Basic and Clinical Neuroscience最新文献

{"title":"Context-dependent Modulation of Visual Recognition by Conscious and Unconscious Priming.","authors":"Samaneh Navab Kashani, Reza Khosrowabadi, Mohammad-Reza A Dehaqani","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2026.1191.2","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2026.1191.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Despite extensive study, how conscious and unconscious priming influence visual perception remains only partially understood. In this work, we examine their distinct effects across multiple experimental conditions within a binocular rivalry paradigm to provide a more comprehensive perspective on identity and category recognition.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants were presented with word or image primes, followed by a name-picture verification task in which faces or animal bodies served as targets. Although conscious priming has been shown to facilitate identity recognition while interfering with category perception, the precise distinction between conscious and unconscious states, as well as the mechanisms underlying unconscious priming, requires further detailed analysis. Left-hemispheric processing was one of the influential factors in distinguishing conscious from unconscious priming effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Interestingly, we observed a negative correlation between conscious and unconscious perception during identity recognition, highlighting the condition-dependent modulation of visual perception in the priming paradigm.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>From the regression analyses, awareness showed the strongest predictor of priming magnitude, with recognition level playing a secondary role. More broadly, our findings demonstrate that visual perception circuits are modulated condition-dependently, underscoring how awareness and trial context jointly shape recognition processes.</p><p><strong>Highlights: </strong>Conscious priming facilitated identity but impaired category recognition.Unconscious priming lacked identity-category dissociation.Identity priming showed negative conscious-unconscious correlation.Right visual field effects distinguished awareness states.Awareness was the strongest predictor of priming magnitude.</p><p><strong>Plain language summary: </strong>Our brains are constantly influenced by things we have just seen-even when we are not aware of seeing them. This phenomenon is called priming. In this study, we explored how visible (conscious) and invisible (unconscious) hints affect the way people recognize images. Participants viewed brief words or pictures before being asked to identify either a specific individual (for example, a particular dog breed or person) or a broader category (such as \"dog\" or \"animal\"). Sometimes these hints were clearly visible. Other times they were hidden from awareness using a special visual technique. We found that when people were consciously aware of the hint, it helped them recognize specific identities faster-but surprisingly, it made them slower at recognizing broader categories. In contrast, when the hint was invisible, this clear pattern disappeared. Even more interesting, for identity recognition, the effects of visible and invisible hints often moved in opposite directions. What helped in the conscious condition could hin","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"53-67"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136841","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":"Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Mitigates Depressive-Like behavior in Rats Subjected to Maternal Separation.","authors":"Gila Pirzad Jahromi, Masoud Afshari, Mehrdad Roghani, Shahriar Gharibzadeh, Akbar Ghorbani Alvanegh","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2026.8409.1","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2026.8409.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Early life stress, such as maternal separation (MS), can lead to serious mental health problems, such as depressive-like behavior in later life. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol. In this study, we sought to determine the effectiveness of the iTBS protocol on depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment induced by MS in male rats because the therapeutic effect of this protocol on this model remains unknown.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To induce depression, we used the MS method from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 20 for 4 hours each day. At PND 30, the iTBS treatment began and continued for 10 consecutive days. At PND 40, behavioral tests (Barnes maze, open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and forced swim test [FST]) were conducted. The rats were sacrificed on day 50, with brain tissue removed for biochemical analysis (oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], and beta-secretase 1 [BACE1]).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Based on the results, iTBS significantly improved spatial memory impaired by MS, as evidenced in the Barnes maze, and significantly reduced anxiety-like behavior shown in the EPM and depressive-like behavior demonstrated in the FST. Biochemical analysis showed that iTBS significantly reduced oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase [SOD], reactive oxygen species [ROS], malondialdehyde [MDA], catalase [CAT], and glutathione [GSH]), inflammation (TNFα), and BACE1, but increased BDNF in the hippocampus.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Taken together, our study suggests that the iTBS protocol may have therapeutic effects on depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment induced by MS.</p><p><strong>Highlights: </strong>MS caused depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits.iTBS improved behavioral and cognitive outcomes.iTBS reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, and BACE1, but increases BDNF.