Daniel William Essel, Frank Quansah, Simon Ntumi, Frank Henry Bonsi, Lawrence Sakyi Larbi, Abdul-Razak Ishaaq
Purpose
Psychological well-being among university students is often examined using variable-centered approaches that assume population homogeneity. Using Ryff's eudaimonic model and a person-centered analytic framework, this study examined latent profiles of psychological well-being among Ghanaian undergraduates, offering insight into how the Western-derived model functions in a non-Western cultural context.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was employed to sample 574 regular undergraduate students from a public university in Ghana. Students completed the 18-item Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) followed by Chi-square tests were performed using JAMOVI statistical software.
Findings
Four distinct profiles emerged: fully flourishing students (38.7%), harmonious life seekers (45.1%), purposeful self-actualizers (7.5%), and aspiring actualizers (8.7%). The profiles differed primarily in levels of autonomy, personal growth, and environmental mastery. Well-being profile membership was not associated with gender but varied significantly by age, although the effect size was small.
Conclusions
The study findings suggest meaningful heterogeneity in eudaimonic well-being among Ghanaian undergraduates and highlight the importance of culturally sensitive, profile-based mental health interventions beyond demographic assumptions.
{"title":"Uncovering Heterogeneity in the Measurement of Psychological Well-Being in Non-Western Culture: A Latent Profile Analysis of Ghanaian Undergraduates","authors":"Daniel William Essel, Frank Quansah, Simon Ntumi, Frank Henry Bonsi, Lawrence Sakyi Larbi, Abdul-Razak Ishaaq","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71216","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71216","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Psychological well-being among university students is often examined using variable-centered approaches that assume population homogeneity. Using Ryff's eudaimonic model and a person-centered analytic framework, this study examined latent profiles of psychological well-being among Ghanaian undergraduates, offering insight into how the Western-derived model functions in a non-Western cultural context.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional design was employed to sample 574 regular undergraduate students from a public university in Ghana. Students completed the 18-item Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) followed by Chi-square tests were performed using JAMOVI statistical software.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Four distinct profiles emerged: fully flourishing students (38.7%), harmonious life seekers (45.1%), purposeful self-actualizers (7.5%), and aspiring actualizers (8.7%). The profiles differed primarily in levels of autonomy, personal growth, and environmental mastery. Well-being profile membership was not associated with gender but varied significantly by age, although the effect size was small.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study findings suggest meaningful heterogeneity in eudaimonic well-being among Ghanaian undergraduates and highlight the importance of culturally sensitive, profile-based mental health interventions beyond demographic assumptions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848516/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emma G. W. McKnight, Gail Lee, Cheryl Chong, Jane A. Foster, Tie-yuan Zhang, Jason P. Lerch, Brian J. Nieman, Mark R. Palmert
Purpose
Previous studies have established that parental consumption of a diet high in fat and simple sugar (HF/HSS) leads to long-term effects on offspring brain development. However, most studies have focused on the effects of maternal diets or the combined effects of both parents’ diets. As literature suggests that fathers’ environmental factors can also impact offspring brain development, we aimed to explore the impact of isolated paternal consumption of an HF/HSS diet on offspring brain structure.
Methods
C57Bl/6J male mice were acclimated to an HF/HSS diet for eight weeks prior to mating with females who consumed standard chow (control diet, CD). A matching paternal control group was fed the CD during the acclimation period. Throughout gestation and lactation all dams and offspring were fed the CD; all pups were weaned at postnatal day 21 (P21) and stayed on the CD. At P42 offspring brains were prepared for ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain MR images were then segmented for volumetric structural analysis.
Results
HF/HSS-fed sires gained more weight during acclimation than CD sires (p < 0.001). However, offspring weights at weaning (P21) and at endpoint (P42) were not significantly affected by paternal diet. Offspring brain morphology, as assessed by volume measurements of 185 brain structures, was not significantly affected by sire HF/HSS diet alone.
