ObjectiveAttention is a critical cognitive function impaired in various neurological disorders, and brain–computer interface (BCI) training shows potential for cognitive improvement. However, the neural mechanisms of BCI training on attention networks remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of BCI training on attention and the underlying neural mechanisms in healthy young adults.MethodsThirty healthy young adults participated in this study. Attention function was assessed using the attention network test (ANT), while brain activation and connectivity were measured using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Participants underwent the ANT and fNIRS assessments before and after BCI training.ResultsBCI training significantly improved the efficiency of the executive control network (p = 0.016). Nodal efficiency in the right posterior parietal cortex (PPC) was decreased (p = 0.044). In the resting state, effective connectivity (EC) analysis showed decreased connectivity from the right PPC to the left PPC in the resting state (p = 0.047). In the task state, the EC from the right prefrontal cortex (PFC) to the right PPC was significantly increased (p = 0.016), and the connectivity from the left PFC to the right PFC was significantly decreased (p = 0.023).ConclusionBCI training optimized connectivity within frontoparietal networks (FPNs), leading to enhanced executive control function. These findings suggest that BCI training could be an effective cognitive intervention for improving the function of FPNs. Future studies should explore the long‐term effects of BCI training and its potential application in clinical populations, such as patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and stroke.

Neuroinflammation‐induced cognitive impairment is characterized by a continued decline in memory, executive functioning, and information‐processing abilities. Although berberine (BBR) exhibits anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, its ability to mitigate cognitive deficits by regulating microglial‐mediated neuroinflammation remains incompletely understood. To investigate the potential of BBR in mitigating microglial‐mediated neuroinflammation and its detrimental effects on neuroplasticity and spatial memory, a mouse model was established through intrahippocampal microinjection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that BBR pretreatment significantly improved cognitive performance, suppressed microglial activation, reduced hippocampal neuronal damage, and increased the density of functional dendritic spines. Mechanistic analysis revealed that BBR treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway within microglia. These findings suggest that BBR is a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating neuroinflammation‐induced cognitive impairment and provide significant evidence for its potential application in treating inflammation‐related cognitive deficits.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/np/7939662.].

Global cerebral ischemia (GCI) during childhood is a leading cause of long‐term cognitive impairment, yet no therapies currently exist to promote recovery in survivors. We previously demonstrated that juvenile mice exhibit transient hippocampal synaptic dysfunction after GCI, associated with reduced brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and partial endogenous recovery over time. In this study, we tested whether delayed treatment with fluoxetine (FLX)—a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) known to enhance BDNF–TrkB signaling—could accelerate synaptic recovery. Juvenile mice underwent cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, followed by in vivo FLX or vehicle administration from postinjury days 10–13. Electrophysiological recordings on day 14 revealed that FLX restored hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) in males but not females. This effect was paralleled by an increase in hippocampal BDNF expression in FLX‐treated males, whereas no change was observed in females. Paired ex vivo experiments further confirmed that acute FLX exposure rescued LTP in GCI‐injured male slices. These findings suggest that FLX promotes synaptic recovery through BDNF–TrkB signaling in males, while recovery in females may proceed via alternate, hormone‐dependent mechanisms. Together, these results identify a novel therapeutic window for enhancing neuroplasticity after juvenile GCI and underscore the importance of developmental stage and biological sex in shaping responses to treatment.

