Brain Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Differential Effects of Light Spectra on Sleep Architecture and Melatonin in Rats.","authors":"Yuan-Chun Chiu, Pei-Lu Yi, Fang-Chia Chang","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050445","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050445","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial light exposure, particularly from blue-rich sources, has raised concerns about its impact on sleep and circadian rhythms. While blue light's effects are well-documented, the comparative impact of longer wavelengths, such as orange light (590-635 nm), remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of 8 h blue (470-490 nm) and orange light exposures (500 lux) on sleep architecture in the next consecutive three days in Sprague-Dawley rats during the light or dark phase of a 12:12 h light-dark cycle. Sleep-wake states were assessed via electroencephalography (EEG) over 72 h. Blue light during the light period suppressed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep acutely and enhanced non-NREM sleep on Days 2 and 3. Orange light during the light period induced no immediate changes but increased NREM sleep on Day 2 with a biphasic REM response-suppression followed by rebound-persisting into Day 3. Blue light during the dark period increased NREM sleep during exposure, followed by suppression in the subsequent light period, with effects normalizing by Day 2. Blue light exposure suppressed melatonin levels compared to controls. These findings highlight spectral and temporal influences on sleep, with blue light exerting stronger acute effects and orange light eliciting delayed, biphasic responses. The results suggest implications for managing light exposure to mitigate sleep disruptions in modern environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109716/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144157000","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":"Bayesian-Optimized Convolutional Neural Networks for Classifying Primary Tumor Origin of Brain Metastases from MRI.","authors":"Jawed Nawabi, Semil Eminovic, Alexander Hartenstein, Georg Lukas Baumgaertner, Nils Schnurbusch, Madhuri Rudolph, David Wasilewski, Julia Onken, Eberhard Siebert, Edzard Wiener, Georg Bohner, Andrea Dell'Orco, Mike P Wattjes, Bernd Hamm, Uli Fehrenbach, Tobias Penzkofer","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050450","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050450","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study evaluates whether convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be trained to determine the primary tumor origin from MRI images alone in patients with metastatic brain lesions. <b>Methods</b>: This retrospective, monocentric study involved the segmentation of 1175 brain lesions from MRI scans of 436 patients with histologically confirmed primary tumor origins. The four most common tumor types-lung adenocarcinoma, small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma-were selected, and a class-balanced dataset was created through under-sampling. This resulted in 276 training datasets and 88 hold-out test datasets. Bayesian optimization was employed to determine the optimal CNN architecture, the most relevant imaging sequences, and whether the masking of images was necessary. We compared the performance of the CNN with that of two expert radiologists specializing in neuro-oncological imaging. <b>Results</b>: The best-performing CNN from the Bayesian optimization process used masked images across all available MRI sequences. It achieved Area-Under-the-Curve (AUC) values of 0.75 for melanoma, 0.65 for small cell lung cancer, 0.64 for breast cancer, and 0.57 for lung adenocarcinoma. Masked images likely improved performance by focusing the CNN on relevant regions and reducing noise from surrounding tissues. In comparison, Radiologist 1 achieved AUCs of 0.55, 0.52, 0.45, and 0.51, and Radiologist 2 achieved AUCs of 0.68, 0.55, 0.64, and 0.43 for the same tumor types, respectively. The CNN consistently showed higher accuracy, particularly for melanoma and breast cancer. <b>Conclusions</b>: Bayesian optimization enabled the creation of a CNN that outperformed expert radiologists in classifying the primary tumor origin of brain metastases from MRI.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110443/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144156758","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":"Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Artificial Intelligence in Communication Neuroprosthetics: A Bidirectional Approach for Speech and Hearing Impairments.","authors":"Thorsten Rudroff","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050449","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050449","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This perspective paper introduces a novel bidirectional framework for communication neuroprosthetics that integrates non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) with artificial intelligence (AI) to address both speech production and auditory processing impairments. Traditional approaches typically target only one aspect of communication, while this framework supports the complete communication cycle. The integration of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with advanced AI algorithms enables the personalized, adaptive enhancement of neural signals for both speaking and listening functions. This paper examines current evidence for NIBS efficacy in communication disorders, explores AI innovations in neural signal processing, and discusses implementation considerations for closed-loop systems. This bidirectional approach has the potential to provide more natural, effective communication support while promoting neuroplasticity for long-term recovery. The framework presented offers a roadmap for developing accessible communication interventions that could significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with speech and hearing