</p><p><strong>Plain language summary: </strong>Early life stress can have a long-lasting effect on the brain and mental health. This early life stress can also be used as a model in animals, using maternal separation, to study the effect of this stress on the brain and to look for new therapeutic options. In our study, we induced depression by separating pups from their mothers for certain periods of time, and then we explored whether a protocol of transcranial magnetic stimulation called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) could reduce depression and other negative effects on the brain or behavior. It is worth mentioning that this method is already used in humans, but the effect of this method on maternal separation-induced depression is underexplored. Rats who received this kind of stimulation for a period of time showed reduced depressive behavior, less anxiety, and improved memory. We also looked for improvement in the brain. Our observations showed that brain ","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"123-133"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220673/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136874","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":"Melatonin as a Neuroprotective Adjunct in Bipolar Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Maryam Shahrokhi, Robabeh Soleimani, Mahdi Ahmadinia, AmirMahdi Rezapour, Saeed Taatirad, Faezeh Jamali, Hamed Jafari Mohamadabadi, Roja Qobadighadikolaei","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2026.8317.1","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2026.8317.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Bipolar disorder (BD) is frequently treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which, despite its efficacy in severe mood episodes, is often complicated by cognitive impairment. To our knowledge, no standard prophylactic therapy currently exists to prevent these adverse effects. Melatonin, with established antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, may attenuate ECT-related cognitive dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 46 inpatients with BD undergoing ECT were allocated 1:1 to receive either melatonin (3 mg nightly) or identical placebo capsules. Study medication was administered from 24 h before the first ECT session until 24 h after the final session. Cognitive outcomes were assessed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and its subdomains at baseline and after each ECT session. Secondary outcomes included systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Adverse events were recorded throughout the trial.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with placebo, melatonin significantly improved global cognition across the ECT course (group × time interaction, P=0.021). At the final session, patients receiving melatonin demonstrated higher MMSE scores (27.9±1.8 vs 26.5±2.0), with the strongest improvements in recall (+0.6 points, P=0.012) and attention/calculation (+0.5 points, P=0.018). Blood pressure (BP) values remained stable (Δ systolic BP: -1.2±3.1 mm Hg melatonin vs -0.8±2.9 mm Hg placebo, P=0.64), and melatonin was also well tolerated.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Adjunctive melatonin reduced ECT-related cognitive impairment in BD patients, with pronounced benefits in memory and attention, while maintaining an excellent safety profile. These findings support melatonin as a simple, inexpensive, and widely accessible therapeutic option to support cognition in this vulnerable population.</p><p><strong>Highlights: </strong>Melatonin improved overall cognition in bipolar patients receiving ECT.The greatest cognitive gains were observed in the recall and attention/calculation domains.Melatonin was well tolerated with no significant adverse effects observed.No hemodynamic instability occurred during ECT sessions with melatonin use.Melatonin is a safe adjunctive option for reducing ECT-related cognitive decline.</p><p><strong>Plain language summary: </strong>Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a powerful and often life-saving treatment for people with severe bipolar disorder, especially when other treatments do not work. However, one of the biggest problems with ECT is that it can cause memory problems and difficulties with thinking, which makes many patients and families worried about choosing this treatment. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the body, best known for regulating sleep. But research has also shown that melatonin has protective effects on the brain, including reducing stress from harmful molecules (oxidative stress) ","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"97-112"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220675/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136830","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 Effect of Frontal-plane Balance Training on Fall Prevention in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Mitra Parsa, Iraj Abdollahi, Hossein Negahban, Mohammad Ali Sanjari, Enayatollah Bakhshi, Haniyeh Fakur Haddadiyan, Mina Rouhani","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2025.6958.2","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2025.6958.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study investigated the impact of frontal plane-focused balance training (FPBT) on fall prevention in stroke survivors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 59 chronic stroke survivors (mean age: 52.24±16.35 y, 18 female) were divided into the FPBT and control groups; both underwent an 8-week training program with three 1-hour sessions per week, incorporating single- and dual-task balance exercises. Primary outcomes included fall numbers and faller odds, while secondary outcomes assessed balance function using the Berg balance scale (BBS), mini-balance evaluation systems test (Mini-BEST), activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC), and fall risk for older people in the community (FROP-Com).