Clinical Neuroscience Research

Electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting Improves Learning and Memory Impairment and Anxiety-like Behavior Induced by Electromagnetic Pulse

Xiajing Zhang — 2025-10-17

Following exposure to electromagnetic pulses (EMP), the brain may experience impaired learning and memory capabilities, as well as anxiety-like behaviors. Microglial activation and inflammatory responses have been shown to be associated with EMP-induced brain damage. Electroacupuncture treatment has demonstrated potential in inhibiting microglial activation and mitigating inflammatory responses in various neurological disorders. This study aims to investigate whether electroacupuncture treatment can alleviate EMP-induced learning and memory impairments and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Compared with the non-acupoint group and the EA + LPS, the Y-maze and open field tests indicated that the EA group spent more time in the novel arm and the central area of the open field, the proportion of iNOS⁺/iba-1⁺ cells in the hippocampus decreased, and the concentrations of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α decreased. EA improved EMP-induced learning and memory impairment and anxiety-like behavior by inhibiting microglial activation and inflammatory response in the hippocampus.

Predictive Role of PSG Parameters on the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Lan Zou — 2025-10-17

Objective: To explore the predictive value of baseline polysomnography (PSG) parameters on the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in the treatment of chronic insomnia, and to clarify its clinical application value. Methods: Forty patients with chronic insomnia who visited the Sleep Medicine Center of the hospital from March 2024 to June 2025 were selected. All patients completed 8 weeks of CBT-I treatment and PSG monitoring before and after treatment. The correlation between baseline PSG parameters (sleep efficiency, wake time after sleep onset, and proportion of N3 sleep stage) and the improvement values of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and sleep efficiency after treatment was analyzed. Multiple regression analysis was used to screen predictive factors of efficacy. Results: Baseline sleep efficiency (r=0.36, P<0.05) was positively correlated with ISI improvement value, wake time after sleep onset (r=-0.33, P<0.05) was negatively correlated with ISI improvement value, and the proportion of N3 sleep stage (r=0.29, P<0.05) was positively correlated with ISI improvement value. Multiple regression analysis showed that baseline sleep efficiency (β=0.27, P=0.03) and wake time after sleep onset (β=-0.24, P=0.04) were independent predictors of ISI improvement value (adjusted R²=0.17, F=5.12, P<0.05). Conclusion: Sleep efficiency and wake time after sleep onset among baseline PSG parameters can effectively predict the efficacy of CBT-I in the treatment of chronic insomnia, providing an objective basis for clinically screening treatment-sensitive populations.

A Real-World Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Citicoline Sodium Capsules for Neurological Outcomes in Acute and Recovery Phases of Ischemic Stroke

Tianni Liu — 2025-10-17

Background: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and adherence of oral citicoline sodium capsules in improving neurological outcomes during the recovery phase of ischemic stroke in a real-world setting. Methods: This single-arm, multicenter, real-world observational study enrolled 6496 ischemic stroke patients in the recovery phase from January 2020 through December 2024. Patients received citicoline sodium capsules (200 mg, three times daily) for three months. Outcomes were assessed using NIHSS, mRS, and Barthel Index at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months. Treatment effectiveness was categorized based on NIHSS improvement as markedly effective (≥90% reduction), improved (60%–89%), effective (30%–59%), or ineffective (<30%). Results: Of the 6496 patients (mean age 61.9±10.6 years; 61.6% male), 85.8% had comorbidities. After three months of treatment, significant improvements were observed in all neurological function measures: NIHSS decreased from 11.6±5.5 to 9.6±6.2, mRS improved from 2.5±1.1 to 2.0±1.1, and BI increased from 51.4±24.0 to 62.8±25.7 (all P<0.001). The total effectiveness rate increased progressively from 9.9% at 1 month to 37.5% at 3 months, while the proportion of severely dependent patients decreased from 27.7% to 11.9%. Treatment adherence remained high (96%–97%) throughout the study period, with only two mild adverse events reported. Conclusions: This real-world study suggests that three-month citicoline therapy provides meaningful improvements in neurological function and daily living activities during stroke recovery, with excellent safety and adherence profiles. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings and optimize treatment protocols.

