Brain SciencesPub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15091024
Sriparna Majumdar, Vincent Wu
{"title":"Genetic Loss of VGLUT1 Alters Histogenesis of Retinal Glutamatergic Cells and Reveals Dynamic Expression of VGLUT2 in Cones.","authors":"Sriparna Majumdar, Vincent Wu","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091024","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Glutamatergic neurotransmission is essential for the normal functioning of the retina. Photoreceptor to bipolar and bipolar to ganglion cell signaling is mediated by L-glutamate, which is stored in and released from vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) containing synaptic vesicles. VGLUT1 is expressed postnatally, P2 onwards, and is required for the glutamatergic retinal wave observed between P10 and P12 in the developing mouse retina. P9-P13 postnatal age is critical for retinal development as VGLUT1 expressing ribbon synapses activate in the outer and inner plexiform layers, and rod/cone mediated visual signaling commences in that period. Although it has been hypothesized that glutamatergic extrinsic signaling drives cell cycle exit and initiates cellular differentiation in the developing retina, it is not clear whether intracellular, synaptic, or extrasynaptic vesicular glutamate release contributes to this process. Recent studies have attempted to decipher VGLUT's role in retinal development. Here, we investigate the potential effect of genetic loss of VGLUT1 on early postnatal histogenesis and development of retinal neural circuitry. <b>Methods</b>: We employed immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology to ascertain the density of glutamatergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic cells, spontaneous retinal activity, and light responses in VGLUT1 null retina, and contrasted them with wildtype (WT) and melanopsin null retina. <b>Results</b>: We have demonstrated here that VGLUT1 null retina shows signs of age dependent retinal degeneration, similar to other transgenic mice models with dysfunctional photoreceptor to bipolar cell synapses. The loss of VGLUT1 specifically alters glutamatergic cell density and morphological maturation of retinal ganglion cells. Moreover, VGLUT2 expression is lost in the majority of VGLUT2 cones in the absence of VGLUT1 coexpression, except when VGLUT2 coexpresses transiently with VGLUT3 in these cones, or when VGLUT1 null mice are dark reared. <b>Conclusions</b>: We present the first evidence that synaptic or extrasynaptic postnatal glutamate release from VGLUT1 containing vesicles impacts histogenesis of glutamatergic cells, pruning of retinal ganglion cell dendrites and VGLUT2 expression in cones.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468242/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173770","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}
Brain SciencesPub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15091022
Diego Iacono, Gloria C Feltis
{"title":"Idea Density and Grammatical Complexity as Neurocognitive Markers.","authors":"Diego Iacono, Gloria C Feltis","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091022","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Language, a uniquely human cognitive faculty, is fundamentally characterized by its capacity for complex thoughts and structured expressions. This review examines two critical measures of linguistic performance: <i>idea density</i> (ID) and <i>grammatical complexity</i> (GC). ID quantifies the richness of information conveyed per unit of language, reflecting semantic efficiency and conceptual processing. GC, conversely, measures the structural sophistication of syntax, indicative of hierarchical organization and rule-based operations. We explore the neurobiological underpinnings of these measures, identifying key brain regions and white matter pathways involved in their generation and comprehension. This includes linking ID to a distributed network of semantic hubs, like the anterior temporal lobe and temporoparietal junction, and GC to a fronto-striatal procedural network encompassing Broca's area and the basal ganglia. Moreover, a central theme is the integration of Chomsky's theories of Universal Grammar (UG), which posits an innate human linguistic endowment, with their neurobiological correlates. This integration analysis bridges foundational models that first mapped syntax (Friederici's work) to distinct neural pathways with contemporary network-based theories that view grammar as an emergent property of dynamic, inter-regional neural oscillations. Furthermore, we examine the genetic factors influencing ID and GC, including genes implicated in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. A comparative anatomical perspective across human and non-human primates illuminates the evolutionary trajectory of the language-ready brain. Also, we emphasize that, clinically, ID and GC serve as sensitive neurocognitive markers whose power lies in their often-dissociable profiles. For instance, the primary decline of ID in Alzheimer's disease contrasts with the severe grammatical impairment in nonfluent aphasia, aiding in differential diagnosis. Importantly, as non-invasive and scalable metrics, ID and GC also provide a critical complement to gold-standard but costly biomarkers like CSF and PET. Finally, the review considers the emerging role of AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) in automating these linguistic analyses, concluding with a necessary discussion of the critical challenges in validation, ethics, and implementation that must be addressed for these technologies to be responsibly integrated into clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468128/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173163","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}
