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PubMed2026

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in substance use disorders is safe and tolerable: A Systematic review of 141 clinical trials including 4299 participants.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation intervention investigated as a treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and its co-occurring disorders. As the number of rTMS SUD clinical trials increase, the safety and tolerability profile should be assessed. In this systematic review, we investigate adverse events (AEs) of rTMS in individuals with SUD and factors that may influence their occurrence. METHODS: We performed a systematic PubMed search to identify all controlled trials of rTMS in SUD published up to January 2025. Eligible studies were assessed, and safety information was extracted for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 141 clinical trials with 4299 participants were included in their active arms. rTMS trials recruited participants who were engaged in active substance use, were in the pre-treatment phase, in early recovery, or in sustained recovery. Twenty-two studies explicitly reported no AEs. Sixty-nine studies reported only mild AEs, while only six studies reported moderate AEs. Thirty-five studies did not report safety-outcomes/AEs. As expected, participants reported mild and temporary AEs such as headaches, pain or discomfort under the coil, or dizziness. Only nine studies reported serious AEs (7 studies in active TMS and 2 in sham TMS). Importantly, no seizures attributable to active rTMS were reported in these SUD samples. CONCLUSION: Overall, rTMS in SUD samples is safe and well-tolerated regardless of recovery stage and substance. Most reported side effects were mild, self-limiting, and tolerable. However, AE reporting was incomplete, as 35 of 141 trials reported no safety data, limiting conclusions to reported outcomes. This evidence supports the safety of rTMS as a potential stand-alone or adjunctive treatment for SUD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in functional motor disorders: A systematic review of effects and targets.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and potential mechanistic implications of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in adults with functional motor disorders (FMD), focusing on possible phenotype-specific responses and stimulation protocols. METHODS: Seven databases were searched from inception to July 2026. Randomised and non-randomised interventional studies were included. Risk of bias and evidence certainty were assessed using PEDro, RoB 2, JBI tools, and GRADE. Because of substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesised qualitatively. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included. The primary motor cortex was targeted in 11 studies. Functional tremor showed the most consistent evidence with inhibitory stimulation: one small sham-controlled trial found a significant group-by-time effect on tremor severity (p = 0.007), while an uncontrolled prospective series reported 40 % reduction in postural tremor amplitude (p = 0.05). Evidence for functional weakness was conflicting: excitatory M1 stimulation increased objective strength by 25 % versus 10 % with sham (p = 0.004), whereas the largest inhibitory sham-controlled trial found no benefit (p = 0.80). No severe adverse events were reported, but safety reporting was incomplete. GRADE certainty was moderate for tremor and very low for all other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence is insufficient to establish the efficacy of rTMS in FMD or to recommend phenotype-specific protocols. Preliminary findings support further investigation of inhibitory stimulation for functional tremor, whereas evidence for excitatory stimulation in functional weakness remains uncertain. SIGNIFICANCE: The possible interaction between phenotype and stimulation direction is hypothesis-generating. rTMS should currently be considered an experimental, context-sensitive adjunct within multidisciplinary care, pending adequately powered phenotype-stratified sham-controlled trials. Prospero Registration Number: CRD420251250969.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Pilot randomized trial of intermittent theta-burst stimulation versus H-Coil transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent theta burst stimulation (figure-8-coil iTBS) and H7-coil repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are FDA-cleared treatments for major depression; yet their comparative effectiveness in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) has not been evaluated in randomized trials. This pilot randomized trial was designed to obtain preliminary comparative estimates and to explore whether baseline cognitive functioning relates to early remission. METHODS: Twenty-eight adults with TRD were randomized to six weeks of figure-8-coil iTBS delivered to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (n = 15) or H7-coil rTMS delivered to the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) (n = 13). The primary outcome was change in 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HRSD-17) score from baseline to week 6, analyzed with ANCOVA. Additional outcomes included response, remission, and symptom trajectories through week 18. Exploratory analyses examined the association between baseline cognitive functioning, such as executive functions and memory, and remission. RESULTS: Twenty-five participants completed all 30 sessions. Adjusted week-6 HRSD-17 scores did not differ between groups (mean difference -0.40, 95% CI -5.23 to 4.43; p=.865). Response rates were 40.0% for figure-8-coil iTBS and 50.0% for H7-coil rTMS (p>.60), and remission rates were identical across groups (20.0%). Remitters showed higher baseline executive functioning than non-remitters in exploratory analyses, although these associations were not confirmed in adjusted models. CONCLUSION: In this pilot trial, figure-8-coil iTBS and H7-coil rTMS showed symptom improvement, with no clear between-group differences. Exploratory findings suggest a potential signal involving executive functioning that warrants further investigation. These results inform the feasibility and design of larger comparative trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05902312).

