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PubMed2026

Continuous theta-burst stimulation over the right DLPFC modulates central executive network connectivity in depression: exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Previous studies suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation exerts antidepressant effects and is associated with alterations in functional connectivity (FC), but the neural correlates remain unclear. This exploratory sham-controlled trial investigated the effect of continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on FC in major depressive disorder (MDD). Seventy MDD patients were randomized to receive two-week treatment of personalized cTBS or sham stimulation. Resting-state fMRI was performed at baseline and post-treatment. Ultimately, 31 patients in the active cTBS group and 28 patients in the sham group passed imaging quality control and were included in the final analysis. To identify the FC that may have been influenced by cTBS treatment, two complementary FC analyses were conducted: (1) voxel-wise degree centrality (DC) followed by seed-based FC, and (2) an individual FC analysis based on the stimulation targets. Furthermore, correlations between FC changes and clinical symptoms improvement were examined. Both groups exhibited reductions of depression scores, with greater improvement in the active group. Compared to the sham group, active cTBS showed increased DC in the precuneus and elevated FC between the precuneus (within the para-cingulate network) and the right inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and DLPFC. Further stimulation target-based analysis revealed increased FC between stimulation targets and both the precuneus and visual regions following treatment. Our findings reveal neural changes associated with cTBS over the right DLPFC in MDD, notably involving the precuneus and its connectivity with the right IPL/DLPFC, suggesting alterations within the central executive network. TRIAL REGISTRATION: chictr.org.cn; ChiCTR2300068273.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Association between fruit and vegetable intake and risk of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Depression is a leading cause of global disability, and identifying modifiable lifestyle factors is a public health priority. We conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies examining the association between fruit and vegetable intake and incident depression. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched through November 2025. Data on study characteristics, dietary assessment, outcomes, effect estimates, and covariates were independently extracted by two reviewers. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs), and linear and non-linear dose-response relationships were assessed. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2, and evidence certainty was rated with GRADE. Thirteen cohorts with 385,449 participants and 26,592 depression cases were included. Highest versus lowest combined fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a 37% lower risk of depression (RR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.80). Each 200 g/day increase corresponded to a 16% risk reduction (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74-0.94). Separate analyses showed that fruit and vegetable intake reduced depression risk by 16% and 12%, respectively, with a non-linear dose-response for vegetables. These findings indicate that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower depression risk, supporting dietary strategies as a potential approach for mental health prevention. However, given the observational nature of the included studies, these results should be interpreted with caution, as residual confounding may partially account for the observed associations. Registration: This study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD420261279998).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Psychotherapy vs antidepressants in heart failure: Impact of adherence.

BACKGROUND: Depression affects nearly half of patients with heart failure (HF), which is associated with increased morbidity and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This secondary per-protocol analysis of a previously published randomized trial evaluated the behavioral activation (BA) versus antidepressant medication (MEDS) among patients with depression and HF who adhered to study interventions. METHODS: This analysis is based on a pragmatic randomized comparative-effectiveness trial conducted from 2018 to 2022, with a 1-year follow-up. 416 participants diagnosed with HF and a DSM-5 depressive disorder were randomized to BA or MEDS, and the current analysis examined outcomes according to treatment adherence. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was depressive symptom severity (PHQ-9) at 6 months, and the secondary outcomes were physical and mental HRQoL (SF-12v2-PC and SF-12v2-MC, respectively) and HF-specific HRQoL (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire; KCCQ) overall and clinical scores (KCCQ-OS and KCCQ-CS), at 3, 6, and 12 months. High adherence was defined as completion of >75-100% of intervention components. Overall adherence rates were similar between BA and MEDS. At 6 months, among patients with >75-100% adherence who followed treatment as directed in both arms, BA was associated with higher Mental HRQoL (SF-12v2-MC: 5.22; 95% CI: 0.72 to 9.72; p = 0.023) and higher HF-specific HRQoL (KCCQ-OS: 16.08; 95% CI: 7.20 to 24.97; p < 0.001); (KCCQ-CS: 16.04; 95%CI: 7.05 to 25.02; p < 0.001) compared to MEDS. There were no significant differences in depressive symptoms or physical HRQoL at 6 months. INTERPRETATION: Both BA and MEDS were equally effective treatments for depression in HF. However, among highly adherent patients, BA was associated with greater improvements in mental and HF-specific HRQoL than MEDS. FUNDING/SUPPORT: The study was funded by PCORI Award Number: 2017C2-7716.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genetic evidence for a causal relationship between melatonin metabolism and depression.

