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Neurology International
Volume 14
Issue 2
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Neurol. Int., Volume 14, Issue 2 (June 2022) – 19 articles

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In MS patients, risk factors for severe evolution of COVID-19 are older age, male gender, an EDSS score of >3, comorbidities, methylprednisolone administered in the month before infection, anti-CD20 therapy, and progressive MS course. A reduced vaccine humoral response has been described in patients on ocrelizumab and fingolimod, and a low antibody titer has been associated with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection.

We suggest evaluating single patient risk factors for COVID-19 severe evolution and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies titer in order to better identify those MS persons at risk of developing severe COVID-19 and to discuss with them the opportunity to administer a prophylactic therapy (i.e., tixagevimag/cilgavimab) or to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection with antivirals and/or anti-spike protein monoclonal antibodies. View this paper

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11 pages, 1465 KiB  
Case Report
Rehabilitation Program for Gait Training Using UAN.GO, a Powered Exoskeleton: A Case Report
by Gianfranco Lamberti, Gianluca Sesenna, Qamil Paja and Gianluca Ciardi
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 536-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020043 - 16 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1872
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury is characterized by the interruption of neural pathways of the spinal cord, with alteration of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Robotic-assisted gait training offers many possibilities, including the capability to reach a physiological gait pattern. Methods: A training protocol [...] Read more.
Background: Spinal cord injury is characterized by the interruption of neural pathways of the spinal cord, with alteration of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Robotic-assisted gait training offers many possibilities, including the capability to reach a physiological gait pattern. Methods: A training protocol with UAN.GO®, an active lower limb exoskeleton, was developed. A participant having D10 complete SCI was recruited for this study. The training protocol was composed by 13 sessions, lasting 1.5 h each. The effectiveness of the protocol was evaluated through the mobility performance during the 6 MWT, the level of exertion perceived administrating Borg RPE at the end of each 6 MWT. Furthermore, time and effort required by the participant to earn a higher level of skills were considered. Results: A significant improvement was registered in the six MWT (t0 = 45.64 m t1 = 84.87 m). Data referring to the mean level of exertion remained stable. The patient successfully achieved a higher level of independence and functional mobility with the exoskeleton. Discussion: The findings from this preliminary study suggest that UAN.GO can be a valid tool for walking rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients, allowing the achievement of greater mobility performances. Full article
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30 pages, 4525 KiB  
Systematic Review
Brain Structural and Functional Alterations in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review
by Chiara Barbi, Francesca Benedetta Pizzini, Stefano Tamburin, Alice Martini, Anna Pedrinolla, Fabio Giuseppe Laginestra, Gaia Giuriato, Camilla Martignon, Federico Schena and Massimo Venturelli
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 506-535; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020042 - 08 Jun 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3694
Abstract
Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS); it influences patients’ quality of life. The etiology of fatigue is complex, and its pathogenesis is still unclear and debated. The objective of this review was to describe potential brain structural [...] Read more.
Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS); it influences patients’ quality of life. The etiology of fatigue is complex, and its pathogenesis is still unclear and debated. The objective of this review was to describe potential brain structural and functional dysfunctions underlying fatigue symptoms in patients with MS. To reach this purpose, a systematic review was conducted of published studies comparing functional brain activation and structural brain in MS patients with and without fatigue. Electronic databases were searched until 24 February 2021. The structural and functional outcomes were extracted from eligible studies and tabulated. Fifty studies were included: 32 reported structural brain differences between patients with and without fatigue; 14 studies described functional alterations in patients with fatigue compared to patients without it; and four studies showed structural and functional brain alterations in patients. The results revealed structural and functional abnormalities that could correlate to the symptom of fatigue in patients with MS. Several studies reported the differences between patients with fatigue and patients without fatigue in terms of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes and brain atrophy, specifically in the thalamus. Functional studies showed abnormal activation in the thalamus and in some regions of the sensorimotor network in patients with fatigue compared to patients without it. Patients with fatigue present more structural and functional alterations compared to patients without fatigue. Specifically, abnormal activation and atrophy of the thalamus and some regions of the sensorimotor network seem linked to fatigue. Full article
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9 pages, 1143 KiB  
Systematic Review
Pulvinar Sign, Stroke and Their Relationship with Fabry Disease: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis
by Juan Fernando Ortíz, María Belén Solís, Syed Saad Ali, Mahika Khurana, Juan Andrés Moncayo, Nishel Yogesh Kothari, Mateo Alzamora, Ahmed Eissa-Garces, Ghanshyam Patel, Gustavo Andrés Monteros, Meghdeep Sen and Jonathan Quiñonez
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 497-505; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020041 - 01 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2527
Abstract
Background: Fabry disease (FD) is the second most common lysosomal storage disorder. This disorder affects multiple systems that include the cardiac, renal, and nervous system. The pulvinar sign (PS) is a relatively common sign seen in patients with FD. The PS is a [...] Read more.
