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Brain Sciences
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Advances in Restorative Neurotherapeutic Technologies
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Advances in Restorative Neurotherapeutic Technologies

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2024) | Viewed by 13837

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Vivek P. Buch

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Interests: neuromodulation; deep brain stimulation; cognitive prosthetics; brain computer interface
Dr. David Arnold Purger

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Interests: psychiatric neuromodulation; consciousness; deep brain stimulation; intracranial electrophysiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

From Ramon y Cajal and Golgi’s histological techniques to single-cell RNA sequencing, technological innovations have long driven progress in the neurosciences. We are entering an era in which new technologies have the power not only to help us understand the inner workings of the brain or to treat the symptoms of the diseases that plague it but also to restore function to those affected by disorders of the central nervous system. From individualized network-based neuromodulatory therapies for neurologic and psychiatric disease, to brain–computer interfaces to restore movement in quadriplegics and to restore vision for the blind, cognitive prosthetics for dementia and learning disabilities, seizure-detecting responsive neurostimulators, augmented reality headsets to help neurosurgeons locate brain tumors and wearable electric field-generating devices to help limit their growth, and many more—today’s rich technological landscape is changing the way we think about maintaining and increasing neurological well-being.

This Special Issue explores some of the technologies that have allowed interdisciplinary teams of neurosurgeons, neurologists, and psychiatrists to revolutionize the approach to treatment-refractory neurologic and psychiatric disease. We examine the latest applications of these techniques, including the potential not only to restore but to augment nervous system function and improve the quality of life for patients who have exhausted traditional therapies.

Dr. Vivek P. Buch
Dr. David Arnold Purger
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neuro regeneration
  • neuro restoration
  • implantable devices
  • neuromodulation
  • circuit therapeutics
  • stem cell
  • gene therapy
  • drug delivery
  • molecular brain therapies
  • restorative neurosurgery

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1456 KiB  
Article
Assisted Cycle Therapy (ACT) Improved Self-Efficacy and Exercise Perception in Middle-Age Adults with Down Syndrome
by Shannon D. R. Ringenbach, Nathaniel E. Arnold, Kori Tucker, Miya K. Rand, Breanna E. Studenka, Stockton B. Ringenbach and Chih-Chia Chen
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121719 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1972
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is prevalent in persons with Down syndrome (DS) as early as their 30s and presents as decreased social interaction, coordination, and physical activity. Therefore, changing attitudes and beliefs about exercise is key to increasing motivation for physical activity especially in middle-age [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease is prevalent in persons with Down syndrome (DS) as early as their 30s and presents as decreased social interaction, coordination, and physical activity. Therefore, changing attitudes and beliefs about exercise is key to increasing motivation for physical activity especially in middle-age adults with DS. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Assisted Cycle Therapy (ACT) on self-efficacy and exercise perception in middle-age adults with Down syndrome (DS) following an exercise intervention three times a week for 8 weeks. Twelve participants were in the ACT group in which a motor assisted their cycling to be performed at least 30% faster than voluntary cycling (VC), 10 participants were in the voluntary cycling group, and two participants were in the no cycling (NC) group. The results showed that both exercise groups (i.e., ACT and VC) improved in their self-efficacy after the 8-week intervention. In addition, exercise perception improved following ACT, but not VC or NC. Our results are discussed with respect to their future implications for exercise in the DS population. The results can be attributed to differences in effort required by each intervention group as well as the neurotrophic factors that occur when muscle contractions create synaptic connections resulting in improvement in cognition and feelings of satisfaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Restorative Neurotherapeutic Technologies)
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Review

