The glymphatic system is a glia-dependent network surrounding blood vessels that facilitates the exchange of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid, playing a crucial role in clearing neuro-metabolites from the brain. This system’s efficiency in transporting waste significantly increases during non-rapid eye movement non-REM sleep. Recent findings suggests that malfunctioning of the glymphatic system might be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia (SCZ), all of which often correlate with disturbed sleep patterns. Furthermore, various environmental toxicants have been shown to affect neurodevelopment negatively. Exposure to these toxicants early in life disrupts the sleep/Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)/Aquaporin-4 connections, impairs the glymphatic system’s ability to clear substances like amyloid-beta (Aβ), tau proteins, and inflammatory mediators, ultimately skewing neurodevelopment toward an increased risk of disorders. In summary, this narrative review consolidates existing evidence. It highlights key priorities for examining the relationship between the exposome, the glymphatic system, and neurodevelopmental pathways, aiming to pave the way for future research and therapeutic interventions.

Difficult-to-treat depression (DTD) with inflammatory features (e.g., hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and/or elevated IL-6) may represent a clinically and biologically distinct presentation characterized by chronicity, functional impairment, prominent cognitive-motivational symptoms, and suboptimal response to conventional treatments. Classical anti-inflammatory strategies (e.g., COX-2 inhibitors or cytokine-targeting biologics) have shown signals of efficacy in selected biomarker-enriched subgroups; however, overall evidence remains heterogeneous, with modest effect sizes and substantial limitations for real-world implementation. This Commentary advances a complementary perspective, proposing that in many patients “inflamed DTD” reflects not only increased pro-inflammatory drive but also impaired physiological resolution mechanisms across immune, autonomic, circadian, and metabolic systems. Within this “resolution failure” framework, we discuss emerging therapeutic targets and multimodal strategies and their integration into endotype-guided immunopsychiatric care. We further address limitations of the current evidence base, outline biomarker-enriched trial designs with patient-centred outcomes (functioning, quality of life, cognition), and highlight real-world barriers, including access to biomarkers, reimbursement, and equity of care. Overall, this perspective argues for moving beyond single-pathway anti-inflammatory approaches towards pragmatic, mechanistically informed interventions for inflamed DTD.

Schizophrenia is a multifactorial mental disorder associated with multiple SNPs in the human genome, located mainly outside the annotated protein-coding genes. These regions contain a large number of retroelements, which drive epigenetic regulation. Therefore, it is suggested that schizophrenia-associated SNPs exert their influence on the pathological functioning and activation of retroelements, which contribute to epigenetic imbalance in the brain with the development of pathological processes. A reflection of these changes is a shift in the expression of specific microRNAs, including those arising from retroelements and those that interact with them. Such microRNA changes disrupt the regulation of protein-coding genes in the brain. Retroelement expression products, both transcripts and proteins, drive immunopathological reactions in the brain that lead to inflammation. As a result, patients with schizophrenia develop progressive clinical symptoms. In addition, insertions of activated retroelements can disrupt gene regulation in the brain. An analysis of scientific literature was conducted, which presents data from experimental and clinical studies on the increased activity of HERV, LINE, and Alu retroelements in the brain in schizophrenia. Moreover, to prove the impact of these changes on the epigenetic imbalance in schizophrenia, 19 retroelement-derived microRNAs whose expression is impaired in the disease are described. The obtained results may form the basis for targeted therapy of schizophrenia using the described microRNAs as tools and targets for intervention.

Adolescent depression is linked to suicidal ideation and attempts. Nurses are well-positioned to deliver brief, supportive interventions. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) emphasizes solutions and the activation of personal resources. To describe the feasibility and clinical utility of SFBT, delivered alongside pharmacotherapy, for reducing suicide risk in an adolescent with depression. Single-case report using a nursing process approach in a 17-year-old female inpatient with a major depressive episode and high suicide risk. SFBT comprised three consecutive sessions (about 45–60 minutes each) using scaling, exception, and miracle questions. Suicide risk was assessed with the MINI-Plus 5.0.0 at each contact. Suicide-risk scores decreased across four consecutive assessments (21 → 15 → 5 → 4), moving from high to low risk on the MINI-Plus 5.0.0. Qualitatively, the patient reported less hopelessness, greater perceived ability to stay safe (scaling improved from 6/10 to 8/10), and more future-oriented goals (returning to school, reconnecting with her mother). She identified helpful strategies, including writing, talking with nursing staff or a roommate, and participating in ward activities. Observations showed improved affect, eye contact, and engagement with peers. Brief SFBT integrated into routine nursing care, alongside pharmacotherapy, was feasible and associated with rapid stabilization in this case. Given the single-case design and concurrent treatment, findings are not generalizable and do not permit causal attribution to SFBT alone. Further multi-case and pilot studies with follow-up are warranted.

This article aims to evaluate the impact of mindfulness training on Mr. A, a 17-year-old adolescent with schizophrenia experiencing social isolation and severe anxiety. The subject, Mr. A, is a 17-year-old male who presented with significant anxiety symptoms, including excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, heart palpitations, rapid breathing, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms were accompanied by behaviors of social withdrawal, emotional detachment, and reluctance to communicate, which are frequently observed in individuals with schizophrenia and comorbid anxiety. The intervention was delivered through 12 individual mindfulness training sessions, each lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The sessions included structured techniques such as identifying personal hopes and concerns, breathing meditation, awareness of bodily sensations, body scanning with an appreciative attitude, expanding moment-to-moment awareness, and accepting thoughts and emotions without judgment. These practices were tailored to the adolescent's psychological and developmental needs within the hospital setting. Following the intervention, Mr. A exhibited improvements in emotional regulation, increased self-awareness, and a noticeable reduction in anxiety symptoms and avoidance behaviors. He also showed enhanced engagement with the treatment environment and better interpersonal responsiveness, as observed by the clinical team and reported by the client. These findings suggest that mindfulness training can be a valuable complementary intervention for managing anxiety and promoting social reconnection in adolescents with schizophrenia. However, given the limitations of this single-case design and the absence of standardized outcome measurements, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further research with larger samples, control groups, and rigorous methodology is recommended to explore the broader applicability and effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in clinical mental health settings.

