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PubMed2026

Perinatal depression, maternal thyroid status and fetus/infant health and development: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormones are known to influence both maternal depression and child developmental outcomes, while maternal depression independently affects child outcomes. The potential interaction between thyroid dysfunction and depression in shaping child development remains insufficiently explored. The present study addresses such interplay. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 and JBI guidelines, three databases were searched through December 2025 for primary studies on maternal thyroid status, perinatal depression, and child development. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using validated tools. Due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity, data were synthesized narratively following SWiM guidelines. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included. Beyond independent risks for preterm birth and behavioral problems, limited evidence supports a synergistic model, while most studies likely reflect the simple co-occurrence of risks. Maternal thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) were associated with child externalizing problems exclusively in the presence of clinical depression. High depressive symptoms also attenuated the cognitive benefits of prenatal iodine supplementation. Thyroid status appears to function as a risk moderator rather than a mediator. However, 50% of observational studies presented high RoB, primarily due to participant attrition. CONCLUSION: Findings are still scarce to support a synergistic risk model where specific maternal thyroid parameters (i.e. thyroid autoimmunity and iodine status) may moderate the impact of depressive symptoms on child development. Despite the high RoB in half of the studies, results highlight the need for integrated screening protocols. Simultaneously assessing mental health and thyroid status may optimize risk stratification for high-risk mother-infant dyads.

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PubMed2026

The association between prenatal PM2.5 constituent exposure and gestational diabetes mellitus: Exploratory analysis of the potential modifying role of thyroid hormones.

The associations of PM2.5 constituents with blood glucose and GDM remain unclear, and the interplay between PM2.5 exposure and thyroid hormone levels in relation to GDM has not been well characterized. This retrospective cohort study included 1314 pregnant women with data collected through multiple methods. A generalized linear model analyzed PM2.5-glucose links, logistic regression assessed pollutant-GDM associations, and stratified analyses explored these relationships at different thyroid hormone levels. In the study population, first-trimester exposure to SO42- and BC correlated positively with FBG, as did PM2.5 and its components in the second trimester. First-trimester SO4²⁻ exposure (OR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.51) and second-trimester exposures to PM2.5 (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.35), NO3⁻ (OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.68), and NH4⁺ (OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.65) were associated with increased GDM risk. Stratified analyses showed that second-trimester BC and OM were positively correlated with FBG in the high-TSH and low-FT4 strata, respectively. In addition, first-trimester exposure to SO42- (high TSH: OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.84; low FT4: OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.74) and to PM2.5 (high TSH: OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.27; low FT4: OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.25) in the second trimester were associated with higher odds of GDM. These findings show that PM2.5 exposure was associated with glucose dysregulation and GDM in pregnant women differently by trimester and component. Across the separate TSH- and FT4-stratified analyses, women in the high-TSH and low-FT4 strata, respectively, appeared to show greater susceptibility to air pollution-related GDM. These subgroup findings should therefore be interpreted as exploratory and require validation in future studies.

