picture
RJR-logo

About | BLOGS | Portfolio | Misc | Recommended | What's New | What's Hot

About | BLOGS | Portfolio | Misc | Recommended | What's New | What's Hot

icon

Bibliography Options Menu

icon
QUERY RUN:
30 May 2026 at 01:33
HITS:
52485
PAGE OPTIONS:
Hide Abstracts   |   Hide Additional Links
NOTE:
Long bibliographies are displayed in blocks of 100 citations at a time. At the end of each block there is an option to load the next block.

Bibliography on: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

RJR-3x

Robert J. Robbins is a biologist, an educator, a science administrator, a publisher, an information technologist, and an IT leader and manager who specializes in advancing biomedical knowledge and supporting education through the application of information technology. More About:  RJR | OUR TEAM | OUR SERVICES | THIS WEBSITE

RJR: Recommended Bibliography 30 May 2026 at 01:33 Created: 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that results in the progressive loss of motor neurons that control voluntary muscles. ALS is the most common form of the motor neuron diseases. Early symptoms of ALS include stiff muscles, muscle twitches, and gradual increasing weakness and muscle wasting. Limb-onset ALS begins with weakness in the arms or legs, while bulbar-onset ALS begins with difficulty speaking or swallowing. Around half of people with ALS develop at least mild difficulties with thinking and behavior, and about 15% develop frontotemporal dementia. Motor neuron loss continues until the ability to eat, speak, move, and finally the ability to breathe is lost. Most cases of ALS (about 90% to 95%) have no known cause, and are known as sporadic ALS. However, both genetic and environmental factors are believed to be involved. The remaining 5% to 10% of cases have a genetic cause, often linked to a history of the disease in the family, and these are known as genetic ALS. About half of these genetic cases are due to disease-causing variants in one of two specific genes. The diagnosis is based on a person's signs and symptoms, with testing conducted to rule out other potential causes.

Created with PubMed® Query: ( ALS*[TIAB] OR "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis"[TIAB] ) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

-->

RevDate: 2026-05-28

Pasetto L, Callegaro S, Corbelli A, et al (2026)

Correction: Decoding distinctive features of plasma extracellular vesicles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Molecular neurodegeneration, 21(1): pii:10.1186/s13024-026-00955-z.

RevDate: 2026-05-29
CmpDate: 2026-05-28

Sun QH, Xuan X, Du YG, et al (2026)

APOE ε4 Allele is Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Sporadic ALS: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Biomedical and environmental sciences : BES, 39(5):564-571.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and serum APOE levels on cognitive and motor phenotypes in Chinese patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

METHODS: APOE genotypes were determined in 289 patients with sporadic ALS, and serum APOE levels were measured in a subset of 222 patients. Cognitive function was assessed using the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen. We examined the association of APOE genotype and serum levels with age at onset, site of onset, disease progression rate (DPR), time to generalization of symptoms (TTG), and cognitive performance.

RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in sex, age at onset, site of onset, DPR, or TTG among patients with different APOE genotypes. Similarly, serum APOE levels did not correlate with these clinical variables. However, the APOE-ε4 allele was associated with lower ALS-specific cognitive scores, particularly in the domain of verbal fluency.

CONCLUSION: Our study provides preliminary evidence linking the APOE-ε4 allele to cognitive impairment, particularly in language fluency, among Chinese patients with ALS. These findings support the hypothesis that APOE genotype contributes to ALS etiology and suggest its role in shaping distinct cognitive phenotypes in the disease.

RevDate: 2026-05-28
CmpDate: 2026-05-28

Pulecio J, Parra S, Quiroz W, et al (2026)

Chemometric-Assisted Determination of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) in Water Samples Using Fluorescence and Commercial Membranes: A White Analytical Chemistry Approach.

Luminescence : the journal of biological and chemical luminescence, 41(6):e70523.

This study evaluates different solid membranes to develop an analytical method for the immobilization of two priority PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), followed by the measurement of excitation-emission fluorescence matrices (directly measured over the membrane) coupled to second-order multivariate calibration. Commercially available membranes, such as nylon and C18, proved to be suitable supports for these purposes, especially for aqueous samples. The multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) algorithm showed adequate flexibility to fit the data and achieve the second-order advantage, even in the presence of unmodeled interferences. Even though both membranes showed different selectivity, the developed method allows quantification of PAH at ng L[-1] levels with a prediction error below 10%. The proposed methodology was successfully applied to spiked real water samples, demonstrating its suitability for detecting PAHs at trace levels. Finally, the proposed method was evaluated and compared with reported analytical approaches based on white analytical chemistry principles, showing remarkable analytical performance for monitoring PAHs in natural water samples.

RevDate: 2026-05-28

Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Diamanti L, et al (2026)

Air pollutants and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a population-based registry: investigating disease susceptibility, progression and survival.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration [Epub ahead of print].

Objective: to investigate the association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) with ALS risk, progression, and survival. Methods: We conducted a population-based study in Lombardy, Italy. A case-control analysis included 161 incident ALS cases (2011-2014) and 161 age-, sex-, and province-matched controls. Average residential exposures to PM2.5 and NOx over the 20 years before diagnosis were estimated using European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme data and analysed with conditional logistic regression. A retrospective cohort of 135 ALS cases was used to assess associations with disease progression (ΔFS) and mortality using logistic and Cox regression models, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors. Results: Higher PM2.5 exposure in the 20 years preceding diagnosis was associated with increased ALS risk (adjusted OR per 5 µg/m[3] increase 1.19; 95% CI 1.01-1.40), with consistent findings across sensitivity analyses. NOx was not associated with ALS incidence. In contrast, NOx exposure in the 5 years before diagnosis was marginally associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR 1.12; 95% CI 1.00-1.26), whereas PM2.5 was not. Neither pollutant was significantly associated with disease progression rate. Conclusions: Long-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with higher ALS risk, while NOx showed a modest association with mortality. These findings support a role of air pollution in ALS susceptibility and highlight the need for integrated environmental prevention strategies to mitigate the burden of neurodegenerative diseases.

RevDate: 2026-05-28
CmpDate: 2026-05-28

Alarcan H, Veyrat-Durebex C, Pradat PF, et al (2026)

Anchoring ALS Prognosis: Neurofilament Light Chain Outperforms Inflammatory, Metabolic, and CNS Barrier Biomarkers in the METABALS Cohort.

Molecular neurobiology, 63(1):.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder with marked biological heterogeneity. Despite extensive research, reliable prognostic biomarkers remain limited, with neurofilament light chain (NfL) being the only marker increasingly implemented in clinical practice. The objective of this study is to assess and compare the prognostic value of NfL, circulating markers of central nervous system (CNS) barrier dysfunction, inflammatory mediators, kynurenine pathway metabolites, and global metabolomic profiles in patients with ALS. Seventy-two patients with ALS from the prospective multicenter METABALS cohort were included. Serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine samples were collected at diagnosis. NfL concentrations, markers of blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barrier permeability (albumin quotient, S100B, neuron-specific enolase [NSE]), 48 inflammatory mediators, kynurenine pathway metabolites, and untargeted metabolomic profiles were measured. Associations with clinical features, disease progression, and survival were investigated using univariate analyses and multivariate models. Serum and CSF NfL concentrations were strongly associated with ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised scores, respiratory function, diagnostic delay, and survival. Higher serum NfL concentrations at diagnosis predicted shorter survival (ROC AUC = 0.86). In all multivariate and multi-block models, serum NfL was the only biomarker independently associated with survival. Markers of CNS barrier integrity, inflammatory mediators, and metabolomic signatures showed limited prognostic value but provided insights into metabolic remodeling and barrier dysfunction. In this integrated multi-omics study, serum NfL clearly outperformed inflammatory, metabolic, and CNS barrier markers as a prognostic biomarker in ALS, supporting its central role in clinical stratification while complementary biological markers highlighted several relevant pathophysiological mechanisms.

RevDate: 2026-05-28

Valenti D, Joshi V, Pankivskyi S, et al (2026)

RNA-binding protein diversity and NLS arginines regulate FUS mixing in mRNA-rich compartments.

Cell reports, 45(6):117430 pii:S2211-1247(26)00508-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Despite being prone to condensation, many RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) do not form large condensates in cells. This issue is still widely researched, particularly because aggregation of RBPs, such as FUS, is the hallmark of some neurodegenerative diseases. Elevated RNA levels and protein chaperone activity have already emerged as key factors preventing aberrant phase separation. Here, we explored the role of RBP diversity in mRNA-rich condensates. While FUS and its partners form distinct compartments when probed one by one, increasing RBP diversity buffers FUS spatial segregation. In addition, we found that frequently mutated arginine residues in the nuclear localization signal (NLS) at the C-terminal end promote FUS mixing with multiple RBPs. Therefore, we anticipate that pathological NLS mutations in FUS not only alter its active nuclear import but also regulate FUS interactions with its partners in mRNA-rich compartments with putative consequences for the onset and progression of FUS-related neurodegenerative diseases.

RevDate: 2026-05-28

Queiroz EM, Couto CM, Ferreira AR, et al (2026)

Clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges of frontotemporal dementia in Brazil: A 15-year cohort study.

Neuroepidemiology pii:000552730 [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) comprises heterogeneous neurodegenerative syndromes with limited data from low- and middle-income countries, where diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis are common.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 190 patients with FTD meeting criteria for behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), or FTD-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD-ALS) who were evaluated at a publicly-funded Brazilian tertiary referral center (2009-2024). Clinical features, diagnostic trajectories, neuroimaging, genetic testing, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using IBGE 2017 life tables as a reference.

RESULTS: The cohort comprised 95 bvFTD (50.0%; 73 probable and 22 possible), 79 PPA (41.6%), and 16 FTD-ALS (8.4%) patients. Accurate initial diagnosis was achieved in only 15.8% of bvFTD patients and 17.7% of PPA patients, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common misdiagnosis (36.8% and 34.2%, respectively). Survival differed significantly between subtypes (p < 0.001), with FTD-ALS having the shortest median survival (79.0 months) compared with PPA (119.0 months) and bvFTD (144.0 months). Compared with PPA, FTD-ALS was associated with increased mortality risk (HR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.94-8.31; p < .001). FTD patients had approximately twice the expected mortality for age- and sex-matched individuals in the general population (SMR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.59-2.38), with the highest excess mortality in FTD-ALS patients (SMR: 4.08).

DISCUSSION: This Brazilian hospital-based cohort reveals alarming diagnostic delays despite typical clinical phenotypes and high mortality across all FTD subtypes relative to the general population. These findings highlight the need for improved FTD awareness and specialized training among healthcare providers in Brazil and similar Latin American countries, underscoring the value of hospital-based cohort studies in characterizing FTD in low- and middle-income countries.

RevDate: 2026-05-29

Paley CA, Henderson M, Freeman S, et al (2026)

Adapting a brief mindful breathing intervention for self-management of distress in advanced cancer patients: the RESOLVE-i study.

BMC palliative care pii:10.1186/s12904-026-02148-3 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress is common among patients with advanced cancer and can be a barrier to effective symptom management. Despite national guidance, psychological support in UK palliative care remains limited. Existing interventions are frequently delivered by untrained staff lacking confidence. Adapting evidence-based interventions offers an efficient strategy to improve care. This study describes the adaptation of a brief mindful breathing intervention, originally developed in Malaysia, for self-management of distress by patients with advanced cancer in the UK.

METHODS: Using Moore et al.'s ADAPT framework, we followed four stages: Step 1: A systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42022311729) established a rationale for adapting a brief mindful breathing intervention for distress in advanced cancer. Step 2: Semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) explored acceptability, perceived utility, and integration into routine care. Step 3: A series of interviews with patients and carers informed the cultural and contextual iterative adaptation of the mindful breathing intervention and the development of accessible self-management resources. Step 4: A feasibility study was designed to assess acceptability, implementation, and to generate pilot data.

RESULTS: The systematic review supported the effectiveness of mindful breathing, though evidence found was context-specific to Malaysian clinical settings. HCPs endorsed integration into routine care but noted time constraints and concerns about information accessibility. Feedback from patients and carers informed several adaptations for self-management, including simplified language, inclusive imagery, removal of prescriptive instructions (e.g., breathing through the nose), and development of low-literacy resources. A video animation, infographic, and HCP training package were created to support implementation.

CONCLUSIONS: This stakeholder-informed adaptation resulted in a self-management mindful breathing intervention tailored for patients with advanced cancer in the UK. The intervention is now ready for feasibility testing and represents a scalable, resource-efficient strategy to enhance psychological support in palliative care, in line with NHS goals for community-based self-management.

RevDate: 2026-05-29

Tripathi P, Guo H, Yamoah A, et al (2026)

VAPB confers selective neuroprotection by driving autophagic degradation of pathogenic aggregates in ALS.

Acta neuropathologica communications pii:10.1186/s40478-026-02298-8 [Epub ahead of print].

During the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), only specific motor neurons (MNs) preferentially deteriorate, while others are spared until the disease reaches its end stage. Resilient MNs possess several protective factors, yet the precise molecular mechanism(s) underlying selective neuronal vulnerability remains poorly understood. Vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)-binding protein B (VAPB) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein involved in protein quality control (PQC) mechanisms, including unfolded protein response (UPR) as well as autophagy. A dominantly inherited P56S mutation in the VAPB gene has been linked to ALS8, atypical ALS, and late-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The P56S VAPB mutation causes ER-associated inclusions, disorganization, and ER stress, contributing to MN degeneration through toxic gain and loss of function. Over-expression of VAPB protein confers neuroprotection in a mouse model of ALS, and increased levels of neuronal VAPB inversely correlate with the absence of pathological aggregates. We hypothesize that VAPB is crucial for motor neuron survival by promoting autophagic degradation of ALS-associated aggregates, while lack of VAPB confers neuronal vulnerability. We analyzed the brain and spinal cord from sporadic (s) and familial (f) ALS patients, comparing patterns of VAPB immunoreactivity using immunohistochemistry, complemented by Western and dot blot analysis. Pathophysiological insights from these studies were further explored using cell culture models, including MNs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Consistent with our hypothesis we observed that MNs/neurons resistant to ALS exhibited elevated levels of VAPB and were devoid of pathogenic aggregates. Similarly, ALS-resistant oculomotor neurons showed increased VAPB immunoreactivity compared to normal controls. VAPB was often found to be sequestered within toxic aggregates alongside autophagy-related proteins in the lumbar spinal cord MNs. Notably, a compensatory increase in VAPB immunoreactivity was observed at the C-bouton synapse, suggesting a potential alternative mechanism of neuroprotection. Supporting these findings, in vitro experiments indicated that VAPB overexpression promoted autophagy and assisted in clearing ALS-associated RNA-binding protein aggregates. In summary, VAPB promotes selective neuronal survival by facilitating the autophagic clearance of toxic aggregates. Abnormal VAPB accumulations likely disrupt these neuroprotective processes.

RevDate: 2026-05-29
CmpDate: 2026-05-29

Yang X, Yang J, Li R, et al (2026)

Peripheral immune cells and glycation indices as potential diagnostic biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.), 251:10987.

The diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mainly relies on clinical symptoms and the exclusion of other diseases, with a lack of specific biomarkers, leading to delayed diagnosis and a high rate of misdiagnosis. This study aims to explore the utility of peripheral immune cells and glycosylation indices as potential diagnostic biomarkers for ALS to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of early ALS diagnosis. This retrospective study included 54 ALS patients diagnosed in our hospital from June 2023 to October 2024, along with 54 healthy controls. Blood samples and laboratory data, including levels of peripheral immune cells and glycosylation indices, were collected from both groups. Through logistic regression, random forest models, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and SHAP interpretability analysis, the predictive abilities and clinical significance of each candidate indicator were screened and evaluated. Notable disparities were detected in age, leukocyte count, monocyte levels, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and haemoglobin glycation index (HGI) between the control and ALS groups (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR = 1.114) and monocyte (OR = 3.174) were risk factors for ALS, while leukocyte (OR = 0.533) and HbA1c (OR = 0.069) were protective factors. The random forest algorithm, ranked by decreasing importance, showed that leukocyte, HGI, monocyte, and HbA1c level all influenced ALS. Using these indicators to predict ALS resulted in a false-positive rate of 18% and a false-negative rate of 6%. ROC curve analysis indicated that the combined use of leukocyte, monocyte, HbA1c level, and HGI provided the highest diagnostic value for ALS (AUC = 0.774), which was higher than that of any individual indicator (all P < 0.05). SHAP analysis visualization demonstrated that increased monocyte and decreased leukocyte, HGI, and HbA1c level were all associated with an increased risk of ALS onset, ranked in descending order of feature importance as monocyte, leukocyte, HGI, and HbA1c. Peripheral blood white blood cells, monocytes, HbA1c, and HGI can serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for ALS. Combined detection can improve the diagnostic accuracy of ALS, facilitating early diagnosis and intervention, and ultimately improving patient prognosis. Further validation in cohorts including disease controls is required to confirm specificity.

RevDate: 2026-05-29

Raymond J, Larson T, Mohidul S, et al (2026)

Diagnostic differences between military veterans and non-veterans: data from the United States National ALS Registry.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration [Epub ahead of print].

Background and Aim: Veterans in the U.S. have been reported to have a higher risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) than the general population. However, it is unclear whether veterans experience differences in symptom recognition, diagnostic timing or access to care. This study examined differences reported in clinical characteristics and diagnostic trajectories between male veteran (MV) and non-veteran male (NVM) ALS patients enrolled in the U.S. National ALS Registry. Methods: We conducted a propensity score-matched analysis using self-administered military and clinical surveys from 2014 to 2024. Among 2,891 male ALS patients, MV were matched 1:1 with NVM on smoking history, birth year, head injury history, and region of residence at diagnosis. Outcomes included reported symptoms, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, and time to selected interventions. Results: Overall, 802 MV were matched to 802 NVM. Veterans were older at and reported longer intervals from symptom onset to ALS diagnosis (20.8 vs 16.7 months, p = 0.0004). MV were more likely to report difficulty swallowing and falls. Veterans were also more likely to use noninvasive breathing equipment (p = 0.0322). Findings from time-to-event analyses showed MV received wheelchairs or scooters statically earlier than NMV (log-rank p = 0.0028). Conclusions: Among participants in the Registry, MV reported differences in diagnostic timing, symptoms, and the use of supportive interventions compared to NVM. These findings may reflect differences in healthcare access, care pathways, and disease recognition over intrinsic differences in ALS biology. Because Registry participation is voluntary and data are self-reported, the result may not be generalizable to the broader ALS population.

