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Bibliography on: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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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 21 Nov 2025 at 01:34 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®)

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RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Waldron FM, Langerová T, Rahmanova A, et al (2025)

Skin TDP-43 pathology as a candidate biomarker for predicting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis decades prior to motor symptom onset.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2025.04.10.648122.

UNLABELLED: The recognition that disease-associated proteinopathies can manifest in peripheral organs outside the central nervous system preceding the onset of neurological symptoms, has transformed our understanding of Parkinson's disease, in wide terms of pathogenesis, detection and diagnosis. For amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, non-motor symptoms, and non-central nervous system pathologies are gaining increased recognition but remain incompletely understood. Here, using a TDP-43 RNA aptamer and a Stathmin-2 cryptic exon transcript BaseScope [TM] ISH probe, we identify widespread peripheral organ TDP-43 pathology prior to motor symptom onset in a discovery cohort of ante-mortem tissues from people who went on to develop ALS. Peripheral organs exhibiting both TDP-43 toxic gain- and loss-of function include muscle, lymph node, gallbladder, colon and with notably high incidence, skin. Given the accessibility of skin as a readily biopsiable tissue, representing a promising substrate for the detection of disease-associated proteinopathies and the development of minimally invasive biomarkers, we established an extended cohort of ante-mortem skin samples for TDP-43 pathology validation and further investigation. In skin biopsies taken during life from 17 individuals who went on to develop ALS we identify TDP-43 pathology from all 17 individuals in a wide distribution of anatomical sites, up to 26.5 years before ALS diagnosis - a presymptomatic period comparable to that observed for skin α-synucleinopathy in Parkinson's disease. TDP-43 pathology was most abundant in skin biopsies from the back and shoulder, with sweat and sebaceous glands showing the highest involvement. TDP-43 pathology was also associated with structural changes. As skin α-synucleinopathy has been established as a biomarker for both the detection of Parkinson's disease and the differentiation of Parkinson's disease from multiple system atrophy, we propose that skin TDP-43 likewise holds diagnostic and discrimination potential for diseases characterised by TDP-43 proteinopathy.

SHORT ABSTRACT: Peripheral manifestations of neurodegenerative disease can precede neurological symptoms and serve as biomarkers, as shown by α-synuclein in the skin of individuals who later develop Parkinson's disease. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), however, the distribution and diagnostic potential of peripheral TDP-43 pathology remain unclear. Using a TDP-43 RNA aptamer and a cryptic STMN2 BaseScope™ probe, we examined ante-mortem tissues from individuals who later developed ALS. In a discovery cohort, we detected widespread pre-symptomatic TDP-43 pathology across multiple organs, with skin emerging as the most consistent site. We then validated these findings in a validation cohort comprising 17 individuals, all of whom exhibited TDP-43 pathology enriched in sweat glands and structural changes detectable up to 26.5 years before ALS diagnosis. These findings establish skin as a robust and accessible site of pre-symptomatic TDP-43 pathology, supporting its potential as a minimally invasive biomarker for early diagnosis and disease stratification in ALS.

SUMMARY: Much like skin α-synucleinopathy has transformed biomarker development in Parkinson's disease, this study identifies skin TDP-43 pathology as a promising early marker of ALS. The results open avenues for earlier diagnosis and stratification in a disease where intervention is most needed before symptoms appear.

HIGHLIGHTS: Presymptomatic TDP-43 pathology occurs across a range on non-CNS peripheral organ systems including skin, gastrointestinal tract and lymph nodes prior to motor symptom onset in people who went on to develop ALS.In skin, presymptomatic TDP-43 pathology is associated with structural changes and can be detected up to 26.5 years prior to motor symptoms in ALS.As for Parkinson's disease, shoulder and back represents optimal skin sampling sites for pre-symptomatic pathology in ALS.Sweat and sebaceous glands present with high levels of TDP-43 pathology, offering a promising biomarker target for early pathology detection.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: Using distinct biomarker discovery and validation ante-mortem tissue cohorts, we provide evidence of pre-symptomatic TDP-43 pathology across diverse non-CNS peripheral tissues, including skin decades before ALS symptom onset, highlighting skin TDP-43 pathology as a potential early biomarker for ALS and related TDP-43 proteinopathies.

RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Waldron FM, Spence H, Taso OS, et al (2025)

Brain Iron as a Surrogate Biomarker of Pathological TDP-43 Identifies Brain Region-Specific Signatures in Ageing, Alzheimer's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2025.10.02.680028.

BACKGROUND: TDP-43 pathology is a defining feature of several neurodegenerative diseases, but its prevalence and regional distribution in ageing and disease are not well characterised. We investigated the burden of brain TDP-43 pathology across ageing, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and examined ferritin as a region-specific correlate of TDP-43 pathology.

METHODS: Pathological TDP-43 was detected using an HDGFL2 cryptic exon in situ hybridisation probe and a TDP-43 RNA aptamer, providing greater sensitivity and specificity than antibody-based approaches. Amygdala, hippocampus, and frontal cortex tissue was analysed from non-neurological controls (ages 40-80), AD cases, and ALS cases. Ferritin (as a proxy for iron accumulation) was quantified in parallel to assess its association with TDP-43 pathology.

FINDINGS: TDP-43 pathology was detectable from the fourth decade of life, with a 4.5-fold increase in hippocampal involvement after age 60 years. In AD, pathology was present in 90% of cases and distinguished from ageing by selective amygdala involvement. In ALS, TDP-43 pathology was nearly ubiquitous across all regions studied. Regional ferritin strongly predicted TDP-43 burden: amygdala ferritin explained 87% of TDP-43 variance in ALS and 66% in AD, while hippocampal ferritin differentiated AD from controls. Across AD, ferritin explained between 43-81% of regional TDP-43 variance.

INTERPRETATION: TDP-43 brain pathology emerges in midlife with increased involvement after age 60 years, exhibits disease-specific regional signatures in AD and ALS, and is closely linked to ferritin accumulation. As TDP-43 confers a worse prognosis in AD, the capacity of ferritin, detectable with iron-sensitive MRI, to serve as a proxy for regional TDP-43 burden highlights its promise as a biomarker for disease stratification and prognosis.

SHORT ABSTRACT: Here we show that pathological TDP-43 emerges during normal ageing from the fourth decade of life, with a 4.5-fold increase in hippocampal involvement after 60 years. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), TDP-43 pathology was present in 90% of cases and distinguished from ageing by disproportionate amygdala involvement, while in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) it was nearly ubiquitous across hippocampus, amygdala, and frontal cortex. Using sensitive detection tools, we demonstrate that region-specific ferritin strongly predicts TDP-43 burden: amygdala ferritin explained 87% of variance in ALS and 66% in AD, while hippocampal ferritin differentiated AD from controls. Across AD, ferritin levels in all three regions explained 43-81% of TDP-43 variance. As TDP-43 pathology confers a worse prognosis in AD, the ability of ferritin, quantifiable with iron-sensitive MRI, to serve as a proxy for regional TDP-43 burden highlights its potential as a biomarker for disease stratification and prognostic assessment.

HIGHLIGHTS: TDP-43 brain pathology occurs in normal ageing from early in the fourth decade, characterised by a 4.5-fold increase in hippocampus pathology from the sixth decade.TDP-43 brain pathology is detectable in 90% of AD cases, with a disease-signature of increased amygdala pathology relative to age-matched controls.In ALS, TDP-43 is nearly ubiquitous in amygdala, hippocampus and frontal cortex.Hippocampus high brain ferritin distinguishes AD from and age-matched controlsBrain ferritin is a brain region-specific marker of TDP-43 pathology in ageing and disease, with amygdala ferritin explaining 87% of the variance in amygdala TDP-43 pathology in ALS, and 66% of amygdala TDP-43 pathology in ADIn AD, ferritin levels for all three brain regions explain between 43-81% of variance in their TDP-43 pathology levels.

RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Kanda T, Sasaki-Tanaka R, Kamimura H, et al (2025)

Is higher body mass index correlated with worse clinical outcomes in acute liver failure?.

World journal of clinical cases, 13(32):113514.

Krishnan et al's article is a comprehensive and vigorous retrospective cohort study regarding the association between obesity and clinical outcomes in acute liver failure (ALF). Among patients with ALF in the United States, mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly greater in those who underwent liver transplantation or who died than among survivors, although acetaminophen induced ALF was the most common etiology. A high BMI was associated with renal failure and high grades of hepatic encephalopathy. The prevalence of obesity and its related fatty liver diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease/ metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, has increased worldwide. Obesity is related to increased serum cytokines and immune abnormalities. These findings may explain why ALF in patients with high BMI is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine the associations among BMI, ALF and acute-on-chronic liver failure.

RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Candrea DN, Angrick M, Luo S, et al (2025)

Longitudinal study of gesture decoding in a clinical trial participant with ALS.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences pii:2025.09.26.25335804.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have the potential to preserve or restore communication and device control in people with paralysis from a variety of causes. For people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), however, the progressive loss of cortical motor neurons could theoretically pose a challenge to the stability of BCI performance. Here we tested the stability of gesture decoding with a chronic electrocorticographic (ECoG) BCI in a man living with ALS and participating in a clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03567213). We evaluated offline decoding performance of attempted gestures over two periods: a 5-week period beginning roughly 2 years post-implant and a 6-week period ending roughly 5 months later. Decoder sensitivity was high in both periods (90 - 98%), while classification accuracy was 37 - 68% in the first period and worsened to 23 - 39% in the second. We investigated multiple frequency bands that were used as model features in both periods, and we observed reductions in high gamma band power (70 - 110 Hz) and between-class separation during the second period compared to the first. Over the 5-month period motor function did not appreciably decline. These results, albeit preliminary, suggest that declines in the neural population responses that drive ECoG BCI performance can occur without overt signs of disease progression in people living with ALS, and could serve as a biomarker for disease progression in the future.

RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Doelemeyer A, Vaishampayan S, Zurbruegg S, et al (2025)

Deep learning-driven MRI for accurate brain volumetry in murine models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Frontiers in neuroscience, 19:1632169.

Brain atrophy as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key measure of neurodegeneration and a predictor of disability progression in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. While MRI-based brain volumetry is valuable for analyzing neurodegeneration in murine models as well, achieving high spatial resolution at sufficient signal-to-noise ratio is challenging due to the small size of the mouse brain. In vivo MRI allows for longitudinal studies and repeated assessments, enhancing statistical power and enabling pharmacological evaluations. However, the need for anesthesia necessitates compromises in acquisition times and voxel sizes. In this work we present the application of a deep-learning-based segmentation approach to the reliable quantification of total brain and brain sub region volumes, such as the hippocampus, caudate putamen, and cerebellum, from T2-weighted images with a pixel volume of 78x78x250 μm[3] acquired in 4.3 min at 7 Tesla using a conventional radiofrequency coil. The reproducibility of the fully automatic segmentation pipeline was validated in healthy C57BL/6 J mice and subsequently applied to models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cuprizone-induced demyelination, and MS. Our approach offers a robust and efficient method for in vivo brain volumetry in preclinical mouse studies, facilitating the evaluation of neurodegenerative processes and therapeutic interventions. The dramatic reduction in acquisition time achieved with our AI-based approach significantly enhances animal welfare (3R). This advancement allows brain volumetry to be seamlessly integrated into additional analyses, providing comprehensive insights without substantially increasing study duration.

RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

von Kügelgen N, Ludwik K, Mendonsa S, et al (2025)

Neuromuscular dysfunction in patient-derived FUS[R244RR]-ALS iPSC model via axonal downregulation of neuromuscular junction proteins.

NAR molecular medicine, 2(2):ugaf005.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs), ultimately resulting in death due to respiratory failure. A common feature among ALS cases is the early loss of axons, pointing to defects in axonal transport and translation as initial disease indicators. ALS is associated with mutations in RNA-binding proteins, such as FUS (Fused in Sarcoma). Here, we established a FUS[R244RR]-ALS hiPSC-derived model that recapitulates the MN survival and muscle contractility defects characteristic of ALS patients. Analysis of the protein and mRNA expression profiles in axonal and somatodendritic compartments of ALS-afflicted and isogenic control MNs revealed a selective downregulation of proteins essential for the neuromuscular junction function in FUS-ALS axons. Furthermore, analysis of FUS CLIP and RIP data showed that FUS binds mRNAs encoding these proteins. This work shed light on the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS and emphasized the importance of axonal gene expression analysis in elucidating the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders.

RevDate: 2025-11-19
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Hu Y, Lu Y, D Lan (2025)

Early Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Improves Swallowing and Speech Function in a Patient With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Clinical case reports, 13(11):e71486.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is a lack of effective treatment. This case report describes a 49-year-old male with ALS who presented with dysphagia, dysarthria, dyskinesia, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. Following 45 days of early multidisciplinary rehabilitation, the patient demonstrated significant improvement in swallowing and speech function, alleviation of non-motor symptoms, and maintenance of motor function. Notably, he retained the ability to consume soft foods at a two-year follow-up. This case highlights the vital role of early multidisciplinary rehabilitation in the comprehensive management of ALS.

RevDate: 2025-11-18
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Zhang J, Lin S, Zou H, et al (2025)

Reply to: Utilizing foundation models for developing clinical tools.

NPJ digital medicine, 8(1):681.

This reply addresses Chan et al.'s comments on our previous study, clarifying the use of foundation models (e.g., RETFound), commercial data sources/anonymity, and DeLong test results. We highlight that the SDEDS-fine-tuned RETFound outperforms commercial models and acknowledge the need for further testing, while referencing an early benchmark value.

RevDate: 2025-11-18

MacDonald C, Barnum E, Pradeep M, et al (2025)

Serious Game-Based Training for Improved Control of a Temporalis Electromyography Interface for Controlling Powered Wheelchairs.

Games for health journal [Epub ahead of print].

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by a significant decrease in mobility due to its neurodegenerative etiology. Throughout the progression of ALS, patients lose independence in their motor control. An electromyography (EMG) interface that enables control of a powered wheelchair can restore autonomous movement. The use of serious game-based training that mimics EMG-temporalis wheelchair controls can be used as training prior to wheelchair usage in the real world. Purpose: Limbitless Runner, a forearm EMG training game, found improved player performance with no significant difference noted between the free and structured play training. This study aims to investigate the generalizability of this finding when applied to a temporalis EMG system. Methods: Participants were given Limbitless Runner's quantifiable, structured training mode, the "ring challenge," for a scored pretest. Participants were then assigned to one of three cohorts for training: Limbitless Journey, Limbitless Runner "free play mode," or the Limbitless Runner "ring challenge." To assess improvement in user's performance, the ring challenge was repeated and scored. Quantitative surveys, including the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS) and the System Usability Scale (SUS), were given to gauge users' perceptions of the games. Results: All cohorts showed a user score improvement; however, the ring challenge (Cohort 2) showed the highest improvement, from an average of 22.9 rings in the pretest to 31.1 rings posttraining. The SUS and GUESS scores were not significantly different between the two different video games, demonstrating that both versions can be satisfying or acceptable platforms for users.

RevDate: 2025-11-18

Okagaki N, Tsuboi T, Chihara Y, et al (2025)

Impact of pneumothorax on clinical course of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis on long-term ventilation.

Respiratory investigation, 64(1):101329 pii:S2212-5345(25)00184-4 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Numerous clinical studies have shown that long-term positive pressure ventilation (PPV) improves quality of life and prognosis in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Pneumothorax is an important complication of PPV; however, few studies investigated pneumothorax in patients with ALS on long-term PPV.

METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal cohort study included 85 patients with ALS treated from 2013 to 2024. We collected information from medical records on ALS and pneumothorax treatment, blood laboratory data, radiology data, equipment data, and mortality. Subsequently, we compared clinical parameters and prognosis between the pneumothorax and non-pneumothorax groups.

RESULTS: Of the 85 patients, 61 underwent long-term PPV. Nine patients developed pneumothorax following the initiation of long-term PPV. In contrast, 24 patients without long-term PPV did not experience pneumothorax. Among patients who received tracheostomy PPV as a maximum respiratory management, the pneumothorax group tended to have a poorer prognosis from ALS onset than the non-pneumothorax group. Moreover, the pneumothorax group had higher inspiratory positive airway pressure and support pressure of ventilator settings than the non-pneumothorax group. Among the nine pneumothorax cases, there were no deaths directly related to the complication, two patients who developed pneumothorax during non-invasive PPV transitioned to tracheostomy PPV as a result of the complication.

CONCLUSIONS: Pneumothorax should be recognized as a serious complication that can occur in patients with ALS on PPV. Higher inspiratory positive airway pressure and support pressure settings on long-term PPV may be significant risk factors for pneumothorax.

RevDate: 2025-11-18

Yoo SH, Cho B, Kim KH, et al (2025)

Quality of life and care burden of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who need home-based medical care in Korea and their family caregivers.

