AIMS Neuroscience最新文献

{"title":"Use of Transglutaminase 2 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with Radiologically Isolated Syndrome as a neuroinflammation biomarker: A preliminary study.","authors":"Rosa Giacca, Miriana Conte, Alessandro d'Ambrosio, Alvino Bisecco, Renato Docimo, Mario Risi, Manuela Altieri, Riccardo Borgo, Rosario Domenico Melisi, Vittorio Gentile, Antonio Gallo","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025015","DOIUrl":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The calcium-dependent enzyme Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) (E.C. 2.3.2.13), which can promote post-translational modifications of proteins, is involved in several physiological processes, including development, neuronal cell death, and differentiation, as well as synaptic plasticity and transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Several studies highlight the potential role of the TG2/NF-κB activation pathway in neurodegenerative diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and the neuroinflammation that is associated with these conditions. The cross-linking activity of TG2, facilitating the formation of isopeptide bonds between glutamine and lysine residues, appears to be involved in forming protein aggregate deposits in these pathological conditions. Specifically, in the chronic neuroinflammation of MS, TG2 seems to play a central role in the fibrotic process of the lesion. Several potential biomarkers have been investigated for the prognosis and monitoring of MS, but no researchers have explored the presence of potential inflammatory signals in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during the presymptomatic stage of MS, known as Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS), on account of the lack of information regarding its pathological aspects. Since researchers have demonstrated a correlation between TG2 mRNA levels in PBMCs and the clinical and radiological progression of MS, we aimed to evaluate the expression levels of TG2 in RIS patients, comparing them with those in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and healthy controls (HCs) using real-time PCR analysis. Preliminary data showed that RIS patients exhibit lower TG2 mRNA expression levels compared to RRMS patients, while no difference in TG2 mRNA expression being observed between RIS patients and HCs. This suggests that RIS patients exhibit a lower neuroinflammation grade than RRMS patients and that TG2 may represent a potential biochemical marker for assessing neuroinflammation associated with this disease. Future investigations may include longitudinal assessments of the potential role of TG2 mRNA blood levels in predicting or monitoring the progression from RIS to MS.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 2","pages":"284-290"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12287637/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The 7 Muses of Neuro-Creative Cycle: How some patients with Parkinson's disease can unleash latent creativity.","authors":"Kyung Hee Kim","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025014","DOIUrl":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although dopamine therapy is known to enhance creativity in some artists with Parkinson's disease (PD), similar creative changes have been observed in individuals with other neurological conditions, even without such treatment. This suggests that broader neurological and psychological factors beyond dopamine alone may influence creativity in PD. In this paper, I examined these influences through the lens of the <i>7 Muses of the Neuro-Creative Cycle</i>: independence, curiosity, playfulness, confidence, openness, interdependence, and passion. Originally developed to support creativity in healthy individuals, the 7 Muses framework aligns closely with the structural and functional brain changes, as well as psychological shifts, commonly seen in PD. These changes may unlock latent creative potential, enabling PD artists to express themselves more authentically. By promoting a dynamic balance between top-down (goal-directed) and bottom-up (emotion-driven) processing across the creative cycle, preparation, imagination, and verification, PD-related changes may help reduce self-censorship, foster originality, and support the creation of meaningful, valuable work. Ultimately, beyond the effects of dopamine, some PD patients may awaken their dormant muses by following their intrinsic drives, listening more to their heart than their head.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 2","pages":"250-283"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12287648/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global patterns linking total meat supply to dementia incidence: A population-based ecological study.","authors":"Wenpeng You","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025012","DOIUrl":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dementia cases are projected to triple globally by 2050, largely driven by an aging population. While aging remains the primary risk factor, emerging evidence suggests that diet, including total meat supply, may influence dementia risk. This study investigates the relationship between total meat supply (red and white meat) and dementia incidence using data from 204 countries. Bivariate correlations revealed a significant positive association between total meat supply and dementia incidence globally (r = 0.59, p < 0.001), with a stronger effect observed in low- and middle-income countries (z = 3.92, p < 0.001). Partial correlation analyses and multiple regression models, controlling for aging, economic status, genetic predisposition, and urbanization, confirmed that meat supply remained a significant predictor of dementia (Beta = 0.20, p < 0.001). Aging showed the strongest influence (Beta = 0.79, p < 0.001), underscoring its dominant role. Regional analyses suggested socio-economic disparities, dietary habits, and limited access to diverse nutrition as factors amplifying the association in developing regions. These findings identify total meat supply as a modifiable dietary factor contributing to dementia risk, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Implementing tailored dietary interventions may help reduce dementia incidence globally, especially in vulnerable populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 2","pages":"203-221"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12287645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distinct neural mechanisms of alpha binaural beats and white noise for cognitive enhancement in young adults.","authors":"Aini Ismafairus Abd Hamid, Nurfaten Hamzah, Siti Mariam Roslan, Nur Alia Amalin Suhardi, Muhammad Riddha Abdul Rahman, Faiz Mustafar, Hazim Omar, Asma Hayati Ahmad, Elza Azri Othman, Ahmad Nazlim Yusoff","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025010","DOIUrl":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Young