RevDate: 2026-05-29
CmpDate: 2026-05-29

Zhou L, Li M, Dai Q, et al (2026)

5-Hydroxytryptamine Distribution Alteration in Both Neuron and Synapse of Tg(SOD1*G93A)1gur Mice: A Potential Intervention Candidate Strategy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 32(6):e70946.

AIMS: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease; the precise pathogenesis of sporadic ALS (sALS) has not yet been elucidated up to now. Previous studies revealed that the abnormal alterations of some non-motor neurons (non-MN) were a potential pathogenesis of sALS. Therefore, this study aims to search the potential evidences of non-MN in the pathogenesis of ALS via exploring potential relationships between 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons and the development of ALS.

METHODS: We employed fluorescent immunohistochemistry to investigate the altered distribution patterns of 5-HT and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 in the spinal cord and brainstem of Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur (TG) and wild-type (WT) mice. Additionally, we used western blot to analyze the expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (5-HTR1A) and 5-HTR2A.

RESULTS: Our findings revealed that 5-HT synapses were primarily distributed in the funiculus lateralis, anterior horn, posterior horn, central lateral column, and the area around the central canal of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments, and raphe nucleus as well as lateral paragigantocellular nucleus, and gradually reduced following age increase in WT mice. However, 5-HT synapses in the spinal cord and 5-HT neurons in the brainstem gradually increased following the progression of disease and presented a significantly negative correlation between the increased distribution of 5-HT synapses and neurons and the reduction of neural cell number (positively correlated with the increase in neural cell death) at the onset and/or progression stage of TG mice. 5-HTR1A significantly increased, while 5-HTR2A significantly decreased at the onset stage of TG mice.

CONCLUSION: Our study speculated that the distribution changes of 5-HT synapses in the spinal cord and 5-HT neurons in the brainstem play a potential protective role in the pathogenesis of sALS through a compensatory 5-HT increase.

RevDate: 2026-05-29

Sommers-Spijkerman M, Müller F, Kruitwagen-Van Reenen E, et al (2026)

Understanding psychological adjustment in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers: a scoping review.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: Psychological adjustment is a major focus in the care of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers, given its critical role in maintaining quality of life (QoL). This scoping review aimed to gain a better understanding of ALS patients' and caregivers' psychological adjustment, to inform future care and research.

METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL were searched for peer-reviewed studies reporting associations of psychological factors with patient/caregiver QoL. Psychological factors were categorized by type (cognitive, emotional or behavioral responses), and by strength (weak, moderate, strong) and direction (positive, negative) of their association with patient/caregiver QoL.

RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were included, identifying twelve cognitive responses (hope, positive thinking/reframing, psychological flexibility, resilience, coping/pain self-efficacy, helplessness, hopelessness, pain catastrophizing, rumination, self-perceived burden, self-stigma), two emotional responses (emotional support, venting) and three behavioral responses (independence, positive action, substance use) associated with patient QoL. Five cognitive responses (resilience, mindfulness, hopelessness, passive reaction coping, psychological inflexibility) and one behavioral response (positive action) were found associated with caregiver QoL.

CONCLUSIONS: A range of cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses, most notably cognitive responses, were found to shape patient and/or caregiver psychological adjustment, hence may serve as potential targets in ALS clinical practice. Nonetheless, empirical evidence is limited by heterogeneity in outcomes and measures and a lack of longitudinal, multivariable, and caregiver-oriented research. More systematic, standardized and longitudinal data collection is needed to clarify how psychological adjustment processes evolve throughout the disease trajectory and to identify modifiable targets for psychological supportive care.

RevDate: 2026-05-29

Kallambettu V, Maureen F, Chapin J, et al (2026)

DIGEST Grades Remain Stable With Inclusion of Moderately Thickened Liquids in the Videofluoroscopic Examination in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR [Epub ahead of print].

PURPOSE: The Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (Version 2; DIGESTV2) is a videofluoroscopy (VF) scale that measures pharyngeal swallowing severity based on functional measures of swallowing safety and efficiency. Original validation is based on a standard VF testing protocol including thin liquid, puree, and solid consistencies. Given that thickened liquid bolus trials are common in VF clinical testing protocols, we sought to determine the agreement in DIGESTV2 grades with and without the inclusion of moderately thick liquid bolus trials on DIGESTV2 outcomes in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS).

METHOD: This study represents a secondary analysis of VF examinations from a prospective longitudinal study conducted in 109 pALS. VF evaluations contained 10 barium trials spanning three International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) levels (0-7). Duplicate, independent, and blinded ratings were completed. DIGESTV2 Efficiency and Safety grading was then completed under two conditions-with and without the inclusion of moderately thick liquid bolus trials into DIGESTV2 grading-to produce two sets of DIGESTV2 ratings for each VF study. Descriptives, percent agreement, and a weighted Cohen's kappa were performed on DIGESTV2 grades.

RESULTS: A total of 373 VF examinations were included in this analysis. DIGESTV2 grade percent agreement with and without IDDSI Level 3 was excellent for Safety (98.1%), Efficiency (93.8%), and Total (94.1%) grades. Kappa values for Safety, Efficiency, and Total grades were .96, .89, and .91, respectively, indicating excellent agreement across bolus trial inclusion methods.

CONCLUSIONS: Standard inclusion of moderately thick liquid bolus trials did not significantly impact DIGESTV2 grading in this data set. These results add to the preliminary but growing evidence suggesting stability of DIGEST grading with alternate bolus protocols in another patient population.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.32348451.

RevDate: 2026-05-29
CmpDate: 2026-05-29

Leboeuf M, Nijssen J, Comley LH, et al (2026)

Reevaluating the role of beta2-microglobulin: new insights on selective vulnerability in ALS pathology.

Acta neuropathologica, 151(1):.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons (MNs). Why these neurons are particularly vulnerable in ALS remains unclear, as does why certain MN groups remain resistant throughout the disease course. We investigated the role of the human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) and beta2-microglobulin (β2m) in MN susceptibility to ALS, given their reported involvement in both prolonging and shortening disease progression. Loss of HLAs in ALS has also been shown to increase MNs vulnerability to toxicity exerted by activated astrocytes. RNA sequencing of control tissues demonstrated that disease-resistant oculomotor neurons (OMNs) and Onuf's MNs exhibited β2m and HLA mRNA levels comparable to those of vulnerable spinal MNs, suggesting that baseline differences in these transcripts do not explain the differential vulnerabilities of these MN groups. However, HLA protein levels showed an inverse correlation with spinal MN size, with the large MNs, those lost early in ALS, displaying the lowest HLA expression. HLA protein levels were also reduced in spinal MNs from end-stage ALS patient tissues, while remaining relatively unchanged in OMNs. In contrast, spinal MNs uniquely exhibited significant upregulation of β2m and HLA-C transcripts during disease, likely reflecting a protective compensatory response. Together, these findings suggest that β2m and HLAs may contribute to spinal MN vulnerability in ALS. To assess their functional role, β2m knockout mice were crossbred with SOD1G93A ALS mice. Loss of β2m did not alter life span of the ALS mice, but led to partial preservation of lumbrical muscle innervation that was insufficient to maintain motor function. Analysis of GFAP immunoreactivity revealed marked neuroinflammation activation in the spinal cords of β2m knockout mice. As these mice retain normal MN numbers and life-span, this indicates that loss of functional MHC-I, even in the presence of astrocyte activation, is insufficient to cause MN disease. Furthermore, β2m knockout significantly increased GFAP activation in SOD1G93A mice, but did not further exacerbate disease progression, suggesting that loss of functional MHC-I does not necessarily render MNs more vulnerable to astrocyte toxicity. Overall, these findings indicate that β2m and HLAs are dynamically regulated in ALS, and may influence MN vulnerability, but they are not major disease modifiers in ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-29

Bracaval K, De Vocht J, Ombelet F, et al (2026)

Sleep disturbances and respiratory dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how respiratory dysfunction and site of onset influences changes in sleep architecture in people with ALS (pwALS).

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study, analyzing demographic data, lung function tests, and polysomnography (PSG) measures. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Our cohort had 240 pwALS, 63% male, median age at onset 59.3 (IQR 16.5) years. Median time from onset to PSG was 27.5 (IQR 25) months. Most pwALS had spinal onset (79%). Spirometry at time of PSG showed a reduced Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (58; (IQR 26) %). We saw a significant FVC decline (3.9; (IQR 4) % per month) in the months before PSG. The sleep quality assessment in pwALS revealed a reduced total sleep time (339; (IQR 144.7) minutes), diminished sleep efficiency (62.8; (IQR 26.5)%) and increased wake after sleep onset (172; (IQR 130.2) minutes) when compared to normal values of healthy age-matched adults. The spinal onset group had a higher number of arousals. In the multivariate linear regression model adjusted for age and sex, FVC is a significant predictor for sleep efficiency (β = 3.359, p = 0.0059). Spinal onset, a slower rate of FVC decline in the months preceding PSG and a preserved FVC (≥ 70%) at the time of PSG were associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSION: We observed substantial sleep disturbances in our cohort overall with substantially increased arousals in the spinal group. FVC is a significant predictor for sleep efficiency and the decline in FVC is linked to survival.

RevDate: 2026-05-29
CmpDate: 2026-05-29

de Boer EMJ, Willemse SW, Veldink JH, et al (2026)

Diagnostic Revision From Primary Lateral Sclerosis to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Cohort Study.

Neurology, 106(12):e218055.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is defined as a pure upper motor neuron syndrome and is a diagnosis of exclusion, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) being the most likely alternative diagnostic consideration. A minimum disease duration of 2 years is required for the diagnosis of PLS, after which patients are classified as probable PLS (P-PLS) and subsequently as definite PLS (D-PLS) after 4 years. Our aim is to apply the current diagnostic criteria to a population-based cohort and investigate which clinical characteristics are associated with a diagnostic revision to ALS.

METHODS: This cohort study included patients meeting the current diagnostic criteria for PLS retrospectively from the Dutch Motor Neuron Disease Registry. Diagnostic revision to ALS was based on clinical assessment, EMG findings according to the revised El Escorial Criteria, or if patients had died from disease progression within 4 years of disease onset. Clinical characteristics were compared for patients who underwent diagnostic revision with ALS vs true PLS. Subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) for characteristics associated with diagnostic revision were determined using Fine-Gray regression.

RESULTS: We included 478 patients (median age of onset 59.3 years, interquartile range 50.8-67.0, 47.9% female), of whom 311 (65.1%) met criteria for P-PLS and 167 (34.9%) for D-PLS at diagnosis. Eighty-eight patients (18%) underwent diagnostic revision to ALS, 76 cases (86%) before 4 years of disease duration. Patients whose diagnosis was revised to ALS had higher median age at onset (63.4 vs 58.0 years, p = 5.20 × 10[-4]), more often had bulbar onset (38.6% vs 19.7%, p = 6.19 × 10[-4]), and faster progression (median ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised slope 0.43 vs 0.18, p = 6.05 × 10[-11]). The risk of diagnostic revision increased if progression rate was faster (SHR 3.08 95% CI 1.69-5.60, p = 2.35 × 10[-4]) and if diagnosis was P-PLS compared with D-PLS (SHR 3.08, 95% CI 1.65-5.74, p = 3.96 × 10[-4]).

DISCUSSION: In our cohort, most diagnostic revisions from PLS to ALS were in patients with a disease duration of less than 4 years. Besides disease duration, a faster progression rate was associated with diagnostic revision from PLS to ALS. Adding progression rate to the current diagnostic criteria could increase accuracy and help identify patients at higher risk of developing ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Zheng M, Li M, Liu S, et al (2026)

RNA-binding proteins: a comprehensive review of multifaceted regulatory mechanisms in neuroinflammation and implications in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.

Journal of neuroinflammation, 23(1):.

Neuroinflammation stands as a cornerstone pathological hallmark across a spectrum of neurological disorders, drawing intensified scientific scrutiny owing to its profoundly intricate and multi-layered regulatory networks. At the heart of this complexity, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) emerge as masterful post-transcriptional orchestrators, exerting precise control over a vast array of neuroinflammatory cascades. Mounting evidence underscores that RBPs transcend their classical roles in RNA sensing and innate immune recognition, actively shaping pivotal biological pathways—ranging from inflammatory signal transduction and programmed cell death to metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic remodeling and dynamic crosstalk with non-coding RNAs. Furthermore, the functional versatility of RBPs is amplified by nuanced alterations in their nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, stress granule formation, post-translational modifications, and RNA-binding specificities, all of which intricately fine-tune their regulatory impact within the neuroinflammatory milieu. Strikingly, the cell type-specific actions of RBPs in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes unveil a sophisticated tapestry of molecular specialization, offering transformative insights into their context-dependent functions. Abnormal function of RNA-binding proteins is closely related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, RNA-binding proteins are involved in various pathological processes, including central nervous system infections, stroke, high-altitude cerebral hypoxia, and traumatic brain injury. This review systematically organizes the multifaceted regulatory mechanisms of RNA-binding proteins in neuroinflammation. It deeply explores their key roles in the occurrence and development of nervous system diseases. The review aims to construct a comprehensive theoretical framework and provide a scientific basis for developing new diagnostic methods and targeted therapeutic strategies.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Esch T (2026)

What's love got to do with it? The formula for love needs psychological and motivational neurobiological components.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 49:e7 pii:S0140525X25102227.

Kruglanski et al.'s love model rightly highlights motivation and meaning as core to love, aligning with current research. However, this commentary expands the view, emphasizing love's biological basis in brain systems and evolving different types of motivation. Love fulfills both individual and species-level needs, promoting health, connection, and generativity. True love transcends ego, growing into unconditional, spiritually rich connectedness over time.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Van Dessel P, Y Boddez (2026)

Extending the motivational model of love: A Goal-Directed Predictive Processing perspective.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 49:e19 pii:S0140525X25102161.

We extend Kruglanski et al.'s model by embedding it within a Goal-Directed Predictive Processing framework. This perspective conceptualizes romantic love as arising from self-referential inferences tied to personal goals and reveals that love may include merit, appreciation, and significance, but is not defined or limited by them. It also explains love experiences that exceed the scope of the authors' model.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Lucchi Basili L, PL Sacco (2026)

Significance is not enough: The biopsychological foundations of romantic love.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 49:e2 pii:S0140525X25102318.

Kruglanski et al.'s significance-based model overlooks fundamental biopsychological mechanisms driving romantic love. The Tie-Up Theory reveals how women's subconscious biological compatibility assessments through physical, chemical, and behavioral signals operate independently of conscious significance calculations. Their gender-neutral framework ignores how men's receptive emotional orientation differs from women's active emotional competence. By reducing love to significance enhancement, the model cannot explain irrational attractions, persistent relationships despite low "merit," or gendered dissolution patterns determined by reward cycle breakdowns.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Jia Q, Zhu L, Li D, et al (2026)

Caspase-4 transgenic mice exhibit cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation and age-dependent neuropathology.

Nature communications pii:10.1038/s41467-026-73724-7 [Epub ahead of print].

TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) is a multifunctional protein that binds DNA and RNA within the nucleus. In neurodegenerative diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), TDP-43 is mislocalized to the cytoplasm, forming inclusions. Current TDP-43 transgenic mouse models generally fail to exhibit significant cytoplasmic accumulation and loss of nuclear TDP-43, which hampers the investigation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 pathology. We previously discovered that primate-specific caspase-4 (CASP4) can cleave TDP-43, producing truncated fragments that are mislocalized to the cytoplasm. Here we show that a transgenic mouse model that expresses human CASP4 and recapitulates the cytoplasmic mislocalization of endogenous TDP-43 and motor dysfunction in an age-dependent manner. Moreover, CASP4 mice exhibited gene expression changes and neuropathology similar to patients with sporadic ALS. Inhibition of CASP4 by its antisense oligonucleotide ameliorated TDP-43 pathology and subsequent neurotoxicity in CASP4 mice. Thus, CASP4 mice present a valuable animal model for exploring endogenous TDP-43-mediated pathogenesis and therapeutics.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Fowler M, Carr JM, Gold J, et al (2026)

Evaluation of triumeq treatment on a TDP-43 mouse model of amyotrophic Lateral sclerosis.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-55433-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the accumulation of TAR DNA Binding Protein (43 kDa; TDP-43) within the cytoplasm of neurons. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) have been implicated in ALS pathology and the application of antiretroviral therapy, specifically Triumeq, has been proposed for treatment of ALS. However, evidence to support the actions of Triumeq in ALS is lacking. This study investigates the effects of the antiretroviral treatment Triumeq on ALS disease that occurs through TDP-43 pathology by utilising the doxycycline (Dox)-suppressible rNLS8 TDP-43 expression mouse model. In this model, TDP-43 accumulation in the cytoplasm is induced after removal of Dox. Disease was assessed through measures of body weight, neurological score, motor function, urinary p75[ECD] and inflammatory marker expression. Mice were treated with Triumeq and TDP-43 pathology and inflammatory marker expression examined. Triumeq treatment significantly improved motor function early on in the disease course but did not impact other disease progression markers or disease endpoint. In this TDP-43 ALS mouse model, there was a positive association of TDP-43 mRNA levels with transcription factor ATF4, and inflammatory markers CXCL10 and IRF-1, and Triumeq treatment negated this association. Triumeq treatment transiently and modestly improved motor function and influenced TDP-43 associated inflammatory gene expression in an ALS mouse model. These findings support the potential use of Triumeq in treating TDP-43-associated ALS and supports further investigation to better understand if the beneficial actions of Triumeq are via disruption of TDP-43-driven inflammation in ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-28

Jin X, Fu Y, Qiu T, et al (2026)

Putative glymphatic dysfunction links extracellular fluid dysregulation to white matter degeneration and clinical impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

BMC medicine pii:10.1186/s12916-026-04948-z [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration and prominent extra-motor involvement. Impaired clearance of neurotoxic proteins has led to increasing interest in the brain glymphatic system; however, its in vivo associations with brain microstructure and clinical heterogeneity remain incompletely understood.

