Articles published on Non-invasive Therapy
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- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.saa.2025.127428
- Apr 1, 2026
- Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy
- Kaja Piana + 2 more
Identification of molecular changes in organs of obese rats following transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) - studies by FTIR microspectroscopy and chemometrics.
- Research Article
- 10.1038/s41467-026-70696-6
- Mar 14, 2026
- Nature communications
- Kui Xiao + 8 more
Photo-redox catalysis has emerged as a new generation of biochemical protocols in proximity labeling, noninvasive therapy, ultrafast activation. However, the well-developed photocatalysts cannot simultaneously possess low-energy absorption and high excited potentials to initiate photochemical reactions. Herein, we develop new Ru-PCs as bio-photocatalyst exhibiting both green-light absorption and high Ered*. Ru-PCs cooperatively function with natural coenzyme riboflavin (RF) via an integrated proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process to in situ transform Ru-PCs with two distinct ligands and consecutively mediate redox between phenol substrates, excited photocatalysts and oxygen. One quaternized (Qn) ligand keeps the metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) and the other carbonylated (Cb) ligand reserves a proton transfer site. Irradiating RuQnCb bio-photocatalyst leads to a highly selective neolignan oxidative intermolecular cross-coupling reaction of [4 + 2] cyclization of two phenol modules in diluted serum. Photo-modification of proteins has been accomplished within several seconds green light irradiation in a 97 % yield, without non-target conjugations to natural groups.
- Research Article
- 10.2196/82491
- Mar 6, 2026
- JMIR research protocols
- Alexandra Godinho + 4 more
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD), affecting approximately 20% to 30% of individuals with major depressive disorder, is associated with significant disability, reduced quality of life, and an increased risk of hospitalization and suicide. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive neuromodulation therapy, has demonstrated strong efficacy for TRD but is typically limited to research contexts or private clinics. Existing research on patient perspectives on rTMS is limited and largely retrospective, focusing on individuals who have already undergone treatment. As a result, little is known about the factors that influence patients' decisions to accept or decline rTMS at the time of referral, particularly within real-world clinical settings. This study aims to address the gap in the literature by prospectively examining decision-making processes surrounding rTMS in a community hospital outpatient clinic. This prospective mixed methods cohort study will recruit 30 adults with TRD referred to a public rTMS clinic. Participants will be stratified based on their decision to opt in or out of treatment. Data collection will include hybrid card sorting interviews, self-report questionnaires (assessing depression, well-being, cognitive flexibility, decisional conflict, and health literacy), and medical chart reviews. Each participant will complete a baseline and 6-month follow-up interview and survey. Qualitative data will be analyzed using constant comparative analysis, informed by bounded rationality and prospect theory. Quantitative data will be analyzed using bivariate statistics and hierarchical cluster analysis to identify patterns in decision-making factors. This study is being funded by a charitable donation from Jack and Pat Kay to Humber River Health, which is also supporting the establishment of the rTMS clinic, committed to in April 2024. Recruitment commenced in December 2025 and is expected to conclude in December 2026; no participants have been enrolled as of February 2026. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to prospectively examine decision-making regarding rTMS in a real-world, publicly funded clinic including both individuals who initiate and those who decline treatment. The findings may inform the development of patient educational and engagement materials and highlight gaps in patient-physician communication during the rTMS decision-making process.
- Research Article
- 10.1039/d5nr05210f
- Mar 5, 2026
- Nanoscale
- Jung Yeon Park + 13 more
Acoustic cavitation-the nucleation, oscillation, and collapse of micro- or nano-bubbles under ultrasound stimulation-has emerged as a powerful approach for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and therapy. Cavitation-inducible materials (CIMs) provide controllable mechanical forces that enhance drug delivery, modulate immune responses, and enable real-time imaging guidance. Ultrasound-triggered cavitation can disrupt tumor tissues via CIMs, promote the release of tumor-associated antigens and damage-associated molecular patterns, and remodel immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. Concurrent advances in CIMs for ultrasound molecular imaging, particularly enabled by genetically encoded acoustic reporter genes, now enable real-time tracking of cellular events and treatment responses with high spatial and temporal resolution. This review summarizes recent progress in the design and biomedical application of CIMs for cancer sonotheranostics. We highlight (1) materials that exploit stable or inertial cavitation for therapeutic activation, (2) cavitation-induced immune modulation and synergistic immunotherapy, and (3) ultrasound-based molecular imaging platforms. Finally, we discuss translational challenges and future directions that will shape next-generation ultrasound-driven precision oncology.