Conclusion
While small structural changes cannot be ruled out, the results suggest that previously observed changes in offspring brain structure attributed to parental consumption of HF/HSS diet (selected to mimic some aspects of the human “Western Diet”) require maternal consumption.
{"title":"Probing the Influence of Paternal Diet on Offspring Neuroanatomy With Mouse MRI","authors":"Emma G. W. McKnight, Gail Lee, Cheryl Chong, Jane A. Foster, Tie-yuan Zhang, Jason P. Lerch, Brian J. Nieman, Mark R. Palmert","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71195","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71195","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Previous studies have established that parental consumption of a diet high in fat and simple sugar (HF/HSS) leads to long-term effects on offspring brain development. However, most studies have focused on the effects of maternal diets or the combined effects of both parents’ diets. As literature suggests that fathers’ environmental factors can also impact offspring brain development, we aimed to explore the impact of isolated paternal consumption of an HF/HSS diet on offspring brain structure.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>C57Bl/6J male mice were acclimated to an HF/HSS diet for eight weeks prior to mating with females who consumed standard chow (control diet, CD). A matching paternal control group was fed the CD during the acclimation period. Throughout gestation and lactation all dams and offspring were fed the CD; all pups were weaned at postnatal day 21 (P21) and stayed on the CD. At P42 offspring brains were prepared for <i>ex vivo</i> magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain MR images were then segmented for volumetric structural analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>HF/HSS-fed sires gained more weight during acclimation than CD sires (<i>p</i> < 0.001). However, offspring weights at weaning (P21) and at endpoint (P42) were not significantly affected by paternal diet. Offspring brain morphology, as assessed by volume measurements of 185 brain structures, was not significantly affected by sire HF/HSS diet alone.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>While small structural changes cannot be ruled out, the results suggest that previously observed changes in offspring brain structure attributed to parental consumption of HF/HSS diet (selected to mimic some aspects of the human “Western Diet”) require maternal consumption.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848517/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Participation in arts-related activities has been shown to positively influence the well-being and social connectedness of young people. However, few studies have explored the neuroendocrinological changes that might contribute to these benefits. In this exploratory study, we assessed oxytocin (OT) and cortisol (CORT) responses in children experiencing facilitated drum circle activities for the first time. These activities involve imitation and coordinated movement, which are known to increase OT levels. Additionally, OT levels are associated with behavioral synchrony and affiliative behaviors in close preexisting relationships, with higher baseline levels observed in individuals who exhibit more affectionate and coordinated interactions. We hypothesized that children participating in facilitated drum circles with their friends would show higher levels of OT than those participating with strangers.
Methods
Elementary school girls were assigned to either a friends group (F-group) or a strangers group (S-group). Salivary samples were collected before and after the facilitated drum circle activities.
Results
Salivary OT increased after the activity in the F-group but not in the S-group. Salivary CORT showed no statistical difference between or within groups.
Conclusion
Our current data suggest that participation in facilitated drum circles with friends may lead to an increase in OT levels in children, and that preexisting bonds may influence the neuroendocrinological response.