To investigate the causal relevance of melatonin metabolism, which provides the biological basis for circulating melatonin levels, to specific depression symptom subtypes, we performed a targeted systematic review of melatonin metabolism pathways in the human brain and liver. Using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), we assessed the causal effects of metabolism pathways and/or individual genes on major depressive disorder (MDD) and nine symptom subtypes derived from Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Instrumental variables (IVs) were expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) for eight individual genes, one synthesis route, and three degradation routes. Results were assessed using Bayesian colocalization and phenome-wide association analyses. At the pathway-level, the genetically proxied synthesis-route signal was associated with PHQ-9 Assessment 5 (PHQ9A5, OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85-0.93), but sensitivity analyses suggested this association was primarily driven by TPH1 and may reflect serotonin-related biology. In contrast, higher brain melatonin degradation raised the risk of both PHQ9A1 (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04) and PHQ9A7 (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.03). Within degradation, up-regulation of the kynurenine sub-pathway increased the odds of PHQ9A3 (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07), PHQ9A4 (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06) and PHQ9A7 (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07). Gene-level analyses were largely concordant, except for SULT1A1, whose higher expression was genetically protective for PHQ9A3 but risk-increased for PHQ9A1 and PHQ9A4. Overall, these results demonstrate that melatonin metabolism exerts symptom-specific and pathway-specific causal effects on depression. A stratified view of melatonin's role may help optimize the application of exogenous melatonin supplementation.

Melatonin↗

PubMed2026

Intravenous Ketamine reduces psychological pain in suicidal inpatients: A secondary analysis of a six-week randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Psychological pain has been conceptualized as an unbearable inner experience and a possible precondition for suicidal ideation. No randomized placebo-controlled study has specifically investigated psychological pain as a treatment target in psychiatric populations. We examined ketamine's effect on psychological pain in suicidal psychiatric inpatients. METHODS: This secondary analysis used KETIS, a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received two 40-minute intravenous infusions of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo (0.9% saline) 24 h apart, alongside usual care and medication. Psychological and physical pain were assessed at baseline, repeatedly during 96 h, and at weeks 2, 4, and 6 using the self-rated PPP-VAS. Longitudinal mixed models compared pain trajectories. RESULTS: The trial randomized suicidal inpatients to ketamine (n = 73) or placebo (n = 83). Psychological pain decreased in both groups but was lower with ketamine during the first 96 h. Pointwise scores were lower with ketamine from 40 min to 96 h, largest at 40 min, 2 h, 4 h, and 24 h (all p < 0.001), but not at weeks 2, 4, or 6. This early difference remained significant after adjustment for depressive symptoms and hopelessness. The early reduction appeared more pronounced in the bipolar subgroup. No robust baseline predictors of outcome were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous ketamine was associated with a greater reduction in psychological pain than placebo in suicidal inpatients, with the clearest effects emerging within the first hours after treatment and remaining evident through the first 96 h. Ketamine may represent a clinically relevant option as a psychological pain reliever in psychiatric patients.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Acetic acid-induced translational repression involves eIF2B body formation and Ded1 sequestration into stress granules in yeast.

Elucidating the physiological impact of acetic acid stress and the corresponding yeast responses is essential for advancing fundamental biology and improving industrial alcoholic fermentation. Despite numerous genome-wide studies, information on the effects of acetic acid stress on yeast translational regulation remains limited. We found that a sublethal concentration of acetic acid (35 mM, 0.2% v/v) causes translational repression, accompanied by the formation of eIF2B bodies and the phosphorylation of eIF2α, both of which are involved in the regulation of translation initiation. Acetic acid also caused the sequestration of Ded1, a DEAD-box RNA helicase crucial for translation initiation, into stress granules. Removal of acetic acid restored translational activity and the proper localization of eIF2B and Ded1, indicating the reversibility of acetic acid-induced translational repression. Furthermore, when yeast cells were pretreated with 0.05% acetic acid, translational repression under subsequent 0.2% acetic acid stress was attenuated in wild-type cells but not in hrk1Δ cells. This indicates that Hrk1, a Pma1 activator, is required to sufficiently enhance tolerance to acetic acid-induced translational repression. These findings provide novel insights into the physiological effects of acetic acid stress on translational activity and translation-related factors in yeast cells.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae↗