- Research Article
- 10.2967/jnumed.125.271103
- Mar 2, 2026
- Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine
- Laura Schäfer + 8 more
Molecularly targeted therapies are increasingly relevant in clinical oncology, as they enable the selective modulation of specific biologic targets-such as enzymes or receptors-by inhibiting or enhancing their function. Nectin cell adhesion molecule 4(nectin-4), a tumor-associated antigen, is overexpressed in various malignancies and has been linked to tumor progression and poor clinical outcomes. Its role has recently gained significant attention, particularly in urothelial carcinoma, where nectin-4-targeted antibody-drug conjugates have demonstrated promising therapeutic efficacy. These findings have positioned nectin-4 not only as a relevant target for noninvasive tumor characterization and cancer therapy but also as a valuable biomarker for molecular imaging. This review provides an overview of the recent developments in nectin-4-directed molecular theranostics, on the basis of a literature analysis, with a focus on the design, preclinical validation, and clinical translation of novel radiotracers in nuclear medicine. Multiple nectin-4-targeted radiotracers-comprising antibody- and peptide-based agents-have demonstrated high specificity and strong affinity for nectin-4-overexpressing tumors, particularly in urothelial carcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer. Exploratory preclinical and clinical data consistently showed comparable diagnostic accuracy to standard molecular imaging methods (e.g., [18F]FDG-based PET), enhanced detection of metastatic lesions, and effective monitoring of therapeutic response and eventual treatment resistance to nectin-4-targeted antibody-drug conjugates.
- Research Article
4
- 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2025.123693
- Mar 1, 2026
- Biomaterials
- Dan Zhou + 9 more
Stimulus-responsive AIE nanoassembly for NIR-II imaging-guided cascade photothermal/photodynamic/gas synergistic thrombolysis and vascular healing.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.ultras.2025.107879
- Mar 1, 2026
- Ultrasonics
- Chuanxin Zhang + 2 more
End-to-end design of multi-functional acoustic holograms via heterogeneous physics constraints.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s00415-026-13738-9
- Mar 1, 2026
- Journal of neurology
- Chunhua Liu + 5 more
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a novel noninvasive therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported inconsistent results on their effects. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of taVNS on motor and gait outcomes in PD. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251184160). The RCTs evaluating taVNS in patients with PD were systematically searched in PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases up to October 15, 2025. The primary outcomes were motor function, gait ability, and gait parameters. Data were pooled using a fixed-effects model and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI); random-effects models were additionally applied as sensitivity analyses. Risk of bias and methodological quality were assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated with the GRADE framework. A total of 7 RCTs involving 183 patients with PD were included. The meta-analysis showed that taVNS significantly improved motor function (MDS-UPDRS Part III: MD = - 2.64, 95% CI - 4.23 to - 1.05, P < 0.001) and increased stride length (MD = 0.13m, 95% CI 0.05-0.22, P < 0.001), whereas its effect on gait speed was not statistically significant. The overall risk of bias was low; however, due to the relatively small sample sizes, the certainty of evidence was rated as moderate according to the GRADE framework. taVNS may provide modest benefits for PD, with improvements observed in motor function and stride length, but no clear effect on gait speed. Given the limited evidence, larger high-quality trials are needed to confirm its clinical value.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.bbr.2025.115995
- Mar 1, 2026
- Behavioural brain research
- Xuting Wang + 5 more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) imposes a heavy burden on families and society. Rhythmic magnetic stimulation has emerged as a promising non-invasive therapy to mitigate AD-related cognitive decline. In this study, we applied a rhythmic unipolar compound pulsed magnetic field (cPMF; carrier frequency: 40 Hz, repetition rate: 5 Hz, magnetic flux density: 0-20 mT) incorporating both theta and gamma rhythms to evaluate its effects on behavior and neural oscillations in AD mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms. 5xFAD mice received unipolar cPMF stimulation for 1 h/d over 8 consecutive weeks. Learning and memory were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and the Morris water maze (MWM) tests. In NOR test, unipolar cPMF-treated mice showed a higher cognitive index in test phase 2, and in MWM test, exhibited shorter escape latencies in the training trial and spent less time to first cross the precise former platform location with a higher crossing frequency over this target area in the probe trial. Local field potentials (LFPs) in the hippocampal CA1 area were recorded via in vivo electrophysiology. LFP analysis showed that unipolar cPMF treatment enhanced power of cognitive-related neural oscillations and strengthened theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling. RNA sequencing analysis further indicated that unipolar cPMF-treated mice exhibited differential gene expression in molecular function and multiple neurotransmitter synaptic signaling pathways. In conclusion, unipolar cPMF might improve cognitive function in 5xFAD mice by modulating cognitive-related neural oscillations. These findings could provide experimental support for the low-intensity pulsed magnetic stimulation as a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s40001-026-04057-w