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14 pages, 979 KiB  
Review
Translating Molecular Approaches to Oligodendrocyte-Mediated Neurological Circuit Modulation
by Jingwei Song, Aybike Saglam, J. Bradley Zuchero and Vivek P. Buch
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(7), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14070648 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1315
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) exhibits remarkable adaptability throughout life, enabled by intricate interactions between neurons and glial cells, in particular, oligodendrocytes (OLs) and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). This adaptability is pivotal for learning and memory, with OLs and OPCs playing a crucial [...] Read more.
The central nervous system (CNS) exhibits remarkable adaptability throughout life, enabled by intricate interactions between neurons and glial cells, in particular, oligodendrocytes (OLs) and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). This adaptability is pivotal for learning and memory, with OLs and OPCs playing a crucial role in neural circuit development, synaptic modulation, and myelination dynamics. Myelination by OLs not only supports axonal conduction but also undergoes adaptive modifications in response to neuronal activity, which is vital for cognitive processing and memory functions. This review discusses how these cellular interactions and myelin dynamics are implicated in various neurocircuit diseases and disorders such as epilepsy, gliomas, and psychiatric conditions, focusing on how maladaptive changes contribute to disease pathology and influence clinical outcomes. It also covers the potential for new diagnostics and therapeutic approaches, including pharmacological strategies and emerging biomarkers in oligodendrocyte functions and myelination processes. The evidence supports a fundamental role for myelin plasticity and oligodendrocyte functionality in synchronizing neural activity and high-level cognitive functions, offering promising avenues for targeted interventions in CNS disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Restorative Neurotherapeutic Technologies)
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22 pages, 1055 KiB  
Review
Clinical Potential of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound for Neurorehabilitation in Pediatric Cancer Survivors
by Paul VanGilder, Justin Tanner, Kevin R. Krull and Ranganatha Sitaram
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(3), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14030218 - 27 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1889
Abstract
Cancer survivors are at a high risk for treatment-related late effects, particularly neurocognitive impairment in the attention and executive function domains. These can be compounded in pediatric populations still undergoing neural development, which has increased interest in survivorship studies and neurorehabilitation approaches to [...] Read more.
Cancer survivors are at a high risk for treatment-related late effects, particularly neurocognitive impairment in the attention and executive function domains. These can be compounded in pediatric populations still undergoing neural development, which has increased interest in survivorship studies and neurorehabilitation approaches to mitigate these effects. Cognitive training regimens have shown promise as a therapeutic intervention for improving cognitive function. Therapist-guided and computerized training programs with adaptive paradigms have been successfully implemented in pediatric populations, with positive outcomes on attention and working memory. Another interventional approach is neuromodulation to alter plasticity. Transcranial electrical stimulation can modulate cortical surface activity, and cranial nerve stimulation alters autonomic activity in afferent brainstem pathways. However, they are more systemic in nature and have diffuse spatial targeting. Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) modulation overcomes these limitations with high spatial specificity and the ability to target deeper brain regions. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of tFUS for modulating specific brain regions and its potential utility to augment cognitive training programs as a complementary intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Restorative Neurotherapeutic Technologies)
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14 pages, 280 KiB  
Review
An Insight into the Prospects and Drawbacks of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injuries: Ongoing Trials and Future Directions
by Shahidul Islam Khan, Nazmin Ahmed, Kamrul Ahsan, Mahmud Abbasi, Rosario Maugeri, Dhiman Chowdhury, Lapo Bonosi, Lara Brunasso, Roberta Costanzo, Domenico Gerardo Iacopino, Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana and Bipin Chaurasia
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121697 - 9 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3003