Consciousness is an integrative process that combines several executive functions, as well as the analytical and synthetic activity of the brain. In some psychopathological conditions, in particular, in schizophrenia, low-information "borderline" disorders of the executive functions and consciousness are often formed at the onset. The present study was aimed at assessing the integration of the bran alpha regulatory system and the modulation of consciousness based on the data of recording the alpha rhythm of resting state EEG associated with a decrease in the level of consciousness. The study involved 40 outpatients with actual symptomatic schizophrenia associated with neurocognitive and depressive symptoms, and 38 healthy subjects. Using the WinEEG, EEG Studio and Loreta-Key Viewer programs, we analyzed both non-specific physical parameters of alpha rhythm generation - index, frequency, amplitude, and physiological characteristics associated with executive functions - regularity, autorhythmicity (modulation) and stability of the EEG alpha rhythm. A line of indicators for the alpha rhythm in schizophrenia has been calculated based on coherence in different areas of the brain, the latent period of desynchronization, the average number of bursts, and the tone of the cerebral cortex.

Pandemic lockdown orders resulted in closures to critical community networks. One such infrastructure was community recreation centers/parks. This infrastructure serves a critical role in building psychosocial wellness for youth. Socioeconomic minority youth face baseline disparity in center/park distribution and services. Youth recreation activity declined 50% as result of lockdown orders with corresponding decline in youth mental health status. Despite overall youth activity decline, White and high socioeconomic demographic categories were associated with greatest recreation access during the pandemic. Thus, the pandemic exacerbated preexisting disparities in recreation access for minority youth and its benefit towards adaptive development. Minority youth experienced greater intra/interpersonal distress than majority youth in the lockdown environment. Reported indicators include negative coping and neighborhood violence outcomes. Experts advocated for the formation of innovative community recreation networks to support the mental health of vulnerable youth during the pandemic. The <em>Drive and Dish initiative</em> was a New Orleans’ area outreach effort which aimed to address this demand. Home portable basketball equipment was delivered to local youth in need. This manuscript prefaces with a recount of a delivery and interaction with the recipient family. The introduction highlights quantitative research which describes youth community network disparity of the pandemic lockdown environment and references observational data which suggests the impact of this disparity on minority youth. We then overview methodology and results of the <em>Drive and Dish initiative</em> and infer its effect. We close with review of studies which analyzed minority youth adjustment indicators from intervening recreation programs developed during the pandemic.

The acoustic design of indoor environments encompassing spatial configuration, material properties, and sound absorption significantly influences auditory perception and psychological well-being. This study examines the interaction between architectural acoustics, musical stimuli, and neural responses within a controlled therapeutic context, focusing on their effects on stress reduction and relaxation. Electroencephalography (EEG) was utilized to measure brain activity in 24 participants exposed to six musical instruments (piano, violin, guitar, flute, tambourine, and cello) within a simulated environment with systematically varied reverberation and absorption conditions. The results demonstrated that melodic instruments, such as the piano and flute, notably enhanced alpha/α and theta/θ wave activity indicators of relaxation, particularly in spaces with optimized sound absorption. Conversely, percussive instruments, such as the tambourine, and fast rhythmic sequences increased beta/β wave activity, which is associated with heightened arousal and tension. Additionally, varying levels of reverberation and sound reflection further influenced perceptual and neural responses to music. These findings highlight the potential of integrating evidence-based acoustic design and music selection into therapeutic environments, such as hospitals and psychotherapy clinics, to alleviate stress and support patient recovery.

This review examines a multimodal approach that integrates advanced neuroimaging, biofluid biomarkers, and innovative rehabilitation strategies for the optimized diagnosis and recovery of traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI remains a critical public health challenge due to its high incidence and diverse, long-lasting morbidities. Conventional diagnostic methods often lack the sensitivity to detect subtle injuries, and current prognostic models are limited by the heterogeneity of TBI. Emerging neuroimaging techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional MRI (fMRI), PET, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), along with blood- and CSF-based biomarkers, are increasingly important in assessing injury severity and guiding treatment. Furthermore, novel rehabilitation modalities such as virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR), brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and targeted cognitive therapies have demonstrated potential to harness neuroplasticity and improve functional recovery. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in standardizing biomarker assays and integrating multimodal data into personalized treatment plans. Future research should validate these approaches in diverse patient populations to refine prognostic models and enhance clinical translation.

Neurotoxicity occurs when exposure to a biological, chemical, or physical agent, especially a neurotoxin, alters the normal activity of the nervous system in a way that results in permanent or reversible damage to neurons and nerve tissue and disrupts the functioning of the brain and nervous system. Chlorpyrifos is a broad-spectrum organophosphorus insecticide that has been used worldwide for more than 50 years and can damage the nervous system of insects by creating neurotoxicity. Epidemiological studies show that exposure to chlorpyrifos is associated with neurological disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Chlorpyrifos can also induce behavioral and developmental abnormalities, neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, hematologic malignancies, histopathological abnormalities, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress. The mechanism of action of chlorpyrifos involves blocking the active sites of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, which leads to adverse effects on the nervous system. The molecular mechanism of neuronal damage created in the nervous system is not fully understood. The present study deals with neurotoxicity caused by exposure to chlorpyrifos.