{"title":"Differences in Oxytocin Response Between a Group of Friends and a Group of Strangers Following Facilitated Drum Circle Activities","authors":"Mitsuru Kikuchi, Sanae Tanaka, Kazumi Furuhara, Haruhiro Higashida, Chiharu Tsuji","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71183","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71183","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Participation in arts-related activities has been shown to positively influence the well-being and social connectedness of young people. However, few studies have explored the neuroendocrinological changes that might contribute to these benefits. In this exploratory study, we assessed oxytocin (OT) and cortisol (CORT) responses in children experiencing facilitated drum circle activities for the first time. These activities involve imitation and coordinated movement, which are known to increase OT levels. Additionally, OT levels are associated with behavioral synchrony and affiliative behaviors in close preexisting relationships, with higher baseline levels observed in individuals who exhibit more affectionate and coordinated interactions. We hypothesized that children participating in facilitated drum circles with their friends would show higher levels of OT than those participating with strangers.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Elementary school girls were assigned to either a friends group (F-group) or a strangers group (S-group). Salivary samples were collected before and after the facilitated drum circle activities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Salivary OT increased after the activity in the F-group but not in the S-group. Salivary CORT showed no statistical difference between or within groups.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our current data suggest that participation in facilitated drum circles with friends may lead to an increase in OT levels in children, and that preexisting bonds may influence the neuroendocrinological response.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848522/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lingyu Zhao, Yixin Jiang, Ziwei Chen, Yongning Song
Purpose
Although empathy processing varies significantly between individuals with high and low autism-like traits (ALT), the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study integrated behavioral measures with electroencephalography (EEG) analyses to investigate neural processing differences between high- and low-ALT groups during cognitive and affective empathy tasks.
Method
We assessed cognitive empathy (judging depicted emotions) and affective empathy (rating personal emotional resonance) in 40 participants (21 high-ALT and 19 low-ALT) using the Multifaceted Empathy Test while concurrently recording EEG data. Our analytical approach combined traditional behavioral analysis with multivariate pattern analysis and representational similarity analysis.
Results
Behaviorally, the groups showed no significant performance differences. However, their neural mechanisms diverged. During cognitive empathy, the high-ALT group exhibited inefficient early sensory processing and delayed, discontinuous neural encoding of emotion categories, suggesting reliance on late-stage compensatory processing. For affective empathy, while early automatic neural resonance was intact, the high-ALT group exhibited atypically sustained reliance on low-level sensory features and failed to form stable, integrated neural representations of emotion, unlike the low-ALT group.
Conclusion
These findings reveal a pattern of “behavioral equivalence, neural heterogeneity.” High-ALT individuals appear to employ distinct, compensatory neural strategies to achieve typical behavioral outcomes in empathy. This highlights the value of advanced neuro-decoding in uncovering latent processing differences underlying the ALT spectrum.
{"title":"Neural Heterogeneity Underlying Behavioral Equivalence: A Dynamic Neuro-Decoding Study of Cognitive and Affective Empathy in Relation to Autism-Like Traits","authors":"Lingyu Zhao, Yixin Jiang, Ziwei Chen, Yongning Song","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71236","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71236","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Although empathy processing varies significantly between individuals with high and low autism-like traits (ALT), the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study integrated behavioral measures with electroencephalography (EEG) analyses to investigate neural processing differences between high- and low-ALT groups during cognitive and affective empathy tasks.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We assessed cognitive empathy (judging depicted emotions) and affective empathy (rating personal emotional resonance) in 40 participants (21 high-ALT and 19 low-ALT) using the Multifaceted Empathy Test while concurrently recording EEG data. Our analytical approach combined traditional behavioral analysis with multivariate pattern analysis and representational similarity analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Behaviorally, the groups showed no significant performance differences. However, their neural mechanisms diverged. During cognitive empathy, the high-ALT group exhibited inefficient early sensory processing and delayed, discontinuous neural encoding of emotion categories, suggesting reliance on late-stage compensatory processing. For affective empathy, while early automatic neural resonance was intact, the high-ALT group exhibited atypically sustained reliance on low-level sensory features and failed to form stable, integrated neural representations of emotion, unlike the low-ALT group.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These findings reveal a pattern of “behavioral equivalence, neural heterogeneity.” High-ALT individuals appear to employ distinct, compensatory neural strategies to achieve typical behavioral outcomes in empathy. This highlights the value of advanced neuro-decoding in uncovering latent processing differences underlying the ALT spectrum.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adalaiti Aimaiti, Qian Li, Tao Liu, Chen Chen, Xiaolin Xie, Jianshu Chu, Dilihumaer Nuermaimaiti, Yan Hu
Background
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) induces severe neuroinflammation and microglial pyroptosis, exacerbating secondary brain injury. Rhein, a natural anthraquinone compound, possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, its effects on microglial pyroptosis and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Methods
A rat microglial (RM) pyroptosis model was established using LPS + ATP induction, followed by rhein intervention and NLRP3 knockdown. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, and apoptosis was evaluated through TUNEL staining. ELISA was used to measure the expression levels of inflammatory cytokine. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to label M1/M2 microglia. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to analyze the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, PCNA, Cyclin D1, and CDK2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe pyroptotic bodies. Additionally, a rat ICH model was established, with rhein intervention and NLRP3 knockdown/Caspase-1 inhibition. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the Y-maze test and open-field test. HE staining was performed to examine brain tissue pathology. ELISA was used to measure inflammatory cytokine levels in brain tissue. Immunofluorescence staining analyzed the distribution of M1/M2 microglia. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect pyroptosis-related proteins, and TEM was used to evaluate pyroptotic body formation.