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder that has a substantial detrimental impact on a person’s quality of life. The estimated global incidence of SCI is 40 to 80 cases per million people and around 90% of cases are traumatic. Various [...] Read more.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder that has a substantial detrimental impact on a person’s quality of life. The estimated global incidence of SCI is 40 to 80 cases per million people and around 90% of cases are traumatic. Various etiologies can be recognized for SCI, and post-traumatic SCI represents the most common of these. Patients worldwide with SCI suffer from a persistent loss of motor and sensory function, which affects every aspect of their personal and social lives. Given the lack of effective treatments, many efforts have been made to seek a cure for this condition. In recent years, thanks to their ability to regenerate tissue and repair lost or damaged cells, much attention has been directed toward the use of stem cells (embryonic, induced pluripotent, mesenchymal, hematopoietic), aimed at restoring the functional integrity of the damaged spinal cord and improving a functional recovery including sensory and motor function. In this paper, we offer an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of stem cell therapy for SCI based on clinical evidence. This report also addresses the characteristics of various stem cell treatments, as well as the field’s likely future. Each cell type targets specific pathological characteristics associated with SCI and demonstrates therapeutic effects via cell replacement, nutritional support, scaffolds, and immunomodulation pathways. SCI accompanied by complex pathological processes cannot be resolved by single treatment measures. Stem cells are associated with the adjustment of the expression of neurotrophic factors that help to achieve better nutrition to damaged tissue. Single-cell treatments have been shown in some studies to provide very minor benefits for SCI in multiple preclinical studies and a growing number of clinical trials. However, SCI damage is complex, and many studies are increasingly recognizing a combination approach such as physical therapy, electrical stimulation, or medication therapy to treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Restorative Neurotherapeutic Technologies)
23 pages, 1642 KiB  
Review
Cell Replacement Therapy for Brain Repair: Recent Progress and Remaining Challenges for Treating Parkinson’s Disease and Cortical Injury
by Paul M. Harary, Dennis Jgamadze, Jaeha Kim, John A. Wolf, Hongjun Song, Guo-li Ming, D. Kacy Cullen and H. Isaac Chen
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1654; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121654 - 29 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3104
Abstract
Neural transplantation represents a promising approach to repairing damaged brain circuitry. Cellular grafts have been shown to promote functional recovery through “bystander effects” and other indirect mechanisms. However, extensive brain lesions may require direct neuronal replacement to achieve meaningful restoration of function. While [...] Read more.
Neural transplantation represents a promising approach to repairing damaged brain circuitry. Cellular grafts have been shown to promote functional recovery through “bystander effects” and other indirect mechanisms. However, extensive brain lesions may require direct neuronal replacement to achieve meaningful restoration of function. While fetal cortical grafts have been shown to integrate with the host brain and appear to develop appropriate functional attributes, the significant ethical concerns and limited availability of this tissue severely hamper clinical translation. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells and tissues represent a more readily scalable alternative. Significant progress has recently been made in developing protocols for generating a wide range of neural cell types in vitro. Here, we discuss recent progress in neural transplantation approaches for two conditions with distinct design needs: Parkinson’s disease and cortical injury. We discuss the current status and future application of injections of dopaminergic cells for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease as well as the use of structured grafts such as brain organoids for cortical repair. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Restorative Neurotherapeutic Technologies)
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Other

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7 pages, 6154 KiB  
Case Report
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Central Nervous System Neuroblastoma: Illustrative Case and Literature Review
by Jason E. Chung, Omar Iqbal, Chandra Krishnan, Virginia Harrod, Elizabeth Tyler-Kabara, Rongze O. Lu and Winson S. Ho
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(11), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13111515 - 26 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1490
Abstract
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system, or CNS neuroblastoma, are rare neoplasms in children. Recently, methylation profiling enabled the discovery of four distinct entities of these tumors. The current treatment paradigm involves surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiation. However, upfront [...] Read more.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system, or CNS neuroblastoma, are rare neoplasms in children. Recently, methylation profiling enabled the discovery of four distinct entities of these tumors. The current treatment paradigm involves surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiation. However, upfront surgical resection carries high surgical morbidity in this patient population due to their young age, tumor vascularity, and often deep location in the brain. We report a case of CNS neuroblastoma that can be successfully treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by minimally invasive laser interstitial thermal therapy and radiation. The patient has complete treatment with no evidence of recurrence at one year follow-up. This case illustrates a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of these rare tumors can be treated using minimally invasive surgical approach to achieve a favorable outcome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Restorative Neurotherapeutic Technologies)
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