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PubMed2026

Occlusion site and outcomes in intra-arterial tenecteplase after successful endovascular therapy: a secondary analysis of the ANGEL-TNK trial.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular thrombectomy achieves macroreperfusion in large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, but only one-quarter of patients had excellent functional outcome. Adjunct intra-arterial (IA) tenecteplase could further improve the treatment effect, yet its efficacy across internal carotid artery (ICA) versus middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1/M2 occlusion remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether IA tenecteplase improves 90-day functional outcomes in LVO patients stratified by occlusion site (ICA, MCA M1, MCA M2). METHODS: Prespecified secondary analysis of the ANGEL-TNK trial (multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint) in 19 Chinese stroke centers. Participants were enrolled who had anterior circulation LVO, 4.5-24 hours from symptom onset, and CT angiography (CTA)/magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)-proven ICA, M1, or M2 occlusion. INTERVENTION: Randomization (1:1) to IA tenecteplase (0.125 mg/kg) or standard medical management after expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) 2b50-3 reperfusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was the rate of 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-1. RESULTS: There were 256 patients in the trial, including 71 (27.7%) ICA, 122 (47.6%) MCA M1, and 62 (24.2%) MCA M2. ICA occlusion patients treated with IA tenecteplase had higher rates of 90-day mRS 0-1 (39.4% vs 13.2%; relative risk (RR) 2.99; 95% CI 1.51 to 5.96; p=0.002) and mRS 0-3 (54.5% vs 42.1%; RR 1.30; p=0.048) versus controls, with a significant shift toward better mRS scores (median 3 (IQR 1-4) vs 4 (2-6); odds ratio (OR) 2.26; p<0.001). Post hoc analysis showed higher eTICI progression in ICA patients (51.5%) versus MCA M1 (37.9%) and M2 (25.7%). IA tenecteplase had a lower any intracranial hemorrhage within 48 hours in ICA patients (15.2% vs 39.5%; RR 0.38; p<0.001) compared with standard medical management. No significant benefits were observed in the MCA M1/M2 subgroups, and interaction effects were significant between ICA and MCA segments for functional outcomes and safety. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: IA tenecteplase had a better functional outcome and lower hemorrhage risk in ICA occlusion compared with standard medical management but not in MCA M1/M2. Occlusion site is a critical determinant of response to IA tenecteplase. A pooled analysis of IA tenecteplase stratified by occlusion site strata is warranted.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Adjunctive intermittent theta-burst stimulation for first-episode schizophrenia: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) combined with pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy in first-episode schizophrenia remains unclear. This study evaluated adjunctive iTBS with risperidone and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and explored serum biomarkers indicating treatment response. METHODS: In this randomized, assessor-blind trial, 100 first-episode schizophrenia patients received either iTBS plus risperidone and CBT (iTBS group, n = 50) or risperidone and CBT alone (control, n = 50) for 3 months. The primary outcome was change in PANSS total score at 4 weeks and 3 months. Response was defined as a ≥ 50 % PANSS reduction. Secondary outcomes included cognitive function (MCCB subtests) and serum GDNF, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels. RESULTS: The iTBS group showed significantly greater reduction in PANSS total scores than controls at both 4 weeks and 3 months (mean difference at 3 months: -13.3, 95 % CI: -16.8 to -9.8; P < 0.001), with a higher responder rate (76 % vs. 48 %). Significant improvements across all cognitive domains were observed in the iTBS group (all P < 0.001). Post-treatment, the iTBS group exhibited higher GDNF and lower cortisol and DHEA-S levels (all P < 0.001). A combined biomarker panel demonstrated superior discriminative performance for treatment efficacy (AUC=0.865 after cross-validation). Adverse events were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adding iTBS to risperidone and CBT significantly improves clinical symptoms and cognitive function in first-episode schizophrenia. The combination of GDNF, cortisol, and DHEA-S shows promise as a composite biomarker for treatment response, though sham-controlled validation is warranted.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Pain and Foot Function Index in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that originates from the heel, and its inflammation is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. The Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) is a non-invasive modality in the field of physiotherapy. This study aimed to determine the effects of PEMF on pain scores and the Foot Function Index (FFI) in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). In this clinical trial study, 40 patients with PF, aged between 20 and 68 years, were randomly assigned in a block design into two groups: the Conventional Physiotherapy (CP) group and the CP plus PEMF (CPP) group. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the FFI questionnaire were used to assess the pain score (morning and evening pain) and foot function, respectively. Assessments were conducted before the study, at the tenth session of the CP and CPP groups, and 4 weeks later. The study variables in both the CP and CPP groups changed significantly (p < 0.05). In comparing the results between the two groups, the reduction in evening pain scores in the CPP group was significant compared to the CP group (p < 0.05). In comparison, there was no significant difference in morning pain scores between the two groups. The FFI score in the CPP group significantly decreased compared to the CP group. Both CP and CPP are effective in reducing pain and the FFI in patients with PF. The addition of PEMF to CP demonstrates a more significant effect on reducing evening pain and somewhat on reducing the FFI in patients compared to CP alone. However, it did not have an additional effect on reducing morning pain. Bioelectromagnetics. 