Results
At the cellular level, rhein significantly promoted microglial proliferation and M2 polarization while inhibiting pyroptosis, inflammatory cytokine expression, M1 polarization, and NLRP3 expression. NLRP3 knockdown further enhanced the protective effects of rhein. At the animal level, ICH model rats exhibited reduced exploratory behavior, exacerbated neuroinflammation, increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, increased M1 microglia, and elevated NLRP3 expression and pyroptosis levels. Rhein intervention significantly alleviated inflammation in ICH rats by reducing the expression of NLRP3 and pyroptosis-related proteins. NLRP3 knockdown or Caspase-1 inhibition further enhanced rhein's protective effects.
Conclusion
Rhein alleviates neurological dysfunction following ICH by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing microglial pyroptosis, and mitigating neuroinflammation.
{"title":"Rhein Inhibits NLRP3 Activation and Alleviates Microglial Pyroptosis After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats","authors":"Adalaiti Aimaiti, Qian Li, Tao Liu, Chen Chen, Xiaolin Xie, Jianshu Chu, Dilihumaer Nuermaimaiti, Yan Hu","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71230","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71230","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) induces severe neuroinflammation and microglial pyroptosis, exacerbating secondary brain injury. Rhein, a natural anthraquinone compound, possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, its effects on microglial pyroptosis and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A rat microglial (RM) pyroptosis model was established using LPS + ATP induction, followed by rhein intervention and NLRP3 knockdown. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, and apoptosis was evaluated through TUNEL staining. ELISA was used to measure the expression levels of inflammatory cytokine. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to label M1/M2 microglia. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to analyze the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, PCNA, Cyclin D1, and CDK2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe pyroptotic bodies. Additionally, a rat ICH model was established, with rhein intervention and NLRP3 knockdown/Caspase-1 inhibition. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the Y-maze test and open-field test. HE staining was performed to examine brain tissue pathology. ELISA was used to measure inflammatory cytokine levels in brain tissue. Immunofluorescence staining analyzed the distribution of M1/M2 microglia. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect pyroptosis-related proteins, and TEM was used to evaluate pyroptotic body formation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>At the cellular level, rhein significantly promoted microglial proliferation and M2 polarization while inhibiting pyroptosis, inflammatory cytokine expression, M1 polarization, and NLRP3 expression. NLRP3 knockdown further enhanced the protective effects of rhein. At the animal level, ICH model rats exhibited reduced exploratory behavior, exacerbated neuroinflammation, increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, increased M1 microglia, and elevated NLRP3 expression and pyroptosis levels. Rhein intervention significantly alleviated inflammation in ICH rats by reducing the expression of NLRP3 and pyroptosis-related proteins. NLRP3 knockdown or Caspase-1 inhibition further enhanced rhein's protective effects.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Rhein alleviates neurological dysfunction following ICH by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing microglial pyroptosis, and mitigating neuroinflammation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848515/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Burçin Ün, Zeki Akarsakarya, Özlem Yorulmaz Özü, Nermin Seda Ilgaz, Mehmet Bertan Yılmaz, Deniz Seçilmiş, Mehmet Ata Seçilmiş
Background
Previous studies have suggested that adenosinergic system in the central nervous system may play a role in both behavioral changes and the physiopathology induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and this is thought to be mediated by adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs). However, the contribution of the adenosinergic system to the anxiety-like behaviors in response to THC in mice is not well understood.