impairments resulting from neurological conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144157002","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":"Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Modulation in Neurological Disorders: Insights from MS and Stroke.","authors":"Briana Maktabi, Faheem Shehjar, Zachary Senger, Logan Kountz, Syed Hasan, Kenan Maaieh, Kylee Hoersten, Jovana Duric, Zahoor A Shah","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050436","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050436","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath or myelin that covers nerve fibers, impacting the brain's ability to communicate with other areas of the body. This abnormal immune response recruits inflammatory substances, which appear as lesions on the brain and spinal cord. A stroke is characterized by a sudden impairment of neurological function resulting from the loss or restriction of blood flow due to acute damage to a localized area of the central nervous system, including the brain, retina, or spinal cord. While strokes, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, are different in terms of their pathogenesis to MS, mechanisms such as neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration are common denominators among these conditions. Recent studies highlight the involvement of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor in the treatment of strokes and how fingolimod, an S1P receptor modulator employed in MS treatment, may play a role in the treatment of stroke-like symptoms. This review aims to explore the potential link between stroke and MS, providing a comprehensive analysis of the existing evidence. It will also shed light on the role of S1P receptors in the pathophysiology of stroke, offering insights into their mechanistic contributions. Furthermore, the review will examine recent studies investigating the therapeutic potential of the S1P modulator, fingolimod, in acute stroke patients, highlighting its efficacy and potential clinical applications. Through this multifaceted approach, we hope to contribute to the development of a deeper understanding of these interconnected neurological conditions and their treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110324/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144156544","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":"Ankle Somatosensation and Lower-Limb Neuromuscular Function on a Lunar Gravity Analogue.","authors":"Ashleigh Marchant, Nick Ball, Jeremy Witchalls, Sarah B Wallwork, Gordon Waddington","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050443","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050443","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: The adverse effects of low gravity on human physiology are well documented; however, much of the literature is directed at changes which occur in microgravity (µg: weightlessness) with relatively less documented on changes in hypogravity (<1 g; >µg: gravity less than Earth's but more than microgravity). Somatosensation and neuromuscular control may be of particular importance for astronauts as they prepare for future missions to walk on the Moon. This study aimed to explore the effect of reduced weight bearing (to simulate conditions of hypogravity) on ankle somatosensation, lower-limb muscle activity, tone, and stiffness, compared to full weight bearing. <b>Methods</b>: Participants completed an ankle somatosensory acuity task (active movement extent discrimination assessment [AMEDA]) in two body positions: (1) upright standing (1 g), and (2) in a head-elevated supine, semi-weight bearing (0.16 g) position using a custom-built inclined \"wedge bed\". The second position induced ~16% body weight on to the plantar aspect of the feet, simulating that of lunar gravity. We compared the AMEDA scores between the two positions. Lower-limb muscle activity was recorded via surface EMG throughout the AMEDA task for both positions. The ankle AMEDA has five depths of ankle inversion. We compared muscle activity between the body positions, and muscle activity between inversion depths \"1\" and \"5\" (within each position). Lower-limb muscle tone and muscle stiffness were assessed at rest in both body positions using the MyotonPRO. <b>Results</b>: Fifty-five participants between the ages of 18 and 65 (28 females, 27 males; mean age of 40 years) completed the study. The AMEDA scores, muscle tone and stiffness were reduced when the participants were on the lunar wedge bed, compared to upright standing (<i>p</i> = 0.002; <i>p</i> < 0.001; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Some lower-limb muscles exhibited less activity in the lunar wedge-bed position compared to upright standing (tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris; <i>p</i> < 0.05) but others were unchanged (gastrocnemius, vastus medialis; <i>p</i> > 0.05). Muscle activity was unchanged between the AMEDA depths (<i>p</i> = 0.188). <b>Conclusions</b>: The results provide insight into how the somatosensory and neuromuscular systems respond to reduced weight bearing and potentially lunar gravity conditions, thereby informing how to target interventions for future missions.