Effect modification↗

PubMed2026

Targeting ncRNA control networks with engineered exosomes to overcome therapy resistance in thyroid cancer.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy, accounting for over 90% of thyroid cancers. While differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) typically have favorable outcomes, a significant subset progresses to radioactive iodine-refractory (RAIR) disease, characterized by impaired iodine uptake and a 10-year survival rate below 10%. Genetic alterations and dysregulated signaling pathways underlie this transition. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play critical regulatory roles in tumor biology and may be transported via exosomes, facilitating intercellular communication and contributing to RAIR-PTC. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, evaluated the role of exosomal ncRNAs in RAIR-PTC. A comprehensive search of PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar identified studies published within the past 15 years in English. Following stringent quality appraisal, studies with a non-bias score above 40% were included. Of 961 identified publications, 96 high-quality studies met inclusion criteria. Evidence indicates that therapy resistance in RAIR-PTC is driven by convergent ncRNA regulatory networks that suppress sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) expression and activate oncogenic pathways, most notably MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Multiple ncRNAs converge on key regulatory nodes, forming redundant circuits that sustain dedifferentiation, metabolic adaptation, and impaired iodide transport. Several consistently dysregulated ncRNAs directly or indirectly regulate NIS expression and trafficking, highlighting actionable targets. Exosomes emerge as biologically compatible, programmable delivery vehicles capable of transporting therapeutic ncRNA payloads independent of endogenous packaging mechanisms. These findings support a precision therapeutic paradigm in which engineered exosomes reprogram ncRNA networks to restore iodine-handling pathways and overcome therapy resistance in RAIR-PTC.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Impact of oliceridine versus sufentanil on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing thyroid surgery: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication following thyroid surgery, often exacerbated by opioid use. Oliceridine, a novel G protein-biased μ-opioid receptor agonist, may reduce opioid-related adverse events. This study aimed to compare the impact of oliceridine versus sufentanil on the incidence and severity of PONV in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial conducted between May 2025 and February 2026, 232 patients scheduled for thyroid surgery were randomly assigned to receive either oliceridine or sufentanil for intraoperative analgesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV during the first 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included PONV severity, need for rescue anti-emetics, postoperative pain scores, recovery quality, and other adverse events. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV within 48 h postoperatively was significantly lower in the oliceridine group [13/107 (12%)] compared with the sufentanil group [31/110 (28%)] (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.72, p = 0.006). Postoperative pain scores, rescue analgesia requirements, and Quality of Recovery-15 scores were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). Besides, exploratory unadjusted analyses revealed fewer rescue anti-emetics: O group 8/107 (8%) vs S group 25/110 (23%) (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12-0.64, p = 0.002); and less abdominal distension: O group 4/107 (4%) vs S group 19/110 (17%) (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06-0.57, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: For young ASA I-II patients undergoing thyroid surgery, oliceridine yields adequate postoperative analgesia and lower PONV rates versus sufentanil. Additional trials involving high-intensity surgical procedures are needed to confirm consistent equivalence.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Clinical Trial: Phase 3 Trial of Resmetirom Versus Placebo in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis-Reanalysis of Fibrosis Stage 2-3 Subset.

BACKGROUND: Resmetirom is an oral thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist clinically used to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) among adults with stage F2 or F3 fibrosis. AIMS: Because the pivotal, 52-week, randomized, controlled, phase 3 MAESTRO-NASH trial (once-daily oral resmetirom 80 or 100 mg or placebo) included patients with F1, F2, or F3 fibrosis, we conducted a post hoc analysis aimed at assessing treatment response in the subset of patients with stages F2 and F3 fibrosis, consistent with the approved label population. METHODS: Co-primary end points were MASH resolution (hepatocellular ballooning score 0, lobular inflammation score ≤ 1, and ≥ 2-point nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score [NAS] reduction from baseline) with no fibrosis worsening, and ≥ 1-stage fibrosis improvement with no NAS worsening at Week 52. RESULTS: Among 917 patients with F2 or F3 fibrosis, metabolic risk factor prevalence was high (hypertension, 78.0%; dyslipidemia, 71.1%; type 2 diabetes, 67.0%). MASH resolution was achieved by 25.7% in the 80-mg group, 29.9% in the 100-mg group, and 9.5% in the placebo group (p < 0.0001 for both comparisons with placebo). Respective percentages with fibrosis improvement were 26.5%, 28.9%, and 17.3% (p < 0.01 for both comparisons). From baseline to Week 24, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by 11.7% and 13.7% in the 80- and 100-mg resmetirom groups, respectively, and increased by 2.3% with placebo (p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). No new safety signals emerged. CONCLUSION: Results among patients with F2 and F3 fibrosis were consistent with the primary MAESTRO-NASH analysis population, demonstrating efficacy and safety of resmetirom after 52 weeks.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Molecular Landscape and Advanced Diagnostic Technologies for BRAF Mutations in Cancer: From Quantitative PCR and ddPCR to CRISPR-Based Platforms.

