of mice. Researchers found that this exposure led to changes in gene interactions related to insulin in male mice, resulting in issues like high insulin and blood sugar levels, which are linked to obesity. Remarkably, these effects were evident even in the third generation of mice that had never been exposed to the chemical, indicating how environmental factors can influence health across generations. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of diet-related metabolic disorders and obesity.

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This study looked at a type of head and neck cancer called sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) and found that certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), including HPV45, 51, and 39, play a significant role in causing this cancer. Researchers discovered that these HPV strains contribute to the cancer by integrating DNA into the tumor and causing mutations that help the cancer grow. This is important because it shows that more than 80% of SNSCC cases may be linked to specific virus strains, which could change how doctors diagnose and treat this aggressive cancer. Who this helps: Patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma.

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This editorial sets the research agenda for nutrition science through 2030, arguing that the field must move beyond isolated nutrient studies toward systems-level thinking that accounts for food access, environmental constraints, and human behavior together. The authors contend that food technology has not delivered on its promises and that nutrition, food security, and sustainability must be treated as inseparable. The piece frames the coming decade as a shift from reductionist science toward integrated approaches that balance human health with planetary sustainability.

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Researchers developed a blood test that detects HPV cancer DNA years before oropharyngeal cancer (a common throat cancer) develops, finding the virus DNA in 79% of patient blood samples taken up to 7.8 years before diagnosis, while showing no false positives in healthy people. Using advanced computer analysis, they improved the test to detect the cancer signal in 96% of cases up to 10 years before symptoms appear. This discovery could enable doctors to catch this aggressive cancer much earlier, when treatment is more likely to succeed and causes less harm.

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This study looked at how well older adults could complete cognitive tests either at home or in a doctor's office. Out of 51 participants, 61.5% to 76% finished the tests at home, while 81.8% completed them in the clinic, with most people preferring to test at home. The results indicate that digital cognitive assessments are a viable option for primary care, which is important for identifying early signs of cognitive issues like dementia. Who this helps: This helps older adults and their doctors by providing flexible options for cognitive testing.

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This study looked at how white people in the U.S. feel about programs in courts that teach jurors about hidden biases that can affect fairness in trials. Researchers found that, overall, these participants supported the interventions, but those with conservative political views and other specific beliefs were less favorable; in fact, people who watched an educational video were more positive than those who saw judicial instructions. Understanding these perceptions is important because it can help improve the fairness of jury decisions by addressing the factors that influence support for bias training. Who this helps: This helps jurors and, ultimately, the fairness of the legal system for all individuals involved in trials.

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This research study looks at how changing our approach to nutrition can help create healthier diets that are also better for the environment. It found that current methods of studying nutrition and making policies are outdated and not effective for today's food systems, which have changed a lot over the years. The authors argue for a new approach called "ecological nutrition," which combines science, society, and the environment to find solutions to nutrition issues, promoting better policies that fit the specific needs of different communities. Who this helps: This helps patients and policymakers working to improve public health and promote sustainable eating practices.

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This study focused on testing AlcoChange, a smartphone app designed to help people with alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) reduce their alcohol consumption. Researchers compared two groups: one received regular care, while the other received that care plus the AlcoChange program. After 180 days, the study aims to see if more people in the AlcoChange group were abstinent or drinking only low-risk levels (less than 14 units of alcohol per week), addressing a critical need as deaths from ARLD are increasing in the UK. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with alcohol-related liver disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on how blood clots change in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) during flare-ups, or exacerbations. Researchers found that patients experiencing exacerbations had a higher tendency for blood clots compared to those with stable COPD, with a specific measurement of clot structure at 1.71 versus 1.69. Importantly, those who died during exacerbations had even higher clot structure measurements (1.76), indicating a greater risk of death linked to this increased thrombogenic state. Who this helps: This research benefits COPD patients and their doctors by improving understanding of blood clot risks during flare-ups.

