{
  "abstract": "Code comprehension and natural language share structural similarities but engage partially distinct neural systems. While language predominantly recruits the classical perisylvian language network, code comprehension has been linked to the multiple-demand system, associated with mathematical thinking and problem solving. We report the case of a professional software engineer with an IDH-mutant astrocytoma in the left middle frontal gyrus, a region where these networks converge. To address the potential risk of impairing computer programming abilities during surgery, we implemented a personalized protocol combining fMRI and intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping (ESM), extending the standard language assessment with a Code comprehension task. Intraoperative mapping identified sites in the left inferior frontal cortex that were functionally relevant to the Code comprehension task but were not identified during standard object-naming mapping. Complete tumor resection was achieved while preserving these critical regions, with the patient showing intact post-operative language and programming performances. This single case study suggests that individualized Code comprehension mapping may identify functionally relevant sites not detected by standard object-naming mapping, supporting the potential clinical value of tailored fMRI-ESM protocols for preserving higher-order cognitive functions in neurosurgical patients.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Bridging Research in AI and Neuroscience (BRAIN), Computer Vision Center (CVC), Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain.",
    "Computer Science Department, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain.",
    "Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit (CBPU), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.",
    "Department of Cognition, Development, and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.",
    "Neurology Section, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge (HUB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.",
    "Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.",
    "Neurosurgery Section, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge (HUB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.",
    "Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Campus Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.",
    "Institut de Diagnòstic Per la Imatge, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.",
    "Neuroradiology Section, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.",
    "Translational Imaging Biomarkers Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.",
    "Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain."
  ],
  "article_type": "research article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 11,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0,
        1
      ],
      "name": "Victor Cepero-Escribano",
      "orcid": "0009-0003-6394-8034"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2,
        3
      ],
      "name": "Patricia León-Cabrera"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5
      ],
      "name": "Anna Gasa-Roqué",
      "orcid": "0000-0002-9028-0776"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0,
        1
      ],
      "name": "Xavier Otazu"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        6,
        7
      ],
      "name": "Alejandro Fernandez-Coello",
      "orcid": "0000-0003-0418-0339"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "name": "Pablo Naval-Baudin",
      "orcid": "0000-0002-8714-0764"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "name": "Àngels Camins"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        4
      ],
      "name": "Immaculada Rico"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        6,
        7
      ],
      "name": "Andreu Gabarros"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2,
        3,
        5,
        11
      ],
      "name": "Antoni Rodriguez-Fornells"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0,
        1,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "name": "Xim Cerda-Company",
      "orcid": "0000-0001-7359-5453"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/bsd6ma3ybvdbx.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.1002/hbm.70634",
  "fulltext_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13680809",
  "id": "bsd6ma3ybvdbx",
  "issns": [
    "1065-9471",
    "1097-0193"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42897783",
  "language": "eng",
  "licence": "CC-BY-NC",
  "licence_label": "CC BY-NC",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "2805|Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7223053422",
  "pdf_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13680809?pdf=render",
  "pmcid": "PMC13680809",
  "pmid": "42897783",
  "published": "2026-10-01",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/bsd6ma3ybvdbx.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:19:37Z",
      "native_id": "MED:42897783",
      "source": "europepmc",
      "url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42897783"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "biology",
      "origin": "openalex:2805|Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism",
      "subfield": "neuroscience"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Inside a Programmer's Brain: Dissociating Code and Language Comprehension Networks Using a Novel fMRI-ESM Protocol.",
  "title_text": "Inside a Programmer's Brain: Dissociating Code and Language Comprehension Networks Using a Novel fMRI-ESM Protocol.",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:19:37Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/bsd6ma3ybvdbx",
  "venue": "Human brain mapping",
  "versions": []
}