Brain SciencesPub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15091023
Grant A Bateman, Alexander R Bateman
{"title":"A Lumped Parameter Modelling Study of Leukoaraiosis Suggests Its Vascular Pathophysiology May Be Similar to Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus.","authors":"Grant A Bateman, Alexander R Bateman","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091023","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Leukoaraiosis (LA) or white matter disease is a significant component of vascular dementia. There is a large overlap noted between normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and LA. A previously reported lumped parameter modelling study of NPH led to novel findings in this disease. Given the overlap between LA and NPH, the purpose of the current study is to perform a lumped parameter study into LA to see if the vascular pathophysiology is similar to NPH.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A lumped parameter model originally developed to study normal-pressure hydrocephalus was extended to investigate LA. The model was constrained by the known cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volumes found in LA, as derived from the literature.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Similar to NPH, in LA, the model predicted a balanced increase in arterial and venous outflow resistance, with the resulting ischemia affecting the white matter rather than the grey matter. However, unlike NPH, in LA, the findings are irreversible, most likely due to structural venous wall changes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The model suggests that the vascular physiology of LA maybe similar to NPH. A common pathophysiology is discussed based on a pulsation-induced increase in the venous outflow resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469235/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173436","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}
Brain SciencesPub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15091021
Ivan Taiar, July Silveira Gomes, Lucas Jorge, Carolina Ziebold, André Fernandes, Renan Biokino, Pedro Lorencetti, André Brunoni, Ary Gadelha
{"title":"Accelerated Optimized Protocol of Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia (ACTh-NS): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study Design.","authors":"Ivan Taiar, July Silveira Gomes, Lucas Jorge, Carolina Ziebold, André Fernandes, Renan Biokino, Pedro Lorencetti, André Brunoni, Ary Gadelha","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091021","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) has been associated with improvements in the negative symptoms (NSs) of schizophrenia. However, optimizing by shorter protocols remains necessary. Furthermore, understanding their impact on other clinical symptoms, sleep, and autonomic regulation is important to underlying therapeutic effects.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Evaluate the efficacy of an accelerated iTBS protocol on reducing NSs in patients with schizophrenia. We hypothesize a 20% reduction in BNSS scores in the active group, as well as improvements in disorder-related aspects, including sleep patterns, symptoms severity, and cognition.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial design will be conducted to test the effects of the accelerated iTBS protocol in 60 participants with schizophrenia (30 active and 30 sham) with moderate NSs. iTBS protocol will consist of four daily sessions, with 600 pulses per session for five consecutive days. Patients will be assessed at three time points (baseline, after intervention and 30 days follow up) for clinical symptoms, cognition and heart rate variability. The primary outcome will be negative symptoms using the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS). Study register: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (CAEE: 71102823.4.0000.5505).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The accelerated iTBS protocol has demonstrated promising effects on NSs. However, it is still necessary to establish an effective and feasible high-dosage protocol. This study will contribute to optimizing therapeutic protocols for schizophrenia, with a particular focus on clinical applicability. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity to deepen the understanding of the physiological effects of neuromodulation, contributing to the understanding of its underlying mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468741/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173497","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}
Brain SciencesPub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15091020
Balwinder Singh
{"title":"Bridging Neurobiology, Heterogeneity, and Comorbidity in Mood Disorders.","authors":"Balwinder Singh","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091020","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mood disorders are among the most disabling and complex psychiatric conditions, affecting millions worldwide and contributing substantially to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173738","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}
Brain SciencesPub Date : 2025-09-20DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15091018
Magdalena Grzonkowska, Michał Kułakowski, Karol Elster, Bartłomiej Hankiewicz, Michał Janiak, Agnieszka Rogalska, Milena Świtońska, Andrzej Żytkowski, Mariusz Baumgart