00:00-00, 2026. © 2026 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Neuromodulation for Subjective Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of neuromodulation and bimodal stimulation for chronic subjective tinnitus in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE (January 2015-December 2025) searched per PRISMA 2020. REVIEW METHODS: Adult RCTs (≥ 18 years) with chronic subjective tinnitus (> 3 months) assessing validated outcomes (THI, TFI, TQ) for neuromodulation/bimodal interventions vs. sham/controls. Two-stage screening, Cochrane RoB-2 risk-of-bias assessment. Random-effects meta-analyses (REML) were performed when ≥ 3 comparable trials were available; effects reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs. Main Outcomes and measures included change in tinnitus severity (THI/TFI/TQ) while secondary outcomes included loudness (VAS/NRS), durability, and adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-six RCTs (n = 1576) met criteria: tES (11; n = 372), rTMS (8; n = 432), acoustic coordinated reset (1; n = 100), vagus nerve stimulation (2; n = 90), and bimodal stimulation (4; n = 582). Meta-analysis showed a nonsignificant pooled effect for tDCS (SMD -0.36; 95% CI -0.75 to 0.02; I 2 = 51%) and rTMS (SMD -0.15; 95% CI -0.37 to 0.07; I 2 = 0%). Single-trial evidence for coordinated reset showed no advantage over broadband noise. VNS demonstrated modest benefits with safety concerns limited to implanted approaches. Bimodal stimulation yielded consistent, clinically meaningful reductions (often ≥ 10-20 points on THI/TFI), with durability up to 12 months. Adverse events were mild/transient across noninvasive modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive neuromodulation appears safe with average benefits; among modalities, bimodal stimulation shows the most consistent and durable clinical improvements. Standardized, adequately powered RCTs with harmonized protocols and long-term follow-up are needed to refine targets and dosing.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation interventions in obsessive-compulsive disorder management: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the most effective NIBS parameters are unclear. To compare the efficacy of NIBS in OCD. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analyses (NMA) to combine direct and indirect comparisons of NIBS.Systematic searches were conducted in Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to June 20, 2025. Forty-two randomized sham-controlled trials (n = 1456) were included. All statistical analyses were conducted with R statistical software. Bayesian NMAs mainly using the BUGSnet package and gemtc package. Five NIBS protocols produced statistically significant reductions in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores compared with sham stimulation: high-frequency rTMS over the FzFCz (Hf-rTMS-FzFCz; MD -11.77, 95% CrI -20.62 to -3.09), low-frequency rTMS over F3F4 (Lf-rTMS-F3F4; MD -9.93, 95% CrI -18.07 to -1.65), low-frequency rTMS over FCz (Lf-rTMS-FCz; MD -3.25, 95% CrI -6.06 to -0.40), high-frequency deep TMS over FzFC (Hf-dTMS-FzFC; MD -6.48, 95% CrI -12.32 to -0.50), and 2 mA anodal tDCS over F3 with cathodal over Fp2 (MD -9.34, 95% CrI -16.01 to -3.03).For secondary outcomes, high-frequency deep rTMS over FzFCz produced the largest reduction both in depressive symptoms (SMD -1.24, 95% CrI -1.92 to -0.55) and anxiety scores (SMD -1.88, 95% CrI -2.62 to -1.11), but had no effect on Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scores.Specific NIBS protocols are safe and effective adjunctive treatments for OCD, with promising yet inconclusive improvements in comorbid depressive symptoms. Further high-quality, head-to-head trials are needed.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Novelty seeking and rapid symptom improvement across active and sham accelerated iTBS conditions: A pooled individual-patient data analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent and often treatment-resistant. Accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) is a promising intervention for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), though outcomes vary. Personality traits have been examined in relation to rTMS outcomes, yet their role in aiTBS remains underexplored. This pooled individual-patient-data analysis of two randomized, sham-controlled trials examined associations between baseline Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) traits and one-week symptom change, and whether they differed by condition. METHODS: The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was targeted for 20 sessions over 4 days. Personality was assessed with the TCI, depression severity with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17). TCI-symptom-change associations were examined with a robust linear mixed-effects model, adjusting for age, gender, repeated measurements, and study membership. RESULTS: 104 participants were included (M/F 45/59; mean age 40.9 ± 12.7; active/sham 50/54). The model yielded a Time × Novelty Seeking interaction (β = -1.70, p = 0.021): higher baseline Novelty Seeking was associated with faster symptom reduction, without a between-arm difference. However, the interaction did not survive Holm correction across 14 trait-interaction tests (adjusted p = 0.294) and is therefore exploratory. No other interaction reached the uncorrected threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Higher baseline Novelty Seeking showed a nominal association with faster symptom reduction, without a difference between active and sham conditions. Because it did not survive multiplicity correction and was not reproduced in within-arm analyses, it is preliminary and may reflect contextual or nonspecific processes. Independent replication is required before temperament assessment can be clinically informative.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comparison of the clinical efficacy, safety and EEG functional connectivity changes between 18-Hz rTMS and iTBS of accelerated dTMS treatment for major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