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Bioepidemiology of cardiac amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac amyloidosis, primarily due to immunoglobulin light chain (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR) amyloid, is an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure. Modern diagnostic advances suggest that ATTR, particularly in older adults, may be more prevalent than historically reported. METHODS: All Olmsted County decedents aged ≥40 years from 1970 to 1976 were identified. Available ventricular myocardium from retained paraffin blocks was screened histologically for amyloid using sulfated Alcian blue staining; positive cases underwent grading and proteomic typing by laser microdissection coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Beyond prevalence estimation, this analysis characterizes amyloid type, deposition grade and distribution, associated comorbidities, and cause-of-death patterns, comparing amyloid-positive decedents with age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS: Of 2,566 eligible deaths, 1,028 autopsy cases with evaluable myocardium formed the study cohort (mean age 70.5 years; 61.1% male; 97% White). Cardiac amyloid was present in 52 cases giving an overall prevalence of 5.1% (95% CI: 3.8-6.6, which rose from 0% under age 60 to 37.5% (95% CI: 21.1-56.3) in those ≥90 years (p < 0.001). While prevalence estimates were higher in men above age 80 compared to women, there was no evidence of an interaction of age and sex (p = 0.90). The quantity of amyloid was sufficient for typing in 38 cases: ATTR (84.2%), AL (7.9%), serum amyloid A (5.3%), and apolipoprotein A-IV (2.6%). Adjusted estimates assuming untyped mild cases were ATTR-type increased ATTR prevalence to 4.5% (95% CI: 3.3-5.9) overall. Comorbidity profiles were similar between amyloid-positive and negative groups, though syncope and leg weakness were more common in amyloid-positive decedents. CONCLUSIONS: In an unselected autopsy cohort, cardiac amyloid was common, particularly ATTR in older adults. Prevalence increased steeply after age 80. These findings suggest that ATTR amyloidosis is not rare and is likely underdiagnosed and has similar prevalence in women and men, despite the male predominance reported in the literature.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Impact of a multimodal prehabilitation program on postoperative cognitive dysfunction: a single-center randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a frequent complication after cardiac surgery. Exercise-based prehabilitation may enhance functional reserve and reduce vulnerability to perioperative cerebral insults. We hypothesized that multimodal prehabilitation reduces POCD 3 months after cardiac surgery. METHODS: This prespecified substudy of a single-center randomized controlled trial (NCT03466606) included patients aged ≥50 years undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery. Participants were randomized 1:1 to 4-6 weeks of multimodal prehabilitation (exercise training, nutritional support, and psychological support) or standard preoperative care. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and 3 months postoperatively using an age- and education-adjusted neuropsychological battery. POCD was defined as performance ≥1.5 standard deviations below normative values in at least 2 cognitive tests, excluding the Mini-Mental State Examination. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with POCD. RESULTS: Of 160 participants screened from the parent trial, 134 met eligibility criteria for the substudy and were randomized; 116 completed 3-month follow-up (prehabilitation n = 53; control n = 63). POCD occurred in 29 patients (25%), including 15/53 (28%) in the prehabilitation group and 14/63 (22%) in controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-3.50, P = 0.52). In multivariable analysis, preoperative cognitive impairment was independently associated with POCD (OR 13.28, 95% CI 4.06-43.41, P < 0.001), whereas prehabilitation was not (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.35-3.45, P = 0.877). Higher physical activity levels at 3 months were associated with lower odds of POCD (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-1.00, P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, a 4-6-week multimodal prehabilitation program did not reduce postoperative cognitive dysfunction 3 months after cardiac surgery. Although the intervention did not achieve measurable cognitive protection, the observed association between postoperative physical activity levels and postoperative cognitive dysfunction warrants further investigation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The effect of zalunfiban on high sensitivity cardiac troponin and the association with clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI.