The Prevention Strategy and Practical Application of Mindfulness Therapy Intervention in the Recurrence of Addictive Substance Use Disorders

Bailin He — 2025-10-17

This study focuses on the application and effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) in the prevention of recurrence of Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Firstly, by systematically sorting out the core theories and mechanisms of mindfulness therapy, clarify its role paths in cognitive awareness, emotion regulation, and impulse control; Subsequently, combined with existing intervention studies and empirical data, the improvement effects of the mindfulness training program on the recurrence rate, physiological stress indicators, and mental health level were analyzed. The study adopted a randomized controlled design. The experimental group that received eight weeks of mindfulness training was compared with the control group that received conventional withdrawal treatment. Data from the MAAS Mindfulness Awareness Scale, the BSCS Self-control Scale, and survival analysis were collected. The results showed that the risk of recurrence in the experimental group was significantly reduced, the ability of mindfulness awareness and self-control was continuously enhanced, and there was a good maintenance effect during the three-month follow-up. The discussion section further explores how mindfulness intervention can reshape the cognitive response to material craving by enhancing present awareness and non-evaluative attitudes, and puts forward improvement suggestions in response to the sample limitations and implementation difficulties of existing research. The research conclusion provides a theoretical basis and practical path for incorporating MBI into the comprehensive intervention system of SUD, and at the same time points out the direction for future multi-center and large-sample longitudinal follow-up studies.

Current Status and Prospects of Transcutaneous Acupoint Electrical Nerve Stimulation-Based Therapy for Pediatric Blepharospasm

Jiali Yan — 2025-10-17

Blepharospasm is a common eyelid movement disorder that, although more prevalent in the elderly, also affects children and can significantly impair their visual function and quality of life. Conventional treatments such as medication and botulinum toxin injections have limitations, including high recurrence, strong dependency, and obvious side effects. In recent years, transcutaneous acupoint electrical nerve stimulation (TAENS), a non-invasive therapy integrating modern neuroelectrophysiology with traditional acupuncture theory, has attracted increasing attention in pediatrics. This paper reviews the pathophysiology of blepharospasm from both modern medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives, and systematically analyzes current research progress, acupoint selection, treatment protocols, and therapeutic outcomes of TAENS in pediatric blepharospasm. The study highlights TAENS’s unique advantages in improving efficacy, safety, and treatment compliance in children. Furthermore, it identifies current limitations such as small sample sizes, inconsistent protocols, and a lack of long-term follow-up, and proposes future research directions and technical innovations. This work provides theoretical and practical support for expanding treatment options for pediatric blepharospasm.

Exploration of a Combined Treatment Plan for Alleviating and Controlling the Progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Xiaole Fan — 2025-10-17

Purpose: This article aims to discuss five medical intervention strategies required for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and provide a reference for intervening in this challenging disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to identify existing issues in the treatment of ALS patients. A comparative analysis was performed to examine the nature, characteristics, and methods of previous intervention approaches. Results: Early identification and intervention, the application of rational combined treatment approaches, the improvement of comprehensive physical and mental rehabilitation systems, and the exploration of new treatment strategies provide a guarantee for effective intervention treatment of ALS patients. Conclusion: This article proposes the addition of a combined treatment approach involving the elimination of excessive glutamate from the body, which is theoretically reasonable, safe, and simple to implement. This approach has the potential to enhance the therapeutic effects and improve the individual prognosis of ALS patients. Given the lack of specific therapeutic drugs, further research on an effective combined intervention approach remains necessary.

Exogenous Compression Caused by a Mass at the Bifurcation of the Carotid Artery

Chih-hsien Lin — 2025-10-17

The bifurcation of the carotid artery is a crucial node for blood supply to the brain. External compression caused by surrounding masses can lead to severe hemodynamic disturbances and neurological abnormalities. This article reviews the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches of this condition, including the pathological characteristics of common compression lesions such as carotid body tumors and schwannomas. It compares the applicability of imaging examination methods such as ultrasound, CTA, and DSA, analyzes the suitable conditions and treatment effects of surgical removal, vascular reconstruction, and interventional therapy. The research aims to provide standardized diagnostic and treatment concepts for clinical practice, emphasizing the crucial role of individualized treatment plans in improving patient outcomes. It also looks forward to the development trend of precision medicine guided by imaging.

A Data Mining-Based Study on the Academic Experience of National Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine Xiong Jibai in Treating Insomnia