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This paper studies the problem of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are unhealthy food options that have become common in diets worldwide, linked to serious health issues. It found that the UPF industry manipulates food systems to favor these products because they are more profitable, and it actively works to block any regulations that could limit its power, using tactics like lobbying and influencing government decisions. To tackle this issue, the authors recommend strategies to weaken the industry's grip on food systems and to mobilize a global public health response that focuses on healthier diets for everyone. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health advocates fighting against unhealthy eating habits.

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This study looked at how ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are becoming more common and how they negatively impact people's diets and health. The researchers proposed government policies to reduce UPF production and consumption, focusing on four key areas: the products themselves, the environments where people buy food, the companies that make and sell these foods, and the entire food supply chain. They emphasized that each country needs to tailor its approach based on its unique situation to promote healthier eating, especially for low-income families. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those with limited access to healthy food options.

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Researchers studied African green monkeys (AGMs) to better understand Alzheimer's disease because these monkeys naturally develop brain changes similar to humans. They found that after injecting these monkeys with synthetic molecules that mimic Alzheimer's, the monkeys showed signs of brain inflammation and other biochemical changes related to Alzheimer's even a year later, but without losing their cognitive abilities. This is important because it suggests AGMs can help track Alzheimer's disease progression and may provide insights into ways to slow its development. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on Alzheimer's treatments.

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This paper looks at what makes a diet sustainable, which includes being healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate while having low environmental impacts. It finds that sustainable diets vary widely based on local practices and cultural backgrounds, emphasizing models like the Mediterranean and African Indigenous diets. The importance of this research lies in its potential to guide policies that promote healthier eating patterns globally, especially in poorer countries, ultimately supporting both human and planetary health. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, by promoting access to healthy and sustainable food options.

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This study looked at how eating ultra-processed foods might affect people's mental health, specifically focusing on symptoms of depression and anxiety. They analyzed data from 400,787 people in 60 countries and found that as people ate more ultra-processed foods, their mental wellbeing decreased significantly. They estimated that between 3.4% and 7.8% of the global population experienced noteworthy mental distress linked to these foods, with the impact being even greater in the United States. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the mental health risks associated with ultra-processed food consumption.

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This research looked at the connection between low levels of a protein called IgE and complications in patients with common variable immune deficiency (CVID). It found that patients with undetectable IgE levels had lower levels of other important immune proteins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and fewer immune cells, leading to a higher risk of autoimmune diseases and cancer. This matters because knowing a patient has low IgE can help doctors monitor for serious complications more closely. Who this helps: This helps patients with CVID and their doctors by improving monitoring for potential health issues.

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This study looked at how diabetes patients in Wales are being treated for heart disease risk between 2010 and 2023. It found that more people are diagnosed with diabetes, rising from about 133,000 in 2010 to nearly 184,000 in 2023. However, fewer patients with heart disease are receiving cholesterol-lowering medications, dropping from 87.5% to 81.8%, and only about half of high-risk patients without heart disease are getting recommended treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits diabetes patients and their healthcare providers by highlighting gaps in treatment that need attention.

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This study looked at how blood vessels in the retina function differently at different times of the day in mice, primates, and humans. Researchers developed a tool called FOVAS to automatically analyze images of the retina, finding that leakage in the blood-retina barrier was more pronounced in the morning than in the evening for younger subjects. As the subjects aged, this difference decreased, showing that the time of day impacts retinal health. Who this helps: This benefits eye doctors and researchers studying retinal diseases in various age groups.

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Researchers developed a highly sensitive blood test that detects tiny amounts of HPV cancer DNA left in patients after surgery for HPV-related head and neck cancer. They found that patients whose blood still contained this cancer DNA had much worse outcomes—only 60% stayed cancer-free for 2 years compared to 100% of patients with no detectable DNA—and this blood test was better at predicting who would relapse than current methods doctors use. The test could also spot cancer coming back up to 17 months before it shows up on scans or causes symptoms, giving doctors an early warning system to decide whether patients need additional treatment like chemotherapy or radiation.