adulthood is a critical period marked by significant cognitive demands, requiring efficient brain function to manage academic, professional, and social challenges. Many young adults struggle with focus, stress management, and information processing. Emerging research suggests that auditory stimulation, specifically binaural beats and white noise, may enhance cognitive abilities and address these challenges. This exploratory study investigates the immediate effects of alpha binaural beats (ABB) and alpha binaural beats combined with white noise (AWN) on brain connectivity in young adults using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Twenty-nine participants (n = 14 ABB, n = 15 AWN; mean age ≈ 22.14 years) were randomly assigned to receive either ABB or AWN during fMRI scans. Using dynamic independent component analysis (dyn-ICA), we examined the modulation of functional brain circuits during auditory stimulation. Preliminary findings revealed distinct and overlapping patterns of brain connectivity modulation of ABB and AWN. ABB primarily modulated connectivity within circuits involving frontoparietal, visual-motor, and multisensory regions, potentially enhancing cognitive flexibility, attentional control, and multisensory processing. Conversely, AWN primarily modulated connectivity in salience and default mode networks, with notable effects in limbic or reward regions, suggesting enhancements in focused attention and emotional processing. These preliminary results demonstrate that ABB and AWN differentially modulate brain networks on an immediate timescale. ABB may promote cognitive adaptability, while AWN enhances focused attention and emotional stability. Although behavioral effects were not assessed, these findings provide a neurobiological basis for understanding how these stimuli impact brain circuits. These preliminary findings may aid the development of personalized strategies for cognitive and emotional well-being. Given the exploratory nature, small sample size, and lack of concurrent behavioral data, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Future research with rigorous designs, including control groups and behavioral measures, is needed to explore the long-term effects and applications of these interventions in various settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 2","pages":"147-179"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12287642/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neuromodulation techniques in combination for a short-intensive treatment of depression and anxiety: a case report.","authors":"Fiammetta Iannuzzo, Federica Donia, Lorenzo Bette, Fabrizio Turiaco, Antonio Bruno","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025009","DOIUrl":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neuromodulation techniques have emerged as valuable strategies for patients with depression and anxiety who do not respond to traditional therapies. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) treatments are heterogeneous; however, they all share an average duration of at least 10 days, thus requiring significant patient commitment to maintain adequate compliance. Here we describe a 68-year-old woman who suffered from depression and generalized anxiety disorder and underwent a short-intensive combined protocol, thus highlighting its effectiveness and good tolerability.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 2","pages":"140-146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12287640/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interleukin-6 targeting antibodies for the treatment of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-associated Disease (MOGAD): A review of current literature.","authors":"Siddarth R Ganesh, Orion Yedidia, Krupa Pandey, Carmenrita Infortuna, Charitha Madiraju, Florian P Thomas, Fortunato Battaglia","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025008","DOIUrl":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disorder that can manifest as optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Although typically monophasic, relapsing cases are more common in adults. Current treatments include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, immune-suppressive drugs, and plasma exchange, but there is emerging interest in the use of interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors to prevent relapses such as tocilizumab and satralizumab. This review analyzed 24 studies on IL-6 inhibitors for MOGAD, including case reports, case series, and retrospective studies with at least one MOGAD patient. Tocilizumab demonstrated significant efficacy, with most studies reporting reduced annualized relapse rates (ARR), prolonged relapse-free periods, and improved neurological outcomes, including stabilization or recovery of vision, motor function, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion resolution. Satralizumab also showed potential, though data were more limited. While IL-6 inhibitors appear beneficial for steroid-dependent or treatment-resistant MOGAD, the existing data are limited to small, observational studies. Larger controlled trials are needed to establish their long-term efficacy and safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 2","pages":"113-139"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12287639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing cognition and well-being by treating the malocclusion unilateral posterior crossbite: preliminary evidence by a single case study.","authors":"Laura Mandolesi, Noemi Passarello, Eillyn Leiva Ramirez, Deny Menghini, Patrizia Turriziani, Teresa Vallelonga, Francesco Aristei, Angela Galeotti, Stefano Vicari, Vito Crincoli, Maria Grazia Piancino","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025007","DOIUrl":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Scientific investigations have increasingly revealed the intricate connection between masticatory function and cognitive functioning, as well as psychological well-being. Addressing malocclusions, such as the common unilateral posterior crossbite, during early developmental stages, emerges as an effective strategy for gaining health. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of treating unilateral posterior crossbite by utilizing a function generating bite (FGB) appliance in a 12-year-old child, focusing on its impact on specific cognitive domains. Through meticulous pre- and post-treatment assessments, encompassing global cognitive activity (Colored Progressive Matrices), verbal and spatial working memory (Digit Span and Corsi Block-Tapping Test), and graphic fluency (modified Five Points Test), this research aims to elucidate the cognitive benefits associated with FGB treatment. Results unveil that a mere seven-month application of FGB effectively rectified the malocclusion while concurrently yielding notable improvements in the cognitive abilities under scrutiny. Additionally, post-treatment observations revealed enhanced well-being and sleep quality, further emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of such interventions. Although this study presents findings from a singular case, it serves as a catalyst for further exploration into the intricate interplay between masticatory function and cognitive performance. Such endeavors are vital for advancing holistic healthcare practices that integrate dental care with cognitive and psychological considerations, thereby fostering comprehensive well-being and optimal development.