BACKGROUND: Among individuals with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a single subcutaneous injection of the short-acting glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blocker antagonist zalunfiban at first medical contact significantly improved the primary outcome including clinical endpoints. The impact of zalunfiban on Myocardial Infarction (MI) size and association with downstream outcomes remains unclear. METHODS: In a prespecified analysis, we studied results among study participants treated with 2 doses of zalunfiban who had core laboratory measurements concentrations of hs-cTnT. RESULTS: More elevated hs-cTnT concentrations at presentation were associated with less resolution of ST deviation (P = .006) and more frequent Q wave development (P < .001). At coronary angiography more elevated hs-cTnT at presentation was associated with higher thrombus grade and worse epicardial and myocardial perfusion (all P < .05). In multivariable analyses, higher hs-cTnT concentrations at 24 hours were associated with greater adjusted risk for all-cause death (odds ratio [OR] 1.83 per log unit increase; P = .03), cardiovascular death (OR 1.83 per log unit increase; P = .03), heart failure (OR 2.74 per log unit increase; P < .001) or the composite of death and heart failure (P < .001) by 30 days. At 24 hours, those treated with zalunfiban had lower hs-cTnT compared to placebo (P = .04) and across multiples ≥ 10 to ≥ 1,000 times elevation, treatment with zalunfiban resulted in smaller hs-cTnT determined MI size. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with STEMI, more elevated concentrations of hs-cTnT are associated with worse measures of reperfusion and higher-risk for short-term death or heart failure. A single dose of zalunfiban at first medical contact reduced MI size. TRIAL REGISTRATION: A phase 3 study of zalunfiban in subjects with ST-elevation MI (CELEBRATE); NCT04825743.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Empagliflozin and functional aerobic capacity in individuals with increased risk of heart failure: The Empire Prevent Cardiac trial.

BACKGROUND: Higher maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) is associated with lower risk of developing heart failure (HF). Empagliflozin improves VO2 max in HF with reduced ejection fraction, but the effect on VO2 max in individuals at risk of HF remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 180 days treatment with empagliflozin compared to placebo on VO2 max, daily physical activity level, and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with overweight or obesity and risk of HF. METHOD: This investigator-initiated, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial included elderly individuals with body mass index >28 kg/m2 and at least one additional risk factor for HF, including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, stroke, or chronic kidney disease. Individuals with HF or type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded. The primary endpoint was the mean difference in change of VO2 max. The secondary outcome was objectively measured physical activity level. QoL was an explorative outcome. RESULTS: Among 191 randomized individuals (94 empagliflozin, 97 placebo), 89% had hypertension and 66% ischemic heart disease. At baseline, 69% were male, median age was 68 years, median body mass index 31.9 kg/m², mean left ventricular ejection fraction 65 ± 9%, and mean VO₂ max 18.1 ± 4.3 mL/min/kg. Empagliflozin did not change VO2 max with an estimated treatment difference of -0.2 mL/min/kg (97.5% confidence interval -1.2 to 0.8), adjusted P = 1.00. No significant treatment differences were observed for neither daily physical activity nor QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Empagliflozin did not affect VO2 max, physical activity level, or QoL in elderly individuals with overweight or obesity and risk of HF.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Impact of adenosine in controlled aortic root reperfusion on clinical outcomes among patients undergoing valvular heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Adenosine is a vital medication in cardiac surgery, particularly in valvular heart procedures. While its use has been linked to improved postoperative cardiac function in some studies, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the adenosine usage in aortic reperfusion phase. This lack of consensus poses challenges for surgeons, perfusionists, and anesthesiologists alike. This study aims to explore the impact of adenosine on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery. METHOD: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted over a three-month period. Sixty patients undergoing valvular heart surgery were enrolled using a continuous sampling method and randomly allocated into two equal groups of 30 patients each. The intervention group received adenosine-enriched aortic root reperfusion immediately prior to aortic declamping, while the control group underwent standard warm blood aortic root reperfusion. Both groups were matched for demographic and clinical characteristics to ensure comparability. RESULTS: Results indicated no significant differences in mean cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, aortic cross-clamping duration, or mechanical ventilation between the intervention and control groups. However, the intervention group that received adenosine had a higher rate of antiarrhythmic agent usage in the operating room (P < 0.05). Inotropic agent usage was similar in both groups during surgery and in the ICU. Additionally, laboratory parameters on the first day of ICU admission were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: Results in the control group showed more favorable outcomes in terms of anti-arrhythmic drug usage, electroshock application, and arrhythmia prevalence. This study showed advantages for the standard warm blood aortic root reperfusion technique in managing post-operative cardiac rhythm disturbances, in comparison with the trial group.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of a high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for craving reduction in adolescents with gaming disorder: a 4-week randomized control trial with 24-week follow-up.