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

Objective: Advanced neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) lead to severe mobility limitations, creating significant challenges for patients and caregivers at home. We aimed to investigate the quality of life (QOL) and care burden of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, pALS) and other NDDs and their family caregivers in Korea. Methods: This prospective survey study included people living with NDDs with mobility restrictions and their caregiver enrolled in a home-based medical care (HBMC) program at one tertiary hospital in South Korea from 2022 to 2024. Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, care burden (the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview Short Form, ZBI-12), QOL (EQ-5D-5L), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). The results were compared between ALS and other NDDs (non-ALS). Results: Of 44 patients requiring HBMC, 70.5% (31) were pALS. pALS were younger than non-ALS (median age, 65 vs. 79 years); more often, the caregiver was a spouse (64.5% vs. 46.1%, p = 0.30). One-fourth (25.8%) of pALS were on polypharmacy (>10 medications a day). One-third (29%) of pALS and 22.6% of their caregivers experienced moderate or severe depression. Half of pALS caregivers experienced high caregiving burden (ZBI-12 score ≥17). The mean EQ-5D-5L index score was 0.48 for pALS and 0.84 for their caregivers, which was lower than the results for the Korean general population. Conclusions: Patients with severe NDD and caregivers experienced low QOL and high caregiving burden, with pALS caregivers particularly vulnerable to depression and heavy burden. Designing optimal HBMC programs to support pALS and home caregivers is warranted.

RevDate: 2025-11-18
CmpDate: 2025-11-18

Zimmerman RS, K Olson (2025)

Aids-Related Risk Behavior and Behavior Change in a Sexually Active, Heterosexual Sample: A Test Of Three Models of Prevention.

AIDS education and prevention : official publication of the International Society for AIDS Education, 6(3):189-204.

Because a cure and a vaccine for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are not expected for at least several years, prevention of AIDS is the only means of reducing the spread of the disease. While education, information, and persuasion may be changing the HIV-related attitudes and even behaviors of some individuals, without a theoretical framework, the reasons why some individuals have changed and why other individuals have not changed are elusive. Three social-psycho logical models that have been applied to health-related behavior-the Health Belief Model (HBM), the Ajzen-Fishbein attitude-behavior model (AFM), and Leventhal et al.'s Self-Regulatory Model (SRM)-are tested in this study. The extent to which each model's variables are related to self-reported behavior change related to HIV and current HIV-related behavior are compared. Results indicate that the SRM and AFM contributed significantly to predicting risk behavior change, and that the HBM and AFM contributed significantly to predicting current risk behavior, after controlling for risk behavior change. Significant predictors of risk behavior change included timeline, identity, and self-efficacy from the SRM; sexual impulse (a barrier) from the HBM; and attitudes about the behaviors from the AFM. Significant predictors of current risk behavior included several barriers from the HBM and negative attitude about risk-reducing behaviors from the AFM.

RevDate: 2025-11-18
CmpDate: 2025-11-18

Lillelund CM, Kalra S, Greiner R, et al (2025)

A meaningful prediction of functional decline in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis based on multi-event survival analysis.

PloS one, 20(11):e0336476 pii:PONE-D-24-59895.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disorder of the motor neurons that causes progressive paralysis in patients. Current treatment options aim to prolong survival and improve quality of life. However, due to the heterogeneity of the disease, it is often difficult to determine the optimal time for potential therapies or medical interventions. In this study, we propose a novel method to predict the time until a patient with ALS experiences significant functional impairment (ALSFRS-R ≤ 2) for each of five common functions: speaking, swallowing, handwriting, walking, and breathing. We formulate this task as a multi-event survival problem and validate our approach in the PRO-ACT dataset ([Formula: see text]) by training five covariate-based survival models to estimate the probability of each event over the 500 days following the baseline visit. We then predict five event-specific individual survival distributions (ISDs) for a patient, each providing an interpretable estimate of when that event is likely to occur. The results show that covariate-based models are superior to the Kaplan-Meier estimator at predicting time-to-event outcomes in the PRO-ACT dataset. Additionally, our method enables practitioners to make individual counterfactual predictions-where certain covariates can be changed-to estimate their effect on the predicted outcome. In this regard, we find that Riluzole has little or no impact on predicted functional decline. However, for patients with bulbar-onset ALS, our model predicts significantly shorter time-to-event estimates for loss of speech and swallowing function compared to patients with limb-onset ALS (log-rank p < 0.001, Bonferroni-adjusted [Formula: see text]). The proposed method can be applied to current clinical examination data to assess the risk of functional decline and thus allow more personalized treatment planning.

RevDate: 2025-11-18
CmpDate: 2025-11-18

Staehr-Rye AK, Küchen SHL, Salvesen L, et al (2025)

[Chronic respiratory insufficiency in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

Ugeskrift for laeger, 187(44): pii:V03250140.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease progresses, respiratory function becomes increasingly compromised. Supporting respiratory function is the treatment with the greatest potential impact on life expectancy and should align with the patient's wishes to ensure quality of life. Optimal secretion management is essential for effective non-invasive mechanical ventilation therapy, as argued in this review. Home invasive mechanical ventilation is reserved for a small subset of patients.

RevDate: 2025-11-18

Ozkose GS, Topcu Y, Ay B, et al (2025)

Expanding the Phenotypic Spectrum of ERLIN1-Related SPG62: Report of Two Siblings With Behavioral Features and Hyperacusis.

Clinical genetics [Epub ahead of print].

Hereditary spastic paraplegia type 62 (SPG62) is a neurodegenerative disorder, with more than 20 individuals reported to date. This ultra-rare entity is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and has been associated with ERLIN1 variants. In addition, ERLIN1-related biallelic variants have been linked to early-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We present two siblings with slowly progressive spastic paraplegia, with mild intellectual decline, behavioral findings, and hyperacusis. This study expands the clinical spectrum of hereditary spastic paraplegia associated with ERLIN1.

RevDate: 2025-11-18
CmpDate: 2025-11-18

Ayvazian-Hancock A, Butler E, Meehan CF, et al (2025)

Synaptopathy in the TDP-43ΔNLS Mouse Model of Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

The European journal of neuroscience, 62(10):e70320.

Sporadic cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) represent the most common form of motor neuron disease. sALS is characterised by pathological cytoplasmic inclusions of TDP-43, so-called reactive astrocyte pathology and motor neuron degeneration. Alterations in certain subpopulations of synapses between neurons are thought to be a key driver of the pathological mechanisms of ALS. However, we do not have a clear understanding of which types of synapses are impacted in ALS. Identifying vulnerable synapses affected in sALS models may provide insights into the key sites of disease pathogenesis. In this study we have performed quantitative high-resolution microscopy to survey different synapse subtypes, including excitatory (glutamatergic), inhibitory (glycinergic) and modulatory (cholinergic C-Boutons) synapses, in the spinal cord of a mouse model of sALS showing inducible TDP-43 pathology (TDP43ΔNLS) restricted to neurons. We have identified changes in cholinergic synapses and a subpopulation of excitatory synapses. Mice display robust neuronal TDP-43 pathology and evidence of TDP-43 changes at cholinergic C-boutons. We also observe no evidence of astrocytic pathology nor changes in the fraction of synapses that are contacted by astrocytes. Overall, our findings highlight the selective vulnerability of distinct synapse populations in ALS.

RevDate: 2025-11-18

Aliakbari F, Volkening K, Nayeri Z, et al (2025)

Co-localization of tau and TDP-43 after extracellular vesicle delivery to cells.

The FEBS journal [Epub ahead of print].

Perturbations in the metabolism of microtubule-associated protein tau (tau) underlie the pathology of a broad array of dementias, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with cognitive impairment (ALSci) and approximately half of the dementias associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration. We recently observed significantly increased hippocampal tau pathology in rats injected with pseudophosphorylated human tau (2N4R tau[T175D]) co-expressing an ALS-associated TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) mutant (TDP-43[M337V]) when compared to wild-type rats. To understand this mechanism, we examined whether the extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from wild-type TDP-43 (wtTDP-43) or tau-expressing cells could transfer expression of these proteins to recipient cells, and whether co-localization of these proteins occurs. mCherry-wtTDP-43 or EGFP-tau constructs were expressed in HEK293 or SH-SY5Y cells. The secretome and EV fractions contained wtTDP-43 or 2N4R tau protein and RNA, and could transfer proteins into nontransfected cells. Co-localization was also detected in the cytosol of recipient cells. In silico modeling of tau and TDP-43 interactions suggests hydrogen bonding underlies this interaction. These studies further our understanding of the interaction between tau and TDP-43 by demonstrating their ability to co-aggregate and in providing a mechanism by which cell-cell transfer of either protein via extracellular vesicles can lead to these synergistic interactions.

RevDate: 2025-11-18
CmpDate: 2025-11-18

Serizawa S (2025)

Clinical Care Experience of Multidisciplinary Professionals in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Tokai journal of experimental and clinical medicine, 50(3):112-118.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the characteristics of medical care for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by examining the most memorable experiences of multidisciplinary medical professionals involved in patient care.

METHODS: In a questionnaire, "the most impressive thing about the experience" was efficiently categorized using inductive thematic coding. Responses were categorized using keywords, and similar content was categorized using codes. The instances of each quantified item were calculated by expressing them as numbers and frequencies. Furthermore, representative quotations and context-specific nuances were analyzed to investigate the emotional and ethical dimensions of each category.

RESULTS: Questionnaires were distributed to 269 medical professionals treating patients with ALS at three hospitals in the western region of Kanagawa Prefecture. Of these, 164 (60%) responded to the questionnaire, and 143 were included (valid response rate: 53%). Based on the questionnaire responses, the experiences of the medical professionals were classified into 27 categories. Medical professionals are continuously involved in fulfilling the wishes of patients as much as possible, realizing individuality and patient commitment, and intervening without giving up.

CONCLUSION: For multidisciplinary medical professionals involved in the care of patients with ALS in clinical practice, the most memorable experiences coincided with those associated with the challenges of ALS care.

RevDate: 2025-11-18
CmpDate: 2025-11-18

Kulcsárová K, Piel JHA, E Schaeffer (2025)

Environmental toxins in neurodegeneration - a narrative review.

Neurological research and practice, 7(1):93.

As the global incidence of neurodegenerative disorders rises at a rate beyond what can be attributed solely to population aging, the role of modifiable risk factors has come into research spotlight to inform preventive strategies. While many lifestyle interventions can be implemented at an individual level, addressing environmental pollutants that drive neurodegeneration requires a collective effort involving both public and political engagement. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the role of selected environmental toxins-pesticides, solvents, air pollution, and heavy metals-in the development of Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Drawing from epidemiological and experimental studies, we highlight associations between these exposures and neurodegeneration, as well as potential converging pathophysiological mechanisms such as neuroinflammation and proteinopathy. Understanding these links may help inform public health measures aimed at reducing the burden of these diseases.

RevDate: 2025-11-18

Chen J, L Mao (2025)

Limitations of single spot urine sampling and mixture model assumptions: commentary on Feng et al.'s study of heavy metal exposure and vascular age.

Journal of translational medicine, 23(1):1291.

RevDate: 2025-11-17
CmpDate: 2025-11-18

Cabras S, Manera U, Di Pede F, et al (2025)

Role of 2-[[18]F]FDG-PET as a biomarker of upper motor neuron involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Journal of neurology, 272(12):766.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) affects upper (UMN) and lower (LMN) motor neurons. ALS diagnosis is challenging, especially in predominant LMN phenotypes. Electromyography can disclose LMN damage, while UMN involvement is detectable by clinical examination, with possible support of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Our aim was to investigate the role of 2-[[18]F]FDG-PET as an UMN biomarker in ALS.

METHODS: In our cross-sectional study, we created an UMN burden score. Performing a multiple regression analysis in SPM12, we evaluated the relationship between UMNBS and brain metabolism. We split ALS cohort based on the UMN burden score median value (group A-under median, group B-above median). We ran a full factorial analysis including group A and B and healthy controls, followed by group comparisons.

RESULTS: We included 118 ALS patients (group A and B, N = 59), with a median UMN burden score of 9.50 and a left lateralization of UMN signs. We found a negative correlation between motor cortex metabolism and UMN burden score. Comparing each ALS group with healthy controls, we found relative hypometabolism in the left frontal lobe and relative bilateral, right-prevalent hypermetabolism of cerebellum and corticospinal tracts. The relative hypermetabolism in corticospinal tracts was more evident in the group with low UMN signs.

CONCLUSIONS: Motor cortex metabolism reflects UMN burden. Corticospinal tracts' metabolic changes could provide information about UMN involvement even in patients with predominant LMN phenotype, suggesting a possible role of brain 2-[[18]F]FDG-PET as an UMN biomarker in ALS patients.

RevDate: 2025-11-17
CmpDate: 2025-11-17

Yang X, Zhan L, Y Wang (2025)

Semantic projection as a method to measure individual differences in semantic scale length: insights from autism-related traits.

Scientific reports, 15(1):40119.

Human perceive and navigate the world using internal scales constructed for various semantic features (e.g., danger, weight), and these scales vary considerably in length and endpoints among individuals. Quantifying these scale lengths is critical for understanding cognitive diversity, yet existing methods face reliability challenges. Here, we extend Grand et al.'s semantic projection approach through a free-response paradigm to measure individual differences in scale length. Applying this framework to autistic traits, we uncover a dissociation: in male participants, those with high Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) scores exhibited significantly shorter scale lengths for abstract features compared to low-AQ males, revealing compressed conceptual representations in neurodivergent cognition. In contrast, no such differences were observed among females or for physical features. Potential implications and accounts are discussed.

RevDate: 2025-11-17

Di Nunzio M, Mignogna ML, Bacigaluppi M, et al (2025)

The role of dopaminergic signalling from physiology to neuroprotection in acute and chronic disorders.

Neurobiology of disease pii:S0969-9961(25)00411-5 [Epub ahead of print].

The dopaminergic system plays a central role in neuromodulation, involving motor control, reward, and cognition, and exerting its effects through five G protein-coupled receptors (DRD1-DRD5) with distinct tissue distributions and signalling mechanisms. While dopaminergic alterations are known to be associated to neuropsychiatric and movement disorders such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, growing evidence highlights a broader role in neurological and neurodegenerative conditions. This review explores the dopaminergic system's pathophysiological involvement in acute and chronic diseases such as stroke, spinal cord (SCI), traumatic brain (TBI) injury, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Beyond characterizing its dysfunction, we aim to examine how this disrupted signalling contributes to the neurodegeneration underlying the neurological and neurodegenerative disorders discussed here, along with the associated pathophysiological factors of inflammation and altered plasticity. We further discuss emerging data supporting the potential of dopamine-based interventions not only to modulate disease mechanisms, but also to confer neuroprotection and reduce tissue damage in both acute and progressive neurodegeneration, while also considering sex-related dopamine alterations. By integrating findings across diverse conditions, we underscore the importance of advancing dopaminergic research beyond classical disease models into novel therapeutic territory.

RevDate: 2025-11-17

Kawaguchi T, Yorimoto K, Kawakami M, et al (2025)

Lung Volume Recruitment Slows Pulmonary Functional Decline and Prolongs Survival in ALS.

Journal of neurologic physical therapy : JNPT [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the long-term effects of lung volume recruitment (LVR) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to clarify the impact of LVR on respiratory function (Aim 1) and survival (Aim 2).

METHODS: This retrospective cohort included hospitalized patients with ALS who underwent LVR from 2015 to 2020. For Aim 1, longitudinal changes in forced vital capacity (%FVC) were assessed every 3 months before and after LVR. For Aim 2, the survival study, data on sex, onset age, delay in diagnosis, duration of LVR, and subtype were also collected.

RESULTS: A total of 79 patients underwent LVR (Aim 2), 48 patients had %FVC data before and after LVR (Aim 1). Regarding long-term effects on respiratory function (Aim 1), %FVC declined at approximately 2% per month before LVR, with significant decreases observed at 12, 9, and 6 months relative to baseline (P < .001). After LVR, the decline slowed to less than 1% per month, and no significant decreases were observed at 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. In Aim 2, patients continuing LVR ≥6 months had longer survival than those with shorter use. Multivariate Cox regression identified LVR ≥6 months as a prognostic factor (hazard ratio [95% CI] = 0.42 [0.19-0.96], P = .04).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a potential association between continued LVR and both a slower decline in %FVC and longer survival in patients with ALS. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

VIDEO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE: For more insights from the author (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content Video, available at http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A552.

RevDate: 2025-11-17
CmpDate: 2025-11-17

Bethea JP, Sharma H, Doberstein N, et al (2025)

Application of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Scoping Review.

Cureus, 17(10):e94748.

