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PubMed2026

Utero-placental calcium and magnesium ion channels: A systematic review of obstetric implications of their alterations.

Despite the established roles of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) in placental function and uterine contractility, limited information exists on how dysregulation of major ion channels contributes to poor pregnancy outcomes. We synthesized data on the consequences of Ca2+ and Mg2+ channelopathies in uterine and placental functions. Using PubMed, Wiley Online, AJOL, and Web of Science databases for article search, a systematic review of forty-nine papers published between 2000 and March 2026 was carried out and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guideline. Based on the PICO framework, eligible studies involving human, animal, and in vitro designs were chosen and subjected to narrative analysis. L-type and T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, together with transient receptor potential channels, emerged as principal mediators of placental Ca2+ transport and myometrial contractility. Mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels mediate stretch-activated Ca2+ influx, while store-operated Ca2+ entry pathways involving STIM1-Orai1 sustain intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Potassium-Ca2+ coupling channels modulated membrane hyperpolarization and anti-labor effects, and intracellular regulators such as PMCA and RYR1 fine-tuned Ca2+ homeostasis. The Mg2+ transporters are essential for preserving Mg2+ homeostasis and regulating Ca2+-dependent excitability. Dysregulation of these ion channel systems was consistently linked to abnormal uterine contractility, preterm birth, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Both Ca2+ and Mg2+ ion channelopathies represent both a potential therapeutic target and a mechanistic factor underlying key obstetric complications.

Female↗

PubMed2026

Transcriptomic and RNAi analyses reveal chloride channel 3-associated osmoregulation in Litopenaeus vannamei under low-salinity stress.

Chloride channels and transporters are important for cellular volume regulation and salinity adaptation in euryhaline crustaceans, yet the intestinal transcriptional relationship between plasma-membrane and intracellular chloride pathways remains unclear in Litopenaeus vannamei. In this study, RNA interference of anoctamin 1 (ANO1) was combined with intestinal transcriptome sequencing under the production-relevant low-salinity condition of salinity 3. ANO1 silencing produced a focused transcriptional response, with 16 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified (11 upregulated and 5 downregulated). Functional enrichment indicated that these genes were associated with transporter activity, cytoskeletal organization, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, membrane lipid metabolism, and vesicular processes. Notably, a transcript encoding chloride channel protein 3 (CLC-3) was significantly upregulated following ANO1 knockdown, suggesting a potential transcriptional relationship between ANO1 and CLC-3 in chloride homeostasis. Based on this finding, CLC-3 was selected for full-length cDNA cloning, sequence characterization, salinity-gradient expression analysis, and RNAi-based functional assessment. The cloned CLC-3 cDNA was 2883 bp in length and encoded an 850 amino acid protein containing a conserved voltage-gated chloride channel (Voltage-CLC) domain and two cystathionine β-synthase domains. Phylogenetic analysis placed LvCLC-3 within the intracellular CLC-c clade, and tissue distribution analysis showed the highest CLC-3 expression in the intestine. Intestinal CLC-3 expression responded nonlinearly to salinity variation, peaking at salinity 20. Under salinity 3, CLC-3 knockdown reduced ANO1, Na+/K+-ATPase alpha subunit, and Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter transcript levels, whereas glutamate-gated chloride channel expression increased. Mild hepatopancreatic structural alterations were also observed after CLC-3 knockdown. These findings suggest that CLC-3 is a salinity-responsive intracellular chloride-transporter candidate associated with intestinal ion-transport-related transcriptional responses after ANO1 suppression in L. vannamei, although the underlying physiological mechanism requires further validation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Protein sorting and proteostasis mechanisms in CFTR-related exocrine pancreas dysfunction: A systematic narrative review.