- Feb 27, 2026
- European journal of medical research
- Ziyi Zhou + 6 more
As a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has limited effective therapeutic options. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, a non-invasive light therapy, represents a potential strategy for neurological diseases; however, its preclinical findings have been inconsistent. While previous reviews have summarized PBM's potential, this study is the first quantitative meta-analysis synthesizing preclinical evidence of PBM therapy in AD animal models, evaluating its effects on cognitive and neuropathological outcomes. We performed a systematic search across seven electronic databases to identify all relevant studies. A meta-analysis of 16 eligible studies evaluated the effects of PBM on cognitive outcomes and key neuropathological markers. Subgroup analyses were stratified by animal model and interventions (wavelength, energy density). From 16 eligible studies, the meta-analysis found that PBM therapy significantly improved cognitive function (e.g., learning ability: MD = - 7.18; 95% CI - 9.87 to - 4.48), based on data from 386 animals. However, this was associated with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 88%, p < 0.00001). PBM also significantly reduced Aβ deposition (SMD = - 0.96; I2 = 55%) and p-Tau levels (SMD = - 2.24; I2 = 14%). From a mechanistic standpoint, the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) is enhanced by PBM therapy. Subgroup analysis by animal model showed that PBM therapy was associated with greater improvement of learning and memory ability in transgenic animals. In different wavelengths, PBM using wavelengths greater than 750nm showed numerically greater effects on learning ability. In different energy densities, PBM with an energy density less than or equal to 3J/cm2 was associated with greater improvement in learning ability and memory ability. This meta-analysis demonstrates that PBM has significant therapeutic potential for AD animal models by improving cognition and ameliorating key pathologies. The mechanisms likely involve mitigating oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function. While preclinical evidence strongly supports the efficacy of PBM, translation to humans requires careful optimization of treatment parameters and dose-response relationships. Further high-quality preclinical trials are crucial to validate the therapeutic potential of PBM for AD.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/pri.70181
- Feb 25, 2026
- Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy
- Huifang He + 7 more
Unilateral neglect is a common and disabling cognitive disorder following stroke and is associated with poor functional recovery. Non-invasive brain stimulation has emerged as a potential intervention. To investigate the development status, research hotspots, and future trends of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in the treatment of post-stroke unilateral neglect (UN), providing evidence-based references for clinical practitioners. Literature on NIBS applications for post-stroke UN was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection up to April 12, 2025. VOSviewer and SCImago Graphica were used to visualize collaborations among countries, authors, and institutions. CiteSpace was employed to analyze co-cited journals and references, while R language and CiteSpace tools were applied to investigate the temporal evolution of keywords, clustering features, and their prominence in specific years. A total of 103 articles were included, with annual publications showing an upward trend. The United States ranked first in both publication volume and citation frequency. Johns Hopkins University contributed the most publications, and researcher Hillis and Argye E. had the highest publication and citation counts. The journal BRAIN received the most citations. Keywords primarily focused on intervention methods, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and optokinetic stimulation (OKS), as well as brain regions implicated in UN pathogenesis, including the temporoparietal junction and parietal lobe. NIBS techniques (e.g.,TMS, tDCS) have become common interventions for post-stroke UN. Research emphasizes the efficacy validation of different technologies and the synergistic effects of combining peripheral interventions with central regulation. Emerging technologies like GVS and tACS are gaining attention. Future studies may further explore the clinical applicability of diverse NIBS techniques and optimize early intervention strategies for acute stroke patients.