Background: Fabry disease (FD) is the second most common lysosomal storage disorder. This disorder affects multiple systems that include the cardiac, renal, and nervous system. The pulvinar sign (PS) is a relatively common sign seen in patients with FD. The PS is a bilateral, symmetrical pulvinar high signal relative to the signal intensity seen on unenhanced T1-weighted brain MR imaging. Methods: We conducted a systematic review with metanalysis to analyze the pool prevalence of the disorder. We used the Moose Guidelines and PRISMA Protocol for this systematic review and Robins 1 to access the BIAS of the study. To analyze the pool prevalence, we used “Open Meta-Analysis” software for analyzing the study. We used “Review Manager 5.4” to analyze the odds ratio between patients with and without the PS and patients with and without stroke among patients with FD. Results: We gather 12 studies from 2003 to 2021 for the analysis of this study. The pool prevalence of the study was 0.146 (0.076–0.217) (62/385 cases) with a 95% CI (0.0945–0.415) (p < 0.01). The prevalence was much higher in men (59 cases) than in women (3 cases). There was no relationship between the pulvinar sign and patients with stroke among patients with Fabry disease. Odds ratio 1.97 95% CI (0.35–11.21), p = 0.44; Tau2 = 0.77. There seems to be a correlation with renal failure (RF), but there were very few studies to conduct a metanalysis with RF. Conclusions: The prevalence of the PS among all studies was 23.9%; the prevalence of this sign is higher among males. We found that FD patients who had strokes did not have higher odds of presenting with the Pulvinar Sign than the FD patients who did not suffer a stroke. Patients with renal failure and FD seem to have a higher tendency to have the PS, but there were not enough studies to analyze that theory. Overall, we think the pulvinar sign has a poor prognostic value in patients with Fabry’s disease. Full article
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9 pages, 2502 KiB  
Systematic Review
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome in the Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Kimberly Pacheco, Juan Fernando Ortiz, Jashank Parwani, Claudio Cruz, Mario Yépez, Maja Buj, Mahika Khurana, Diego Ojeda, Alisson Iturburu, Alex S. Aguirre, Ray Yuen and Shae Datta
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 488-496; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020040 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2825
Abstract
(1) Background: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) encompasses a clinical and radiological diagnosis characterized by recurrent thunderclap headache, with or without focal deficits due to multifocal arterial vasoconstriction and dilation. RCVS can be correlated to pregnancy and exposure to certain drugs. Currently, the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) encompasses a clinical and radiological diagnosis characterized by recurrent thunderclap headache, with or without focal deficits due to multifocal arterial vasoconstriction and dilation. RCVS can be correlated to pregnancy and exposure to certain drugs. Currently, the data on prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period is lacking. We aim to investigate the prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period and the rate of hemorrhagic complications of RCVS among the same group of patients; (2) Methods: We conducted the metanalysis by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) protocol. To analyze the Bias, we used the Ottawa Newcastle scale tool. We included only full-text observational studies conducted on humans and written in English. We excluded Literature Reviews, Systematic Reviews, and Metanalysis. Additionally, we excluded articles that did not document the prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period (3). Results: According to our analysis, the Prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period was 129/1083 (11.9%). Of these, 51/100 (52.7%) patients had hemorrhagic RCVS vs. 49/101 (49.5%) with non-hemorrhagic RCVS. The rates of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) were (51.6% and 10.7%, respectively. ICH seems to be more common than.; (4) Conclusions: Among patients with RCVS, the prevalence in PP patients is relativity high. Pregnant women with RCVS have a higher recurrence of hemorrhagic vs. non-hemorrhagic RCVS. Regarding the type of Hemorrhagic RCVS, ICH is more common than SAH among patients in the postpartum period. Female Sex, history of migraine, and older age group (above 45) seem to be risk factors for H-RCVS. Furthermore, recurrence of RCVS is associated with a higher age group (above 45). Recurrence of RCVS is more commonly idiopathic than being triggered by vasoactive drugs in the postpartum period. Full article
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17 pages, 2553 KiB  
Article
Hesperetin, a Citrus Flavonoid, Ameliorates Inflammatory Cytokine-Mediated Inhibition of Oligodendroglial Cell Morphological Differentiation
by Satoshi Nishino, Yoko Fujiki, Takanari Sato, Yukino Kato, Remina Shirai, Hiroaki Oizumi, Masahiro Yamamoto, Katsuya Ohbuchi, Yuki Miyamoto, Kazushige Mizoguchi and Junji Yamauchi
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 471-487; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020039 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3305
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes (oligodendroglial cells) are glial cells that wrap neuronal axons with their differentiated plasma membranes called myelin membranes. In the pathogenesis of inflammatory cytokine-related oligodendroglial cell and myelin diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), typical inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and [...] Read more.