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No statistically significant differences were found in fall numbers or faller odds between the groups during the training (P=0.768 and P=0.065) or follow-up period (P=0.461 and P=0.298), using negative binomial and logistic regression, respectively. A decline in fall risk was observed in the FPBT group compared with the control group. Both groups showed significant improvements in secondary outcomes (BBS, P=0.013; Mini-BEST, P<0.001; ABC, P<0.001; and FROP-Com, P<0.001), with no significant between-group differences (BBS, P=0.395; Mini-BEST, P=0.295; ABC, P=0.186; and FROP-Com, P=0.886).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that while FPBT did not significantly outperform conventional balance training in reducing falls, a trend toward fall risk reduction was observed. Further research is needed to optimize FPBT's effectiveness for stroke survivors.</p><p><strong>Highlights: </strong>FPBT showed consistent, though non-significant, reductions in fall numbers and faller odds compared to control across all periods, suggesting its potential as a promising intervention.All participants improved significantly in balance, mobility confidence, and fall risk measures after the intervention.No additional benefit of FPBT over control was found for any clinical outcome measure.Time effect dominated group effect, suggesting general benefits of any balance training.</p><p><strong>Plain language summary: </strong>This study tested whether a special type of balance training-focused on side-to-side (lateral) movements-could help prevent falls in people who have had a stroke. Falls are a major concern for stroke survivors, often leading to injuries and reduced independence. The researchers compared this new training, called frontal-plane balance training (FPBT), with traditional balance exercises to see which worked better. Fifty-nine stroke survivors were split into two groups: one did FPBT (practicing sideways balance exercises), while the other did standard balance training. Both groups exercised the practice three times a week for 8 weeks. The researchers tracked falls before, during, and 6 months after the training. They also measured balance, balance confidence, and fall ","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"69-83"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220674/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136828","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":"An Autosomal Dominant <i>TUBB3</i> Mutation Associated With Congenital Fibrosis of the Extraocular Muscles Type 3 in an Iranian Family.","authors":"Fatemeh Sadat Rashidi, Ehsan Ahmadipour, Afagh Alavi, Hamed Javadian, Parisa Azimi, Setareh Shomali, Motahhareh Sadeghi, Nader Maghsoudi, Abbas Bagheri, Noor M Ghiasvand","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2026.8492.1","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2026.8492.1","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles type 3 (CFEOM3) is a congenital cranial dysinnervation disorder (CCDD) marked by variable ophthalmoplegia and ptosis with considerable phenotypic heterogeneity. We report a large multigenerational Iranian family with autosomal dominant CFEOM3.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Affected individuals underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) in the proband, followed by Sanger sequencing in 10 affected and 4 unaffected relatives, identified a heterozygous missense variant, c.784C&gt;T (p.Arg262Cys), in exon 4 of &lt;i&gt;TUBB3&lt;/i&gt; (16q24.3), which cosegregated with the disease phenotype.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Cranial magnetic resonance imaging in 2 affected individuals revealed asymmetric basal ganglia morphology, predominantly affecting the caudate nuclei and putamen. At the level of the anterior commissure, the bilateral CFEOM3 patient lacked a visible commissure, whereas the unilateral patient exhibited a thin but identifiable structure. Midline sagittal imaging demonstrated corpus callosum dysgenesis in both individuals, with slightly greater involvement of the corpus callosum body in the unilateral case, though this difference was not radiologically significant. Despite differences in ocular phenotype, overall cerebral involvement was largely comparable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;These findings confirm the pathogenic role of the &lt;i&gt;TUBB3&lt;/i&gt; p.Arg262Cys variant in CFEOM3A and extend the spectrum of ophthalmologic and neuroimaging abnormalities within an extended family. The results highlight the complex genotype-phenotype relationships in &lt;i&gt;TUBB3&lt;/i&gt;-related disease and underscore the importance of integrated clinical and molecular evaluation for precise diagnosis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Highlights: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;i&gt;TUBB3&lt;/i&gt; R262C segregates with CFEOM3A in a large Iranian family.Brain MRI shows asymmetric basal ganglia and corpus callosum dysgenesis.The anterior commissure is absent in bilateral cases, thin but visible in unilateral cases.Ophthalmoplegia severity varies among affected individuals.Our findings expand the genotype-phenotype spectrum of TUBB3-related CFEOM3A.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plain language summary: &lt;/strong&gt;Some people are born with a condition called congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles type 3 (CFEOM3), which limits eye movement and may cause drooping eyelids. The severity of eye problems can differ even among family members. We studied a large Iranian family with several members affected by CFEOM3A. Medical exams, eye tests, brain imaging, and DNA analysis were performed. We identified a specific change in the &lt;i&gt;TUBB3&lt;/i&gt; gene, c.784C&gt;T, present in all affected members but absent in healthy relatives. This change likely disrupts normal eye and nerve development, explaining the observed eye problems. Brain imaging showed that this gene change can also alter brain structures, including the basal ganglia and","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"135-142"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220672/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136818","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":"Vitamin D Improves the Maternal Hypothyroidism-induced Cognitive Decline in the Rat Offspring.","authors":"Hanieh Hajipour, Katayoun Sedaghat","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2026.1792.2","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2026.1792.2","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Thyroid hormones (THs) are vital for fetal and neonatal nervous system development. Mild maternal hypothyroidism might render cognitive impairment in offspring during adulthood, by producing oxidative stress, inflammation, and lowering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Vitamin D has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Therefore, we investigated whether vitamin D administration during gestation in hypothyroid dams or after birth would improve cognitive function in offspring.