PLoS ONE最新文献

{"title":"PM2.5 from automobile exhaust induces apoptosis in male rat germ cells via the ROS-UPRmt signaling pathway.","authors":"Cao Wang, Yingchi Zhao, Bin Liu, Zhen Luo, Guangxu Zhou, Kaiyi Mao","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0313803","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0313803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the underlying mechanism behind the fine particulate matter's (PM2.5)-mediated regulation of reproductive function in male rats, and to determine the role of vitamins in this process.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In all, 32 male SD rats were randomized to a control cohort (normal saline), a Vit cohort (vitamin C at 100 mg/kg +  vitamin E at 50 mg/kg), a PM2.5 cohort (PM2.5 10 mg/kg), and a PM2.5 + Vit cohort (PM2.5 exposure +  vitamin C at 100 mg/kg +  vitamin E at 50 mg/kg), with eight rats in each cohort. After four weeks of exposure, mating experiments were carried out. Thereafter, rats were euthanized, and the testis and epididymis tissues were excised for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and sperm quality analysis. Apoptosis of testis tissues was quantified via a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Moreover, the testicular oxidative stress (OS)-, apoptosis- and mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt)-related essential protein expressions were measured via western blotting (WB).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After PM2.5 exposure, the sperm count and motility decreased, while sperm abnormality and the apoptosis index increased. HE staining showed that the number of spermatogenic cells decreased. WB showed that the PM2.5 group had decreased expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) (p <  0.05), increased expressions of malondialdehyde (MDA), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and Caspase3 (p <  0.05), and downregulated expressions of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) (p <  0.05). These were all reversed by vitamin intervention.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PM2.5 from automobile exhaust disrupts male reproductive function. A combination of vitamins may protect reproductive function via the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-UPRmt signaling pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0313803"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143772983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Repeated exposure decreases aesthetic chills likelihood but increases intensity.","authors":"Felix Alexandre Schoeller, Leonardo Christov-Moore, Caitlin Lynch, Abhinandan Jain, Thomas Diot, Nicco Reggente","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0300494","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aesthetic chills are a peak emotional response to stimuli such as music, films, or speech characterized by shivers and goosebumps and activation of dopaminergic circuits. Despite growing scientific interest in this phenomenon, repeated exposure to chills stimuli has not been studied yet, due to the absence of a validated database. This study leverages a recent gold standard in chills stimuli to investigate the impact of repeated exposure on the frequency and intensity of aesthetic chills. Participants (n = 58) were randomly exposed to 6 chill-evoking stimuli pre-validated on the population of interest, in a counterbalanced order. Our findings revealed a significant decrease in the likelihood of experiencing chills with repeated exposure, suggesting habituation to chills itself or potential fatigue in response to aesthetic stimuli. However, we observed an increase in the intensity and duration of chills over successive exposures among those who did experience chills. The study also identified distinct demographic and psychophysiological response patterns across different participant groups, indicating variability in chill responses. These results provide insights into the dynamic nature of aesthetic experiences and their underlying neural mechanisms, with implications for understanding emotional and reward processing in psychophysiology.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0300494"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143773002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Short-term persistence of foliar insecticides and fungicides in pumpkin plants and their pollinators.","authors":"Jessie Lanterman Novotny, Keng-Lou James Hung, Andrew H Lybbert, Ian Kaplan, Karen Goodell","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0311634","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0311634","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To minimize the risk to bees and other beneficial insects, plant protection chemicals are typically applied to pollinator-dependent crop plants when flowers are absent or unopened. However, this approach does not entirely remove the risk of pollinator exposure. Much research has focused on negative effects of systemic insecticides (e.g., seed treatments) on pollinators, but less is known about the level of hazard posed by translocation of non-systemic foliar-applied pesticides to pollen and nectar that bees consume. In this study we assess the frequency and persistence of six foliar-applied pesticides in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) tissues and in their bee visitors. We analyzed residues of three insecticides (carbaryl, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin) and three fungicides (chlorothalonil, quinoxyfen, triflumizole) in pumpkin leaves, pollen, and nectar collected from five farms in the north-central USA, one day before a spray event, and one, three, and seven days after. Bees foraging on pumpkin flowers were collected one day before and one day after spray and screened for the same pesticides. Overall, insecticides were present in 56% of leaf samples. Compared to leaves, fewer pollen (insecticide detected in 16%, fungicide in 16%) and nectar samples (14%, 0%) contained pesticides. We detected one insecticide (carbaryl) in two out of 69 samples of foraging bees, and only in male squash bees (not in bumble or honey bees), which have life history traits that bring them into prolonged close contact with the sprayed crop plants. The persistence of some agrochemicals in leaves, pollen, and nectar up to a week following application merits consideration when managing pollinator-dependent crops. Even pesticides that are traditionally considered contact-based and applied when flowers are unopened can reach pollen and nectar and produce measurable risk to bees.