BACKGROUND: With the widespread popularity of online gaming, gaming addiction has come under scrutiny. While there is ongoing research on the diagnosis and treatment of gaming disorder among adolescents, the clinical robustness and reliability of intervention strategies remain uncertain. METHODS: A 4-week, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive, high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in alleviating psychological craving in adolescents diagnosed with gaming disorder. Sham rTMS was administered to the control group using the tilted-coil method. Both groups of participants were treated with SSRI medications. A total of 80 adolescents with gaming disorder participated in this study, and 73 ultimately completed the 24-week follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in craving levels before and after the rTMS intervention, as assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included changes in anxiety and depression levels before and after the intervention, as assessed by the HAMA and HAMD. RESULTS: We assessed levels of psychological craving, anxiety, and depression among adolescents with gaming disorder at baseline, after completing a 4-week intervention, and at a 24-week follow-up post-intervention. Our repeated-measures MANOVA results, adjusted for course variables, revealed a significant main effect of rTMS intervention on psychological craving levels in adolescents addicted to online games (F(11, 781) = 11.238, P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.142), as well as significant main effects on time (F(11, 781) = 6.809; P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.091) and group effects (F(1, 71) = 26.707, P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.282). In addition, repeated-measures ANOVA results showed significant time effects for anxiety (F(2, 142) = 20.747, P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.234) and depression levels (F(2, 142) = 22.277, P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.285) among adolescents with gaming disorder, with nonsignificant between-group effects and no intergroup interaction. In the active stimulation group, changes in psychological craving levels after 4 weeks of treatment were significantly and positively correlated with changes in anxiety levels after 4 weeks of treatment in adolescents addicted to online games (r = 0.335, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that high-frequency rTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may be a promising approach for reducing psychological craving in adolescents with gaming disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2500102979 in chictr.org.cn, registered on May 22, 2025.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Six weeks of isometric resistance training led to evidence of corticospinal but not reticulospinal adaptation in previously untrained adult males.

