INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE

Investigating the therapeutic potential of naringin in MK-801-induced schizophrenia model: focus on cognitive impairment and miR-25-3p-regulated pathways
Pu Y, Xu Y, Zhuo Z, Xiao H and Xu X
The aim of this study was to assess the ameliorative effects of naringin (NR) on cognitive impairment in schizophrenia(SZ) from multiple perspectives using behavioral, histopathological and molecular biological approaches.
Causal relations between immune cells and cerebral hemorrhage: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Wu Z, Wang Q and Xiong Z
Previous studies have shown that an increased number of immune cells is closely associated with the onset and course changes of intracerebral hemorrhage, but the exact causal relationship has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between immune cells and intracerebral hemorrhage by a two-way Mendelian randomization method.
Cognitive and clinical dimensions of structural and functional insula alterations in patients with depression: a resting-state fMRI study
Yan F, Zan S, Xu J, Zhao S, Wang Z and Yang F
Depression is characterized by pervasive cognitive and emotional disturbances, yet the neural mechanisms underlying these deficits remain incompletely understood. This study utilized multimodal neuroimaging, including resting-state functional MRI and structural T1-weighted imaging, alongside the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), to delineate the structural and functional alterations in the insula in first-episode, medication-naïve patients with depression. Compared to matched healthy controls, patients with depression exhibited significant reductions in gray matter density in the left insula, which were robustly associated with impairments in reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Mediation analyses revealed that insular gray matter density mediated the relationship between depressive symptom severity and cognitive deficits, emphasizing the insula's critical role in linking emotional and cognitive dysfunctions. Furthermore, functional connectivity analyses identified disrupted insula-medial prefrontal cortex circuits, highlighting their contribution to the pathophysiology of depression. These findings underscore the insula's dual role as a structural and functional hub in depression, advancing our understanding of the neural substrates of cognitive dysfunction and informing potential targets for intervention.
Independent component analysis of brain network in drug-resistant epilepsy patients with vagus nerve stimulators
Zhu J, Gu R and Ji F
To investigate the activity of default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN) and cerebellar network (CN) in drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) patients undergoing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
Machine learning analysis of glutamate receptor activity in developing locus coeruleus neurons
Firouznia M, Kourosh-Arami M, Faez K, Semnanian S and Alikhani Koupaei J
The developing brain undergoes a remarkable process of synaptic changes.
Exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate ischemic brain injury in mice by regulating AAK1 via miR-664a-5p
Shen B, Liu N and Dai Y
To identify the molecular targets of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in treating cerebral ischemia and elucidate their therapeutic mechanisms.
Grade 4 astrocytoma vs. grade 4 glioblastoma: is there any clue in H&E?
Ersöz CC, Berber H and Heper A
Gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. The fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of the CNS identifies IDH mutant astrocytomas grade 4 and IDH wild type glioblastomas grade 4 as distinct entities. This study aimed to identify morphological indicators that could predict IDH mutation status in grade 4 diffuse astrocytomas and grade 4 glioblastomas among fifty patients from two groups. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained tumor slides were scanned using a digital scanner and further histopathological examinations were performed on digital images, with additional calculations and measurements. The study showed that, IDH-wildtype glioblastomas and IDH-mutant grade 4 astrocytomas exhibit unique morphological features, particularly in relation to levels of necrosis, microvessel density, and the presence of "C" or "Ring" shape giant cells. Despite advancements in genomic biomarker technology, histology remains an essential tool for predicting patient outcomes. Therefore, pathologists must continue to investigate and document the morphological implications of molecular changes in CNS tumors.
Genetic determinants of telomere length and risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study
Qi X, Gao L and Qi L
Our objective is to investigate the potential causal relationship between telomere length (TL) and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and intracranial aneurysms (IAs) by conducting a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study.