Aims
In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible role of the adenosinergic system in THC-treated mice.
Methods
For that purpose, we combined behavioral tests and molecular analyses to investigate the effects of THC in relation with the agonist and antagonist of the adenosinergic system, CGS-21680 (CGS) and istradefylline, respectively, on both anxiety-like behaviors and hippocampal gene expression.
Results
The results demonstrated that THC induced anxiety-like behavior, and gene expression patterns indicated a significant interaction between the adenosinergic and cannabinoidergic systems. Notably, the data suggest that THC plays a predominant role in this molecular interplay, with its effects being partially modulated by changes in the expression of both cannabinoidergic and adenosinergic receptors, CB1R and A2AR, respectively.
Conclusion
These findings contribute to the understanding of THC's complex pharmacological actions, highlighting the importance of receptor cross talk in modulating anxiety and other behavioral outcomes.
{"title":"Involvement of Adenosine A2A Receptors in Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Tetrahydrocannabinol-Treated Mice","authors":"Burçin Ün, Zeki Akarsakarya, Özlem Yorulmaz Özü, Nermin Seda Ilgaz, Mehmet Bertan Yılmaz, Deniz Seçilmiş, Mehmet Ata Seçilmiş","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71126","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71126","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Previous studies have suggested that adenosinergic system in the central nervous system may play a role in both behavioral changes and the physiopathology induced by Δ<sup>9</sup>-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and this is thought to be mediated by adenosine A<sub>2</sub>A receptors (A<sub>2</sub>ARs). However, the contribution of the adenosinergic system to the anxiety-like behaviors in response to THC in mice is not well understood.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible role of the adenosinergic system in THC-treated mice.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>For that purpose, we combined behavioral tests and molecular analyses to investigate the effects of THC in relation with the agonist and antagonist of the adenosinergic system, CGS-21680 (CGS) and istradefylline, respectively, on both anxiety-like behaviors and hippocampal gene expression.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results demonstrated that THC induced anxiety-like behavior, and gene expression patterns indicated a significant interaction between the adenosinergic and cannabinoidergic systems. Notably, the data suggest that THC plays a predominant role in this molecular interplay, with its effects being partially modulated by changes in the expression of both cannabinoidergic and adenosinergic receptors, CB<sub>1</sub>R and A<sub>2</sub>AR, respectively.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These findings contribute to the understanding of THC's complex pharmacological actions, highlighting the importance of receptor cross talk in modulating anxiety and other behavioral outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848372/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Depression is a chronic psychiatric disorder and belongs to one of the leading causes of suicide worldwide. Peroxiredoxins (Prdxs) play a critical role in scavenging excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigating oxidative stress. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of Prdxs in depression have not been fully illustrated.
Methods
We carried out lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ICR depression mice and BV2 cell inflammation models. Seven days after LPS-induction, behaviors in ICR mice were assessed by open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and forced swim test (FST), and inflammatory factors levels in serum were quantified via ELISA. The expression levels of Prdxs were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and RT-qPCR. In LPS-induced BV2 cells, inflammatory factor levels in the supernatant were measured by ELISA. Nitric oxide (NO) levels were detected by biochemical assay. ROS levels were detected via fluorescence signal intensity. Prdxs expression levels were analyzed using WB and RT-qPCR.