PubMed2026

Does future-oriented imagery rescripting increase willingness to carry out a social anxiety-related behavioral experiment? An extended replication.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mental images of threat are common in social anxiety disorder and could impede exposure to fear-relevant situations. Landkroon et al. (2022) found that imagery rescripting of anticipated future threat, compared to no-task, increases willingness of non-clinical individuals to conduct a social anxiety-related behavioral experiment. The aim of this two-day preregistered extended replication study was to examine whether the effects persist beyond the intervention session by scheduling the behavioral experiment 1-7 days after the intervention. METHODS: On Day 1, 60 pre-screened participants were asked to design a behavioral experiment to test an idiosyncratic negative belief about a feared social situation. They were then randomly assigned to imagery rescripting (focused on their worst feared outcome of the behavioral experiment) or no-task. Participants' willingness to do the behavioral experiment and their threat beliefs was measured. On Day 2, they were asked to carry out the behavioral experiment. RESULTS: The imagery rescripting group, compared to the control group, did not show increased willingness or compliance to do the behavioral experiment on Day 1 or 2. Furthermore, the imagery rescripting did not lead to greater reductions in threat beliefs on either day. LIMITATIONS: The quality of the imagery rescripting intervention was not assessed, and given the brief nature of the intervention, any effects may have dissipated before participants decided whether to carry out the behavioral experiment. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that imagery rescripting leads to changes in willingness or compliance to do a fear-relevant behavioral experiment. More research is needed to examine interventions that can enhance exposure in socially anxious people.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Direct background subtraction LC-MS/MS assay for human plasma progesterone: Full validation and comparative application.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method based on direct background subtraction for the quantification of endogenous progesterone in human plasma. METHODS: Protein precipitation was used for sample preparation with deuterated progesterone as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY C18 column using gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Mass spectrometry was operated in positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring. Instead of using analyte-stripped matrix or surrogate matrix, authentic plasma was directly used for all validation experiments. Quantitation was achieved by subtracting the background signal, and results were compared with those from the classical method using stripped matrix. RESULTS: Excellent linearity was achieved over 0.1-100 ng/mL (R2 ≥ 0.99). Precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, and stability all met FDA and ICH M10 acceptance criteria. Compared with the classical method, the bias in Cmax and AUC0-t was within ±15%, indicating no significant difference between the two methods. CONCLUSION: The direct background subtraction method avoids laborious preparation of blank matrix, eliminates matrix effect discrepancies, and is simple, efficient, and low-cost. It can serve as a general strategy for endogenous substance determination.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of twenty-five steroids in equine serum.

Steroids are potential biomarkers for monitoring equine pregnancy. However, immunoassays currently used for their quantification suffer from cross-reactivity and limited specificity, thus requiring more accurate methods. This study reports the development and validation of a robust liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of 25 steroids covering the main biosynthetic pathways of progestogens, corticosteroids, androgens, and estrogens. Steroids were extracted by protein precipitation followed by evaporation, derivatization, and reconstitution before LC-MS/MS analysis. A surrogate matrix was used for calibration and validation to avoid endogenous interference. Validation was performed according to and partly adapted from Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines (CLSI), including linearity, trueness, precision, limits of detection and quantification, measurement uncertainty, recovery, matrix effects, carryover, selectivity, and stability. Calibration curves were fitted using the best-performing weighted linear or quadratic regression model, yielding excellent linearity (R2 > 0.990), trueness between -9.0% and 2.3%, and intra- and inter-day precision <6.3%. Lower limits of quantification ranged from 2.07 to 2250 pg/mL depending on physiological analytes concentration. Extraction recovery averaged 24.3-114.9%, matrix effects were acceptable, and accuracy ranged from 94.4% to 98.9%. No carryover or interferences were detected. Measurement uncertainty remained <15%. This study presents the first LC-MS/MS method partially validated per CLSI criteria for the quantification of 24 steroids in equine serum. The method offers a sensitive and specific alternative to immunoassays and provides a robust tool for equine steroid profiling with potential applications in pregnancy monitoring, placentitis diagnosis, and fetal sex determination.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

A validated sensitive LC-MS/MS method and its application in elucidating the unique ocular pharmacokinetic profile of 0.01% atropine underpinning its clinical utility for myopia.

