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Brain Sciences
Volume 15
Issue 2
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Brain Sci., Volume 15, Issue 2 (February 2025) – 119 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Experience the future of epilepsy surgery with the cutting-edge frameless implantation of depth electrodes! Advanced automatic intraoperative CT-based registration delivers pinpoint accuracy, matching that of the traditional frame-based methods while seamlessly integrating into the surgical workflow. There is no longer a need to worry about the hassle of manual registration challenges; we can instead welcome this precision-driven technology that optimizes trajectory planning for safer and more reliable procedures. By refining every step of the process—from imaging to electrode placement—this innovative approach enhances patient safety and maximizes success in identifying the epileptogenic zone. View this paper
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25 pages, 1272 KiB  
Systematic Review
Cholinesterase Inhibitors from Plants and Their Potential in Alzheimer’s Treatment: Systematic Review
by Maryam N. ALNasser, Ghadir M. Alboraiy, Eman M. Alsowig and Fatimah M. Alqattan
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020215 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1029
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, primarily due to dysfunction of acetylcholine caused by acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. While synthetic cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are commonly used, they have notable side effects, [...] Read more.
Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, primarily due to dysfunction of acetylcholine caused by acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. While synthetic cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are commonly used, they have notable side effects, prompting interest in natural alternatives. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids, have shown potential as cholinesterase inhibitors with additional antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the cholinesterase-inhibiting effects of various plant species and their compounds to identify new therapeutic candidates and reduce side effects. Method: A PRISMA-compliant review was conducted, screening studies from multiple databases, with a final inclusion of 64 in vivo studies. Results: These studies highlighted plant extracts such as Ferula ammoniacum, Elaeagnus umbellata, Bacopa monnieri, and Centella asiatica, which improved memory, reduced oxidative stress, and provided neuroprotection. Some extracts also reduced amyloid plaques, enhanced neuronal integrity, and restored cholinesterase activity, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions: The findings underscore the promise of plant-based compounds in treating cognitive decline and cholinergic dysfunction in AD, advocating for further research into their therapeutic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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16 pages, 285 KiB  
Article
Gender Differences in Clinical and Biochemical Variables of Patients Affected by Bipolar Disorder
by Luigi Piccirilli, Enrico Capuzzi, Francesca Legnani, Martina Di Paolo, Anna Pan, Alessandro Ceresa, Cecilia Maria Esposito, Luisa Cirella, Teresa Surace, Ilaria Tagliabue, Massimo Clerici and Massimiliano Buoli
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020214 - 19 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 593
Abstract
Introduction: Bipolar disorder (BD) affects over 1% of the global population and significantly impacts psychosocial functioning and life expectancy. This manuscript has the objective of investigating gender differences in the clinical and biochemical parameters of patients affected by BD. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional [...] Read more.
Introduction: Bipolar disorder (BD) affects over 1% of the global population and significantly impacts psychosocial functioning and life expectancy. This manuscript has the objective of investigating gender differences in the clinical and biochemical parameters of patients affected by BD. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study examined 672 patients diagnosed with BD in psychiatric wards in Milan and Monza. Clinical data and biochemical parameters were collected on the first day of hospitalization. Independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests and binary logistic regressions were performed to identify gender differences in BD. Results: With regard to univariate analyses, women were found to be more susceptible to psychiatric comorbidities (χ2 = 12.75, p < 0.01), medical comorbidities (χ2 = 45.38, p < 0.01), obesity (χ2 = 6.75, p = 0.01) and hypercholesterolemia (χ2 = 23.54, p < 0.01), as well as to having more mood episodes in the year prior to hospitalization (t = 5.69, p < 0.01). Men were found to be more likely to develop psychotic symptoms (χ2 = 4.40, p = 0.04), to be tobacco smokers (χ2 = 15.13, p < 0.01) and to have substance abuse disorders (χ2 = 14.66, p = <0.01). Logistic regression analyses showed that women compared to men showed more psychiatric comorbidity (p < 0.01), higher Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores (p = 0.05) and higher total cholesterol plasma levels (p < 0.01); however, they also had fewer red blood cells (p < 0.01) and lower creatinine plasma levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Female patients (compared to males) exhibited higher levels of global functioning despite the higher frequency of psychiatric comorbidity and susceptibility to metabolic complications; consistent with earlier studies, female patients also showed higher cholesterol levels. Further studies will have to confirm the present findings and identify gender-related clinical pathways for the management of BD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Non-Infectious Diseases with a High Impact on the Central Nervous System)
10 pages, 3573 KiB  
Review
Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for Coccygodynia
by Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi, Ethan D. L. Brown, Anoop Sai Chinthala and Gordon Mao
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020213 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 617
Abstract
Background: Coccygodynia presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. While coccygectomy has emerged as a crucial intervention for refractory cases, significant heterogeneity exists in surgical techniques. Traditional approaches are increasingly complemented by novel methods, necessitating a comprehensive review of current surgical options. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Coccygodynia presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. While coccygectomy has emerged as a crucial intervention for refractory cases, significant heterogeneity exists in surgical techniques. Traditional approaches are increasingly complemented by novel methods, necessitating a comprehensive review of current surgical options. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Embase databases from inception to present. Search terms included “coccygectomy”, “coccydynia”, “coccygodynia”, “coccyx pain” and “tailbone pain”. We analyzed peer-reviewed studies focusing on surgical techniques, outcomes and complications of coccygectomy. Studies were excluded if non-peer-reviewed, non-English without translation, or not directly addressing surgical management. Results: Traditional midline approaches, while common, demonstrate increased wound complications compared to paramedian techniques. Minimally invasive methods, including coccygeoplasty and endoscopic coccygectomy, show promising early outcomes with reduced recovery times. Both partial and complete resections provide significant pain relief, with complete resection potentially offering superior results in severe cases. Wound closure technique significantly impacts surgical success. Conclusions: Optimal outcomes in coccygectomy require individualized surgical approaches incorporating modern techniques like paramedian incision and advanced wound closure. Emerging minimally invasive procedures may further reduce complications and enhance recovery. Treatment success depends on careful patient selection and surgical technique optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurosurgery: Minimally Invasive Surgery in Brain and Spine)
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12 pages, 1606 KiB  
Article
Prognostic Biomarkers in Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Wild-Type Glioblastoma: A Focus on B7-H3
by Ramazan Oğuz Yüceer, Seyhmus Kaya, Sema Nur Balcı, Hatice Reyhan Eğilmez, Mukaddes Yılmaz and Eda Erdıs
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020212 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 623
Abstract
Background: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type (wt) glioblastoma is an aggressive malignancy associated with poor clinical outcomes, marked by high heterogeneity and resistance to treatment. This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of B7-H3 expression in IDH wt glioblastoma and its potential association [...] Read more.