METHODS: One hundred forty-six patients with ALS and 149 demographically matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent multimodal MRI and comprehensive clinical assessments. Putative glymphatic function was quantified using diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular space (DTI-ALPS). Extracellular free water fraction (FWF) and free-water-corrected fractional anisotropy (fwcFA) were derived to characterize extracellular fluid and white matter microstructure. Group differences were assessed using vertex-wise and voxel-wise analyses with correction for multiple comparisons. Associations among imaging metrics and clinical measures were evaluated using correlation and serial mediation analyses.

RESULTS: Compared with HCs, patients with ALS exhibited significantly reduced DTI-ALPS index, widespread increases in cortical FWF, bidirectional alterations in white matter FWF, and extensive reductions in fwcFA across major white matter tracts. Reduced DTI-ALPS was associated with changes in extracellular free water and white matter microstructural integrity, whereas FWF and fwcFA measures were associated with functional, cognitive, and emotional outcomes. Mediation analyses identified significant indirect associations between DTI-ALPS and both functional and cognitive measures through a pathway involving cortical FWF, white matter FWF, and fwcFA, although direct associations were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide in vivo evidence that putative glymphatic dysfunction co-occurs with extracellular fluid alterations, white matter microstructural changes, and clinical impairment in ALS. Multi-compartment diffusion imaging may offer complementary markers for characterizing brain microstructure and its clinical relevance in ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-26

Wu X, Wang X, Z Zhang (2026)

Response to Chen et al., "Comments on Wu et al's "The efficacy and adverse reactions of 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser on the treatment of nevus of Ota at different endpoints".

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Oriquat G, Abdulqader AF, Farid H, et al (2026)

From protector to perpetrator: The cGAS-STING pathway at the intersection of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.

Brain research bulletin, 241:111963 pii:S0361-9230(26)00249-2 [Epub ahead of print].

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, a cornerstone of the innate immune system designed to combat pathogens, is now implicated as a critical driver of sterile inflammation in the brain. This review synthesizes compelling evidence that in the aging and diseased central nervous system, endogenous cytosolic DNA, sourced from genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, and activated retrotransposons, hijacks this pathway. Chronic cGAS-STING activation transforms microglia into inflammatory amplifiers, instigates neurotoxic astrocyte programs, and directly compromises neuronal health, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of neuroinflammation. We dissect the cell-type specific consequences within the neurovascular unit and establish the pathway's role in the pathogenesis of ALS/FTD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Crucially, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis, discussing small-molecule inhibitors, oligonucleotide therapies, and upstream interventions to quell the source of immunogenic DNA. We also explicitly examine contradictory preclinical data, including the retracted PINK1-Parkin-STING report and context-dependent neurovascular findings, to provide a balanced appraisal of STING biology in the CNS. By reconciling its dual protective and pathogenic roles, this review posits cGAS-STING as a pivotal mechanism-based therapeutic node for halting the progression of neurodegenerative disorders.

RevDate: 2026-05-26

Pérez-Bonilla M, Díaz-Borrego P, Mora-Ortiz M, et al (2026)

Discovering Hidden Vocal Subtypes: An Unsupervised Acoustic-Biomechanical Exploration of Voice Profiles.

Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation pii:S0892-1997(26)00225-0 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore latent acoustic-biomechanical patterns of voice production using an unsupervised multivariate approach, and to identify data-driven vocal profiles across individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and nonneurological dysphonia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 100 individuals, including patients with ALS and individuals with nonneurological dysphonia, was analyzed. Sustained vowel phonation was recorded and characterized using 26 variables, including standard acoustic measures (fundamental frequency -fo-, jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR)) and 22 biomechanical parameters. Principal component analysis was applied to investigate relationships among variables and reduce dimensionality. Unsupervised clustering was performed at both the variable level to identify functional groupings and the participant level to derive data-driven voice profiles. Cluster validity was assessed using internal indices. Post hoc statistical comparisons and chi-square tests were used descriptively to characterize between-cluster differences and their relationship with clinical categories.

RESULTS: The first five principal components explained 70.7% of the total variance, revealing structured relationships between acoustic and biomechanical features. Participant level clustering consistently supported a two-profile solution. Fifteen voice parameters differed significantly between profiles after false discovery rate correction, with the largest effects observed for shimmer, HNR, and the biomechanical parameter Pr11, reflecting differences in vocal stability and noise-related characteristics. The identified profiles were not significantly associated with clinical diagnostic categories.

CONCLUSIONS: An unsupervised multimodal analysis of sustained phonation revealed two coherent vocal profiles that transcend traditional diagnostic labels. These data-driven voice phenotypes may capture functional patterns of voice production and support future efforts toward more refined and personalized characterization of voice disorders.

RevDate: 2026-05-26

Zhang J, Tian M, Niu T, et al (2026)

The role of adiponectin and cytokines in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: assessment of disease progression and survival status.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-54291-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disorder. ALS typically progresses rapidly, leading to respiratory failure within 3 to 5 years of symptom onset. Identifying risk factors that influence disease progression and survival is critical for enhancing management strategies. The present study therefore investigated the roles of inflammatory factors and adipokines (especially adiponectin) in the progression and prognosis of ALS. The study included 80 ALS patients, with a follow-up period of 1.5 years. Survival analysis was performed using a Cox regression, with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) presented via forest plots. Our results indicated that ALS patients in the fast-progressing group exhibited lower levels of adiponectin (p < 0.001) and IL-10 (p < 0.001). The Cox regression and forest plot results suggest the potential of adiponectin (HR = 0.905, 95%CI: 0.866-0.946, p < 0.001), IL-10 (HR = 0.968, 95%CI: 0.951-0.986, p < 0.001), δFS (HR = 1.234, 95%CI: 1.065-1.430, p = 0.005) and ALSFRS-R (HR = 0.820, 95%CI: 0.765-0.878, p < 0.001) as potential risk factors. In addition, these risk factors are significantly associated with poor survival prognosis in high-risk populations (all p < 0.001). This study identifies adiponectin, IL-10, ALSFRS-R, and δFS as key risk factors influencing ALS progression and prognosis.

RevDate: 2026-05-26

Heckmann JM, Floudiotis N, Makanjuola A, et al (2026)

Motor neuron disease in Africa: a critical appraisal of the literature.

Nature reviews. Neurology [Epub ahead of print].

Motor neuron disease (MND) refers to a group of neurodegenerative diseases that cause motor neuron degeneration and death. The most common subtype, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is characterized by both upper and lower motor neuron impairment, which can manifest clinically in the bulbar region or asymmetrically in a limb. Typically, the disease progresses over several months, and death from respiratory failure occurs within 2-5 years of onset. As we highlight in this Review, data on MND in Africa are sparse, although common observations in this region - and in other populations with relatively low life expectancy - include apparent earlier disease onset and lower disease incidence compared with the rest of the world. In view of the HIV epidemic in Africa, we critically examine the evidence for an association between ALS and HIV infection. We briefly discuss conditions that might be regarded as ALS mimics and summarize the limited data on MND genetics in this region. Other issues pertinent to people living with MND in Africa include the absence of cognitive and behavioural data and the limited access to multidisciplinary clinics, therapies and palliative care. We share our perspective on how the ALS Africa Network is coordinating a shift in the African MND landscape to improve patient care.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Aggad WS, Ghosh R, Almohaimeed HM, et al (2026)

Exosome-mediated gut-brain axis signaling in neurodegenerative diseases: Mechanisms, experimental evidence, and therapeutic perspectives-A narrative review.

Animal models and experimental medicine [Epub ahead of print].

The stomach and the brain are connected by a sophisticated two-way communication mechanism called the gut-brain axis. Extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, that move bioactive substances between the stomach and the brain, such as proteins, lipids, metabolites, and microRNAs, may improve the gut-brain axis. In the past years, the role of exosome-mediated communication has been recognized as significant in relation to the etiology, continued progression, and potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The authors of this review article present a summary of the current understanding of the relationship of gut microbiome, exosome biogenesis, and the pathophysiological development of neurodegenerative diseases. Evidence from laboratory studies, animal studies, and newly emerging human studies suggests that microbiome-based metabolites and inflammatory mediators may modulate how exosomes are produced, what they carry, and how they interact with the blood-brain barrier. These exosomal signals may impact neuroinflammation, neuronal signaling, and the spread of pathological proteins of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. In addition, they examine some possible ways to target the gut-brain axis from a therapeutic perspective, including manipulating the gut microbiome, providing probiotics and/or prebiotics, performing fecal microbiota transplantation, and/or using engineered extracellular vesicles as vehicles for drug delivery. The authors also outline some of the methodological differences that make it difficult to assess the effects of exosomes.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Liu Y, W Wu (2026)

Clinical Value and Research Prospects of 1024 Matrix Optimization in 64-Slice Cerebral CTA for Perforating Artery Visualisation.

This letter comments on Nagumo et al.'s study evaluating 1024-matrix reconstruction for intracranial perforating artery visualisation in 64-slice cerebral CTA, affirming its cost-effective value for standard CT scanners (https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.70055). We endorse the key finding that 1024-matrix improves small artery detection via higher sampling density, while highlighting the need for cross-vendor validation, workflow impact quantification, and clinical outcome assessment. This simple post-processing strategy is highly scalable, and further multicentre studies are warranted to confirm its universal utility.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Sepehrimanesh M, Melen SV, Yeasmin F, et al (2026)

Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances and Future Directions.

Cells, 15(10): pii:cells15100928.

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig's disease), represent a growing global health burden characterized by progressive neuronal loss and functional decline. Despite decades of intensive research, effective disease-modifying therapies remain limited, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of disease etiology and emerging treatment approaches, with a particular focus on modalities with translational potential. We discussed novel disease-modifying interventions, including gene and cell therapies, RNA-targeting strategies, and immunotherapies aimed at clearing misfolded proteins such as amyloid-β, tau, and α-synuclein. In parallel, we examined the evolving recognition of neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction as actionable therapeutic targets, alongside progress in precision medicine and biomarker-guided approaches that enable early diagnosis and individualized treatment. Additionally, we summarized developments in repurposed pharmacological agents, neuroprotective compounds, and lifestyle interventions, emphasizing the importance of integrative, multimodal strategies. Across AD, PD, and ALS, convergent molecular mechanisms, including protein misfolding, oxidative stress, and disrupted proteostasis, present opportunities for cross-disease therapeutic targeting. Finally, we addressed key challenges and future directions, including translating preclinical efficacy into clinical success, optimizing CNS-targeted delivery systems, and navigating ethical considerations surrounding gene editing and stem cell therapies.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Malá P, Váňová N, Malý O, et al (2026)

Oxidative-Nitrosative Stress and Routine Biochemical Parameters in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Associations with Clinical Status and Disease Duration-A Pilot Study.

Biomolecules, 16(5): pii:biom16050721.

BACKGROUND: This pilot study examined whether oxidative-nitrosative stress is associated with clinical status in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We analyzed associations between plasma markers of oxidative-nitrosative imbalance and ALSFRS-R, disease duration, survival, and routine biochemical parameters.

METHODS: Twenty-nine ALS patients fulfilling the Gold Coast diagnostic criteria were enrolled. Plasma levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), non-protein thiols (NP-SH), and non-protein disulfides (NP-SS-NP), as well as creatinine, urea, uric acid and BMI, were measured. Associations with ALSFRS-R and disease duration were evaluated using non-parametric correlation analyses and second-order polynomial regression (adjusted R[2]), while survival was explored using Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariable Cox regression. Given the modest sample, we considered statistical power and applied Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction within marker families.

RESULTS: At the uncorrected significance level, 3-NT showed a positive correlation with ALSFRS-R and a negative correlation with disease duration, and NP-SH correlated negatively with disease duration; however, these associations did not remain significant after FDR correction (FDR-adjusted p ≥ 0.099). Other oxidative-nitrosative markers and biochemical parameters showed no robust relationships with clinical measures. In Cox models, 3-NT was not significantly associated with survival (HR 3.44 per 1 nM, 95% CI 0.25-47.97, p = 0.358), whereas older age predicted higher mortality (HR 1.05 per year, 95% CI 1.00-1.10, p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS: 3-NT and NP-SH exhibited the strongest trends among the investigated markers, but their clinical associations in this small cross-sectional cohort remain exploratory and require confirmation in larger longitudinal studies.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Nord-Bronzyk A, Ng B, Lan T, et al (2026)

Guiding Policymakers Toward Better AI Ethics Integration in Healthcare Regulation-Lessons from Singapore.

Journal of clinical medicine, 15(10): pii:jcm15103576.

In terms of rollout, comprehensiveness, and strategy, Singapore's regulatory landscape governing the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare has generally kept pace with other global leaders in AI advancement. However, establishing a robust and holistic regulatory framework that evolves along with emerging technologies is not easy-especially in healthcare, where the stakes are high and resources may be limited. We conducted a structured scoping analysis of key AI regulatory and professional documents in Singapore, selected using predefined inclusion criteria. Documents were systematically mapped against Savulescu et al.'s nine categories of ethical risk, followed by cross-document comparison to identify integration gaps and inconsistencies, and benchmarking against international AI governance frameworks. These recommendations are generalizable beyond Singapore for developers, implementers, healthcare professionals and patients and include dealing with bias in AI, enhancing human productivity without deskilling, facilitating more informed decision-making, and cultivating greater knowledge exchange between clinicians and patients, to name a few.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Richard E, Al-Hajj Vourc'h S, Marouillat S, et al (2026)

From Mutation to Manifestation: Penetrance in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Genes, 17(5): pii:genes17050576.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. While most cases are sporadic, around 10% are familial. Recent genetic studies show that many apparently isolated cases carry pathogenic mutations, highlighting the importance of penetrance, the probability that a causal mutation manifests clinically. This review focuses on mutation penetrance in ALS (C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, FUS genes), its variability across genes, age, and environmental or genetic modifiers, and its implications for genetic counseling. Identification of pathogenic mutations informs the monitoring of relatives and, in some cases, gives access to targeted therapies or clinical trials. Counseling of asymptomatic relatives must consider incomplete penetrance, which can lead to delayed or absent disease manifestation. ALS exists on a clinical and genetic continuum including related disorders, such as frontotemporal dementia, further influencing risk interpretation. Advances in panel, whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing refine our understanding of penetrance and enable precise diagnostics, and potential tailored therapies. Understanding penetrance is therefore essential to translate mutation discovery into informed clinical decisions and genetic counseling in ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Giordano A, Mandrioli J, Cerri F, et al (2026)

Longitudinal CSF and Serum Biomarker Dynamics in Tofersen-Treated SOD1-ALS: A Real-World Multicentre Cohort Study.

International journal of molecular sciences, 27(10): pii:ijms27104208.

Tofersen is a gene-targeted therapy for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but neurofilament light chain (NfL) may not fully capture the biological response to treatment. We performed a multicentre retrospective longitudinal study including 24 patients with SOD1-ALS treated with intrathecal tofersen at four Italian referral centres between 2022 and 2025. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum biomarkers were assessed at baseline, month 3, month 6, and last available administration using single-molecule array assays to quantify NfL, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL-1), and total Tau. NfL decreased after treatment initiation in both CSF and serum, providing the clearest pharmacodynamic signal. In contrast, CSF GFAP increased progressively over follow-up, while CSF total Tau and UCHL-1 rose mainly at later timepoints; serum GFAP, total Tau, and UCHL-1 also showed increases during follow-up. ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised trajectories were broadly stable, whereas disease progression rate was lower at last follow-up than at baseline. Greater reductions in CSF NfL were observed in pathogenic versus uncertain SOD1 variants, and early serum NfL and UCHL-1 changes were associated with longer-term changes in disease progression. These findings suggest that longitudinal multi-analyte profiling may refine biological response stratification beyond NfL alone in tofersen-treated SOD1-ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Prodromos CC, Del Villar R, Striegel A, et al (2026)

The Molecular Basis of Partial Reversal or Significant Slowing of ALS, Parkinson's Disease, and Lewy Body Dementia by Mesenchymal Exosomes/Secretome.

International journal of molecular sciences, 27(10): pii:ijms27104483.

Neuromuscular and neurodegenerative (NMND) disorders are diseases that cause progressive damage to the central nervous system leaving patients with symptoms that negatively affect everyday living with death almost inevitable. These include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) with cases expected to increase in the future. Intranasally administered stem cell-derived exosomes/secretome have been seen as potential therapeutic options for these disorders in preclinical animal models. This study sought to observe the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes/secretome in patients with ALS, LBD, and PD. Based off these preclinical studies, we conducted a case-controlled series experiment with 86 patients with ALS, LBD, or PD, with the independent variable being the treatment and the dependent variable being the clinical response. These patients were recruited and given intranasal instillations of various MSC-derived exosome/secretome products. Subsequent treatments were given to patients who did not have a response to one product. Patients were followed up at one week, one, two, three, and six months post-treatment. Historical external controls were used for comparison to clinical outcomes. There were no serious adverse events in any patient. A total of 67 of 86 (77%) patients showed a positive clinical response to at least one product. Outcomes were strongly associated with greater treatment frequency for ALS and LBD. Intranasal administration of MSC-derived exosome/secretome products were safe, and most patients showed overall improvement with at least one product. Some patients also saw a substantial decrease in the rate of decline compared to historical controls. These results also give rise to the hypothesis: do MSC-derived exosomes/secretome treatments show efficacy in other NMND disorders? The primary limitation of this study is the 6-month follow-up.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Herrmann C, Satari S, Weber A, et al (2026)

Feasibility and Tolerability of Ketogenic Interventions in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-A Dose-Finding Case Series.

Nutrients, 18(10): pii:nu18101628.