Although the antidepressant efficacy of 18-Hz deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) has been validated, its prolonged treatment duration has considerable limitations for treatment capacity and patient adherence. Therefore, novel short-course protocols such as accelerated dTMS and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) present promising alternative options. Here we addressed the question of whether iTBS of accelerated dTMS achieves comparable therapeutic and electrophysiological effects to accelerated dTMS with the conventional 18-Hz rTMS protocol in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In a randomized controlled trial (n = 73), participants received either 18-Hz rTMS of accelerated dTMS (rTMS-dTMS group), iTBS of accelerated dTMS (iTBS-dTMS group), or pharmacotherapy alone (drug group). Both dTMS protocols were administered twice daily for 10 days targeting the left lateral prefrontal cortex including the dorsolateral region. Results showed that Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score of the iTBS-dTMS group decreased significantly from 22.5 ± 3.7 before treatment to 8.2 ± 4.1 after treatment (t = 15.900, p < 0.001). HAMD score of the rTMS-dTMS group decreased significantly from 21.3 ± 2.9 before treatment to 8.0 ± 3.8 after treatment (t = 17.232, p < 0.001). The drug group also exhibited significantly improved patients' mood symptoms, and the HAMD score decreased from 24.7 ± 6.8 to 14.0 ± 5.0 (t = 6.363, p < 0.001). The treatment response rate was 85.7% in the iTBS-dTMS group and 76.9% in the rTMS-dTMS group, which was much higher than that of the drug group (42.1%). The remission rate was 50.0% in the iTBS-dTMS group and 42.3% in the rTMS-dTMS group, which was significantly higher than 10.5% of the drug group. We demonstrate here that both accelerated dTMS protocols significantly reduced HAMD scores, improved the response rates, and remission rates, outperforming pharmacotherapy alone. Resting-state EEG analysis further revealed unique frequency-specific functional connectivity (FC) modulation effects: the rTMS-dTMS group primarily exhibited weakened alpha-band functional connectivity within the fronto-occipital, fronto-temporal and fronto-central networks after treatment, whereas the iTBS-dTMS group predominantly demonstrated reduced theta-band functional connectivity within the fronto-parietal, fronto-occipital and fronto-temporal pathways after treatment. These findings indicate that iTBS of accelerated dTMS demonstrates comparable efficacy and tolerability to 18-Hz rTMS of accelerated dTMS, whilst inducing treatment-specific network-level neurophysiological alterations. In the rTMS-dTMS group, relative changes in FC between the frontal and temporal/precentral regions showed significant negative correlation with HAMD score reduction rates, while relative changes in FC between the frontal lobe and parietal lobe showed a significant positive correlation with the rate of HAMD score reduction for the iTBS-dTMS group. This study revealed novel mechanisms by which accelerated dTMS protocols modulate brain networks, providing evidence for the clinical application of accelerated iTBS-dTMS as an efficient, evidence-based treatment for MDD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Engineering copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) nanocomposites for enhanced eco-friendly photocatalysis: a systematic critical review on mechanisms, performance, and environmental applications.