Background: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type (wt) glioblastoma is an aggressive malignancy associated with poor clinical outcomes, marked by high heterogeneity and resistance to treatment. This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of B7-H3 expression in IDH wt glioblastoma and its potential association with clinical outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Additionally, the relationship between B7-H3 and PD-L1 expression was explored. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 86 IDH wt glioblastoma patients, all of whom underwent surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide treatment, was analyzed. B7-H3 expression was quantified using an immunoreactivity score (IRS), classifying samples as low (IRS ≤ 4) or high (IRS > 4). PD-L1 expression was evaluated based on tumor and immune cell staining, with >5% positivity indicating significant expression. Results: High B7-H3 expression was significantly associated with poorer OS and PFS. Co-expression of B7-H3 and PD-L1 was prevalent, particularly among younger male patients with unifocal tumors; however, PD-L1 expression did not show a significant correlation with clinical outcomes. Conclusions: B7-H3 appears to be a promising prognostic biomarker in IDH wt glioblastoma and may serve as a target for developing combination therapies, integrating B7-H3-targeting treatments with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Further prospective studies are necessary to validate these findings and to explore potential therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Tumors: From Molecular Basis to Therapy)
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9 pages, 1530 KiB  
Brief Report
The Value of Non-Invasive Optimal Vessel Analysis Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Angiography for Studying Flow and Collateral Patterns in Patients with Bilateral Carotid Steno-Occlusive Disease
by Fiona Helg, Elisa Colombo, Corinne Inauen, Lara Maria Höbner, Martina Sebök, Tilman Schubert, Jorn Fierstra, Antonio Spinello, Susanne Wegener, Andreas R. Luft, Zsolt Kulcsar, Luca Regli and Giuseppe Esposito
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020211 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 500
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Bilateral steno-occlusive disease of the internal carotid artery (ICA) carries an increased stroke risk with associated high morbidity and mortality. Management of these patients is often complex. In this study, we evaluate the value of non-invasive optimal vessel analysis quantitative magnetic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Bilateral steno-occlusive disease of the internal carotid artery (ICA) carries an increased stroke risk with associated high morbidity and mortality. Management of these patients is often complex. In this study, we evaluate the value of non-invasive optimal vessel analysis quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (NOVA-qMRA) for studying flow and collateral patterns in patients with bilateral carotid steno-occlusive disease. Methods: Patients with bilateral ICA-stenosis ≥ 50% who received NOVA-qMRA were included in this study. The volume flow rates (VFRs) of the A2-segment of the anterior cerebral artery (A2-ACA), M1-segment of the middle cerebral artery (M1-MCA), and P2-segment of the posterior cerebral artery (P2-PCA) were analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were collected. Results: Twenty-two patients (mean age ± SD: 68 ± 10 years) were included. Nineteen patients (86%) were symptomatic. Thirteen patients (59%) were revascularized; among them, M1-VFR was significantly lower (p-value = 0.01) on the side selected for revascularization (88 mL/min ± 53) compared to the contralateral one (130 mL/min ± 56). P2-VFR was significantly higher (p-value = 0.04) in the treated subgroup (108 mL/min ± 41) than in the non-treated one (83 mL/min ± 34). Conclusions: The present study supports the use of NOVA-qMRA to study flow and collateral patterns in patients with bilateral steno-occlusive carotid disease, especially M1- and P2-VFR. This information may be helpful for decision-making and to tailor revascularization treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest Exploration of Cerebrovascular Diseases: From Preclinical Research to Treatment)
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16 pages, 1900 KiB  
Article
Maternal Resveratrol Supplementation Attenuates Prenatal Stress Impacts on Anxiety- and Depressive-like Behaviors by Regulating Bdnf Transcripts Expression in the Brains of Adult Male Offspring Rats
by Gerardo Vera-Juárez, Edgar Ricardo Vázquez-Martínez, Raquel Gómez-Pliego, Margarita López-Martínez and Judith Espinosa-Raya
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020210 - 19 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 590
Abstract
Background: Prenatal stress has been reported to harm the physiological and biochemical functions of the brain of the offspring, potentially resulting in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors later in life. Trans-Resveratrol (RESV) is known for its anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. However, whether administering [...] Read more.
Background: Prenatal stress has been reported to harm the physiological and biochemical functions of the brain of the offspring, potentially resulting in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors later in life. Trans-Resveratrol (RESV) is known for its anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. However, whether administering RESV during pregnancy can counteract the anxiety- and depression-like behaviors induced by maternal stress is unknown. Objective: This study aimed to assess the protective potential of RESV against molecular and behavioral changes induced by prenatal stress. Methods: During pregnancy, the dams received 50 mg/kg BW/day of RESV orally. They underwent a movement restriction for forty-five minutes, three times a day, in addition to being exposed to artificial light 24 h before delivery. The male offspring were left undisturbed until early adulthood, at which point they underwent behavioral assessments, including the open field test, elevated plus maze, and forced swim test. Subsequently, they were euthanized, and the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were extracted for RT-qPCR analysis to measure Bdnf mRNA expression. Results: By weaning, results showed that prenatal stress led to reduced weight gain and, in adulthood, increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and changes in Bdnf mRNA expression. However, these effects were attenuated by maternal RESV supplementation. Conclusions: The findings suggest that RESV can prevent anxiety- and depression-like behaviors induced by prenatal stress by modulating Bdnf mRNA expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuropsychiatry)
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13 pages, 2897 KiB  
Article
P300 to Low and High Frequency Stimuli Are Not Influenced by Intensity in Adults with Normal Hearing
by Giulia Cartocci, Garrett Cardon, Julia Campbell, Bianca Maria Serena Inguscio, Dario Rossi, Fabio Babiloni and Anu Sharma
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020209 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 583
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Since high frequencies are susceptible to disruption in various types of hearing loss, a symptom which is common in people with tinnitus, the aim of the study was to investigate EEG cortical auditory evoked and P300 responses to both a high- [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Since high frequencies are susceptible to disruption in various types of hearing loss, a symptom which is common in people with tinnitus, the aim of the study was to investigate EEG cortical auditory evoked and P300 responses to both a high- and low frequency-centered oddball paradigm to begin to establish the most suitable cognitive physiologic testing conditions for those with both unimpaired hearing and those with hearing impairments. Methods: Cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) P1, N1, P2 and P300 (subtraction wave) peaks were identified in response to high- (standard: 6000 Hz, deviant: 8000 Hz) and low frequency (Standard: 375 Hz, Deviant: 500 Hz) oddball paradigms. Each paradigm was presented at various intensity levels. Latencies and amplitudes were then computed for each condition to assess the effects of frequency and intensity. Results: Stimulus intensity had no effect on either the high- or low frequency paradigms of P300 characteristics. In contrast, for the low frequency paradigm, intensity influenced the N1 latency and P2 amplitude, while for the high frequency paradigm intensity influenced P1 and P2 latency and P2 amplitude. Conclusions: Obligatory CAEP components responded more readily to stimulus frequency and intensity changes, and one possible consideration is that higher frequencies could play a role in the response characteristics exhibited by N1 (except for N1 amplitude) and P2, given their involvement in attentional processes linked to the detection of warning cues. P300 latency and amplitude were not influenced by such factors. These findings support the hypothesis that disentangling the cognitive from the more sensory-based response is possible, even in those with hearing loss, provided that the patient’s hearing loss is considered when determining the presentation level. While the present study was performed in participants with unimpaired hearing, these data set up future studies investigating the effectiveness of using similar methods in hearing-impaired persons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural Mechanisms and Patterns of Auditory Processes and Their Influence on Cognition)