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;For this study, we used propylthiouracil (PTU) to induce hypothyroidism in pregnant rats from the sixth day of gestation until delivery. A group of pregnant rats received vitamin D (5 or 10 mg/kg) along with PTU, while another group received that after delivery until the weaning of offspring and continued for the offspring until they were sacrificed. At the 60&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; postnatal day, a novel object recognition (NOR) test was performed. Protein assays for lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-6 (1L-6:), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and BDNF were performed in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Results indicated that maternal hypothyroidism reduced cognitive functions in the offspring, and that vitamin D administered during gestation improved memory decline and recognition of the novel object. Vitamin D, either during or after birth, markedly altered oxidative stress, inflammation, and BDNF levels in the brain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;This study indicates that maternal hypothyroidism-induced oxidation, inflammation, and decreased BDNF are passed and remain with the offspring into their adulthood, as possible causes of cognitive decline. Vitamin D administration, especially during pregnancy, may improve cognitive function by modulating the underlying mechanisms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Highlights: &lt;/strong&gt;Maternal hypothyroidism reduced cognitive function in the adult offspring, which is possibly related to the oxidative stress, increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and decrease in the brain derived nerve growth factor.Vitamin D administration to dams during gestation markedly restored cognitive ability in the NOR test.Vitamin D administration either pre- or postnatally, markedly adjusted oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and BDNF levels in the offspring hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plain language summary: &lt;/strong&gt;Hypothyroid mothers usually give birth to children with different levels of nervous system deficiency. This study is based on a model of mild maternal hypothyroidism (MH)-induced cognitive deficiency in male rat offspring. We measured cognitive ability using the novel object recognition (NOR) test, a standard test that evaluates a type of memory used to distinguish between old and new objects in a set, over a 24-hour interval. Our study showed that adult offspring with MH display lower cogn","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"143-158"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136866","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":"Histopathological Effects of the Intrathecal Chondroitinase ABC Administration in Spinal Cord Injured Rats: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Mohammad Amin Habibi, Ali Anjomshoa, Mohsen Sadeghi-Naini, Zahra Ghodsi, Samuel Berchi Kankam, Erfan Razavi, Armin Aryannejad, Seyed Mohammad Piri, Akam Ramezani, Rasha Atlasi, Kawthar Mohamed, Sina Shoo, Meysam Kaveh, Akbar Fotouhi, Arman Zeinaddini, James S Harrop, Alex R Vaccaro, Michael G Fehlings, Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2025.5588.1","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2025.5588.1","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) has been considered a potential treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). We aim to identify and evaluate the histopathological effects of intrathecal ChABC administration in SCI rat models.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies published from the inception of each database until November 22, 2022.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Of 3857 screened citations, 17 studies met eligibility criteria and were entered into the qualitative analysis. Sixteen studies were of high quality, and one study was of medium quality. The four main rat strains used in studies were Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, Lister hooded, and Long-Evans. ChABC treatment phases were considered acute (within 24 hours after injury), subacute (5 or 7 days after injury), or chronic (4 or 6 weeks after injury). Accordingly, ChABC administration in the acute phase of injury significantly reduced cyst formation and promoted tissue preservation and sensory neuron plasticity. Regardless of the treatment phase, ChABC administration significantly promoted serotonergic and corticospinal fiber plasticity. Nine of the 14 studies reporting on functional outcomes found that ChABC administration, alone or in combination with other treatments, including rehabilitation, improved motor function.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The specification of anatomical changes associated with ChABC treatment can explain the functional improvements reported with its use in SCI. The limited studies on more clinically relevant contusion and compression injury models warrant further investigation of these models and alternative treatment phases.