Results
In LPS-induced ICR mice serum and BV2 cells supernatant, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) levels exhibited significant elevation (p < 0.05). In the hippocampus region of LPS-induced mice and LPS-induced BV2 cells, significant upregulation of Prdx1, Prdx2, Prdx4, and Prdx5 levels was observed (p < 0.05). The ROS and NO levels in LPS-induced BV2 cells also significantly increased (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study revealed that Prdx1, Prdx2, Prdx4, and Prdx5 were elevated in depression models, which might relate to the occurrence of neuroinflammation, coupled with upregulation of oxidative stress responses. This study provided new strategies for the treatment of depression.
{"title":"Lipopolysaccharide Upregulates Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress Responses, and Peroxiredoxins in Depression Models","authors":"Zhifang Zhang, Nanshi Li, Mingkun Liang, Fangyan Qin, Qijing Qin, Qing He, Kaihua Wang, Xueli Shi, Ying Jiang, Hui Qin","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71231","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71231","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Depression is a chronic psychiatric disorder and belongs to one of the leading causes of suicide worldwide. Peroxiredoxins (Prdxs) play a critical role in scavenging excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigating oxidative stress. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of Prdxs in depression have not been fully illustrated.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We carried out lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ICR depression mice and BV2 cell inflammation models. Seven days after LPS-induction, behaviors in ICR mice were assessed by open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and forced swim test (FST), and inflammatory factors levels in serum were quantified via ELISA. The expression levels of Prdxs were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and RT-qPCR. In LPS-induced BV2 cells, inflammatory factor levels in the supernatant were measured by ELISA. Nitric oxide (NO) levels were detected by biochemical assay. ROS levels were detected via fluorescence signal intensity. Prdxs expression levels were analyzed using WB and RT-qPCR.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In LPS-induced ICR mice serum and BV2 cells supernatant, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) levels exhibited significant elevation (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In the hippocampus region of LPS-induced mice and LPS-induced BV2 cells, significant upregulation of Prdx1, Prdx2, Prdx4, and Prdx5 levels was observed (<i>p </i>< 0.05). The ROS and NO levels in LPS-induced BV2 cells also significantly increased (<i>p </i>< 0.05).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study revealed that Prdx1, Prdx2, Prdx4, and Prdx5 were elevated in depression models, which might relate to the occurrence of neuroinflammation, coupled with upregulation of oxidative stress responses. This study provided new strategies for the treatment of depression.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848523/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The purpose of this review is to examine how epigenetic regulation particularly chromatin modification and histone methylation controls gene expression during embryonic neurogenesis. It aims to highlight the role of these mechanisms in neural stem cell (NSC) fate specification and their implications in neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Methods
Through reviewing recent research findings, this study synthesizes current literature on epigenetic mechanisms involved in embryonic brain development, with a focus on histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and chromatin compartmentalization. The review also evaluates existing in vivo research while noting the technical challenges of tracking adult neurons and isolating NSCs.
Findings
The review identifies that epigenetic mechanisms, including histone methylation (notably H3K9 as a repressive mark), histone deacetylases, and chromatin remodeling complexes, play essential roles in regulating gene expression required for neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Alterations in these epigenetic processes significantly affect neural development and contribute to a range of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Conclusions
Understanding the epigenetic regulation of neurogenesis particularly through chromatin modification and structural chromatin dynamics provides valuable insight into cell fate determination during embryonic brain development. These insights may guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.