Neurodegenerative diseases are comprised of a host of chronic conditions that impair the central nervous system. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) consists of many non-invasive modalities that can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments and conditions. OMT is reported to increase the range of motion and lymphatic flow, as well as decrease pain in a wide array of disorders. However, the efficacy of using OMT in neurodegenerative disorders has not been well established. The objective of this scoping review is to map the evidence that pertains to the application of OMT in treating neurodegenerative disorders and identify the gaps in the literature on this subject. This study was designed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for scoping reviews to gather information on OMT's potential efficacy in managing Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD). Peer-reviewed literature was collected through the Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Ovid Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and Web of Science. The criteria were limited to papers in English published between 1999 and 2023. The following search string was utilized: "osteopathic manipulative treatment" OR "osteopathic manipulation" AND "neurodegenerative disorders" OR "Alzheimer's disease" OR "dementia" OR "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" OR "Parkinson's disease" OR "Huntington's chorea". One hundred and forty-three articles were identified following final screening and critical appraisal, with eleven articles selected for analysis in this study. Data from the selected articles demonstrated that OMT can possibly attenuate symptoms in patients diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases. Studies in rats showed that OMT techniques were found to alter cholinergic neuronal genes, improve spatial learning and memory, reduce amyloid β protein levels, modulate synaptic transmission, and increase levels of the cytokines IL-1, IL-10, IL-13, RANTES, IL-17A, and EOTAXIN effects in AD dementia. ALS patients demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with OMT and did not report any adverse effects, though there was no decrease in pain or increased quality of life reported. PD patients reported improved postural stability, balance, and gait after OMT. No results were returned regarding OMT's effects on HD. Preliminary results in human PD and ALS patients who received OMT as an adjunct to traditional treatment regimens showed promising results, though few studies were found that address the topic, and the sample sizes of the studies that were found were small. There were no studies of the effects of OMT on human patients with AD or HD found, though preclinical studies in rats supported their trial in subsequent human studies. While current research on the impact of OMT on these neurodegenerative diseases is promising, there remain large gaps in the literature. Further research is necessary to support the use of and long-term efficacy of OMT in neurodegenerative diseases.

RevDate: 2025-11-17
CmpDate: 2025-11-17

Şahin TÖ, Cemali Ö, Özdemir M, et al (2025)

Flavonoids and phenolic compounds: a promising avenue for neurodegenerative disease therapy.

Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi, 49(5):635-659.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and ALS are characterized by a progressive loss of nerve cells, for which no definitive cure currently exists. These conditions share common pathological mechanisms, including chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Flavonoids and other plant-derived phenolic compounds have recently attracted attention for the treatment of such conditions due to their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review explores the neuroprotective mechanisms of flavonoids and evaluates their potential for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search of the Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of flavonoids and phenolic compounds against neurodegenerative diseases. The search terms included "polyphenols", "flavonoids", and related compounds, along with "Alzheimer's", "Parkinson's", "Huntington's", and "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis". Eligible studies included clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and in vitro and in vivo research published in English. Priority was given to studies from the last decade, although older but significant publications were also included.

RESULTS: The findings of multiple studies report the ability of flavonoid compounds such as quercetin, myricetin, apigenin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to modulate critical signaling pathways, reduce oxidative stress, prevent the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins, and support mitochondrial function. These bioactive molecules have exhibited significant potential in slowing disease progression and preserving neuronal integrity. Their therapeutic application, however, has been limited by their poor bioavailability, low stability, and rapid metabolism.

CONCLUSION: Flavonoids have shown promise as naturally derived agents with multi-targeted activity against neurodegenerative processes. Enhancing their absorption and stability through novel delivery systems and structural modifications could significantly improve their clinical efficacy. When administered early or as a complementary therapy, flavonoids can be considered a safe and effective approach to the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

RevDate: 2025-11-17
CmpDate: 2025-11-17

Almalki S, Salama M, Taylor MJ, et al (2025)

FUS-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia and links to the DNA damage response: a systematic review.

Frontiers in molecular neuroscience, 18:1671910.

Mutations in Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) are associated with neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This systematic review examined the connections between DNA damage in the central nervous system (CNS), dysfunction of DNA repair processes and the FUS proteinopathy. Twelve peer-reviewed publications were analyzed, investigating this question across a range of models, including immortalized cell lines, ALS-FTD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, mouse tissues and post-mortem samples from ALS-FTD patients. The studies also explored the impact of inducing DNA damage using several agents, including calicheamicin and etoposide, on FUS pathology. Our findings indicated that accumulated DNA damage was documented in all twelve studies, with a key finding being the disruption of interactions between FUS and the DNA damage response (DDR). FUS interactions with various DDR and DNA repair proteins involved in sensing DNA damage and executing the major repair pathways were impaired, resulting in elevated levels of DNA damage in both the nucleus and mitochondria. Therefore, FUS is an essential protein for the preservation of genomic integrity and this loss of genome stability is likely to be a key contributor to the neurodegeneration in ALS-FTD.

RevDate: 2025-11-17
CmpDate: 2025-11-17

Sun Z, Liu C, Liu W, et al (2025)

Surgical treatment of autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy with angle-closure glaucoma: vitreous liquefaction as the key to correcting postoperative malignant glaucoma-three case reports.

Frontiers in medicine, 12:1560475.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the surgical treatment of autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) combined with angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) through a retrospective case series.

METHODS: The treatment of three patients with ACG secondary to ARB was reviewed. The patients were admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology of Jinan Second People's Hospital from April 2023 to January 2024. Their conditions, treatments, and outcomes were extracted from the medical records and analyzed.

RESULTS: The patients were 48, 48, and 35 years old at the time of surgery. All had bilateral ARB and underwent surgery in the eye more severely affected by ACG. Topical eye drops failed to control the intraocular pressure (IOP), which measured 27, 28, and 47 mmHg before the surgery. The affected eyes also exhibited a shorter axial length (AL) and shallower anterior chamber depth (ACD). The ALs of the surgical eyes measured 22.73 mm, 21.52 mm, and 20.96 mm, while the ACDs were 2.51 mm, 1.97 mm, and 2.19 mm, respectively. After receiving trabeculectomy, they all immediately developed malignant glaucoma, which could not be resolved by conservative treatment. Following a second surgery, which importantly included an anterior vitrectomy and posterior capsulotomy, the IOP was normal, the ACD was satisfactory, and visual function was preserved.

CONCLUSION: For ACG/ARB patients, the risk of developing malignant glaucoma after glaucoma surgery is very high. Surgical intervention, such as anterior vitrectomy, is needed to increase vitreous fluidity, eliminate vitreous block, assist the formation of the anterior chamber, and stabilize the IOP to save the patient's vision. Long-term, close follow-up is essential due to the risk of recurrence in the operated eye and occurrence in the non-operated eyes.

RevDate: 2025-11-17
CmpDate: 2025-11-17

Baeken MW, Bekbulat F, Körschgen H, et al (2025)

The sigma-1 receptor as a neurohomeostatic decision hub for GABARAP-mediated receptor trafficking and macroautophagy.

Frontiers in molecular biosciences, 12:1673249.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) is a multifunctional member of the autophagy-related (ATG8) protein family, playing key roles in two distinct cellular pathways: macroautophagy and plasma membrane protein trafficking. In the context of autophagy, GABARAP modulates cargo recognition and supports the maturation and fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, a critical step in intracellular clearance and proteostasis. Separately, GABARAP also regulates vesicular receptor protein transport from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane, contributing to proper surface localization and receptor recycling. Both tasks are especially vital for neurons, where protein turnover and receptor localization are tightly linked to synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection. We recently identified a direct interaction between GABARAP and the sigma-1 receptor (σ1R), an ER-resident receptor involved in diverse cellular stress responses, mitochondrial function, and protein homeostasis. Our findings suggest that σ1R acts as an upstream regulatory hub, influencing GABARAP's functional commitment to either membrane trafficking or autophagy. Specifically, we hypothesize that ligand-dependent σ1R activation promotes GABARAP's involvement in macroautophagy at the expense of its role in membrane transport. This regulatory switch may underline part of the neuroprotective effects observed with σ1R agonists in neurodegenerative disease models, where enhanced autophagy is often beneficial. Overall, we discuss the emerging molecular crosstalk between σ1R and GABARAP, its potential impact on neuronal homeostasis, and how σ1R's pharmacological modulation might be leveraged to bias GABARAP function toward autophagy in diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease.

RevDate: 2025-11-17

Bao W, Hao Y, Wang J, et al (2025)

A cobalt-doped Prussian blue analogue as an efficient catalytic confinement matrix for high-performance aluminum-sulfur batteries.

Chemical communications (Cambridge, England) [Epub ahead of print].

The development of cathode materials that combine effective polysulfide anchoring, and structural robustness is critical for advancing aluminum-sulfur (Al-S) battery performance. Herein, we propose a cobalt-based Prussian blue analogue (CoPBA) with a metal-organic framework structure as a cathode material for Al-S batteries. The S@CoPBA cathode exhibits a discharge capacity exceeding 414.0 mA h g[-1] after 650 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g[-1].

RevDate: 2025-11-17

Araujo-Vieira K, Dias PHDS, Pereyra MO, et al (2025)

On a recent phylogenetic reanalysis of Sphaenorhynchini (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae): Does it all come down to the method?.

Cladistics : the international journal of the Willi Hennig Society [Epub ahead of print].

Sphaenorhynchini comprises 15 species of small, greenish treefrogs from cis-Andean South America. Araujo-Vieira et al. (2019, A total evidence analysis of the phylogeny of hatch-faced treefrogs [Anura: Hylidae: Sphaenorhynchus], Cladistics 35, 469-486) conducted a total evidence parsimony analysis of DNA sequences and phenotypic data, corroborating the monophyly of Sphaenorhynchus, identifying three species groups, and placing the unusual species S. pauloalvini as sister to all other species. On this basis and numerous phenotypic differences, Araujo-Vieira et al. (2020, A new genus of lime treefrogs [Anura: Hylidae: Sphaenorhynchini], Zool. Anz. 286, 81-89) erected the genus Gabohyla for S. pauloalvini. Subsequently, Pereira et al. (2022, The dispersal between Amazonia and Atlantic Forest during the Early Neogene revealed by the biogeography of the treefrog tribe Sphaenorhynchini [Anura, Hylidae], Ecol. Evol. 12, e8754) performed a Bayesian analysis of a subset of Araujo-Vieira et al.'s (2019) molecular data and found G. pauloalvini to be nested within Sphaenorhynchus, which they attributed exclusively to choice of analytical method. To test this claim, we performed parsimony and Bayesian analyses of the total evidence dataset and the complete and partial molecular datasets with either the entire outgroup sample or a single terminal. The topology from the Bayesian analysis of the complete dataset is almost identical to that of Araujo-Vieira et al. (2019), with G. pauloalvini sister to Sphaenorhynchus, thereby refuting Pereira et al.'s claim. Moreover, the monophyly of Sphaenorhynchus sensu stricto was remarkably robust, being recovered in all analyses except the Bayesian analysis of the partial molecular dataset with a single outgroup terminal (i.e., the analysis performed by Pereira et al.). In addition to supporting the continued recognition of Gabohyla, our results underscore the importance of considering not only the choice of analytical method, but also character and taxon sampling-including outgroup sampling-before rejecting prior findings.

RevDate: 2025-11-16

Chethana HP, Rathan Kumar U, Chakraborty G, et al (2025)

L-Arginine Interferes with Functional Studies of Amyloid Proteins.

Protein expression and purification pii:S1046-5928(25)00196-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Intrinsically disordered proteins/regions are abundant in cancer signalling pathways and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, etc. Purification of intrinsically disordered proteins can be challenging due to their sticky nature. For intrinsically disordered amyloid proteins, in-vitro aggregation studies are ideal experiments to study their liquid to solid transition. However, over-expression of these proteins in E. coli often results in insoluble protein fraction that ends up in cell-pellet as inclusion bodies, on lysis and centrifugation. Supplementing purification buffers with l-arginine is known to increase the solubility of proteins. For most of the structured proteins increasing solubility translates into a higher yield of functional proteins. However, for aggregation prone proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases, like α-synuclein (Parkinson's disease), Aβ (Alzheimer's disease), fused in sarcoma (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), etc. inclusion of l-arginine might interfere with aggregation studies. To test our hypothesis, we purified aggregation prone α-synuclein and fused in sarcoma protein in the presence and absence of l-arginine and studied their fibrillization. While recombinant FUS is difficult to prepare, purification of α-synuclein is well established but in all the protocols a significant amount of protein remains as insoluble fraction in the pellet. Inclusion of l-arginine increases the yield of protein purification by about 3 folds for both the proteins, but the resulting protein does not aggregate into fibrils thus showing that increased solubility of amyloid proteins (α-synuclein and fused in sarcoma) in the presence of l-arginine is not suitable for aggregation studies.

RevDate: 2025-11-16

McFarlane R, Ross R, Domhnaill ÉM, et al (2025)

Dynamic modelling of the ALSFRS-R: leveraging population-based scores using neural networks.

EBioMedicine, 122:106029 pii:S2352-3964(25)00473-6 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with highly heterogeneous trajectories. The Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) is challenging to model due to irregularly spaced data and patient-level variability. Here we sought to develop and validate a short-horizon prediction tool leveraging a fully connected neural network (FCNN) to forecast individual ALSFRS-R trajectories, providing a natural history benchmark for trials and clinical practice.

METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 29,992 ALSFRS-R measurements from 5319 people living with ALS (plwALS) in the population-based PRECISION-ALS dataset. plwALS were randomised (80:20) into a training and test cohort using group-based splitting. A three-layer FCNN was built in TensorFlow to predict a third ALSFRS-R score given two historical scores and their respective time intervals. Performance was evaluated on the PRECISION-ALS test set and externally on the PROACT database. Linear extrapolation served as a baseline comparator.

FINDINGS: On the PRECISION-ALS test set, the FCNN achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0552 (95% CI 0.0547-0.0576) on a normalised 0-1 scale, corresponding to 2.65 (2.63, 2.76) points on the 48-point ALSFRS-R. This remained consistent across all post-diagnostic periods. The model generalised well to the PROACT dataset, with an improved MAE of 0.0485 (95% CI 0.0481, 0.0489). Linear extrapolation performed significantly worse across all metrics. Error remained consistent across all clinical groups investigated, such as sex, genotype, site of onset, age at diagnosis, age at onset and diagnostic delay.

INTERPRETATION: A short-horizon FCNN can provide clinically interpretable, individualised ALSFRS-R forecasts from sparse, irregularly spaced data. By supporting rapid identification of those who step outside of the model, this approach holds promise for optimising patient counselling, clinical trial monitoring, and early intervention strategies. This approach allows us to better utilise our growing bank of ALS patient data to support decision making.

FUNDING: R McFarlane is supported by a grant from Target ALS, Precision ALS is funded by Taighde Éireann (Research Ireland, formerly Science Foundation Ireland).

RevDate: 2025-11-16

Singh A, Barasa L, DeOrsey L, et al (2025)

Triazole-based STING inhibitors.

Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry, 132:118484 pii:S0968-0896(25)00425-0 [Epub ahead of print].

Aberrant activation of the DNA sensing cGAS-STING pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and autoinflammatory disorders such as Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) and STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI). Consequently, considerable efforts have been directed toward the development of STING inhibitors. We previously reported that BB-Cl-amidine and LB244 inhibit STING-dependent signalling with nanomolar potency both in vitro and in vivo. The nitrofuran warhead on LB244 provided superior potency and proteome-wide selectivity. Moreover, LB244 mirrored the efficacy of BB-Cl-amidinein vivo. Herein, we describe the development of a series of triazole-based analogues designed to inhibit STING signalling. These efforts led to the development of ASF24, a highly potent inhibitor of STING signalling (IC50 = 0.49 μM). In summary, our findings identify a novel triazole-based STING inhibitor and establish a promising scaffold for the development of therapeutics targeting STING-mediated inflammatory diseases.

RevDate: 2025-11-18
CmpDate: 2025-11-16

Sironi F, Tortarolo M, Mazzucchi S, et al (2025)

Loss of C9orf72 impacts the peripheral neuromuscular system via immune dysregulation and accelerates the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in SOD-1 mutant mice.

Journal of neuroinflammation, 22(1):272.

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder where neuromuscular health is central to disease progression. The degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) leads to muscle weakness and paralysis, underscoring the critical importance of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and axonal integrity. Among the genetic contributors to ALS, mutations in the C9orf72 gene are the most common, accounting for both ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). While the role of C9orf72 has been studied across various cells and compartments, its function in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), a compartment crucial for maintaining neuromuscular connectivity in ALS,remains largely unexplored.

MAIN BODY: Our study investigates the role of C9orf72 loss-of-function in ALS, focusing on its neuromuscular effects. C9orf72 expression is localized in MNs, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells (SCs) in the sciatic nerve (SN), but not in astrocytes. The absence of C9orf72 in mice is associated with hypomyelination and axonal sorting defect in the SN, but not with MNs loss in lumbar spinal cord. Additionally, we identified immune dysregulation, with elevated CD8+ T cells transcript and increased major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) expression in SCs, in association with enhanced NMJ denervation in C9orf72-deficient ALS mice, suggesting a potential contribution of immune dysregulation to disease progression. These changes contributed to NMJ denervation characterized by increase in the expression of acetylcholine receptor gamma (AChRγ). The combination of C9orf72-deficiency with the ALS-linked SOD1G93A mutation resulted in a more severe phenotype and accelerated disease progression, despite no additional spinal MN loss.

CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the critical role of C9orf72 in maintaining neuromuscular health through its influence on myelination, immune response regulation, and NMJ integrity. Loss of C9orf72 function exacerbates ALS progression by promoting SC dysfunction and immune dysregulation. This highlights the significance of preserving normal C9orf72 function in ALS therapies through antisense oligonucleotides strategies. Furthermore, targeting immune responses and myelination pathways may offer novel avenues for ALS treatment strategies.

RevDate: 2025-11-15

Jia H, Y Chang (2025)

Real-time photoelectric sensing of edaravone for therapeutic efficacy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Journal of colloid and interface science, 704(Pt 2):139457 pii:S0021-9797(25)02849-8 [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) requires precise therapeutic monitoring of Edaravone, but current methods lack real-time capability. Herein, we developed a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor using a Bi4Ti3O12/BiOBr heterojunction for ultrasensitive Edaravone detection. The heterojunction interface enables Type II band alignment, facilitating efficient charge separation through electron transfer from BiOBr conduction band to Bi4Ti3O12 and hole migration in reverse, synergistically suppressing recombination. XRD, XPS, and HRTEM confirm the composite's crystal structure and intimate interface. UV-Vis DRS shows redshifted absorption (470 nm) with enhanced visible-light utilization, while PL quenching verifies improved charge dynamics. Under optimized conditions (0.4 V, pH = 7), the sensor exhibits linear response (0.1-10 μM) with 0.031 μM detection limit, high stability (92 % retention over 1500 s), and reproducibility (RSD 2.8 %). DFT calculations reveal modified interfacial charge distribution and narrowed bandgap (2.197 eV), enhancing optical absorption and conductivity. While machine learning analysis of ALS clinical trial data identifies Edaravone's superior efficacy (ALSFRS-R decline -5.04 ± 1.27) and patient subgroup responsiveness, enabling personalized therapeutic prediction. This novel integrated platform bridges material engineering, real-time sensing, and data analytics for ALS precision medicine.

RevDate: 2025-11-15

Cogan G, Houot M, Bogoin J, et al (2025)

The genetic landscape of frontotemporal lobar degeneration: investigation of a diagnostic cohort of 2747 probands.

Brain : a journal of neurology pii:8324380 [Epub ahead of print].

Genetic factors play an important role in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with about 20 genes reported to be involved. Although it is known that genetic diagnostic yield depends on age at onset, clinical subtype and family history, there are no precise indication criteria for a cost-effective and efficient strategy in clinical setting. We report the molecular diagnostic experience in a French clinical laboratory in a large cohort of 2747 probands with sporadic or familial FTLD. We used a three-step genetic screening strategy. First, measurement of plasma progranulin assay was performed in all cases (n=2747), followed by screening of GRN when plasma progranulin was below the threshold. If GRN screening was negative, the second step consisted of the investigation of the G4C2 repeat expansion in C9orf72 (n= 2675). In a third step, targeted sequencing of 14 FTLD genes was performed in 1279 individuals depending on age at onset and family history. Diagnostic yield of this strategy was 12.2% (n=334). GRN (n=73) and C9orf72 (n=200) represent 81.7% of genetic diagnoses. Diagnostic yield of the panel sequencing was 4.8% (62/1279). Family history was the strongest factor related to genetic diagnosis, with four to five times more genetic diagnoses in cases with a family history of FTLD (32.1%) compared with sporadic cases (7.2%). Although the clinical presentation is not significantly associated with identifying a genetic mutation, behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD/ALS) or not produced a higher diagnostic yield (15.5% and 13.3%, respectively) than the primary progressive aphasia subgroup (9.9% for semantic variant and 8.8% for non-fluent variant) and others (8.3% and 4.2% for progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome, respectively). Interestingly, the genetic distribution varies greatly between clinical subtypes. FTD/ALS and bvFTD were mostly driven by C9orf72 (82.1% and 63.5%, respectively). In contrast, GRN is the dominant gene in nfvPPA (41.2%). C9orf72, MAPT, GRN and TBK1 equally contributes to svPPA (around 20% each). These results allow us to show the phenotype-genotype architecture of FTLD and to provide data to establish a cost-effective genetic diagnostic strategy in clinical settings for FTLD.

RevDate: 2025-11-15
CmpDate: 2025-11-15

Garg N, Dhankhar S, Dhariya A, et al (2025)

Role of Liposomes in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Comprehensive Review.

Central nervous system agents in medicinal chemistry, 25(4):496-512.

The complex etiology and limited therapy options of neurodegenerative illnesses pose daunting challenges to modern medicine. Nonetheless, novel treatment approaches have exciting new possibilities because of developments in nanotechnology. Liposomes have garnered a lot of interest as a potential treatment for neurological illnesses due to the fact that they are able to adapt to their role as nanocarriers. This review article discusses various uses of liposomes, including their ability to help treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, as well as their diagnostic and neuroprotective uses. Liposomes allow for the targeted delivery of medicines to specific brain areas with minimal systemic side effects since they encapsulate and carry therapeutic molecules across the blood-brain barrier. Due to the fact that they are biocompatible, have surface features that can be adjusted, and have the ability to co-deliver many drugs, liposomes are excellent candidates for combination therapy and personalized medicine procedures. In spite of this, there is a growing body of research that suggests liposomes could serve as a versatile platform for the improvement of neurodegenerative disease treatment. This is a positive sign for the future results of patients and their quality of life.

RevDate: 2025-11-15
CmpDate: 2025-11-15

Bassi P, Rana S, Sapra V, et al (2025)

Exploring Novel Therapeutic Avenues: Drug Repurposing for Neurodegenerative Movement Disorders.

Current drug research reviews, 17(3):375-393.

Neurodegenerative movement disorders, encompassing conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, represent a significant burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems globally. Traditional drug discovery approaches for these disorders have encountered challenges, including high costs and lengthy timelines. Drug repurposing has emerged in recent years as a promising approach to expedite the discovery of new treatments by leveraging existing drugs approved for other indications. This review explores the landscape of drug repurposed for neurodegenerative movement disorders, highlighting promising candidates, underlying mechanisms, and clinical implications. The rationale behind repurposing, including the advantages of utilizing existing pharmacological agents with established safety profiles and known pharmacokinetics, along with techniques utilized for repurposing (computational and experimental), have been elaborated. Several studies on the potential of pre-existing drugs such as isradipine, tetracycline, ambroxol, metformin, deferiprone, simvastatin, etc., which have been repurposed for neurodegenerative movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc. have been discussed. Further, the current scenario and future prospective of drug repurposing have also been touched upon.

RevDate: 2025-11-15
CmpDate: 2025-11-15

Inoue K, Fujimura H, Ueda K, et al (2025)

An Autopsy Case of ALS Which Clinically Presented Sporadic Adult-Onset Lower Motor Neuron Disease and Genetically Had p. Leu127Ser (L126S) Variant in SOD1 and SMN2 Deletion.

Neuropathology : official journal of the Japanese Society of Neuropathology, 45(6):e70032.

Herein, we report an autopsy case of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with a p. L127S (L126S) SOD1 variant, SMN2 deletion and one hybrid SMN. A 43-year-old Japanese man noticed muscle weakness in his left lower extremity. At the age of 51, his muscle strength was moderately diminished in the upper extremities and severely in the lower extremities with hyporeflexia. At the age of 55, he started noninvasive intermittent ventilation (NIV) during nighttime. At the age of 57, he developed dysphagia and died of pneumonia. The total clinical course was 14 years and 8 months (13 years 9 months until NIV). Pathologically we found severe loss of lower motor neurons, moderate neuronal loss in Clarke's nuclei and mild grumose degeneration of the dentate nucleus. The primary motor cortex was well preserved and the pyramidal tracts showed vague myelin pallor in the lumbar cord. There were a few conglomerate hyaline inclusions (CHIs) that were negative for Bodian staining. Immunohistochemically, CHIs were positive for phosphorylated neurofilament (pNF) and were stained with Uq and SOD1 to varying degrees. Some CHIs contained granular-like components positive for p62. A post-mortem genetic test revealed that the patient had 2 copies of SMN1, 0 copies of SMN2, and one hybrid gene with exon 1 to 7 of SMN2 and SMN1 exon 8. Additional gene research elucidated a heterozygous SOD1 p. Leu127Ser (L126S) mutation. Compared to previous reports of ALS with the same mutation, the distribution of degenerative lesions was similar. It has been suggested that SMN2 deletion may not be directly implicated in lower motor neuron pathology, but further research is needed to confirm this. Further accumulation of cases is necessary to determine the effect of SMN2 on SOD1-ALS.

RevDate: 2025-11-14

Gao G, Sumrall ER, NG Walter (2025)

Nanoscale domains govern local diffusion and ageing within fused-in-sarcoma condensates.

Nature nanotechnology [Epub ahead of print].

Biomolecular condensates regulate cellular physiology by sequestering and processing RNAs and proteins, yet how these processes are locally tuned within condensates remains unclear. Moreover, in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, condensates undergo liquid-to-solid phase transitions, but capturing early intermediates in this process has been challenging. Here we present a surface multi-tethering approach to achieve intra-condensate single-molecule tracking of fluorescently labelled RNA and protein molecules within liquid-like condensates. Using RNA-binding protein fused-in-sarcoma as a model for condensates implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we discover that RNA and protein diffusion is confined within distinct nanometre-scale domains, or nanodomains, which exhibit unique connectivity and chemical environments. The properties of these nanodomains are tunable by guest molecules. As condensates age, nanodomains reposition, facilitating fused-in-sarcoma fibrilization at the condensate surface, a process further enhanced by anti-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis drugs. Our findings demonstrate that nanodomain formation governs condensate function by modulating the residence time and spatial organization of constituent biomolecules, providing previously unattainable insights into condensate ageing and mechanisms underlying disease.

RevDate: 2025-11-14

Le Y, Liu G, Wu S, et al (2025)

AAV-mediated BDNF and GAS6 muscle delivery delays disease onset in SOD1[G93A] ALS mice.

Gene therapy [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, with limited treatments. Gene therapy offers an alternative strategy for treating a large portion of ALS patients, however, the disparate genetic alterations in ALS complicate the development of gene therapies. Tyrosine receptor kinase B (TRKB) and Tyro3 receptors are highly expressed in mouse spinal cord motor neurons, suggesting that their ligands, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6), respectively, are crucial for neuronal survival. In this study, we tested whether genetically induced and muscle tissue-specific expression of such survival-enhancing ligands would ameliorate symptom development in the SOD1[G93A] ALS mouse model. The therapeutic vectors (AAV-Pmus7-HuBDNF-teLuc or AAV-Pmus7-HuGAS6), or a control vector (AAV-Pmus7-teLuc) were injected intravenously via the retro-orbital route and intramuscularly into the hindlimb skeletal muscle of six-week-old mice. Treatment with the therapeutic vectors delayed disease onset and slowed progression in both male and female mice. Interestingly, a sex-specific response was observed, with female mice benefiting more from the treatments than males. Lumbar motor neuron survival was more sustained in the therapeutic vector-treated group compared to control vector group. No statistically significant extension of lifespan was observed in the treated groups.

RevDate: 2025-11-17

Lee SK, El Ghazaoui E, Kweon JJ, et al (2025)

Hyperconnected amorphous oxide networks under compression.

Nature communications, 16(1):9930.

Irreversibly densified oxide glass under extreme deformation exhibits unexpected softening with plasticity, while the glass network typically becomes rigid as it densifies. These distinct mechanical responses in amorphous networks remain puzzling at the atomic level. Understanding this behavior requires knowledge of how the network entangles and connects under high pressure. Here, our measurements on densified amorphous oxides under irreversible densification via magnetic resonance spectroscopy provide evidence of enhanced network entanglement and, consequently, hyperconnectivity, as highlighted by an increase in highly coordinated Al's and their spatial proximity. The results reveal that configurational diversity in prototypical amorphous Al2O3 under irreversible densification is more prominent than those of other complex oxide glasses, reaching hyperconnected under much lower pressures. In general, attainment of configurational diversity at lower pressures is promoted by increasing field strength of non-network cations in glasses under irreversible densification. The enhanced connectivity with increasing densification allows us to postulate the origin of mechanical responses in glass networks. Particularly, attainment of hyperconnectivity under lower pressures may promote network flexibility during deformation. This conceptual protocol enables control of dual mechanical responses in glasses under extreme stress, guiding the discovery of super-hard densified glasses for technological innovation and accounting for the weakening of hyperconnected glasses in planetary interiors.

RevDate: 2025-11-14

Liguori F, Amadio S, Angioli C, et al (2025)

Validation in Drosophila of the in silico predicted clomipramine as repurposable for SOD1-ALS.

Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics pii:S1878-7479(25)00271-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration and muscle weakness, generally leading to death due to respiratory failure within 2-5 years of symptom onset. Current Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs -riluzole, edaravone, and tofersen - offer limited clinical benefit due to ALS multifactorial etiology and high heterogeneity. To bypass this therapeutic letdown, we previously exploited network medicine and drug repurposing strategies. Leveraging the SAveRUNNER algorithm, we identified several potentially repurposable candidates, including clomipramine (Anafranil®), mianserin (Lantanon®/Tolvon®), and modafinil (Provigil®). Here, we evaluated the in vivo efficacy of these compounds in Drosophila models of ALS, precisely those expressing pan-neuronal human SOD1[A4V] or SOD1[G85R] mutations. Our results demonstrate that clomipramine is the most promising candidate, ameliorating lifespan reduction, improving climbing abilities, and mitigating both genomic instability and inflammation, key pathological hallmarks of these SOD1-ALS models. Despite needing further validation in higher organisms, our Drosophila findings represent preliminary yet significant support for clomipramine's action as an add-on treatment for SOD1-ALS.

RevDate: 2025-11-14
CmpDate: 2025-11-14

Soriani MH, Blasco H, Corcia P, et al (2025)

Markers of presymptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: State of the art, practical implications and perspectives.

Revue neurologique, 181(9):893-908.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with an identified genetic origin in 10-15% of cases, mainly involving C9orf72 and SOD1 mutations. The increasing number of genetically confirmed ALS cases has led to a growing identification of asymptomatic mutation carriers. While riluzole remains the standard treatment, mutation-specific therapies such as tofersen, that was recently approved in SOD1-ALS, are emerging. In this context, the identification of presymptomatic biomarkers is crucial for monitoring genetically at-risk individuals. Plasma neurofilament light chain can increase up to 3.5years before symptom onset in C9orf72 carriers. Metabolic and neuroimaging alterations together with cognitive or behavioral changes, that are sometimes detectable decades prior to diagnosis, have also been observed. These biomarkers may support early surveillance and intervention strategies. The present review provides an overview of current evidence on presymptomatic biomarkers in ALS mutation carriers and their potential role in genetic counseling, monitoring, and early therapeutic decisions.

RevDate: 2025-11-14
CmpDate: 2025-11-14

Rival M, E Thouvenot (2025)

Tracing Neurological Diseases in the presymptomatic phase: moving forward a detection panel.

Revue neurologique, 181(9):821-828.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS) often exhibit a prolonged presymptomatic phase during which neuropathological changes silently progress. Recent advances in biomarker research have revealed molecular and imaging signatures that precede clinical onset by years, offering a critical window for early intervention. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the most promising presymptomatic biomarkers across these conditions, highlighting their biological origins, diagnostic performance, and clinical utility. Particular emphasis is placed on the development and validation of biomarker panels, which combine multiple markers to enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, enabling more accurate detection of disease in its earliest stages. Minimally invasive approaches, such as blood-based assays, are also discussed for their potential to facilitate widespread screening and longitudinal monitoring. As these biomarkers begin to integrate into clinical workflows, particularly in AD and MS, international collaboration will be essential to standardize methodologies and ensure equitable implementation. Ultimately, presymptomatic biomarkers hold transformative potential for shifting neurology toward a proactive and precision-based paradigm.

RevDate: 2025-11-14

Yang Y, Wang Q, Wang Z, et al (2025)

The Role of Fatty Acids in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Strategies.

Journal of lipid research pii:S0022-2275(25)00207-X [Epub ahead of print].

Fatty acids (FAs) play multifaceted roles in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This review systematically summarizes current understanding of fatty acid metabolism and its diverse implications in NDD pathology. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), primarily generated by gut microbiota, regulate neuroinflammation, gut-brain communication, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity via epigenetic modifications and immune modulation. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) exhibit therapeutic potential by improving energy metabolism and neuromuscular function, particularly in ALS models. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), contribute to neuronal membrane integrity, synaptic plasticity, and antioxidant defense, mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Conversely, saturated and certain n-6 fatty acids may exacerbate neurodegeneration through pro-inflammatory and oxidative pathways. Emerging evidence highlights fatty acid involvement in key pathological processes such as lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, and BBB disruption. Therapeutically, targeted supplementation, dietary modification, microbiome manipulation, and advanced nanotechnology-based delivery systems are promising strategies. Nevertheless, precise therapeutic efficacy depends critically on disease stage, dosage, genetic background, and individual metabolic context. Integrating personalized medicine with precision nutritional strategies and novel drug-delivery platforms offers promising avenues to translate fatty acid-based interventions into clinical practice, potentially improving patient outcomes in the aging global population.