Background/Objectives: Weight loss and hypermetabolism are negative prognostic factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate, βHB) as high-energy substrates may compensate for this energy deficit, since a ketogenic diet (KD) has been shown to increase survival and stabilize body weight in the SOD1 mouse model. In this case series, we tested exogenous ketone salts (KS), ketone esters (KE), and a KD, in patients with ALS and in healthy subjects to identify novel therapeutic interventions for subsequent clinical studies. Methods: KS (KetoForce[®] (KetoSports, Frisco, TX, USA)) were tested in healthy subjects (11.7 g and 15.6 g βHB) and patients (15.6 g βHB 3×/day over 3 days). KE (KE4[®] (KetoneAid, Falls Church, VA, USA)) containing 10.0 g βHB were applied in healthy subjects (once) and in patients (3×/day over 2 days). For the KD, KetoCal[®] 2.5:1 LQ MCT MF Vanilla (Nutricia, Frankfurt, Germany) was applied via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy over four weeks. Regular capillary βHB measurements were conducted, and adverse events were recorded. Results: Between January 2021 and March 2025, we treated nine patients with ALS and two healthy subjects at the Department of Neurology of Ulm University, Germany. KE and KS increased βHB temporarily. However, the elevation was more pronounced following KE (maximum 2.2-2.7 mmol/L vs. 0.8-1.2 mmol/L). The KD increased βHB levels continuously with nighttime fluctuations. No adverse events occurred under KE. KS caused diarrhea in 3/5 patients and 1/2 healthy subjects. The KD was well tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal symptoms occurring in all patients. Conclusions: All ketogenic approaches increased βHB blood levels. While the KD and KE provided good tolerability, KS caused significant gastrointestinal side effects. KD seems to be an interesting candidate for future clinical studies, as it prompted a long-term increase in βHB while providing satisfying tolerability. Since maintaining a KD long-term is difficult for oral-feeding patients, KE may constitute a feasible alternative.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Tavares GC, Carneiro SP, Barbanti ACC, et al (2026)

Multilocus Sequence Typing Reveals New Insights into the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Lactococcus spp. from Brazilian Fish.

Microorganisms, 14(5): pii:microorganisms14051131.

Lactococcosis has emerged as an economically and ecologically significant disease in aquatic animals worldwide. This study employed multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to investigate the genetic diversity of Lactococcus spp. strains from Brazilian fish species and evaluate their phylogenetic relationships with global isolates to elucidate potential epidemiological connections involving multiple host species and distinct geographic regions. A total of 55 isolates from different laboratories had their DNA extracted, followed by the amplification and sequencing of the internal fragments of seven housekeeping genes (als, atpA, tuf, gapC, gyrB, rpoC and galP). Sequence types (STs) and clonal complexes (CCs) were defined. An unrooted neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was generated using allele profiles from this study and those previously reported from other aquatic animal species. The isolates comprised 29 STs (11 previously reported, 18 novel ones), which were grouped into species-specific CCs: CC5 (L. formosensis); CC4, CC17, CC62 (L. garvieae); CC24, CC29, CC97 (L. petauri). Considerable genetic divergence was observed, with L. formosensis and L. garvieae forming heterogeneous populations, while L. petauri was more homogeneous. These findings describe the MLST structure of the sampled isolates and should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than population-level estimates of genotype prevalence. Phylogenetics confirmed groupings within the CCs and revealed additional phylogenetic clustering patterns. In conclusion, the Brazilian Lactococcus spp. strains analyzed in this study constitute a genetically diverse population based on their STs. MLST and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated genetic relatedness between the L. garvieae and L. formosensis isolates from this study and those from other aquatic animal species. In contrast, all the STs identified for L. petauri in this study were unrelated to the MLST lineages responsible for outbreaks in Brazilian Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and North American rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). This suggests that piscine L. petauri populations in the Americas evolved from distinct ancestral origins.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Aminfar K, Scafide K, Wojtusiak J, et al (2026)

Evaluation Framework for Bruise Detection: Systematic ALS/White-Light Training and Skin-Tone Balancing with Deep Learning.

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 26(10): pii:s26103215.

Accurate and consistent forensic bruise assessment is critical in ensuring positive clinical and legal outcomes for victims of violence. In this study, a framework for automated bruise detection is presented that, for the first time, integrates narrowband alternate-light-source (ALS) forensic imaging and ambient white light imaging. This evaluation framework is designed to address long-standing issues with respect to equitable performance across skin tones and lighting scenarios via a combination of novel model diagnostic strategies. In particular, skin-tone balancing during training and testing, threshold-sensitivity analysis, and embedding-similarity partitioning are employed to quantify the model robustness and deployment trade-offs that arise in forensic image analysis. Models were implemented with ImageNet-pretrained backbones and trained on a unique, multi-annotator full-consensus dataset comprising both white-light and ALS (415 nm and 450 nm) images. The protocol emphasizes three axes of operational relevance: (1) illumination composition in training (W/ALS ratio); (2) subgroup fairness via targeted balancing; and (3) model operating-point selection (confidence and IoU thresholds) informed by confidence-stability metrics and bootstrapped uncertainty estimates. Systematic W/ALS ratio sweeps indicate peak accuracy under ALS-dominant training and declining performance as the proportion of white-light images increases within the training set. Skin-tone balancing reduced failure rates for darker skin tones but increased overprediction in some demographic subgroups. Embedding-similarity and seen/unseen injury analyses demonstrate inflated generalization under image-level partitioning. Ultimately, the findings suggest that future researchers and developers should employ injury-level data partitioning and ensure a weighted balance of ALS images during training.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Zhou Q, Gong T, Liu J, et al (2026)

An integrated single-nucleus ribonucleic acid sequencing and spatial transcriptomic atlas reveals stage-specific neuronal and glial trajectories in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Neural regeneration research pii:01300535-990000000-01316 [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive multifocal neurodegenerative condition involving motor neurons and other cell types. To analyze spatiotemporal cellular dynamics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we performed single-nucleus ribonucleic acid sequencing and spatial transcriptomics analysis of cervical spinal cords from wild-type control mice and SOD1-G93A transgenic mice in the pre-symptomatic (d50), early symptomatic (d90), and late-stage (d130) phases of disease. Single-nucleus ribonucleic acid sequencing identified 17 cell clusters and showed that progressive neuronal loss occurred over time, paralleled by glial expansion. Spatial transcriptomics mapped these clusters anatomically onto oligodendrocytes in white matter, neurons in horns, and diffuse astrocytes/microglia. Subcluster analysis demonstrated neuronal heterogeneity, with early mitochondrial stress in ventral motor neurons evolving into synaptic dysfunction, transient maturation peaks in interneurons, and amplified age-related decline in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Astrocyte and oligodendrocyte subclusters, which were originally misclustered due to spot-level contamination, were reinterpreted to highlight A1-reactive states and progenitor expansions, validated by immunohistochemistry detection of serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1. Temporal profiles tracked the transition from compensatory to inflammatory gliosis, while gene signatures were linked to human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohorts, including complement activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study provides a high-resolution spatiotemporal cellular map of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis through the integration of single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics, uncovering early mitochondrial impairment in neurons, delineating the trajectory of neurotoxic glial states, and identifying compensatory progenitor responses, to highlight the highly intricate interaction between glial reactivity and neuronal susceptibility that drives the pathogenesis of ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Gerbino V (2026)

Targeting the type-I interferon response in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Neural regeneration research pii:01300535-990000000-01301 [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Peerbhai N, Ramsunder N, Europa T, et al (2026)

Expanding African contributions to ClinVar through genetic counselor-led variant curation.

Journal of genetic counseling, 35(3):e70235.

Global variant databases such as ClinVar are vital in linking genetic variation to clinical significance and enabling shared interpretation across laboratories. However, African genetic variants remain underrepresented, comprising under 2% of global ClinVar submissions. This gap reflects inequities in access to genome sequencing, workforce capacity, and data-sharing systems, which limit visibility, contextual interpretation, and re-evaluation of African genetic variation. We describe our experiences of genetic counselor-led variant curation, ClinVar submissions, and ongoing monitoring of germline genetic variants identified in African neuromuscular and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research cohorts. Between March 2023 and August 2025, the Clinical Omics and Informatics Unit (University of Cape Town) submitted 93 DNA sequence variants to ClinVar spanning 58 genes, including 27 first-time submissions to the database. ClinVar submissions require valid Monarch Disease Ontology (Mondo) identifiers; gaps or inaccuracies were identified (n = 3) and updated, or Mondo disease entities were created to ensure gene-disease pairs were correctly represented. Using African Genome Variation Database frequencies to guide variant classification provided sub-regional context, highlighting population differences and refining interpretations. Furthermore, we maintained a structured follow-up of variant records using ClinVar's "follow" feature. This enabled passive monitoring of new submissions or classification changes, which were evaluated to assess whether reinterpretation or resolution of variants of uncertain significance or those with conflicting assertions were warranted. This work highlights the critical role that African genetic counselors can play as contributors to variant curation in an underrepresented geography, given their expertise in human genetics and clinical reasoning. By embedding African-specific frequency data and locally trained expertise into variant curation pipelines, a sustainable, equity-driven model for genomic knowledge production in Africa is developed. African-led ClinVar contributions can strengthen interpretative accuracy, foster collaborative curation, and position genetic counselors as active agents in global genomic data sharing and interpretation.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

An Y, Lan H, Xiong J, et al (2026)

From Axonal Growth to Neurodegeneration: The Dual Role of Neurofilament Dynamics in Health and Disease.

NeuroSci, 7(3): pii:neurosci7030058.

Neurofilaments (NFs) are the predominant type IV intermediate filaments in differentiated neurons, functioning not just as static scaffolds, but as active drivers of radial axonal growth and nerve conduction velocity. While their physical properties are well characterized, a critical gap remains in synthesizing how their dynamic assembly and developmental subunit switching directly dictate neurodegenerative outcomes. This review breaks down the molecular architecture and stepwise kinetic assembly of NFs, detailing their role in polarized transport and the formation of a protective viscoelastic gel network within axons. We specifically highlight the physiological expression switching of early subunits, such as alpha-internexin and peripherin, during neuronal maturation, a process often overlooked in traditional structural reviews. By examining how specific gene mutations and aberrant hyperphosphorylation trigger axonal transport jams and protein aggregation, we map the direct pathways leading to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Finally, we emphasize that a precise mechanistic decoding of NF structural dynamics and their pathological disruption is essential for understanding the fundamental etiology of these neurodegenerative conditions.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Gibbons GM, Fuchsberger T, Abdelgawad M, et al (2026)

A human corticospinal organoid-slice connectoid model informs enhancer strategies for post-injury axon regrowth.

Cell reports, 45(6):117399 pii:S2211-1247(26)00477-8 [Epub ahead of print].

Axon elongation in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) declines during development, limiting regenerative capacity after birth. Intrinsic regulators of this process are promising repair targets, as immature axons can regrow in tissues otherwise not conducive to regeneration. Yet the precise timing and mechanisms underlying the cessation of axon growth in the human CNS remain unresolved. Here, we developed a three-dimensional human corticospinal motor organoid-slice connectoid platform mimicking the developmental axon elongation program and its subsequent restriction through maturation. Cortical and spinal slices establish functional connections while remaining spatially segregated, enabling cortical cell-type-specific observations without direct confounding effects by spinal cells. Using single-cell transcriptomics, computational analyses, axon regrowth assays, and live imaging, we identified transcriptional alterations contributing to decreased axon growth in maturing human cortical projection neurons. We further demonstrate that this decline can be reversed using compounds and repurposable drugs targeting a maturation-associated transcriptional shift, promoting post-injury axon repair.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Ronquillo CE (2026)

Beyond Time Saved: Implementation, Equity, and the Utility Threshold for Nursing AI Scribes.

Journal of medical Internet research, 28:e101190 pii:v28i1e101190.

Schwabe et al's pre-post time-motion study of a domain-specific artificial intelligence (AI) speech assistant used by nurses in German long-term care provides one of the few real-world, full-shift evaluations of an AI scribe deployed to a nonphysician workforce, with paired objective observation and self-reported outcomes. This commentary points to the implications of these findings that extend well beyond the time savings headline. The study reports substantial reduction in self-reported documentation time and increased satisfaction with the documentation system, yet workplace satisfaction and the perception that AI scribes are "a good idea to implement" did not improve. Taken together, these findings show three undertheorized issues for AI scribe implementation in nursing and long-term care. First, postimplementation increases in time spent reviewing entries and retrieving information indicate that AI scribes redistribute cognitive effort from authoring to verification, with unknown consequences for satisfaction, mastery, and error detection. Second, the apparent paradox of rising documentation satisfaction alongside falling expectations of AI quality represents user calibration. Third, the substantial equity considerations of automatic speech recognition documentation reflect a broader trend of AI scribe studies that treat equity as a caveat, rather than treating equitable performance as empirically measurable and testable across variations in linguistic styles, dialects, and social linguistic dimensions. To advance the field, the next generation of nursing AI scribe research must treat documentation as a heterogeneous bundle of authoring, reviewing, retrieving, and verifying activities with distinct satisfaction and error profiles; specify and validate end-user-defined anchor utilities, rather than having a narrow focus on diffuse improvement; and treat equity testing and reporting of both automatic speech recognition systems and workforce adoption as standard reporting expectations, rather than caveats.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Doğan V, GK Sinanoğlu (2026)

2D:4D ratio, affective lability, and impulsivity in men with cannabinoid and methamphetamine use disorders: A comparative analysis with healthy controls.

Early human development, 221:106587 pii:S0378-3782(26)00112-X [Epub ahead of print].

The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is considered a non-invasive marker of prenatal androgen exposure and has been proposed as a developmental indicator of behavioral vulnerability; however, findings in substance use disorders remain inconsistent. This study aimed to examine whether 2D:4D ratios are associated with substance use disorders and to compare their relative contribution with psychological factors, including affective lability, impulsivity, and anxiety. In this cross-sectional case-control study, male participants with cannabinoid use disorder (CUD; n = 47), methamphetamine use disorder (MUD; n = 48), and healthy controls (n = 53) were included. The mean age of participants was 32.7±8.95 years. All participants were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), Affective Lability Scale-18 (ALS-18), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The 2D:4D ratio was measured with a digital caliper by two trained psychiatrists, and 2D:4D ratios and right-left differences (Dr-I) were calculated. No significant group differences were observed in left or right 2D:4D ratios or Dr-I; however, a consistent trend toward lower 2D:4D values, particularly for right-hand 2D:4D, was observed in the CUD and MUD groups compared with controls. In contrast, affective lability, impulsivity, and anxiety scores were significantly elevated in both patient groups (p <0.05). In univariate logistic regression analyses, affective lability, impulsivity, anxiety, and lower right-hand 2D:4D were associated with substance use disorder; however, right-hand 2D:4D showed the weakest association among these predictors. In the multivariate model, lower right-hand 2D:4D, impulsivity, lower educational attainment, and smoking remained independently associated with substance use disorder. These findings suggest that while 2D:4D may reflect a distal developmental vulnerability, psychological factors, particularly impulsivity, have a more direct and clinically relevant role in substance use disorders. Incorporating the assessment of impulsivity into clinical evaluation and intervention strategies may improve risk identification and treatment planning.

RevDate: 2026-05-27

Gorenshtein A, Omar M, Barash Y, et al (2026)

Large Language Models Integrated into Brain-Computer Interfaces for Communication and Control: A Systematic Review.

Biomedical physics & engineering express [Epub ahead of print].

Large language models (LLMs) are starting to be coupled with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for assistive communication, but the resulting systems differ widely in where the model sits in the pipeline and in what they actually measure. We performed a systematic review, prepared according to PRISMA, of eleven studies that combine an LLM with a BCI for communication or control. The included work covers P300, SSVEP, cVEP, passive affective and auditory paradigms, and five integration patterns: autocomplete, post-edit correction, intent expansion, dynamic interface generation and affective support. For each study we extracted the hardware and decoding pipeline, the LLM and prompting strategy, latency reporting and outcomes; we used scenario-appropriate metrics rather than a single common metric. Risk of bias was judged with an adapted ROBINS-I framework that stratified studies into online, offline-simulation and system-proposal categories. In the copy-spelling scenario, two studies that measured keystroke savings directly reported values above 50%, with one study exceeding 60% in a multi-turn condition; on an intent-based ALS message-bank task, one online study reached 42 characters per minute with a semantic accuracy of 88%. None of the eleven studies enrolled motor-impaired patients, seven of eleven relied on remote OpenAI endpoints, and reporting of end-to-end latency and failure modes was sparse. We propose a five-category taxonomy of BCI/LLM integration, separate findings that are supported from those that are still speculative, and give a checklist of metrics that should be reported by future studies. The taxonomy and the reporting checklist are the main contributions; clinical benefit for the target population remains to be shown.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Topal MA, Park HG, EA Impett (2026)

Beyond significance: Toward a more dynamic, relational, and culturally inclusive framework on love.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 49:e18 pii:S0140525X25102197.

Kruglanski et al.'s "love as a quest" model casts romantic love as a path to personal significance. We argue this framing misrepresents love's core nature, overlooking relational, emotional, and cultural dimensions. Love is not merely a reflection of individual validation but is dynamic and co-constructed. We advocate for a more relationally grounded and culturally inclusive framework on love.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Zeigler-Hill V (2026)

Seeking significance from significant others: Rethinking romantic love.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 49:e22 pii:S0140525X25102203.

Kruglanski et al.'s model redefines love as a pathway to personal significance, offering a compelling new lens through which to understand romantic relationships. This commentary explores the model's implications for areas of the literature, including mate value, attachment styles, self-esteem, and narcissism. It also outlines promising directions for future research, emphasizing love's role in fulfilling the need to feel significant.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Fowers BJ (2026)

Are merit and appreciation instrumental aims?.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 49:e10 pii:S0140525X25102264.

This commentary responds to Kruglanski et al.'s paper, which theorizes that love is one means that can result in significance. The commentary's first focus is whether love is well conceptualized as an instrumental activity (a means-end relation) and concludes that a constitutive-ends conceptualization is necessary (love helps to constitute significance). Secondly, the evidence base for their hypotheses appears thin.

RevDate: 2026-05-27
CmpDate: 2026-05-27

Boudesseul J, Cova F, A Lantian (2026)

Beyond the equation: An evolutionary reassessment of the love formula.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 49:e4 pii:S0140525X25102276.