BackgroundUpper limb hemiplegia faces the challenge of slow and difficult recovery. A “closed-loop method” based on brain plasticity has been proposed, combining central and peripheral interventions to enhance the upper limb function. Based on the theory, we aimed to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) concurrent with virtual reality (VR)-based robotic intervention on upper limb recovery and cortical excitability.MethodsIn this single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 40 patients with subacute ischemic stroke were recruited and randomized to experimental (tDCS concurrent with VR-based robotic intervention) and control (sham tDCS concurrent with VR-based robotic intervention) groups. All patients received 15 sessions (20 min per day, 5 sessions per week). Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Limb Scale (FMA-UL), the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).ResultsAll 40 patients completed the intervention, with 34 included in the fNIRS analysis. FMA-UL (F = 22.239, p < 0.001) and ARAT (F = 10.984, p=0.002) scores showed significant time-by-group interaction effects. Greater improvements were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group for both FMA-UL (p < 0.001) and ARAT (p=0.001). MBI scores increased significantly in both groups over time (F = 55.415, p < 0.001), but the change scores did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.369). fNIRS analysis revealed a significant time-by-group interaction effect in the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) (F = 4.762, p=0.037) and contralesional prefrontal cortex (PFC) (F = 10.881, p=0.002). Greater increases in activation were found in the experimental group for both ipsilesional M1 (p=0.025) and contralesional PFC (p=0.002).ConclusionsCompared with sham tDCS concurrent with VR-based robotic intervention, tDCS concurrent with VR-based robotic intervention can effectively enhance upper limb function and promote activation of ipsilesional M1 and contralesional PFC in subacute ischemic patients with stroke. However, there was no obvious advantage in improving activities of daily life (ADL).Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100047442

IntroductionHigh-intensity readmill training (FAST) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) are both evidence-supported interventions that improve gait function post-stroke, but their neural mechanisms are unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that FAST–FES training, which incorporates task-specific sensorimotor stimulation to paretic ankle muscles, would induce greater upregulation of lesioned corticospinal tract (CST) excitability compared to dose-matched training without FES in individuals post-stroke.MethodsIn this repeated-measures crossover study, 11 participants >6 months post-stroke (66.25 ± 8.15 years, six females) received FAST–FES or FAST gait training protocols (comprising three training sessions) in a randomized order, with an intervening >3-week washout period. FES was applied to the paretic dorsi- and plantar-flexor muscles during the paretic swing and terminal stance phases of gait, respectively. CST excitability was measured before and after each training protocol from bilateral tibialis anterior and soleus muscles in three different test positions: sit–rest, sit–active, and quiet standing.ResultsWe found a significant main effect of intervention on training-induced change in motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude (p=0.02). Post hoc comparisons revealed that FAST–FES caused a larger training-induced increase in MEPs than FAST training (p=0.01). FAST–FES did not affect CST excitability of the nonlesioned hemisphere, with no significant changes in MEP amplitude of the nonparetic ankle muscles.ConclusionsFAST–FES training increased corticospinal excitability in paretic ankle muscles without upregulating nonparetic ankle corticospinal drive, suggesting preferential induction of neuroplasticity in the lesioned CST.

BackgroundResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) reveals diverse neural activity patterns in adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; nsMDD). However, the reported results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to identify consistent patterns of brain activity alterations in adolescent nsMDD.MethodsA systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, Wanfang, and CNKI for rs-fMRI studies that compared nsMDD patients with healthy controls (HCs), up to June 30, 2025. Significant cluster coordinates were extracted for comprehensive analysis. We utilized regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) analyses. Activation likelihood estimation (ALE) was used to identify regions of aberrant spontaneous neural activity in adolescent nsMDD compared to HCs.ResultsEight studies (249 adolescent nsMDD and 278 HCs) were included. The ALE meta-analysis revealed increased activity in the left lingual gyrus (LING; Brodmann area [BA] 18) in adolescent nsMDD compared to HCs (voxel size = 200 mm3; p < 0.05). Decreased activity was observed in the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC; BA 29) in adolescent nsMDD compared to HCs (voxel size = 360 mm3; p < 0.05). Jackknife sensitivity analyses demonstrated robust reproducibility in five of eight tests for the left LING and in six of eight tests for the right PCC.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis confirms consistent alterations in specific brain regions in adolescent nsMDD, highlighting the potential of rs-fMRI to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Exercise training plays a pivotal role in neural repair and secondary injury prevention following spinal cord injury (SCI) and is widely implemented in clinical rehabilitation. It induces adaptive changes and remodeling within the nervous system of SCI patients, thereby improving functional impairments. The mechanisms underlying this adaptive remodeling involve complex signaling pathways, with mechanosensation and mechanotransduction being indispensable. Mechanosensitive ion channels (such as Piezo channels) sense and transduce mechanical forces generated during exercise, triggering downstream biochemical reactions that regulate cellular functions and ultimately promote functional recovery. This review systematically synthesizes evidence from Piezo channel-related animal studies and clinical research, focusing on their role in reshaping the structure and function of the nervous system through exercise intervention post-SCI. The study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Piezo channels mediate exercise-induced functional recovery after SCI, providing a theoretical foundation for developing precision exercise prescriptions to facilitate functional reconstruction and rehabilitation in patients.

