PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted essential services, posing unique challenges for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who depend on consistent, specialized support. Service providers faced unique challenges in adapting to remote delivery methods, highlighting the fragility of existing systems during crises. This study explored the experiences of ASD service providers in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey of 66 ASD service providers in Qatar was conducted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and likelihood ratio tests, with qualitative responses assessed through thematic analysis.ResultsMost service providers (90.9%) worked remotely during the pandemic, with 81.8% engaging in online services. Providers reported significant skill regression in individuals with ASD. Stress levels were notably high (42.4%) and significantly associated with emotional tolls [p = 0.017, LR = 4.887], financial strains [p = 0.008, LR = 4.337], and personal challenges [p = 0.008, LR = 3.203]. Thematic analysis revealed decreased therapy effectiveness and difficulties in balancing work with family responsibilities.ConclusionThese findings suggest the importance of adaptive service delivery systems that maintain continuity of care during crises. Strengthening autism service infrastructure and developing resilient models are essential to safeguard autism support for future emergencies.
Effect of pharyngeal musculature and genioglossus exercising on obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome following uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pharyngeal musculature and genioglossus exercising as a postoperative rehabilitation intervention for patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) following uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)—a setting with limited prior evidence.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study conducted in the first people’s Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou. They included 120 patients of OSAHS who received UPPP between October 2022 and October 2024. Sixty patients who received pharyngeal and genioglossal muscle exercises were matched with the cohort who did not receive any exercise in a 1:1 ratio. The main outcome was the clinical efficacy 6 months after operation. The secondary outcomes were the changes of apnea hypopnea index (AHI), lowest oxygen saturation during sleep (LSaO2), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life tool (WHOQOL-BREF) score.ResultsSix months after operation, the clinical effective rate of the exercise group was significantly higher than that of the non-exercise group (p < 0.05). Before operation, there was no significant difference in AHI, LSaO2, PSQI and WHOQOL-BREF scores between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Six months after operation, the AHI,LSaO2, PSQI and WHOQOL-BREF scores of the two groups were significantly improved, and the AHI, LSaO2, PSQI, physical and psychological scores of the exercise group were better than those of the non-exercise group (all p < 0.05); However, there was no significant difference in the scores of environment and social domains between the two groups (all p > 0.05).ConclusionsPharyngeal musculature and genioglossus exercising may improve postoperative outcomes and quality of life in patients undergoing UPPP, and could be considered a promising rehabilitation strategy in clinical practice.
Real-world use of brexpiprazole during inpatient treatment for schizophrenia: continuation, discontinuation, and concomitant psychotropics
IntroductionIn the treatment of schizophrenia, antipsychotics used during acute inpatient care must control acute symptoms while remaining sufficiently tolerable to support treatment beyond the acute phase. Brexpiprazole, a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator may be one such option; however, its real-world use and short-term continuation in acute inpatient settings remain insufficiently characterized.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study of inpatients with DSM-5 schizophrenia treated with brexpiprazole at a university hospital in Japan between June 2018 and July 2024. The index date (week 0) was defined as the date of brexpiprazole initiation during the index hospitalization. The primary outcome was brexpiprazole continuation at week 8. We compared baseline demographic and treatment-related variables between the continuation and discontinuation groups and summarized reasons for discontinuation from electronic medical records. As a secondary exploratory analysis, we examined longitudinal changes in Clinical Global Impressions–Severity scale (CGI-S) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) total scores (weeks 0/4/8) in the continuation group using a linear mixed-effects model including time, concomitant psychotropic medication status, and their interaction.ResultsSixty-seven patients were included. Baseline illness severity was substantial (median CGI-S 5.0 [IQR 5.0–6.0]; mean BPRS total 58.5 ± 9.6). Concomitant psychotropic medications were common. Thirty-six patients continued brexpiprazole to week 8 (53.7%). In unadjusted exploratory comparisons, continuation was associated with the female sex (p = 0.036), lower prior chlorpromazine-equivalent dose (p = 0.015), and shorter duration of untreated psychosis (p = 0.003), with a trend toward shorter duration since onset (p = 0.073). The most frequent reason for discontinuation was adverse events (n = 10, 32.3%), most commonly akathisia (n = 6), followed by insufficient efficacy (n = 9, 29.0%) and patient preference/refusal (n = 7, 22.6%). In exploratory mixed-effects analyses within the continuation group, CGI-S and BPRS total scores decreased over time, with significant group-by-time interactions by concomitant medication status. However, between-group differences should be interpreted cautiously.DiscussionThis study describes 8-week continuation and reasons for discontinuation of brexpiprazole in acute inpatient schizophrenia care. Given the retrospective single-center design and potential selection/information bias and unmeasured confounding, further studies are warranted to clarify its clinical positioning in real-world practice.
Thymus renaissance poised to boost health and longevity
Nature Biotechnology, Published online: 05 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41587-026-03137-w
Evidence linking thymic function with health and longevity is piling up, and a cluster of biotechnology companies is trying to regenerate the thymus directly or recapitulate its function to reinvigorate patients’ immunity.
A single-cell screening platform accelerates functional genetics in plants
Nature Biotechnology, Published online: 05 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41587-026-03094-4
A pooled, cell-based, genetic screening platform in plants is used for the functional analysis of cytokinin signaling proteins.
Multinational validation of the PREVENT and SCORE2 cardiovascular risk equations across 6.4 million individuals
Nature Medicine, Published online: 05 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04437-z
Comprehensive, multinational validation of the PREVENT and SCORE2 cardiovascular risk scores, used in the United States and Europe, respectively, in 44 observational studies and 18 randomized trials, shows similar performance for the two risk scores and generally good performance across geographical regions.
Risk for Autism Across Generations
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a complex inheritance pattern and is more common in males. Etiological models suggest that majority of ASD risk is transmitted through common and rare de-novo genetic variation. It has been hypothesized that rare variation could be inherited and therefore contribute to the overall risk-burden in subsequent generations, especially through female lineage in disorders with male-skewed sex-ratios. Here we test this hypothesis using multigeneration information on paternal age, because burden of de-novo mutations has been linked to paternal age, and there is a well-established association between older age of fathers and ASD.
Astrocytic cholesterol jams brain clearance in AD
Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 05 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02310-3
Zhang and colleagues identify astrocytic calcium–cholesterol–AQP4 signaling that drives glymphatic dysfunction in early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Attenuating this signaling restored glymphatic flow, reduced amyloid burden and improved cognition in young 5xFAD mice only when glymphatic perfusion and lymphatic drainage were intact. These findings position astrocytic metabolic state as a determinant of brain waste clearance and a potential therapeutic target in early AD.
Molecular mechanism of calcium permeability and magnesium block in NMDA receptors
Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 05 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02283-3
Using cryo-electron microscopy and electrophysiology, this study explains the structural basis for Ca2+ permeation and Mg2+ block in NMDA receptors and identifies a surrounding lipid network that may tune Mg2+-dependent voltage sensitivity.
What you need to know about hantavirus (don’t panic)
Good morning. Yesterday, the writer Yiyun Li won a Pulitzer Prize for her heartbreaking memoir, “Things in Nature Merely Grow.” Lately, I’ve been reading her short stories. Here’s one for after you’ve read the news, about a health care worker of sorts: “A Sheltered Woman.”
The latest on the abortion pill
A Monday order from the Supreme Court, signed by Justice Samuel Alito, temporarily restored broad access to mifepristone after a federal appeals court ruling on Friday jeopardized access to the abortion medication at pharmacies or through the mail. The Supreme Court order will remain in effect until the end of the day next Monday, giving both sides time to respond while the court considers the issue. The AP has more details.