- Research Article
- 10.1021/acsabm.5c02249
- Feb 23, 2026
- ACS applied bio materials
- Dan Wu + 1 more
Noninvasive photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a promising cancer treatment in recent years due to its numerous benefits, including low toxicity, precise targeting, high efficiency, and low cost. Silk, a natural biomaterial known for its exceptional mechanical stability, biocompatibility, controlled degradability, and functionalization modification, shows a significant value in PTT research. This review briefly summarizes the physicochemical properties of silk protein. It focuses on various morphologies of silk protein used in PTT, such as hydrogels, scaffolds, and films loaded with photothermal agents. Additionally, it explores innovative applications of silk protein in PTT, including controlled drug delivery and release, antimicrobial therapy, wound healing, and the development of multimodal synergistic therapeutic platforms. Finally, the review concludes the advantages and challenges of using silk protein in PTT and discusses prospects for silk-based PTT materials.
- Research Article
- 10.1055/s-0046-1816061
- Feb 20, 2026
- European journal of dentistry
- Heba Ashi
Dental enamel caries is among the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide. Early detection is essential, as incipient lesions can be managed with noninvasive therapies. Conventional methods, such as visual-tactile inspection and radiography, remain limited by examiner variability and reduced sensitivity for early lesions. This study aimed to develop an efficient and interpretable deep learning framework for automated classification of enamel caries at multiple severity levels, while ensuring clinical applicability and transparency.A dataset of 2,000 clinical dental images categorized as advanced enamel caries, early-stage enamel caries, and no enamel caries was curated and expanded to 12,000 images using preprocessing and augmentation. Two transfer learning models, Modified EfficientNetB0 and Modified MobileNetV2, were trained individually, then combined using an attention-guided fusion mechanism. Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was applied to provide visual interpretability.Performance was evaluated using accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and ROC AUC. Comparative analysis was performed across models and classifiers, with inference time assessed for clinical feasibility.The Modified EfficientNetB0 and MobileNetV2 models achieved accuracies of 96.33 and 96.25%, respectively. The fused model with Random Forest demonstrated superior performance, achieving 96.92% accuracy, F1 score of 96.92, and an ROC AUC of 99.34. Misclassifications were limited to adjacent disease stages, with no severe diagnostic errors.The proposed framework provides accurate, interpretable, and efficient enamel caries detection. Its low inference time supports real-time clinical use, enhancing diagnostic confidence and enabling early, minimally invasive interventions. Future research should focus on multicenter validation and multimodal datasets to improve generalizability.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1177/10849785251383328
- Feb 19, 2026
- Cancer biotherapy & radiopharmaceuticals
- Pritee Parwekar + 6 more
Accurate and noninvasive breast cancer grading and therapy monitoring remain critical challenges in oncology. Traditional methods often rely on invasive histopathological assessments or imaging-only techniques, which may not fully capture the molecular and morphological intricacies of tumor response. This article presents a novel, noninvasive framework for breast cancer analysis and therapy monitoring that combines two parallel mechanisms: (1) a dual-stream convolutional neural network (CNN) processing high-intensity ultrasound images, and (2) a biomarker-aware CNN stream utilizing patient-specific breast cancer biomarkers, including carbohydrate antigen 15-3, carcinoembryonic antigen, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 levels. The imaging stream extracts spatial and morphological features, while the biomarker stream encodes quantitative molecular indicators, enabling a multimodal understanding of tumor characteristics. The outputs from both streams are fused to predict the cancer grade (G1-G3) with high reliability. Experimental evaluation on a cohort of pre- and postchemotherapy patients demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach, achieving an overall grading accuracy of 97.8%, with an area under the curve of 0.981 for malignancy classification. The model also enables quantitative post-therapy analysis, revealing an average tumor response improvement of 41.3% across the test set, as measured by predicted regression in grade and changes in biomarker-imaging correlation. This dual-parallel artificial intelligence strategy offers a promising noninvasive alternative to traditional histopathological and imaging-alone methods, supporting real-time cancer monitoring and personalized treatment evaluation. The integration of high-resolution imaging with biomolecular data significantly enhances diagnostic depth, paving the way for intelligent, patient-specific breast cancer management.