A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to quantify atropine in ten rabbit ocular tissues enabling systematic characterization of the ocular pharmacokinetic profile of 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops after a single topical administration. The method demonstrated excellent linearity (coefficient of determination, R2 ≥ 0.9908) across all matrices, with lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.05 ng/mL for most tissues and 0.10 ng/mL for retina and lens; intra- and inter-day accuracy, precision, matrix effects, extraction recoveries, and stability all met the acceptance criteria. Following a single bilateral topical dose (50 μL/eye) in New Zealand White rabbits, atropine distributed rapidly into all 12 ocular compartments (the sclera further divided into three anatomical regions) with marked heterogeneity-the highest exposures were found in conjunctiva and cornea, a distinct anterior-to-posterior concentration gradient was observed in the sclera, sustained retention was noted in the retina (mean residence time from zero to the last measurable time point, MRT0-t 3.30 h), while aqueous and vitreous humor eliminated rapidly (elimination half-life, t₁/₂ < 0.7 h), and all tissues except aqueous humor followed a two-compartment model. This validated method and the comprehensive pharmacokinetic data reveal that topically applied 0.01% atropine achieves sustained exposure in key myopia-regulating tissues (retina, choroid, posterior sclera) with low exposure in side-effect target tissues (iris, ciliary body, lens).