Kan Liu — 2025-10-17

Objective: To explore Professor Xiong Jibai’s dialectical thinking characteristics and medication rules in the treatment of insomnia, and to investigate his clinical experience and academic thoughts on the treatment of insomnia, providing references for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and scientific research of insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine. Methods: This study collected 270 cases of insomnia patients diagnosed and treated by Professor Xiong Jibai from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2024, at the outpatient department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine. After sorting out standardized terminology, the data were entered into the auxiliary platform for the inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine. Statistical analysis was performed on symptoms, syndromes, drug frequency, four qi (warm, hot, cool, and cold), five flavors (sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and salty), meridian tropism, and prescriptions. Results: The high-frequency symptoms of insomnia patients were frequent dreaming, difficulty falling asleep, easy waking up after sleeping, upset, difficulty sleeping through the night, fatigue, early waking, dizziness, and irritability. The syndrome classifications mainly included six types: phlegm-heat disturbing the spirit syndrome, heart and gallbladder qi deficiency syndrome, liver fire disturbing the heart syndrome, heart and kidney disharmony syndrome, heart and spleen deficiency syndrome, and yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity syndrome. The high-frequency drugs were fried jujube kernel, dragon’s teeth, Poria cocos, licorice, Coptis chinensis, mother-of-pearl, Pinellia ternata (prepared), dried tangerine peel, bamboo shavings, and immature bitter orange. The four qi of the drugs were mainly cold, neutral, and warm. The five flavors were predominantly sweet, bitter, and pungent, and most of them were attributed to the heart and spleen meridians, followed by the lung, stomach, and liver meridians. Conclusion: Professor Xiong Jibai believes that the disease location of insomnia is mostly in the heart and spleen, and the pathogenesis focuses on phlegm, fire, and deficiency. The treatment mainly focuses on regulating cold and heat, tonifying deficiency, and purging excess. It is advisable to combine with calming and tranquilizing drugs to enhance the curative effect.

The Global Landscape of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Research from 1995 to 2025: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis

Weigang Liu — 2025-10-17

Objective: This study aims to systematically review the global evolution trajectory, collaboration networks, and knowledge hotspots of sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) research from 1995 to 2025 using bibliometric and visualization methods, providing evidence-based support for future research and clinical translation in this field. Methods: The study retrieved data from the Web of Science Core Collection, including experimental, clinical, and review articles published from January 1995 to August 2025, excluding non-academic records such as conference abstracts, editorials, and patents. Using VOSviewer 1.6.20 and online platforms, the study conducted bibliometric analyses of annual publication volumes, citation trends, national/institutional/author collaborations, journal distributions, co-citation clustering, and burst terms. The study also verified the maturity of the discipline using Price’s Law, Bradford’s Law, and the small-world characteristics. Results: A total of 917 English-language articles were included, showing an exponential growth pattern with a “flat-then-steep” trend (R²>0.95), reaching a peak of 55 articles in 2023 and an annual citation count exceeding 1,300. The United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Italy formed a high-density collaboration core (Q=0.41), with China-United States and South Korea-Germany being the fastest-growing new edges. At the author level, Nabe T. (24 articles, h-index=11) and Kohno S. (23 articles, cited 87 times as corresponding author) led the first tier, but the global collaboration density was only 0.12. In terms of institutions, Kyoto Pharmaceut Univ. (27 articles, average citations per article 6.81) and Mayo Clin. (average citations per article 9.85) were the leaders, with scarce intercontinental collaborations (density 0.08). Journal distribution showed a significant core area, with the highest impact journals being “Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine” (average citations per article 5.31) and “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology” (average citations per article 5.13). The evolution of keywords indicated that from 1995 to 2005, the focus was on mechanism studies of “asthma” and “histamine”; from 2006 to 2015, the focus shifted to clinical indications such as “migraine” and “cluster headache”; and from 2016 to 2025, “double-blind”, “ultrasound-guided”, and “cooled radiofrequency” emerged as hot topics, suggesting technological upgrades and improvements in evidence-based standards. Conclusion: SPGB research has transitioned from a “niche technique” to a “mainstream intervention” and is now entering a stage of multidisciplinary intersection and evidence-based refinement. Future efforts should focus on multicenter randomized controlled trials, standardization of ultrasound guidance, and intercontinental big data collaboration to further enhance the level of evidence and global accessibility.

Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine: A Bibliometric and Knowledge Mapping Analysis Based on the Web of Science

Xiaodi Chen — 2025-10-17

Objective: To evaluate research trends, collaborative networks, and thematic evolution in studies on patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine from 2005 to 2025 using bibliometric methods. Methods: The study searched the Web of Science Core Collection for 2005–2025 publications on PFO and migraine, including only English-language articles and reviews. After screening, 737 records were identified. Bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer mapped annual publication trends, co-authorship and institutional networks, co-citation patterns, and keyword co-occurrence. Results: Publication output increased overall, with an initial rise followed by a plateau (2011–2017) and renewed growth after 2018. The United States, Europe, and China were the leading contributors, forming a global network. Top institutions and prolific authors led the co-authorship network, and publications spanned cardiology and neurology journals, reflecting the field’s interdisciplinary nature. Keyword co-occurrence revealed major themes (e.g., PFO closure, migraine with aura, stroke risk) spanning mechanisms to clinical management. Reference co-citation analysis highlighted foundational studies and clinical trials that established the field’s knowledge base. Conclusion: Research on the PFO-migraine connection expanded over two decades. After early growth followed by a mid-period lull (amid inconclusive trials), the field resurged after 2018 with new advances and evidence of benefit in select patients. Ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration and increasing output suggest this field will continue to grow, providing new insights for potential clinical application.