Water pollution caused by organic and inorganic contaminants, particularly dyes and pharmaceuticals, represents a major environmental challenge. Advanced oxidation processes based on photocatalysts have emerged as efficient and sustainable approaches for water and wastewater treatment. Copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) is considered a promising photocatalyst owing to its narrow bandgap, visible-light activity, chemical stability, and magnetic properties. Despite extensive experimental investigations, a comprehensive systematic comparison of CuFe2O4-based photocatalysts under diverse operational conditions has remained limited. In this study, a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted using studies published between January 2014 and November 2025 indexed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. From an initial pool of 397 studies, 98 articles met the inclusion criteria. Key parameters - including pollutant type, pH, catalyst dosage, initial pollutant concentration, irradiation time, light source, and degradation efficiency - were quantitatively compared to identify performance trends and operational optima. The results demonstrate that CuFe2O4-based nanocomposites, particularly heterojunction, Z-scheme, and S-scheme architectures combined with TiO2, g-C3N4, graphene, and metal oxides, achieve high degradation efficiencies (often >90 %) for a wide range of organic pollutants and selected inorganic contaminants (e.g., Cr(VI)). Enhanced charge separation and suppressed electron-hole recombination were identified as the primary factors contributing to improved photocatalytic activity. In addition, the intrinsic magnetic properties of these nanocomposites enable facile catalyst recovery and reuse. In conclusion, CuFe2O4-based nanocomposites, especially those incorporating advanced heterojunction architectures, emerge as highly efficient and magnetically recoverable photocatalytic platforms for sustainable water and wastewater treatment, with strong potential for scalable implementation and real-wastewater applications.

Catalysis↗

PubMed2026

Towards microplastic bioremediation: Fungal degradation of pristine and pretreated high-density polyethylene and polystyrene.

Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a significant ecological issue because of its enduring existence in the ecosystem and its possible negative impacts. Therefore, using degrading strategies to eliminate these stubborn polymers has been a subject of scientific research. However, the currently used degradation methods are relatively inefficient. Given the pervasiveness of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polystyrene (PS) and their resistance to biodegradability, disposal strategies are critical and must be addressed. This manuscript examines the biodegradation of pristine and UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs by Aspergillus flavus species in minimal growth media over 70 days. The maximum weight loss observed at 70 days for pristine HDPE and PS in sole carbon source (SCS) media was (29.33 ± 0.28) % and (17.67 ± 0.35) %, respectively. Whereas, for UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs, the % weight reduction was (33 ± 0.21) % and (25 ± 0.19) %, respectively. UV-treated MPs exhibited greater weight reduction, as UV induced oxygenated functional groups enhance polymer susceptibility to enzymes, thereby promoting biodegradation. HDPE MPs typically show a higher proportion of particles in the lower size range compared to PS MPs. This assertion was based on the weight loss, particle size distribution, and SEM analysis. Furthermore, chemical changes were evaluated using Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, which also displayed chemical oxidation occurring during biodegradation. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) results indicate that UV pretreatment enhances biodegradability by promoting chain scission. These findings further suggest that this fungus's natural and ubiquitous occurrence in terrestrial and marine environments may actively contribute to MP biodegradation while requiring few nutrients.

Microplastics↗

PubMed2026

The composition of the periostracum in the razor clam Sinonovacula constricta and the mantle's response to sulfide.

