Eye-tracking technology is one of the fundamental tools in scientific research. Eye-tracking data can provide detailed insights into visual attention, perception, and other cognitive processes. This bibliometric analysis aims to systematically review the state-of-the-art of eye-tracking studies in the behavioural sciences, identify emerging research trends and thematic areas, and uncover future research directions. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using the SCOPUS database. The search strategy included keywords related to eye-tracking. The retrieved articles were analysed for publication trends, co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrences, and thematic evolution over time. The analysis identified 5,825 relevant articles published between 2015 and 2024. The state-of-the-art of this area of study in behavioural sciences reveals a substantial increase in publications over the past decade. Research trends and thematic analysis highlight seven key areas of study, in particular: (1) driving behaviour; (2) social cognition; (3) cognitive ageing; (4) language processing; (5) visual cognition; (6) cognitive processes; and (7) electroencephalography (EEG). For future work, the analysis suggests promising research avenues, including the application of eye-tracking in virtual reality environments, longitudinal studies of attentional development, and interdisciplinary approaches combining eye-tracking with machine learning techniques. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of eye-tracking research in behavioural sciences. The findings emphasise the versatility of eye-tracking as a methodological tool and highlight key areas for future investigation. By identifying emerging trends and suggesting new research directions, this study contributes to the ongoing development of eye-tracking methodologies in behavioural research.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common but frequently underdiagnosed condition, especially in community settings. The diagnostic performance of four simple screening tests (vibration perception, temperature sensation, ankle reflex, and pinprick sensation) was examined against the biothesiometer as the reference standard for detecting peripheral neuropathy. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on those aged ≥18 years who visited retail pharmacies in Malaysia (March 2021 - May 2022). Four clinical examination tests, including the biothesiometer, were used to detect peripheral neuropathy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value were computed in SPSS. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 22.7% among 1,283 participants. Sensitivity was highest for ankle reflex (34.12%), followed by vibration testing (31.76%), pinprick (24.41%) and temperature sensation (6.76%). The specificity of all the tests was high (95.02 – 97.78%). The PPV was highest for vibration testing (83.72%). In non-clinical settings with limited time and equipment, vibration testing, together with ankle reflex, may serve as a reliable screening tool, given its high PPV and specificity. Given its low cost and ease of use, community health policy should consider early use of vibration and ankle tests to screen for peripheral neuropathy among at-risk groups, particularly among patients with diabetes and those over 50 years old.

This study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effect of Piper cubeba on cognitive impairment models using two induction methods: electroconvulsive shock (ECS) and scopolamine (SCO). For each model, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: P. cubeba 96% ethanol extract (PCE), P. cubeba lignan-rich fraction (LRF), citicoline (C; positive control), ECS/SCO control, and normal control (NO). The test substances were administered p.o. for 14 days, after which the rats except those in the NO group, were treated with ECS or SCO, depending on the model. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Morris Water Maze (MWM). Biochemical examinations were performed on the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, including lipid peroxidase inhibition, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The results showed that pretreatment with PCE and LRF improved cognitive function in ECS- and SCO-treated rats, with significantly lower escape latencies than those of the control groups (p<0.05). Moreover, PCE and LRF significantly increased hippocampal CAT and SOD activity compared with the ECS or SCO groups (p<0.05). PCE and LRF also significantly suppressed inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-1β) in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, with levels significantly lower than those in the control groups (p<0.05). Overall, the extract and lignan fraction of P. cubeba improved cognitive function in both models, potentially through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

Sensory impairments have been associated with cognitive decline and behavioral changes in aging populations. Early whisker removal in mice is a valuable model for studying tactile deprivation, as it relates to a primary sensory function of this species that parallels the loss of a primary sensory function in humans. While studies have explored the effects of auditory, visual, and olfactory deprivation, the impact of long-term tactile deprivation (LTD) on cognitive and emotional function in aging remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LTD on anxiety-like behavior and neuronal activity in aged mice. Six-month-old male CD1 mice underwent permanent tactile deprivation by infraorbital nerve sectioning (LTD group) or simulated surgery (Sham group). Six months later, anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using the open field test and elevated plus maze. Following the behavioral testing, immunohistochemical analysis of c-Fos expression was performed in key regions involved in emotional and cognitive processing, including the basolateral amygdala (BLA), central amygdala (CeA), and hippocampal regions (CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus). LTD mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior in the open field test. Additionally, LTD mice exhibit increased c-Fos expression in the amygdala and hippocampal subregions analyzed, indicating increased neuronal activation in these regions. These findings suggest that sensory deprivation may contribute to emotional dysregulation in aging.