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12 pages, 1180 KiB  
Article
Novel Insights into Viewer-Centered Versus Stimulus-Centered Hemispatial Neglect: A Cross-Sectional Behavioral and Imaging Study of Acute Stroke
by Ashley Raman, Andreia V. Faria, Michael Colavito and Argye E. Hillis
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020208 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 581
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hemispatial neglect is common after stroke but is often evaluated only after right hemisphere (RH) stroke. We sought to determine the prevalence of two types of neglect, viewer-centered neglect (VCN) and stimulus-centered neglect (SCN), after left hemisphere (LH) and RH strokes. Additionally, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hemispatial neglect is common after stroke but is often evaluated only after right hemisphere (RH) stroke. We sought to determine the prevalence of two types of neglect, viewer-centered neglect (VCN) and stimulus-centered neglect (SCN), after left hemisphere (LH) and RH strokes. Additionally, we identified lesion load in each vascular territory and areas of hypoperfusion, estimated with FLAIR hyperintense vessels (FVHs) that contribute to neglect. Methods: A series of 233 stroke patients (73 LH and 160 RH) were administered a task to detect VCN and SCN and received brain MRI within 5 days of onset. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify vascular territories where lesion load and/or hypoperfusion contributed to each type of neglect. Results: While VCN was more prevalent after RH stroke, SCN occurred at a similar rate after LH and RH stroke. In RH stroke, lesion load in the middle cerebral artery occipital region and anterior cerebral artery territory and age predicted left VCN, whereas parietal hypoperfusion independently predicted left SCN. In LH stroke, lesion load across regions and age predicted right VCN, while lesion load in posterior cerebral artery occipital and anterior cerebral artery regions, as well as age, predicted right SCN. The addition of information about hypoperfusion improved the prediction of both VCN and SCN. Conclusions: VCN and SCN are each common after RH stroke, and SCN is common after LH stroke. Each type of neglect is accounted for by distinct areas of infarct and hypoperfusion. Results will aid in the detection of neglect after stroke and may guide reperfusion interventions to improve neglect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cognitive Impairment and Related Complications of Stroke: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment)
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23 pages, 1783 KiB  
Article
Simultaneous Multi-Treatment Strategy for Brain Tumor Reduction via Nonlinear Control
by Muhammad Arsalan, Xiaojun Yu, Muhammad Tariq Sadiq and Ahmad Almogren
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020207 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 522
Abstract
Background: Recently proposed brain-tumor treatment strategies prioritize fast reduction of tumor cell population while often neglecting the radiation or chemotherapeutic drug dosage requirements to achieve it. Moreover, these techniques provide chemotherapy based treatment strategies, while ignoring the toxic side effects of the [...] Read more.
Background: Recently proposed brain-tumor treatment strategies prioritize fast reduction of tumor cell population while often neglecting the radiation or chemotherapeutic drug dosage requirements to achieve it. Moreover, these techniques provide chemotherapy based treatment strategies, while ignoring the toxic side effects of the drugs employed by it. Methods: This study updates the recently proposed brain-tumor system dynamics by incorporating radiotherapy along with chemotherapy to simultaneously initiate both therapies for a more comprehensive and effective response against tumor proliferation. Afterwards, based on the upgraded system dynamics, this study proposes a novel multi-input sigmoid-based smooth synergetic nonlinear controller with the aim to reduce the dosage requirements of both therapies while keeping the overall system response robust and efficient. The novelty of this study lies in the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy inputs in a way that prioritizes patients health and well-being, while integrating advanced synergetic control technique with a sigmoid function based smoothing agent. Results: The proposed method reduced baseline radiation and chemo drug dosages by 57% and 33% respectively while effectively suppressing tumor growth and proliferation. Similarly, the proposed controller reduced the time required for complete tumor mitigation by 60% while reducing the radiation and chemotherapeutic drug intensity by 93.8% and 21.3% respectively. Conclusions: This study offers significant improvement in tumor treatment methodologies by providing a safer, less riskier brain-tumor treatment strategy that has promising potential to improve survival rates against this menacing health condition so that the affected patients may lead a healthier and better quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Collection Series: Advances in Neuro-Oncology)
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18 pages, 1124 KiB  
Review
Neuroinflammatory and Immunological Aspects of Fibromyalgia
by Kate Findeisen, Emma Guymer and Geoffrey Littlejohn
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020206 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 2418
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a common, high-impact condition of chronic widespread pain and sensory dysfunction associated with altered central and peripheral sensory processing. A growing body of evidence supports the role of neuroinflammation and immune changes in fibromyalgia, and a narrative review of this literature [...] Read more.
Fibromyalgia is a common, high-impact condition of chronic widespread pain and sensory dysfunction associated with altered central and peripheral sensory processing. A growing body of evidence supports the role of neuroinflammation and immune changes in fibromyalgia, and a narrative review of this literature was undertaken. Published data suggest that the interactions between the neural pain networks and the immune system in fibromyalgia appear to be bidirectional and operate both centrally and peripherally. There is a growing focus on processes occurring in the dorsal root ganglia and the role of maladaptive microglial cell activation. Ongoing insight into neuroinflammatory mechanisms in fibromyalgia opens potential avenues for the development of mechanism-based therapies in what is, at present, a challenging-to-manage condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuroinflammation and Pain Medicine)
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14 pages, 21745 KiB  
Article
The Endothelial Cell-Related Genes EIF1 and HSPA1B Contribute to the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease by Modulating Peripheral Immunoinflammatory Responses
by Yucheng Gu, Nihong Chen, Jingwen Qi, Lin Zhu, Xiangliang Chen, Feng Wang, Yingdong Zhang and Teng Jiang
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020205 - 16 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 784
Abstract
Background: Emerging evidence suggests that peripheral immunoinflammatory responses contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, and endothelial cells (ECs) are involved in these responses. Nevertheless, the potential molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways by which ECs modulate peripheral immunoinflammatory responses and thus contribute to AD [...] Read more.