The latest hypothesis regarding the source of enhanced neural activation from resistance training is the reticulospinal rather than the corticospinal tract, based on invasive animal and emerging human data. The present study employed a six-week isometric resistance training intervention in a randomized controlled design to address this knowledge gap. Thirty-nine healthy, untrained males (age ~23 y, sustained contraction group n = 13, explosive contraction group n = 9, control group n = 17) underwent neuromuscular and electrophysiological testing and completed all study requirements. Maximal isometric torque (MVC) and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured during a familiarization session as well as before and after the six-week period. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess motor-evoked potential (MEP) area and silent period duration while subjects contracted to 10% of MVC. Loud sound (120 dB) was used to modulate MEP area and reaction time to visual stimuli during the StartReact test. Only the intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in MVC (27%) and RTD (60%) (both P < 0.01), along with reduced MEP area (- 21%) and silent period duration (- 23%) (both P < 0.01). The sustained contraction group showed reduced modulation of reaction time and increased MEP suppression due to loud sound. Short-term resistance training seemed to reduce cortical inhibition and corticospinal excitability in both training groups. The study showed conflicting changes in measures purported to evaluate reticulospinal functioning. It is recommended to examine different forms of resistance training and longer training exposure in future.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Revisiting somatosensory evoked potentials in motor neuron diseases: neurophysiological insights from a large cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically investigate Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP) abnormalities in a large cohort of patients with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), and to explore their relationship with Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) and clinical phenotypes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 267 patients with confirmed MND who underwent standardized SEPs and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Patients were divided into pure/predominant Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) and pure/predominant Lower Motor Neuron/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (LMN/ALS) groups. SEP abnormalities were assessed using internal normative data, including prolonged latencies, reduced amplitudes, and increased N20-P25 amplitudes. MEPs were classified semi-quantitatively as normal or abnormal by independent raters. RESULTS: At least one SEP abnormality was detected in 75 % of patients, with no significant differences between the UMN and LMN/ALS groups. Increased N20-P25 amplitudes were observed in both phenotypes, suggesting widespread sensory cortical hyperexcitability across the MND spectrum. In contrast, abnormal MEPs were significantly more frequent in UMN patients (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between SEP abnormalities and MEP findings. Upper- and lower-limb SEP latencies were strongly correlated (all p < 0.001), whereas increased SEP amplitudes did not correlate with latency abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: SEP abnormalities are highly prevalent in MND and appear largely independent from corticospinal dysfunction. Increased SEP amplitudes likely reflect primary cortical sensory hyperexcitability rather than impaired sensory conduction. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings support the concept of MND as a multisystem network disorder that involves sensory cortical circuits and highlight the role of SEPs in the diagnostic workup.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Socket motility assessment of anophthalmic sockets: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Systematically review and categorize the methods used to assess socket and prosthetic motility in anophthalmic patients following enucleation or evisceration. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception through September 2024. Studies reporting qualitative or quantitative assessments of motility in anophthalmic sockets or ocular prostheses were included. Motility assessment methods were categorized as qualitative (descriptive or graded clinical evaluation) or quantitative (numerical measurements in millimeters, degrees, or objective tracking systems). RESULTS: Thirty-five studies encompassing 1,819 patients met inclusion criteria. Nineteen studies used qualitative assessment methods, including subjective observation, graded scales based on cardinal gaze positions, or comparison with the contralateral eye. Sixteen studies employed quantitative techniques, such as the Kestenbaum limbus test, Lister perimeter measurements, conjunctival or limbal markings, photographic image analysis, infrared eye-tracking systems, and magnetic search-coil technology. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in measurement techniques, reporting standards, timing of assessment, and distinction between socket and prosthetic motility. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variability exists in the methods used to assess motility in anophthalmic sockets, limiting comparability across studies. Establishing standardized, feasible, and reproducible assessment approaches may improve outcome reporting and facilitate meaningful comparisons in future oculoplastic research.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors and Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may exert antiarrhythmic effects, but their association with ventricular arrhythmias remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association between SGLT2i use and the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death compared with other antidiabetic medications or no SGLT2i use among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched for observational studies published between March 2013 and March 2026. Quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool, alongside evaluation of pharmacoepidemiology-specific biases. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies (16 cohort and one nested case-control) were included. Based on ROBINS-I, seven studies had moderate, eight serious, and two critical risks of bias. Eleven studies had at least one pharmacoepidemiology-specific bias. For ventricular arrhythmias, estimates ranged from a protective effect (hazard ratio [HR] 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.97) to a potential increased risk (odds ratio 1.87, 95% CI 0.89-3.95) with SGLT2i use. For cardiac arrest, estimates consistently reported a lower risk with estimates that ranged from HR 0.63 (95% CI 0.59-0.68) to HR 0.85 (95% CI 0.82-0.88). The only study on sudden cardiac death reported a potential risk reduction (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38-1.01). CONCLUSIONS: While the association between SGLT2i and ventricular arrhythmias remains inconsistent, the use of SGLT2i likely reduces cardiac arrest and may reduce sudden cardiac death, suggesting a possible protective effect on ventricular arrhythmias among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Fundamentals of pacemakers ECG interpretation - part 2.