{"title":"CT-Based Quantitative Analysis of Ossification Centres in the C7 Vertebra of Human Fetuses.","authors":"Magdalena Grzonkowska, Michał Kułakowski, Karol Elster, Bartłomiej Hankiewicz, Michał Janiak, Agnieszka Rogalska, Milena Świtońska, Andrzej Żytkowski, Mariusz Baumgart","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091018","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: The present study aimed to analyze the growth dynamics of the ossification centers of the seventh cervical (C7) vertebra in the human fetus, focusing on linear, planar, and volumetric parameters of both the vertebral body and neural processes. <b>Methods</b>: The study was conducted on 55 human fetuses of both sexes (27 males and 28 females), aged 17-30 weeks' gestation. High-resolution computed tomography, three-dimensional reconstruction, digital image analysis, and appropriate statistical modeling were used to obtain detailed morphometric measurements of the C7 ossification centers. <b>Results</b>: All morphometric parameters-length, cross-sectional area, and volume-of the vertebral body ossification center increased linearly with gestational age, except for the sagittal diameter, which followed a logarithmic growth pattern. Linear growth was likewise observed in all diameters of the neural process ossification centers, including length, width, cross-sectional area, and volume. No statistically significant sex-related or side-related differences were detected. <b>Conclusions</b>: The CT-based morphometric data and growth models for the ossification centers of C7 presented in this study offer preliminary reference values for the vertebra prominens during fetal development. Although limited by sample size, these results establish a baseline that may assist anatomists, radiologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, and spinal surgeons in assessing cervical-spine maturation and in detecting congenital anomalies prenatally. Further studies involving larger and more diverse fetal cohorts are warranted to validate and extend these observations.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173321","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":"Navigating a Misty Road: Novel Ways to Study the Impact of Cognition on Driving Performance in Multiple Sclerosis.","authors":"Ioannis Nikolakakis, Panagiotis Grigoriadis, Nefeli Dimitriou, Dimitrios Parisis, Grigorios Nasios, Lambros Messinis, Christos Bakirtzis","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091017","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: The ability to drive is closely linked to participation in daily activities and quality of life in people living with neurological disorders. Cognitive deficits in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are known to hinder this ability, yet concrete fitness-to-drive criteria remain elusive and assessment guidelines lack uniformity. A plethora of cognitive tests have provided associations with various aspects of driving performance and on-road behavior; however, several studies reveal limitations and inconsistencies in most tests' sensitivity and predictive effect. Novel and resurfaced modalities for cognitive assessment, in the form of advanced imaging techniques and electrophysiological studies, may offer improved sensitivity in driving-related abilities in earlier and milder stages. Their application in addition to evaluations in driving simulators may aid future research and enhance the quality of evidence to inform decision-making. <b>Methods</b>: We searched for the relevant literature in the PubMed database and synthesized the available findings for the applications of currently clinically used cognitive tests, markers derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffuse tensor imaging (DTI), as well as event-related potentials (ERP). <b>Results</b>: Advanced imaging modalities and ERP studies may better capture neurobiological changes that lead to driving impairment in pwMS, and they may also be applied to detect cognitive alterations earlier and with greater precision, helping to predict driving difficulties in this population. <b>Conclusions</b>: Novel tools and driving simulator settings could improve our understanding of the relation between cognition and driving in pwMS, enhance protocol homogeneity in driving studies, and aid in the formation of guidelines. The evidence in this review supports an increase in their application in future studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173642","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}
Brain SciencesPub Date : 2025-09-20DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15091019
Moisés León-Ruiz, Julián Benito-León, Carlos Castañeda-Cabrero
{"title":"Nyctalopia Due to Vitamin A Deficiency Secondary to Short Bowel Syndrome: When the Electroretinogram Is the Diagnostic Key.","authors":"Moisés León-Ruiz, Julián Benito-León, Carlos Castañeda-Cabrero","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091019","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can occur due to malnutrition or reduced intestinal absorption, such as in short bowel syndrome (SBS). The main causes of SBS in adults include post-radiotherapy and surgery (e.g., repeated bowel resections). VAD mostly involves rods producing nyctalopia and reduced amplitudes of the electroretinogram (ERG) in scotopic conditions, with a characteristic negative ERG pattern (b/a < 1). <b>Case Report:</b> We report a 67-year-old woman with a history of gastric adenocarcinoma and several surgeries, who developed a progressive 3-month clinical picture of night blindness. <b>Results</b>: Urgent blood tests, biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurements, fundoscopy, and a cranial MRI were all normal. Visual evoked potentials showed increased latencies in both eyes, and full-field ERG showed a significant alteration in responses under scotopic conditions, and, to a lesser extent, under photopic conditions. Laboratory tests confirmed VAD, probably due to post-surgery and radiotherapy SBS. After parenteral vitamin replacement, VAD