The pancreas consists of exocrine and endocrine compartments. In the exocrine pancreas, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) functions mainly in ductal epithelial cells as a chloride and bicarbonate channel. Its activity depends on proper protein folding, trafficking, and localization to the apical membrane. This systematic narrative review aims to synthesize the available evidence on the role of protein sorting machinery in CFTR channelopathies and its contribution to exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. A thorough search was conducted using PRISMA criteria on PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Scopus for studies published in English between January 2000 and November 2025. Twenty studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Pathogenic CFTR variants impair protein folding, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit, and endosomal recycling, resulting in reduced apical membrane expression and stability. These defects disrupt the localization of associated transporters and secretory proteins, impair ductal bicarbonate secretion, alter zymogen handling, and promote acinar injury, although these claims are supported mainly by indirect experimental models and therefore require clinical confirmation. CFTR channelopathies in the exocrine pancreas encompass both ion transport defects and broader disruptions of protein sorting machinery. CFTR may contribute to the assembly, stabilization, or localization of selected apical transport complexes, and its loss can secondarily alter epithelial organization. Therapeutic approaches targeting both channel correction and intracellular trafficking may improve pancreatic function and mitigate disease progression.

Humans↗

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

Deciphering S-nitrosylation-regulated metabolic networks in postmortem beef based on label-free modificomics: Identification of ferroptosis as a novel quality-related pathway.

This study elucidated the molecular mechanisms of S-nitrosylation on postmortem beef metabolism and quality based on the label-free modificomics. Varying degrees of S-nitrosylation were exogenously induced in beef semimembranosus (SM) muscle. Results indicated that a high S-nitrosylation level significantly increased beef pH and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) while reducing centrifugal loss (P < 0.05). A total of 828 S-nitrosylated proteins and 1458 modification sites were identified, of which 114 sites on 81 proteins (DSNPs) exhibited differential modification abundance, representing an increase of 125% compared with previous proteomics studies. DSNPs were mainly involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, calcium signaling, cell structure, and ferroptosis. Notably, this study provides the first evidence in postmortem muscle that S-nitrosylation regulates key ferroptosis-related proteins, including ACSL, CP, and TF, offering new insights into the link between S-nitrosylation and the ferroptosis pathway in meat. Correlation analysis demonstrated that TF was significantly negatively correlated with pH and WBSF, but positively correlated with centrifugal loss (P < 0.05). Collectively, protein S-nitrosylation critically modulates postmortem beef quality through the coordinated regulation of multiple metabolic processes. More importantly, the identification of ferroptosis as a S-nitrosylation-sensitive pathway provides a new perspective for regulating meat quality through protein post-translational modifications.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Mitigating pH-induced instability in deruxtecan-based ADCs: an onboard-mixing icIEF approach for robust charge heterogeneity characterization.

Accurate charge variant analysis of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is essential for understanding product heterogeneity and ensuring quality control. However, Deruxtecan (DXd)-based ADCs present a unique analytical challenge due to the intrinsic instability of the payload, where the lactone ring readily undergoes hydrolysis under alkaline conditions, resulting in time-dependent shifts in charge distribution during imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF). In this study, we describe the development of an onboard-mixing icIEF method designed to minimize pH-induced degradation during sample preparation. By separating ADC samples from carrier ampholytes (CAs) prior to injection and enabling real-time mixing within the instrument, this approach effectively suppresses premature lactone ring opening and stabilizes charge variant profiles. Comparative studies between conventional premixing and onboard-mixing approach demonstrated that the latter significantly enhances reproducibility, particularly for acidic variants that are highly sensitive to structural conversion. Comprehensive method validation confirmed excellent precision, linearity, and sensitivity, with consistent performance across run-to-run and intra-day analyses. The results underscore the importance of controlling microenvironmental pH exposure in the analysis of chemically instable ADCs. The proposed onboard-mixing strategy provides a robust and efficient solution for icIEF-based characterization, reducing analytical artifacts while simplifying method development. This approach is broadly applicable to ADCs and other biotherapeutics containing pH-sensitive functional groups.

Hydrogen-Ion Concentration↗

PubMed2026

Divergent responses of the gill, hepatopancreas, and eyestalk to acute alkalinity stress in Penaeus vannamei: Osmoregulatory compromise, metabolic trade-off, and endocrine disruption.