BRAF mutations are key oncogenic alterations across multiple malignancies, including melanoma, thyroid carcinoma, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioma, and hairy cell leukemia. The most prevalent variant, BRAF-V600E, induces constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, promoting tumor progression and influencing therapeutic responsiveness. Accurate detection of BRAF alterations is therefore essential for molecular classification, prognostic assessment, treatment selection, and resistance surveillance. This review summarizes the molecular heterogeneity of BRAF mutations and critically evaluates current diagnostic methodologies. Conventional approaches such as allele-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing are compared with advanced quantitative platforms, including high-resolution melting analysis, droplet digital PCR, and next-generation sequencing, with emphasis on analytical sensitivity, mutation coverage, and clinical applicability. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR-based assays, rolling circle amplification systems, and nanoparticle-based biosensors and point-of-care diagnostic platforms are also discussed for their potential to enhance ultra-sensitive detection, particularly in liquid biopsy settings. These emerging tools are highlighted for their potential to enable ultra-sensitive, rapid, and decentralized mutation detection, particularly in liquid biopsy settings. Key challenges, including intratumoral heterogeneity, low allele-frequency variants, FFPE-associated artifacts, and clonal evolution under therapeutic pressure, are examined within a translational framework. In addition, we examine critical barriers to clinical implementation, including standardization, cost, and global accessibility of molecular diagnostics, and outline potential solutions through scalable technologies and decentralized testing strategies. We propose that optimal BRAF testing requires a mutation subclass-informed and clinically integrated strategy combining comprehensive baseline profiling with longitudinal molecular monitoring. Future diagnostic paradigms will likely integrate multi-omics data and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted interpretation to refine precision oncology implementation. Looking forward, we propose that optimal BRAF testing will require integration of multi-omics profiling with AI-assisted interpretation, enabling automated variant classification, real-time clinical decision support, and improved prediction of therapeutic response and resistance.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Association between pulse pressure and markers of cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Our aim was to systematically review and meta-analyse evidence on the association between pulse pressure (PP) and cognitive function using PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase and Scopus (inception-July 2025) publication databases. Studies were included if they reported an association between PP and cognitive function and summarized narratively and by performing fixed-effects meta-analysis. The search identified 4171 publications with 43 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Domains assessed included global cognition, memory, language, attention, executive function, processing speed and visuospatial ability. Meta-analysis suggests a positive association between PP and global cognition, and a negative association with memory in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with inconsistent findings from narratively summarized studies. Processing speed, executive function and language negatively associated with PP in cross-sectional studies with limited evidence provided by longitudinal studies or narratively summarized studies. There was limited evidence of an association with attention and visuospatial ability.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Early-stage trajectories of social-occupational functioning and long-term functional outcome prediction in early psychosis: A 12-year follow-up of the randomized controlled trial on extended early intervention.

BACKGROUND: Functional impairment in psychosis often persists despite symptomatic remission. There is a paucity of research examining early-course psychosocial functioning trajectories, and none has been conducted to examine relationship between the trajectories and prospective long-term functional outcomes in early psychosis sample. METHODS: We conducted 12-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial on extended early intervention for first-episode psychosis to identify early-course social-occupational functioning trajectories and their baseline predictors and associations with 12-year outcomes. Participants who completed Social and Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFAS) scores at three or more timepoints between baseline and 3-year follow-up were included in the study. Premorbid adjustment, illness characteristics, symptom severity, functioning, and treatment profiles were assessed. Latent growth mixture modeling was employed to derive early-course social-occupational functioning trajectories based on SOFAS scores over 3-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 148 participants were included in this study, with 106 patients having completed the 12-year follow-up. Our results identified four distinct trajectories, including persistently-good class, gradually-improved class, suboptimal-stable class, and persistently-poor class. Patients in persistently-poor class had more severe negative symptoms at baseline compared to patients in persistently-good class. Patients with persistently-poor trajectory had worse long-term outcomes than those with other classes in the majority of functional measures at 12-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients were classified in early-stage suboptimal or poor functional trajectories. Above one-fourth of the participants exhibited persistently-poor social-occupational functioning trajectory, which predicted worse functional outcomes at 12-year follow-up. These findings highlighted the importance of tracking functional changes during the initial years of illness.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The impact of supernormal lung function on mortality risk in adults with and without sleep-disordered breathing.