RevDate: 2025-11-14

Iwasaki H (2025)

Comment on Koo et al.'s observational study.

RevDate: 2025-11-17
CmpDate: 2025-11-12

Gyombolai Z, Simon A, Kubik AZ, et al (2025)

[Mobility of older people in institutions providing long-term care].

Orvosi hetilap, 166(45):1777-1785.

Introduction: Mobility is a central element of health-related quality of life and functional capacity, the loss of which has long-term consequences affecting multiple organ systems, particularly in elderly individuals requiring long-term care. For healthcare professionals working in elderly care, maintaining, or improving basic mobility capacity is of primary importance. Objective: Our research had dual objectives: to assess the mobility capacity levels of elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities; and to understand the physical, cognitive, and self-care indicators of elderly individuals at different mobility levels, which could make optimal planning of institutional care easier. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study among residents aged 60 years and over in three nursing homes between June 2023 and June 2024 (n = 209). Mobility was assessed using the validated Hungarian version of the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), physical functions with the 30 Second Sit to Stand Test and Timed Up and Go test, cognitive functions with the Mini Mental State Examination, fear of falling with the FES-I questionnaire, and self-care with the Barthel Index. DEMMI results were categorized into four groups according to Thorsted et al.’s cut-off values. Results: The average age of participants was 81.34 years, with 71.3% being women. Based on DEMMI scores, 53 individuals (25.4%) had very low mobility, 41 (19.6%) had low mobility, 64 (30.6%) had moderately reduced mobility, and 51 (24.4%) had independent mobility. Higher mobility levels were associated with significantly better lower limb muscle strength, dynamic postural control, cognitive function, lower fear of falling, and better self-care. Discussion: DEMMI more sensitively indicates remaining mobility capabilities compared to traditional tests, and successfully avoids floor effects, thus can effectively help institutions allocate human resources appropriately, and plan needs-based care. Conclusion: DEMMI is suitable for differentiated assessment of mobility capacity in elderly individuals living in long-term care, and results can provide guidance to institutions for ensuring quality elderly care, and optimal assignment of human resources. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(45): 1777–1785.

RevDate: 2025-11-14

Long J, Liu S, Shi Y, et al (2025)

Targeting lipid metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases: From experimental to clinical.

Metabolism: clinical and experimental pii:S0026-0495(25)00305-1 [Epub ahead of print].

The human brain, despite accounting for only 2 % of total body weight, exhibits an exceptionally high lipid content (approximately 20 % of its mass), highlighting the critical role of lipid metabolism in maintaining neural homeostasis and function. Neurodegenerative diseases-including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke, Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-are characterized by progressive neuronal dysfunction and myelin degeneration. These conditions predominantly affect aging populations and represent a growing global health challenge. While aging remains the primary risk factor, compelling evidence now underscores the involvement of dysregulated lipid metabolism in their pathogenesis. However, the precise mechanisms linking dynamic lipid metabolic alterations to disease progression remain incompletely elucidated. This review systematically examines the multifaceted contributions of lipid metabolism to neurodegenerative processes and critically assesses emerging therapeutic strategies that target lipid pathways for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

RevDate: 2025-11-14

Streltsov VA, Ganio KE, Nuttall SD, et al (2025)

The structure, redox chemistry and motor neuron toxicity of heterodimeric zinc-deficient SOD1-implications for the toxic gain of function observed in ALS.

Neurobiology of disease pii:S0969-9961(25)00406-1 [Epub ahead of print].

A subset of familial cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) are caused by mutations to copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn SOD1). Over 200 mutations to SOD1 that have been associated with fALS and the majority of these mutations are dominantly inherited. Thus, individuals are heterozygous and express both wild-type SOD1 and the mutant form of the protein. Paradoxically, the motor neuron disease accelerates in rodent models that mimic the co-expression of wild-type SOD1 with mutant fALS SOD1. Previously, we have shown that the loss of zinc from SOD1 triggers motor neuron death in culture due to a gained, redox activity catalyzed by the active-site copper. Furthermore, motor neuron toxicity of zinc-deficient SOD1 is enhanced by wild-type Cu, Zn SOD1. Because SOD1 exists as a non-covalent dimer, the enhanced toxicity might result from stabilization of the heterodimeric interface between zinc-deficient SOD1 and Cu, Zn-SOD1. However, experimentation with the heterodimer is difficult because SOD1 subunits exchange in minutes. To better characterize the role of dimer stabilization on the enhanced toxicity of fALS mutant SOD1 by wild type SOD1, we genetically tethered a zinc-deficient SOD1 subunit with a Cu, Zn SOD1 subunit with a 16-residue linker. The x-ray structure of the tethered heterodimer showed that the zinc-deficient subunit adopts a wild-type-like conformation and is not misfolded. The heterodimer intermediate also produced peroxynitrite from nitric oxide, and the tethered SOD1 was strikingly toxic to primary cultures of motor neurons. This work supports the concept that zinc-deficient SOD1 is a likely toxic intermediate in ALS. Furthermore, the wild-type allele in human familial-SOD1 ALS patients may physically contribute to the dominant inheritance of SOD1 mutations through heterodimer formation.

RevDate: 2025-11-14

Ciocarlan A, Shvetsova M, Aricu A, et al (2025)

Comparative Study of Nicotine Content in Moldavian Tobacco by UV-Vis Spectrophotometry and UHPLC and their Mineral Composition by ICP-OES.

Biological trace element research [Epub ahead of print].

Tobacco is one of the oldest cultures known to mankind for more than 5000 years. Despite the proven harm by smoking, the number of smokers in Moldova is growing, making the quality control of tobacco products an important task. This study focused on the quantification of nicotine and the determination of the mineral composition in autochthonous Moldavian tobacco selections. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) were applied for quantification of nicotine in ten tobacco varieties (Molovata, Trapezond 209, Doina 210, Moldavschi 237, Virginia 263, Moldavschi 272, Burley 320, Virginia 401, Moldavschi 456, Jubileu M) and Nicotiana rustica L. species of Moldavian origin. The nicotine content determined by UV-Vis analysis ranged from 1.24% to 2.74%, while UHPLC analysis yielded a range of 0.97% to 2.16% and the difference is due to the higher selectivity and accuracy of the UHPLC method. A total of 14 chemical elements, Al, S, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, Ba and Hg, were identified in tobacco varieties by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The mean elements content in tobacco leaves samples was the following: Al (1390 ± 795 mg/kg), S (3043 ± 749 mg/kg), V (1.9 ± 1.1 mg/kg), Cr (2.5 ± 1.3 mg/kg), Mn (126 ± 21 mg/kg), Fe (1077 ± 579 mg/kg), Co (0.39 ± 0.19 mg/kg), Ni (2.4 ± 0.9 mg/kg), Cu (3.9 ± 1.5 mg/kg), Zn (13.8 ± 3.3 mg/kg), Sr (164 ± 17 mg/kg), Cd (1.4 ± 0.3 mg/kg), Ba (62 ± 12 mg/kg) and Hg (0.04 ± 0.005 mg/kg). Principal components analysis, applied for element grouping, revealed two groups of elements, which can be associated with elements uptake by plants from soil, agricultural practices, fuel combustion, and vehicles and road dust.

RevDate: 2025-11-14
CmpDate: 2025-11-14

Chan JM, Romano C, Lee AY, et al (2025)

Cardiomyopathy in valosin-containing protein multisystem proteinopathy: Evaluation, diagnosis, and management.

American heart journal plus : cardiology research and practice, 60:100644.

Valosin-containing protein (VCP)-associated multisystem proteinopathy is a rare, autosomal dominant disease that affects skeletal muscle, bone, central nervous system, and the heart. While VCP mutations are well established as causing inclusion body myopathy, Paget's disease of bone, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, their role in cardiomyopathy remains underrecognized. This review aims to evaluate the pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, and management of VCP-associated cardiomyopathy to provide a framework for clinical care and future research. Emerging evidence from animal models and human case studies suggests that VCP dysfunction disrupts cardiomyocyte homeostasis, impairs protein degradation, and alters mitochondrial function, leading to maladaptive cardiac remodeling and susceptibility to dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Echocardiographic studies in patients with VCP variants reveal a significant prevalence of diastolic dysfunction, conduction abnormalities, and variable degrees of systolic impairment. Despite these findings, there are no standardized guidelines for the diagnosis and management of VCP-associated cardiomyopathy. Current treatment strategies are extrapolated from heart failure guidelines, incorporating neurohormonal blockades with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Our review highlights the need for systematic screening protocols, genotype-phenotype correlation studies, and the development of targeted therapies. Future research should focus on identifying biomarkers for early detection, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac dysfunction, and assessing the efficacy of novel treatment strategies. Recognizing VCP-associated cardiomyopathy as a distinct clinical entity will facilitate earlier diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, pave the way for disease-specific therapeutic interventions and insights into the mechanism for isolated cardiomyopathy.

RevDate: 2025-11-14
CmpDate: 2025-11-14

Polito V, Howarth S, Roberts A, et al (2025)

Does transliminality predict subperceptual information processing?.

Neuroscience of consciousness, 2025(1):niaf044.

Anomalous experiences, such as hallucinations and mystical experiences, are positively related to delusional ideation, religiosity, and paranormal beliefs. Some researchers argue that these relationships are explained by 'transliminality'-a trait describing sensitivity to stimuli crossing the threshold into consciousness. This claim suggests such beliefs may be attempts to interpret barely perceptible stimuli. The strongest evidence for this comes from Crawley et al. (2002), who found transliminality was associated with responses to subperceptual primes. In the current study, we attempted a high-powered replication of Crawley et al.'s findings that: (i) transliminality predicts identification of subperceptual visual primes, and (ii) this relationship is explained by stimulus sensitivity rather than response bias. Participants completed a transliminality measure and an online card guessing task in two parts. In part one, participants were shown 100 images of playing cards and asked to guess which of five shapes was on the other side of the card. A total of 50 trials contained a subperceptual prime in the form of a target shape, and 50 trials were unprimed. In part two, participants were shown 20 primed and 20 unprimed trials. They were told a prime was sometimes present and asked to report whether they noticed this on each trial. We found strong evidence against an association between transliminality and prime perception in both tasks. These results do not support conceptualizing transliminality as a measure of subperceptual processing capabilities. This study did demonstrate the feasibility of conducting research involving rapidly presented visual stimuli in an online setting.

RevDate: 2025-11-14

Evans M (2025)

Race, Crime, and Lending Risk in Chicago: The Relevance of Crime and Disorder for HOLC's Neighborhood Assessments.

Race and social problems, 17(4):307-321.

UNLABELLED: While scholars have documented the importance of race for decisions on lending risk and value in the U.S. housing market, less is known about how crime shaped lending risk assessments or how a neighborhood's racial composition influenced appraisers' perceptions of crime and disorder. Drawing on the Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) residential security maps, this study examines appraisers' narratives around neighborhood crime and disorder, how observed neighborhood conditions shaped these narratives, and how both observed crime and perceptions of disorder influenced decisions on lending risk. Using the case of Chicago, this study integrates multiple historical datasets, including the HOLC residential security maps and their corresponding neighborhood area descriptions, the 1940 Census, and data on criminal activity reflected through Clifford Shaw et al.'s residence of male offenders map and Frederic Thrasher's gangland activity map. Findings suggest that perceptions of crime and disorder are largely driven by a neighborhood's Black racial composition, independent of observed measures of crime. While both observed crime and a neighborhood's Black racial composition predicted lending risk assessments, appraisers' perceptions of disorder did not. The results indicate that although HOLC appraisers' perceptions of crime and disorder were racially motivated, their biased perceptions did not exert a unique, independent influence on their decisions to redline Black neighborhoods. Rather, racial discrimination was already explicitly embedded into their neighborhood valuation practices. This study provides new insights into the historical roots of neighborhood stigmatization and institutional disinvestment.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12552-025-09442-4.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Cattaneo M, Bonanomi M, Chirizzi C, et al (2025)

Metabolic reprogramming in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ependymal stem cells by FM19G11 nanotherapy.

Scientific reports, 15(1):39847.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem, and the spinal cord. In response to neurodegeneration, spinal cord exhibits ineffective regenerative attempt, thus suggesting that therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing regenerative capacity of ependymal stem/progenitor cells (epSPCs), residing in the spinal cord, could promote neurogenesis. Dysregulated levels of metabolites might disturb epSPC differentiation, and their restoration might favour neurogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the metabolomic profile of epSPCs from ALS mice to identify altered metabolites as novel therapeutic targets for precision treatment. We performed a metabolome analysis to investigate changes in epSPCs from ALS compared to control male mice (B6SJL-Tg (SOD1*G93A)1Gur/J) and treated the epSPCs with FM19G11-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) to reestablish metabolic balance. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant changes in ALS epSPCs compared to controls. In vitro treatment with FM19G11-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) restored key metabolic networks, particularly in pathways related to glucose, glutamate and glutathione metabolism. These findings highlight the potential of FM19G11-loaded NPs to revert metabolic dysregulation in ALS epSPCs, providing a basis for innovative metabolic therapies and precision medicine approaches to counteract motor neuron degeneration in ALS and other motor neuron diseases.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Fukutake T (2025)

[Charcot and Sherlock Holmes: The Contemporary Rise of Neurodiagnostics and Detective Science and Its Significance].

Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo, 77(11):1221-1229.

Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893) gradually shifted his medical interest from internal medicine to neurology. Furthermore, he established neurodiagnostic methods that emphasized observation, such as in tabes dorsalis, and summarized core neurological diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis in a clinical-anatomical/pathological manner. For his contributions, he is known as the father of neurology. He then worked to elucidate hysteria. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930), born more than 30 years later, opened an ophthalmology clinic after earning his doctorate in research on tabes dorsalis. However, he then changed direction to writing books, such as Sherlock Holmes stories, and created full-fledged detective studies. Later, he shifted his focus to spiritualism, with an interest in Charcot's hypnotism. Although their careers are similar, there is no direct connection between Charcot's neurological studies and Conan Doyle's detective stories. However, neurodiagnostic and detective studies emerged in the second half of the 19th century at the same time, although they shared a commonality in content, in that they both emphasized observation and deduction without preconceptions. This contemporaneity was inevitable, as the background to this was the emergence of a middle class and urbanization in the era of war and revolution under capitalism after the Industrial Revolution.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Ando T, T Fukutake (2025)

[Charcot and Spinal Cord Disease].

Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo, 77(11):1194-1200.

This paper outlines the contributions of Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893) to the study of spinal cord diseases. Charcot pioneered the anatomoclinical method, which correlated clinical symptoms with pathological findings through detailed observations and autopsies. He elucidated the dual structure of the motor system-gray and white matter-and established the clinical and pathological framework of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, distinguishing it from other disorders. He also contributed to the understanding of tabes dorsalis by linking sensory ataxia to lesions of the dorsal columns and roots, and identified neurogenic joint disease (Charcot joint). Furthermore, Charcot described compressive myelopathy based solely on clinical signs and postmortem findings, highlighting the importance of symptom distribution, such as hand muscle atrophy, in the differential diagnosis. His legacy continues to influence modern neurology, reinforcing the value of precise clinical observation in the diagnostic process.

RevDate: 2025-10-31

Li C, Fan W, G Wu (2025)

Comment on "LMO2 confers value as a potential immunotherapy marker in pan-cancer analysis and inhibits progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma".

• Commendation of LMO2′s role: Wang et al.'s study demonstrates LMO2 as a promising immunotherapy marker and tumor suppressor in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), supported by multi-omics integration and mechanistic insights into the ZC3H13-m6A-LMO2-GATA2-BEX1-NF-κB axis. • Methodological enhancements suggested: Implement rigorous statistical corrections (e.g., Bonferroni or FDR for TCGA data) and adopt immunocompetent models (e.g., syngeneic ccRCC grafts in C57BL/6 mice) to improve robustness and translational relevance. • Direct validation required: Verify protein interactions (e.g., LMO2-GATA2 binding via co-immunoprecipitation) and m6A modification sites in LMO2 mRNA to strengthen mechanistic claims. • Functional testing for immunotherapy: Conduct in vitro co-culture or in vivo immunotherapy response models to causally link LMO2 to immune regulation and validate its biomarker potential. • Future innovation pathways: Explore epigenetic layers (e.g., m1A or m5C modifications via nanopore sequencing), apply single-cell multi-omics, and advance preclinical studies combining LMO2-targeted therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Uchihara T (2025)

[Success and Failure during Three Centuries of Charcot's Clinical Neuropathology: From Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis to Functional Neurological Disorders].

Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo, 77(11):1165-1175.