The expansion of aquaculture into inland saline-alkali waters is constrained by high carbonate alkalinity (CA), a severe environmental stressor for crustaceans. However, the systemic molecular mechanisms underlying its lethal toxicity remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed a comparative transcriptomic approach to investigate the tissue-specific responses of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, under acute lethal stress (48 h-LC50). We focused on three functionally distinct organs: the gill, hepatopancreas, and eyestalk. The results revealed a systemic but highly tissue-specific transcriptomic response. The gill, as the primary interface, exhibited severe structural impairment and critical failure of osmoregulation, highlighted by the significant downregulation of delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS). In contrast, the hepatopancreas initiates a profound metabolic trade-off, sacrificing growth-related pathways to bolster a robust antioxidant defense system, as evidenced by the activation of sulfur metabolism and high protein turnover. The eyestalk displayed a striking disconnect between hyperactivated stress signaling pathways (e.g., mTOR/FoxO) and the collapse of its protein secretory machinery, marked by the suppression of the ER translocon component Sec61. Collectively, our findings suggest that lethal alkalinity toxicity in P. vannamei results from systemic collapse driven by a complex interplay of osmoregulatory failure, metabolic trade-offs, and endocrine disruption. This study provides a comprehensive molecular snapshot of an organism at its physiological limit, offering novel insights into the adaptive strategies and ultimate tolerance boundaries of crustaceans in extreme environments.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Proteomic characterization of the acquired enamel pellicle under acidic challenges at early and mature formation stages.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) proteomic changes after exposure to citric acid (CA) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) under different pellicle formation times (3 and 120 min) in the same volunteers. DESIGN: Nine healthy volunteers participated in this randomized crossover in vivo study. The AEP was allowed to form for 3 or 120 min and subsequently exposed for 10 s to deionized water (control), 1% CA (pH 2.5), or 0.01 M HCl (pH 2.0). Pellicle samples were collected, followed by protein extraction, tryptic digestion, and analysis by nanoliquid chromatography (nanoLC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) with MSE (data-independent acquisition; nanoLC-MSᴱ). Label-free quantitative proteomics were performed for relative quantification using t-test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At 120 min, CA exposure markedly reduced several typical AEP proteins, especially acidic proline-rich proteins (PRPs). Conversely, basic PRPs were upregulated, suggesting acid-resistance protein signature. At 3 min, basal-layer proteins (PRPs, cystatins, histatins and mucins) were more abundant. Hemoglobins increased 6-8-fold (up to 150-fold in 3 min control), suggesting association with early pellicle formation and an acid-resistant protein signature. CA exposures for 120 min also upregulated typical AEP proteins (PRPs, mucins, cystatins, immunoglobulins), while HCl exposure depleted albumins and lactotransferrin. CONCLUSION: Intrinsic and extrinsic acids induce distinct proteomic signatures in the AEP. Hemoglobin and PRPs appear consistently enriched in the early pellicle layer, reflecting an initial acid-resistant protein signature. These findings provide new insights into the molecular remodeling of the AEP following intrinsic and extrinsic acid exposure, highlighting proteins potentially involved in early-stage pellicle formation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Low-salinity stress alters growth, histology, physiology, and transcriptomic profiles of the gills and antennal glands in Macrobrachium rosenbergii.