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 2","pages":"95-112"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12287644/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review on recent advances in Alzheimer's disease: The role of synaptic plasticity.","authors":"Nour Kenaan, Zuheir Alshehabi","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025006","DOIUrl":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's Disease (AD) remains a significant global health challenge, characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory and learning. Despite being the main cause of dementia worldwide, the precise mechanisms that underlie neuronal dysfunction and synaptic plasticity impairment in AD remain elusive. However, while genetic mutations, dietary factors, and immune dysregulation are implicated in AD pathogenesis, the current therapeutic approaches are largely centered around acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). Nevertheless, this cholinergic hypothesis of AD is no longer satisfactory in describing this disease and has demonstrated a limited efficacy. Hence, new treatment approaches should be developed, and that requires us to view AD from a new perspective. Herein, in our review, we present the latest studies that discussed possible AD pathologies and pharmacotherapies. Additionally, we highlight that the emerging treatments that precisely targets brain regions associated with enhancing neuroplasticity have delivered promising results and seem to be more effective than older treatments. Finally, by viewing AD as a complex interplay of various factors that ultimately cause synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline, we can develop more effective therapeutic interventions and ultimately alleviate the significant burden of this debilitating disease for both patients and their families.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 2","pages":"75-94"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12287638/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) in metabolic disorders: A promising cannabinoid for diabetes and weight management.","authors":"Scott Mendoza","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/Neuroscience.2025003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Disorders of the metabolism, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, represent significant global health challenges due to their rising prevalence and associated complications. Despite existing therapeutic strategies, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacological treatments, and surgical options, limitations such as poor adherence, side effects, and accessibility issues call attention to the need for novel solutions. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from <i>Cannabis sativa</i>, has emerged as a promising agent to manage metabolic disorders. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THCV exhibits an antagonistic function on the CB1 receptor and a partial agonist function on the CB2 receptor, thus enabling appetite suppression, enhanced glucose regulation, and increased energy expenditure. Preclinical studies demonstrated that THCV improves insulin sensitivity, promotes glucose uptake, and restores insulin signaling in metabolic tissues. Additionally, THCV reduces lipid accumulation and improves the mitochondrial activity in adipocytes and hepatocytes, shown through both cell-based and animal research. Animal models further revealed THCV's potential to suppress appetite, prevent hepatosteatosis, and improve metabolic homeostasis. Preliminary human trials support these findings, thereby showing that THCV may modulate appetite and glycemic control, though larger-scale studies are necessary to confirm its clinical efficacy and safety. THCV's unique pharmacological profile positions it as a possible therapeutic candidate to address the multifaceted challenges of obesity and diabetes. Continued research should concentrate on optimizing formulations, undertaking well-designed clinical studies, and addressing regulatory hurdles to unlock its full potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 1","pages":"32-43"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12011981/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143959813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hypnosis efficacy on nicotine addiction: An analysis of EEG microstates and brain oscillation entropy.","authors":"Mi Zhang, Junjie Ren, Ni Li, Yongyi Li, Linxi Yang, Wenzhuo Wei, Juan Qiu, Xiaochu Zhang, Xiaoming Li","doi":"10.3934/Neuroscience.2025002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3934/Neuroscience.2025002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite hypnosis showing efficacy in treating nicotine dependence, its neurobiological impacts on a smokers' brain function remain underexplored. Thirty-three smokers underwent electroencephalography (EEG) recording during pre- and post-hypnosis sessions, each 8 minutes long, alongside Tobacco Craving Questionnaire (TCQ) assessments. Four distinct EEG microstate classes (A, B, C, D) were identified. Daily cigarette consumption negatively correlated with the microstate A duration (r = -0.39, P = 0.03). Hypnosis increased the microstate A parameters while decreasing those of microstate B. Reduced microstate B parameters positively correlated with lower TCQ scores (r = 0.46, P = 0.02). Post-hypnosis, there was a decreased variability and sample entropy in low-frequency theta-band signals, indicating a shift towards more ordered theta oscillations. This shift was inversely related to the microstate D parameters and positively correlated with the microstate C occurrences. Dynamic changes in the brain microstates and theta oscillations elucidate the neurological mechanisms underlying hypnotherapy's effectiveness in treating smoking addiction. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms by which hypnosis influences brain function and offer potential biomarkers for the treatment of smoking addiction, thus deepening our understanding of therapeutic approaches for substance use disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":7732,"journal":{"name":"AIMS Neuroscience","volume":"12 1","pages":"15-31"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12011983/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143952587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}