<![CDATA[Blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer disease continue to improve, shares expert researcher. ]]>
Frequency shaping of tactile perception via transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation: a simulation study
Electrotactile feedback via transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation generates temporally modulated stimulation fields and enables frequency-domain adjustment with carrier and beat frequencies. To systematically characterize these effects, we present a simulation framework that integrates tissue-scale electrical potential simulation with the finite element method and axon-scale dynamics using the axon cable equation, which incorporates cable theory and the Hodgkin–Huxley model, to predict axon activation and tactile perceptual metrics. We simulated a simplified glabrous skin model with three orthogonally oriented axons. Results show that the carrier frequency in the range of 1–4 kHz determines the upper bounds of the perceived field size, reaching up to 1.6 mm and exceeding the 1 mm electrode diameter, and perceived intensity, whereas the beat frequency in the range of 0–100 Hz adjusts these quantities within these bounds. Furthermore, axons oriented perpendicular to the skin surface exhibit lower activation thresholds than those oriented parallel. Unlike the conventional approaches of transcutaneous electrical stimulation, our results suggest that transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation can shape the perceived field and perceived intensity without electrode reconfiguration or amplitude modulation. These findings clarify the distinct roles of carrier and beat frequency in tactile perception. This paper provides a theoretical foundation for frequency-domain adjustment of electrotactile interfaces and points toward compact, programmable systems. Quantitative validation through psychophysical experiments will further test and refine these predictions.
A digital audio workstation approach for matching the sound quality of speech and music for single-sided deaf patients fit with cochlear implants
IntroductionCochlear implant (CI) patients who are single-sided deaf can match the sound quality of speech presented to their CI ear and speech presented to their normal hearing ear. Previous work using this patient population has generated acoustic approximations of CI sound quality for speech, achieving high similarity ratings through interactive manipulation of sound parameters such as filtering, pitch shifting, and spectral smearing. The present study aimed to extend this approach to music.MethodsA digital audio workstation (DAW) methodology was developed for generating sound quality matches to both speech and music in 11 adults with unilateral MED-EL CIs and contralateral acoustic hearing. Participants compared the sound quality created by acoustically manipulated signals presented to their better hearing ear with the sound quality of unprocessed signals presented to the CI ear. The similarity of the two signals was rated on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 indicating a perfect match.ResultsOn average, speech matches achieved higher similarity ratings (9.3) than music matches (6.7). Speech matches were typically achieved using bandpass filtering, pitch shifts, and distortion. Similarity ratings for speech using the digital audio workstation (9.3) were not different from those (8.7) using the custom, speech-specific software of previous studies. Music matches frequently required additional manipulations, including frequency equalization and modulation. The specific manipulations required varied across participants, and several individuals could not complete music matches despite extensive attempts.DiscussionThese findings suggest that music introduces perceptual dimensions not fully addressed by speech-based matching procedures. The DAW methodology provides an accessible framework for investigating CI sound quality and may guide future efforts to characterize and optimize sound quality for signals beyond speech.
Speech in noise prediction by use of cortical auditory evoked potentials in normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review
IntroductionSpeech perception in noise (SPiN) is a critical challenge for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and current behavioral assessments can be unreliable in populations with language barriers or cognitive impairment. Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) can serve as a supplementary measurement as they often show strong correlations with SPiN outcomes across diverse hearing profiles.MethodsFollowing PRISMA and SWiM guidelines, this systematic review includes studies from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases that examined the relationship between non-task related CAEPs and SPiN outcomes in adults with normal hearing, SNHL, or cochlear implants.ResultsSixteen studies were included, encompassing 238 participants with SNHL and 204 participants with normal hearing. Across studies, N1 latency, P2 latency, and N1-P2 amplitude of the onset CAEP and acoustic change complex (ACC) are most consistently correlated with SPiN performance, particularly in sentence-based tests. The mismatch negativity (MMN) showed limited predictive value, as findings varied by age and hearing status. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to methodological heterogeneity.ConclusionOnset CAEP and ACC N1 and P2 latencies together with N1-P2 amplitudes particularly demonstrate potential as electrophysiological indicators of SPiN performance. Their clinical utility is promising for populations where behavioral testing can be unreliable, such as CI users or individuals with cognitive or language barriers. However, standardization of protocols and further longitudinal research are needed to validate their application in clinical settings.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023404158, identifier PROSPERO (CRD42023404158).
Sex differences in the development, treatment, and prognosis of multiple sclerosis in Switzerland
IntroductionThere has been growing recognition of potential differences in disease course and presentation between men and women with MS. This study examined sex differences in MS using data collected at study entry in the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Cohort (SMSC).MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of the data from 1541 SMSC participants (June 2012–February 2022) with persons with relapsing-remitting MS or Clinically Isolated Syndrome (named relapsing type) and progressive MS including persons with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) was performed. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, disease history, and severity indicators were examined, focusing on sex differences within progressive and relapsing MS types, and comparing these MS types. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-squared tests for group comparisons. Multivariate linear regression models were constructed to examine the independent association of sex with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, adjusting for age, disease duration, treatment category, recent relapse, and body mass index (BMI).ResultsWomen represented 65.8% of the cohort (1,014/1,541). BMI was significantly lower in women than in men in the relapsing type and SPMS (relapsing: p < 0.001; SPMS: p = 0.001; PPMS: p = 0.86). Age at first symptoms differed by sex depending on MS type: women were younger in the relapsing group (29.7 vs. 31.4 years, p = 0.036), while men were younger in PPMS (42.3 vs. 47.7 years, p < 0.001), with no difference in SPMS (p = 0.5). In univariate analysis, men showed a trend toward higher disability levels at study entry in the relapsing type (p = 0.058), but no significant sex differences in EDSS were observed in progressive forms. In multivariate analysis, female sex showed a trend toward lower EDSS scores in relapsing MS after adjusting for clinical factors (β = −0.13, 95% CI: −0.26 to 0.005, p = 0.059) but was not associated with EDSS in PPMS (β = −0.09, p = 0.802) or SPMS (β = + 0.09, p = 0.816).ConclusionThis study identified sex differences in disease distribution, BMI and EDSS at their entry in the SMSC. These findings underscore the complexity of sex differences in MS and highlight the importance of prospective longitudinal studies with standardized severity assessments to clarify sex-specific disease trajectories and inform personalized treatment strategies.
Targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis in post-stroke insomnia: a phase-dependent therapeutic framework
Post-stroke insomnia (PSI) is a critical biological barrier to neurorehabilitation afflicting over half of all stroke survivors. Traditional sedatives often force clinicians into a therapeutic dilemma between sleep efficacy and cognitive suppression. The microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis has recently emerged as a transformative target to resolve this impasse. Acute stroke triggers profound autonomic dysfunction, causing immediate intestinal barrier collapse. This “leaky gut” facilitates the systemic translocation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and activates the NLRP3 inflammasome. The resulting inflammatory storm hijacks central tryptophan metabolism via the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme. This “tryptophan steal” diverts serotonin precursors toward neurotoxic kynurenine pathways, driving severe cortical hyperarousal. Sleep fragmentation then prevents the glymphatic system from clearing metabolic waste, further exacerbating neuroinflammation. To break this vicious cycle of neurotoxicity, we propose a phase-dependent therapeutic framework. During the highly vulnerable acute phase, interventions must prioritize gut barrier protection using postbiotics to mitigate infection risks under CNS injury-induced immunodepression (CIDS), often discussed as stroke-induced immunosuppression. As patients enter the chronic phase, therapy shifts toward metabolic restoration using live therapeutics, such as washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) and next-generation psychobiotics like Akkermansia muciniphila. Targeting the MGB axis offers a mechanism-based strategy to achieve precision sleep medicine, restoring the biological foundation necessary for optimal neuroplasticity and recovery.
Esophagus engineering tackles function
Nature Biotechnology, Published online: 09 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41587-026-03100-9
A tissue-engineered esophageal graft supports luminal patency in growing minipigs with emerging structural integration.
<![CDATA[What can the Artemis II astronauts tell us about both outer space and the inner space of our minds? ]]>
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about top pharma lobbyist stepping down, genes and GLP-1 drugs, and more
Top of the morning to you, and a fine one it is. Sunny skies and mild breezes are enveloping the Pharmalot campus once again. And to celebrate, we are brewing still more cups of stimulation and inviting you to join us. Our choice today is Jack Daniel’s. Yes, this is a real thing. And remember, a prescription is not required. So no need to mess with rebates, coupons, or TrumpRx. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. Hope you have a smashing day and conquer the world. And of course, do stay in touch. We appreciate feedback, criticism and tips. …
Steve Ubl, the chief executive of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, plans to step down at the end of the year, after more than a decade of leading the main trade group for brand-name drug makers, STAT notes. Ubl led the organization during tumultuous times that included the Covid-19 pandemic and aggressive political attacks on prescription drug pricing. Democrats passed a law directing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and the Trump administration struck voluntary deals with individual drugmakers aimed at lowering U.S. prices to levels in other high-income countries. The next head of PhRMA will face increasing political pressure on prices and an increasingly populist mood.
Specific changes in two genes appear to help predict whether patients will lose substantial weight on GLP-1 drugs used to treat obesity — and whether the drugs will cause nausea or vomiting, which are some of their most common side effects, STAT writes, citing a paper in Nature. “I think we have proof of concept here that genetics is playing a role in terms of GLP-1 efficacy and side effects,” said Adam Auton, a vice president at the 23andMe Research Institute and the senior author on the paper. Outside researchers were impressed and intrigued by the findings, but some doubted whether the genetic results would impact patient care. Still, consumers who use what 23andMe calls its Total Health platform will have access to information about these genes and what they predict about GLP-1 use.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is pleased to welcome Shauna Cronin
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is pleased to welcome Shauna Cronin (she/her) as our new Vice President, Programs, effective April 27, 2026.
Shauna brings nearly two decades of national leadership in mental health system transformation, program design, and policy innovation. Her experience spans complex, multi‑partner initiatives across governments, communities, and lived and living experience networks, with notable contributions through organizations such as CAMH, Frayme, Stepped Care Solutions 2.0, and the Global Leadership Exchange.
A widely respected and internationally recognized leader, Shauna is known for turning bold vision into measurable impact. Her work has consistently advanced equity, strengthened service integration, and elevated Canada’s leadership in mental health, while meaningfully valuing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis voices as part of an ongoing reconciliation journey.
Shauna holds advanced degrees in political science, strategic communications, and international affairs, is currently pursuing a Master’s in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership, and holds a Health Leadership designation from the Rotman School of Management. She brings a rare combination of deep policy insight, collaborative systems leadership, and a genuine commitment to people and outcomes.
We look forward to the perspective, care, and leadership Shauna will bring as she joins our exceptional Programs team and helps advance mental health and well-being across Canada.
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