Brain Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Give or Take: Semantic Priming from Sentences to Two-Digit Operations.","authors":"Miguel Ayala-Cuesta, Sofía Castro, Pedro Macizo","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060662","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060662","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objective of this study was to assess the potential existence of shared semantics between linguistic (e.g., reading a sentence) and numerical information (e.g., performing an arithmetic operation).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To evaluate this proposal, we devised a paradigm with blocks of two trials. In the first trial, participants were presented with sentences containing verbs that conveyed either an increase (e.g., \"to give\") or a decrease (e.g., \"to take away\"). In the subsequent trial, participants were required to perform additions (e.g., 61 + 1) and subtractions (e.g., 52 - 4). We hypothesized that addition and subtraction would exhibit shared semantic processing with sentences denoting increase and decrease, respectively, resulting in cross-domain effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants exhibited enhanced speed and accuracy in addition problem-solving when preceded by increase sentences, whereas subtractions were solved with higher accuracy when preceded by decrease sentences. Moreover, these effects were found to be subject to modulation by the complexity of the numerical operation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings of this study support the hypothesis that there is a shared semantic processing between language and mathematics.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12190964/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144494517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cortical and Striatal Functional Connectivity in Juvenile-Onset Huntington's Disease.","authors":"Amy Barry, Peg C Nopoulos","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060663","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060663","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene, with a rare juvenile-onset form (JoHD) marked by early, rigid motor symptoms. This study examined cortical and subcortical resting-state connectivity in JoHD, hypothesizing preserved cortical networks but altered striatal connectivity, in line with early subcortical atrophy despite relatively spared cortical volume.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants included children and young adults with clinician-confirmed Juvenile-Onset Huntington's Disease (JoHD; <i>n</i> = 19) and gene-non-expanded (GNE) controls <i>(n</i> = 64), both drawn from longitudinal studies at the University of Iowa. Resting-state functional MRI scans were analyzed to assess canonical cortical network and striatal connectivity, and linear mixed-effects models tested group differences and associations with motor, cognitive, and clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>JoHD participants showed reduced connectivity within the left somatomotor network and striatal circuits, despite largely typical cortical network connectivity. Striatal connectivity was associated with disease burden and cognitive ability, while left somatomotor connectivity was unrelated to clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings support the hypothesis of antagonistic pleiotropy in JoHD, where early neural advantages-such as relatively preserved or possibly enhanced cortical function-may contribute to later striatal vulnerability and degeneration. The observed left-lateralized somatomotor hypoconnectivity aligns with prior volumetric and gene expression research, highlighting the role of excitotoxic glutamatergic input and the selective vulnerability of high-functioning circuits in disease progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191134/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144494489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Kyphoplasty as a Treatment Option for Traumatic Burst Fractures: A Case Series Evaluating Patient Outcomes and Functional Benefits.","authors":"Anoop S Chinthala, Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi, Trenton A Line, Matthew K Tobin, Gordon Mao, Bradley N Bohnstedt","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060659","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060659","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive approaches for spinal fractures aiming to reduce pain, increase mobilization, and prevent further vertebral height loss. Their efficacy in treating burst fractures has been questioned due to fragment mobility and concerns for cement leakage. We aim to report outcomes in patients who underwent kyphoplasty for spinal burst fractures. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with burst fractures treated from 2018 to 2023. Those who underwent kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty and had follow-up imaging were included. Clinical characteristics and follow-up outcomes were obtained through chart review. The primary outcome was the need for surgical intervention after kyphoplasty. <b>Results</b>: We identified ten patients (mean age 67.9 years, range 36-93 years) with burst fractures who underwent kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty. Six received kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty within 1 week of injury and four between 1 and 4 months post-injury. Nine patients had a TLICS score of 2, and one had a TLICS score of 5. Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty was performed for pain management in seven patients and significant/worsening vertebral height loss in three patients. At follow-up, 70% of patients reported an improvement in pain and 75% of patients reported improved mobility. One patient experienced progression of an L2 burst fracture but improved with conservative management. No patient required additional surgical fixation. <b>Conclusions</b>: In this series of ten patients with spinal burst fractures, standalone kyphoplasty was a safe and effective treatment. Our findings suggest kyphoplasty may be a viable treatment option for select spinal traumatic burst fractures, offering potential pain relief and mobility improvement in the short term.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12190216/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144494600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geographic Distribution and Future Projections of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Greece: Analysis from 1991 to 2050.","authors":"Themis P Exarchos, Konstantina Skolariki, Vasiliki Mahairaki, Constantine G Lyketsos, Panagiotis Vlamos, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Efthimios Dardiotis, On Behalf Of The Hellenic Initiative Against Alzheimer's Disease Hiaad","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060661","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060661","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Greece is among the fastest-aging countries globally, with one of the highest proportions of elderly individuals. As a result, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia is among the highest in Europe. The distribution of affected individuals varies considerably across different regions of the country.