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Individual differences in brain dynamics across a social cognition network induced by cortico-cerebellar tDCS in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with core diagnostic domains of social communication impairments, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Idiosyncratic brain organization is a potential hallmark of ASD. Previous transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) studies often targeted dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with changes oin brain dynamics averaged across the cohort. We utilized a magnetoencephalographic (MEG) array to characterize individual differences in brain dynamics induced by cortico-cerebellar tDCS across nodes of a social cognition network. A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, within-subject clinical trial was conducted in a cohort of 24 young adults with ASD or high autistic traits. Two separate sessions of computerized social learning activities were combined with verum/sham tDCS, with anodal electrode over right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and cathode on right deltoid. Following stimulation, theta- and alpha-band activity were evaluated within nodes of a social cognition network: bilateral TPJ, fusiform, medial prefrontal cortex and Crus I/II of cerebellum. Idiosyncratic participant-specific up- and down-regulation of theta- and alpha-band activity occurred across the network. Activity in right Crus I/II, a region inundated by the stimulation current, strongly correlated with the change of activity summed across all cerebral cortical nodes in theta- but not alpha-band. Intrinsic theta-band activity is believed to mediate input/output relationships in cerebellar cortex and to drive synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that theta-band stimulation of cerebellar cortex might be an effective therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum who present with cerebellar hyperactivity.

Humans

Navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a subcategory of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), used to modulate brain plasticity and improve post-stroke recovery. Neuronavigation is used to improve the accuracy of stimulation with the aim of achieving a superior clinical outcome than with conventional targeting. The objective of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of navigated rTMS in subacute and chronic stroke patients in comparison to sham stimulation. We conducted a systematic-review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified from Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane CENTRAL. Trials employing neuronavigated rTMS were included of these five types; high and low frequency rTMS, intermittent and continuous theta-burst stimulation (TBS) and Hebbian-type stimulation. 13 RCTs were included after a screening of 1900 studies. 606 patients receiving either active (n = 360) or sham stimulation (n = 246) were assessed. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) favored rTMS over sham SMD = 0.4 (95 %CI: 0.11-0.69), with moderate heterogeneity I2 = 55 %. Among stimulation modalities, continuous TBS showed the largest pooled effect. rTMS was also associated with significant improvements in disability-related outcomes, SMD = 0.61 (95 % CI 0.14-1.08). Navigated rTMS is associated with modest but significant improvements in motor and disability outcomes in subacute and chronic stroke. Large comparative trials are required to clarify the potential added value over conventional targeting approaches.

Humans

Occupationally relevant vibrations and the brain: frequency-dependent proteomics signatures in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV), particularly in agricultural environments, has been associated with adverse cognitive and physiological effects. This study examined the neurophysiological impact of WBV in a rat model at 4 Hz and 30 Hz, frequencies representative of off-road and on-road vehicle operation. METHODOLOGY: Forty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control (0 Hz), low-frequency (4 Hz), or high-frequency (30 Hz) vibration conditions. After three days of exposure, brain tissues were collected and analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS: Proteomic profiling revealed distinct, frequency-dependent alterations in brain protein expression. Compared with controls, 32 cognition-related proteins were differentially regulated at 4 Hz and 29 at 30 Hz, with 13 differing between the two vibration conditions. Principal component analysis showed clear separation among groups, indicating unique proteomic signatures for each exposure frequency. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction analyses demonstrated involvement of synaptic plasticity, cytoskeletal organization, calcium regulation, and neurotransmitter release. Exposure to 4 Hz was associated with the upregulation of proteins involved in calcium homeostasis and synaptic integrity, suggesting potential disruption of cognitive processes. In contrast, 30 Hz increased the expression of proteins related to axonal guidance and neuroprotection, indicating a less clearly adverse response that may reflect adaptive or potentially beneficial effects. DISCUSSION: These findings provide new insight into biological mechanisms underlying WBV-induced cognitive changes and underscore the importance of vibration frequency in shaping neurophysiological outcomes. They also establish a foundation for future studies integrating proteomics with behavioural assessments in animals and humans.

Animals

Comparative phylogenomics and transcriptional regulatory networks of AQPs, HSPs, and LEA proteins in salt-stressed Portulaca oleracea.

