Brain-XPub Date : 2024-12-26DOI: 10.1002/brx2.70010
Sudha Thakur, Anoop Kumar, Anne Dijkstra, Abhimanyu Thakur
{"title":"Occupational therapy-based rehabilitation of sciatic nerve pain","authors":"Sudha Thakur, Anoop Kumar, Anne Dijkstra, Abhimanyu Thakur","doi":"10.1002/brx2.70010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.70010","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Sciatica is a severe form of pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve that radiates from the back toward the hip and outer side of the leg. Conventional treatments for sciatica include pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases. However, these approaches can be invasive and costly and may not provide long-term relief. Occupational therapy refers to the intentional and strategic application of various activities associated with daily life, work, education, and leisure to address functional impairments. Focusing on targeted exercises, manual techniques, and ergonomic modifications to alleviate symptoms and improve function, it offers a promising alternative to medical treatments. Occupational therapy interventions for sciatica can reduce pain, increase mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life. As an empowering approach, such techniques aid symptom management and functional independence. This article explores occupational therapy-based assessments, interventions, outcomes, progress tracking, pharmacotherapy, challenges owing to surgical approaches, and devices for sciatic pain rehabilitation, with assessments aimed at improving the overall quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. Future research should focus on developing and validating new assessment tools and outcome measures specific to sciatica, enabling more accurate evaluation and progress monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.70010","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143119242","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}
Brain-XPub Date : 2024-12-23DOI: 10.1002/brx2.70011
Junbo Liao, Zhihan An, Quan Cheng, Yaxue Liu, Yibing Chen, Zhangjie Su, Ahsan Muhammad Usman, Zhi Tang, Gelei Xiao
{"title":"The glymphatic system: A new insight into the understanding of neurological diseases","authors":"Junbo Liao, Zhihan An, Quan Cheng, Yaxue Liu, Yibing Chen, Zhangjie Su, Ahsan Muhammad Usman, Zhi Tang, Gelei Xiao","doi":"10.1002/brx2.70011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.70011","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The glymphatic system (GS) is a newly discovered transport system in the central nervous system (CNS) that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by facilitating the clearance of metabolic waste and fluid transport. This groundbreaking discovery has significantly advanced our understanding of CNS physiology. Historically, the brain was thought to lack a lymphatic system, leaving its mechanisms for waste clearance largely enigmatic. This review elaborates on the anatomical structures of the GS, including the perivascular space, aquaporin 4 (AQP4) channels, and the meningeal lymphatic system, as well as their functional dynamics, to elucidate the GS's waste clearance mechanism. It also explores the key factors influencing GS activity, such as sleep, arterial pulsation, aging, and pharmacological interventions. Moreover, it examines the implications of GS dysfunction in various neurological diseases, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, it discusses the latest diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting this vital system. Understanding the role of the GS in CNS homeostasis not only provides new insights into the pathophysiology of neurological diseases but also opens novel avenues for therapeutic interventions to enhance brain health and mitigate neurodegenerative processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.70011","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143118262","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}
Brain-XPub Date : 2024-12-12DOI: 10.1002/brx2.70009
Pancheng Zhu, Mengxia Yu, Mingzheng Wu, Yiyuan Yang
{"title":"Advanced flexible brain-computer interfaces and devices for the exploration of neural dynamics","authors":"Pancheng Zhu, Mengxia Yu, Mingzheng Wu, Yiyuan Yang","doi":"10.1002/brx2.70009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.70009","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The rapid advancement of flexible neural interfaces and devices is revolutionizing our ability to explore the neural foundations of consciousness, intelligence, and behavior. Cutting-edge developments in materials science and system-level integration are significantly enhancing the spatiotemporal resolution of neural signal acquisition and modulation, paving the way for next-generation brain-computer interfaces. These technologies enable unprecedented investigations into the causal relationships between neural dynamics and behaviors in freely moving subjects, offering new insights into various neurocognitive domains. The integration of artificial intelligence and brain organoids with neuroscience research promises to further decode complex neural signals, deepening our understanding of multilevel neural dynamics. Beyond their scientific implications, these innovations also offer transformative possibilities for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This perspective paper examines how flexible neural interfaces overcome the limitations of traditional neurotechnology, their potential impact on neural research, and their promising applications in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders, while also considering the ethical implications and future challenges in this rapidly evolving field.</p>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.70009","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142851343","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}
Brain-XPub Date : 2024-12-11DOI: 10.1002/brx2.70008
Jie Zhao, Zhi Tang, Yuchu Jiang, Yijian Yang, Junbo Liao, Zhangjie Su, Ahsan Muhammad Usman, Xiaoyu Chen, Gelei Xiao