Kruglanski et al.'s love formula - partner merit, appreciation, and the quest for meaning - offers a novel perspective but overlooks key evolutionary insights. It oversimplifies mating preferences, neglects contextual flexibility, and downplays reproductive signals crucial to partner selection. While innovative, the model fails to account for the complexity of human romantic behavior shaped by ecological, social, and developmental factors.

RevDate: 2026-05-26
CmpDate: 2026-05-26

Abati E, Saccomanno D, Alberti C, et al (2026)

Investigating the role of serum NfL, FGF21, NCAM1 and GDF15 as disease biomarkers for Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A.

Scientific reports, 16(1):.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A) is the most common axonal form of inherited peripheral neuropathy, caused by mutations in the mitofusin 2 (MFN2) gene that impair mitochondrial fusion and axonal transport, ultimately leading to progressive neurodegeneration. The identification of accessible molecular biomarkers may improve diagnostic accuracy, enable patient stratification, and support the development and monitoring of emerging therapies. We investigated serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in CMT2A patients (n = 15), healthy controls (n = 10), and neurological disease controls (n = 16; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS], n = 10, spinal muscular atrophy type 3 [SMA3], n = 6), evaluating their utility as diagnostic and monitoring biomarkers. In parallel, serum NfL levels were assessed in transgenic Thy1-MFN2*R94Q mice, a validated preclinical model of CMT2A. Serum NfL levels were significantly elevated in CMT2A patients compared to healthy controls, a finding corroborated in transgenic mice. Notably, NfL levels in CMT2A patients were higher than in SMA3 but lower than in ALS patients, supporting the ability of this biomarker to discriminate between clinically overlapping neuromuscular conditions. Higher NfL levels were associated with younger age, earlier disease onset, and shorter disease duration, suggesting a role as a marker of early disease burden. However, no significant correlation was observed with clinical severity scores or electrophysiological measures. Serum FGF21 levels were also significantly elevated in CMT2A patients compared to controls, whereas NCAM1 and GDF15 levels did not differ significantly between groups. These findings support the role of serum NfL as a translational biomarker of axonal damage in CMT2A, capable of distinguishing affected individuals from both healthy and neurological disease controls. The concomitant elevation of FGF21 further underscores the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to CMT2A pathophysiology. Together, these results highlight the potential of serum biomarkers to refine diagnostic workflows and facilitate therapeutic development and future clinical trials for CMT2A.

RevDate: 2026-05-25

Wei Z, Zhang M, Tang W, et al (2026)

CHCHD2 and CHCHD10 promoted autophagic clearance of protein aggregates via GABARAPs.

Autophagy [Epub ahead of print].

Mutations in mitochondrial protein CHCHD2 and its paralog CHCHD10 were identified in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or Alzheimer disease (AD). CHCHD2 and CHCHD10 mutations caused neurodegeneration in model animals as seen in patients, but their pathophysiological roles remain elusive. Here we reported a direct role of CHCHD2 and CHCHD10 in autophagy. We identified a protein complex composing of CHCHD2-CHCHD10-C1QBP/p32-Atg8-family proteins (ATG8s), in which each molecule interacted with another. CHCHD2, CHCHD10 and C1QBP/p32 associated with ATG8s, preferentially, GABARAPs. Disease-associated CHCHD2 and CHCHD10 mutations exhibited varied interaction with ATG8s. By binding to GABARAPs, CHCHD2 and CHCHD10 underwent autophagic degradation, and recruited the ULK1 complex. Autophagy initiation defects occurred upon transient knockdown of CHCHD2, and also in human iPSC-derived CHCHD2[-/-] or CHCHD2[T61I] dopaminergic neurons. Importantly, CHCHD2 and CHCHD10 promoted autophagy. CHCHD2 reduced protein aggregates in cells and toxic SNCA/α-synuclein species in mouse striatum. Our study thus revealed mitochondrial proteins CHCHD2 and CHCHD10 as both autophagy substrates and autophagy activators and laid groundwork for therapy targeting patients with neurodegeneration.

RevDate: 2026-05-25

Tavaglione L, Madonia N, Corrado L, et al (2026)

Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of SOD1‑related ALS: upper motor neuron predominance in a p.D91A case.

Neurodegenerative disease management [Epub ahead of print].

Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 SOD1 are the second most common genetic cause of ALS, usually associated with prevalent lower motor neuron phenotypes. We describe a 66-year-old woman with slowly progressive spastic paraparesis, initially diagnosed as primary lateral sclerosis, who carried a heterozygous p.D91A mutation. Clinical and neurophysiological findings indicated predominant upper motor neuron involvement, an unusual presentation for this mutation. This case broadens the SOD1 phenotypic spectrum and highlights the importance of early genetic testing in atypical motor syndromes, given the availability of targeted therapies where diagnostic delay may limit benefit.

RevDate: 2026-05-25

Ma G, Shi Y, Qiu J, et al (2026)

Cumulative Environmental Burden and Neurodegenerative Disease Mortality: A National Ecological Study in the United States.

American journal of epidemiology pii:8692703 [Epub ahead of print].

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represent a growing cause of mortality and disability among aging populations worldwide. However, the relationship between cumulative, multi-domain environmental exposures and NDD mortality remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to examine the association between comprehensive environmental quality and NDD mortality in the United States. We used the Environmental Quality Index (EQI) from 2000 to 2005 to characterize cumulative environmental exposure. Associations between EQI quintiles and NDD mortality, including dementia, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease, were examined using Bayesian interval-censored mixed-effects models. During 2006-2020, among 3.66 million NDD deaths, poorer environmental quality (Q5 vs. Q1) was associated with mortality rate differences of 24.72 (95% CrI: 22.43, 27.06) per 100,000 at 5-year lag, 26.74 (95% CrI: 24.34, 29.21) at 10-year lag, and 22.74 (95% CrI: 20.49, 25.13) at 15-year lag. Within each lag period, a clear dose-response pattern was consistently observed across EQI quintiles. Furthermore, associations were most pronounced for the air quality, followed by sociodemographic disadvantage. In addition, demographic and geographic heterogeneity was observed across sex, race, census regions, urbanicity, climate zone and county economic type. These findings underscore the need for integrated, place-based environmental health policies targeting neurodegeneration prevention.

RevDate: 2026-05-25

Trad G, Lenglet T, Querin G, et al (2026)

Beyond outcomes: patients' lived experience of exoskeleton-assisted gait training in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: To explore patients' expectations and lived experience of Atalante exoskeleton-assisted gait training in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

METHODS: In the EXALS study (NCT06199284), 10 ambulatory ALS participants completed 18 sessions of Atalante exoskeleton-assisted gait training. After completion of the intervention phase, post-training semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis approach. Structured interview items were summarized descriptively.

RESULTS: Ten participants reported positive expectations and experiences. Initial expectations most often included contributing to research (5/10), maintaining walking ability (4/10), and improving gait quality/balance (3/10). Expectation fulfillment was high (very satisfied: 7/10). The rehabilitative aspect was most frequently ranked as most reflective of the experience (rank 1: 4/10), followed by motivational/recreational (rank 2: 4/10), psychological/emotional was most often ranked last (rank 5: 5/10). Participants described perceived benefits including improved upright posture, stability, reduced stiffness, smoother gait, and reduced fear of falling, though some effects were described as short-lived. Three-word summaries were predominantly positive (8/10), commonly "interesting" and "motivating," with occasional negatives (tiring/heavy/repetitive/disappointing; 2/10). Compared with conventional physiotherapy, sessions were perceived as more dynamic and walking-focused, with a structured, innovative, closely supervised set-up. Suggested improvements centered on increasing access/dose, expanding walking space and training content, and enhancing safety/user control. Most participants would continue training if available (8/10), most commonly preferring two sessions per week (4/8).

CONCLUSIONS: Exoskeleton-assisted gait training was experienced as acceptable and meaningful. Translating this into practice will require aligning future protocols with patient priorities, autonomy/safety, access and delivery logistics, and broader functional content alongside quantitative evaluation.

RevDate: 2026-05-25

Fujiwara Y, Hashiguchi A, Yamashiro S, et al (2026)

Association between creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio and ALSFRS-R across clinical phenotypes.

BMC neurology pii:10.1186/s12883-026-04983-6 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Reliable and accessible biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are scarce. Creatinine (Cre) reflects muscle mass, whereas cystatin C (CysC) may reflect neurodegeneration without being directly influenced by muscle mass; however, both have limitations. We aimed to investigate whether the creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio (Cre/CysC) was cross-sectionally associated with functional status in patients with ALS.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 30 patients diagnosed with ALS at the National Organization Hospital Okinawa Hospital between 2021 and 2024. Baseline ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores and serum Cre and CysC levels were recorded. Associations with the ALSFRS-R were assessed using Spearman's correlation, with subgroup analyses by sex, site of onset, age at diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), and diagnostic delay. Multivariable analyses were performed to examine the independent association between Cre/CysC and ALSFRS-R while accounting for relevant clinical covariates.

RESULTS: Cre/CysC showed a stronger cross-sectional correlation with ALSFRS-R (rs=0.648, p = 0.0001) than Cre alone (rs =0.427) or CysC (rs =-0.119). Exploratory subgroup analyses showed generally positive associations in several subgroups, although no statistically significant association was observed in the small bulbar-onset subgroup. In multivariable analysis adjusted for age at onset and diagnostic delay, Cre/CysC remained independently associated with ALSFRS-R (β = 20.1, 95% CI 6.41-33.9, p = 0.006). Given the small sample size and cross-sectional design, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory.

CONCLUSIONS: Cre/CysC showed a stronger cross-sectional association with functional status than either marker alone. Because it is derived from routine laboratory tests, Cre/CysC may represent a simple exploratory measure associated with functional status in ALS. However, the present findings do not establish prognostic utility or fully account for disease stage and biological heterogeneity. Prospective longitudinal studies incorporating disease progression measures and broader clinical and genetic characterization are warranted.

RevDate: 2026-05-26
CmpDate: 2026-05-26

Salgueiro AM, Ferreira-Marques M, Ribeiro RFN, et al (2026)

Ketogenic diet as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases: from mechanisms to translational challenges.

Translational neurodegeneration, 15(1):.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is increasingly recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative disorders because of its multifaceted impacts on key pathophysiological mechanisms. This review explores the molecular pathways through which KD may protect against neurodegeneration, including the use of ketone bodies as alternative energy substrates, reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, modulation of autophagy and protein aggregation, and impact on the gut microbiome. The potential benefits of KD are explored across neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, based on both preclinical and clinical evidence that supports its feasibility. However, challenges in long-term safety, patient adherence, and clinical practicality limit its widespread adoption. This review underscores the potential of KD for treating neurodegeneration on the basis of current scientific evidence while highlighting the need for further research to optimize its application and address existing gaps.

RevDate: 2026-05-26
CmpDate: 2026-05-26

AlSabah AA, H Reda (2026)

SOD1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with Neurosarcoidosis: a case report and review of the literature.

Oxford medical case reports, 2026(5):omag078.

We describe a 37-year-old man with coexisting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by a mutation in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and probable neurosarcoid myeloradiculitis. The concurrence of the two rare conditions posed significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We discuss the diagnostic timeline, therapeutic interventions, outcomes over half a decade of care, and a review of relevant literature.

RevDate: 2026-05-26
CmpDate: 2026-05-26

Albadri Z, Häbel H, Thorslund K, et al (2026)

Associations between bullous pemphigoid and comorbidities: A Swedish nationwide cohort study of 5,738 patients.

Journal of multimorbidity and comorbidity, 16:26335565261455676.

BACKGROUND: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) has been linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders, but no nationwide population-based study has comprehensively examined the association of various comorbidities in BP patients in Sweden.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the associations between BP and various comorbidities, comparing these conditions before and after BP diagnosis with a matched control group.

METHODS: A nationwide cohort study was conducted in Sweden from 2005 to 2016, including 5,738 BP cases and 17,167 age, sex and county of residence matched controls. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR). Univariable logistic regression assessed pre-diagnosis comorbidities, generating prevalence odds ratios (POR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS: BP was associated with a significantly higher overall HR for comorbidity (HR: 2.20, 95% CI: 2.08-2.33). Before BP diagnosis, the overall comorbidity was significantly increased POR 2.72 (95% CI: 2.56-2.90). Pre-diagnosis association included dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, unipolar/bipolar disorders, suicide, diabetes, stroke, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, and vitiligo. After diagnosis, the overall hazard ratio (HR) for comorbidities was highest within the first year (HR 2.88, 95% CI: 2.68-3.10) and remained elevated beyond one year (HR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.44-1.71). Post-diagnosis associations remained elevated for dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, unipolar/bipolar, diabetes, psoriasis, lichen planus and autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome.

CONCLUSION: BP is strongly associated with neurodegenerative, psychiatric, autoimmune, and metabolic comorbidities before and after diagnosis, highlighting their clinical significance as predisposing and prognostic factors in BP patients.

RevDate: 2026-05-26

Tong VS, ME Pontell (2026)

Invited Commentary on: Islam et al.'s "Evaluating Appropriateness of Interfacility Transfers for Patients with Facial Trauma Including Acute Orbital Floor Fractures".

Facial plastic surgery & aesthetic medicine [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-05-26
CmpDate: 2026-05-26

Kibreab F, Haraburda A, Albaba YAA, et al (2026)

A scoping review of theoretical and measurement approaches to women's empowerment in low-and middle-income countries' capacity-building interventions.

Global health action, 19(1):2676412.

Women's empowerment is critical for achieving gender equality and sustainable development in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Capacity-building interventions, such as vocational training, microfinance, and digital literacy programmes, are frequently employed to foster empowerment. However, wide variation exists in how empowerment is defined, theorised, and measured, limiting comparability across studies. This scoping review mapped the conceptual foundations, theoretical frameworks, and measurement approaches used in capacity-building interventions for women entrepreneurs in LMICs. The review followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework and was reported in line with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and JSTOR, complemented by grey literature from major development agencies (2010-2024). Eligible studies focused on capacity-building interventions targeting women entrepreneurs in LMICs. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data, which were synthesised thematically. Of 11,109 records identified, 25 met inclusion criteria. Most studies were cross-sectional, conducted in sub-Saharan Africa (48%) and South Asia (32%). While 76% defined empowerment, 60% did not employ any explicit theoretical or conceptual framework. Among those that did, frameworks, such as Kabeer's, Longwe's, and Malhotra et al.'s were used inconsistently. Economic empowerment was the most frequently assessed domain, often measured through income or business performance, while social, political, and psychological dimensions were seldom examined. Indicators were heterogeneous and largely self-reported. Conceptual ambiguity and inconsistent measurement hinder progress in women's empowerment research in LMICs. Future studies should adopt theoretically grounded, multidimensional, and context-sensitive frameworks to capture empowerment as a dynamic process beyond economic gains.

RevDate: 2026-05-26
CmpDate: 2026-05-26

Kolukisa Birgec B, Toprak B, AB Mullen (2026)

Assessment of Respiratory Rate and Simulated Apnea Utilizing the PneumoWave Biosensor: In Vitro and In Vivo Validation.

Biosensors, 16(5): pii:bios16050256.

Accurate monitoring of respiratory rates is critical for early detection of a range of clinical conditions. However, standard manual counting or inadequate clinical monitoring often fails to provide reliable measurements. This study evaluated and validated the PneumoWave biosensor for respiratory rate measurement across a broad physiological range and different body postures (45°, 90°, and 180°) in both in vitro and in vivo settings. In vitro validation was performed using a SimMan ALS manikin operated at respiratory settings of 6-30 breaths per minute, with 10 s periods of simulated apnea. In vivo validation involved 20 healthy volunteers performing metronome-guided breathing while wearing bilateral PneumoWave biosensors. In vitro results demonstrated an excellent correlation between biosensors and manikin respiratory settings and captured all apnea events (r = 0.99, ICC = 0.99). In vivo findings showed good agreement with direct observational count (r = 0.99, R[2] = 0.99, ICC = 0.99), with 97% of apnea events captured by both devices in all positions. Body postures had no significant impact on biosensor accuracy. These findings demonstrate that the PneumoWave biosensor provides accurate and reliable respiratory monitoring and supports its potential as a robust, non-invasive tool for continuous clinical and remote patient monitoring.

RevDate: 2026-05-26
CmpDate: 2026-05-26

Hayden E, Kebe A, Chen S, et al (2026)

RNA-Binding Protein TAF15 Suppresses Toxicity in a Yeast Model of FUS Proteinopathy.

Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland), 12(5): pii:jof12050341.

Mutations in an RNA-binding protein FUS are known to cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since this discovery, mutations in several other RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have also been linked to ALS. Some of these ALS-associated RBPs have been shown to colocalize with ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules such as stress granules and processing bodies (p-bodies). Increasing evidence has emerged supporting a hypothesis that the impaired clearance, inappropriate assembly, and dysregulation of RNP granules play a role in ALS. Through the genome-scale overexpression screening of a yeast model of FUS toxicity, we found that TAF15, a human RBP with a similar protein domain structure and belonging to the same FET protein family as FUS, suppresses FUS toxicity in yeast. The suppression by TAF15 is specific to FUS and not found in other yeast models of neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins. We showed that the RNA recognition motif (RRM) of TAF15 is required for its suppression of FUS toxicity. Furthermore, FUS and TAF15 physically interact, and the C-terminus of TAF15 is required for both the physical protein-protein interaction and its protection against FUS toxicity. Finally, while FUS induces and colocalizes with both stress granules and p-bodies, TAF15 only induces and colocalizes with p-bodies. Importantly, the co-expression of FUS and TAF15 induces more p-bodies than individually expressing each gene alone, and FUS toxicity is exacerbated in yeast that is deficient in p-body formation. Overall, our findings suggest a role of increased p-body formation in the suppression of FUS toxicity by TAF15.