Background: Emerging evidence suggests that peripheral immunoinflammatory responses contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, and endothelial cells (ECs) are involved in these responses. Nevertheless, the potential molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways by which ECs modulate peripheral immunoinflammatory responses and thus contribute to AD pathogenesis are not fully understood. Methods: The single-cell RNA sequencing dataset GSE157827 was analyzed, and AD key genes were screened using LASSO regression and random forest algorithms. Functional enrichment analyses of these AD key genes were conducted using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis. Immune cell infiltration analyses for AD key genes were performed using single-sample GSEA, and their correlations with immunoinflammatory factors were assessed using the TISIDB database. Peripheral blood RNA sequencing data from our cohort were utilized to validate the expression patterns of EC-related AD key genes in peripheral blood and to investigate their association with cognition. Results: ECs are the most significant contributors to AD among all brain cell subpopulations. For the first time, the EC-related genes EIF1 and HSPA1B were identified as key genes associated with AD progression. These two EC-related key genes may participate in AD pathogenesis by modulating peripheral immunoinflammatory responses. The levels of EIF1 and HSPA1B were significantly altered in the peripheral blood during AD progression, and EIF1 levels correlated with cognitive functions in AD clinical continuum patients. Conclusions: These findings underscore the critical roles of the EC-related genes EIF1 and HSPA1B in AD pathogenesis and their potential as biomarkers for this disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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12 pages, 1337 KiB  
Article
KEPPRA: Key Epilepsy Prognostic Parameters with Radiomics in Acute Subdural Hematoma Before Craniotomy
by Alexandru Guranda, Antonia Richter, Johannes Wach, Erdem Güresir and Martin Vychopen
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020204 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 534
Abstract
Background: Acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) is associated with a high risk of epilepsy, a complication linked to poor outcomes. Craniotomy is a known risk factor, with an epilepsy incidence of approximately 25%. This study evaluated radiomic features from preoperative CT scans to predict [...] Read more.
Background: Acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) is associated with a high risk of epilepsy, a complication linked to poor outcomes. Craniotomy is a known risk factor, with an epilepsy incidence of approximately 25%. This study evaluated radiomic features from preoperative CT scans to predict epilepsy risk in aSDH patients undergoing craniotomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 178 adult aSDH patients treated between 2016 and 2022 identified 64 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Radiomic features (e.g., Feret diameter, elongation, flatness, surface area, and volume) from preoperative CT scans within 24 h of surgery were analyzed alongside clinical factors, including cardiac comorbidities, pupillary response, SOFA score, age, and anticoagulation status. Results: Of the 64 patients, 18 (28%) developed generalized seizures. Univariate analysis showed significant associations with Feret diameter (p = 0.045), elongation (p = 0.005), cardiac comorbidities (p = 0.017), and SOFA score (p = 0.036). ROC analysis showed excellent discriminatory ability for elongation (AUC = 0.82). Multivariate analysis identified elongation as an independent predictor (p = 0.003); elongation ≥ 1.45 increased seizure risk 7.78-fold (OR = 7.778; 95% CI = 1.969–30.723). Conclusions: Radiomic features, particularly elongation, may help predict epilepsy risk in aSDH patients undergoing craniotomy. Prospective validation is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surgery in Epilepsy)
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101 pages, 7201 KiB  
Systematic Review
Challenging Cognitive Load Theory: The Role of Educational Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence in Redefining Learning Efficacy
by Evgenia Gkintoni, Hera Antonopoulou, Andrew Sortwell and Constantinos Halkiopoulos
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020203 - 15 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6150
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This systematic review integrates Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), Educational Neuroscience (EdNeuro), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) to examine their combined impact on optimizing learning environments. It explores how AI-driven adaptive learning systems, informed by neurophysiological insights, enhance personalized education for [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This systematic review integrates Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), Educational Neuroscience (EdNeuro), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) to examine their combined impact on optimizing learning environments. It explores how AI-driven adaptive learning systems, informed by neurophysiological insights, enhance personalized education for K-12 students and adult learners. This study emphasizes the role of Electroencephalography (EEG), Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), and other neurophysiological tools in assessing cognitive states and guiding AI-powered interventions to refine instructional strategies dynamically. Methods: This study reviews n = 103 papers related to the integration of principles of CLT with AI and ML in educational settings. It evaluates the progress made in neuroadaptive learning technologies, especially the real-time management of cognitive load, personalized feedback systems, and the multimodal applications of AI. Besides that, this research examines key hurdles such as data privacy, ethical concerns, algorithmic bias, and scalability issues while pinpointing best practices for robust and effective implementation. Results: The results show that AI and ML significantly improve Learning Efficacy due to managing cognitive load automatically, providing personalized instruction, and adapting learning pathways dynamically based on real-time neurophysiological data. Deep Learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) improve classification accuracy, making AI-powered adaptive learning systems more efficient and scalable. Multimodal approaches enhance system robustness by mitigating signal variability and noise-related limitations by combining EEG with fMRI, Electrocardiography (ECG), and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Despite these advances, practical implementation challenges remain, including ethical considerations, data security risks, and accessibility disparities across learner demographics. Conclusions: AI and ML are epitomes of redefinition potentials that solid ethical frameworks, inclusive design, and scalable methodologies must inform. Future studies will be necessary for refining pre-processing techniques, expanding the variety of datasets, and advancing multimodal neuroadaptive learning for developing high-accuracy, affordable, and ethically responsible AI-driven educational systems. The future of AI-enhanced education should be inclusive, equitable, and effective across various learning populations that would surmount technological limitations and ethical dilemmas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Educational Neuroscience: Current Status and Future Directions)
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11 pages, 450 KiB  
Article
Affect Regulation Capabilities in Hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: Exploring the Associations with Pain Perception and Psychophysical Health
by Filippo Camerota, Rachele Mariani, Giada Petronelli, Beatriz Rabissi, Marta Anna Stella Vizzini, Michela Di Trani, Valentina Roselli, Massimo Pasquini, Alessia Renzi and Claudia Celletti
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020202 - 15 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 731
Abstract
Background: Hypermobility Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a clinical condition characterized by hypermobility and tissue fragility and is associated with chronic pain. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between affect regulation, pain perception, and psychophysical dimensions as well as alexithymic characteristics in [...] Read more.
Background: Hypermobility Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a clinical condition characterized by hypermobility and tissue fragility and is associated with chronic pain. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between affect regulation, pain perception, and psychophysical dimensions as well as alexithymic characteristics in the pathological range. Methods: Twenty-five hEDS patients completed a socio-anamnestic questionnaire as well as the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (psychophysical health), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (affect regulation). Results: Correlational analysis showed several negative significant associations between the SF-36, DERS, and TAS-20. The BPI showed few significant associations with both affect regulation measures. Moreover, a relationship between psychological dimensions and the time since diagnosis emerged. A total of 28% of participants reported TAS-20 scores in the clinical range and 36% reported scores in the borderline area. Discussion: Patients with hEDS seem to show high alexithymia levels; pain seems to interfere with the practical aspects of daily life and may reduce an individual’s awareness of their emotional capabilities. The perception of heightened pain has a stronger impact on emotional resources when it interferes with affective life than when it interferes with practical life. Finally, delayed diagnoses of hEDS entail psychological consequences such as alexithymia. Conclusions: The present findings highlight the importance of promoting affect regulation capabilities through the implementation of psychological intervention programs for patients suffering from this medical condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Motor Neuroscience)
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23 pages, 870 KiB  
Article
Architecturally Mediated Allostasis and Neurosustainability: A Proposed Theoretical Framework for the Impact of the Built Environment on Neurocognitive Health
by Cleo Valentine, Heather Mitcheltree, Isabelle A. K. Sjövall and Mohamed Hesham Khalil
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020201 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1205
Abstract
The global rise in mental health-related disorders represents a significant health and wellbeing challenge, imposing a substantial social and economic burden on individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people globally will be affected by mental [...] Read more.