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109890/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144156318","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 Size and Localization of Ribeye and GluR2 in the Auditory Inner Hair Cell Synapse of C57BL/6 Mice Are Affected by Short-Pulse Corticosterone in a Sex-Dependent Manner.","authors":"Ewa Domarecka, Heidi Olze, Agnieszka J Szczepek","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050441","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050441","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses are the initial synapses in the auditory pathway, comprising presynaptic ribbons and postsynaptic glutamate receptors on the peripheral afferent fibers. The excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate primarily signals through AMPA-type heterotetrameric receptors (AMPARs), composed of GluR1, GluR2, GluR3, and GluR4 subunits. Research shows that corticosterone affects AMPA receptor subunits in the central nervous system. The present study investigates the effects of corticosterone on AMPA receptor subunits in the murine cochlea. <b>Methods</b>: Cochlear explants were isolated from male and female C57BL/6 pups (postnatal days 4-5), treated for 20 min with 100 nM corticosterone, and cultured for an additional 24 h. The concentration of AMPAR protein subunits was quantified using an ELISA assay, while gene expression was analyzed using RT-PCR. The synaptic localization patterns of GluR2 and Ribeye were examined using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. <b>Results</b>: Male C57BL/6 mice have a significantly greater basal concentration of the GluR2 subunit than females and more GluR2 puncta per IHC than females. Corticosterone increases the size of Ribeye in males and increases twofold GluR2/Ribeye colocalization in the apical region of females. <b>Conclusions</b>: Exposure of membranous cochleae to corticosterone induces changes consistent with neuroplasticity in the auditory periphery. The observed effect is sex-dependent.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110336/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144156899","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":"Exploring the Impact of Backward and Forward Locomotor Treadmill Training in Chronic Stroke Survivors with Severe Post-Stroke Walking Impairment: A Single-Center Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Saiprasad Naidu, Khwahish Singh, Tamiel Murray, Colin Drury, Erin Palermo, Heidi J Sucharew, Changchun Xie, Pierce Boyne, Kari Dunning, Oluwole O Awosika","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050437","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050437","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Defined as a self-selected speed of <0.4 m/s, chronic stroke survivors falling in this category are classified as \"severe\", usually homebound and sedentary, and they experience worse outcomes. Limited rehabilitation strategies are available to improve walking speed and related outcomes in this subgroup, and questions regarding effective rehabilitation options remain. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of backward (BLTT) and forward (FLTT) locomotor treadmill training on overground walking speed, spatiotemporal symmetry, and dynamic postural stability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this single-center, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled pilot trial, 14 stroke survivors with severe waking impairment underwent 12 sessions of BLTT (<i>n</i> = 7) or FLTT (<i>n</i> = 7). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants reaching clinically meaningful important difference (MCID) on the 10-meter walk test following training completion. Secondary outcomes were between-group differences in walking speed, spatiotemporal symmetry, and completion time on the 3-meter timed up and go (3M TUG) at 24 h, 30 days, and 90 days POST.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two subjects in the BLTT group (28.6%) and one (14.3%) in FLTT achieved MCID following training; however, most subjects did not, with significant variability in response. At 24 h POST, the median (IQR) percent change in walking speed was 28.9 (9.01-36.7) and 17.4 (12.6-39.7) with BLTT and FLTT, respectively; however, no between-group differences were seen (<i>p</i> = 0.80) at this time point or at 30 (<i>p</i> > 0.99) and 90 (<i>p</i> > 0.99) days follow up. Likewise, there were no significant between-group differences in spatiotemporal symmetry and the 3M TUG across time points.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While preliminary, this study found that 12 training sessions did not lead to group-level achievement of MCID for walking speed in our cohort and found no significant between-group differences in walking capacity or dynamic postural stability. Future well-powered dosing trials and mechanistically driven studies are needed to optimize and identify predictors of training response.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110432/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144156570","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":"Surface EEG Evidence for Cerebellar Control of Distal Upper Limbs in Humans.","authors":"Anna Latorre, Kais Humaidan, Mauro Sanna, Maria Lucrezia Lavena, Sara Pittalis, Clio Raimondi, Elias Paolo Casula, Lorenzo Rocchi","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050440","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050440","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: The cerebellum plays a crucial role in motor control, but its direct electrophysiological investigation in humans is challenging. Electrocerebellograms (ECeGs), recorded via surface electrodes below the inion, have been proposed as a non-invasive method to assess cerebellar activity. However, its interpretation is complicated by potential interference from occipital alpha rhythms and neck muscle signals. This study aimed to investigate whether ECeG signals genuinely reflect cerebellar involvement during upper limb movement and to explore possible confounding influences. <b>Methods</b>: We recorded electroencephalograms (EEGs) from occipital (Oz) and cerebellar electrodes (Cb1 and Cb2), alongside EMGs from forearm muscles in healthy individuals performing sinusoidal (~1 Hz) and tremor-like (~4 Hz) wrist movements. To assess occipital contamination, recordings were obtained under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. <b>Results</b>: Occipital alpha power was present in Cb1 and Cb2 but was less affected by eye-opening than at Oz, suggesting a partially distinct neural source. During the tremor condition, movement-frequency power increased at Cb2 and C3 (corresponding to the ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere and contralateral motor cortex), indicating authentic cerebellar activity. No significant movement-related EEG changes were observed during sinusoidal movements, likely due to weaker neuronal synchronization. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest that ECeGs can detect cerebellar signals linked to movement, especially during faster and rhythmic motions, and are only moderately affected by occipital contamination. This supports the feasibility of non-invasive cerebellar electrophysiology and underscores the need for further methodological refinement to enhance signal specificity.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109835/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144156698","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":"Papain Affects the Percentage and Morphology of Microglia in Hippocampal Neuron-Glial Cultures.","authors":"Ivan A Tumozov, Valentina N Mal'tseva, Sergei A Maiorov, Artem M Kosenkov, Sergei G Gaidin","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050442","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050442","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background.</b> Microglia, accounting for 5-15% of total brain cells, represent an essential population of glial cells in the cultures used for modeling neuroinflammation in vitro. However, microglia proliferation is poor in neuron-glial cultures. Here, we studied the population composition of rat hippocampal neuron-glial cell cultures prepared utilizing papain (PAP cultures) and trypsin (TRY cultures) as proteolytic enzymes for cell isolation. <b>Methods.</b> To evaluate the percentage and morphology of microglia in TRY and PAP cultures and cultures incubated in the presence of TGFβ+MCSF+cholesterol, which should enhance microglia proliferation, we used an immunostaining and calcium imaging approach in combination with staining using the recently developed vital microglia fluorescent probe CDr20. <b>Results.</b> We have shown that the microglia percentage in PAP cultures was higher than in TRY cultures. Microglia in PAP cultures are predominantly polarized, while bushy morphology was more characteristic of TRY cultures. We have also demonstrated that the TGFβ+MCSF+cholesterol combination increases the microglia number both in PAP and TRY cultures (up to 25-30%) and promotes the appearance of ameboid microglia characterized by high mobility. However, the significant appearance of ameboid microglia was observed already at the early stages of cultivation (2 DIV) in TRY cultures, while in PAP cultures, the described transformation was observed at 7 DIV. Based on the absence of the ATP-induced Ca²⁺ response, round shape, significant proliferation, and high mobility, we have suggested that ameboid microglia are reactive. <b>Conclusions.</b> Thus, our results demonstrate that papain is a more suitable proteolytic enzyme for preparing mixed hippocampal neuron-glial cultures with a higher percentage of heterogeneous microglia and functional neurons and astrocytes (tricultures).</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109584/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144156939","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 Impact of Distance and Altitude on Railway Environmental Noise Based on Cerebral Oxygenated Hemoglobin Saturation.","authors":"Min-Kyeong Kim, Duckshin Park","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15050439","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15050439","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Railways are considered an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation but can pose significant environmental challenges due to their operation and associated activities. Among these, noise generation is a persistent source of public complaints. In Korea, a maximum distance of 100 m from buildings has been proposed for new railway developments in residential areas, although this guideline lacks a solid foundation based on experimental evidence. Noise barriers are often installed as a mitigation measure; however, there is no standardized guideline for their height in relation to their effectiveness at varying distances. The distances and altitudes set in this study took into account accessibility and the height of noise barriers on actual railway sites. In particular, we examined the effects of altitude above and distance from a railway site under the assumption that the prefrontal cortex would be physiologically affected by noise exposure. In this study, we conducted the first analysis in Korea of cerebral blood flow changes in response to noise, to assess quantitatively the stress effects caused by railway environmental noise at varying distances from, and altitudes above, a railway. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we measured prefrontal cortex activation in 10 adult males (average age: 33.2 years). Brain activation was evaluated under different distances from (40 and 100 m) and altitudes above (1st and 4th floors of a building) a railway through a paired-sample <i>t</i>-test analysis. Discomfort was felt at relatively close distances to the railway, and there were no differences in perceived discomfort between the examined floors. Brain activation due to environmental noise was highest in channel 43 (left DLPFC) for altitude (floor) and in channel 37 (left FPC) for distance. Significant differences in activation were observed in the corresponding Brodmann areas, varying based on altitude and distance (<i>p</i> < 0.05). These results provide valuable scientific data for the preliminary design phase of new railway developments, particularly with regard to determining appropriate residential distance and noise barrier specifications, to enhance comfort of nearby residents. Furthermore, they may contribute to the improvement of quality of life by reducing stress caused by railway environmental noise.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110038/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144156784","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}