Magnetic Seizure Therapy vs Electroconvulsive Therapy in Schizophrenia: Prefrontal-Amygdala Plasticity and Cognitive Safety
Reducing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)'s cognitive burden without compromising efficacy is critical. Although magnetic seizure therapy (MST) shows comparable symptom remission in schizophrenia, its neuroanatomical safety-particularly limbic preservation-lacks controlled trial validation.
Reduced Attentional Capture by Topological Changes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence for a Perceptual Deficit
Deficits in the adaptive allocation of attention are considered a feature associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It remains unclear whether the attention of children with ASD can be modulated involuntarily by stimulus-driven processes. Visual processing is believed to initiate with topological perception; thus, we investigate the modulation of attention shifts in children with ASD by altering topological properties. This approach aims to elucidate the mechanism underlying atypical attentional capture in ASD.
Cenobamate for Difficult-to-Treat Epilepsy - Selected Case Vignettes
Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, presenting unique challenges in specific populations such as the elderly, children, and patients with comorbidities or drug-resistant forms. Tailored approaches addressing unmet needs in these subgroups are critical to improving outcomes.
The Impact of Plasma Homocysteine Level and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate on Neurological Function at Admission in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
To investigate the effects of homocysteine (Hcy) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on neurological function in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) on admission.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Non-Invasive Nerve Stimulation Interventions on Dysphagia in Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Dysphagia is a non-motor symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Non-invasive nerve stimulation therapy is used to treat dysphagia; it has the advantages of being non-invasive, painless, safe, and easily accepted by patients.
Diagnostic Value of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Combined with Periventricular White Matter Hyperintensities for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease
To determine the independent association of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and periventricular white matter hyperintensities (PWMHs) with mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD-MCI) and evaluate the diagnostic value of CIMT combined with PWMHs for PD-MCI.
Applying Target Trial Emulation to Evaluate Acupuncture Combined with Rehabilitation for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Retrospective Single-Center Real-World Protocol
Target trial emulation (TTE) has recently emerged as an innovative methodological framework for deriving causal inference from real-world data. Its use in complementary and integrative medicine, however, remains limited. This protocol applies TTE to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation in children with ASD, aiming to generate rigorous real-world evidence and bridge the current evidence gap.
Investigation on the Anxiety and Depression Status of Thalassemia Carriers After Genetic Counseling
Genetic disorders have psychological impacts on patients. We examined the status of anxiety and depression among thalassemia carriers after genetic counseling in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
Recent Advances in Multimodal Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Late-Life Depression
Late-life depression (LLD) is a common mental disorder that significantly accelerates cognitive decline, increases the risk of somatic comorbidities, and increases all-cause mortality. Traditional pharmacotherapy for this population faces significant limitations, including increased pharmacokinetic sensitivity, anticholinergic burden, and adverse events associated with multiple medications. These factors collectively lead to poor adherence and limited long-term efficacy. This narrative literature review was conducted using studies retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, with general search phrases on LLD and non-pharmacological interventions. The inclusion criteria were clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews published between 2020 and 2025. Studies that were finally selected were comprehensively evaluated, with non-English literature and case reports excluded. Non-pharmacological interventions have become a core strategy for the management of LLD due to the advantages of high safety, fewer side effects, and a multi-target nature. Psychotherapy, physical intervention, digital technology, and lifestyle modification can effectively improve patients' depressive symptoms, improve quality of life, reduce the risk of relapse, and serve as possible alternatives and supplementary treatment options for older patients. There is a need for more in-depth research on non-pharmacological interventions for LLD. Future studies should explore the combined application of different non-pharmacological treatments to optimize treatment plans. Developing individualized non-pharmacological treatment plans to improve the accuracy of treatment and reduce the burden of disease should be considered.
A Mendelian Randomization Study of the Association Between Loud Music Exposure Frequency and Anxiety Disorders in European Populations
This study aimed to examine whether loud music is causally associated with anxiety disorder.
Impact of DL-3-n-Butylphthalide on Progression in Alzheimer's Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
To evaluate the efficacy of DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), a synthetic compound that has shown neuroprotective effects, on cognitive function, psychiatric-behavioral symptoms, and daily activities in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Improving Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment via Cognitive and Motor Dual Task Gait Training: Potential Mechanisms and Clinical Value
Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) severely impacts patients' quality of life and functional recovery, with its incidence rising alongside global population aging. Cognitive-walking dual-task training, which integrates cognitive and motor elements, has emerged as a key focus in rehabilitation research in recent years. This review summarizes its value and neural mechanisms in improving PSCI. By integrating randomized controlled trials and functional imaging studies, it assesses the training's effects on cognitive and motor functions and reveals the association between brain region activation and cognitive recovery. The training can enhance cognitive abilities such as attention and executive function, improve motor functions including gait and balance, and boost quality of life. It promotes neuroplasticity, strengthens activation and connectivity of key brain regions like the prefrontal cortex, and regulates Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Technologies such as Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) confirm its role in brain function remodeling, and it outperforms traditional training and aerobic exercise alone in enhancing dual-task performance. This training provides a basis for PSCI rehabilitation. Future research should optimize individualized protocols, verify long-term efficacy, and advance the application of multimodal imaging and intelligent platforms to refine rehabilitation strategies.