RevDate: 2026-05-26
CmpDate: 2026-05-26

Buccarello L, Montagna C, Di Matteo S, et al (2026)

The Bright and Dark Sides of Nitric Oxide in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Journal of personalized medicine, 16(5): pii:jpm16050246.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in neuronal communication, synaptic plasticity and vascular regulation. Due to its important function in neuronal homeostasis, NO imbalance is associated with neurodegeneration. Specifically, in Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), an excessive amount of NO, mostly produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS), reacts with superoxide to form peroxynitrite, driving oxidative/nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aberrant protein modifications. In AD, NO dysregulation promotes amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation and synaptic loss, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of neuronal damage. NO's dual role, protective at physiological levels but harmful if overproduced, underscores the therapeutic potential of antioxidant compounds that restore the balance of NO/NOS (especially iNOS) while preserving physiological functions. However, despite the emerging role of antioxidant-based therapeutic approaches, clinical translation is limited by the complexity of NO signaling and the absence of safe, specific NOS inhibitors. By targeting the molecular switch from protective to toxic, NO activity may offer new personalized treatment avenues for neurodegenerative diseases.

RevDate: 2026-05-26
CmpDate: 2026-05-26

Fajkić A, Belančić A, Pilipović K, et al (2026)

Nanotube-Assisted Motor Neuron and Neuromuscular Junction Stabilization in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Hypothesis for Adjunctive Therapy.

Neurology international, 18(5): pii:neurolint18050087.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) therapies that restore SMN expression improve survival and motor function but often fail to fully stabilize distal motor units or sustain endurance. We propose a hypothesis-driven adjunctive approach, intended to complement SMN-restoring therapies, in which localized nanotube-enabled interfaces acting at or near the distal motor unit and neuromuscular junction enhance neuromuscular transmission reliability in surviving, remodeled motor units. The model predicts a temporal cascade: improved junctional reliability and reduced activity-dependent failure, followed by consistent motor unit output across repeated activation, and ultimately, enhanced endurance and functional reserve. Phenotype-specific responsiveness identifies patients most likely to benefit, specifically those with preserved-but-limited residual motor unit substrate accompanied by measurable neuromuscular junction instability. Drawing on shared mechanisms from ALS, spinal cord injury, and other neuromuscular disorders, we discuss mechanistic, translational, safety, regulatory, and ethical considerations. This framework links objective physiological constructs to functional outcomes, offering a mechanistically grounded path for adjunctive therapy development in SMA and related conditions.

RevDate: 2026-05-26

Lockhart ENS (2026)

Cybernetic Feedback: an Apt Realignment of Batterham et al.'s Three-Body Problem of Suicide (2025).

Journal of evaluation in clinical practice, 32(4):e70487.

RevDate: 2026-05-26

Zheng P, L Chen (2026)

Comments on Wu et al's "The efficacy and adverse reactions of 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser on the treatment of nevus of Ota at different endpoints".

RevDate: 2026-05-23
CmpDate: 2026-05-23

Faujour C, Bouee S, Emery C, et al (2026)

Evaluating the Role of Order and Time Information for Classifying Sequences of Healthcare Events Derived from Claims Data.

Studies in health technology and informatics, 336:879-883.

Sequences of healthcare events from claims data are increasingly used for predictive modeling. Despite the rise in popularity of neural networks, the benefit of modeling event order and timing remains underexplored. We simulated patient trajectories using parameters estimated from claims data including 22,000 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases and 22,000 age and gender-matched controls. The simulation reproduced irregular event timing and condition-related activity that increased near an incident diagnosis. We compared three model families for population classification: frequency-based models, sequential models (long short-term memory and Transformer architectures) capturing event order, and sequential models incorporating temporal information. Performance was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve (AUC) at multiple time points before diagnosis. Sequential models outperformed frequency-based baselines by about +0.06 AUC on average, confirming the benefit of modeling event order. Adding time information provided no noticeable improvement, and results were stable across different time encoding and scaling methods. These findings suggest that, in claims-based classification tasks, event order captures most of the useful temporal signal, while explicit time encoding offers limited additional benefit under similar conditions.

RevDate: 2026-05-23
CmpDate: 2026-05-23

Yadav R, Pragya P, JF Agastinose Ronickom (2026)

Identification of Reliable Biomarkers for ALS Through Machine Learning Approach.

Studies in health technology and informatics, 336:1705-1709.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration and limited diagnostic biomarkers. Identifying robust molecular biomarkers for ALS remains a major challenge due to disease heterogeneity and high-dimensional gene expression data. In this study, we developed a machine learning (ML) based pipeline integrating transcriptome data and feature selection to identify potential ALS biomarkers. RNA-Seq data of motor neuron disease patients and healthy controls were obtained from publicly available GEO datasets, followed by preprocessing was performed. We implemented two ensembled ML models such as eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and random forest (RF) algorithms under a five-fold stratified cross-validation framework to identify the differentially expressed genes. These models were evaluated using the performance metrics. We identified top 10 genes ranked by feature importance from the XGBoost and RF models. Notably, the DCN (Decorin) gene appears consistently in the top 10 features of both models, underscoring its stability and biological relevance. Both ML models exhibited excellent classification performance, with RF achieving 98.8% accuracy and XGBoost achieving 97.6% accuracy, alongside consistently high sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1-score values. This work highlights the utility of transcriptomic data and ML in identifying key genes as biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic potential in ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-23

Ghasemi F, Khoshnam Rad N, Rashidinejad B, et al (2026)

Pulmonary toxocariasis presenting as migratory pulmonary infiltrates and mediastinal lymphadenopathy: a case report and literature review.

BMC pulmonary medicine pii:10.1186/s12890-026-04362-4 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary toxocariasis, caused by the nematode Toxocara canis or T. cati, is an underdiagnosed cause of eosinophilic lung disease with highly variable radiological presentation that often mimics malignancy or other eosinophilic conditions.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old female smoker presented with progressive dyspnea and cough. Initial chest CT revealed right lower lobe consolidation with mediastinal lymphadenopathy (station 4R with short-axis diameters 12 mm), raising concern for lung cancer. Bronchoscopy with EBUS-TBNA was non-diagnostic. The patient was empirically started on dexamethasone (8 mg daily, tapered over 3 months) for suspected organizing pneumonia. During steroid taper, her symptoms recurred with delayed emergence of peripheral eosinophilia (670/µL; initial absolute eosinophil count on presentation was 90/µL), elevated IgE (456 IU/mL), and serial CT scans demonstrating migratory pulmonary infiltrates involving the right lower, right middle, and left lower lobes. A history of raw beef liver consumption prompted serological testing, which confirmed Toxocara canis infection. Treatment with albendazole alone (400 mg twice daily for 14 days, without corticosteroids) resulted in complete clinical and radiological resolution.

LITERATURE REVIEW: We searched PubMed and Scopus (January 2014 - February 2026) for English- and French-language case reports of pulmonary toxocariasis. Fourteen new cases were identified and analyzed alongside the 12 cases from Ranasuriya et al.'s [1] review. These 26 cases demonstrate marked radiologic heterogeneity: multiple bilateral nodules (50%), consolidations (23%), pleural effusion (27%), and migratory infiltrates (8%). Pleural effusion has emerged as a distinct manifestation in seven recent cases. Delayed eosinophilia occurred in 12% of cases. Immunocompromised states (including primary ciliary dyskinesia, hematologic malignancies, and immunosuppressive therapy) were present in 23% of cases and may predispose to atypical presentations.

CONCLUSION: Pulmonary toxocariasis should be considered in patients with migratory infiltrates, unexplained eosinophilic pleural effusion, or lung nodules with eosinophilia. A meticulous dietary and exposure history is essential. Diagnosis is confirmed by serology, and patients respond well to albendazole therapy.

RevDate: 2026-05-23

Sharma S, Cortés-Pérez C, Bird S, et al (2026)

ERVK activity in CD8[+] T cell immune cell compartment in patients with ALS.

Journal of neuroinflammation pii:10.1186/s12974-026-03871-7 [Epub ahead of print].

Endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK) expression has been associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and its viral proteins can be detected in affected brain and spinal cord tissues. Despite confirmation of ERVK load in the blood of patients with ALS, few studies have examined ERVK protein expression in immune cells. ERVK produces an enzyme called integrase (IN), which can cause DNA damage during the integration of viral DNA into the host genome. Given that genomic instability is a hallmark of ALS, we hypothesized that the ERVK IN enzyme may also be expressed in lymphoid and myeloid-derived immune cells of patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from blood specimens using Ficoll isolation, and either flash-frozen for western blot analyses or affixed onto slides using the cytospin technique for subsequent confocal microscopy analysis. Image analysis of confocal micrographs revealed that ERVK IN expression was significantly elevated in CD3[+]CD8[+] T cells from a subset of patients with ALS as compared to controls. CD3[+]CD8[+] T cells in ALS exhibit enhanced number and size of ERVK IN puncta within the nucleus and at the plasma membrane. The DNA damage load, as measured by marker γH2AX, was strongly associated with ERVK IN levels in both controls and patients with ALS. Stratification of molecular data based on clinical parameters showed an association of elevated ERVK IN load in CD8[+] T cells from patients with ALS with lower ALSFRS-R and higher King's scores, as well as a significant decline in lung function metrics. In bulk PBMC from patients with ALS, ERVK IN was associated with expression of immune checkpoint marker PD-1, but not T cell exhaustion marker TOX. ERVK IN in CD14[+]CD11b[+] myeloid cells was also elevated, with ERVK[+] cells exhibiting notable membrane ruffling typical of immune cell activation and increased expression of HLA-DR. However, ERVK IN expression in monocytes was not correlated with clinical metrics in patients with ALS. This work points to the use of ERVK IN in CD8[+] cytotoxic T cells as a blood biomarker for ALS clinical trials, especially those focused on testing the efficacy of antivirals as a therapeutic strategy for ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-24

Schimmack U, MD Soto (2026)

A response to Pek et al.'s commentary on Z-curve: clarifying the assumptions of selection models.

Cognition & emotion [Epub ahead of print].

Pek et al. (2026. What does a Z-curve analysis tell us? Cognition & Emotion, 1-16) comment on Soto and Schimmack (2025. Credibility of results in emotion science: A z-curve analysis of results in the journals Cognition & Emotion and Emotion. Cognition & Emotion) and raise concerns about the use of z-curve to evaluate the credibility of emotion research. Their central criticism is based on simulations showing that z-curve can overestimate the expected discovery rate when selection operates not only at the level of statistical significance but also within the set of significant results as a function of effect size. This point is correct: if researchers selectively publish larger significant effects while suppressing smaller significant ones, selection models that assume threshold-based filtering can be biased. However, this limitation is not unique to z-curve and applies equally to other selection models used in meta-analysis. More importantly, there is currently little empirical evidence for effect-size bias, while there is ample evidence of selection based on significance. Under these more realistic conditions, z-curve provides informative estimates of (a) selection bias, (b) the expected replication rate, and (c) the false positive risk. Our results also demonstrate substantial inflation of effect size estimates in traditional meta-analyses that ignore selection processes. For these reasons, we reject the recommendation to rely solely on standard meta-analytic approaches and advocate for the use of selection models to obtain more realistic estimates.

RevDate: 2026-05-25
CmpDate: 2026-05-25

Paquet A, Touzel-Deschênes L, Roy V, et al (2026)

Proteomic Analysis of Corpora Amylacea Extracted From Post-mortem Brain of MAiD-end-of-life Sporadic ALS Patients.

Brain and behavior, 16(5):e71486.

PURPOSE: Corpora amylacea (CA) are starch-like inclusions that accumulate in the central nervous system (CNS) with aging and are enriched in neurodegenerative conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although often regarded as waste reservoirs, their cellular origins, molecular composition, and pathological significance remain poorly understood.

METHODS: Here, we performed an unbiased proteomic analysis of purified CAs isolated from post-mortem brains of sporadic ALS patients and controls.

FINDINGS: In-depth mass spectrometry identified 4,470 proteins, of which 658 were quantified, revealing distinct ALS-specific proteomic signatures. Enriched proteins included markers of cytoskeletal remodeling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and proteostasis disruption, as well as known ALS-associated proteins such as TDP-43 and neurofilament proteins. These findings demonstrate that CAs serve as reservoirs of dysfunctional, disease-relevant proteins and capture key pathological processes in ALS.

CONCLUSION: By applying an unbiased proteomic approach to purified CAs, this study provides the first comprehensive map of their protein content in ALS, supporting their potential as biomarker sources and as a source of mechanistic insights into neurodegeneration.

SIGNIFICANCE: Unbiased analyses of CAs in the context of ALS have yet to be undertaken. This study provides the first proteomic profiling of purified CAs, isolated from ALS patient brains using biochemical methods, revealing that CAs harbor disease-relevant proteins implicated in sporadic ALS. By demonstrating that CAs act as reservoirs of dysfunctional proteins related to metabolism, cytoskeletal organization, and proteostasis, our findings highlight their potential as a novel source of ALS-specific mechanistic insight into disease pathology.

RevDate: 2026-05-25

Debnath J, AM Leidal (2026)

Membrane ATG8ylation in secretory autophagy.

Autophagy [Epub ahead of print].

Mammalian Atg8-family (ATG8) proteins are crucial for macroautophagic/autophagic degradation in the lysosome and facilitate non-degradative processes including multiple distinct forms of unconventional protein secretion. These secretion pathways, collectively termed secretory autophagy, depend upon ATG8 conjugated to membranes to both specify and traffic molecules for extracellular release. Here, we review the current understanding of how membrane ATG8ylation supports secretory autophagy, and propose a cell biological framework for classifying the growing repertoire of secretory autophagy pathways based on membrane ATG8ylation at discrete intracellular vesicular intermediates. Finally, we detail the emerging roles of these pathways in physiology and disease.Abbreviations: Aβ, amyloid-β; Acb1, acyl-coA-binding 1; ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; APP, amyloid beta precursor protein; APEX2, ascorbate peroxidase; ATG, autophagy related; AWOL, autophagosome-mediated exit without lysis; BafA1, bafilomycin A1; BirA*, mutant BirA biotin ligase; BMI, body-mass index; CASM, ATG8 conjugation at single membranes; DAMPs, danger/damage-associated molecular patterns; DBI, diazepam binding inhibitor, acyl-CoA binding protein; DSS, dextran sodium sulfate; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; ERGIC, endoplasmic reticulum intermediate compartment; ESCRT, endosomal complexes required for transport; EVs, extracellular vesicles; EVPs, extracellular vesicles and particles; HMGB1, high mobility group box 1; IDE, insulin degrading enzyme; IFNB, interferon beta; ILV, intralumenal vesicles; LANDO, LC3-associated endocytosis; LAP, LC3-associated phagocytosis; LIR, LC3 interacting region; LDELS, LC3-dependent EV loading and secretion; LLOMe, L-leucyl-L-leucine methyl ester hydrobromide; M2, influenza A virus matrix 2, MAD, migratory autolysosome disposal; miRNAs, microRNAs; M-MDSC, monocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells; MVEs, multivesicular endosomes; PAMPs, pathogen-associated molecular patterns; P-bodies, processing bodies; PE, phosphatidylethanolamine; PD, Parkinson disease; PS, phosphatidylserine; RBPs, RNA binding proteins; R-EV, RAB22A-induced extracellular vesicle; SLC2A1, solute carrier family 2 member 1; TFRC, transferrin receptor; TGN, trans-Golgi network; TMED10, transmembrane p24 trafficking protein 10; THU, TMED10-channeled unconventional secretion; SALI, secretory autophagy during lysosome inhibition; SCF, SKP1-CUL1-F-box; SNAREs, soluble NSF attachment protein receptors.

RevDate: 2026-05-25

Liu JQ, Liu H, Sun YX, et al (2026)

Protein Disulfide Isomerase Disassembles TDP-43/G3BP1 Condensates and Antagonizes TDP-43 Pathological Aggregates.

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) [Epub ahead of print].

Cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of transactive response DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is a common pathological feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and Alzheimer's disease with TDP-43 pathology (AD-TDP); the exact role of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), an enzyme with chaperone activity, in modulating the pathological behavior of TDP-43 is unknown. In this study, we report that wild-type PDI, through its specific interaction with TDP-43, markedly attenuates phase separation of TDP-43, competitively displaces G3BP1 to disassemble TDP-43/G3BP1 condensates, and further counteracts the pathological mislocalization, abnormal phosphorylation, and pathological aggregation of TDP-43 through the b' domain of the enzyme. Ultimately, this alleviates mitochondrial damage and neuronal toxicity caused by TDP-43 aggregation and suppresses UNC13A cryptic splicing in stressed cells. In the presence of abnormal forms of PDI, however, PDI loses its activity, and stress granules containing TDP-43 are assembled into amyloid fibrils, resulting in mitochondrial impairment and neuronal cell death in ALS and AD-TDP patients. These findings not only provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of TDP-43 in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and AD-TDP, but also propose PDI as a potential therapeutic target.

RevDate: 2026-05-25
CmpDate: 2026-05-25

Zhao W, Lai Y, Li Z, et al (2026)

Targeting non-apoptotic regulated cell death (RCD) to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Acta pharmaceutica Sinica. B, 16(5):2601-2644.

Regulated cell death (RCD) is well-known as a controlled form of cell death regulated by one or more cascading signaling pathways. Over the past few decades, increasing evidence has implicated various non-apoptotic forms of RCD in neurons-including ferroptosis, parthanatos, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagic cell death, paraptosis, and cuproptosis-in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and their associated clinical manifestations. We provide an in-depth analysis of the associations between these RCDs and NDs, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS), and highlight the potential of modulating non-apoptotic RCD subtypes as neuroprotective targets. Besides, we highlight the crosstalk mechanisms among different non-apoptotic RCDs in NDs and the key targets regulating the crosstalk, which hold significant promise for developing dual-functional inhibitors that precisely modulate the pathological microenvironment and overcome drug resistance. As our understanding of death signaling networks deepens, such strategies may lead to breakthrough therapies for multiple NDs. Moreover, we further discuss the emerging small molecule compounds targeting non-apoptotic RCDs and their current research progress in clinical trials for the treatment of NDs, which may provide novel directions for related drugs. This comprehensive analysis paves the way for future research and therapeutic strategies aimed at harnessing non-apoptotic RCD pathways to mitigate neurodegeneration and improve patient outcomes.

RevDate: 2026-05-25
CmpDate: 2026-05-25

Kuru Çolak T, Akçay B, Weiss HR, et al (2026)

Treatment outcomes across curve patterns and severities in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated with a pattern-specific CAD-CAM brace.

Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences, 7:1826976.