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Highlights: &lt;/strong&gt;The current study evaluates the histological effects of Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) injection into the spinal cord in rat models of spinal cord injury (SCI).Acute-phase administration of ChABC significantly reduced cyst formation and enhanced tissue preservation.It also promoted plasticity and regeneration of sensory neurons.Across all phases, ChABC enhanced serotonergic and corticospinal fiber sprouting, suggesting broad regenerative effects.The anatomical changes induced by ChABC have important implications for SCI treatment strategies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plain language summary: &lt;/strong&gt;When the spinal cord is injured, it can cause serious problems with movement and feeling. Scientists are searching for ways to help the body repair itself after such injuries. This study looked at many earlier experiments that used a special substance called ChABC, which helps clean and fix the damaged part of the spine. The researchers reviewed the results of 17 studies on animals. They discovered that when ChABC was given soon after the injury, it stopped large scars from forming and helped protect the healthy parts of the spinal cord. It also allowed new nerves to grow and reconnect, making it easier for the body to he","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"1-23"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136900","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 Neurotoxic Mechanisms of Valproic Acid and Their Association With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Princewill Sopuluchukwu Udodi, Joshua Izuchukwu Abugu, Roseline Ebube Udodi, Uzozie Chikere Ofoego, Emeka Christian Okafor, Chukwudalu Emmanuel Orji, Damian Nnabuihe Ezejindu, Charles Oyinbo","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2026.4968.2","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2026.4968.2","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Valproic acid (VPA), which is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer, has been applied in treating several neurological and psychiatric conditions. However, severe neurotoxic side effects may result from its use, especially when taken at certain developmental stages of a child's brain. Consequently, the present narrative review aimed not only to summarize what is presently known about the neurotoxicity of VPA and the related neuropsychiatric disorders, but also to focus on potential interventions. Most of VPA's neurotoxic effects are due to its ability to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cause mitochondrial dysfunction, and alter epigenetics. It also facilitates neuronal damage by distorting the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, increasing the excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These neurotoxic mechanisms are strongly associated with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). For example, prenatal VPA use is one of the common risk factors in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is correlated with complex social and communication deficits. VPA, which is used to treat epilepsy, may paradoxically increase seizure propensity by affecting neuronal excitability and synaptic input. Understanding these pathways can help reduce VPA's neurotoxicity without diminishing its efficacy in sensitized children.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Highlights: &lt;/strong&gt;VPA induces epigenetic dysregulation through HDAC.VPA impairs mitochondria, increasing ROS and ATP depletion.The impaired balance of GABA/glutamate induces the change in neural circuitry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plain language summary: &lt;/strong&gt;Valproic acid (VPA) is a commonly used medicine to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraine. For many people, it is effective and life-changing. Nonetheless, it has been found that when consumed during pregnancy or in the early life of the brain, VPA can predispose children to some developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability (ADHD), and developmental delays. In this review, we examined how VPA can affect the developing brain. Studies suggest that VPA may interfere with how brain cells grow, connect, and communicate. It is capable of raising the levels of harmful molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cells and lower the energy production in the brain. VPA can also change how genes are regulated, affecting important processes involved in brain development. In addition, it may disrupt the balance of chemical messengers that allow brain cells to send signals to one another. Together, these effects can alter brain structure and function during critical stages of development. Understanding these mechanisms is important for both doctors and families. It assists in understanding why prenatal exposure to VPA is risky and why its prescription must be the responsibility of care, particularly in women of childbearing age. This ","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"25-38"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136856","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 Impact of Brain Auditory Stimulation in the Gamma Band on Cognitive Functions in Early-stage Alzheimer Patients.","authors":"Leila Mehdizadeh Fanid, Mansour Beyrami, Mahdi Jafari Asl, Behzad Nikzad, Siamak Dadashi, Zahra Zehtabi, Habibollah Rasouli","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2026.7612.2","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2026.7612.2","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Alzheimer disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by deterioration in cognitive abilities, currently affects around 24 to 50 million individuals worldwide. However, effective non-invasive therapeutic options are still unavailable. Disruption of gamma-band neural oscillations (~40 Hz), which underlie higher-order cognitive processes such as working memory and executive function, has been repeatedly documented in both human and animal models of AD. Targeted auditory stimulation at gamma frequencies has recently emerged as a potential neuromodulatory strategy for mitigating these deficits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;In a controlled experimental framework, 30 individuals clinically diagnosed with early-stage AD, confirmed via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and exhibiting mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores between 10 and 20, were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention (n=15) and control (n=15) groups using a quasi-experimental parallel-group pre-post design. The intervention group received 30 sessions of auditory stimulation using binaural beats centered at 40 Hz over 3 weeks. In contrast, the control group listened to an acoustically comparable audio file lacking gamma-frequency modulation. Cognitive performance was assessed using computerized versions of the Corsi block-tapping test, the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), and the digit span test. In addition, resting-state quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) was conducted to evaluate frontal lobe gamma-band activity under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Statistical analysis revealed that gamma-band auditory stimulation resulted in a significant enhancement of visuospatial working memory (P=0.001, Cohen's d=1.42) and cognitive flexibility (P=0.028, Cohen's d=0.78), alongside marked increases in both absolute and relative gamma power in the frontal cortex under eyes-closed conditions (P&lt;0.01).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;These findings suggest that auditory stimulation at 40 Hz selectively modulates neural circuits associated with executive and spatial cognitive functions and may serve as a viable non-invasive adjunctive intervention in early-stage AD.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Highlights: &lt;/strong&gt;40 Hz stimulation improved visuospatial working memory (P=0.001, d=1.42).Cognitive flexibility significantly increased after intervention (P=0.028).Frontal gamma power rose under eyes-closed condition (P&lt;0.01).Relative and absolute gamma activity significantly enhanced post-stimulation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plain language summary: &lt;/strong&gt;Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a condition that gradually damages memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. It affects millions of people worldwide, and current treatments can only slow symptoms rather than stop the disease. Because of this, researchers are searching for safe, non-invasive ways to support brain function ","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"85-95"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220669/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136877","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":"Neurofunctional Correlates of Hostility in Adolescents With Externalizing Disorders: Implications for Clinical Assessment and Intervention.","authors":"Parya Abravani, Mohammadreza Bigdeli, Aliasghar Sadabadi, Shahid Shateripour","doi":"10.32598/bcn.2026.324.6","DOIUrl":"10.32598/bcn.2026.324.6","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Previous neuroimaging studies have rarely investigated hostility as a distinct cognitive-emotional dimension of aggression. Most research has focused on overall aggressive behavior without differentiating hostility from other behavioral components. Specifically, the neural correlates associated with hostility in adolescents diagnosed with externalizing disorders have not been thoroughly investigated. To fill this void, the current research focused on hostility- a fundamental psychological element of violence-and its neurofunctional foundations in adolescents.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This study examined resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) differences in adolescents with high and low hostility, focusing on brain networks related to emotion regulation, salience, and executive control using the Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire (BPAQ) scale. We utilized seed-to-Voxel and region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) models to examine rsFC in two groups of adolescents: 14 with externalizing disorders and 13 typically developing controls.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Seed-to-Voxel analysis showed greater rsFC in low-hostility adolescents within two clusters: Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) (BA 9/46) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) (BA 10/11) compared to high-hostility peers. Both target regions represent top-down emotional processing and social-affective processing, respectively, providing evidence that the lower hostility group is more efficient at regulating aggressive impulses. ROI-to-ROI analysis revealed significantly reduced connectivity in high-hostility adolescents, particularly between the dlPFC and the amygdala, and between the frontal midline and the amygdala, indicating impaired emotion regulation. Lowered links were also found between dorsal attention and salience networks, visual-limbic regions, and between cerebellar and medial prefrontal areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;These differences reinforce disrupted functioning of conceptually relevant executive and attentional networks, as well as affective and socioemotional networks in adolescents with increased hostility. We perceive these findings collectively as a neurobiological contrast between low and high hostility, and note that decreased connectivity of both the prefrontal and salience networks may represent targets for neurotherapeutic interventions to reduce aggression in children and adolescents with externalizing problems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Highlights: &lt;/strong&gt;The study aimed to examine the neural basis of hostility in adolescents with externalizing disorders using rs fMRI and network level connectivity analysis.High hostility adolescents showed reduced functional connectivity in salience, attentional, and prefrontal-limbic networks, reflecting poor emotional salience detection and control.Weak coupling between dlPFC/vmPFC and amygdala indicated impaired top down em","PeriodicalId":8701,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Neuroscience","volume":"17 1","pages":"39-51"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220678/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136879","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}