The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta inhabits sulfide-rich intertidal sediments and exhibits remarkable tolerance to this toxicant, yet the role of its periostracum in sulfide adaptation remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the composition and structure of the periostracum proteins, and the response of the mantle to sulfide stress. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the periostracum is approximately 10 μm thick and contains 1.43 wt% sulfur, and proteomic analysis further confirmed the presence of organic sulfur (Cys/Met-rich proteins), suggesting its involvement in sulfur deposition. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified 77 high-confidence proteins from the periostracum, which were classified into six functional categories: enzymes, framework proteins, immune-related proteins, calcium ion-related proteins, other proteins, and proteins with unknown functions. Phylogenetic analyses of representative proteins revealed bivalve-specific evolutionary patterns, with several proteins exclusively present in Bivalvia, such as Unknown protein 2 and 7, which possess signal peptides and low-complexity domains. For the sulfide exposure experiment, razor clams were subjected to three Na2S concentrations (0, 10, and 100 μM). qPCR analysis showed that, compared with the control group, Chitin-binding protein 3 and Tyrosinase were significantly upregulated in the mantle, peaking in the 100 μM group at 48 h (5677.84-fold and 157.20-fold, respectively), whereas Collagen and Cadherin 3 were generally suppressed. This study represents one of the most comprehensive proteomic profiles of the razor clam periostracum and highlights the mantle's potential role in sulfide tolerance, offering insights for sulfur-tolerant aquaculture breeding and bioremediation applications.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

An RPA-assisted homogeneous electrochemical DNA sensor for on-site eDNA detection toward early warning of crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks.

Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks seriously threaten coral reef ecosystems, while conventional monitoring approaches are time-consuming and often lack sufficient sensitivity for early warning. Existing electrochemical DNA sensors usually require complex electrode-surface immobilization procedures, which can lead to uneven probe distribution, significant steric hindrance, and poor stability. Meanwhile, the low concentration of environmental DNA (eDNA) in marine environments further complicates detection. To overcome these challenges, this study developed a homogeneous electrochemical DNA sensor assisted by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) for COTS eDNA detection. Target DNA was first amplified by RPA, and the amplification products were then hybridized in solution with capture probe (CP)-modified magnetic beads (MB) and biotin-labeled signal probe (SP) to form sandwich-structured MB complexes. These complexes were subsequently magnetically enriched and immobilized on the electrode surface for electrochemical signal readout. Under optimized conditions, the sensor displayed a linear response to COTS genomic DNA from 3.77 fg/μL to 1 ng/μL, with an LOD of 2.02 fg/μL and an LOQ of 3.77 fg/μL. The sensor was applied to Xisha Islands samples, and the results agreed with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) (P > 0.05), demonstrating its potential for sensitive and reliable on-site COTS eDNA detection.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

In situ product monitoring in heterogeneous reaction of gaseous trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3: Effect of environmental factor and particle property.

Gas-particle reactions represent an important atmospheric heterogeneous transformation process for organic amines (OAs). Environmental factors and particle properties may impact the gas-particle reaction products. Although the products from gas-particle reactions can be monitored by various in situ techniques, related data remain scarce. Here, the interfacial and gaseous products from the reaction of trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3 particles under light irradiation with mixed NO2, O2, SO2 and H2O were monitored using in-situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Dark reaction of gaseous trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3 generated two interfacial products types: N-containing ones (CH3NCH2, CH3NO2, (CH3)2NCHO, and CH3N(OH)CHO) and N-free ones (alcohols, aldehydes and acids), both accumulating with reaction progression. Light irradiation and O2 oxidation enhanced formation of these products, while NO2 promoted the production of CH3NO2 and (CH3)2NCHO. H2O and SO2 occupied the active sites of particles to inhibit the formation of all products. Compared to Fe(NO3)3, Fe2O3 showed absolute dominance in contribution to the formation of products. Considering the smaller particle size of Fe2O3 and excess Fe(NO3)3, the physical mixing of them reduced the generation of interfacial products. Furthermore, gaseous products of CH3OH, HCHO, CH3CHO, HCOOH and CH3COOH detection clarified the N-free interfacial products. The presence of Fe(NO3)3 inhibited the formation of HCOOH and favored the formation of CH3CHO in the gas phase. By combining product information with thermodynamic calculations, the heterogeneous reaction pathways of trimethylamine were tentatively proposed. These findings provide a guiding significance for the migration of OAs in real atmospheric environment.