The global rise in mental health-related disorders represents a significant health and wellbeing challenge, imposing a substantial social and economic burden on individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people globally will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives, highlighting a significant global health concern that warrants carefully considered and innovative responses. While mental health challenges arise from complex, multifaceted factors, emerging research indicates that the built environment—the architecture of our homes, workplaces, and public spaces—may exert a critical but underappreciated influence on mental health outcomes. This paper outlines a novel theoretical framework for how visual stressors in the built environment might trigger neurophysiological stress responses via the HPA and SAM axes, potentially contributing over time to allostatic load. In this paper, it is proposed that chronic physiological strain can alter neuroplastic processes and neurogenesis in key brain regions—such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and amygdala—thereby affecting cognitive health, emotional regulation, and overall mental wellbeing. Drawing on the principle of neurosustainability, this paper suggests that long-term exposure to stress-inducing environments may create feedback loops, particularly involving the amygdala, that have downstream effects on other brain areas and may be linked to adverse mental health outcomes such as depression. By presenting this framework, this paper aims to inspire further inquiry and applied experimental research into the intersection of neurophysiology, mental health, and the built environment, with a particular emphasis on rigorous testing and validation of the proposed mechanisms, that may then be translated into practical architectural design strategies for supporting health and wellbeing. In doing so, it is hoped that this work may contribute to a more holistic approach to improving mental health that integrates the creation of nurturing, resilient spaces into the broader public health agenda. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroarchitecture: Humans in the Built Environment)
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19 pages, 778 KiB  
Review
Neural Correlates of Growth Mindset: A Scoping Review of Brain-Based Evidence
by Hang Zeng
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020200 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1081
Abstract
Growth mindset, which asserts that intelligence and abilities can be cultivated through effort and learning, has garnered substantial attention in psychological and educational research. While the psychological and behavioral impacts of growth mindset are well-established, the underlying neural mechanisms remain relatively underexplored. Furthermore, [...] Read more.
Growth mindset, which asserts that intelligence and abilities can be cultivated through effort and learning, has garnered substantial attention in psychological and educational research. While the psychological and behavioral impacts of growth mindset are well-established, the underlying neural mechanisms remain relatively underexplored. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews synthesizing the neural evidence on growth mindset, hindering a fuller understanding of this concept. This scoping review aims to synthesize existing empirical studies on the neural mechanisms of growth mindset, focusing on research objectives, methods, and participant characteristics. A total of 15 studies were reviewed, revealing six primary research objectives: (1) neural mechanisms of error and feedback processing, (2) domain-specific mindsets, (3) neural changes resulting from mindset interventions, (4) mindsets and grit, (5) the neuroanatomy of mindsets, and (6) neural mechanisms of stereotype violation, with error and feedback processing being the most frequently investigated. Ten of the 15 studies employed EEG, while other techniques included structural MRI, task-based fMRI, and resting-state fMRI, with the majority of research focusing on adult populations. Although the existing literature offers valuable insights, further research is needed to explore additional aspects of mindsets, particularly in children, and to refine the methodologies used to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying growth mindset. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience)
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20 pages, 5880 KiB  
Review
Use of Carbon Fiber Implants to Improve the Safety and Efficacy of Radiation Therapy for Spine Tumor Patients
by Fred C. Lam, Santosh Guru, Deyaldeen AbuReesh, Yusuke S. Hori, Cynthia Chuang, Lianli Liu, Lei Wang, Xuejun Gu, Gregory A. Szalkowski, Ziyi Wang, Christopher Wohlers, Armine Tayag, Sara C. Emrich, Louisa Ustrzynski, Corinna C. Zygourakis, Atman Desai, Melanie Hayden Gephart, John Byun, Erqi Liu Pollom, Elham Rahimy, Scott Soltys, David J. Park and Steven D. Changadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020199 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 858
Abstract
Current standard of care treatment for patients with spine tumors includes multidisciplinary approaches, including the following: (1) surgical tumor debulking, epidural spinal cord decompression, and spine stabilization techniques; (2) systemic chemo/targeted therapies; (3) radiation therapy; and (4) surveillance imaging for local disease control [...] Read more.
Current standard of care treatment for patients with spine tumors includes multidisciplinary approaches, including the following: (1) surgical tumor debulking, epidural spinal cord decompression, and spine stabilization techniques; (2) systemic chemo/targeted therapies; (3) radiation therapy; and (4) surveillance imaging for local disease control and recurrence. Titanium pedicle screw and rod fixation have become commonplace in the spine surgeon’s armamentarium for the stabilization of the spine following tumor resection and separation surgery. However, the high degree of imaging artifacts seen with titanium implants on postoperative CT and MRI scans can significantly hinder the accurate delineation of vertebral anatomy and adjacent neurovascular structures to allow for the safe and effective planning of downstream radiation therapies and detection of disease recurrence. Carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) spine implants have emerged as a promising alternative to titanium due to the lack of artifact signals on CT and MRI, allowing for more accurate and safe postoperative radiation planning. In this article, we review the tenants of the surgical and radiation management of spine tumors and discuss the safety, efficacy, and current limitations of CFR-PEEK spine implants in the multidisciplinary management of spine oncology patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Collection Series: Insight into Neurosurgery)
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22 pages, 1899 KiB  
Article
Speech Stream Composition Affects Statistical Learning: Behavioral and Neural Evidence
by Ana Paula Soares, Dario Paiva, Alberto Lema, Diana R. Pereira, Ana Cláudia Rodrigues and Helena Mendes Oliveira
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020198 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 611
Abstract
Statistical learning (SL), the ability to extract patterns from the environment, has been assumed to play a central role in whole cognition, particularly in language acquisition. Evidence has been gathered, however, from behavioral experiments relying on simplified artificial languages, raising doubts on the [...] Read more.