Correction
40 Hz binaural beats entrainment enhances the mood and cognition of medical students
Shakya R, Suffczynski P, Shrestha S, Dangol S, Poudyal P and Mansur DI
Many medical students experience psychological distress from high academic demands, potentially harming their performance and mental health. Binaural beats (BB) stimulation, particularly gamma band entrainment, has been suggested to enhance neural communication, cognition, and reduce anxiety. This study aimed to determine whether 40 Hz BB could improve cognitive performance and mood in medical students. Forty participants, selected based on the inclusion criteria of good health, normal hearing, and no mental illness were recruited considering factors such as all sessions availability and consent. Participants listened to BB for 15 min, three times a week, over three consecutive weeks. Electroencephalogram recordings confirmed that 40 Hz BB induced gamma neural oscillations in the brain. Emotional states were assessed using the 32-item Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) with ratings on a 5-point Likert scale, whereas cognitive function was measured with the Stroop's test, based on reaction time in milliseconds. Pre- and post-BB comparisons and gender-related differences were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests or appropriate non-parametric tests. Listening to BB significantly reduced negative emotions ( < 0.001), enhanced positive emotions ( < 0.001), and facilitated improvements in cognitive performance. However, the effects of BB were gender-specific, with female students showing greater improvements in 'happiness' and 'calmness', ( < 0.001), while males experienced more pronounced enhancements in cognitive performance ( < 0.001). Additionally, time-dependent effects of BB were also observed. 40 Hz BB appears to be an effective tool for helping students manage their challenges calmly and more efficiently.
The best indices of anaesthesia depth monitored by electroencephalogram in different age groups
Li F, Gong B, Sheng H, Song Z, Yu Y and Yang Y
Current electroencephalogram (EEG) indices for monitoring the depth of anaesthesia have not been adjusted for age. This study aims to identify the most suitable EEG indices for monitoring anaesthesia depth across different age groups. In here, we conducted a prospective observational trial to observe whether different EEG features in different age groups can detect anaesthesia depth and compare their performance. In Group 1, absolute θ had the highest prediction probability (Pk) value (0.78 ± 0.07), while relative had the lowest relative coefficient of variation (CV) value in states 1 (0.160), 2 (0.153), 3 (0.214) and 4 (0.144). In Group 2, absolute had the highest Pk value (0.81 ± 0.09), and relative had the lowest CV value in states 1 (0.159), 2 (0.178), 3 (0.140) and 4 (0.095). In Group 3, absolute δ had the highest Pk value (0.79 ± 0.08), with absolute slow wave having the lowest CV value in States 1 (0.196), 2 (0.258), 3 (0.295) and 4 (0.181). In Group 4, absolute δ had the highest Pk value (0.75 ± 0.10), and absolute slow wave had the lowest CV value in States 1 (0.176), 2 (0.192), 3 (0.185) and 4 (0.144). In this study, we found that absolute and relative are the most suitable choices for young and middle-aged patients, while absolute and absolute slow wave are the most suitable choices for young elderly and elderly patients.
Correction
The value of the systemic immune-inflammation index in assessing disease severity in autoimmune encephalitis
Mao C, Cui X and Zhang S
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a group of autoimmune diseases targeting the central nervous system, characterized by severe clinical symptoms and substantial consumption of medical resources. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in disease progression, and detecting inflammatory responses can provide insights into disease status and disease severity. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), a novel marker of inflammatory status, has been rarely studied in AE.
Association between TNF-α & IL-6 level changes and remission from depression with duloxetine treatment
Suzuki E, Sueki A, Takahashi H, Ishigooka J and Nishimura K
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) involves multiple factors, including inflammatory processes. This study investigated the relationship between changes in the levels of cytokines and remission in patients with MDD following duloxetine treatment.