{"title":"Oxidative stress in hydrocephalus: A new potential therapeutic target","authors":"Jie Zhao, Zhi Tang, Yuchu Jiang, Yijian Yang, Junbo Liao, Zhangjie Su, Ahsan Muhammad Usman, Xiaoyu Chen, Gelei Xiao","doi":"10.1002/brx2.70008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.70008","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull for several reasons, such as cerebrospinal fluid overproduction, circulatory obstruction, and malabsorption. Excess fluid causes the ventricular system and subarachnoid space to enlarge due to the squeezing of cerebrospinal fluid. Hydrocephalus is clinically manifested by increased intracranial pressure and impaired brain function. It is a neurological disease with a variety of complications that affect the body and require long-term and continuous treatment; however, current treatment methods are relatively limited, whether medical or surgical. Studies have shown that oxidative stress plays an important role in the formation and development of hydrocephalus, but it has not been systematically reviewed in current studies. In this paper, oxidative stress in hydrocephalus formation and its potential role were systematically reviewed, including the mechanism of oxidative stress, related signaling pathways, and pathological changes in oxidative stress formation. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the possibility of oxidative stress as a new therapeutic target of hydrocephalus treatment, expecting that it will be helpful for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.70008","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142860832","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}
Brain-XPub Date : 2024-10-20DOI: 10.1002/brx2.70007
Sana Mohammadi, Sadegh Ghaderi, Farzad Fatehi
{"title":"Brain perfusion alterations in patients and survivors of COVID-19 infection using arterial spin labeling: A systematic review","authors":"Sana Mohammadi, Sadegh Ghaderi, Farzad Fatehi","doi":"10.1002/brx2.70007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been shown to impact the central nervous system, leading to various neurological complications. Arterial spin labeling (ASL), a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging technique, enables the measurement of cerebral blood flow and perfusion abnormalities. This systematic review aims to synthesize ASL findings in patients with COVID-19 and assess the potential role of ASL in diagnosing and managing neurological complications. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus for studies related to ASL in individuals with COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 syndrome published between December 2019 and August 2024. Extracted data encompassed study characteristics, ASL protocols, cognitive assessments, and principal findings. The most consistent observation across studies was hypoperfusion detected in various brain regions, particularly within the frontal lobes, which may correlate with cognitive impairment and olfactory dysfunction. Additionally, some investigations reported hyperperfusion localized to the leptomeninges. These results may reflect underlying mechanisms such as hypoxic–ischemic injury, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and neuronal damage attributable to COVID-19. In conclusion, ASL has emerged as a valuable tool for evaluating brain perfusion among patients affected by or recovering from COVID-19 since it offers critical insights into cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism. Further research is warranted to validate these ASL findings and elucidate whether post-COVID-19 syndrome contributes to persistent brain perfusion issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.70007","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142451731","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}
Brain-XPub Date : 2024-10-20DOI: 10.1002/brx2.70006
Zhangyi Yi, Ge Yin, Chunjiang Wei, Yizhou Quan, Yu Sun
{"title":"Mechanosensitive Piezo channels and their potential roles in peripheral auditory perception","authors":"Zhangyi Yi, Ge Yin, Chunjiang Wei, Yizhou Quan, Yu Sun","doi":"10.1002/brx2.70006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.70006","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Hearing sound and responding to external and internal mechanical stimuli requires specific proteins as mechanotransducers that convert mechanical forces into biological signals. However, our understanding of the mechanotransduction process in the inner ear is still incomplete. Mechanically activated ion channels, PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, are widely distributed throughout the body and play essential roles. Recent studies have discovered that Piezo channels are expressed in inner ear hair cells, suggesting their potential involvement in auditory perception. This review summarizes the existing discoveries about the Piezo channels, including their structure, mechanogating mechanisms, and general physiological roles, explicitly focusing on Piezo channels in the auditory systems. Piezo channels play roles in ultrasound perception, generation of anomalous current, hair cell development, and potentially in the normal mechanoelectrical transduction process of hair cells. Collectively, this review aims to provide a new perspective on the Piezo channel and its potential roles in auditory perception.</p>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.70006","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142451730","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":"Research progress and applications of optoelectronic synaptic devices based on 2D materials","authors":"Yukun Zhao, Linrui Cheng, Rui Xu, Zexin Yu, Jianya Zhang","doi":"10.1002/brx2.70004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.70004","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In the natural world, the human brain is the most powerful information processor, using a highly parallel, efficient, fault-tolerant, and reconfigurable neural network. Taking inspiration from this impressive architecture, optoelectronic synaptic devices have gained considerable attention for their ability to process and retain data simultaneously, making them essential components in the upcoming era of neuromorphic computing systems. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of optoelectronic neuromorphic synaptic devices using two-dimensional (2D) material heterostructures. This review focuses on the use of 2D materials in creating optoelectronic synaptic devices. It discusses the recent progress made in utilizing 2D material heterostructures in these devices and examines their potential in different areas such as image recognition, neuromorphic wearable electronics, logical operations, and neuromorphic computing systems. Heterostructures made with 2D materials provide a wide range of possibilities as their electronic band structures can be easily tailored to achieve effective optical and electrical modulation. Optoelectronic synaptic devices based on 2D materials simultaneously exhibit two functionalities: detection and memory. Furthermore, these materials have strong interatomic bonding within layers and possess a thickness of only one atomic layer, giving them exceptional flexibility, optical transparency, and mechanical strength. By utilizing 2D materials for solution processing and their ultra-thin profile, the manufacturing of three-terminal synapses becomes cost-effective, simplifying integration processes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.70004","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142451729","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":"Promoting the welfare of animals utilized in neuroscience research","authors":"Tianshuo Zhang, NianNian Zhang, Ruoqing Feng, Hao Wang, Fangfang Bi, Shuangqing Wang","doi":"10.1002/brx2.70002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.70002","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The safeguarding of animal welfare holds a deep-rooted history within public institutions and legislative structures, with the objective of enhancing the comfort and overall wellbeing of animals throughout the entire experimental process. It is paramount to harmonize the enhancement of animal welfare with medical research practices, as this is pivotal in mitigating factors that impede modeling precision and prioritizing their welfare. This commitment has nurtured innovation in advanced experimental methodologies and welfare evaluation techniques. The classic 3Rs principle-replacement, reduction, and refinement-serves as a fundamental cornerstone for advancing the welfare of model animals. The establishment of appropriate metrics for animal welfare, rooted in the 3Rs principle, will propel progress in related fields. This review delves into the evolution of animal ethics and the 3R principles, alongside strategies to elevate the welfare of various model animals utilized in neuroscience, encompassing non-human primates, rodents, zebrafish, and other species. The aim of this review is to clarify the notion of welfare in this context and to evaluate the merits and constraints of utilizing model animals in neuroscience research. This, in essence, may contribute to bolstering animal protection and standardizing their use in research endeavors. Additionally, the pursuit of novel modeling methodologies is imperative to provide superior alternatives for neuroscience research.</p>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.70002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142451749","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":"Microbiome-gut-brain axis as a novel hotspot in depression","authors":"Yue Ma, Peng Xu, ZhenJun Bai, JiLiang Fang","doi":"10.1002/brx2.43","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.43","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <p>As a prevalent psychiatric disorder, the etiology of depression remains largely elusive, necessitating further investigation into its pathophysiological underpinnings. Notably, the comorbidity of depression with other mental health conditions and chronic diseases often presents alongside gastrointestinal symptoms. Research on the microbiome-gut-brain axis (MGBA) has emerged as a promising avenue for elucidating the pathophysiology of depression. In this study, bibliometric analysis tools, including HistCite, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the bibliometrix <i>R</i> package, were employed to comprehensively explore the MGBA-depression connection. A comprehensive survey identified 980 relevant publications concerning the MGBA-depression relationship, with a significant increase in research output observed since 2014. This analysis pinpointed five key factors within the MGBA-depression domain: cytokines, maternal separation, neuroinflammation, probiotics, and the vagus nerve. The insights presented herein offer valuable perspectives on prevailing research models that investigate the intricate interplay among the microbiome, gastrointestinal system, and brain within the context of depression. Based on these findings, future investigations should prioritize developing microbial-based interventions and innovative therapeutic modalities aimed at alleviating depression. By leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing our understanding of MGBA–depression connections, we can pave pathways toward more effective treatments. Furthermore, improving outcomes for individuals with depression may be achieved by deepening our comprehension of the complex relationships between depression itself, the gut-brain axis, and gastrointestinal microbiota.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.43","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142451748","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}
Brain-XPub Date : 2024-10-15DOI: 10.1002/brx2.70005
Ke Yao, Qianxue Mou, Zhen Jiang, Yin Zhao
{"title":"Posttranslational modifications in retinal degeneration diseases: An update on the molecular basis and treatment","authors":"Ke Yao, Qianxue Mou, Zhen Jiang, Yin Zhao","doi":"10.1002/brx2.70005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/brx2.70005","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Noninherited diseases and age-associated vision loss are often associated with retinal degeneration. The retina is a postmitotic neural tissue lacking endogenous regeneration capacity. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of retinal degeneration in diseases is pivotal. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) determine protein function during physiological and pathological processes, including signal transduction, protein localization, and protein activation. Advanced detection technologies have revealed over 400 different PTMs including acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Here, we discuss PTMs in retinal degeneration diseases to aid in our understanding of their molecular basis and suggest potential future clinical treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":94303,"journal":{"name":"Brain-X","volume":"2 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brx2.70005","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142443578","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}