Statistical learning (SL), the ability to extract patterns from the environment, has been assumed to play a central role in whole cognition, particularly in language acquisition. Evidence has been gathered, however, from behavioral experiments relying on simplified artificial languages, raising doubts on the generalizability of these results to natural contexts. Here, we tested if SL is affected by the composition of the speech streams by expositing participants to auditory streams containing either four nonsense words presenting a transitional probability (TP) of 1 (unmixed high-TP condition), four nonsense words presenting TPs of 0.33 (unmixed low-TP condition) or two nonsense words presenting a TP of 1, and two of a TP of 0.33 (mixed condition); first under incidental (implicit), and, subsequently, under intentional (explicit) conditions to further ascertain how prior knowledge modulates the results. Electrophysiological and behavioral data were collected from the familiarization and test phases of each of the SL tasks. Behavior results revealed reliable signs of SL for all the streams, even though differences across stream conditions failed to reach significance. The neural results revealed, however, facilitative processing of the mixed over the unmixed low-TP and the unmixed high-TP conditions in the N400 and P200 components, suggesting that moderate levels of entropy boost SL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral Neuroscience)
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21 pages, 2283 KiB  
Review
Mental Health Disorders Due to Gut Microbiome Alteration and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation After Spinal Cord Injury: Molecular Mechanisms, Promising Treatments, and Aids from Artificial Intelligence
by Pranav Kalaga and Swapan K. Ray
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020197 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 934
Abstract
Aside from its immediate traumatic effects, spinal cord injury (SCI) presents multiple secondary complications that can be harmful to those who have been affected by SCI. Among these secondary effects, gut dysbiosis (GD) and the activation of the NOD (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) like [...] Read more.
Aside from its immediate traumatic effects, spinal cord injury (SCI) presents multiple secondary complications that can be harmful to those who have been affected by SCI. Among these secondary effects, gut dysbiosis (GD) and the activation of the NOD (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) like receptor-family pyrin-domain-containing three (NLRP3) inflammasome are of special interest for their roles in impacting mental health. Studies have found that the state of the gut microbiome is thrown into disarray after SCI, providing a chance for GD to occur. Metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and a variety of neurotransmitters produced by the gut microbiome are hampered by GD. This disrupts healthy cognitive processes and opens the door for SCI patients to be impacted by mental health disorders. Additionally, some studies have found an increased presence and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its respective parts in SCI patients. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a key role in the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can initiate and eventually aggravate mental health disorders after SCI. In addition to the mechanisms of GD and the NLRP3 inflammasome in intensifying mental health disorders after SCI, this review article further focuses on three promising treatments: fecal microbiome transplants, phytochemicals, and melatonin. Studies have found these treatments to be effective in combating the pathogenic mechanisms of GD and NLRP3 inflammasome, as well as alleviating the symptoms these complications may have on mental health. Another area of focus of this review article is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to support treatments. AI models have already been developed to track changes in the gut microbiome, simulate drug-gut interactions, and design novel anti-NLRP3 inflammasome peptides. While these are promising, further research into the applications of AI for the treatment of mental health disorders in SCI is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience)
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13 pages, 1755 KiB  
Brief Report
Discharge Against Medical Advice Among Schizophrenia Patients in Germany: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
by Karel Kostev, Ira Rodemer, André Hajek, Marcel Konrad and Lee Smith
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020196 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 636
Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) among schizophrenia patients in Germany and to identify factors associated with the risk of DAMA. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was based on data from the [...] Read more.
Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) among schizophrenia patients in Germany and to identify factors associated with the risk of DAMA. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was based on data from the IQVIA hospital database, which contains records from 36 hospitals across Germany. This study included all hospitalizations for patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of schizophrenia between January 2019 and December 2023. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, primary or secondary schizophrenia diagnosis, as well as codiagnoses, were conducted to assess the associations between demographic and clinical variables and DAMA. Results: A total of 7663 hospitalization cases (mean age: 49.5 years, 40.6% female) were included in the study. The DAMA rate was 31.1% in patients with schizophrenia as the primary diagnoses and 6.0% in patients with schizophrenia as a secondary diagnosis. Younger age (i.e., adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 7.44; 95% CI: 4.35–12.73 in the age group 18–30; aOR: 6.63; 95% CI: 3.89–11.29 in the age group 31–40; aOR: 5.59; 95% CI: 3.28–9.54 in the age group 41–50), schizophrenia as the primary diagnosis (aOR: 3.61; 95% CI: 3.05–4.26), alcohol-related disorders (aOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.38–2.04), and cannabis-related disorders (aOR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.18–1.72) were significantly associated with an increased risk of DAMA. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of DAMA among hospitalized schizophrenia patients and identifies the important factors (i.e., younger age, alcohol-related disorders, and cannabis-related disorders) associated with DAMA risk. Additional studies are recommended for further exploration into the reasons for DAMA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuropsychiatry)
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15 pages, 1104 KiB  
Review
The Neonatal Microbiome: Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Neurodegenerations
by Andrew Eisen and Matthew C. Kiernan
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020195 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 729
Abstract
Most brain development occurs in the “first 1000 days”, a critical period from conception to a child’s second birthday. Critical brain processes that occur during this time include synaptogenesis, myelination, neural pruning, and the formation of functioning neuronal circuits. Perturbations during the first [...] Read more.
Most brain development occurs in the “first 1000 days”, a critical period from conception to a child’s second birthday. Critical brain processes that occur during this time include synaptogenesis, myelination, neural pruning, and the formation of functioning neuronal circuits. Perturbations during the first 1000 days likely contribute to later-life neurodegenerative disease, including sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Neurodevelopment is determined by many events, including the maturation and colonization of the infant microbiome and its metabolites, specifically neurotransmitters, immune modulators, vitamins, and short-chain fatty acids. Successful microbiome maturation and gut–brain axis function depend on maternal factors (stress and exposure to toxins during pregnancy), mode of delivery, quality of the postnatal environment, diet after weaning from breast milk, and nutritional deficiencies. While the neonatal microbiome is highly plastic, it remains prone to dysbiosis which, once established, may persist into adulthood, thereby inducing the development of chronic inflammation and abnormal excitatory/inhibitory balance, resulting in neural excitation. Both are recognized as key pathophysiological processes in the development of ALS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Recent Considerations for Diagnosis, Pathogenesis and Therapy)
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13 pages, 234 KiB  
Review
The Use of MRI and TMS in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Advances in Pediatric Applications
by Trinh Ha, Katarina Jakimier and Sean O’Sullivan
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020194 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 864
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a substantial burden for psychiatric care, affecting approximately one-third of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Adolescent populations with depression are a particularly challenging demographic to treat as early intervention is crucial to prevent treatment resistance, but treatment options [...] Read more.