Salinity is a major abiotic constraint in freshwater aquaculture of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii, yet the coordinated roles of the gills and antennal glands, the two primary osmoregulatory organs in decapod crustaceans, under low-salinity stress remain poorly characterized. Here, we integrated histological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses to characterize the adaptive responses of M. rosenbergii to acute (96 h) and chronic (8 weeks) exposure to salinity 5. Chronic low-salinity stress significantly impaired growth performance and decreased the survival rate. Acute stress induced thinning of the gill filaments, partial disorganization of pillar cells, and dilation of the intermicrovillar space in the antennal glands, whereas chronic stress caused gill vacuolization, cuticle thinning, and adaptive folding of antennal gland microvilli. In parallel, acute exposure significantly decreased hemolymph sodium and potassium ion concentrations but increased magnesium ion concentration, whereas chronic exposure increased hemolymph sodium and potassium ion concentrations, upregulated gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity, and enhanced hepatopancreatic antioxidant capacity. Transcriptomic analyses revealed distinct tissue-specific responses. Under acute stress, the gills preferentially activated pathways associated with cytoskeletal remodeling, motor proteins, and tight junctions, whereas chronic acclimation shifted the transcriptional response toward the renin-angiotensin system and glutathione metabolism. In the antennal glands, acute stress rapidly activated the renin secretion pathway, whereas chronic exposure promoted membrane remodeling by enriching pathways related to lipid and glycan metabolism. These findings reveal tissue-specific functional differentiation and synergistic coordination between the gills and antennal glands that underpin M. rosenbergii's adaptive response to low-salinity stress.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Thermal analysis techniques for microplastic mass quantification: Methodological challenges and standardization needs.

Microplastics (MPs, 1 μm-5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, <1 μm) are ubiquitous contaminants requiring standardized quantification methods. This systematic review evaluates thermal analysis techniques for mass-based MP detection, including pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), thermogravimetry-MS (TGA-MS), thermal extraction desorption-GC-MS (TED-GC-MS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Database searches (Web of Science, from inception to December 1, 2025) following PRISMA guidelines identified studies across seven environmental matrices (water, soil/sediment, atmosphere, biota, human tissues). We identify critical standardization gaps: inconsistent marker ion selection, unvalidated conversion factors for tire and road wear particles (TRWPs), and the absence of certified reference materials for complex matrices. Py-GC-MS demonstrates versatility but suffers from lipid interference in biological samples; TED-GC-MS offers superior sensitivity (sample capacity ∼200× Py-GC-MS) but lacks real-time chromatographic monitoring. To advance data comparability, we propose: (i) harmonized ion selection hierarchies based on specificity-sensitivity balance, (ii) matrix-specific TRWP quantification protocols, and (iii) inter-laboratory validation using environmental reference materials. This review provides a methodological roadmap for standardizing thermal analysis in MP research.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

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

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

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Unveiling the molecular basis of gonadal development: Multi-omics uncovers sex-related genes and steroid pathways in Sinonovacula constricta.

The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta is an economically important cultured mollusk in China, but the molecular mechanism of its gonadal development and sexual differentiation remains unclear. This study integrated gonadal transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analysis to identify key sex-related molecules. Transcriptome analysis identified 2795 DELs and 6497 DEGs between sexes, including the sex-related genes Fem-1b, Fem-1c, GUCY1B2 and FAT4, as well as a regulatory network of 39 lncRNA-mRNA pairs involving Tektin-4, Ropporin-1, Histone H1, and FoxN4. Proteomic analysis revealed 3217 DEPs: Tektin family members, Ropporin-1 and Tssk proteins were upregulated in the testis, while histone H1 and FAT4 were upregulated in the ovary. Metabolomic analysis detected 409 DEMs, with uridine identified as a potential sex differential marker (upregulated in the ovary), and 23 gonadal development-related DEMs showed sex-specific upregulation. Integrative transcriptome-proteome analysis identified 1543 co-expressed DEGs/DEPs enriched in nucleosome assembly, oxidative phosphorylation, and carbon metabolism, including key sex-related genes AKAP14, Tektin/Tssk families, Histone H1, and FAT4. Transcriptome-metabolome integration identified 32 shared KEGG pathways (e.g., biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, pyrimidine metabolism), while proteome-metabolome integration revealed 5 (positive ion) and 6 (negative ion) co-enriched pathways, with alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation being functionally relevant to gonadal development. Collectively, these results reveal the molecular basis of gonadal development, highlight critical sex-related genes and steroid metabolic pathways, and provide valuable resources for future reproduction and breeding in S. constricta.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Desert-derived Ensifer sp. SA403 enhances potato salt tolerance by reshaping rhizosphere microbiome functions and host responses.