BACKGROUND: In the general population, supernormal lung function is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. RESEARCH QUESTION: It remains unclear whether sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects this relationship. METHODS: This cohort analysis included 4,839 adults. Lung function was categorised as supernormal (FEV1 > ULN), normal (LLN ≤ FEV1 ≤ ULN), and below normal (FEV1 < LLN). SDB severity was classified using apnoea-hypopnoea index categories: no SDB (<5 events/hour), mild SDB (5-<15 events/hour), moderate SDB (15-<30 events/hour), and severe SDB (≥30 events/hour). The association between lung function and all-cause mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models with subgroup analyses according to SDB severity and formal testing for interaction. Analyses were repeated using FVC-defined lung function groups as an alternative definition of supernormal lung function. RESULTS: Among the included participants, 4,068 (84.1%) had normal lung function, 369 (7.6%) had supernormal lung function, and 402 (8.3%) had below normal lung function. During 52 421.5 person-years of follow-up (median 11.72 years; IQR, 10.46-12.56), 1,188 deaths occurred. Compared with the normal lung function group, the supernormal lung function group had a lower prevalence of baseline hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The association between lung function and all-cause mortality varied across SDB severity strata (P for interaction = 0.034). A lower mortality risk associated with supernormal lung function was observed in participants without SDB (HR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06-0.97), whereas this association was not statistically significant in the mild, moderate, or severe SDB strata. Below normal lung function was generally associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk. Sensitivity analyses using FVC-defined lung function groups yielded broadly consistent findings. CONCLUSION: Supernormal lung function was associated with lower all-cause mortality primarily among individuals without SDB. These findings underscore the importance of considering SDB severity when assessing the health implications of lung function.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Peripheral inflammation and executive function among community samples across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Higher levels of peripheral inflammatory markers are proposed to disrupt cognitive processes; however, the extent to which this relationship applies to executive functions, specifically, has yet to be systematically evaluated. The current meta-analysis synthesizes all available literature measuring the association between peripheral inflammation and executive functions among community individuals across the lifespan. This systematic review searched Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO for published and unpublished studies, in the English language, that assessed the association between markers of peripheral inflammation and self-report and behavioral measures of executive function. In addition to methodological and demographic information, correlation/beta coefficients were extracted from included studies to quantify the association between inflammation and executive functions. This review included 58 studies, 41 of which were included in the random-effects meta-analysis (N = 255,539). Among community individuals, higher levels of CRP and IL-6 were associated with poorer executive functioning. These results did not differ when models accounted for potential confounding variables. Meta-regressions revealed that the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and executive function did not differ as a function of age, adiposity, or percentage of the sample who identified as female. Results of the present review indicate that higher levels of specific inflammatory markers are associated with lower performance on executive function measures; however, we observed significant heterogeneity in the study design and measurement of both inflammation and executive functioning, suggesting important considerations for future research.

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

Sustained cognitive and functional effects of pro-cognitive interventions for bipolar disorder: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