Background and Purpose: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an effective therapeutic method for improving upper limb motor function after stroke, yet its usage among occupational and physical therapists in Germany remains uncertain. The aim of the study is to investigate the knowledge of, frequency of use, and barriers to electrical stimulation use in stroke rehabilitation.Methods: An online survey was conducted among German occupational and physical therapists working with stroke patients. Data were analyzed for frequency distributions, and associations between electrical stimulation usage and individual/organizational factors were assessed using Chi-Square or Fisher's exact tests.Results: A total of n = 111 participants completed the survey (57 occupational and 54 physical therapists). Almost half (45%) reported regular electrical stimulation use, with 57% wanting to increase it. Use was higher among therapists with additional training (85% vs. 44%, p=0.041), belief in electrical stimulation effectiveness during acute (87% vs. 59%, p=0.041) and early subacute stages (81% vs. 47%, p=0.027), sufficient time (78% vs. 60%, p < 0.001), and device access (80% vs. 44%, p=0.006). Therapists with over 10 years of experience used electrical stimulation less frequently (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Although electrical stimulation shows promise in rehabilitation, further research is needed to assess the resources—such as time, equipment, and therapist training—required for its effective integration.

Background and Objective: After a stroke, proprioceptive disorders can impair patients' ability to perceive the speed and direction of movement accurately and promptly, as well as the spatial position of their limbs. This impairment often leads to motor dysfunction, including balance and postural control deficits, which severely affect patients' activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life. Neural plasticity is a key factor influencing poststroke functional recovery. In recent years, neuromodulation techniques targeting the enhancement of neural plasticity have emerged as a major research focus. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of the efficacy of neuromodulation techniques in treating proprioceptive disorders in stroke patients.Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies investigating the effects of neuromodulation techniques on proprioceptive impairment in stroke patients. The search spanned from the inception of each database to December 2024. The primary outcome measure was the change in proprioception.Results: In this meta-analysis, a total of nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. One study compared two different neuromodulation techniques, resulting in the extraction of 10 distinct datasets. Overall, 360 patients were involved in these studies. Specifically, 182 patients in the treatment group received neuromodulation techniques combined with conventional rehabilitation, while 178 patients in the control group received conventional rehabilitation alone. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the efficacy of neuromodulation techniques combined with conventional rehabilitation compared to conventional rehabilitation alone(standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.221,95% CI = −0.194 to 0.636, p=0.296). The subgroup analysis based on the stage of the stroke course revealed no significant differences between the two groups(acute stage: SMD = 0.303, 95% CI = −1.300 to 1.905, p=0.711; subacute stage: SMD = 0.351, 95% CI = −0.200 to 0.903, p=0.212; chronic phase: SMD = −0.047, 95% CI = −0.634 to 0.539, p=0.874). Subgroup analysis based on the types of neuromodulation techniques revealed that three specific techniques, electroacupuncture, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), were effective in improving proprioceptive disorders after stroke electroacupuncture group: SMD = −0.504, 95% CI = −1.006 to −0.002, p=0.049; rTMS group: SMD = 1.207, 95% CI = 0.246–2.168, p=0.014; tDCS group: SMD = 0.894, 95% CI = 0.323–1.465, p=0.002).Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was found in the efficacy of neuromodulation techniques for treating proprioceptive disorders after stroke. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the intervention across different stages of stroke. However, subgroup analysis indicated that electroacupuncture, rTMS, and tDCS may be effective in managing proprioceptive disorders poststroke. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize these techniques in clinical practice.