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0311634"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143773010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Socioeconomic disparities in anthropometric status among primary school children: A potential association with school meals.","authors":"Mohammed Abdulrahman Alhassan, Fatima Alhasan","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0321289","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the growth and nutritional status of children in primary schools across different socioeconomic groups in Wad-Madani City, Central Sudan, and map it to World Health Organization (WHO) standards; and to investigate a potential association between school meal intake and nutritional status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional anthropometric study involved a randomly selected sample of 506 children from 10 primary schools in the city. Height and weight were measured following WHO standards and converted into Z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and BMI-for-age (BAZ). We compared the mean Z-scores between children in the private and public school sectors, adjusting for ethnicity and other potential predictors. Statistical analyses included multivariate linear regression to assess predictors of growth and nutritional status, alongside group comparisons using appropriate statistical tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Children in public schools had significantly lower BAZ and HAZ levels compared to both WHO standards and private school children. The mean BAZ was -1.0 (SD =  1.23) for public school children and -0.13 (SD =  1.40) for private school children (p =  0.001), with 17.8% (n =  57) of public school children classified as thin (wasted) or severely wasted. The median HAZ was -0.20 (95% CI: -0.34, -0.02) for public school children and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.40) for private school children (p <  0.001). Additionally, children in suburban public schools had a significantly lower mean HAZ (-0.46, SD =  11.33) compared to those in urban public schools (p =  0.009). Compared to WHO growth standards, public school children had significantly lower mean WAZ (p <  0.001), HAZ (p =  0.002), and BAZ (p <  0.001). Children who received school meals had significantly higher WAZ (mean difference =  0.619, p =  0.001), HAZ (mean difference =  0.401, p =  0.010), and BAZ (mean difference =  0.588, p =  0.003) across the entire sample. Even within the public-school subgroup, while statistical significance was not reached, all three parameters-WAZ (mean difference =  0.334, p =  0.074), HAZ (mean difference =  0.262, p =  0.123), and BAZ (mean difference =  0.299, p =  0.132)-remained consistently higher among those who received school meals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Public school children exhibit unfavorable growth and nutritional status, which may be attributed to inadequate nutritional and calorie intake. School meals may improve nutritional outcomes. We propose urgent intervention through the provision of nutritionally adequate school meals.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0321289"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143773011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the resistivity characteristics and mechanism of silt clay under different initial conditions.","authors":"Chundong Wang, Fuming Bao, Youqian Lu","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0319072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>By taking silt clay as the research object, two-phase electrode resistivity tests under different water content and dry density conditions were carried out to clarify the resistivity variation law and influence mechanism of silt clay. The results show that the resistivity of the soil decreases sharply in the low moisture content section then tends to stabilize with the change of moisture content, and decreases continuously with the increase of dry density. There are three phases of a medium, namely soil, water and air, in unsaturated soil, so there are mainly three conductive paths: between soil particles, between pore fluids, and between soil-water coupling. Under different moisture content and dry density conditions, there are obvious differences in the effective contact area, and the types and numbers of conductive paths, which in turn affect the resistivity of the soil. The water status and pore structure of the silt clay samples were analyzed by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) results to clarify the conductive mechanism of unsaturated silt clay. Finally, a volumetric moisture content and resistivity model is established to unify the effects of moisture content and dry density on resistivity, providing a theoretical reference for the construction and operation safety of silt clay engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0319072"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143773015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary phytochemical index and the risk of cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Hamid Ahmadirad, Morteza Omrani, Nikoo Azmi, Amir Hesam Saeidian, Mitra Kazemi Jahromi, Hanifeh Mirtavoos-Mahyari, Mahdi