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a substantial burden for psychiatric care, affecting approximately one-third of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Adolescent populations with depression are a particularly challenging demographic to treat as early intervention is crucial to prevent treatment resistance, but treatment options are limited. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive option for TRD in adults as well as adolescents, offering hope for patients who have not responded to conventional therapies. This review examines the convergence of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a tool to examine how TMS modulates functional connectivity in adolescents with MDD. Such analyses have led to advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of MDD, TRD, and the mechanisms of TMS. We review this evidence, evaluate methodological approaches, and identify critical gaps in the existing literature, highlighting how neuroimaging-guided TMS protocols offer a promising therapeutic avenue for adolescent TRD, particularly in cases where conventional treatments have proven ineffective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Symptoms: How Brain Imaging Is Revolutionizing Early Mental Health Disorders)
1 pages, 144 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Matsutake et al. Fast and Stable Responses during Decision Making Require Strong Inhibitory Processes in Soccer Players. Brain Sci. 2024, 14, 199
by Takahiro Matsutake, Hiroki Nakata, Genta Matsuo, Takayuki Natsuhara, Kisho Zippo, Kouki Watanabe and Takayuki Sugo
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020193 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 389
Abstract
In the original publication [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind in Motion: Exploring Neuropsychophysiological Aspects of Sports Performance, Health and Physical Activity)
16 pages, 971 KiB  
Review
Beyond Needling: Integrating a Bayesian Brain Model into Acupuncture Treatment
by Beomku Kang, Da-Eun Yoon, Yeonhee Ryu, In-Seon Lee and Younbyoung Chae
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020192 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 680
Abstract
Acupuncture is a medical tool in which a sterile needle is used to penetrate and stimulate a certain body area (acupoint), inducing a series of sensations such as numbness, dullness, or aching, often referred to as de-qi. But is that [...] Read more.
Acupuncture is a medical tool in which a sterile needle is used to penetrate and stimulate a certain body area (acupoint), inducing a series of sensations such as numbness, dullness, or aching, often referred to as de-qi. But is that all? In this article, we adopt a Bayesian perspective to explore the cognitive and affective aspects of acupuncture beyond needling, specifically, how the body integrates bottom-up sensory signals with top-down predictions of acupuncture perception. We propose that the way in which we discern acupuncture treatment is the result of predictive coding, a probabilistic, inferential process of our brain. Active inference from both prior experience and expectations of acupuncture, when integrated with incoming sensory signals, creates a unique, individual internal generative model of our perception of acupuncture. A Bayesian framework and predictive coding may, therefore, aid in elucidating and quantifying the cognitive components of acupuncture and facilitate understanding of their differential interactions in determining individual expectations of treatment. Thus, a perception-based Bayesian model of acupuncture presented in this article may expand on how we perceive acupuncture treatment, from simply inserting needles into our body to one that encompasses a complex healing process supported by belief and hope of regaining health. By exploring how cognitive factors influence individual responsiveness to acupuncture treatment, this review sheds light on why acupuncture treatment is more effective in some individuals than in others. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nerve Stimulation: Current Status and Future Directions)
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18 pages, 3895 KiB  
Article
Sex and Strain-Specific Variations in Motor Recovery Following Compression Spinal Cord Injury: Comparison of Sprague-Dawley and Wistar Rats
by Negin Mojarad, David Doyle, Lucas Gorial Garmo, Ryan Graff, Kayla Reed, Payton Andrew Wolbert, Anusha Uprety, Brynn Stewart, Julien Rossignol and Gary L. Dunbar
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020191 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 861
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Prior studies have noted varied, spontaneous motor recovery in rat strains after spinal cord injury (SCI), but systematic comparisons of different locomotor measurements across different severity and sexes are lacking. Hence, we quantified hindlimb utilization in male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Prior studies have noted varied, spontaneous motor recovery in rat strains after spinal cord injury (SCI), but systematic comparisons of different locomotor measurements across different severity and sexes are lacking. Hence, we quantified hindlimb utilization in male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Wistar rats following moderate and severe SCI. Methods: Compression SCI was induced using a 15-g clip for 180 s for moderate SCI or a 50-g aneurysm clip for 60 s for severe SCI in male and female SD and Wistar rats. Measures of locomotor performance using the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB), CatWalk gait analysis, and horizontal ladder tests were taken postoperatively and weekly for seven weeks. Results: BBB scores indicated greater spontaneous recovery in SD rats, with females showing higher scores than males following moderate and severe SCI. No sex or strain differences were observed in the horizontal ladder test. The CatWalk results indicated greater average hindlimb swing speed in SD rats following moderate SCI, but greater print area was observed in Wistar rats after severe SCI, although female SD rats had greater print area than either male SD or female Wistar rats following moderate SCI. Conclusions: The findings that SD rats, especially females, exhibited greater spontaneous motor recovery following moderate SCI indicate the need to consider the sex and strain of rats when conducting therapeutic testing following moderate SCI. The significance of these findings is that they should facilitate the use of appropriate rat models for translational research in SCI that can be applied to future clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Motor Neuroscience)
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25 pages, 5615 KiB  
Article
Understanding How Negative Emotions Affect Hazard Assessment Abilities in Construction: Insights from Wearable EEG and the Moderating Role of Psychological Capital
by Dan Chong, Siyu Liao, Mingjie Xu, Yuting Chen and Anni Yu
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020190 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 792
Abstract
Background: The construction industry faces significant safety hazards, frequent accidents, and inadequate management. Studies identify unsafe worker behaviors as the primary cause of construction accidents. However, most research overlooks the psychological state, particularly emotions, of construction workers. Methods: This study designed [...] Read more.
Background: The construction industry faces significant safety hazards, frequent accidents, and inadequate management. Studies identify unsafe worker behaviors as the primary cause of construction accidents. However, most research overlooks the psychological state, particularly emotions, of construction workers. Methods: This study designed a behavioral experiment integrating social cognitive neuroscience, collecting real-time EEG data to classify and recognize fear, anger, and neutral emotions. Variance analysis explored differences in safety hazard identification and risk assessment under these emotional states. A total of 22 male participants were involved, with data collection lasting three days. The role of psychological capital in mediating the effects of emotions on unsafe behaviors was also examined. Results: Emotional classification using EEG signals achieved 79% accuracy by combining frequency domain and nonlinear feature extraction. Fear significantly enhanced safety hazard identification accuracy compared to neutral and anger emotions (F = 0.027, p = 0.03). Risk assessment values under fear and anger were higher than under neutral emotion (F = 0.121, p = 0.023). Psychological capital interacted significantly with emotions in hazard identification accuracy (F = 0.68, p = 0.034), response time (F = 2.562, p = 0.003), and risk assessment response time (F = 1.415, p = 0.026). Safety hazard identification correlated with the number of safety trainings (p = 0.002) and safety knowledge lectures attended (p = 0.025). Risk assessment was significantly associated with smoking (p = 0.023), alcohol consumption (p = 0.004), sleep duration (p = 0.017), and safety training (p = 0.024). Conclusions: The findings provide insights into how emotions affect safety hazard identification and risk assessment, offering a foundation for improving emotional regulation, reducing accidents, and enhancing safety management in construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience)
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18 pages, 5593 KiB  
Article
Decoding Analyses Show Dynamic Waxing and Waning of Event-Related Potentials in Coma Patients
by Adianes Herrera-Diaz, Rober Boshra, Richard Kolesar, Netri Pajankar, Paniz Tavakoli, Chia-Yu Lin, Alison Fox-Robichaud and John F. Connolly
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020189 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 753
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Coma prognosis is challenging, as patient presentation can be misleading or uninformative when using behavioral assessments only. Event-related potentials have been shown to provide valuable information about a patient’s chance of survival and emergence from coma. Our prior work revealed that [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Coma prognosis is challenging, as patient presentation can be misleading or uninformative when using behavioral assessments only. Event-related potentials have been shown to provide valuable information about a patient’s chance of survival and emergence from coma. Our prior work revealed that the mismatch negativity (MMN) in particular waxes and wanes across 24 h in some coma patients. This “cycling” aspect of the presence/absence of neurophysiological responses may require fine-grained tools to increase the chances of detecting levels of neural processing in coma. This study implements multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to automatically quantify patterns of neural discrimination between duration deviant and standard tones over time at the single-subject level in seventeen healthy controls and in three comatose patients. Methods: One EEG recording, containing up to five blocks of an auditory oddball paradigm, was performed in controls over a 12 h period. For patients, two EEG sessions were conducted 3 days apart for up to 24 h, denoted as day 0 and day 3, respectively. MVPA was performed using a support-vector machine classifier. Results: Healthy controls exhibited reliable discrimination or classification performance during the latency intervals associated with MMN and P3a components. Two patients showed some intervals with significant discrimination around the second half of day 0, and all had significant results on day 3. Conclusions: These findings suggest that decoding analyses can accurately classify neural responses at a single-subject level in healthy controls and provide evidence of small but significant changes in auditory discrimination over time in coma patients. Further research is needed to confirm whether this approach represents an improved technology for assessing cognitive processing in coma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Opportunities and Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Disorders of Consciousness)
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16 pages, 2177 KiB  
Article
Three-Month Durability of Bilateral Two-Level Stellate Ganglion Blocks in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Retrospective Analysis
by Sean W. Mulvaney, Kyle J. Dineen, Sanjay Mahadevan, Roosevelt Desronvilles, Jr. and Kristine L. Rae Olmsted
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020188 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1244
Abstract
Purpose: Determine if performing ultrasound-guided, bilateral, two-level cervical sympathetic chain blocks (2LCSB) (performed on subsequent days) provides durable improvement in symptoms associated with anxiety. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2022 and November 2024. We identified 114 patients who received [...] Read more.