was clinically, analytically, and electroretinographically resolved. <b>Discussion:</b> VAD diagnosis is based on history, neuro-ophthalmological examination, and serum levels of retinol (<0.3 µg/mL) and/or retinol/retinol-binding protein (<0.8). In cases of a history of SBS, acquired nyctalopia, negative ERG, and clinical, analytical, and electroretinographic improvement with restoration of vitamin A levels, VAD should be suspected. ERG is crucial for early and appropriate management. <b>Conclusions:</b> As far as we know, this is the first reported VAD case secondary to SBS following surgical resections and radiotherapy of gastric adenocarcinoma with neuro-ophthalmological, laboratory, and electroretinographic monitoring of VAD recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468725/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173753","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":"Long-Term Preservation of Human Head and Neck Specimens for Neurosurgical Training: A Technical Note.","authors":"Francesco Signorelli, Valid Rastegar, Matteo Palermo, Domenico Laino, Fabio Zeoli, Massimiliano Visocchi","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091016","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose:</b> Cadaveric dissection is a cornerstone of neurosurgical education, providing trainees with a realistic 3D understanding of anatomy and a safe environment to practice surgical approaches. A preservation technique was developed that merges the advantages of fresh-frozen and embalmed cadavers, maintaining tissue realism while enhancing durability. This approach preserves flexibility and natural color, improves anatomical detail, and creates a safe, long-lasting model ideal for neurosurgical training. <b>Methods:</b> Four specimens were thawed, cannulated, and irrigated before implementing a protocol consisting of low concentration formaldehyde with glycerol and ethanol for extended preservation. The specimens were prepared for both neurosurgery training and educational purposes, and their condition was evaluated with a semi-quantitative scale. Each specimen was evaluated independently by two raters, blinded to the time-point, using a semi-quantitative scale anchored to predefined criteria (0-3 per domain). Inter-rater reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,k]) for continuous scores and Cohen's κ for categorical agreement. <b>Results:</b> Over nine years of intermittent use, the specimens remained in good condition: tissues retained sufficient softness for dissection, injected vessels stayed vivid in color, and no foul odor or microbial growth was observed. The evaluation employed a semi-quantitative scale, with results ranging from 11/14 to 14/14. The mean values demonstrate stable tissue quality over time, with only minor variations in color and perfusion. The inter-rater reliability was high (ICC = 0.91; κ = 0.88). <b>Conclusions:</b> The preservation method leverages the strengths of both fresh-frozen and embalmed models. The results suggest feasibility of long-term reuse, although further quantitative validation is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469029/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173531","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}
Brain SciencesPub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15091012
Marina Kalashnikova, Denis Burnham, Usha Goswami
{"title":"Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Relations Between Early Rise Time Discrimination Abilities and Pre-School Pre-Reading Assessments: The Seeds of Literacy Are Sown in Infancy.","authors":"Marina Kalashnikova, Denis Burnham, Usha Goswami","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15091012","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15091012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>The Seeds of Literacy project has followed infants at family risk for dyslexia (FR group) and infants not at family risk (NFR group) since the age of 5 months, exploring whether infant measures of auditory sensitivity and phonological skills are related to later reading achievement. Here, we retrospectively assessed relations between infant performance on a rise time discrimination task with new pre-reading behavioural measures administered at 60 months. In addition, we re-classified dyslexia risk at 60 months and again assessed relations to rise time sensitivity. Participants were re-grouped using the pre-reading behavioural measures as either dyslexia risk at 60 months (60mDR) or no dyslexia risk (60mNDR).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>FR and NFR children (44 English-learning children) completed assessments of rise time discrimination at 10 and/or 60 months, phonological awareness, phonological memory, rapid automatised naming (RAN), letter knowledge, and language skills (receptive vocabulary and grammatical awareness).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Longitudinal analyses showed significant time-lagged correlations between rise time sensitivity at 10 months and both RAN and letter knowledge at 60 months. Rise time sensitivity at 60 months was significantly poorer in those children re-grouped as 60mDR, and rise time sensitivity was significantly related to concurrent phonological awareness, RAN, letter knowledge, and receptive vocabulary, but not to tests of grammatical awareness.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The data support the view that children's rise time sensitivity is significantly related to their pre-reading phonological abilities. These findings are discussed in terms of Temporal Sampling theory.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468059/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145173483","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}