Soil salinization increasingly threatens global food security, and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), a moderately salt-sensitive crop, is particularly vulnerable to saline soils. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer a promising strategy to improve crop performance, yet how PGPR interact with native microorganisms to enhance potato salt tolerance remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified a desert-derived PGPR strain, Ensifer sp. SA403, which substantially enhanced potato performance under high salinity across sterile, non-sterile and field conditions. Physiologically, inoculation with SA403 reduced shoot Na⁺ accumulation and increased the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio; notably, these effects were markedly stronger in non-sterile substrates than under sterile conditions, indicating that SA403-mediated ion homeostasis relies on cooperation with the resident microbiota rather than on the strain acting alone. Metagenomic profiling indicated that SA403 strain reshaped rhizosphere communities, significantly enriching beneficial taxa such as Priestia and Bradyrhizobium, and upregulated functional pathways involved in glutathione and sulfur metabolism. Furthermore, host transcriptomic analyses showed that SA403 modulated plant responses to salt stress, with differentially expressed genes enriched in jasmonic acid signaling, ethanolamine metabolism and amino-acid biosynthesis pathways. Field trials on saline soils confirmed that SA403 significantly increased seedling emergence and tuber weight. Together, our results demonstrate that SA403 functions as a biological mediator that optimizes rhizosphere microecology and coordinates ion balance and host signaling to enhance potato salt tolerance. These findings support the potential of SA403 as a robust PGPR-based tool for sustainable potato production on saline soils.

Rhizosphere↗

PubMed2026

Identification of aquaporin (AQP) genes in the noble scallop Chlamys nobilis and characterization of their expression under low-temperature stress.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane channel proteins essential for water homeostasis and cellular stress responses. In marine bivalves, their roles in cold tolerance remain poorly understood despite frequent winter mortality events in aquaculture. Here, we identified nine AQP genes in the genome of the economically important noble scallop Chlamys nobilis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed strong conservation with other bivalve AQPs, and structural features, including conserved NPA motifs and ar/R selectivity filters, support their canonical water/glycerol transport functions. Tissue-specific expression profiling showed predominant enrichment in osmoregulatory tissues (gills, intestine) and gonads. Under both chronic and acute low-temperature stress from 23 °C to 9 °C, most CnAQP genes exhibited transient upregulation followed by suppression. Notably, CnAQP4 displayed sustained upregulation, implicating it as a key mediator of long-term cold adaptation. Promoter analysis further revealed abundant cis-elements linked to growth and development as well as immune regulation. Our findings provide the first comprehensive characterization of the AQP family in C. nobilis, highlighting its critical role in maintaining cellular integrity during cold stress and offering molecular targets for selective breeding of cold-tolerant scallop strains.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Infra-low-frequency neurofeedback alters EEG network efficiency: exploratory evidence from healthy volunteers.

Infra-Low-Frequency Neurofeedback (ILF-NFB) combines classic frequency-band (FB) and infra-low-frequency (ILF) EEG components in implicit training protocols and is increasingly applied in clinical contexts. Yet, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying ILF-NFB remain to be further elucidated. In this randomized, sham-controlled and double-blind study, we explored the online impact of a one-session ILF-NFB application on EEG correlates in healthy participants (39 analyzed datasets). Continuous 31-channel EEG was recorded during verum and sham feedback in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. In this exploratory analysis approach, functional connectivity was estimated using the debiased weighted phase-lag index (dwPLI) and analyzed with graph-theoretical measures. The results revealed higher global efficiency during verum compared to sham in the Beta1 band (12-15 Hz), reaching significance in the primary comparison but not surviving Bonferroni correction across the five tested bands; block-wise follow-ups showed a significant verum-sham difference in the first half of the neurofeedback session and a directionally consistent pattern in the second half. The Condition × Block interaction was not significant. No consistent differences were observed in other frequency bands, nor for betweenness centrality. While preliminary, these exploratory results point to possible network-level effects during ILF-NFB and motivate further confirmatory work in extended training protocols and clinical populations.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A systematic review of macaque brain stimulation: Trends and future directions.