Akbarzadeh, Farshad Teymoori, Hossein Farhadnejad, Parvin Mirmiran","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0319591","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319591","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Recently, the association between dietary phytochemical index (DPI) and the risk of cancer has been the focus of researchers, however, this possible association has not been fully understood. The current meta-analysis aimed to assess the relationship between DPI and the risk of cancers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature search by the main keywords such as \"dietary phytochemical index\", \"DPI\", and \"cancer\" was completed using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science up to December 2024 and references of retrieved relevant articles. Observational studies examining the association between the DPI and the risk of cancers were included. The reported odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each study was converted into log OR, and their standard deviation was calculated. Then to compute the pooled OR, the random-effects model with inverse variance weighting method was performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine case-control studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The sample size ranged from 120 to 851 with an age range from 18 to 75 years. The pooled results indicate an inverse association between DPI and the risk of all cancers (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.29-0.54, I2 = 0.00%; P-value < 0.001). Also, subgroup analysis indicated that higher a DPI score is related to the decreased risk of breast cancer (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.26-0.55, I2 = 0.00%; P-value < 0.001) and pooled non-breast cancer including glioma, prostate, and colorectal cancers (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.27-0.71, I2 = 0.00%; P-value = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results of the current meta-analysis revealed that the higher DPI score is associated with a decreased odds of cancers. Large-scale cohort studies are recommended to validate the findings presented in the current study.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0319591"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143773206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinician perspectives on virtual reality use in physical therapy practice in the United States.","authors":"Danielle T Felsberg, Jared T McGuirt, Scott E Ross, Louisa D Raisbeck, Charlend K Howard, Christopher K Rhea","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0320215","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320215","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The primary goal of physical rehabilitation is to assess movement impairments and restore function to improve overall quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) may provide the optimal environment to promote these goals due to its motivating and modifiable nature which can be difficult to accomplish through traditional real-world therapeutic methods. Current research of VR for rehabilitation has demonstrated that VR interventions can produce clinically meaningful change in motor outcomes. Despite this, adoption and usage of VR by physical therapy professionals is unclear due to the limited research in this area. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the current usage and perspectives of VR in physical rehabilitation among physical therapy professionals. Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) in the United States were recruited to participate in this survey-based study. A total of N = 658 participants completed the survey, which consisted of demographic information followed by the Assessing Determinants Of Prospective Take-up of Virtual Reality (ADOPT-VR2) survey that assesses 12 constructs (e.g., Attitudes, Perceived Usefulness, Facilitating Conditions and Barriers) related to the use of VR in clinical settings. Most respondents reported not using VR in clinical practice (n = 611; 92.9%). For all respondents, the constructs of Attitudes, Perceived Ease of Use, Compatibility, Client Influence, and Self-Efficacy were found to statistically contribute to the prediction of Behavioral Intention to use VR (p < .05). However, for those clinicians using VR in their clinical practice, Superior Influence and Perceived Behavioral Control were significant positive predictors for intention to use VR. Future investigation should aim to test strategies to target these factors significantly influencing VR use to further address the gap between evidence and clinical practice in the use of VR for physical rehabilitation interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0320215"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143773113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cranial morphology reveals a lack of phylogenetic signal and rapid adaptive radiation in the bat genus Molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae).","authors":"Ana Priscila Medeiros Olímpio, Fabiano Stefanello, Beatriz Dybas da Natividade, Itiberê Piaia Bernardi, Amanda Cristiny da Silva Lima, Samira Brito Mendes, Cleison Luís da Silva Costa, Elmary da Costa Fraga, Maria Claudene Barros, Iracilda Sampaio","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0320117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The 16 species of Molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) are distributed throughout the Neotropical region and can be classified into two groups: one consisting of morphologically similar yet phylogenetically divergent species, and another of morphologically distinct but closely related species. This dynamic has led to frequent revisions in the systematics and taxonomy of this genus. This study aimed to analyze patterns of diversification in cranial shape and size within Molossus species using