BACKGROUND: Modern pacemakers incorporate arrhythmia-response algorithms, ventricular pacing minimization protocols, and safety mechanisms that generate ECG patterns indistinguishable from pathological AV block, sensing malfunction, or device-mediated tachycardia. Failure to recognize these algorithm-driven signatures leads to unnecessary interventions, misdiagnosis, and inappropriate device reprogramming. This manuscript is the second in a two-part series on pacemaker ECG interpretation. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature and device-specific documentation on algorithm-driven ECG behavior, synthesizing evidence across arrhythmia recognition, upper rate physiology, ventricular pacing minimization, mode switching, safety mechanisms, and hysteresis algorithms. RESULTS: Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia produces regular paced wide-complex tachycardia locked at the upper tracking rate, initiated by any event with retrograde VA conduction. Ventricular tachycardia is identified by QRS morphology diverging from the known paced pattern, absent pacing spikes, and AV dissociation. Upper rate Wenckebach behavior mimics Mobitz type I AV block; 2:1 upper rate response mimics second-degree AV block. Ventricular pacing minimization algorithms produce isolated nonconducted P waves and prolonged AV intervals that simulate pathological conduction disease. Mode switching causes abrupt rate drops misidentified as output failure. Ventricular safety pacing generates a conspicuously short, fixed AV interval. Three discrete pacing artifacts reflect AV-sequential cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), ventricular safety pacing in CRT, or His-bundle pacing with backup RV output. Rate and AV hysteresis produce pauses and wandering AV intervals mimicking oversensing or Wenckebach periodicity. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing algorithm-driven ECG patterns requires knowledge of device timing intervals and refractory periods, which lets clinicians distinguish programmed behavior from true malfunction or cardiac arrhythmia.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Cerebellar iTBS enhances gait adaptation by modulating cortical sensorimotor network dynamics: a randomized controlled trial.

Gait adaptation enables individuals to maintain locomotor stability under persistent perturbations. Although the cerebellum is critical for sensory prediction error-based (SPE) adaptation, how cerebellar neuromodulation reshapes cortical sensorimotor networks to enhance gait adaptation remains unclear. This study investigated the behavioral effects and underlying cortical neurodynamic mechanisms of cerebellar intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on gait adaptation. Thirty-two healthy adults received either active or sham cerebellar iTBS. Participants performed a split-belt treadmill adaptation task before and after intervention. Cortical responsiveness was evaluated using TMS-evoked EEG over primary motor cortex (M1), while resting-state EEG was analyzed to assess spectral power and directional functional connectivity. Compared to sham, cerebellar iTBS significantly enhanced gait adaptation, evidenced by a faster adaptation rate (p = 0.035) and enhanced Early Adaptation SLS (p = 0.011), without altering initial perturbation responses or post-adaptation outcomes. The iTBS increased TMS-evoked α (p = 0.031) and γ (p = 0.022) power in M1, while the α power was correlated with faster adaptation (r = 0.526, p = 0.002). Furthermore, iTBS strengthened PPC-to-M1 directed connectivity in the β (p = 0.025) and γ (p = 0.013) bands. Enhanced parieto-motor directionality were positively associated with adaptation rate (β: r = 0.515, p = 0.003; γ: r = 0.463, p = 0.009). These findings suggest that cerebellar iTBS facilitates gait adaptation by modulating cortical responsiveness and directional sensorimotor network connectivity, providing multi-level neurodynamic evidence for the cerebello-cortical modulation during gait adaptation and offering a strong physiological rationale for targeted neuromodulation in gait rehabilitation strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Selective monitoring of trace-level catechin and myricetin in herbal and aqueous matrices using magnetic MIP-DSPME: Optimization via design of experiments.

