Dear Colleagues,

Animal behaviors are driven by the concerted activity of several brain areas, including cortical and subcortical regions, whose neurons are interconnected by billions of synaptic contacts. In these complex networks, synaptic weights can be strongly modified by experience and continuously refined via regulatory mechanisms that preserve homeostatic balance. The phenomenon behind these changes is referred to as synaptic plasticity. 

Extended evidence supports a central role for synaptic plasticity in the generation of maladaptive and pathological behaviors, such as in addiction or following trauma. Furthermore, many psychiatric disorders have been associated with defective plasticity, including depressive and tic disorders, and novel therapeutic strategies based on non-invasive brain stimulation are being successfully adopted. 

This Special Issue aims to collect studies investigating the role of neural plasticity in physiological and pathological behaviors of both human and non-human animals, with particular focus on the development and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Both original research articles and reviews are welcome.

Dr. Jacopo Lamanna
Dr. Mattia Ferro
Guest Editors

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• synaptic plasticity
• animal behavior
• psychiatric disorders
• mental disorder
• preclinical model

Title: Functional Recovery and Neuroplasticity Post-Hemispherectomy in Humans
Authors: Functional Recovery and Neuroplasticity Post-Hemispherectomy in Humans Qian Yang1,2, #, Xiangqiu Wang1,2, #, Moksada Regmi1,2,5, #, Qianquan Ma1, Yingjie Wang1, Xiaofang Zhao1, Weihai Liu1, Guozhong L
Affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Center for Precision
Abstract: Since its introduction for cerebral gliomas in the early 20th century, hemispherectomy has2 evolved significantly. Initial triumphs were overshadowed by high complication rates and3 mortality, with death occurring in approximately 1-2% of patients, and serious complications4 being reported in 10-20% of patients, leading to the procedure’s temporary abandonment.5 Subsequent refinements in surgical techniques and better post-operative care have revitalized6 the practice, with studies reporting perioperative mortality rates closer to 0–1%, resulting in7 enhanced seizure control and new insights into neuroplasticity. This review examines functional8 recovery post-hemispherectomy, covering motor-sensory, linguistic, visual, visuospatial,9 auditory, cognitive, and social domains. It tries to assess the extent to which alternative motor10 pathways compensate for lost functions, the ability of the remaining hemisphere to replicate11 linguistic capabilities, and the compensatory mechanisms in vision. Our exploration also12 uncovers potential directions for targeted rehabilitation, from reorganized visuospatial skills to13 social cognition impacts, highlighting the brain's remarkable adaptability. This study aims to14 drive novel research in neurosurgery and foster novel interventions that could advance surgical15 techniques and improve patient outcomes.16 Keywords: hemispherectomy; human; brain function; functional recovery; neuroplasticity