{"title":"Neurogenesis and the Epigenetic Landscape: Role of Histone Modifications and Chromatin Remodeling","authors":"Degisew Yinur Mengistu, Biniam Moges Eskeziyaw","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71223","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71223","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The purpose of this review is to examine how epigenetic regulation particularly chromatin modification and histone methylation controls gene expression during embryonic neurogenesis. It aims to highlight the role of these mechanisms in neural stem cell (NSC) fate specification and their implications in neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Through reviewing recent research findings, this study synthesizes current literature on epigenetic mechanisms involved in embryonic brain development, with a focus on histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and chromatin compartmentalization. The review also evaluates existing in vivo research while noting the technical challenges of tracking adult neurons and isolating NSCs.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Findings</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The review identifies that epigenetic mechanisms, including histone methylation (notably H3K9 as a repressive mark), histone deacetylases, and chromatin remodeling complexes, play essential roles in regulating gene expression required for neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Alterations in these epigenetic processes significantly affect neural development and contribute to a range of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Understanding the epigenetic regulation of neurogenesis particularly through chromatin modification and structural chromatin dynamics provides valuable insight into cell fate determination during embryonic brain development. These insights may guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848536/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Problematic use of smartphone (PUS) is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and may be influenced by both peer relationships and emotion-regulation capacities. This study tested whether difficulties in emotion regulation mediate the association between peer attachment and PUS, and whether these pathways differ by gender, age, and school type.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey recruited 12,099 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 18.93 years, 58% female) through stratified cluster sampling. Participants completed validated measures of PUS, peer attachment, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) examined mediation via a latent DERS factor, controlling for demographics. Multi-group SEM evaluated moderation across gender, age (> 18 vs. ≤ 18), and school (university vs. high school).
Results
Peer attachment was negatively associated with emotion-regulation difficulties (β = −0.296, p < 0.001) and with PUS (β = −0.144, p < 0.001). Emotion-regulation difficulties positively predicted PUS (β = 0.372, p < 0.001). The indirect effect (β = −0.110, 95% CI [−0.116, −0.104]) confirmed partial mediation. Multi-group SEM indicated significant moderation (Δχ2 = 76.01–93.70, all p < 0.001): the effect of emotion-regulation difficulties on PUS was stronger among females; the impact of weaker peer attachment on emotion regulation was stronger among younger adolescents; and school type moderated both the path and the direct effect on PUS. Nevertheless, the mediation pathway remained significant in all subgroups.
Conclusions
Emotion-regulation difficulties partially explain the link between peer attachment and PUS in adolescents. The strength of these pathways varies by gender, age, and school context, highlighting emotion regulation as a promising intervention target.
{"title":"Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Mediate the Association Between Peer Attachment and Problematic Use of Smartphone","authors":"Zi-Liang Wang, Yan-Li Zhang","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71224","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71224","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Problematic use of smartphone (PUS) is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and may be influenced by both peer relationships and emotion-regulation capacities. This study tested whether difficulties in emotion regulation mediate the association between peer attachment and PUS, and whether these pathways differ by gender, age, and school type.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods:</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional survey recruited 12,099 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 18.93 years, 58% female) through stratified cluster sampling. Participants completed validated measures of PUS, peer attachment, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) examined mediation via a latent DERS factor, controlling for demographics. Multi-group SEM evaluated moderation across gender, age (> 18 vs. ≤ 18), and school (university vs. high school).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Peer attachment was negatively associated with emotion-regulation difficulties (<i>β</i> = −0.296, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and with PUS (<i>β</i> = −0.144, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Emotion-regulation difficulties positively predicted PUS (<i>β</i> = 0.372, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The indirect effect (<i>β</i> = −0.110, 95% CI [−0.116, −0.104]) confirmed partial mediation. Multi-group SEM indicated significant moderation (Δ<i>χ</i><sup>2</sup> = 76.01–93.70, all <i>p</i> < 0.001): the effect of emotion-regulation difficulties on PUS was stronger among females; the impact of weaker peer attachment on emotion regulation was stronger among younger adolescents; and school type moderated both the path and the direct effect on PUS. Nevertheless, the mediation pathway remained significant in all subgroups.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Emotion-regulation difficulties partially explain the link between peer attachment and PUS in adolescents. The strength of these pathways varies by gender, age, and school context, highlighting emotion regulation as a promising intervention target.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/brb3.71224","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146072919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is critical for improving long-term outcomes, and speech offers a noninvasive source of clinically relevant biomarkers. However, manual speech analysis is time-consuming and difficult to scale. With advances in digital recording, signal processing, and artificial intelligence, researchers have increasingly deployed automated tools and data-mining methods to characterize speech and language in ASD.