A novel dispersive solid-phase microextraction approach utilizing a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) integrated with HPLC-UV detection was developed for the concurrent quantification of catechin and myricetin in herbal extracts and aqueous samples. The sorbent was engineered as a core-shell nanocomposite, consisting of a selective polymer layer deposited onto Fe3O4@SiO2-APTMS magnetic nanoparticles. Dual-template imprinting using catechin and myricetin generated complementary binding cavities within the polymer framework. Experimental variables influencing extraction were systematically screened and subsequently optimized. A Plackett-Burman design was first applied to identify the most influential factors, with pH and sorption time identified as the dominant variables. These parameters were subsequently fine-tuned using a central composite design, and the optimization process was completed in only 30 experimental runs. The sorption characteristics of the imprinted sorbent (MMIP) were compared with those of its non-imprinted counterpart (MNIP). The MMIP demonstrated markedly higher maximum binding capacities (Qmax), reaching 119.3 mg g-1 for myricetin and 112.1 mg g-1 for catechin, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were 32.55 and 32.08 mg g-1, respectively. Moreover, the affinity constants (KL = 0.760-0.950 L mg-1) were approximately 2.3-fold higher for the MMIP, confirming its stronger and more selective interactions with the target analytes. The selectivity coefficients for the targeted flavonoids relative to structurally related compounds, including ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, melatonin, and curcumin, exceeded 3.5 for the MMIP, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were close to 1.1, demonstrating the high molecular recognition capability of the imprinted sorbent. Method validation demonstrated limits of detection (LODs) of 0.33-0.59 ng mL-1 and limits of quantification (LOQs) of 1.10-1.96 ng mL-1, and excellent linearity over the concentration range of 5.0-5500 ng mL-1 (R2 > 0.998). The method achieved recoveries of 93.96% to 105.69% with RSDs below 5.5%, while the preconcentration factors ranged from 209 to 229. Furthermore, the sorbent retained more than 95% of its extraction efficiency after four consecutive reuse cycles and more than 80% after six cycles, demonstrating excellent stability and reusability. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of six medicinal plant extracts and water samples, showing negligible matrix interference and superior sensitivity, selectivity, and operational simplicity compared with conventional solid-phase extraction methods.

Flavonoids↗

PubMed2026

Morphology-Encoded Colorimetric Hydrogen Sensing Using Embedded Reactive Pd Absorbers in Fabry-Perot Cavities.

Chemical reactions offer a powerful strategy for generating visible optical responses through localized changes in absorption, dielectric environment, and interfacial wetting. A palladium (Pd)-embedded Fabry-Perot cavity is introduced as a reaction-active optical platform in which structural color is governed by intracavity absorption coupled with reaction-induced dielectric perturbation. Positioning Pd within the dielectric spacer creates a spatially controllable reactive absorber whose vertical location relative to the standing-wave field dictates wavelength-selective absorption within the cavity. The morphology of the embedded Pd layer provides an additional design parameter by modulating both optical loss and interfacial wetting. Under hydrogen exposure in the presence of oxygen, catalytic water formation at the Pd/polymer interface generates localized dielectric heterogeneity and interfacial water droplets, thereby perturbing the optical path length and amplifying the visible response. As a result, the cavity exhibits pronounced, morphology-dependent color transitions that are inaccessible through dielectric-layer engineering or Pd/PdH refractive-index changes alone, enabling direct visual hydrogen sensing under ambient light, as well as flexible optical devices capable of large-area patterning. These findings establish a design framework for reaction-active optical cavities that translate localized chemistry into a colorimetric hydrogen sensing mechanism.

Fabry–Perot resonator↗

PubMed2026

Time-varying hazard rates reveal patterns of progression in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer: Towards risk-adapted monitoring.

BACKGROUND: optimal imaging intervals for patients with hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains undefined. Aim of this study was to analyze the temporal patterns of disease progression to identify high risk subgroups that may benefit from intensified monitoring. METHODS: we analyzed 149 hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative MBC patients prospectively enrolled in the MAGNETIC.1 trial (NCT05814224) and treated with first line endocrine therapy. Hazard rates (HR) for disease progression were determined according to clinico-pathological and liquid biopsy features. RESULTS: in the overall population, two distinct progression-risk peaks emerged at 2-3 months (32.9/1000 person-months) and at 24 months (28.0/1000). Higher risk of progression was observed in lobular carcinoma (61.1) [HR 61.12 per 1000 person month (pm)], progesterone receptor-negative status (HR 39.07), fulvestrant-based treatment (HR 46.88), liver metastases (HR 59.00), and presence of ≥ 3 metastatic sites (HR 40.10). CONCLUSIONS: Hazard distribution in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative MBC is biphasic and modulated by readily available clinical variables. High-risk subgroups may benefit from intensified radiologic and liquid-biopsy surveillance during the first three months and around two years after treatment start.

Breast cancer↗