A substantial proportion of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) experience considerable cognitive deficits. Existing systematic reviews have evaluated the efficacy of pro-cognitive interventions in BD, but have not established whether any cognitive benefits translate into functional improvements, with evidence for sustained functional effects remaining limited. A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library from inception until 21 May 2026. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in BD reporting cognitive or functional outcomes at three or more months following a pro-cognitive intervention, or examining the translation of cognitive benefits into improvements in functional outcomes at any timepoint. Seven unique RCTs plus three secondary analyses of these trials (n = 615) met the inclusion criteria. Approximately 13% (7/55) of RCTs identified in the search of pro-cognitive interventions in adult BD assessed cognitive or functional outcomes at least 3 months after treatment end. Of the seven unique RCTs, most evaluated cognitive remediation (CR; k = 4). The average follow-up length was 4 months (range: 3-6 months). Three of the four RCTs examining CR reported cognitive benefits at 3 to 6 months, whereas only one CR RCT found consistent functional effects at 3 months. Evidence on the translation of cognitive benefits to functional improvements is scarce and inconsistent. Most trials examining pro-cognitive interventions do not examine whether potential benefits are sustained or whether they translate into improvements in real-world functioning. CR appears to be a promising intervention for achieving durable cognitive gains in BD, although evidence for sustained effects of other interventions is limited.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of permissive hypercapnia on intraoperative cerebral oxygenation and early postoperative cognitive function in older patients with fragile brain function during the non-acute phase undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Older adults with non-acute fragile brain function (NFBF) may be particularly susceptible to perioperative disturbances in cerebral oxygenation and postoperative neurocognitive decline. Permissive hypercapnia (PHC) may enhance cerebral oxygenation, but its effects in this population remain unclear. We examined whether PHC-based ventilation improves intraoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and early postoperative cognitive outcomes in older patients with NFBF undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: In this single-center, single-blind randomized trial, 76 patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to PHC-based or conventional ventilation. The primary outcome was the absolute change in rSO2 from baseline (T0) to the end of surgery (T4). Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle, with prespecified per-protocol sensitivity analysis. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative rSO2 trajectories, cerebral oxygen extraction-related indices, early postoperative cognitive screening, serum neuron-specific enolase and interleukin-6, and safety outcomes. RESULTS: PHC significantly increased rSO2 relative to conventional ventilation (left: adjusted mean difference [aMD] 10.64, 95% CI 8.96-12.33; right: aMD 10.16, 95% CI 8.22-12.11; both P < 0.001), with consistent sensitivity results. Repeated-measures analyses showed persistently higher intraoperative rSO2 in the PHC group. Cerebral oxygen extraction-related indices were generally lower with PHC. However, early postoperative cognitive outcomes and serum biomarkers did not differ between groups. Emergence time was modestly longer with PHC, whereas adverse events were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: PHC-based ventilation favorably modified intraoperative cerebral oxygenation and oxygen-extraction profiles but did not translate into detectable early postoperative cognitive or biomarker benefits in older adults with NFBF.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Probiotic-derived extracellular vesicles as food-based nanocarriers: Mechanisms, functional applications, and future perspectives in food systems.

Probiotic-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are a promising type of postbiotic nanoparticle derived by fermentation of probiotics, and have gained growing interest as a potential application in food science and nutrition. These are lipid bilayer vesicles of nanoscale, which are naturally released by probiotic cells and contain a wide variety of bioactive molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites. Moreover, PDEVs are highly stable, biocompatible, and can be easily engineered to have surfaces with high functionality, which makes them good candidates in functional engineering. In contrast to traditional live probiotics, PDEVs overcome the difficulties of preserving microbial viability during processing and storage, thus providing superior safety, stability, and predictable biological performance. This is a systematic review of the various functions of PDEVs in food systems. We conclude on the processes through which PDEVs control intestinal barrier integrity, alter gut microbiota composition, and alter host immune responses, and their potential to enhance gut health when added to functional foods. In addition to their health-promoting effects, PDEVs have shown significant potential as natural antimicrobial agents to preserve food and as effective nanocarriers of hydrophobic bioactive compounds, including fucoxanthin, to improve their stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. Moreover, PDEVs can be used as new regulators of microbial fermentation. However, it should be noted that a lot of the evidence that is available is still preliminary and the effectiveness of these applications in real food-processing and storage conditions has not been fully proven. Although they have potential, there are a number of challenges that still hinder the widespread use of PDEVs in the food industry. These involve the creation of scalable and cost-effective production processes, batch-to-batch consistency, vesicle stability in a variety of food matrices, and regulatory and safety considerations. Other emerging engineering approaches, such as surface functionalization and cargo loading, are also discussed in this review and could further increase the specificity, functionality, and application versatility of PDEVs in food systems. Moving forward, the incorporation of PDEVs into the next generation functional foods, novel food preservation methods, and customized nutrition plans should be prioritized in future studies. Further developments in these fields can make PDEVs useful platforms at the interface of food microbiology, nanotechnology, and human health.