- Research Article
- 10.7150/ijms.124996
- Feb 18, 2026
- International journal of medical sciences
- Gaocheng Wang + 6 more
Hundreds of millions of people worldwide endure continuous suffering and significant economic burdens due to inflammatory diseases. Various acute and chronic inflammatory diseases and the natural aging of the human body are common causes of organ damage. Therefore, how to reasonably regulate inflammation, tissue repair and regeneration after organ damage has been of great concern, especially the pathological repair caused by inflammation will lead to the destruction of the original structure and function of tissues and organs. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a promising non-invasive physical therapy that can produce different biological effects on organs, tissues and cells. Certain clinical trials have demonstrated the outstanding capacity of LIPUS in anti-inflammation and repair. Many in vivo and in vitro basic studies have also reported the molecular effect mechanisms by which LIPUS exerts capacity of anti-inflammation and repair. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism of LIPUS anti-inflammation and repair and emphasizes the crucial role of LIPUS in various diseases. In addition, we compile clinical trials to provide readers with a more thorough understanding of the current potential of LIPUS in inflammation control and organ function restoration.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.jdent.2026.106582
- Feb 18, 2026
- Journal of dentistry
- Haoran Chen + 3 more
This systematic review aimed to evaluate current evidence according to toothpastes containing different active ingredients for the management of root caries in laboratory-based, in situ and clinical studies. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane guidelines. Literature searches were performed across nine databases (up to 31.01.2024). In vitro and in situ studies were evaluated using a quality assessment tool. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB2.0) was employed to assess the included clinical studies. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and certainty of evidence evaluation using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Thirteen in vitro, three in situ and 12 clinical studies were reported to meet the eligibility criteria. Mean differences (MD) were calculated for the lesion depth, mineral loss and root caries increments. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated for changes in lesion hardness and new root carious lesions in a random effects model. Meta-analysis revealed that significant differences in root carious lesions depth (MD: -55.75; 95 % CI, -90.70 to -20.80; p = 0.002) and mineral loss (MD: -1.18; 95 % CI, -1.85 to -0.51; p = 0.0006) between toothpaste and placebo treatment. In clinical studies, the use of toothpastes containing high concentration of sodium fluoride (5000 ppm) or 1.5 % arginine plus 1450 ppm Na2PO3F, when compared with standard toothpastes containing 1450 ppm sodium fluoride appeared to be effective for hardening and reversing root carious lesions (RR: 1.60; 95 % CI: 0.92 to 2.79). The pooled estimates reported that root carious lesions became hard following the use of bioactive toothpaste (1100 ppm NaF + 1 % CaSO4 + 1.1 % NH4H2PO4) in comparison to the standard toothpastes (RR: 1.81, 95 % CI: 1.39-2.36). Within the studies identified in the systematic review, toothpaste with sodium fluoride as an active ingredient in high concentration was the most effective at reducing lesion depth, improving lesion hardness, and preventing new caries. The incorporation of bioactive components that deliver calcium and phosphate (bioactive toothpaste) and the adjunctive use of fluoride with arginine may potentially manage these lesions in comparison to the standard toothpaste containing 1450 ppm sodium fluoride which might be insufficient to arrest active root caries in high-risk patients. The use of toothpaste containing high concentration of sodium fluoride as active ingredient by prescription only can be considered as the first-line non-invasive therapy for arresting active root caries. Alternatively, over-the-counter toothpastes either containing fluoride with arginine or bioactive ingredients could potentially be an optimum option for patients who cannot tolerate or decline to use high-fluoride prescriptions.
- Research Article
- 10.1021/jacs.5c18541
- Feb 17, 2026
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Jimei Wang + 10 more
Spatiotemporally controlled afterglow probes represent a significant advancement in remote, noninvasive disease diagnosis and therapy. However, strategies for constructing and manipulating long-wavelength afterglow probes that offer high-resolution imaging specificity and effective diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities are still rare and challenging to develop. In this study, we present a spatiotemporally controlled NIR-II afterglow nanoprobe (FZ970) for precision tumor imaging and therapy by integrating a synergistic dual-stimuli mechanism involving remotely controlled ultrasound and a tumor environment-specific peroxynitrite (ONOO-)-induced energy transfer process. The nanoprobe is designed by coencapsulating a NIR-II afterglow substrate and sonosensitizer within a nanoparticle. Upon remote ultrasound irradiation, singlet oxygen (1O2) is generated, which then interacts with tumor-specific ONOO- to trigger a chemiexcitation process, producing a persistent NIR-II afterglow via chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET). This synergistic mechanism enables precise spatiotemporal control over afterglow emission, ensuring high tumor selectivity and deep tissue penetration with minimal background interference. Moreover, the enhanced 1O2 production facilitates sonodynamic therapy (SDT), effectively abating tumors. This nanoprobe not only improves imaging accuracy but also provides real-time monitoring of therapeutic efficacy, offering a promising approach for personalized cancer treatment and advancement of precision theranostics.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/jcm15041515