Clinical neuropathology was advanced by Charcot at la Salpêtrière Hospital in the 19th century. The lower and upper motor signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were corroborated at autopsy by degeneration of the anterior horns and lateral columns, respectively. The redefinition of paralysis agitans as Parkinson's disease was substantiated in the 20th century through a series of pathological, biochemical, and genetic studies that provided definitive, museum-like evidence of neurological diseases. In contrast to these scientific achievements, the phenomenology of hysteria was publicly evaluated and recognized in front of the audiences that included non-medical professionals. This theater-like format, which encouraged interaction between patients and spectators, might have influenced the clinical presentation of hysteria and complicated its interpretation. Contrary to Charcot's expectations, attempts to identify the causative lesions of hysteria were unsuccessful. Paradoxically, however, this failure paved the way for the development of dynamic psychiatry by Freud and Janet, and later, the conceptualization of functional neurological disorders in the 21st century.

RevDate: 2025-11-13

Cook BE, McLaren DG, Sullivan JM, et al (2025)

Central Nervous System Biodistribution and Pharmacokinetics of Radiolabeled Tofersen in Rodents, Nonhuman Primates, and Humans.

Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine pii:jnumed.125.270731 [Epub ahead of print].

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an important therapeutic modality across several therapeutic areas, offering currently available and potential future treatment options for patients. ASO pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and regional brain uptake are not fully characterized, particularly in humans. Here, we report preclinical studies and the first-in-human imaging trial measuring the biodistribution of [[99m]Tc]Tc-MAG3-tofersen. The tracer was designed to be a proxy for tofersen (Qalsody; Biogen), an ASO approved for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in adults who have a variant in the SOD1 gene (SOD1-ALS). Methods: Tofersen was conjugated to a MAG3 moiety, which chelates [99m]Tc to yield [[99m]Tc]Tc-MAG3-tofersen. [[99m]Tc]Tc-MAG3-tofersen and unlabeled tofersen were intrathecally injected in rats, nonhuman primates (NHPs), and healthy human volunteers (n = 3) via lumbar puncture, followed by SPECT/CT imaging. Tofersen was coadministered at a therapeutic dose. The tracer [[99m]Tc]Tc-MAG3-tofersen was prepared with greater than 99% purity. Results: Findings in rats demonstrated that [[99m]Tc]Tc-MAG3-tofersen was a proxy measure of unlabeled tofersen, and dosimetry was calculated from NHP imaging data. In a clinical study, unlabeled tofersen coadministered with a microdose of [[99m]Tc]Tc-MAG3-tofersen (≤129.5 MBq [3.5 mCi]) was well-tolerated. Human dosimetry estimates were within safe radiation dose levels. Imaging showed consistent distribution of radiolabeled ASO throughout the spinal cord and brain across species, with clearance patterns diverging in humans. Although rats and NHPs demonstrated declining brain concentrations over the study duration, human brain uptake increased during the first 4 h after injection. Additionally, tracer clearance from the spine in rodents and NHPs plateaued after 6 h but continued to decrease in humans. Radiolabeled ASO clearance from the lumbar spine was observed across all species, with peripheral clearance mediated primarily through the liver and kidneys. Broad uptake of the ASO in the brain and spinal cord is consistent with the clinical effects of tofersen observed in individuals with the SOD1-ALS variation. Conclusion: In preclinical and human SPECT/CT studies, [[99m]Tc]Tc-MAG3-tofersen mirrored unlabeled drug distribution, showing broad spinal cord and brain uptake, with some differences in kinetics among species.

RevDate: 2025-11-13

Papathomas A (2025)

Abandoning The Big Mick: A commentary on Smith et al.'s 25 years of qualitative research in sport and exercise psychology.

Psychology of sport and exercise pii:S1469-0292(25)00224-9 [Epub ahead of print].

This essay provides a reflective commentary on Smith et al.'s "25 years of qualitative research in sport and exercise psychology" piece. Alongside summarising the primary insights of their review, I seek to situate current qualitative sport and exercise work within psychology's long-standing quest for scientific legitimacy. Including a whistle-stop tour of the history of psychology, I argue that a form of disciplinary imposter syndrome has shaped psychological science and continues to influence contemporary qualitative research. The consequences of this scientism are a trend towards formulaic, risk-averse, qualitative inquiry-by-numbers. Extending Brinkmann's (2015) McDonaldization metaphor, I propose McDowellisation; which positions qualitative methodolatry as motivated by a quest to appear more objective, more scientific, and ultimately more like our "real science" quantitative cousins. The danger is that the field of qualitative research foregoes the very qualities that inspired its rise. My optimistic conclusion is to follow the lead of those scholars that have rejected rigid fast-food processes in favour or rigorous, reflexive, interpretive work across a broad range of methodologies.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Lu YN, Li X, Hayes L, et al (2025)

MARK2 regulates C9orf72 repeat-associated non-AUG translation.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 122(46):e2514182122.

Protein homeostasis is exquisitely regulated through processes involving protein synthesis essential for cellular health and disease prevention. Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation at expanded GGGGCC repeats in the C9orf72 gene produces dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins that are implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). However, the mechanisms promoting this noncanonical translation remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 2 (MARK2) as a key eIF2α kinase that enhances RAN translation under proteotoxic stress. We show that MARK2-eIF2α signaling, activated by misfolded proteins including DPRs and TDP-43, is upregulated in C9-ALS patient tissues. Loss of MARK2 significantly suppresses RAN translation in reporter cells, patient-derived neurons, and a mouse model and confers neuroprotection under proteotoxic conditions. These findings position MARK2 as a critical stress-sensing cytosolic regulator that promotes repeat-associated noncanonical translation and associated toxicity.

RevDate: 2025-11-13

Wang T, Yu G, Wu Y, et al (2025)

A Chiral Electrocatalyst for High-Performance Aluminum-Sulfur Battery.

Journal of the American Chemical Society [Epub ahead of print].

Aluminum-sulfur (Al-S) batteries are regarded as promising electrochemical energy storage systems due to their high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility. However, their practical application is hindered by sluggish sulfur conversion kinetics. Although certain achievements have been made, conventional strategies for modulating the spin state of electrocatalysts, such as heteroatom doping or lattice strain engineering, exhibit inherent limitations in optimizing electron orbital interactions. Herein, we report a novel MoS2 electrocatalyst with spin orientation manipulation achieved through the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. This approach couples chiral molecules with layered MoS2 to regulate the spin polarization of molybdenum atoms, thereby enhancing the sulfur redox kinetics without relying on chemical modification. Electrochemical analyses demonstrated that the cathode with chiral MoS2 delivers a reversible specific capacity of ∼700 mAh g[-1] at 2 A g[-1] over 3000 cycles, accompanied by improved sulfur utilization efficiency. This work not only provides a paradigm for designing high-performance electrocatalysts in sulfur-based batteries but also highlights the critical role of spin effects in electrocatalytic systems, offering new perspectives for the innovation of electrocatalyst materials in batteries.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Nasir AR, C Delpirou Nouh (2025)

TDP-43-proteinopathy at the crossroads of tauopathy: on copathology and current and prospective biomarkers.

Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 19:1671419.

Though usually described as isolated models, neurodegenerative diseases exist in a significant proportion of cases as mixed pathologies, particularly in older adults. The presence of co-pathologies may influence phenotypes and progression, and the correct classification in vivo has proven to be challenging, particularly without proper biomarker panels. Recent breakthroughs in biomarkers, enabling earlier detection in Alzheimer's disease and, more recently, in synuclein-related diseases, are promising as a first step toward the wider detection of all other abnormal proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past decade, the growing body of research on TDP-43 pathology has led to considering TDP-43 as a potential major contributor to the neurodegenerative process. TDP-43's normal function is essential for neuronal survival and the regulation of RNA processing and cellular stress response; abnormal TDP-43 protein leads to altered cell function and survival. TDP-43 is notably the neuropathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as well as some form of frontotemporolobar degeneration (FTLD). Tauopathies, divided in primary or secondary tauopathies cover other forms of FTLD including Pick disease (PiD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) but also non-FTLD diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) which can be classified as secondary tauopathy. As the importance of copathology is more and more recognized, TDP-43 is also frequently observed in conjunction with other proteinopathies, possibly with a synergistic or additive effect, although the exact mechanism is still unclear. In Alzheimer's disease, the limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC) co-occurrence with Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic changes (ADNC) lead to a more rapid course. Although there are currently no approved and validated biomarkers for its early detection, several promising tools, including neuroimaging and biofluid biomarkers, are under development, offering hope for the earlier detection of TDP-43 pathology in vivo. Accurate identification of the underlying proteinopathies and pathological processes could lead to better diagnosis and classification, more precise selection of clinical trial candidates, and ultimately, disease-specific tailored treatments.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Ackrivo J, Bracy D, Elman LB, et al (2025)

How Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Perceive Respiratory Interventions: A Mixed-Methods Study to Inform Implementation Efforts.

Neurology. Clinical practice, 15(6):e200560.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that commonly leads to respiratory failure. Early respiratory interventions that may improve symptoms and outcomes are underused when prescribed. We sought to characterize patient perspectives and preferences for respiratory care to enable identification of implementation strategies to improve the uptake of ALS respiratory interventions.

METHODS: A prospective multicenter mixed-methods observational study was conducted using semistructured interviews of participants recently diagnosed with ALS at 4 academic centers in the United States. Eligible patients were those with an ALS diagnosis in the previous 12 months, forced vital capacity <80% predicted normal, or presence of dyspnea or orthopnea.

RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with ALS were interviewed. Ten participants were using some form of respiratory therapy, including 8 using noninvasive ventilation (NIV). The most endorsed factors related to openness to initiate respiratory therapy were a doctor's recommendation and abnormal pulmonary function test results. The most commonly endorsed preferences for learning about a respiratory device included kinesthetic and reading. Descriptions of lung volume recruitment were received with more openness than of NIV. For those not prescribed NIV, reasons for hesitancy to start NIV included fear of mask discomfort, claustrophobia, and lack of perceived benefit. Perceptions about NIV differed in participants identifying as "proactive" rather than "reactive" with their health.

DISCUSSION: Patients in the first year after ALS diagnosis have variable receptiveness to respiratory care. These patients place different weights on the factors supporting NIV and may have different educational needs about respiratory interventions. Implementation strategies for respiratory care interventions in ALS should consider patients' motivations for adopting interventions such as NIV, provide multiple educational formats, and identify barriers to incorporating home respiratory care.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Vacchiano V, Ragucci C, Rizzo G, et al (2025)

Nerve Root Enhancement and Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein in Four Patients With SOD1-Linked Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

European journal of neurology, 32(11):e70434.

INTRODUCTION: The superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1) gene has been implicated in both sporadic and familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We report four ALS cases carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic SOD1 variants, characterized by albuminocytologic dissociation and nerve root enhancement.

METHODS: We present the results of the diagnostic work-up, including lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium, electromyography (EMG), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. We also assessed the relationship between the albumin quotient (Q-Alb)-an index of blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction-and the disease progression rate (DPR) in 12 SOD1-linked ALS patients (including the four described above) and in a cohort of 137 non-genetic ALS (NgALS) cases.

RESULTS: The four patients presented with spinal onset (progressive lower limb weakness). The EMG ultimately showed diffuse subacute neurogenic changes, while CSF analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation. Lumbosacral MRI demonstrated contrast enhancement of the cauda equina roots. Immunomodulatory treatment was administered due to suspected immune-mediated neuropathy, but all patients continued to deteriorate. Genetic testing revealed pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the SOD1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of ALS. CSF Q-Alb and protein levels were similarly distributed between SOD1-linked and NgALS patients. Q-Alb and CSF protein levels showed a positive correlation with DPR in SOD1-linked patients (Rho = 0.625, p = 0.03; Rho = 0.755, p = 0.005), but not in NgALS patients.

CONCLUSION: Albuminocytologic dissociation and nerve root enhancement may occur in SOD1-related ALS, expanding the spectrum of atypical ALS phenotypes.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

de la Rubia Ortí JE, Bargues-Navarro G, Privado J, et al (2025)

Dietary Vitamin Intake and Blood Biomarkers in Relation to Muscle Activation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Nutrients, 17(21):.

Background/Objectives: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor function, which affects mobility and leads to secondary complications, including altered dietary intake due to dysphagia, fatigue, and hypermetabolism, particularly affecting vitamin consumption, which are essential micronutrients for neuromuscular performance. The specific relationship between vitamin intake and muscle activation is not well understood in patients with ALS; thus, it is relevant to identify blood biomarkers that reflect muscle status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 patients with bulbar- or spinal-onset ALS. The dietary intake of B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, folate, and niacin); vitamins C, A, D, and E; and the B6/protein ratio were assessed using a seven-day dietary record and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Blood concentrations of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), albumin, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) were determined. Basal muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior muscles. Two confirmatory predictive models were developed to evaluate the effects of muscle damage and vitamin intake on muscle strength. Results: Arm muscle activation was negatively predicted by the B6/protein ratio (β = -0.33). Leg activation was positively predicted by vitamin B9 (β = 0.39) and B6/protein (β = 0.17) and negatively predicted by vitamin A (β = -0.24). For biomarkers, albumin (β = 0.18) and PON1 (β = 0.28) positively predicted activation. For legs, albumin predicted activation (β = 0.31), whereas BuChE and haptoglobin predicted negative activation (β = -0.32 and β = -0.15, respectively). Conclusions: Weak associations were observed in patients with ALS: vitamin B9 intake showed a modest association with leg activation, the B6/protein ratio exhibited inconsistent associations across muscle groups, and vitamin A showed a negative association with leg activation. Albumin demonstrated the most consistent association as a potential biomarker of muscle function. These findings are exploratory and require validation in larger, longitudinal studies.

RevDate: 2025-11-14
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Wityshyn S, Sanghai N, GK Tranmer (2025)

My Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Journey from Weakness to Diagnosis: A Journey of Hope.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(21):.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks and kills motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, eventually causing respiratory failure and death within 2-5 years after diagnosis. By 2040, the global population of individuals living with ALS is projected to approach 400,000. Since ALS was discovered by Charcot 150 years ago, only two drugs (Edaravone and Riluzole) have been available, offering modest clinical benefits in slowing disease progression. The increasing number of cases, along with the high costs of treatment and care, creates a growing burden on communities and the healthcare system. However, despite this rising burden and the failure of most clinical trials, the ALS community remains hopeful because of the patients themselves. ALS patients are the beating heart of the ALS community. They engage in efforts to improve lives for others, raising awareness through their real-life experiences, participating in research activities, fundraising, providing samples for research, and advocating strongly in front of communities and governments to raise funds. Their engagement is highly valuable, and collaboration with the research community is essential to understanding the disease process and developing effective disease-modifying therapies. Here, we share the story of Mrs. Sherry Wityshyn, an ALS patient and a true ALS warrior from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. We believe her story will inspire and motivate the entire community to learn more about ALS. Furthermore, her story gives hope to everyone impacted. In this manuscript, we also emphasize the different stages of Sherry's journey from weakness to diagnosis and our efforts to share her enduring words with policymakers in the government.

RevDate: 2025-11-14
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Ma H, Zong M, Cedrick N, et al (2025)

Influence Mechanism of Chemically Modified Alumina on the Hydration of Gypsum-Based Self-Leveling Mortar.

Materials (Basel, Switzerland), 18(21):.

This study investigates the effect of γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550)-functionalized nano-active Al2O3 (KH-Al) on the properties of gypsum-based self-leveling mortar (GSL) prepared from industrial by-product gypsum. First, the effects of incorporating KH-Al at dosages of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% on the fluidity, setting time, and mechanical properties of GSL were analyzed. Subsequently, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), hydration heat analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the influences of the nanomaterial on the mortar's morphology, hydration characteristics, and crystal forms of hydration products were thoroughly examined. Finally, by comparing the modified GSL with ordinary GSL, the mechanism of KH-Al's action on GSL was elucidated. The results demonstrate that nano-active Al2O3 modified with KH550 exhibits excellent dispersibility in the GSL paste. As the dosage of KH-Al increases, both the fluidity and setting time of GSL decrease. Upon incorporating KH-Al, the mechanical properties of GSL initially improve and then decline, with optimal mechanical performance observed at a 0.5% KH-Al addition. However, when the KH-Al dosage exceeds 0.5%, excess nano-active Al2O3 causes nanoparticle agglomeration, which impedes the hydration process. The nucleation effect of KH-Al promotes the formation of CŜH2 and AFt, refines the crystals of hydration products, and enhances the phase transformation efficiency of the mortar. These findings indicate that KH-Al has significant potential to improve the mechanical strength and hydration kinetics of gypsum mortar and provide theoretical support for the application of nanomaterials in gypsum building materials.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Spedding M (2025)

Does Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Have Metabolic Causes from Human Evolution?.

Cells, 14(21):.