Maternal Immune Activation and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Integrating Molecular, Cellular and Systems Mechanisms
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) represent chronic cerebral dysfunctions arising from gene-environment interactions, encompassing conditions such Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). Emerging evidence identifies Maternal immune activation (MIA) as a critical environmental risk factor for NDDs. Gestational infections, inflammatory responses, or immune dysregulation elevate maternal-fetal inflammatory mediators, which disrupt neurodevelopmental trajectories via placental-fetal signaling cascades. Preclinical models (rodents, non-human primates) demonstrate that MIA induces characteristic NDD phenotypes-including social deficits and cognitive impairments-through microglial hyperactivation, aberrant synaptic pruning, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, gut microbiota dysbiosis and Th17/Treg immune imbalance exacerbate neuroinflammatory processes. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory pathways microglial modulation, or microbial homeostasis restoration show translational promise. Future investigations must unravel MIA's molecular underpinnings and multifactorial interactions to enable early-risk stratification and precision interventions for NDDs.
Increased Antidepressant Prescriptions for Children and Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder in Japan Based on a Claims Database
Currently, no therapeutic antidepressants are approved for pediatric patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in Japan. In addition, few longitudinal studies have been conducted in Japan on antidepressant prescriptions for children and adolescents with MDD. The purpose of this study is to clarify the actual pharmacotherapy for child and adolescent patients with MDD during fiscal year (FY) 2010-FY2017.
Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Their Associated Factors Among Internally Displaced Persons in Burao, Somaliland: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
This study assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and examined their associated factors among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burao, Somaliland.
Association Between Subclinical Depression and the Severity of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and the Mediating Effect of Sleep Quality in Elderly Chinese Men
Subclinical depression and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) /benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are both common diseases. Studies have shown that there is an association between them, and sleep disturbances may play an important role in this relationship, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aims to explore the potential association between subclinical depression and LUTS/BPH, and to investigate the role of sleep quality in this relationship.
Evaluating the Role of Clozapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Narrative Synthesis of Clinical, Economic, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) affects up to 30% of individuals with schizophrenia who fail to respond to standard antipsychotics. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on clozapine's clinical effectiveness, economic impact, and quality-of-life benefits. A nonsystematic literature review of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed using relevant clinical and health-economic keywords. Findings consistently demonstrate that clozapine provides superior symptom reduction, reduces rehospitalization and mortality, and improves functional recovery and patient-reported outcomes. Evidence from real-world studies and meta-analyses shows marked reductions in rehospitalization rates, mortality, and caregiver burden compared with other antipsychotics. Economic analyses confirm that, although clozapine requires ongoing hematologic monitoring, its long-term savings from reduced inpatient care, emergency visits, and indirect productivity losses outweigh these costs, establishing its cost-effectiveness across diverse health-system settings. Despite its proven benefits, clozapine remains underused due to safety concerns, mandatory monitoring, limited prescriber confidence, and infrastructural barriers. Optimizing its use requires early identification of TRS, timely initiation of therapy, individualized monitoring strategies, and close interprofessional collaboration among psychiatrists, pharmacists, and healthcare teams. At the policy level, investment in laboratory infrastructure, subsidized monitoring programs, and the development of locally adapted treatment guidelines are critical to expanding safe, equitable, and sustainable access to clozapine worldwide.
Effects of Melatonin Disorders on Parkinson's Disease: A Review of Mechanisms and Clinical Manifestations
Melatonin is a vital hormone that is important for antioxidant activity, neuroprotection, and biological rhythm control. Melatonin anomalies may have a high correlation with the onset and development of Parkinson's disease, according to recent studies. A common neurodegenerative illness that severely lowers a patient's quality of life, Parkinson's disease is typified by non-motor symptoms and aberrant movement. A recent study found that abnormal melatonin levels may have a detrimental effect on patients' motor function and cognitive ability, potentially exacerbating Parkinson's disease symptoms. To completely comprehend the clinical symptoms linked to Parkinson's disease and potential therapy options, further study is necessary to determine the exact role of melatonin in this condition. This article will investigate the relationship between melatonin and Parkinson's disease, how it contributes to the illness's progression, and the clinical symptoms that are linked with it in order to provide new perspectives and resources for more research and treatment strategies.
DM8504 Alleviates Autistic-Like Behaviors in Valproic Acid-Exposed Rats Through Gut Microbiota Modulation and SCFA Restoration
Compelling evidence has confirmed that gut microbiota dysbiosis is involved in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microbial-based therapies, including probiotics, may provide novel options for ASD management. This study aimed to investigate the alleviative effect of a probiotic strain, () DM8504, on autistic-like behaviors in rats exposed to valproic acid (VPA).
Prevalence of Headache Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is a common and debilitating consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), significantly affecting patients' quality of life. It presents in various forms, including tension-type headaches and migraines, and is influenced by multiple neurological and psychological factors. Due to variability in diagnostic criteria across studies, the term "post-traumatic headache" in this review refers to headaches reported after TBI, not necessarily meeting full clinical diagnostic criteria. This study aims to systematically assess the prevalence of PTH to provide comprehensive data for improved clinical management and future research.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Reveal Neuroprotective Potential of in Alzheimer's Disease Therapy
In traditional Chinese medicine, is a prominent herb, acclaimed for its therapeutic roles, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies conducted recently suggest it may help reduce cognitive deficits linked to Alzheimer's disease. However, the precise neuroprotective pathways through which exerts its effects on Alzheimer's disease are not yet fully understood. Network pharmacology is utilized in this research to understand the mechanisms through which 's active ingredient might protect against Alzheimer's disease.