BACKGROUND: Whether treatment outcomes differ according to curve pattern or baseline severity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains a subject of debate. In particular, it is unclear whether pattern-specific, CAD-CAM-designed brace systems provide comparable effectiveness across different curvature types. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of curve pattern and initial curve magnitude on treatment outcomes in AIS patients treated with a pattern-specific CAD-CAM-designed brace.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on female AIS patients aged 10-14 years (Risser 0-2) treated between 2015 and 2024. Cobb angle and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) were used as primary outcome measures. Data from four international clinics were analyzed for changes in spinal curvature and curve pattern.

RESULTS: A total of 145 patients were included (mean age 12.2 years; mean Cobb angle 38.4° ± 11.4°). Post-treatment, mean Cobb angle and ATR values decreased significantly (p < 0.001). The overall treatment success rate was 91%, with no significant differences based on apex vertebra location (p = 0.459), ALS patterns (p = 0.705), or baseline curve severity (p = 0.274).

CONCLUSION: In this multicenter cohort of skeletally immature adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, pattern-specific brace treatment was associated with significant reductions in both radiographic curvature and trunk rotation. Improvements were observed across different curve patterns and baseline severities. However, given the retrospective design and absence of a comparison group, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Prospective controlled studies are warranted to further validate these observations.

RevDate: 2026-05-25
CmpDate: 2026-05-25

Fonda BD, DT Murray (2026)

Phosphorylation Mimicking Mutations Cause TDP-43 to Adopt Different Fibril Conformations.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.05.14.725298.

UNLABELLED: The Tar-DNA Binding Protein-43 C-terminal region, TDP43LC, has been previously shown to form amyloid-like fibrils with distinct folds in ALS and FTD. In both diseases, proteinaceous inclusions contain TDP43 C-terminal protein fragments as well as phosphorylated TDP43. Here, we use solution NMR to show that soluble phosphomimetic TDP43LC, P-TDP43LC, is structurally similar to wild-type TDP43LC. Disperse P-TDP43LC, like wild-type protein, contains a central helical region flanked by long disordered regions. Despite this similarity, our turbidity measurements, imaging, and kinetic assays show that P-TDP43LC has different aggregation behavior than wild-type protein. Using solid state NMR measurements we find that that phosphomimetic mutations alter the wild-type fibril conformation. Electrostatic repulsion from negatively charged sidechains, despite having little effect on the soluble protein's structure, perturbs amyloid-like fibril formation and selects for a different conformation in vitro. These results shed light on the structural role of TDP43LC phosphorylation in fibril formation in disease.

SYNOPSIS: Phosphomimetic mutations at ALS and FTD neurodegeneration-associated sites in an amyloid forming protein perturbs the aggregated structure compared to wild-type protein.

RevDate: 2026-05-25
CmpDate: 2026-05-25

Chauhan BS, Brennan MA, Forstmeier PC, et al (2026)

C9orf72 -associated G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expression in Drosophila mushroom bodies causes age dependent TDP-43 pathology and dementia relevant phenotypes mediated in part by the glypican Dlp/GPC6.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.05.08.723849.

Hexanucleotide repeat expansions (HREs) in C9orf72 are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), yet the age-, sex-, repeat-length-, and circuit-specific influence on the pathology of neurons remains incompletely understood. Here, we established a Drosophila model of C9orf72 -associated dementia by expressing G4C2 repeats in mushroom body neurons (MBNs), a brain region critical for memory, locomotion, and sleep. Expression of 44X G4C2 repeats ((G4C2) 44X) led to progressive axonal thinning, age-dependent accumulation of Repeat Associated Non-AUG (RAN) translated GR-GFP dipeptide repeat (DPR) puncta, premature nuclear-to-cytoplasmic mislocalization of endogenous TDP-43, increased caspase, reduced lifespan and a loss of presynaptic active zones. Behaviorally, (G4C2) 44X expression caused locomotor hyperactivity, altered spatial working memory, and fragmentation of sleep architecture in an age- and sex-dependent manner, recapitulating core features of FTD. Surprisingly, the shorter (G4C2) 12X repeat, traditionally considered a control, also produced detectable RAN translation and intermediate phenotypes in aging MBNs, suggesting that length- and tissue-associated factors modulate repeat toxicity. We further identified a repeat-length- and age-dependent reduction of the glypican Dally-like protein (Dlp) in (G4C2) 44X consistent with disrupted Wnt-related signaling linked to TDP-43 proteinopathies. Restoring Dlp expression in MBNs mitigated locomotor and working-memory alterations, and loss of presynaptic active zones. In contrast, axonal degeneration, TDP-43 mislocalization, and lifespan were not significantly improved by restoring Dlp, suggesting that multiple mechanisms contribute to G4C2-induced toxicity. Supporting our findings in Drosophila MBNs, a CRISPRi screen in TDP-43 knock-down iNeurons identified GPC6, a human ortholog of Dlp, as a significant contributor to TDP-43 dependent synaptic loss. Together, our findings reveal an aging-sensitive, circuit-specific model of C9orf72 -associated neurodegeneration and highlight roles for DPR accumulation and Dlp/GPC6 dependent synaptic loss in FTD pathomechanisms.

RevDate: 2026-05-25
CmpDate: 2026-05-25

Dashti M, AlAbdulghafour F, AlMutairi O, et al (2026)

Classical HLA class II associations with ALS in Kuwait reveal a DR7-DQ2.2 risk haplotype.

Frontiers in immunology, 17:1820694.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies have implicated the human leukocyte antigen/major histocompatibility complex (HLA/MHC) region in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) susceptibility, and immune dysregulation is increasingly recognised as a modifier of disease course. High-resolution HLA data for ALS remain confined to European and East Asian ancestries. We tested whether classical HLA class I and class II variation contributes to ALS susceptibility in a Kuwaiti cohort.

METHODS: We analysed 38 unrelated ALS cases (mean age, 57.4 years; 63.2% male) and 150 population-matched controls (mean age, 57.0 years) from Kuwait. HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 alleles were typed at two-field resolution using HLA-HD from next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. Allele, haplotype, and amino-acid residue associations were tested in BIGDAWG with locus-specific Bonferroni correction, with additional across-locus sensitivity analysis. Significant class II residues were mapped onto AlphaFold 3 structural models and interpreted alongside published class II crystal structures.

RESULTS: No class I allele, haplotype, or residue remained significant after correction. In class II, DQA1*02:01 [odds ratio (OR) = 3.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67 to 5.95, p c = 0.0007], DRB1*07:01 (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.58-5.59, p c = 0.001), and DQB1*02:02 (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.28-4.69, p c = 0.03) were enriched in cases. The extended haplotype DQA1*02:01~DQB1*02:02~DRB1*07:01 (DR7-DQ2.2) conferred increased odds of ALS (OR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.53-6.19, p c = 0.002). Amino-acid residue analysis identified convergent risk positions in DQα1 (positions 47, 52, and 54; OR = 3.18, p c = 0.006) and DRβ1 (positions 11, 13, 14, 25, and 30; OR = 2.84, p c = 0.03) that map to the peptide-binding groove and correspond to the defining motifs of DQA1*02:01 and DRB1*07:01.

CONCLUSION: Using high-resolution NGS-based HLA typing in a Kuwaiti cohort, we identified a class II risk signal for ALS centred on the DR7-DQ2.2 haplotype with convergent residue-level support in the peptide-binding domains. These findings support a contribution of class II-restricted antigen presentation to ALS susceptibility and warrant functional validation and replication in larger, independent Middle Eastern cohorts.

RevDate: 2026-05-23
CmpDate: 2026-05-23

Bosoni P, Vazifehdan M, Aidos H, et al (2026)

Environmental Personal Exposure Clusters to Investigate Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Progression.

Studies in health technology and informatics, 336:173-177.

Reliable prognosis in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is hampered by data scarcity and variability. Beyond clinical variables, evidence suggests that environmental data can help capture disease trajectories. We investigated whether personal environmental measures can be organized into stable patterns that inform prognosis. In a multicenter cohort, 293 patients with MS or ALS were equipped with Atmotube air-quality sensors. We normalized volatile organic compound (VOC) time series and computed Dynamic Time Warping distances to capture temporal similarity. Hierarchical clustering yielded five daily exposure clusters, which were profiled using Atmotube variables (season, day type, humidity, temperature) and patient self-reports (work status, time outdoors), and evaluated by day-level differences between personal and fixed-station variables. These clusters can support interpolation of missing wearable intervals and generation of context-aware exposure estimates, thereby strengthening environmental inputs for prognostic modeling in MS and ALS.

RevDate: 2026-05-23
CmpDate: 2026-05-23

Ferraro PM, Narteni S, Lenatti M, et al (2026)

A Consensus Clustering Approach to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Phenotyping.

Studies in health technology and informatics, 336:338-342.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) phenotyping is a challenging task due to its heterogeneous nature and low prevalence. In this paper, we introduce a data-driven approach to support the characterization of ALS phenotypes based on clinical data from a battery of examinations. A consensus clustering method is proposed to identify stable clusters across multiple random data sub-samples, with the objective of discovering whether the retrieved patients' groups and related features align with clinical phenotypes and medical knowledge. Results suggest consistent profiles for bulbar onset ALS patients, driven by onset characteristics, whereas spinal onset ALS patients exhibit greater within-phenotype heterogeneity.

RevDate: 2026-05-23
CmpDate: 2026-05-23

Strube T, Weltermann L, Weber J, et al (2026)

Guideline-Aligned Machine Learning for Predicting Ondansetron Administration at the End of Anaesthesia: Explainable Decision Support for PONV Prophylaxis.

Studies in health technology and informatics, 336:570-574.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) both aim to support clinical decision-making but may provide conflicting suggestions. This manuscript presents a Guideline-Aligned Machine Learning (GAML) model to predict ondansetron administration at the end of anaesthesia, based on Gan et al.'s Fourth Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV). n= 16,240 anaesthesia protocols were analysed for risk factors and administered PONV prophylaxes. Logistic regression, multinomial naïve Bayes, and CatBoost classifiers were trained on 80% of protocols with 12-fold cross-validation; optimal thresholds were set by the mean F1-maximising cut-off across folds. Models were evaluated on the remaining 20%, achieving high accuracy (90 ± 1%) and moderate precision and recall (60 ± 5%, 75 ± 4%) across all models. A SHAP decision plot was further computed on the test set to visualise predictor contributions and illustrate a potential interactive preoperative planning interface. Overall, GAML is a promising basis for explainable decision support in clinical care.

RevDate: 2026-05-22

Zhang B, D Shang (2026)

Commentary on "Intercellular TIMP-1-CD63 signaling directs the evolution of immune escape and metastasis in KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer cells".

Molecular cancer, 25(1):.

We recently carefully read the article titled “Intercellular TIMP-1-CD63 signaling directs the evolution of immune escape and metastasis in KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer cells” published by Chu-An Wang et al. in Molecular Cancer. While this study provides valuable insights into tumor-immune crosstalk, we raise two points for clarification to enhance its precision. First, the manuscript classifies T2N0M0 samples as stage II pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which conflicts with the eighth edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual that designates T2N0M0 as stage IB. Second, the authors used pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) as a surrogate for fibroblasts to model stromal effects, but accumulating evidence indicates that PSCs and fibroblasts are not equivalent. To address this, we integrated single-cell, spatial, and bulk transcriptomic data from multiple cohorts. Our analyses revealed substantial differences between fibroblasts and stellate cells in abundance (fibroblasts enriched in primary pancreatic cancer tumor tissues), prognostic relevance (high fibroblasts associated with poorer survival, high stellate cells with better prognosis), spatial distribution (fibroblasts localized around malignant tumor cells), and intercellular communication (fibroblasts as stronger signal senders to malignant tumor cells). These findings confirm that PSCs cannot accurately represent fibroblasts in PDAC. We emphasize that clarifying these points will not undermine the study’s significance but will strengthen its rigor and comparability. Wang et al.’s work remains a valuable contribution to understanding PDAC progression, and we anticipate these clarifications will further advance stromal-immune crosstalk research in PDAC.

RevDate: 2026-05-22
CmpDate: 2026-05-22

Michelon H, Lefèvre-Dognin C, Paquereau J, et al (2026)

Acceptability of Atropine Eyedrops Administered Sublingually for Sialorrhea Treatment Related to Neurological Conditions.

Pharmacology research & perspectives, 14(3):e70250.

Off-label use of anticholinergic agents (atropine eye drops) administered sublingually are a first-line treatment in standard clinical practice in France to treat sialorrhea in patients with neurological conditions. The ability and willingness to using and administering such medication have become key factors to ensure safe and effective therapy. Given that the critical aspects for ophthalmic product development differ from those for oral medicine, the objectives of this study were to investigate patient acceptability of atropine eye drops for treating sialorrhea. A multi-centric, cross-sectional study using the CAST-ClinSearch Acceptability Score Test methodology was conducted in France between February 2021 and April 2023. In total, 31 evaluations were collected. Most patients were males (74.2%) and the mean age was 51.6 ± 20 years. Poor acceptability was reported in real-life settings. A lack of a suitable administration device combined with excessive saliva flow and patient disabilities made it difficult to ensure the required dose intake. Due to the bitter taste of the drug, poor palatability of the product appeared to be a key concern for oral administration. Designing a suitable form of atropine in accordance with the specificities of patients with neurological disabilities is needed to ensure the effective treatment of sialorrhea.

RevDate: 2026-05-22
CmpDate: 2026-05-22

Renou Q, Néant N, Destere A, et al (2026)

External Evaluation of Population Pharmacokinetic Models of Cabotegravir, During Its Oral and Intramuscular Administration in HIV-Infected Patients.

CPT: pharmacometrics & systems pharmacology, 15(6):e70180.

Cabotegravir (CAB), combined with rilpivirine, is the first long-acting injectable therapy approved for HIV-1 maintenance treatment. While adherence and patient satisfaction have been improved, pharmacokinetic (PK) variability remains a concern. Two population PK models have been developed: one based on data from phase I-III trials and the other on routine clinical data. However, neither model has undergone thorough external evaluation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive performance of these models using an independent prospective dataset to evaluate their suitability to support model-informed precision dosing (MIPD). External validation was performed using data from the French observational and multicenter (n = 14) ANRS0255 CARLAPOP study (736 HIV-infected patients, representing 2192 concentrations). Models were implemented using MONOLIX software and evaluated using goodness-of-fit, prediction-based, and simulation-based diagnostics. For Han's model, regarding plasma concentrations following intramuscular administration, Median Prediction Error (MDPE) was -1.2% (PRED) and -4.4% (IPRED); Median Absolute Prediction Error (MDAPE) was 36.6% (PRED) and 17.9% (IPRED). For Thoueille's model, MDPE was -24.2% (PRED) and -9.2% (IPRED); MDAPE was 39.0% (PRED) and 15.3% (IPRED). However, < 70% of predictions were within a 20% error margin with both models. Graphical analyses of Thoueille's model showed systemic bias, particularly in women, nonsmokers, and patients with higher body mass index. Therefore, neither model was considered reliable enough for MIPD application in our population. Although Han et al.'s model demonstrated higher predictive performances, further improvements are required before it can be reliably applied for MIPD in daily routine.

RevDate: 2026-05-22

Tian J, Jin Z, Chi Y, et al (2026)

Targeting lipid nanoparticle mediated co-delivery of edaravone and kaempferol for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis therapy.

Nanoscale [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by a progressive and selective loss of motor neurons in the central nervous system, particularly in the brain and spinal cord. However, the main cellular mechanisms and cell death pathways leading to motor neuron degeneration have not yet been clarified. Research indicates evidence of ferroptosis in ALS, and the natural compound kaempferol has been demonstrated to inhibit neuronal ferroptosis. However, damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the drug from penetrating the central nervous system, which significantly reduces its therapeutic efficacy. Here, we developed a targeted delivery system named Eda/Kae@Lip-RGD (EKLR), which consisted of liposome-grafted RGD peptides for the co-delivery of the drugs kaempferol and edaravone, capable of crossing the BBB to provide co-delivery of kaempferol and edaravone for combined treatment of ALS. As expected, treatment with EKLR for one month significantly slowed down weight loss and improved athletic performance in SOD1[G93A] transgenic mice. Mechanistically, this nanomedicine suppressed ferroptosis by upregulating the antioxidant proteins GPX4 and SLC7A11, alongside the downregulation of Nrf2 and ACSL4 levels, thus collectively preserving neuronal integrity. Meanwhile, EKLR restored the normal morphology and the survival rate of neurons and maintained the mitochondrial structure and morphological integrity. Accordingly, this nanoplatform may represent a distinctive and potentially effective strategy for achieving neuroprotection in ALS as well as in other disorders of the central nervous system.

RevDate: 2026-05-22

Ramos S, Watson MD, JC Lee (2026)

Kinetics and Spatial Distribution of β-Sheet Development in TDP-43CTD Condensate Maturation.

ACS chemical neuroscience [Epub ahead of print].

Cytosolic inclusions of aggregated TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia. A prevailing hypothesis suggests that TDP-43 condensates undergo a liquid-to-solid transition during maturation, involving the formation of β-sheet-rich, amyloid-like aggregates. To test this hypothesis, we sought to study the temporal and spatial evolution of protein secondary structure within individual condensates by Raman spectroscopy. We measured in vitro β-sheet development of the C-terminal domain of TDP-43 (TDP-43CTD) at the single-condensate level under physiological solution conditions. All condensates showed apparent single-exponential kinetics (k = 1.6 × 10[-5] s[-1]) for the disordered-to-β-sheet transformation, as indicated by increased amide-I intensity and a shift of the amide-III band to lower energy. Interestingly, the water bend-libration band exhibited a slower rate (k = 4.0 × 10[-6] s[-1]), suggesting that changes in the water environment lag behind protein conformational rearrangement. Further, Raman maps revealed that protein density is highest near the condensate center, whereas β-sheet content is mostly uniform in the interior of the condensate. The unexpected difference between the spatial distributions of β-sheet content and protein density challenges the typical concentration-dependent model of protein aggregation. Importantly, rare events were captured where condensates exhibited spatially asymmetric β-sheet development, revealing localized structural heterogeneity not detectable by ensemble measurements. Collectively, these results provide insight into the temporal and spatial dynamics of protein structure within TDP-43CTD condensates and demonstrate the utility of Raman spectral imaging for tracking condensate maturation.