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Determination of 13 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in human plasma samples using LC-MS/MS: application to capillary microsamples.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals widely applied in industrial processes and highly persistent in the environment, whose extensive use has been linked to adverse health effects. Venous plasma is the conventional matrix for PFAS assessment in blood, and LC-MS/MS is the most used quantification technique. Despite the relevance of this topic, biomonitoring data on human exposure to PFAS in Brazil remain limited. This study validated an LC-MS/MS method for determination of 13 PFAS in human plasma. Blood samples were collected from volunteers by phlebotomy, followed by protein precipitation with acetonitrile containing 1% formic acid (v/v) and solid-phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column. The assay was linear over a calibration range of 0.2-20 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-assay precision (CV%) were within the ranges of 2.06-12.0% and 0.25-10.7%, respectively. As for accuracy, results were 89.0-112.9%. Matrix effect ranged from -1.31 to 0.05%. Stability after four freeze/thaw cycles and under autosampler conditions were also confirmed for all analytes. The method was applied to 40 paired venous and capillary plasma samples. Both measures exhibited high correlation (r = 0.926). PFOS was the only compound detected at concentrations ≥0.2 ng/mL (LLOQ) in all samples, with capillary plasma concentrations of 0.85-13.50 ng/mL. In summary, the method showed good validation performance and demonstrated the suitability of capillary plasma samples as an alternative matrix for PFAS quantification.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Diabetic macular edema and GLP-1 receptor agonist use: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used for type II diabetes and obesity because of their cardiometabolic benefits. However, concerns regarding potential ocular adverse effects, particularly diabetic macular edema (DME), have prompted the need to clarify their retinal safety. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statements (PROSPERO registration: CRD420251176164). MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CENTRAL (Ovid), Web of Science, and PubMed were searched from inception to October 24, 2025. Randomized trials and observational cohort or case-control studies, including individuals with diabetes without baseline DME and exposed to GLP-1RAs were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using ROBINS-I. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Random-effects models were used to pool incidence proportions and hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: Thirteen retrospective cohort studies (2021-2025) using large real-world databases were included. Across 6 studies, the pooled proportion of incident DME among GLP-1RA users was 0.14 (95% CI: 0.07-0.23; I² = 99.8%). Compared with mixed antihyperglycemic therapies, GLP-1RA use was not associated with increased DME risk (pooled HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.52-1.26). GLP-1RAs were associated with a higher relative risk of DME compared with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.17-1.94) but not compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.69-1.19). Evidence certainty was very low. CONCLUSION: Current low-certainty observational evidence does not support an overall increased risk of DME with GLP-1RA use. Prospective studies are needed to clarify comparative retinal safety.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Is ophthalmology a pain-free career? A systematic review and meta-analysis of musculoskeletal pain among ophthalmologists.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the pooled prevalence, anatomical distribution, and occupational impact of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among ophthalmologists, and to identify modifiable ergonomic risk factors. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. The protocol was preregistered (PROSPERO CRD42023422368) and reported in accordance with PRISMA. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 6691 ophthalmologists from 21 studies. METHODS: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed) were searched for peer-reviewed quantitative studies reporting MSK pain prevalence in ophthalmologists. Pooled estimates with 95% CI were calculated using random-effects models; heterogeneity was quantified using I². MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of overall and site-specific MSK pain; effects on workload and productivity; prevalence of treatment or mitigation strategies. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of any MSK pain was 70% (95% CI: 65%-75%; I² = 92%); neck (41%; 95% CI: 35%-47%; I² = 95%), lower back (36%; 95% CI: 32%-39%; I² = 87%), and shoulder pain (28%; 95% CI: 22%-35%; I² = 91%) were most common. Pain led to workload modification in up to 44% and contributed to reduced clinical volume, sick leave, or contemplation of early retirement. Forty-six percent (95% CI: 22%-71%) pursued no treatment; 39% (95% CI: 30%-49%) used medical therapy; and 29% (95% CI: 20%-41%) sought physiotherapy. Heterogeneity was high across studies, reflecting differing case definitions and self-reported measures. CONCLUSIONS: MSK pain affects most ophthalmologists, particularly in the cervical and lumbar regions and frequently alters practice patterns. These findings underscore the need for early ergonomic training, structured micro-breaks, and workspace redesign. Prospective intervention trials are required to establish causality and quantify benefit.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors after acute myocardial infarction: Are the benefits limited to patients with diabetes? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Recently, studies have focused on evaluating the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in this scenario. Objectives We aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors vs standard care. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing patients with acute myocardial infarction using iSGLT2 inhibitors and standard care. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software (v 4.3.2) and a random-effects model was employed for all outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 31,378 patients were included, with 10,897 (34.7%) assigned to the SGLT2 inhibitor group. Among these studies, three were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). There was a significant difference in reduction of HF readmissions (OR 0.61; p < 0.01), all-cause mortality (OR 0.62; p < 0.01;) and stroke (OR 0.67; p < 0.01;). However, there was no significant difference in cardiovascular death, rehospitalization for any cause and recurrence of acute MI. Meta regression and subgroup analysis showed a trend toward better outcomes in the diabetic and non-STEMI population. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with lower HF rehospitalization, stroke, and all-cause mortality after acute MI, mainly in observational studies. Benefits appeared greater in diabetic and non-STEMI patients. Dedicated RCTs focusing on diabetic, particularly non-STEMI, populations are needed to confirm these findings. KEY POINTS: What is already known on this topic: SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated cardiovascular and renal benefits in patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, their role in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) setting remains uncertain, particularly regarding post-AMI outcomes such as heart failure readmissions, mortality, and recurrent ischemic events, with current evidence derived from heterogeneous and predominantly observational studies. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This meta-analysis, including over 31,000 patients, suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with reductions in heart failure readmissions, all-cause mortality, and stroke following AMI. These associations were more consistently observed in patients with type 2 diabetes and in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) populations. However, randomized controlled trials showed neutral results, and the observed benefits were mainly driven by observational studies. Meaning: These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. While SGLT2 inhibitors may represent a potential therapeutic strategy in selected post-AMI populations, particularly patients with diabetes and NSTEMI, current evidence does not support routine early in-hospital initiation. Dedicated randomized trials specifically enrolling diabetic post-AMI patients are required to clarify optimal timing and clinical benefit.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Influence of microplastics on microalgal performance during wastewater polishing.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants that are increasingly accumulating in aquatic ecosystems due to excessive anthropogenic activity and insufficient mitigation strategies, posing serious environmental and public health risks. Their impact on wastewater (WW) treatment processes remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of five MPs commonly found in WW - polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, low-density polyethylene, and high-density polyethylene - on the physiology and bioremediation performance of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in synthetic WW (SWW). Metabolic responses were assessed via esterase activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), while nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and glucose removal were monitored to evaluate bioremediation efficiency. MPs inhibited esterase activity and elevated ROS levels, indicating oxidative stress. Nevertheless, C. vulgaris maintained a high bioremediation capacity (> 75 % N, > 60 % P, and > 70 % for glucose). Environmental conditions modulated microalga response to MPs exposure. Under N-limited conditions, C. vulgaris exhibited enhanced nutrient uptake and biomass production, but a 12 h/12 h light/dark photoperiod reduced N removal but stimulated glucose consumption via heterotrophic metabolism. In contrast, C-limited conditions exacerbated oxidative stress and compromised nutrient removal, resulting in residual concentrations exceeding legal limits. These findings highlight that environmental factors can either mitigate or exacerbate the physiological stress induced by MPs, ultimately affecting WW polishing. This work provides a comprehensive insight into the cellular and metabolic effects of MPs on microalgae and supports C. vulgaris as a resilient and sustainable approach for nutrient and carbon removal in MP-contaminated WW systems.