Oligodendrocytes (oligodendroglial cells) are glial cells that wrap neuronal axons with their differentiated plasma membranes called myelin membranes. In the pathogenesis of inflammatory cytokine-related oligodendroglial cell and myelin diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), typical inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are thought to contribute to the degeneration and/or progression of the degeneration of oligodendroglial cells and, in turn, the degeneration of naked neuronal cells in the central nervous system (CNS) tissues. Despite the known involvement of these inflammatory cytokines in disease progression, it has remained unclear whether and how TNFα or IL-6 affects the oligodendroglial cells themselves or indirectly. Here we show that TNFα or IL-6 directly inhibits morphological differentiation in FBD-102b cells, which are differentiation models of oligodendroglial cells. Their phenotype changes were supported by the decreased expression levels of oligodendroglial cell differentiation and myelin marker proteins. In addition, TNFα or IL-6 decreased phosphorylation levels of Akt kinase, whose upregulation has been associated with promoting oligodendroglial cell differentiation. Hesperetin, a flavonoid mainly contained in citrus fruit, is known to have neuroprotective effects. Hesperetin might also be able to resolve pre-illness conditions, including the irregulated secretion of cytokines, through diet. Notably, the addition of hesperetin into cells recovered TNFα- or IL-6-induced inhibition of differentiation, as supported by increased levels of marker protein expression and phosphorylation of Akt kinase. These results suggest that TNFα or IL-6 itself contributes to the inhibitory effects on the morphological differentiation of oligodendroglial cells, possibly providing information not only on their underlying pathological effects but also on flavonoids with potential therapeutic effects at the molecular and cellular levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fourth Brainstorming Research Assembly for Young Neuroscientists (BraYn))
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18 pages, 930 KiB  
Review
Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review with Focus on the Visual System
by Steven H. Rauchman, Jacqueline Albert, Aaron Pinkhasov and Allison B. Reiss
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 453-470; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020038 - 30 May 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 10655
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major global public health problem. Neurological damage from TBI may be mild, moderate, or severe and occurs both immediately at the time of impact (primary injury) and continues to evolve afterwards (secondary injury). In mild (m)TBI, common [...] Read more.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major global public health problem. Neurological damage from TBI may be mild, moderate, or severe and occurs both immediately at the time of impact (primary injury) and continues to evolve afterwards (secondary injury). In mild (m)TBI, common symptoms are headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Visual impairment is especially prevalent. Insomnia, attentional deficits and memory problems often occur. Neuroimaging methods for the management of TBI include computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The location and the extent of injuries determine the motor and/or sensory deficits that result. Parietal lobe damage can lead to deficits in sensorimotor function, memory, and attention span. The processing of visual information may be disrupted, with consequences such as poor hand-eye coordination and balance. TBI may cause lesions in the occipital or parietal lobe that leave the TBI patient with incomplete homonymous hemianopia. Overall, TBI can interfere with everyday life by compromising the ability to work, sleep, drive, read, communicate and perform numerous activities previously taken for granted. Treatment and rehabilitation options available to TBI sufferers are inadequate and there is a pressing need for new ways to help these patients to optimize their functioning and maintain productivity and participation in life activities, family and community. Full article
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12 pages, 727 KiB  
Article
Effect Comparison of E-Cigarette and Traditional Smoking and Association with Stroke—A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES
by Urvish Patel, Neel Patel, Mahika Khurana, Akshada Parulekar, Amrapali Patel, Juan Fernando Ortiz, Rutul Patel, Eseosa Urhoghide, Anuja Mistry, Arpita Bhriguvanshi, Mohammed Abdulqader, Neev Mehta, Kogulavadanan Arumaithurai and Shamik Shah
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 441-452; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020037 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 9819
Abstract
Introduction: Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for stroke. Besides traditional cigarettes and combustible products, the use of e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery products has been widespread among young adults in the recent era. Furthermore, the trend of vaping [...] Read more.