RevDate: 2026-05-22
CmpDate: 2026-05-22

Condorelli GA, Iozzia A, Bonifacio D, et al (2026)

TDP-43 Acetylation at the Neuroimmune Interface: A Hypothesis-Driven Framework for Peripheral Inflammatory Stratotypes in ALS.

Neurochemical research, 51(3):.

Transactive Response Deoxyribonucleic Acid-Binding Protein-43 (TDP-43) acetylation may couple motor-neuron degeneration to systemic immune orchestration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Upon nuclear clearance and mislocalisation, TDP-43 enters the periphery; acetylation shapes its conformation, trafficking and immunogenicity. This narrative review synthesises single-cell transcriptomics, proteomic immunoprofiling and clinical inflammatory phenotyping to examine whether site-specific acetylated TDP-43 species may be associated with peripheral inflammatory signatures relevant to ALS immunopathology. By integrating separate datasets on acetylated TDP-43, monocyte phenotypes and cytokine modules, we propose two provisional endotypes characterised by monocyte reprogramming, cytokine modules and Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) dysfunction-each representing clinically actionable pathways. Framed as a provisional neuroimmune interface, the acetylation state is considered here as a plausible molecular correlate and potential therapeutic entry point: a measurable clue to inform pharmacological targeting and, potentially, a modifiable target via p300CREB-Binding Protein (CBP)-Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) axes or sirtuin activity. Recasting TDP-43 from neuropathological hallmark to immunoactive sentinel supports a shift from descriptive nosology to stratified immunotherapy, in which treatment allocation is informed by acetylation-defined peripheral signatures.

RevDate: 2026-05-22

Myers S, Kraus E, Davis ES, et al (2026)

Ostomy and Anastomotic Leak Differences Among Rural and Urban Surgical Colon Cancer Patients.

The Journal of surgical research, 324:59-66 pii:S0022-4804(26)00250-7 [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: Rural populations experience higher morbidity and mortality after resection of colon cancer (CC) than urban populations. Ostomy creation may obviate or reduce the severity of anastomotic leaks (ALs); however, this practice is surgeon-dependent. Differences in rural-urban ostomy practices and AL following CC resection are unknown.

METHODS: We identified patients who underwent CC resection between 2014 and 2019 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database and characterized ostomy practices. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate rural-urban differences in AL and readmissions, with and without ostomies. Oaxaca-Blinder nonlinear effect decomposition was used to analyze the proportion of rural-urban difference in AL explained by age, sex, race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, stage of cancer, surgical approach, surgeon specialty, and ostomy creation.

RESULTS: Among 28,031 individuals (17.9% rural), rural patients underwent ostomy surgery less often than urban (47.6% versus 52.4%, P< 0.0001). The rate of AL was higher among rural patients with ostomies (8.6% versus 7.0%, P= 0.0069), and rural ostomy patients were discharged with postacute care services less often (43.8% versus 47.3%, P= 0.0034). Resection by a general surgeon was associated with higher odds of AL only among urban patients (versus colorectal, OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.13-1.42). Surgical approach explained 37.5% of the rural-urban AL disparity, surgeon specialty explained 21.5%, and ostomy surgery only explained 2.6% of the difference.

CONCLUSIONS: Ostomy surgery explained a small proportion of the rural-urban AL disparity, while surgical approach explained over a third of the higher AL risk among rural populations. Surgical approach should be prioritized in interventions to improve CC surgical outcomes among rural populations.

RevDate: 2026-05-23

Braza AJ, Viñas-Bastart M, Sureda-Rosich M, et al (2026)

Tofersen in SOD1-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: From molecular mechanisms to regulatory milestones.

European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 223:107563 pii:S0928-0987(26)00137-5 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene account for approximately 2% of ALS cases and are associated with toxic protein misfolding and aggregation. Tofersen is an antisense oligonucleotide therapy designed to reduce the synthesis of mutant SOD1 protein through targeted mRNA degradation. While this strategy represents a gene-specific therapeutic approach for a subset of ALS patients, evidence regarding its efficacy, effectiveness and long-term outcomes continues to be evaluated in clinical trials and post-marketing studies.

OBJECTIVE: First, to describe the molecular mechanisms underlying SOD1-associated ALS and second, to analyze the therapeutic development, clinical outcomes, and regulatory evolution of tofersen.

METHODS: A narrative review was conducted in PubMed on preclinical and clinical studies published from 2016 through late 2025, complemented by an analysis of public registries and regulatory documentation. Clinical trials were identified through ClinicalTrials.gov and the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS), and official reports from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) were reviewed to contextualize their development and regulatory evaluation.

RESULTS: Fifty-three publications were identified, of which 20 met predefined inclusion criteria after screening and full-text review. Preclinical studies showed reduced mutant SOD1 expression and prolonged survival in transgenic models. Phase I-II trials demonstrated safety, favorable pharmacokinetics, and dose-dependent reductions in SOD1 in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels. Although the phase III VALOR trial did not meet the primary ALSFRS-R endpoint (a validated questionnaire-based functional rating scale-revised for determining ALS disease progression) at 28 weeks, significant reductions in the surrogate biomarker NfL indicated target engagement and supported accelerated regulatory approval. Extension data suggested potential clinical benefit with early treatment. Ongoing studies, including ATLAS in presymptomatic carriers, and real-world European data support continued evaluation, alongside accelerated regulatory approvals by FDA and EMA.

CONCLUSION: Tofersen marks a paradigm shift in ALS management, establishing the foundation for precision medicine in neurodegenerative diseases. Its ongoing evaluation in the ATLAS trial will determine whether early intervention can prevent or delay disease onset in presymptomatic SOD1 mutation carriers.

RevDate: 2026-05-23

Grouls A, Leavell YL, Mehta AK, et al (2026)

Embedding Palliative Care Clinicians in ALS Teams Improves ALS Clinicians' Confidence in Their Patient Management and Satisfaction With Palliative Care.

Muscle & nerve [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Specialty palliative care (SPC) can improve symptoms and well-being for people living with ALS. Few studies capture how ALS clinicians utilize or are impacted by SPC. We sought to understand how the presence of SPC clinicians on ALS teams impacts ALS clinicians' referrals to and satisfaction with SPC.

METHODS: We conducted a survey of interdisciplinary ALS clinicians to understand their confidence in their team's care, SPC referral patterns, and satisfaction with SPC. We compared responses from ALS clinicians with and without SPC in their team.

RESULTS: 141 ALS clinicians completed the survey, having primarily neurology, nursing, and therapy backgrounds. ALS clinicians who had SPC embedded in their team reported more confidence in their team's ability to address pain (63.3% v 37.4%, p < 0.001), dyspnea (88.8% v 70.8%, p = 0.05), and end-of-life needs (71.4% v 52.1%, p = 0.005). They reported fewer SPC referral barriers and referred to SPC for different reasons. ALS clinicians with SPC on their team were more satisfied with SPC's ability to help with motor symptoms (92.7% v 71.4%, p = 0.02), dyspnea (98.3% v 86.7%, p = 0.04), and care coordination (90.0% v 73.5%, p = 0.04).

DISCUSSION: The presence of SPC embedded within multidisciplinary ALS teams is associated with ALS clinicians feeling more confident in their team's ability to address certain care needs, more satisfied with the care provided by SPC, and experiencing fewer barriers to involving SPC. Additional research should explore how embedding SPC on ALS teams impacts patient outcomes.

RevDate: 2026-05-21
CmpDate: 2026-05-21

Harden KP (2026)

In praise of scientific open relationships: Commentary on Caspi et al. (2026).

Journal of psychopathology and clinical science, 135(4):505-506.

This commentary responds to arguments presented in Caspi et al.'s (see record 2026-80066-001) viewpoint article. I endorse the authors' overall argument but note that exactly how many mental disorders one needs to study at a time will likely depend on the specific research question. I also describe how transdiagnostic research requires strong norms of data and credit sharing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

RevDate: 2026-05-21

Meca A, Cruz B, Cruz I, et al (2026)

Revisiting the two-factor model of ethnic-racial and U.S. identity exploration among Hispanic college students.

Cultural diversity & ethnic minority psychology pii:2027-71445-001 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: Establishing a positive ethnic-racial identity (ERI) and U.S. identity (USI) is an important cultural asset capable of promoting positive adjustment. Although exploration has been identified as the fundamental process underlying ERI and USI development, existing research has largely utilized a unidimensional conceptualization. The present study sought to replicate Syed et al.'s (2013) findings, which differentiated between two forms of ERI exploration, search (i.e., reflection/talking to others) and participation (i.e., involvement in events/experiences), and extend to USI. Moreover, we sought to examine the unique associations between ERI and USI exploration with resolution and negative affect.

METHOD: The sample included 416 Hispanic/Latine college students (83.7% female; Mage = 20.57 years) recruited from a psychology department participant pool at a public Hispanic-serving institution in South Florida in 2017. Participants completed the online survey at their convenience in exchange for course credit.

RESULTS: Findings provided support for the differentiation between ERI and USI search and participation, which were uniquely and differentially associated with resolution and negative affect.

CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the need to move beyond unidimensional conceptualizations of exploration. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

RevDate: 2026-05-21

Marques Couto C, De Melo Queiroz E, Souza Lima W, et al (2026)

Clinical characterization and natural history of ALS8/VAPB p.Pro56Ser: upper motor neurone signs, survival, and functional milestones in 78 patients.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 8 (ALS8), caused by the VAPB p.Pro56Ser mutation, is a rare familial motor neurone disease with an incompletely characterized profile. We aimed to characterize the clinical phenotype, upper motor neurone (UMN) sign prevalence, survival, and functional milestones.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 78 patients with ALS8 confirmed via molecular testing or familial linkage analysis from 57 apparently unrelated families. UMN signs were assessed using a five-item composite of pyramidal signs. Survival and milestones were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS: Median age at onset was 44.9 years; 51% were men. Onset was lumbar in 94%, proximally predominant. UMN signs were present in 53 patients; none exhibited clonus. At admission, 51% had spinal-onset ALS, 42% progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and 6% flail leg; 30% of patients with PMA subsequently developed UMN signs. Survival was 21.9 years; times to wheelchair dependence and noninvasive ventilation were 7.0 and 10.0 years, respectively. Bulbar involvement occurred in 17 (21.8%) patients, predominantly as dysphonia. UMN status did not affect survival (p = 0.312). The standardized mortality ratio was 4.54 (95% CI 2.77-7.01), supporting disease-related excess mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: ALS8 is a slowly progressive motor neurone disease with lumbar onset, ascending progression, and frequent but subtle UMN signs. Survival was markedly prolonged but functional decline followed a predictable sequence. These findings expand the phenotypic characterization of ALS8 and support genetic counseling and anticipatory management.

RevDate: 2026-05-21

Ballesteros AL, Rodriguez-Cañamero S, Martín-Conty JL, et al (2026)

Effect of Glycemia and Diabetes on Early Warning Scores Performance in Prehospital Patients With Acute Illness: Multicenter, Prospective, Cohort Study.

Mayo Clinic proceedings pii:S0025-6196(26)18541-3 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: To determine how glycemia and diabetes affect the performance of the NEWS and mSOFA scores to predict 30-day mortality in patients with acute illnesses requiring EMS assistance.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This prospective, multicenter cohort study evaluated 14,726 adults with acute illness attended by advanced life support (ALS) units and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) between January 1, 2019, and December 1, 2025. Associations between glucose levels (hypoglycemia, normoglycemia, hyperglycemia), diabetic status, and 30-day mortality were analyzed. Predictive capacity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC-ROC) of NEWS and mSOFA stratified by metabolic groups was assessed and compared.

RESULTS: A nonlinear U-shaped relationship was observed between glycemia and mortality. mSOFA outperformed NEWS (AUC-ROC 0.877 vs 0.822). Under hyperglycemia, NEWS performance decreased (AUC-ROC 0.764), while mSOFA remained more stable (AUC-ROC 0.815). Both scores performed better in nondiabetic patients (AUC-ROC >0.82) than in diabetics with complications, suggesting stress hyperglycemia in nondiabetics reflects greater acute severity.

CONCLUSIONS: mSOFA showed greater robustness and more stable predictive performance than NEWS with glycemic variability, particularly in nondiabetic patients with stress hyperglycemia, suggesting glucose serves as a universal biomarker of acute severity across prehospital acute illness. These findings support potential value of prehospital POCT to improve critical patient identification and risk stratification where resources and infrastructure allow.

RevDate: 2026-05-21

Corcia P, Bernard E, de la Cruz E, et al (2026)

Primary Lateral Sclerosis French National Diagnostic and Care Protocol.

Revue neurologique pii:S0035-3787(26)00525-4 [Epub ahead of print].

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neurodegenerative motor neuron disease characterized by progressive and selective involvement of the central motor neuron within the bulbar and spinal regions. It is estimated to account for 1-5% of motor neuron diseases and typically presents in the fifth or sixth decade of life, with a slight male predominance. According to current consensus criteria, the diagnosis relies on the demonstration of progressive upper motor neuron dysfunction in the absence of lower motor neuron involvement, with persistence of isolated upper motor neuron signs for at least four years in order to exclude a slowly progressive upper motor neuron-predominant form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The French Motor Neuron Disease Network (FILSLAN) developed a National Diagnostic and Care Protocol (PNDS) with the aim of standardizing diagnostic criteria, optimizing differential diagnosis, and providing evidence-based recommendations for therapeutic management and follow-up across the national territory. These recommendations were elaborated in accordance with the methodological framework of the French National Authority for Health for rare diseases. The protocol provides practical guidance for establishing PLS as a diagnosis of exclusion, distinguishing it from ALS and hereditary spastic paraplegias, and organizing appropriate clinical and paraclinical investigations. It also outlines indications for genetic testing in selected cases and defines a multidisciplinary management strategy centered on symptomatic treatment, early rehabilitation, respiratory and nutritional surveillance, and psychosocial support. Given the slower progression of PLS compared with ALS, biannual multidisciplinary follow-up is generally appropriate. This protocol aims to harmonize clinical practice and improve patient care while acknowledging the current absence of disease-modifying therapies.

RevDate: 2026-05-22

Levin AB, Joshi Y, Vaidhya N, et al (2026)

Anaesthetics considerations for organ retrieval in the voluntary assisted dying patient - case report.

BMC anesthesiology pii:10.1186/s12871-026-03921-w [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is now legalised in several countries. Organ donation after VAD provides unique moral and logistical challenges. This report highlights the role of the anaesthetist in such cases.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old man with end-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis underwent VAD and became an organ donor. Anaesthetic and logistical considerations during procurement are described. Advances in organ retrieval after VAD and psychosocial implications are briefly outlined.

CONCLUSIONS: Organ donation after VAD presents unique opportunities and challenges. The anaesthetist plays a key role in ensuring both dignity for the patient and optimal conditions for organ retrieval.

LOAD NEXT 100 CITATIONS

RJR Experience and Expertise

Researcher

Robbins holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in the life sciences. He served as a tenured faculty member in the Zoology and Biological Science departments at Michigan State University. He is currently exploring the intersection between genomics, microbial ecology, and biodiversity — an area that promises to transform our understanding of the biosphere.

Educator

Robbins has extensive experience in college-level education: At MSU he taught introductory biology, genetics, and population genetics. At JHU, he was an instructor for a special course on biological database design. At FHCRC, he team-taught a graduate-level course on the history of genetics. At Bellevue College he taught medical informatics.

Administrator

Robbins has been involved in science administration at both the federal and the institutional levels. At NSF he was a program officer for database activities in the life sciences, at DOE he was a program officer for information infrastructure in the human genome project. At the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, he served as a vice president for fifteen years.

Technologist

Robbins has been involved with information technology since writing his first Fortran program as a college student. At NSF he was the first program officer for database activities in the life sciences. At JHU he held an appointment in the CS department and served as director of the informatics core for the Genome Data Base. At the FHCRC he was VP for Information Technology.

Publisher

While still at Michigan State, Robbins started his first publishing venture, founding a small company that addressed the short-run publishing needs of instructors in very large undergraduate classes. For more than 20 years, Robbins has been operating The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project, a web site dedicated to the digital publishing of critical works in science, especially classical genetics.

Speaker

Robbins is well-known for his speaking abilities and is often called upon to provide keynote or plenary addresses at international meetings. For example, in July, 2012, he gave a well-received keynote address at the Global Biodiversity Informatics Congress, sponsored by GBIF and held in Copenhagen. The slides from that talk can be seen HERE.

Facilitator

Robbins is a skilled meeting facilitator. He prefers a participatory approach, with part of the meeting involving dynamic breakout groups, created by the participants in real time: (1) individuals propose breakout groups; (2) everyone signs up for one (or more) groups; (3) the groups with the most interested parties then meet, with reports from each group presented and discussed in a subsequent plenary session.

Designer

Robbins has been engaged with photography and design since the 1960s, when he worked for a professional photography laboratory. He now prefers digital photography and tools for their precision and reproducibility. He designed his first web site more than 20 years ago and he personally designed and implemented this web site. He engages in graphic design as a hobby.

Support this website:
Order from Amazon
We will earn a commission.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, is a rare, incurable neuro-degenerative disease, of unknown etiology. With this disease, both upper (brain) and lower (spinal cord) motor neurons progressively degenerate and die, rendering immobile the muscles that they innervated. For anyone with a need or desire to appreciate what is known about ALS, this book provides a good foundation. R. Robbins

963 Red Tail Lane
Bellingham, WA 98226

206-300-3443

E-mail: RJR8222@gmail.com

Collection of publications by R J Robbins

Reprints and preprints of publications, slide presentations, instructional materials, and data compilations written or prepared by Robert Robbins. Most papers deal with computational biology, genome informatics, using information technology to support biomedical research, and related matters.

Research Gate page for R J Robbins

ResearchGate is a social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers, ask and answer questions, and find collaborators. According to a study by Nature and an article in Times Higher Education , it is the largest academic social network in terms of active users.

Curriculum Vitae for R J Robbins

short personal version

Curriculum Vitae for R J Robbins

long standard version

RJR Picks from Around the Web (updated 11 MAY 2018 )