Methylamines↗

PubMed2026

A prospective pharmacokinetic interaction study between rifampicin and fusidic acid for the treatment of staphylococcal infections.

OBJECTIVE: Fusidic acid with rifampicin is used for the treatment of severe staphylococcal infection, particularly prosthetic joint infections. Previous studies using twice daily fusidic acid showed rifampicin increases fusidic acid clearance, potentially causing sub-therapeutic concentrations. It is uncertain whether this occurs with three-times daily dosing. This study sought to re-evaluate this potential drug-drug interaction. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label drug-drug interaction population pharmacokinetic (PK) study, participants were randomized to receive fusidic acid or rifampicin for 24 hours, followed by combination therapy for the duration of treatment. Drug concentration assays used liquid-chromatography mass spectroscopy on dried blood spots. Population PK models were built for fusidic acid, rifampicin and 25-desacetyl rifampicin. RESULTS: Ten participants were recruited. Inter-individual variability for both absorption (98.1%) and clearance (77.8%) were high for fusidic acid. A population pharmacokinetic model for fusidic acid revealed that early autoinhibition dominated over later rifampicin-mediated induction, resulting in a net decrease in fusidic acid clearance. The mean fusidic acid area under the curve during each dosing interval (AUCτ) at steady state was 1.76-fold [0.049, 34.918] higher relative to Day 1, despite high uncertainty.Large inter-individual (110%) variability in absorption was observed for rifampicin. There was no apparent effect on rifampicin metabolism by fusidic acid co-administration, however, fusidic acid decreased clearance of 25-desacetyl rifampicin. CONCLUSION: In patients treated with fusidic acid three times daily in combination with rifampicin, autoinhibition potentially counteracted rifampicin induction such that fusidic acid concentrations were not reduced. Rifampicin clearance was not affected by fusidic acid, but 25-desacetyl rifampicin clearance was decreased. There was large inter-individual variability in the observed concentrations and final parameter estimates.

Fusidic Acid↗

PubMed2026

Liquid biopsy-based detection of circulating and exfoliated cholangiocarcinoma tumor cells from blood and bile using heparan sulfate octasaccharides on integrated microfluidic systems.