Probiotics↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness of passive vs. assistive robotic gait training on functional recovery and neuroplasticity post-stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to compare the impacts of various robotic gait training (RAGT) modes on lower limb motor function recovery in stroke patients while exploring the corresponding neural mechanisms. DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight patients aged 18-80 who had experienced their first unilateral subacute stroke accompanied by walking impairments were included. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to: (1) assistive mode training, (2) passive mode training, or (3) control group receiving only traditional rehabilitation. Clinical and neurological outcomes were assessed at pre-intervention (T0), and post-2-week intervention (T1). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity, Berg Balance Scale, Modified Barthel Index, the Functional Ambulatory Category, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: Among the 48 patients recruited, significant time effects were observed across all groups in FMA-LE scores (p < 0.001). Notable improvements were detected in the conventional group (MD = 2.69, p＜0.01) and the passive group (MD = 3.67, p < 0.001), with the assistive mode also demonstrating a significant effect (MD = 1.79, p < 0.05). BBS scores improved across all groups; however, no significant differences were noted between the groups (p = 0.11). Similarly, MBI scores showed a significant time effect (p < 0.001), without notable group differences (p = 0.29). CONCLUSION: All training modalities effectively enhanced motor function, balance, and daily living skills in stroke patients. Distinct cortical activation and connectivity patterns were observed between training modalities, which may reflect different neuroplastic mechanisms. These preliminary neural differences may help inform personalized rehabilitation strategies, although no clinical superiority of one mode over another can be concluded from the present data.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Nationwide cohort study reveals low bifidobacteria and distinct microbiota composition and function in Swedish newborns.

NCT06285630.

Female↗

PubMed2026

Functional neuroimaging subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) exhibits substantial clinical heterogeneity that may reflect underlying neurobiological diversity. Neuroimaging-based subtyping may advance precision psychiatry by identifying biologically distinct subgroups with differential treatment responses. This study systematically synthesized evidence from functional neuroimaging subtyping studies in OCD to identify reproducible neurobiological subtypes, characterize their clinical profiles, and establish a consensus-based classification framework. We reviewed 40 original studies employing machine learning, clustering, normative modeling, or classification approaches, encompassing approximately 8,150 patients. Consensus clustering identified three reproducible neurobiological subtypes. The Limbic-Hyperactive subtype, comprising approximately 40% of patients, exhibited amygdala and insula hyperconnectivity, elevated anxiety levels, predominant contamination and washing symptoms, and favorable response to cognitive-behavioral therapy. The Fronto-Striatal-Hypoconnected subtype, comprising approximately 35% of patients, demonstrated reduced orbitofrontal-striatal connectivity, cognitive inflexibility, predominant checking and ordering symptoms, and a favorable response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The Global-Disrupted subtype, comprising approximately 25% of patients, exhibited widespread connectivity disruption, greater symptom severity, and poor treatment response. Support vector machine classification achieved 81.5% accuracy for subtype assignment, though classification of OCD versus healthy controls showed limited generalizability in multisite settings (AUC 0.567-0.673). These findings support a neuroimaging-based framework for personalized treatment selection but require prospective validation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for functional neurological disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatments for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) remain limited. This pilot trial evaluated the preliminary efficacy of Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP) plus Standard Medical Care (SMC) compared with SMC alone in reducing FND symptom frequency. METHODS: Adults with FND were randomized (1:1) to receive either SMC alone or 12 weekly sessions of STPP plus SMC. The primary outcome was symptom frequency (days with symptoms in the last 4 weeks) assessed at the end of treatment (3 months) and at 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included treatment response (≥50% reduction in symptom frequency) and scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). RESULTS: Of 91 randomized patients (mean age 38.2 years, 75.8% female), 81.3% completed follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis using Linear Mixed Models showed that STPP plus SMC significantly reduced symptom frequency compared with SMC alone (estimated mean difference -5.72 [95% CI -8.68 to -2.77]; Cohen's d = 0.77; p < 0.001).Treatment response was achieved by 65.8% in the intervention group versus 16.7% in controls (OR 8.21 [95% CI 2.79-24.19]; p < 0.001; NNT 2.0).Significant improvements were also observed for depression (HAM-D: estimated mean difference -10.80; d = 1.45), anxiety (HAM-A: -7.94; d = 1.06), and disability (WHODAS 2.0: -5.77; d = 0.74), all p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: STPP was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in FND symptom frequency and all secondary outcomes, with large effect sizes and high treatment response rates. These findings support the preliminary efficacy of STPP for FND and justify larger, multicenter confirmatory trials.

Humans↗