Brain-X最新文献

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that often results in the loss of speech, creating significant communication barriers. Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) provide a transformative solution for restoring communication and enhancing the quality of life for ALS individuals. Recent advances in implantable electrocorticographic systems have demonstrated the feasibility of synthesizing intelligible speech directly from neural activity. By recording high-resolution neural signals from motor, premotor, and somatosensory cortices with decoding algorithms, these systems can transform neural patterns into acoustic features and intelligible speech, providing natural and intuitive communication pathways for ALS individuals. Non-invasive electroencephalography, while lacking the spatial resolution of electrocorticographic systems, offers a safer alternative with high temporal resolution for capturing speech-related neural dynamics. When combined with robust feature extraction techniques, such as common spatial pattern and time-frequency analyses, as well as multimodal integration with functional near-infrared spectroscopy or electromyography, it effectively enhances decoding accuracy and system robustness. Despite the progress, challenges remain, including user variability, BCI illiteracy, and the impact of fatigue on system performance. Personalized models, adaptive algorithms, and secure frameworks for brain data privacy are essential for addressing these limitations, enabling BCIs to enhance accessibility and reliability. Advancing these technologies and methodologies holds immense promise for restoring independence and bridging the communication gap for individuals with ALS. Future research could focus on long-term clinical studies to evaluate the stability and effectiveness of these systems, as well as the development of more natural and unobtrusive BCI paradigms.

Large language models, including DeepSeek and ChatGPT, have the potential to significantly advance brain-computer interfaces and brain-inspired computing by enhancing the accuracy of brain signal decoding and optimizing user interaction. In brain-computer interfaces, these models facilitate more precise and responsive communication, while in brain-inspired computing, they enable realistic simulation of neural networks and improved hardware energy efficiency. However, substantial challenges remain, particularly in healthcare applications and other broader fields.

This study investigates the transcriptional profiles of gliomas across different grades (WHO II-IV) and clinical states (primary vs. recurrent). Utilizing RNA-seq data from public databases (e.g., GEO), we analyzed low-grade gliomas and high-grade gliomas, including oligodendrogliomas, glioblastomas, and other glioma subtypes. Key analyses encompassed differential gene expression, glioma subpopulation characterization (e.g., glioma-associated microglia/macrophages), regulatory network construction (WGCNA and transcription factor activity), and cell state analysis comparing primary and recurrent gliomas. Our findings reveal distinct transcriptional signatures and identify potential biomarkers associated with glioma progression and recurrence.

As an etiological factor underlying physical and mental disability in humans, peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) can induce pain, sensory impairment, and disability. Despite their regenerative ability, peripheral nerves cannot self-repair after severe defects. While nerve grafting is the gold standard for the treatment of PNIs, it is limited by graft versus host reactions, surgical complications, and limited donor nerves. As the field of material science continues to develop, hydrogels have been proposed for use in PNI repair after their biomodification, targeted modification, or loading with biological factors and cells. This article reviewed research advances in hydrogels used for PNI repair, including simple hydrogels and composite functionalized hydrogels loaded with biological factors and cells. Based on the findings from these reviews, we determined that further clarification of the mechanisms of action for hydrogels and loaded biological factors in modulating cellular functions is necessary. In addition, there is a need to further explore the synergistic effect of novel functionalized hydrogels with other biological, physical, or biochemical factors. While clinical trials are still limited, scientific efforts are expected to promote the application of hydrogels in the field of PNI repair.

A steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) is a brain response to specific frequencies of visual stimuli, including their harmonic frequencies. However, this signal is susceptible to interference from spontaneous $��\alpha �$ and $��\beta �$ rhythms in electroencephalography (EEG) signals because they overlap from 8 to 40 Hz. This can reduce the recognition accuracy of SSVEP brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). To address this problem, a variational mode decomposition–based filter bank canonical correlation analysis (VMD-FBCCA) algorithm is proposed, which integrates the adaptive characteristics of VMD and the training-free nature of the FBCCA algorithm. First, the EEG signal of each channel is transformed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by the VMD algorithm, which extracts frequency components of the SSVEP from each IMF. Next, a particle swarm algorithm is employed to optimize the weights of the IMFs and reconstruct the EEG signals. This reconstruction selectively enhances the IMFs in the target SSVEP frequency band while suppressing interference from other bands. Finally, the reconstructed EEG is classified using FBCCA to decode the SSVEP-BCI signal. To evaluate its effectiveness, the proposed algorithm is tested on datasets from the BCI Competition. The results demonstrate that VMD-FBCCA outperforms FBCCA, showing improvements in both the average recognition accuracy $��\left(��6.04�\%��\right)�$ and information transmission rate (8.91 bits/min). Moreover, the best recognition accuracy achieved for individual subjects is enhanced by $��29.17�\%�$.

Chronic intracranial arterial occlusion (CIAO) poses a significant challenge in neurointerventional practice, with no universally accepted treatment strategy. While endovascular recanalization offers the potential for improved outcomes, it requires precise navigation and visualization of the vascular bed distal to the occluded segment to mitigate risks and enhance procedural success. This study introduces a novel technique that employs a dynamic real-time three-dimensional (3D) roadmap as a navigation tool during endovascular recanalization procedures for CIAO. This technique leverages advanced 3D rotational angiography and real-time fluoroscopic overlay to provide continuous, high-fidelity visualization of vascular anatomy without the need for repeated angiographic acquisitions or roadmap updates. By eliminating the need for recurrent angiograms to obtain optimal working projections after C-arm adjustments, the dynamic real-time 3D roadmap significantly improves procedural efficiency. This innovation substantially reduces radiation exposure, and contrast media volume, directly enhancing patient safety. Moreover, real-time guidance minimizes procedural complications, such as vessel perforation and dissection, ensuring a safer and more controlled recanalization process. The dynamic real-time 3D roadmap offers a safe, accurate, and efficient approach for navigating complex vascular anatomy, improving clinical outcomes in patients with CIAO while reducing procedural risks and resource utilization.

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.

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.

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.

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.