Soil salinization severely threatens global food security, necessitating systematic investigations of halophytes like Portulaca oleracea to decode the molecular mechanisms of environmental resilience. Utilizing an integrated framework of deep learning-based genome annotation (58,817 predicted genes; 96.5% BUSCO completeness), multi-tissue RNA-Seq, phylogenomics, and gene regulatory network (GRN) inference, the synergistic orchestration of 78 aquaporins (AQPs), 525 heat shock proteins (HSPs), and 119 late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins was elucidated. The active transcriptome, encompassing 39,065 expressed loci, revealed a systemic growth-defense trade-off. Tissues displayed distinct adaptive mechanisms: leaves modulated intracellular water balance via specialized AQPs, whereas adult roots maintained proteostasis through robust HSP20/HSP70 induction. Phylogenomic clustering across 154 species demonstrated that salinity tolerance constitutes an evolutionary mosaic, identifying 81 halophyte-exclusive orthogroups and 1129 species-specific clusters. Comparative topology across six independent GRNs (4.2M-5.3 M edges) unmasked a highly modular transcriptional reprogramming strategy governed by a core apparatus of 22 stress-exclusive regulators, with functional enrichment heavily prioritizing protein dimerization and chromatin remodeling. Theoretically, the distinct convergence of Trihelix transcription factors with guard cell differentiation pathways offers a candidate transcriptomic framework to explain the plant's characteristic C4-CAM photosynthetic plasticity under severe osmotic pressure. Practically, these evolutionary blueprints and specific master switches transcend single-gene transgenic limitations. Utilizing these root-sustained and stress-inducible targets under localized promoters provides a naturally optimized, network-level precision engineering roadmap to transfer robust, compartmentalized halotolerance to sensitive glycophytic crops.

Gene Regulatory Networks

Clinical efficacy and brain mechanism characteristics of guide chi and regulate spirit tuina therapy in the treatment of post-stroke walking dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial based on fNIRS.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to preliminarily evaluate the role of Guide Chi and Regulate Spirit(GCRS) Tuina in enhancing walking function in post-stroke patients with walking dysfunction; secondly, by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), it investigates the effect of GCRS Tuina on the restoration of brain function in this patient population. METHODS: Participants in the control group received 4-week rehabilitation treatment, while those in the Combined Tuina Group (CTG) additionally received GCRS Tuina therapy for another 4 weeks on this basis. Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Fugl - Meyer Assessment Scale for Lower Extremity Motor Function (FMA - LE), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were evaluated at the baseline and after 4 treatment weeks. A gait and motion analysis system was used to measure step length, stride, walking speed, and step frequency. FNIRS was used to measure the resting-state functional connectivity(FC) strength, as well as the &#x3b2; - value and HbO2 concentration mean during the walking task. RESULTS: A total of 60 participants completed the randomized, and 53 completed the trial and entered the statistical analysis. Compared with the Single Rehabilitation Group(SRG), the CTG group had higher FAC, FMA-LE, and MBI scores after 4 weeks. After the treatment course, the standardized step length, stride, walking speed, and step frequency of the CTG were higher than SRG. At the Region of Interest(ROI) level, the CTG exhibited 13 inter-ROI FC strengths that were higher than SRG, and the differences could survive the FDR correction (PFDR<0.05). Under the walking task, the CTG group had higher &#x3b2; values in 18 channels and higher Oxyhemoglobin(HbO2) concentrations in 19 channels than the SRG (PFDR <0.05). CONCLUSION: GCRS Tuina therapy can significantly improve patients' walking function, enhance lower limb motor ability and daily living ability. It can improve walking efficiency. Tuina can significantly increase the FC and enhance the activation levels and HbO2 concentrations. The stimulation of Tuina may help reconstruct the brain's motor control network, restore impaired motor function, promote the occurrence of neural plasticity, strengthen the neural circuits in the cognitive-motor-sensory cortex to improve walking function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered with the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR2024000654).

Humans

Changes in hippocampal functional connectivity and volume associated with cognitive improvement and decline in amnestic mild cognitive impairment following computerized cognitive training.