Introduction: Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for stroke. Besides traditional cigarettes and combustible products, the use of e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery products has been widespread among young adults in the recent era. Furthermore, the trend of vaping has increased over the last decade. However, the relationship between e-cigarettes and stroke is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and identify the relationship between e-cigarette smoking and stroke. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using the NHANES database of the US population. Adults with a history of smoking were considered in our study and divided into three groups, e-cigarette users, traditional, and dual smokers. The Chi-squared test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify the prevalence and association of e-cigarette consumption and stroke. Results: Out of a total of 266,058 respondents from 2015 to 2018, we found 79,825 respondents who smoked e-cigarettes (9.72%) or traditional (29.37%) or dual smoking (60.91%). Stroke prevalence among e-cigarette smokers was 1.57%. Stroke was more prevalent among traditional smokers than among e-cigarette smokers. (6.75% vs. 1.09%; p < 0.0001) E-cigarette smokers had early onset of stroke in comparison with traditional smokers. (median age: 48 vs. 59 years; p < 0.0001). Among females with stroke, the prevalence of e-cigarette use was higher in comparison with traditional smoking (36.36% vs. 33.91%; p < 0.0001). Among the stroke population, the prevalence of e-cigarette use was higher among Mexican-Americans (21.21% vs. 6.02%) and other Hispanics (24.24% vs. 7.70%) compared with traditional smoking (p < 0.0001). The regression analysis found higher odds of stroke history among e-cigarette users than traditional smokers [aOR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.15–1.16)]. Conclusion: Though stroke was more prevalent in traditional smokers, the incidence of stroke was early-in-onset and was strongly associated with e-cigarette use compared to traditional smokers. We have also identified vascular effects of e-cigarettes components as possible triggers for the stroke. Full article
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4 pages, 832 KiB  
Case Report
Trigeminal Herpes Zoster Transited to Ipsilateral Occipital Neuralgia
by Keita Takizawa, Zhimin Yan, Jumi Nakata, Andrew Young, Junad Khan, Mythili Kalladka and Noboru Noma
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 437-440; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020036 - 18 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5015
Abstract
The pain of occipital neuralgia (ON) is thought to be secondary to trauma or injury to the occipital nerve at any point along the course of the nerve. ON may also be caused by an infectious process (herpes zoster) or compression of the [...] Read more.
The pain of occipital neuralgia (ON) is thought to be secondary to trauma or injury to the occipital nerve at any point along the course of the nerve. ON may also be caused by an infectious process (herpes zoster) or compression of the nerve. The patient, in this case, presented to our clinic with complaints of occipital pain and rash and swelling of the right lower jaw. One week before presenting to our clinic, the patient developed severe pain in the first division of the trigeminal region with erythema and vesicles. A blood test showed a remarkably high antibody titer for varicella–zoster virus (VZV). The patient was prescribed oral valacyclovir (Valtrex®) (3000 mg/day), which resulted in the complete remission of the rash and blisters in the occipital region. This highlights the importance of considering neuroanatomy of the trigeminal region and cervical nerve. Full article
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14 pages, 316 KiB  
Review
Alternative Options for Complex, Recurrent Pain States Using Cannabinoids, Psilocybin, and Ketamine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Evidence
by Amber N. Edinoff, Juliana M. Fort, Christina Singh, Sarah E. Wagner, Jessica R. Rodriguez, Catherine A. Johnson, Elyse M. Cornett, Kevin S. Murnane, Adam M. Kaye and Alan D. Kaye
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 423-436; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020035 - 18 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5339
Abstract
With emerging information about the potential for morbidity and reduced life expectancy with long-term use of opioids, it is logical to evaluate nonopioid analgesic treatments to manage pain states. Combinations of drugs can provide additive and/or synergistic effects that can benefit the management [...] Read more.