Purpose: Determine if performing ultrasound-guided, bilateral, two-level cervical sympathetic chain blocks (2LCSB) (performed on subsequent days) provides durable improvement in symptoms associated with anxiety. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2022 and November 2024. We identified 114 patients who received bilateral, 2LCSB for anxiety symptoms. Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) outcome measure scores were collected at baseline and three-months post procedure in 71 males and 43 females. Results: Out of 114 patients, 99 patients (86.8%) showed a long-lasting improvement in their GAD-7 scores. Collected GAD-7 forms had a baseline average of 15.52 (14.99 for males and 16.40 for females), which decreased after three months to an average of 7.28 (6.96 for males and 7.81 for females). This represents a 52% average improvement in anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: In individuals treated with bilateral, 2LCSB, GAD-related symptoms were improved by 52% for at least 3 months regardless of initial anxiety severity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuropsychiatry)
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14 pages, 655 KiB  
Article
Psychiatric Comorbidities in Autistic Adolescents Without Intellectual Impairment: A Focus on Parent- and Self-Reported Psychopathological Assessment
by Romina Cagiano, Alice Mancini, Marta Berni, Federica Maccarrone, Benedetta Arena, Angela Cosenza, Chiara Pecini, Roberta Igliozzi, Sara Calderoni and Raffaella Tancredi
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020187 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 743
Abstract
Background: Co-occurring conditions and psychiatric comorbidities are more frequently observed in autistic individuals than in typically developing populations. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the agreement of parent- and self-reported psychopathological assessment using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/6-18) and the Youth Self [...] Read more.
Background: Co-occurring conditions and psychiatric comorbidities are more frequently observed in autistic individuals than in typically developing populations. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the agreement of parent- and self-reported psychopathological assessment using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/6-18) and the Youth Self Report (YSR/11-18), respectively, in autistic adolescents without intellectual impairment. Methods: 54 autistic adolescents without intellectual impairment (11–18 years; M = 14.73; SD = 2.28) were assessed with a psychiatric and psychological evaluation conducted by expert clinicians also using self- and parent-reported scales and semi-structured interviews (K-SADS PL, CDI, MASC) including CBCL/6-18 and YSR/11-18. Results: According to clinical judgment, over 90% of participants had at least a comorbidity: anxiety (68.5%) and mood disorder (57.4%) were the most frequent. The results indicate significant discrepancies between parent- and self-reports across the three summary scales, which assess emotional and behavioral problems, as well as their combined presentation, often observed in youth with ASD. Specifically, differences were found in Internalizing (p < 0.001), Externalizing (p = 0.013), and Total Problems (p < 0.001) scales. Conclusions: The findings show the lack of agreement in parent- and self-reported scales in our sample. These results suggest the need for a cross- and multi-informant approach to support clinical judgment and understand psychopathological comorbidities of autistic adolescents without intellectual impairment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Mental Health of People with Autism)
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16 pages, 5836 KiB  
Article
Complex Spiking Neural Network Evaluated by Injury Resistance Under Stochastic Attacks
by Lei Guo, Chongming Li, Huan Liu and Yihua Song
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020186 - 13 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background: Brain-inspired models are commonly employed for artificial intelligence. However, the complex environment can hinder the performance of electronic equipment. Therefore, enhancing the injury resistance of brain-inspired models is a crucial issue. Human brains have self-adaptive abilities under injury, so drawing on the [...] Read more.
Background: Brain-inspired models are commonly employed for artificial intelligence. However, the complex environment can hinder the performance of electronic equipment. Therefore, enhancing the injury resistance of brain-inspired models is a crucial issue. Human brains have self-adaptive abilities under injury, so drawing on the advantages of the human brain to construct a brain-inspired model is intended to enhance its injury resistance. But current brain-inspired models still lack bio-plausibility, meaning they do not sufficiently draw on real neural systems’ structure or function. Methods: To address this challenge, this paper proposes the complex spiking neural network (Com-SNN) as a brain-inspired model, in which the topology is inspired by the topological characteristics of biological functional brain networks, the nodes are Izhikevich neuron models, and the edges are synaptic plasticity models with time delay co-regulated by excitatory synapses and inhibitory synapses. To evaluate the injury resistance of the Com-SNN, two injury-resistance metrics are investigated and compared with SNNs with alternative topologies under the stochastic removal of neuron models to simulate the consequence of stochastic attacks. In addition, the injury-resistance mechanism of brain-inspired models remains unclear, and revealing the mechanism is crucial for understanding the development of SNNs with injury resistance. To address this challenge, this paper analyzes the synaptic plasticity dynamic regulation and dynamic topological characteristics of the Com-SNN under stochastic attacks. Results: The experimental results indicate that the injury resistance of the Com-SNN is superior to that of other SNNs, demonstrating that our results can help improve the injury resistance of SNNs. Conclusions: Our results imply that synaptic plasticity is an intrinsic element impacting injury resistance, and that network topology is another element that impacts injury resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence: Cross-Talks and Interrelated Contributions)
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