Methods
This structured narrative review summarizes methodological developments in speech-based ASD assessment from 1994 to 2025, spanning diverse tasks and recording settings and focusing on automated tools, data-mining methods, and their clinical translation. We first consider core automated toolchains, including LENA, Praat, HTK/FAVE, CMU Sphinx, Kaldi, AutoSALT, openSMILE/eGeMAPS, diarization systems, and foundation-model ASR systems (e.g., Whisper), as well as modern self-supervised encoders such as wav2vec 2.0 and TRILLsson. Their typical use cases, psychometric properties, and limitations are highlighted. We then chart the progression of data-mining and machine-learning approaches from early logistic regression and clustering, through regularized regression, SVMs, and tree ensembles, to CNN/LSTM sequence models and transformer-based text and speech models (e.g., BERT, LLMs).
Results
Across these stages, automated indices of prosody, voice quality, linguistic content, and interactional behavior show moderate-to-high accuracy for ASD detection and meaningful associations with clinician-rated severity. Nonetheless, various problems persist: performance often degrades across languages, ages, tasks, and recording settings; evaluation and reporting remain heterogeneous; datasets are typically small and single-site; and privacy, fairness, interpretability, and computational efficiency pose persistent barriers to deployment, highlighting the need for target-context benchmarking and pre-specified evaluation/reporting.
Conclusion
We outline three priority strategies to guide future work toward scalable, clinically credible ASD speech assessment and longitudinal monitoring: optimize and integrate existing toolchains, enable global yet privacy-preserving data sharing, and leverage cross-domain innovations in enhancement, label efficiency, and explainable, edge-ready AI.
{"title":"Use of Automation Technologies and Data Mining in Speech Recognition for Autism","authors":"Rongjie Mao, Yuncheng Zhu","doi":"10.1002/brb3.71229","DOIUrl":"10.1002/brb3.71229","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is critical for improving long-term outcomes, and speech offers a noninvasive source of clinically relevant biomarkers. However, manual speech analysis is time-consuming and difficult to scale. With advances in digital recording, signal processing, and artificial intelligence, researchers have increasingly deployed automated tools and data-mining methods to characterize speech and language in ASD.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This structured narrative review summarizes methodological developments in speech-based ASD assessment from 1994 to 2025, spanning diverse tasks and recording settings and focusing on automated tools, data-mining methods, and their clinical translation. We first consider core automated toolchains, including LENA, Praat, HTK/FAVE, CMU Sphinx, Kaldi, AutoSALT, openSMILE/eGeMAPS, diarization systems, and foundation-model ASR systems (e.g., Whisper), as well as modern self-supervised encoders such as wav2vec 2.0 and TRILLsson. Their typical use cases, psychometric properties, and limitations are highlighted. We then chart the progression of data-mining and machine-learning approaches from early logistic regression and clustering, through regularized regression, SVMs, and tree ensembles, to CNN/LSTM sequence models and transformer-based text and speech models (e.g., BERT, LLMs).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Across these stages, automated indices of prosody, voice quality, linguistic content, and interactional behavior show moderate-to-high accuracy for ASD detection and meaningful associations with clinician-rated severity. Nonetheless, various problems persist: performance often degrades across languages, ages, tasks, and recording settings; evaluation and reporting remain heterogeneous; datasets are typically small and single-site; and privacy, fairness, interpretability, and computational efficiency pose persistent barriers to deployment, highlighting the need for target-context benchmarking and pre-specified evaluation/reporting.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We outline three priority strategies to guide future work toward scalable, clinically credible ASD speech assessment and longitudinal monitoring: optimize and integrate existing toolchains, enable global yet privacy-preserving data sharing, and leverage cross-domain innovations in enhancement, label efficiency, and explainable, edge-ready AI.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":9081,"journal":{"name":"Brain and Behavior","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12848528/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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