As so many drugs have failed in ALS a new approach is needed. The author proposes that recent human genetic variants may play major roles in the disease, changing metabolism. Evolution of hominins was accelerated 3-2.5 Mya, by cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) becoming a unitary pseudogene after a pathogenic infection, changing the sialome, and hence metabolism, brain development and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). This was when hominins evolved to run in Africa and develop bigger brains. Deletion of CMAH in mice allows them to run for longer (~50%). The enzyme CMAH is critical for the sialome, particularly the neurotrophin GM1, a critical hub for viral infection and for NMJ stability, but which is lost from NMJs at the beginning of denervation, probably due a 10-fold increase in spinal cord glucosylceramidases (non-lysosomal GBA2). A GBA2 inhibitor, ambroxol, is currently in phase II for ALS. Human-specific GM1 may be critical for human evolution, lactate metabolism and ALS. Lipid/lactate metabolism changed to support these evolutionary changes and lactate is a major body/brain fuel, but compromised in ALS patients and a marker of disease progression. Recent progress in sports science involving lactate metabolism and human performance may also be relevant to ALS therapies, and incidence.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Cappelli S, Peradinovic J, Mohovic N, et al (2025)

Optineurin Shapes Basal and LPS-Induced Transcriptomes in BV2 Microglia.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(21):.

The OPTN gene, which encodes the adaptor protein optineurin, is genetically linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, diseases characterized by chronic microglial activation. Optineurin regulates inflammatory signaling, autophagy, and trafficking, but its role in microglia remains incompletely understood. Here, we used bulk RNA sequencing to profile CRISPR-Cas9-mediated optineurin knockout (KO) and wild-type BV2 microglia under basal conditions and upon LPS stimulation. At baseline, optineurin KO altered ~7% of the transcriptome, with a predominant downregulation of type I interferon and antiviral pathways, suggesting its role in maintaining basal immune readiness. LPS stimulation reprogrammed ~35% of genes in wild-type microglia, inducing immune effectors and suppressing cell cycle regulators, whereas in optineurin-deficient cells, the response was blunted with only ~16% of genes changing relative to the KO baseline. Furthermore, LPS-treated optineurin KO microglia notably diverged from LPS-treated wild-type cells, with ~26% differentially expressed genes (DEGs). This included impaired induction of inflammatory programs and persistence of cell cycle-associated transcripts. Most DEGs in LPS-treated KO cells were unique to this condition, highlighting optineurin-dependent pathways specific to inflammatory challenge. Overall, our study provides a systems-level framework for investigating optineurin in microglia and neurodegeneration, establishing it as a key regulator of the microglial transcriptome, with its loss reshaping innate immune and cell cycle programs.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Thakur B, Tarazi S, Doležalová L, et al (2025)

Comparative Analysis of Cholinergic Machinery in Carcinomas: Discovery of Membrane-Tethered ChAT as Evidence for Surface-Based ACh Synthesis in Neuroblastoma Cells.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(21):.

The cholinergic system is one of the most ancient and widespread signaling systems in the body, implicated in a range of pathological conditions-from neurodegenerative disorders to cancer. Given its broad relevance, there is growing interest in characterizing this system across diverse cellular models to enable drug screening, mechanistic studies, and exploration of new therapeutic avenues. In this study, we investigated four cancer cell lines: one of neuroblastoma origin previously used in cholinergic signaling studies (SH-SY5Y), one non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma line (A549), and two small cell lung carcinoma lines (H69 and H82). We assessed the expression and localization of key components of the cholinergic system, along with the cellular capacity for acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis and release. Whole-cell flow cytometry following membrane permeabilization revealed that all cell lines expressed the ACh-synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). HPLC-MS analysis confirmed that ChAT was functionally active, as all cell lines synthesized and released ACh into the conditioned media, suggesting the presence of autocrine and/or paracrine ACh signaling circuits, consistent with previous reports. The cell lines also demonstrated choline uptake, indicative of functional choline and/or organic cation transporters. Additionally, all lines expressed the ACh-degrading enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), as well as the alfa seven (α7) nicotinic and M1 muscarinic ACh receptor subtypes. Notably, flow cytometry of intact SH-SY5Y cells revealed two novel findings: (1) ChAT was localized to the extracellular membrane, a feature not observed in the lung cancer cell lines, and (2) BChE, rather than AChE, was the predominant membrane-bound ACh-degrading enzyme. These results were corroborated by both whole-cell and surface-confocal microscopy. In conclusion, our findings suggest that a functional cholinergic phenotype is a shared feature of several carcinoma cell lines, potentially serving as a survival checkpoint that could be therapeutically explored. The discovery of extracellular membrane-bound ChAT uniquely in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells points to a novel form of in situ ACh signaling that warrants further investigation.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Cutter LR, Ren AR, IA Banerjee (2025)

Advances in Naturally and Synthetically Derived Bioactive Sesquiterpenes and Their Derivatives: Applications in Targeting Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 30(21):.

Sesquiterpenes are a diverse class of natural products that have garnered considerable interest for their potent bioactivity and structural variability. This review highlights advances in the derivatization of various sesquiterpene lactones, quinones, and alcohols, particularly in targeting cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The structural modifications discussed include the incorporation of triazole, arylidene, or thiol moieties with eudesmane, guaiane, and germacranolide-type sesquiterpenes, among others. In addition, the conjugation with chemotherapeutics, as well as the development of nanoscale therapeutics, is also discussed. Such modifications have expanded the pharmacological potential, enabling improved specificity, cytotoxicity profiles, and sensitization toward tumor cells. Additionally, sesquiterpenes such as parthenolide (20), pterosinsade A (176), and cedrol (186) have demonstrated potential in mitigating neurodegeneration via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signaling pathway-modulation mechanisms, with potential applications in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS diseases. Mechanistic insights into redox signaling modulation, NF-κB inhibition, ROS regulation, and disruption of aggregation underscore their multifaceted modes of action. This review highlights the translational promise of sesquiterpene derivatives as dual-action agents for potential drug development in a plethora of diseases that are caused by inflammation and free-radical damage. It provides a framework for future rational design of multifunctional drug candidates and therapeutics.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Ghayal NB, Crook RJ, Jain A, et al (2025)

Expanding the spectrum of annexin A11 proteinopathy in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and motor neuron disease.

Acta neuropathologica, 150(1):52.

Aggregation of TAR-DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is strongly associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), motor neuron disease (MND-TDP), and overlap disorders like FTLD-MND. Three major forms of motor neuron disease are recognized and include primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and progressive muscular atrophy (PMA). Annexin A11 (ANXA11) is understood to aggregate in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS-TDP) associated with pathogenic variants in ANXA11, as well as in FTLD-TDP type C. Given these observations and recent reports of ANXA11 variants in patients with semantic variant frontotemporal dementia (svFTD) and FTD-MND presentations, we sought to characterize ANXA11 proteinopathy in an autopsy cohort of 379 cases diagnosed with a primary TDP-43 proteinopathy, including FTLD-TDP, FTLD-MND, and MND-TDP. Cases with FTLD-MND and MND-TDP were classified further into PLS, ALS, and PMA based on the relative loss of upper and lower motor neurons. ANXA11 proteinopathy was present in over 40% of FTLD-MND cases. Further, ANXA11 colocalized with TDP-43 in the pathologic inclusions of all FTLD-TDP type C cases, as well as 38 out of 40 FTLD-PLS cases (95%), of which 84% had TDP type B or an unclassifiable TDP-43 proteinopathy and 16% had TDP type C. Genetic analysis excluded pathogenic ANXA11 variants in all ANXA11-positive cases. We thus demonstrated two novel ANXA11 proteinopathies strongly associated with FTLD-PLS, but not with TDP type C or pathogenic ANXA11 variants. Given the emerging relationship between TDP-43 and ANXA11 in neurodegenerative disease, we propose that TDP-43 and ANXA11 proteinopathy (TAP) comprises a distinct group of molecular pathologies and define three TAP types based on key clinical and neuropathologic characteristics.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Moss KR, Darvishi FB, Badawi Y, et al (2025)

The Neuromuscular Junction: A Shared Vulnerability in Aging and Disease.

The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 45(46): pii:45/46/e1353252025.

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized synapse essential for effective motor neuron-muscle communication and is increasingly recognized as a vulnerable site in aging and neuromuscular disease. While traditionally considered a final common pathway for motor deficits, accumulating evidence demonstrates that NMJ dysfunction is an early and critical driver of disease onset and progression in conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. This review highlights shared and disease-specific mechanisms contributing to NMJ impairment, including presynaptic, postsynaptic, and perisynaptic Schwann cell defects in these diseases. We also discuss age-related changes at the NMJ, emphasizing its role in sarcopenia and muscle weakness in older adults. Furthermore, we explore emerging molecular drivers of NMJ dysfunction uncovered through studies in congenital myasthenic syndromes, autoimmune disorders, and advanced omics approaches. By integrating insights across diseases and aging, we underscore the potential for shared therapeutic strategies aimed at stabilizing NMJ function. Promising interventions targeting presynaptic neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic excitability, and perisynaptic Schwann cells are discussed as avenues to improve neuromuscular transmission and maintain muscle strength. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in translating these mechanistic insights into clinical therapies and highlight how novel human neuromuscular organoid models and advanced molecular profiling can bridge this gap. Together, these insights establish the NMJ as a critical, modifiable target for preserving motor function across neuromuscular diseases and aging.

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Takubo M, Matsumoto Y, Sasaki C, et al (2025)

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Accompanied by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review.

Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan) [Epub ahead of print].

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, whereas amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease. We herein report a 62-year-old man with genetically confirmed SCA3 who subsequently developed rapidly progressive asymmetric muscle weakness, atrophy, and fasciculations. Clinical features, including preserved tendon reflexes and widespread denervation observed on electromyography, support the diagnosis of concomitant sporadic ALS. Our literature review revealed only a few similar cases, suggesting the under-recognition of this rare combination. This case underscores the importance of considering coexisting ALS in patients with SCA3 to enable a timely diagnosis and management.

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Metelmann M, Heyne S, Peuker M, et al (2025)

[Experiences with the Application of Short-Term Psychotherapy in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: What Can We Learn from It?].

Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, medizinische Psychologie [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is associated with elevated distress, but evidence on psychosocial interventions is limited. We tested the feasibility of a psychotherapy for palliative cancer patients in ALS patients.We applied CALM (Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully), an effective psychodynamic short-term therapy for advanced cancer patients, within a pre-post study among patients with ALS. We provided patient flow and formal treatment information. Based on the treatment protocols, the therapist reflected on the applicability of the treatment structure, specifics in the psychosocial work with ALS patients and suggestions for treatment modification.Among 15 eligible patients, five participated. Three patients completed the treatment, two patients provided complete study data. The trial was prematurely stopped due to issues in feasibility. Six (22%) sessions were conducted via telephone, 10 (37%) were attended by family caregivers. The structure showed limited applicability largely because fear-laden topics including suffering and death were extensively avoided. Compared to palliative cancer patients, ALS patients fluctuated more strongly in their psychological and physical symptom burden and were more strongly distressed by disease-related practical issues. Recommendations included a multi-professional team, booster sessions and a direct support for caregivers.A psychotherapy effective for cancer patients showed features that limit its applicability among ALS patients. Some of these limitations are treatment-inherent and thus hard to adapt. Rather than modifying the program, we suggest to develop a specific supportive psychotherapeutic intervention within a participatory approach.

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Michelerio A, Tomasini C, V Brazzelli (2025)

Response to Gronbeck et al.'s "Dermatologic toxicities of antibody-drug conjugates": why ado-trastuzumab emtansine-associated telangiectasias deserve clinical attention.

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Patil N, Mirveis Z, HJ Byrne (2025)

Exploration of multivariate curve resolution- alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) for datamining kinetically evolving complex cellular spectroscopic data (Spectralomics).

Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy, 348(Pt 2):127156 pii:S1386-1425(25)01464-7 [Epub ahead of print].

Multivariate curve resolution- alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) approach for datamining the complex spectral fingerprints from kinetically evolving cellular Raman spectroscopy data was explored in this study. Principal components analysis and partial least squares- discriminant analysis indicated the metabolic changes were captured in individual metabolic conditions (Control, Stimulation and Inhibition) as a function of time; however, MCR-ALS could not resolve the spectral components accurately. Hence simulated datasets were generated to test the limit of resolution which revealed the significance of initial estimation of spectral components in the MCR, and the effect of equality constraints in the ALS was studied. The resolved rate constants for the time evolution of the components were not quantitatively accurate at higher cellular background overlayed on the evolving components, although they did exhibit a consistent qualitative trend across the modulated conditions. Hence, the cellular data was analysed qualitatively, and the initial estimates constraint in MCR along with a kinetic hard model constraint in ALS was deduced to be the best strategy for datamining complex cellular spectra. The spectral fingerprints of both glycolytic and non-glycolytic cellular processes were resolved in all the modulated conditions, highlighting the high-content insights from the label-free approach. The study demonstrates the potential of Raman spectroscopy coupled with a spectralomics approach for datamining of the complex spectral fingerprints as a function of time and highlights its limitations. This approach could potentially find applications in high-content drug screening, drug discovery, disease diagnostics and process analytical techniques for monitoring bioprocesses.

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Elmansy MF, Soares P, Dos Remedios JRD, et al (2025)

Modifications of NU-9, a potent protein aggregation inhibitor. Properties and activity in a cellular model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Bioorganic chemistry, 167:109190 pii:S0045-2068(25)01070-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fast-progressing disease characterized by the loss of voluntary movements and death due to respiratory failure. The presence of protein aggregates is a major hallmark of the disease. Hence, targeting the pathological protein aggregation may provide more efficient therapeutics for ALS. Recently, we reported a cyclohexane-1,3-dione (NU-9) with in vitro anti-aggregation capacity and promising in vivo efficacy in ALS animal models, which validated our approach toward the development of novel and potentially more effective ALS therapeutics. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a new series of small-molecule derivatives of NU-9 and the evaluation of their in vitro anti-aggregation activity in a PC12 cellular model containing an SOD1[G85R] familial ALS mutation. The most promising compound (20) presented an in vitro anti-aggregation potency comparable to that of NU-9. Moreover, the better in vitro BBB permeability, microsomal stability, and toxicity profile of 20 also suggests a potentially higher efficacy in vivo.

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Feng J, Jiang H, X Bi (2025)

Letter to the editor: re-evaluating perioperative antibiotic strategies in mild-to-moderate acute cholecystitis: addressing unresolved questions from Park et al.'s randomized trial.

International journal of surgery (London, England) pii:01279778-990000000-03674 [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Heyming T, Knudsen-Robbins C, Kain A, et al (2025)

Prehospital PAT - Real World Data; EMS Use of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle in the Prehospital Environment.

Prehospital emergency care [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: Emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians report lack of training and experience with children, leading to discomfort and uncertainty regarding assessment and treatment. The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) was designed to provide a rapid and standardized approach. Despite widespread adoption, literature examining EMS implementation of PAT remains limited. We examined EMS use of PAT and assessment of clinical stability, and the association between EMS use of PAT and prehospital interventions, EMS transport decisions (ALS versus BLS), emergency department (ED) interventions, and ED disposition.

METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients 0 to <15 years transported to a quaternary care pediatric ED via EMS between October 2022 and November 2023. Data were abstracted from EMS and ED electronic health records (EHRs) including PAT evaluation, demographics, EMS and ED interventions, and ED disposition. Data were analyzed using counts and percentages, logistic regression, chi-square and McNemar's test.

RESULTS: A total of 2,929 patients were included. Most patients, 65.9%, had a PAT score of 0; for those with non-zero PATs, abnormalities in the appearance domain were most prevalent, 50.7%. A PAT score of 1 or higher was associated with transport via Advanced Life Support (OR 67.9; 95% CI 32.0, 144.1) compared to a PAT of 0. Most patients, 62.2%, received an EMS intervention; the most common was diagnostics (blood glucose or EKG). The EMS administered medications to 22% of patients. Pediatric Assessment Triangle scores of ≥2 were associated with double the odds of admission to the floor (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.4, 3.0) and quadruple the odds of admission to ICU level of care/direct to surgery/expired (OR 4.9; 95% CI 2.9, 8.3); PATs abnormal for work of breathing only were associated with increased odds of admission to the floor (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.8, 3.6).

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that EMS PAT assessment in the field appropriately reflects patient stability and may be associated with EMS intervention en-route. The EMS PAT scores demonstrate promise as an adjunct to ED assessment, alerting clinicians to increased likelihood of admission. The PAT has potential to serve as a practical mechanism for EMS feedback and quality improvement studies.

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Bagheri S, Saboury AA, Ahmad O, et al (2025)

Association of mercury exposure with neurodegenerative diseases - a reality or a misconception?.

Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska pii:VM/OJS/J/108158 [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to heavy metals has long been considered a potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases.

STATE OF THE ART: Most existing studies include in vitro and animal models, and research involving human subjects has yielded conflicting results, obscuring the overall understanding of this topic.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: In this article, the aim is to clarify the situation by carefully reviewing and categorizing the available body of knowledge in this field. Specifically, the focus is on research that explores the relationship between mercury exposure and common neurodegenerative diseases.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite its neurotoxic properties, results show that mercury is not associated with frequent neurodegenerative disorders.

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Anonymous (2025)

Platform Communications: Abstract Book 36th International Symposium on ALS/MND (Complete printable file).