Early diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains challenging because existing diagnostic approaches often lack sufficient sensitivity for reliable detection of early-stage disease. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood and exfoliated tumor cells (ETCs) in bile represent valuable targets for liquid biopsy-based detection; however, their low abundance and the complexity of clinical sample analysis pose substantial technical challenges for reliable enrichment and identification. Herein, we present a reproducible workflow for isolating and identifying CCA tumor cells from blood for CTCs and bile for ETCs using synthetic cell-surface heparan sulfate (HS) octasaccharide-functionalized magnetic beads (MBs) on integrated microfluidic systems. The method combined sample pre-processing, magnetic bead-based enrichment, controlled low-shear mixing and immunofluorescence-based identification into a unified workflow compatible with distinct clinical sample types. Key operational parameters, including MB concentration, mixing frequency, and pressure settings, were detailed to facilitate consistent performance. Using this workflow, tumor cell capture rates of approximately 70% in bile (for ETCs) and blood (for CTCs) were achieved, with a total processing time of 60-90 min per sample under clinically relevant low-abundance conditions. The platform enables reliable detection of as few as 1 tumor cell per mL of blood or bile. This method provides a practical and adaptable strategy for glycosaminoglycan-mediated liquid biopsy applications and may be extended to other tumor-cell enrichment workflows involving heterogeneous cell-surface interactions.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Use of Wearable Sensors in Angelman Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Wearable sensors are a promising method for collecting clinical trial outcome data for people with Angelman syndrome (AS). However, there has yet to be a systematic probe into the ways in which wearable sensors have been successfully used in AS. The current study aims to provide a quantitative summary of wearable sensors used in AS, including contexts of use and psychometric properties, and to present key narrative highlights. METHOD: Literature searches were performed in three electronic databases: APA PsycInfo, PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection. Data items were categorized into four categories: sample characteristics, study methodological details, wearable sensor characteristics and psychometric properties assessed. Sample characteristics included sample size, age, biological sex, race/ethnicity and cognitive/developmental functioning. Study methodological details were subdivided into study design and setting. Wearable sensor characteristics included sensor type, placement site, means of attachment, assessed construct and sensor-related data loss. Psychometric properties assessed included reliability and validity of sensor-derived data. RESULTS: We identified 16 articles through our systematic review. Wearable sensors were used to study sleep (n = 10, 62.5%), language (n = 2, 12.5%), gait (n = 2, 12.5%), caregiver proximity (n = 1, 6.3%), EEG power (n = 1, 6.3%), and arousal (n = 1, 6.3%) in AS through actigraphs, vocalization recorders, inertial sensors, radio-frequency identification watches, wireless EEG caps, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy caps, respectively. Findings from these studies broadly indicate that wearable sensors are feasible, reliable and valid for assessing a range of behaviours relevant to AS. CONCLUSIONS: Wearable sensors are a promising solution to enhance assessments in AS. However, with the small extant literature characterized by small sample sizes and restricted focus on a few relevant features in AS, there remains ample opportunities to explore the use of wearable sensors in people with AS. Additional studies will better inform clinical decision-making and ultimately improve the lives of people with AS and their families.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Colorimetric gold nanosensors for monitoring protein aggregation: implications for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. It remains a major public health challenge due to the lack of early diagnostic tools and effective disease-modifying therapies. Molecularly, AD is characterized by extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular Tau tangles, as well as soluble oligomers that are likely the neurotoxic species. However, the transient and heterogeneous nature of these oligomers makes them difficult to detect using conventional biosensing approaches. Nanomaterial-based colorimetric biosensors have emerged as promising platforms for detecting protein aggregates and discovering aggregation inhibitors. Specifically, the localized surface plasmon resonance properties of metallic nanomaterials can enable rapid, label-free, and visually detectable colorimetric sensing of molecular interactions. These features can be leveraged to monitor protein aggregation processes in real time and achieve high-throughput screening of aggregation inhibitors, which may collectively enable early detection and timely intervention of AD progression. This Review Article presents the design and engineering of gold-nanomaterial-based colorimetric biosensors for monitoring protein aggregation and highlights the current challenges and emerging opportunities for applying these nanosensors to combat AD.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Recent advances in supramolecular macrocycle-based artificial light-harvesting systems.

Artificial light-harvesting systems (ALHSs) inspired by the antenna function of natural photosynthesis provide molecular platforms for collecting excitation energy and directing it to emissive or reactive acceptors. In many supramolecular ALHSs, however, practical performance is limited by poorly defined donor-acceptor orientation, aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), interfacial defects, and limited stability in aqueous or complex media. Supramolecular macrocycles-particularly pillar[n]arenes (PAs), cucurbit[n]urils (CBs), calixarenes (CAs), cyclodextrins (CDs), and supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs)-offer a useful design space because their cavities, pre-organized scaffolds, and reversible non-covalent interactions can confine chromophores, tune local donor/acceptor ratios, and modulate Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). This Review systematically examines the unique structural advantages and assembly mechanisms of the five macrocyclic families, with an emphasis on their use in constructing ALHSs-from single-step to cascaded FRET-and in advancing aqueous photocatalysis, near-infrared bioimaging, panchromatic fluorescence modulation, and singlet oxygen generation. The resulting structure-property-application framework is intended to guide the rational design of macrocycle-assisted photofunctional materials while avoiding overextension of the photosynthesis analogy.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness of Auricular Acupressure in Improving Sleep Quality and Reducing Insomnia Severity in Middle-Aged and Older Women in Taiwan.

Poor sleep quality impacts cognition, emotions, and immunity. This study evaluated the efficacy of auricular acupressure in improving sleep conditions. Eighty-eight women aged ≥40 years with insomnia were randomly assigned to acupoint, sham, or comparison groups. Magnetic pellets were applied to heart, liver, and shenmen acupoints for the acupoint group and were offset by 1 to 2 cm for the sham group. Participants pressed pellets thrice daily for 1 month. In the acupoint and sham groups, insomnia was reduced and sleep quality improved dramatically in the acupoint group at 4 weeks. Auricular acupressure may improve sleep and support equitable, cultural patient-centered care.

Adult↗