geometric morphometrics (GM), integrating genetic and morphological data. A total of 299 specimens from ten Molossus species widely distributed across the Neotropics were examined, focusing on cranial size, shape diversity, and evolution, and correlating these findings with mitochondrial DNA-based phylogenetic data. Integrated morphometric and phylogenetic analyses revealed a complex evolutionary history within Molossus, with most speciation events occurring during the Pleistocene, suggesting a recent rapid adaptive radiation. GM analyses demonstrated patterns of divergence in cranial size with shape conservatism, and these traits were not significantly related to phylogeny. The data indicate that phylogenetic relationships have limited influence on cranial morphology due to the lack of a strong phylogenetic signal, suggesting that ecological factors, such as diet and habitat, have played central roles in the diversification of Molossus.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0320117"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143773194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the physical, mental, and social dimensions of middle-aged adults for active and healthy aging: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Eunice Santos, Lara Guedes Pinho, Adelaide Proença, Helena Arco","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0320309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Population ageing presents a significant global challenge, necessitating sustained efforts to promote active and healthy ageing throughout life to improve quality of life in later years. This study aims to characterise the physical, mental, and social well-being of middle-aged adults (aged 55-64) in Baixo Alentejo, Portugal, and to analyse associations between these dimensions and sociodemographic variables. The findings aim to inform policies and interventions supporting active and healthy ageing, a cornerstone for quality longevity.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between 02 May 2023 and 29 February 2024 among individuals aged 55-64 registered at health centres in Baixo Alentejo, Portugal. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire evaluating disability, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and satisfaction with social support. Instruments included the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0-PT12), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a self-reported life satisfaction score, and the Social Support Satisfaction Scale (SSSS). Statistical analysis employed Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants provided informed consent.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 698 participants. Women, individuals with lower educational attainment, and the unemployed demonstrated significantly higher functional disability scores. Women and unemployed participants also had higher depressive symptom scores. Conversely, men reported greater life satisfaction. Older participants and those with lower socioeconomic status exhibited greater physical limitations, depressive symptoms, and dissatisfaction with social support. Economic stability was positively associated with mental well-being and life satisfaction, underscoring the importance of financial security in enhancing perceptions of social support.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides a comprehensive characterisation of middle-aged adults in Baixo Alentejo, revealing significant associations between sociodemographic factors and physical, mental, and social well-being. The findings highlight the need for tailored socioeconomic and health interventions to promote active and healthy ageing. Public policies designed to address the unique needs of middle-aged adults in the region are critical to improving health outcomes and fostering quality longevity.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0320309"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143772759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding patterns of loneliness in older long-term care users using natural language processing with free text case notes.","authors":"Sam Rickman, Jose-Luis Fernandez, Juliette Malley","doi":"10.1371/journal.pone.0319745","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319745","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Loneliness and social isolation are distressing for individuals and predictors of mortality, yet data on their impact on publicly funded long-term care is limited. Using recent advances in natural language processing (NLP), we analysed pseudonymised administrative records containing 1.1 million free-text case notes about 3,046 older adults recorded in a London council between 2008 and 2020. We applied three NLP methods-document-term matrices, pre-trained embeddings, and transformer-based models-to identify loneliness or social isolation. The best-performing model, a bidirectional transformer, achieved an F1 score of 0.92 on a test set of unseen sentences. Using this model, we generated predictions for the full dataset and assessed construct validity through comparison with survey data and the literature. Our measure is associated with expected characteristics, such as living alone and impaired memory, and is a strong predictor of social inclusion services. Approximately 43% of individuals had a sentence indicating loneliness or isolation in their case notes at their initial care assessment, comparable to survey-based estimates. Unlike surveys, our indicator is linked to other administrative data, enabling development of models of service use with loneliness or isolation as independent variables. An open-source version of the model is available in a GitHub repository.</p>","PeriodicalId":20189,"journal":{"name":"PLoS ONE","volume":"20 4","pages":"e0319745"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143772965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}