Sciatic nerve injuries present a significant challenge due to their inherent complexity and the limitations of current treatment methods. While microsurgical techniques have advanced, achieving optimal functional recovery necessitates a deeper understanding of the underlying neurobiology following peripheral nerve injury. This article explores the limitations of current treatment modalities, including autologous nerve grafting and mecobalamin administration. It emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates physical therapy, occupational therapy, and potentially telehealth and VR interventions to optimize functional recovery and patient well-being. The article highlights the critical role of collaboration between various healthcare professionals. It emphasizes the need for ongoing research and development of novel therapeutic strategies to address the challenges associated with individual variability in the healing process and limited treatment options for severe nerve injuries.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a Southeast Asian plant with stimulant and opioid-like properties, traditionally used for its medicinal effects. However, its increasing popularity and potential for dependence raise concerns about its impact on brain function. This study investigated alterations in effective connectivity (EC) within the default mode network (DMN), a network associated with self-related processes, in kratom users compared to healthy controls. Ten regular kratom users (mean age: 27.30 ± 3.97) and seven healthy controls (mean age: 20.72 ± 1.88) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The EC analyses were performed using spectral dynamic causal modelling to examine directional influences between DMN regions. A fully connected model best represented EC in both groups; however, the control group lacked a significant connection between the right inferior parietal cortex (RIPC) and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Kratom users exhibited hyperconnectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and the left inferior parietal lobule (LIPL) connection compared to controls. Additionally, negative correlations were identified between the duration of kratom use and connectivity from PCC to RIPC. In contrast, positive correlations were observed between the duration of use and connectivity from RIPC to PCC. These findings suggest that kratom consumption may alter EC within the DMN, particularly the MPFC→LIPL connection, potentially due to chronic intake. This preliminary study provides neuroimaging insights into the effects of kratom on the brain and contributes to ongoing discussions regarding its potential for dependence and therapeutic applications.

Intonation – the variation in pitch, rhythm, and stress in speech – plays a crucial role in cognitive and emotional regulation, particularly in the field of sports psychology. This mini-review examines the role of intonation in designing machinery for mental sports psychology, focusing on three core areas: neurocognitive mechanisms, technological integration, and psychophysiological responses. We explore how the brain processes intonation, how it influences motivation and attention in athletes, and how emerging technologies are incorporating vocal cues for performance optimisation. Neurocognitive research reveals that intonation engages bilateral cortical and subcortical pathways, influencing attention, memory encoding, and motivation regulation. The amygdala and auditory cortex process emotional prosody, while Self Determination Theory (SDT) and Neurovisceral Integration models highlight the motivational and stress-modulating effects of tone of voice. Technological advancements leverage AI-driven coaching, neurofeedback systems, and VR-based training to integrate adaptive vocal cues that regulate athletes' arousal levels. Biofeedback tools and voice analysis systems now track stress and cognitive load via vocal markers, enabling personalised mental training. On a psychophysiological level, intonation directly affects heart rate, respiratory function, and hormonal responses, influencing athletes’ readiness, stress resilience, and performance outcomes. Studies show that energising intonations enhance physical output, while calming tones reduce anxiety and improve decision-making under pressure. Structured vocal guidance in imagery training, relaxation techniques, and pre-performance routines optimises arousal modulation for peak performance. Despite growing interest, the literature lacks an integrative framework that explicitly connects intonation-driven vocal modulation with neurocognitive and psychophysiological mechanisms in sport-specific contexts. We propose a conceptual model linking intonation to cognitive and physiological optimisation, emphasising coach-athlete communication, voice-based feedback, and real-time stress tracking. Future research should explore individualised voice training, multimodal integration with movement, and neuroadaptive intonation technologies to refine mental performance strategies in sports.

The 11th annual meeting of the Mongolian Neuroscience Society (MNS), themed "Multidisciplinary Brain Science 2024", served as a significant international platform for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in neuroscience and mental health. It was held on 2 and 3 August 2024, at the Ministry of Health and Ramada Hotel in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The conference was organized under the auspices of MNS, in partnership with the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), the Institute of Biomedicine at the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS), and the Mongolian Yoga Association. The conference brought together diverse professionals, including neuroscientists, psychologists, medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers from the United States, China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Mongolia. Participants shared their expertise, discussed cutting-edge research, and explored new avenues for collaboration in neuroscience and mental health. A pivotal focus of the event was the exploration of holistic mental health strategies, integrating modern neuroscience methodologies with traditional therapeutic practices such as yoga therapy. The conference further emphasised the importance of establishing a robust research infrastructure and fostering international collaborations to advance the fields of neuroscience and mental health research in Mongolia.

Pragmatics examines how context influences language meaning, with a focus on implied meanings and social factors that impact communication. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant challenges in pragmatic skills, attributed to factors such as structural language deficits, theory of mind, executive function, comorbidities of ASD and parental pragmatic skills, which impact their social interactions and conflict resolution. They may exhibit behavioural responses similar to typically developing (TD) children while performing a pragmatic task. Still, their neural mechanism differs, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex, temporal regions, temporal lobe, central parietal regions, limbic networks, and Default Mode Network (DMN). These deficits are often assessed using tools like the Children’s Communication Checklist-2, Test of Pragmatic Language and neuroimaging, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). It is of paramount importance to understand pragmatic impairment in children with ASD to provide appropriate interventions. This review aims to give an overview of the pragmatics in children with ASD, which can provide a foundation to comprehend their pragmatic challenges better and guide the development of targeted interventions to improve their social interactions and language skills.