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration, 26(sup2):1-78.

RevDate: 2025-11-12
CmpDate: 2025-11-12

Zhang D, Han L, Zhang W, et al (2025)

Neuroprotective mechanisms of valproic acid and alpha-lipoic acid in ALS: a network pharmacology-based investigation.

Frontiers in pharmacology, 16:1681929.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, and its multi-mechanism pathology makes single-target therapy insufficient. Valproic acid (VPA) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) are known neuroprotective agents, but their combined therapeutic potential and mechanisms in ALS remain unclear.

METHODS: In this study, network pharmacology method was used to integrate the target data of VPA, ALA and ALS, and key targets and pathways were screened by function enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI), network analysis and molecular docking. Furthermore, Mendel randomization (MR) was used to analyze the causal relationship between targets and ALS risk. The synergistic neuroprotective effects of VPA and ALA were then validated in the hSOD1[G93A] ALS cell and mouse models.

RESULTS: In this study, four core targets-TNF, EGFR, MAPK1 and MAPK8-were identified for the first time. Genetic analysis indicated that higher TNF levels and reduced MAPK8 expression are linked to a greater risk of ALS. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities of both compounds to these targets. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the combined therapy significantly improved neuronal survival and motor function, inhibited inflammation and apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a pathway, and yielded significantly better therapeutic effects compared to the single drug treatments.

DISCUSSION: VPA and ALA synergistically alleviate ALS by modulating multiple targets and activating the PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a pathway. These findings support their potential as a combinatorial therapeutic strategy for ALS.

RevDate: 2025-11-12
CmpDate: 2025-11-12

Konopka A (2025)

Colocalizing Telomeres With PML or γH2AX Foci by IF-FISH in Mouse Brain Neurons.

Bio-protocol, 15(21):e5485.

Telomere length maintenance is strongly linked to cellular aging, as telomeres progressively shorten with each cell division. This phenomenon is well-documented in mitotic, or dividing, cells. However, neurons are post-mitotic and do not undergo mitosis, meaning they lack the classical mechanisms through which telomere shortening occurs. Despite this, neurons retain telomeres that protect chromosomal ends. The role of telomeres in neurons has gained interest, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where aging is a major risk factor. This has sparked interest in investigating telomere maintenance mechanisms in post-mitotic neurons. Nevertheless, most existing telomere analysis techniques were developed for and optimized using mitotic cells, posing challenges for studying telomeres in non-dividing neuronal cells. Thus, this protocol adapts an already established technique, the combined immunofluorescence and telomere fluorescent in situ hybridization (IF-FISH) on mitotic cells to study the processes occurring at telomeres in cortical neurons of the mouse ALS transgenic model, TDP-43 rNLS. Specifically, it determines the occurrence of DNA damage and the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism through simultaneous labeling of the DNA damage marker, γH2AX, or the ALT marker, promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein, together with telomeres. Therefore, the protocol enables the visualization of DNA damage (γH2AX) or the ALT marker (PML) concurrently with telomeres. This technique can be successfully applied to brain tissue and enables the investigation of telomeres specifically in cortical neurons, rather than in bulk tissue, offering a significant advantage over Southern blot or qPCR-based techniques. Key features • This protocol enables the labeling of telomeres in mouse brain tissue prepared from paraffin-embedded brain sections. • This method facilitates concurrent labeling of proteins that are colocalized at telomere sites.

RevDate: 2025-11-12
CmpDate: 2025-11-12

Highlander M, S Elbasiouny (2025)

Methodological and analytical limitations undermine reported outcomes of spinal DC stimulation in ALS.

Frontiers in neurology, 16:1706131.

RevDate: 2025-11-12

Sehgal D, Martín-Sanz A, Sayago A, et al (2025)

Prevalence of two acetolactate synthase target site resistance mutations in sunflower broomrape from Europe as determined by robust kompetitive allele-specific assays (KASP).

Pest management science [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Orobanche cumana is an important pest of sunflower crops in Europe and Asia. Recently, two highly virulent populations of sunflower broomrape from Greece were found to have evolved resistance to imazamox owing to the A205D and S653N acetolactate synthase (ALS) target-site mutations. We have developed two robust fluorophore-based kompetitive allele-specific (KASP) assays to cost-effectively genotype a large European collection of O. cumana for these two mutations.

RESULTS: The KASP assays were established using 94 tubercules from the two imazamox-resistant populations of sunflower broomrape from Orestiada (GR-ORE) and Drama (GR-DRA) regions in Greece, and two sensitive populations from Romania (RO-TUL) and Spain (SP-VIL). The genotype calls generated by the two KASP assays completely matched with those from sanger sequencing, demonstrating the reliability of the two assays developed here. Genotyping of 2114 individuals from 94 European O. cumana populations collected between 2014 and 2022 did not reveal the A205D mutation in any sample, whereas the S653N mutation, in the homozygous state, was present in a single population (OR-183) from the Drama region in Greece. Cluster analysis of ALS gene sequences suggests that resistance has evolved independently in the two geographically close populations GR-DRA and OR-183 from Drama.

CONCLUSION: The KASP assays developed here allowed high-throughput reliable genotyping of the A205D and S653N mutations in a large number of O. cumana samples from Europe. The study indicates that, so far, resistance to imazamox owing to the A205D and S653N mutations in sunflower broomrape is limited to only three populations from Greece. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Lei J, Gong L, Wei S, et al (2025)

Causal Relationship Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.

Brain and behavior, 15(11):e71046.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies have indicated a correlation between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and neuropsychiatric disorders, yet the causal relationship remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to employ two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to ascertain the potential causal relationship between IBD and seven major neuropsychiatric disorders.

METHODS: We conducted a bidirectional two-sample MR analysis utilizing genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of European ancestry for IBD (31,665 cases and 33,977 controls) and its subtypes, ulcerative colitis (UC, 13,768 cases and 33,977 controls) and Crohn's disease (CD, 17,897 cases and 51,874 controls), along with seven major neuropsychiatric disorders: major depressive disorder (MDD, 135,458 cases and 344,901 controls), bipolar disorder (BD, 41,917 cases and 371,549 controls), schizophrenia (SCZ, 33,640 cases and 43,456 controls), Alzheimer's disease (AD, 39,106 cases and 46,828 controls), Parkinson's disease (PD, 33,674 cases and 449,056 controls), multiple sclerosis (MS, 14,498 cases and 24,091 controls), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, 27,205 cases and 110,881 controls).

RESULTS: Our analysis revealed potential positive causal effects of IBD and CD on MDD and SCZ. Similarly, SCZ was positively correlated with an increased risk of IBD and UC. There was a bidirectional positive association between IBD, UC, and MS, whereas CD showed a positive causal effect on MS. Similar to the investigation of the seven specified neuropsychiatric disorders on CD, we did not find evidence supporting causal effects of MDD, BD, AD, PD, or ALS on IBD or UC. Sensitivity analyses further reinforced the robustness of the MR estimates.

CONCLUSION: Our results support potential causal relationships between IBD (including its subtypes CD and UC) and several neuropsychiatric disorders, reinforcing the gut-brain axis concept and enhancing our understanding of extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD and neuropsychiatric manifestations in the context of IBD.

RevDate: 2025-11-13
CmpDate: 2025-11-13

Camero-Ortiz EA, Delgado-García SK, Bendezu-Quispe G, et al (2025)

Diagnostic criteria for HPV infection classification: a comment on Wen et al.

Virology journal, 22(1):369.

BACKGROUND: We read with great interest Wen et al.'s article on HPV infection in Huizhou men, commending this pioneering research as the first systematic analysis of HPV epidemiology in the region. The findings, including a 30.53% positivity rate and prevalent genotypes like HPV6, HPV52, HPV11, and HPV16, offer valuable insights for developing effective prevention strategies.

MAIN BODY: We are concerned, however, about the study's HPV classification methodology. Categorizing infections into "low-risk," "high-risk," and "mixed" (which includes any combination of high and low-risk genotypes) might obscure the true incidence of high-risk HPV infections. High-risk HPV types are strongly linked to malignant transformations. Hence, a single high-risk genotype poses a significant health risk, irrespective of low-risk co-infection. Grouping high-risk infections with low-risk types in the "mixed" category could therefore underestimate the proportion of patients with high-risk HPV.

CONCLUSION: For future research, we suggest presenting high-risk HPV prevalence by distinguishing between solely low-risk, solely high-risk, and high-risk mixed infections (multiple infections that include at least one high-risk genotype). This offers a more accurate understanding of the burden, aiding public health efforts, screening, and vaccination programs.

RevDate: 2025-11-11

Fyfe I (2025)

Microglia response altered by ALS mutation.

Nature reviews. Neurology [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2025-11-11

Pu S, Sawyer A, Levinson C, et al (2025)

Exploring Voice Banking as an Alternative Augmentative Communication Strategy for Individuals with Dysphonia, Aphonia, and Dysarthria: A Scoping Review.

Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation pii:S0892-1997(25)00438-2 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review sought to: (i) review studies involving people diagnosed with dysphonia, aphonia, and dysarthria who have used voice banking technology in a hospital or community setting, and (ii) understand the scope of research surrounding existing voice banking technology and software in the clinical setting.

METHODS: This scoping review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews. An electronic search of databases, including Ovid MEDLINE(R), Embase (Ovid), APA PsycINFO (Ovid), and CINAHL was conducted. Title, abstract, and full text screening were completed using Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation, Melbourne, Australia) by two reviewers.

RESULTS: After deduplication, 1336 studies underwent title and abstract screening. Of these, the full texts of 65 studies were reviewed, and 23 were included. Three distinct topics were identified in the search: (i) message banking, in which discrete messages or phrases are recorded for later use, without the ability to create novel phrases outside of those previously recorded; (ii) voice banking, in which all the necessary phonemes in the target language are captured, with the goal of generating a personalized synthetic voice that can generate novel phrases; (iii) and voice conversion or voice reconstruction, in which pathologic voices or speech are "converted" into a personalized synthetic voices.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This scoping review summarized the evidence for voice banking technology use in people diagnosed with dysphonia and dysarthria and sought to understand the research landscape of existing types of voice banking technology and software use in a clinical setting. The included papers were highly heterogeneous in terms of the population and type (research vs clinical program vs review/other). There is a pressing need for the publication of clinical programs and models facilitating the adoption of voice banking, especially within populations affected by conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and laryngectomy, to address existing gaps and foster broader implementation and accessibility.

RevDate: 2025-11-11

Wasicki B, Zawistowski P, Jankowiak T, et al (2025)

Acute Invasive Dorso-Ventral DCS Applied With a Ball Electrode Does Not Alter Spinal Motoneurons' Firing Characteristics in the SOD-1 G93A Mouse Model of ALS.

The European journal of neuroscience, 62(9):e70314.

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), alterations of spinal motoneurons' (MNs) excitability form the hallmark of their degeneration. Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is based on the delivery of low-intensity DC to the spinal column in order to alter spinal circuit excitability. Recently, this technique was applied to the management of ALS in the SOD1 G93A mice and resulted in a reduction of disease biomarkers and extended mouse survival. While indirect evidence suggests that these effects can be linked to a decrease in MNs excitability following tsDCS, this has never been directly confirmed. Therefore, in this study, we have utilized in vivo sharp intracellular recordings of spinal MN to directly investigate the impact of DC on MN intrinsic excitability in SOD1 G93A mice. Electrophysiological properties of MNs recorded before DCS were compared to the properties of MNs recorded within 1 h after DCS application using linear mixed-effect models. We have found that direct DCS application significantly increases MN peak and plateau input resistance (by 31% and 35%, respectively); however, this was not linked to any significant change to MN threshold and firing properties. Both mathematical modelling and in vivo recordings of the electric field (EF) indicate that our results may be explained by the low density of the EF at the MN recording site. While our results indicate that invasive DCS is not efficient in modifying MN excitability, it may be effective in altering the excitability of afferent fibers traversing the dorsal column close to the DCS application site.

RevDate: 2025-11-11

Silva Sousa LD, Bertuzzi A, Rodrigues Fiuza TE, et al (2025)

Identification of Transient Intermediates and Active Species in Atomic CZA Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol.

Journal of the American Chemical Society [Epub ahead of print].

Direct hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol is a promising strategy for carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Copper-zinc-alumina (CZA) catalysts are widely used for this transformation, yet the nature of the active Cu and Zn species and the reaction intermediates remains debated due to their sensitivity to feed composition and temperature. This challenge is compounded by the high metal loading in conventional CZA catalysts, which obscures active species signals with background contributions from spectator species. To address this, we synthesized model CuZn/Al2O3 catalysts using bimetallic coordination complexes, achieving low metal loadings that yield small Cu clusters and Cu[+] single atoms adjacent to isolated Zn[2+] sites. In situ XANES and UV-vis data were analyzed using multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS), revealing that Cu dispersion and reagglomeration─phenomena suspected in industrial systems─also occur at low loadings. Operando and modulation excitation with phase sensitive detection DRIFTS (ME-PSD-DRIFTS) showed: (a) Cu clusters dissociate H2 and activate CO2 via monodentate formate; (b) Al2O3 stabilizes Cu[+] under reducing conditions, with Cu content correlating with methanol productivity via CO hydrogenation; and (c) Zn in ZnAl2O4 promotes CO2 activation through reactive carbonate formation and enhances oxygenate conversion kinetics. ZnAl2O4 also acts as a structural promoter, facilitating CO2 conversion via reverse water gas shift (RWGS) and CO hydrogenation. These findings reveal new structure-activity relationships, highlighting the role of the mixed-metal interface in stabilizing transient intermediates and providing some guidance in the rational design of improved catalysts for CO2 valorization.

RevDate: 2025-11-11

Takeuchi E, Yasumizu Y, Morita J, et al (2025)

Single-nucleus multiome shows motor neuron glutamate overactivation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Brain : a journal of neurology pii:8321227 [Epub ahead of print].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes motor neuron degeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying the selective vulnerability of motor neurons and the involvement of non-motor neuron cells in ALS remain unclear. To investigate ALS pathology at the cellular level, we performed a single-nucleus multiome analysis, including RNA sequencing and chromatin accessibility profiling, on motor cortex (75,583 nuclei) and spinal cord (62,711 nuclei) from patients with ALS (n=6) and controls (n=6). Our results revealed significant gene expression changes specifically in spinal motor neurons, including upregulation of a metabotropic glutamate receptor, GRM5, and enhanced glutamate signaling. By integrating genome-wide association study data, we identified ALS-associated SNPs in regulatory regions, suggesting cell-type-specific enrichment of risk, especially in microglia. These findings suggest that changes in spinal motor neurons and their surrounding environment, including glutamate signaling, may be involved in ALS pathology. The study also provides valuable resources for future research on the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

RevDate: 2025-11-11

Maranges HM, CL Timbs (2025)

Operational and conceptual confusion in life history research necessitates the two-tiered model.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 48:e115 pii:S0140525X25100940.

Our systematic analysis of operationalizations and conceptualizations of harshness (extrinsic mortality) and unpredictability in the (psychology) life history literature highlights that (1) employment of extremely diverse measures contributes to the confusion about the effect of harshness on life history traits and (2) few measures reflect energetic stress or ambient EM, such that Ellis et al.'s two-tiered model should motivate future research.

RevDate: 2025-11-12
CmpDate: 2025-11-12

Sasson I (2025)

Social inequalities as sources of extrinsic mortality: implications of the two-tiered model.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 48:e119 pii:S0140525X25100861.

Ellis et al.'s two-tiered model compellingly integrates biological and psychosocial pathways through which extrinsic mortality shapes life history strategies. An understated, yet important, implication of their framework is the role of social inequalities in signaling mortality risk - particularly through differential exposure to bereavement - and how it may give rise to distinct life history strategies and outcomes.

RevDate: 2025-11-11

Komyaginskaya E, Gallyamova A, D Grigoryev (2025)

Density slows, while pathogens and disasters accelerate life history within populations.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 48:e111 pii:S0140525X25101106.

This commentary complements Ellis et al.'s two-tiered framework by using panel data and emphasizing the role of population density in decelerating life history (LH) strategy. We show that mortality cues and energetic constraints do not operate in isolation, demonstrating how density-dependent competition shapes LH strategies over time and underscoring the need for a dynamic, multifaceted approach to LH development.

RevDate: 2025-11-12
CmpDate: 2025-11-12

Chen BB (2025)

From shyness to attachment: social behaviors as adaptive responses to environmental stress.

The Behavioral and brain sciences, 48:e103 pii:S0140525X25101076.

This commentary expands Ellis et al.'s 2-tiered life history (LH) model by integrating shyness and insecure attachment as mediators of environmental adaptation. Shyness balances survival-reproduction trade-offs with mixed LH outcomes. Avoidant attachment accelerates LH strategies under harsh conditions; anxious attachment delays reproduction under unpredictable conditions. Incorporating social behaviors, which are related to survival and safety, enhances the model's applicability across behavioral domains.

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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.

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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.

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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

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