- Feb 14, 2026
- Journal of clinical medicine
- Andreas Schmid + 3 more
Background: Natriuretic peptides are endocrine factors that regulate various physiological processes via natriuretic peptide receptors (NPRs). Regulation of the atrial natriuretic peptide ANP during weight loss remains widely unknown. The present study investigated serum quantities of the circulating ANP precursor NT-proANP in obesity and during therapy-induced weight loss. Methods: The study enrolled 284 severely obese individuals. A total of 163 patients underwent metabolic surgery (either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy) and 121 patients participated in a non-invasive obesity therapy applying low-calorie formula diet. Anthropometric and physiological data were assessed, and blood serum was prepared at study baseline and at follow-up visits (3 and 12 months after start of intervention). Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue specimen were obtained from metabolic surgery patients. Circulating NT-proANP levels were determined by ELISA and gene expression levels of the receptor NPRA in adipose tissue were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. Results: Comparative analysis revealed significantly higher NPRA expression in visceral than in subcutaneous adipose tissue. NT-proANP levels significantly increased during weight loss over 12 months upon diet and metabolic surgery. NT-proANP serum concentrations were positively correlated with fibroblast growth factors 19 and 21 quantities at study baseline and considerably increased during weight loss in both cohorts after 12 months. We conclude that weight loss is a positive regulator of circulating NT-proANP quantities, regardless of the applied therapy.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/nau.70245
- Feb 13, 2026
- Neurourology and urodynamics
- Javier A Muñoz + 9 more
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance may contribute to functional pelvic disorders such as overactive bladder (OAB). Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) is a non-invasive therapy for OAB; however, its autonomic modulation mechanisms remain unclear. This exploratory study evaluated the acute effects of TTNS on ANS activity in healthy volunteers using heart rate variability (HRV) to model neuroautonomic pathways relevant to OAB. In this open-label, prospective, exploratory, single-arm study, 20 healthy volunteers (11 women; median age 31 years) underwent three 10-min phases: baseline rest, continuous submotor TTNS via surface electrodes on the left tibial nerve, and post-stimulation recovery. HRV was recorded using a Polar H10 sensor and analyzed with Kubios software. Time-domain (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50), frequency-domain (LF, HF, LF/HF), and additional indices (PNS, SNS, Stress indices) were assessed in standardized 5-min windows. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni correction were applied. A vagal-oriented composite response score (z-delta mean) was correlated with age and BMI (Spearman, permutation-based p values). Significant phase effects were observed for PNS index, SNS index, Stress index, SDNN, and RMSSD (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analyses confirmed increases in PNS index, SDNN, and RMSSD, and decreases in SNS and Stress indices during stimulation compared with baseline. Partial post-stimulation persistence was noted for SDNN and Stress index, although these changes did not remain significant after Bonferroni correction. The composite response score correlated negatively with age (ρ = -0.52; p = 0.019; permutation p = 0.016) and showed a non-significant positive trend with BMI (ρ = 0.38; p = 0.10). Acute TTNS enhances parasympathetic and suppresses sympathetic activity, with partially sustained effects after stimulation. Younger age predicts stronger vagal responsiveness, suggesting age-dependent neuromodulatory efficacy. Validation in OAB populations is warranted.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/app16041847
- Feb 12, 2026
- Applied Sciences
- Francesca Parrotta + 2 more
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) thermal therapy exploits concentrated acoustic energy to ablate pathological tissues with millimetric precision deep in the body. Accurate prediction of thermal effects is essential for tuning the treatment shooting parameters—such as source pressure amplitude and sonication time—as well as for maximizing efficacy and preserving surrounding healthy tissue. This study presents a computational model developed in COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the physics of HIFU thermal phenomena, accounting for acoustic propagation and heat diffusion in biological tissues. The model was validated through experimental tests on ex vivo chicken breast tissue within a robotic ultrasound-guided HIFU (USgHIFU) platform, with lesion dimensions serving as the primary metric for validation. Building upon the validated simulation, we define a polynomial-based model that analytically predicts lesion dimensions based on the input shooting parameters. This approach significantly reduces the COMSOL computational cost and execution time, making it well-suited for integration into a real-time treatment planning workflow for clinical use. A desktop application implementing the inverse formulation of the polynomial model was developed, allowing shooting parameters to be computed from target lesion dimensions through a simple and intuitive interface. By enabling a rapid estimation of lesion size, this solution supports a more standardized strategy for non-invasive oncological therapies.