Neurostimulation techniques can powerfully modulate neural circuit activity and provide causal insights into the relationship between brain function and behavior. Macaque monkeys have long been a key animal model for brain stimulation studies. While stimulating the macaque brain with one or a few electrodes has already taught us much about brain function and dysfunction, recent technological advances promise a future with more precise stimulation using many more electrodes. However, such possibilities also increase the number of choices an experimenter has when designing their study. We can learn from a rich past, but a comprehensive overview of which brain regions have been studied and with what stimulation parameters is lacking. Here, we present a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of 734 macaque brain stimulation studies using electrical and/or optogenetic stimulation. We find a striking bias in which brain areas have traditionally been stimulated: a mere 10 brain regions account for half of all studies, with the remainder of studies investigating approximately 150 other areas. Across studies, stimulation frequency robustly predicted direct behavioral effects independent of brain region, while amplitude did not. Future studies could more systematically explore less studied regions through lower stimulation frequencies (e.g., 20-50 Hz) alongside established ranges (∼200 Hz). Tools such as fMRI or optical imaging can capture neural circuit engagement evoked by these frequencies, even when behavioral effects are absent or remain subtle. Our synthesis offers a guide towards the next steps in high-channel-count, high-precision stimulation approaches.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

The influence of organizational culture on medication safety practices and associated risk factors in the community setting: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Increasing attention has been given to the role of organizational culture in influencing medication safety practices across healthcare settings. The lack of widely accepted standardized instrumentation makes operational measurement of organizational culture and medication safety challenging. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the impact of organizational culture on medication safety within community healthcare settings. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Nursing & Allied Health were searched in August 2025 using keywords, subject terms, field codes, and Boolean operators to identify papers relevant to the review question; bibliographies of included studies were also reviewed. Screening and full-text review were completed independently by two reviewers with a third to adjudicate conflicts. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme was used for quality assessment. The PRISMA statement guided the development and implementation of the review. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were included representing various community settings. Most studies reported on untoward medication events, but few measured systematically collected safety data before and after an intervention. Organizational culture was seldom defined or operationalized. Most studies were methodologically sound, but the overall level of evidence was weak to moderate. CONCLUSION: Organizational culture influences medication safety through aspects such as communication channels, teamwork, training, and an environment that allows error and near-miss reporting. Few studies explicitly evaluate the causal impact of culture interventions on measurable medication safety outcomes in community healthcare settings. Further research should incorporate standardized measurement tools and intervention-based, pre-post designs to better understand how organizational culture influences medication safety in community healthcare settings.

Organizational Culture↗

PubMed2026

Granger connectivity and graph-theoretical analysis of scalp EEG across the preictal to ictal transition for presurgical evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of estimating lateralization and localization of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in temporal and extratemporal lobe epilepsy by combining Electric Source Imaging (ESI) with functional connectivity analysis of high-density EEG from the preictal to the ictal phase. METHODS: Adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy and at least one recorded seizure during 40- or 64 channels EEG monitoring were retrospectively included. Granger causality and hubness centrality were computed over the 10-s preictal interval and the first 5 s of the ictal period, with ictal onset defined as the first EEG change identified by experienced epileptologists. The reference standard for EZ localization was based on resective surgical outcome or stereo-EEG findings. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (7 females; median age 35 years) were included. Connectivity analyses showed higher concordance with clinical findings during the preictal phase than during the ictal phase for both lateralization (91% vs 46%) and localization (73% vs 27%). Performance was highest in temporal (7/7 lateralization; 6/7 localization) and frontal lobe epilepsy (2/2 for both), and lower in parieto-occipital epilepsy (1/2 and 0/2, respectively). In two cases with poor surgical outcome or no surgical indication, connectivity findings were discordant with clinical estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Connectivity analysis across the preictal to ictal transition provides relevant lateralizing and localizing information, particularly in temporal and frontal lobe epilepsy, and may reveal clinically meaningful discordance. SIGNIFICANCE: Integrating high-density EEG, ESI, and functional connectivity during the phase preceding the first EEG change may support non-invasive presurgical evaluation.

Humans↗