BACKGROUND: The hippocampus influences the outcomes of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and undergoes different changes during the cognitive decline or recovery of aMCI compared to elderly individuals with normal cognition, which may reveal disease-dependent neurodegeneration or plasticity. We first aimed to investigate the hippocampal changes associated with cognitive changes in aMCI using a combined case-control study design. METHODS: In total, 50&#x202f;aMCI individuals and 50 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in Shenyang, China, and separately randomized into training and control groups: aMCI training group, aMCI no training group, HC training group, and HC no training group. The aMCI and HC training groups received computerized cognitive training (CCT) thrice weekly for 12 weeks. Cognitive assessments and MRI data were collected at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: The primary outcome was significant CCT&#xd7;diagnosis interaction effect on the change in cognitive performance as measured by clock drawing test (CDT) scores (F&#x202f;=&#x202f;4.322, P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.041); this interaction was driven by CCT specifically in aMCI (F&#x202f;=&#x202f;4.465, P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.038). Significant CCT&#xd7;diagnosis interaction effects of right-hippocampal FC changes were observed in the bilateral precuneus/cuneus (Pvoxel<0.05) driven by CCT in aMCI (F&#x202f;=&#x202f;5.429, P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.023), and in the left superior temporal gyrus/middle temporal gyrus (STG/MTG, Pvoxel<0.05), driven by CCT of only in HCs (F&#x202f;=&#x202f;6.587, P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.013). A significant interaction effect of left-hippocampal FC changes were observed in the right triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFGtriang, Pvoxel<0.05), driven by CCT in aMCI and HCs (F&#x202f;=&#x202f;6.550, P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.013; F&#x202f;=&#x202f;7.097, P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.010). No significant interaction effect on the change in hippocampal GMV was noted (P&#x202f;>&#x202f;0.05). CONCLUSION: CCT can improve the visuospatial ability of aMCI, which is reflected by the CDT scores. CCT can alter hippocampal FC in the bilateral precuneus/cuneus, the right IFGtriang, and the left STG/MTG. The hippocampal GMV is difficult to change in both HCs and aMCI during the cognitive decline. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR1900026849. DATE OF REGISTRATION: 24 October 2019 NAME OF TRIAL REGISTRY: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR).

Humans

Temporal proteomic analysis reveals a three-phase adaptation strategy in Phytophthora cinnamomi during salinity stress.

Phytophthora cinnamomi, a highly invasive hemibiotrophic oomycete, threatens global agriculture, forestry, and native ecosystems. Although drought and temperature effects on P. cinnamomi-host interactions are well studied, current knowledge of abiotic stress responses in P. cinnamomi remains largely centered on infection and phytopathology, with limited molecular insight into the pathogen's direct response to salinity independent of its host. To address this gap, we combined growth assays, time-resolved proteomics, and network analysis to define how P. cinnamomi responds and adapts to salinity exposure. Growth assays showed that NaCl-modified agar enhanced mycelial expansion in a concentration-dependent manner, with 100&#xa0;mM NaCl significantly increasing growth at 48, 72, and 96&#xa0;h compared with controls, while 50&#xa0;mM NaCl remained comparable to control conditions. Temporal proteomic analysis of 100&#xa0;mM NaCl treatment at 0, 1, 6, 12, and 24&#xa0;h post treatment revealed dynamic shifts in protein abundance. Early induction of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species)-detoxifying enzymes, including glutathione S-transferases and peroxidases, was consistent with ROS-specific staining assays. Network analysis identified modules enriched for redox regulation, ATP generation, ion transport, and translational control, highlighting multi-layered adaptation to elevated NaCl levels. Notably, clusters of conserved hypothetical proteins were strongly upregulated, indicating unexplored stress tolerance components in Phytophthora species. Here, we propose that P. cinnamomi rapidly activates a three-phase strategy involving metabolism readjustments, redox defenses, and cellular structure alterations under salinity conditions. With increasing soil salinization due to climate change, our study provides first mechanistic insights into P. cinnamomi's adaptive plasticity and ecological resilience to abiotic stress. SIGNIFICANCE: This study represents the first temporal proteomic analysis of salinity stress adaptation in Phytophthora cinnamomi, revealing a sophisticated three-phase adaptation strategy. This research fundamentally advances our understanding of how this globally destructive plant pathogen, P. cinnamomi, maintains environmental resilience. Our findings reveal proteome remodelling as a mechanistic framework for understanding stress tolerance in oomycetes, a group of microorganisms responsible for some of the world's most destructive agricultural and forest diseases. Our results show proteins involved in emergency damage control through metabolic recalibration to sustained adaptation. These findings have relevance for predicting pathogen behavior under climate change scenarios, where increasing soil salinity threatens agricultural productivity while simultaneously enhancing pathogen survival and virulence. Understanding how P. cinnamomi responds to prolonged salinity exposure may inform targeted biocontrol strategies and improve predictive models of disease pressure in salt-affected agricultural regions. The temporal analysis framework we present offers a broadly applicable approach for understanding microbial stress adaptation, with implications extending beyond plant pathology to environmental microbiology and biotechnology applications where stress tolerance is paramount.

Phytophthora