Microalgae↗

PubMed2026

Three-dimensional porous nano-hydroxyapatite@gelatin composite as efficient adsorbent for uranyl ion removal from low-level radioactive wastewater.

The contamination of water resources by uranyl (UO22+) ions poses significant environmental and health risks, requiring the development of efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. Adsorption-based techniques have emerged as promising approaches in the field of UO22+ removal, but the design of cost-effective, high-capacity, and environmentally friendly adsorbents remains challenging. In this study, a three-dimensional porous nano-hydroxyapatite@gelatin (nHAP@Ge) composite was synthesized through glutaraldehyde cross-linking, combining the structural stability of Ge with the high uranium affinity of nHAP. The optimized nHAP@Ge, with a nHAP:Ge mass ratio of 1:0.5, exhibited exceptional UO22+ removal efficiency (97 %), along with high adsorption capacity (364.03 mg/g). Systematic characterizations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods revealed that the porous structure and surface functional groups (-OH, Ca2+, and PO43-) of the material synergistically contributed to binding UO22+ species. Furthermore, the incorporation of nHAP into the Ge framework resulted in enhanced thermal stability while significantly improving the UO22+ adsorption performance. This work presents a scalable, eco-friendly, and recyclable strategy for the effective treatment of uranium-contaminated water, with potential applications in nuclear wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Adsorption↗

PubMed2026

Microglial modulation in general anesthesia: molecular.

General anesthetics profoundly alter brain function and consciousness, yet the mechanisms underlying these effects remain incompletely understood. Although traditional studies have primarily focused on neuronal targets, accumulating evidence suggests that microglia dynamically respond to anesthetic exposure and may participate in anesthesia-associated neurophysiological changes. Beyond their established immune functions, microglia are increasingly implicated in synaptic remodeling, metabolic regulation, neuronal activity surveillance, and neuron-glia communication. Recent studies indicate that different classes of anesthetic agents modulate microglial activity through diverse and context-dependent mechanisms involving inflammatory signaling, purinergic pathways, calcium dynamics, mitochondrial metabolism, and neural circuit interactions. These responses are associated with postoperative neurocognitive disorders, altered synaptic plasticity, and anesthesia-related changes in brain states. In this review, we summarize current evidence regarding the effects of volatile anesthetics, intravenous anesthetics, and analgesics on microglial function and discuss the molecular, functional, and circuit-level mechanisms underlying anesthesia-associated neuron-microglia interactions. We further highlight the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of microglial responses during anesthesia and discuss current limitations in the field, including the lack of temporally resolved and cell-specific approaches. Understanding these processes may provide insights into anesthesia-associated neurocognitive dysfunction and support the development of neuroimmune-targeted strategies in anesthesiology.

General anesthesia↗

PubMed2026

Prognostic value of the Island sign for hematoma expansion and functional outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The Island Sign (IS) is a radiological finding observed in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between IS and both hematoma expansion (HE) and functional outcomes by comparing ICH patients with and without IS. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library for studies of intracerebral hemorrhage reporting the IS. The primary outcomes were functional status and hematoma expansion, secondary outcome was mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio, effect sizes were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CIs), and heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. In addition, meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were performed, and publication bias was assessed through funnel plots and Egger's regression test. RESULTS: We included 21 observational studies with a total of 9,459 patients with spontaneous ICH, 1,769 of them had IS, while 7,690 did not. The mean age was 63.5 ± 13.2 and 5,835 (61.7%) were male. Poor functional outcomes (OR 2.77, 95% CI: 2.14-3.58, p < 0.0001, I2 = 4.9%) and hematoma expansion (OR 2.75, 95% CI: 1.87-4.03, p < 0.0001, I2 = 77.4%) were substantially higher in patients with IS, as well as the overall mortality rate (OR 2.54, 95% CI: 1.55-4.17, p = 0.0002, I2 = 0%). Meta-regression analysis showed no statistically significant association between imaging-related timing variables and hematoma expansion. Furthermore, the leave-one-out sensitivity analyses showed that no single study exerted a disproportionate influence on the overall effect for the examined outcomes, and Egger's linear regression tests were not statistically significant for both outcomes. CONCLUSION: Patients with the Island Sign are associated with higher rates of poor functional outcomes and hematoma expansion. Thus, IS is a relevant radiological finding with potential to support early risk stratification and optimize patient management and treatment selection.

Humans↗