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We estimated the number of people living with MCI or dementia in Greece and visualized these estimates using heatmaps by regions for four census years: 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2023 (the 2023 census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Age- and sex-specific prevalence rates of MCI and dementia were obtained from the Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet. These prevalence rates were then applied to population data from each census to estimate the number of affected individuals per region.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a consistent increase in the number of people living with MCI, rising from 177,898 in 1991 to 311,189 in 2023. Dementia cases increased from 103,535 in 1991 to 206,939 in 2023. Projections based on future census data for 2035 and 2050 suggest that the number of people with MCI will reach 375,000 and 440,000, respectively, while dementia cases will increase to 250,000 in 2035 and 310,000 in 2050.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Given that each person with dementia typically requires care from at least two caregivers over time, these projections highlight the profound impact the dementia epidemic will have on Greece. The heatmaps developed in this study can serve as valuable tools for policymakers in designing and implementing clinical care programs tailored to the needs of each region based on the projected burden of disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191139/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144494516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RETRACTED: Erira et al. Differential Regulation of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/PTEN Pathway between Low- and High-Grade Gliomas. <i>Brain Sci.</i> 2021, <i>11</i>, 1655.","authors":"Alveiro Erira, Fernando Velandia, José Penagos, Camilo Zubieta, Gonzalo Arboleda","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060660","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060660","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Journal retracts the article \"Differential Regulation of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/PTEN Pathway between Low- and High-Grade Gliomas\" [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178274/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144324485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Glutathione, Retinol and α- and γ-Tocopherols Concentrations Between Children with and Without Epilepsy: A Single-Center Case-Control Study.","authors":"Izabela Szołtysek-Bołdys, Wioleta Zielińska-Danch, Łucja Gajowska, Ilona Kopyta, Beata Sarecka-Hujar","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060655","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060655","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Long-term treatment with anti-seizure medications (ASMs) may reduce antioxidant levels, which consequently impairs the brain's ability to counteract oxidative damage. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of selected antioxidants (i.e., glutathione, retinol, and α- and γ-tocopherols) in children with epilepsy treated with polytherapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study included 21 children with epilepsy treated with ≥2 ASMs for at least 6 months (mean age 7.1 ± 4.4 years) and 23 control children without epilepsy (mean age 7.4 ± 3.9 years). Both groups were recruited at the Department of Pediatric Neurology, the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland). The concentrations of glutathione, retinol, and α- and γ-tocopherols were determined in blood serum by HPLC. The antioxidant levels were compared between sex and age subgroups of individuals with epilepsy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the group of individuals with epilepsy, the percentage of females was 38% and in the control group it was 30%. There were no differences in antioxidant levels between female and male individuals with epilepsy, nor between younger epileptic children (0-6 years) and older children (>6 years). Individuals with epilepsy had significantly lower glutathione levels than the control group (1.5 ± 0.3 µmol/L vs. 2.4 ± 1.2 µmol/L, respectively, <i>p</i> < 0.001). In turn, the ratios of both α-tocopherol/glutathione and γ-tocopherol/glutathione were higher in individuals with epilepsy than in the control group (<i>p</i> = 0.042 and <i>p</i> = 0.004, respectively). Individuals with epilepsy taking ASM combinations other than valproic acid (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV) had a lower level of both retinol and glutathione than individuals on VPA and LEV treatment (for retinol 0.44 ± 0.13 µmol/L vs. 0.6 ± 0.1 µmol/L, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.047, and for glutathione 1.3 ± 0.3 µmol/L vs. 1.8 ± 0.3 µmol/L, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.003). In the individuals with epilepsy, the level of α-tocopherol decreased with age (r = -0.505, <i>p</i> = 0.019). In turn, in the control group, the levels of retinol and γ-tocopherol increased with age (r = 0.573, <i>p</i> = 0.004 and r = 0.461, <i>p</i> = 0.027, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Glutathione levels significantly differed between children with and without epilepsy. The concentration of α-tocopherol decreased with age in pediatric individuals with epilepsy. The levels of both retinol and glutathione were higher in individuals with epilepsy taking VPA and LEV treatment compared to individuals on ASMs combination other than VPA and LEV.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191024/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144494484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education in Physical Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Andrea Sánchez-Robalino, Hugo Sinchi-Sinchi, Andrés Ramírez","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060658","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060658","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Pain neuroscience education (PNE), when combined with physical therapy interventions, has been recognized as an effective strategy for improving pain management and reducing disability in individuals with chronic pain. <b>Objective</b>: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PNE in combination with rehabilitation modalities, with a focus on pain reduction and functional improvement. <b>Methods</b>: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in Cochrane, PsycInfo, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify randomized clinical trials examining the effects of combining PNE with physical therapy. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction focused on demographic and methodological characteristics, as well as outcomes related to pain and disability. <b>Results</b>: The findings indicate that PNE combined with physical therapy significantly reduces pain intensity and enhances functionality. The mean pain score decreased from 5.89 (pre-intervention) to 3.03 (post-intervention), with similar improvements observed in disability outcomes. However, heterogeneity among studies-attributable to sociocultural and methodological differences-suggests the need for a cautious interpretation of the results. <b>Conclusions</b>: The integration of PNE with physical therapy appears to be an effective approach for reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with chronic pain. Nevertheless, further research is recommended to address existing heterogeneity and to refine standardized intervention protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191368/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144494493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Updated and Comprehensive Review Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Neurotraumas: Implications for Therapeutic Strategies.","authors":"Ahmed Hasan, Sarah Adriana Scuderi, Anna Paola Capra, Domenico Giosa, Andrea Bonomo, Alessio Ardizzone, Emanuela Esposito","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060654","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060654","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The gut-brain axis (GBA) refers to the biochemical bidirectional communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract, linking brain and gut functions. It comprises a complex network of interactions involving the endocrine, immune, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. The balance of this bidirectional pathway depends on the composition of the gut microbiome and its metabolites. While the causes of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) vary, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in their development and prognosis. NDDs are often associated with an inflammation-related gut microbiome. However, restoring balance to the gut microbiome and reducing inflammation may have therapeutic benefits. In particular, introducing short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, key metabolites that support gut homeostasis, can help counteract the inflammatory microbiome. This strong pathological link between the gut and NDDs underscores the gut-brain axis (GBA) as a promising target for therapeutic intervention. This review, by scrutinizing the more recent original research articles published in PubMed (MEDLINE) database, emphasizes the emerging notion that GBA is an equally important pathological marker for neurological movement disorders, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease and neurotraumatic disorders such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Additionally, the GBA presents a promising therapeutic target for managing these diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12190727/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144494503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trajectories of Emotional Exhaustion and Their Contribution to Depression: Optimism as a Buffer in Young People.","authors":"Martha Cruz-Soto, Emmanuel Said Baeza-Torres, Luis Castañeda Pelaez, Jesús Rojas Jaimes, Jorge Palacios-Delgado","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060656","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060656","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Mexico, depression is one of the main mental health problems, with university students being particularly susceptible. Recent studies have explored the relationship between emotional factors and depression in young people. Our study investigates whether optimism buffers the indirect relationship between burnout, stress and coping in mitigating the negative effects on depressive symptoms in young university students. We hypothesized that optimism would moderate the negative impacts of stress and emotional exhaustion on depression.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In total, 497 students of a university in Mexico participated (63% female and 36.6% male), ranging in age from 18 to 29. Students completed screenings for depression, emotional scales and optimism measures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Emotional exhaustion and stress are direct predictors of depression. Although coping strategies did not have a direct effect, optimism mediated the relationship between stress and depression.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that promoting optimism in university students could be an effective strategy to reduce depressive symptoms, especially in the context of socioemotional vulnerability.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12190541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144494625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Neural Correlates of Chewing Gum-A Neuroimaging Review of Its Effects on Brain Activity.","authors":"James Chmiel, Agnieszka Malinowska","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15060657","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15060657","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Chewing gum is a widespread, seemingly mundane behaviour that has been linked to diverse benefits such as improved cognitive performance, reduced stress, and enhanced alertness. While animal and human research indicate that mastication engages extensive sensorimotor networks and may also modulate higher-order cognitive and emotional processes, questions remain about the specific neural mechanisms involved. This review combines findings from neuroimaging studies-including fMRI, fNIRS, and EEG-that investigate how chewing gum alters brain activity in humans.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Using a targeted search strategy, we screened the major databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) from January 1980 to March 2025 for clinical studies published in English. Eligible studies explicitly measured brain activity during gum chewing using EEG, fNIRS, or fMRI.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;After a title/abstract screening and a full-text review, thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria for this review: 15 utilising fMRI, 10 using fNIRS, 2 using both fNIRS and EEG, and 5 employing EEG. Overall, the fMRI investigations consistently reported strong activation in bilateral motor and somatosensory cortices, the supplementary motor area, the insula, the cerebellum, and the thalamus, during gum chewing, with several studies also noting involvement of higher-order prefrontal and cingulate regions, particularly under stress conditions or when participants chewed flavoured gum. The fNIRS findings indicated that chewing gum increased oxygenated haemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex, reflecting heightened cortical blood flow; these effects were often amplified when the gum was flavoured or when participants were exposed to stressful stimuli, suggesting that both sensory and emotional variables can influence chewing-related cortical responses. Finally, the EEG studies documented transient increases in alpha and beta wave power during gum chewing, particularly when flavoured gum was used, and reported short-lived enhancements in vigilance or alertness, which tended to subside soon after participants ceased chewing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;Neuroimaging data indicate that chewing gum reliably engages broad sensorimotor circuits while also influencing regions tied to attention, stress regulation, and possibly memory. Although these effects are often short-lived, the range of outcomes-from changes in cortical oxygenation to shifts in EEG power-underscores chewing gum's capacity to modulate brain function beyond simple oral motor control. However, at this time, the neural changes associated with gum chewing cannot be directly linked to the positive behavioural and functional outcomes observed in studies that measure these effects without the use of neuroimaging techniques. Future research should address longer-term impacts, refine methods to isolate flavour or stress variables, and ex","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12190721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144494673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}