Empagliflozin ameliorates olfactory bulbectomy-induced depression by mitigating oxidative stress and possible involvement of brain derived neurotrophic factor in diabetic rats
Borikar SP, Chitode GV, Tapre DN, Lokwani DK and Jain SP
Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has recently reported to prevent the depression in chronic animal model. The present study aimed to explore the antidepressant potential of empagliflozin using a neuroinflammation-mediated depression involving the olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) model in diabetic rats. A low dose of streptozotocin was injected to induce diabetes in all group of animals. Following the confirmation of hyperglycemia, OBX surgery was performed. Post-surgery, the drug treatments were administered orally for 14 consecutive days. The study evaluated the effects of daily oral administration of empagliflozin at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, alongside metformin (200 mg/kg) and clomipramine (50 mg/kg), on OBX-induced behavioral depression in rats. Separate sham and vehicle control groups were also maintained. Behavioral parameters in open field, forced swim test, elevated plus maze and splash test were recorded on 28 day. Results showed that empagliflozin, at the higher dose, significantly enhanced behavioral outcomes, evidenced by increased distance travelled, greater open arm entries, and reduced immobility, alongside a notable reduction in grooming time. Moreover, empagliflozin significantly restored the antioxidants level specifically Glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT) in OBX insulted rat brain and decreased Lipid peroxidase (LPO). Notably, molecular docking study demonstrated a good binding affinity of empagliflozin for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), suggesting that its antidepressant effects may be mediated through the modulation of the BDNF pathway. These findings support the potential therapeutic application of empagliflozin for depression, particularly in cases associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Inflammation index in failure of delay functional independence after successful recanalization
Zhang M, Zhao W, Wu C, Xu J, Guo W, Ren C, Li S and Ji X
Failure of delayed neurological improvement (fDNI) following successful recanalization is a prevalent clinical phenomenon in patients who have experienced acute ischemic stroke (AIS). An investigation into the potential link between markers of systemic inflammation such as platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune-inflammation index known as SII, and the occurrence of fDNI in patients received successful reperfusion was conducted.
Fluctuations in resting motor threshold during electroconvulsive and magnetic seizure therapy
Liu C, Liu S, Hu X, Guo Z and Xu Y
Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is more benign than electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in terms of cognitive impairment. However, whether these two 'artificial seizures' facilitate the central motor neural pathway and the motor cortical effects have not been investigated. The study aimed to compare the effects of ECT and MST on motor-evoked potential (MEP) in patients with mental disorders.
Exploring the link among injury severity, white matter connectivity and psychosocial outcomes in pediatric TBI: a probabilistic tractography approach
Thomas PA, Bolton SH, Ontiveros F, Mattson WI, Vannatta K, Lo W, Wilde EA, Cunningham WA, Yeates KO and Hoskinson KR
We examined associations among injury severity, white matter structural connectivity within functionally defined brain networks and psychosocial/adaptive outcomes in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Temporal trends and regional variations in mortality related to Guillain-Barré syndrome in the United States: a retrospective study from 1999 to 2020
Nadeem ZA, Ashraf H, Ashfaq H, Fatima E, Larik MO, Ur Rehman O, Ashraf A and Nadeem A
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune neurological disorder, with an estimated 6.4% increase in cases worldwide from 1990 to 2019. We aim to identify the GBS-related mortality trends in the US stratified by age, sex, race, and region.
RGS4 inhibits glioma cells sensitivity to radiotherapy and temozolomide by regulating ferroptosis
Zhu H, Qian C, Ge Y, Huang W, Zhang H and Zong D
Chemoradiotherapy is the major means in the treatment of gliomas followed surgery. Ferroptosis has been shown to play an important role in carcinogenesis by many studies. However, its underlying effect on chemoradiotherapy sensitivity in gliomas remains unclear.
Dual stimulation with iTBS-cTBS treatment in postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case report
Zhang Y, Suo X, Pan L, Wang X, Xu W, Xu J and Gao J
This study aimed to present a case of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) and continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) dual stimulation for the treatment of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The objective was to provide a referenceable therapy in cases where medication and psychotherapy treatment are not preferred or contraindicated. This case further emphasized the importance of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques in improving the condition of postpartum OCD patients.