With emerging information about the potential for morbidity and reduced life expectancy with long-term use of opioids, it is logical to evaluate nonopioid analgesic treatments to manage pain states. Combinations of drugs can provide additive and/or synergistic effects that can benefit the management of pain states. In this regard, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) modulate nociceptive signals and have been studied for chronic pain treatment. Psilocybin, commonly known as “magic mushrooms”, works at the serotonin receptor, 5-HT2A. Psilocybin has been found in current studies to help with migraines since it has a tryptamine structure and works similarly to triptans. Psilocybin also has the potential for use in chronic pain treatment. However, the studies that have looked at alternative plant-based medications such as THC, CBD, and psilocybin have been small in terms of their sample size and may not consider the demographic or genetic differences in the population because of their small sample sizes. At present, it is unclear whether the effects reported in these studies translate to the general population or even are significant. In summary, additional studies are warranted to evaluate chronic pain management with alternative and combinations of medications in the treatment of chronic pain. Full article
6 pages, 925 KiB  
Case Report
Italian Case Report with a Double Mutation in PSEN1 (K311R and E318G)
by Paola Bisceglia, Filomena Lo Vecchio, Raffaela Rita Latino, Carolina Gravina, Maria Urbano, Annamaria la Torre, Gaetano Desina, Antonio Greco, Maurizio Leone and Annibale Antonioni
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 417-422; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020034 - 16 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1708
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. The clinical spectrum of suspected AD has been extended from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to preclinical AD which includes people who have typical cognitive function but harbor the underlying biological features of [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. The clinical spectrum of suspected AD has been extended from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to preclinical AD which includes people who have typical cognitive function but harbor the underlying biological features of AD. We report the first case of an Italian patient affected by MCI (MMSE 24\30), characterized by a double mutation p.Lys311Arg (K311R) and p.Glu318Gly (E318G) in Presenilin-1 but with the absence of abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neurogenetics of Degenerative Disorders)
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11 pages, 859 KiB  
Article
Impact of COVID-19 in AChR Myasthenia Gravis and the Safety of Vaccines: Data from an Italian Cohort
by Antonino Lupica, Vincenzo Di Stefano, Salvatore Iacono, Antonia Pignolo, Martina Quartana, Andrea Gagliardo, Brigida Fierro and Filippo Brighina
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 406-416; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020033 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3549
Abstract
Background and aims. Patients with Myasthenia gravis (MG) are considered vulnerable as they may present with respiratory muscle weakness and because they are on immunosuppressive treatment; thereby, COVID-19 may have a detrimental effect on these patients. Vaccines against COVID-19 are currently available and [...] Read more.
Background and aims. Patients with Myasthenia gravis (MG) are considered vulnerable as they may present with respiratory muscle weakness and because they are on immunosuppressive treatment; thereby, COVID-19 may have a detrimental effect on these patients. Vaccines against COVID-19 are currently available and it has been shown as they can prevent severe COVID-19 in vulnerable patients. Notwithstanding their efficacy, vaccine hesitancy has not been completely dispelled in the general population. Unfortunately, there is limited data about the safety of these vaccines in MG patients. The aims of this study are to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in a MG cohort, the adherence to COVID-19 vaccination in Italy and vaccine safety in MG patients. Methods. A retrospective cohort study of MG patients attending the Neuromuscular Clinic of the University Hospital “Paolo Giaccone” of Palermo, Italy, was performed. Patients underwent telephone interviews with a dedicated questionnaire on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection. Vaccine safety was assessed though the evaluation of vaccine-related adverse events (AEs) and comparisons of MG-ADL scores before and after vaccination. Patient worsening was defined as two or more point increases in MG-ADL scores. Results. From a total of 90 participants, 75 answered the questionnaire and 70.5% of them (n = 53) received the vaccine; ten patients did not receive vaccination and 3 patients were partially vaccinated. Among the vaccinated patients, about 45% (n = 24) experienced at least one AE, with a complete resolution within one week. No serious AEs and life-threatening conditions were observed. Globally, MG-ADL scores did not worsen after vaccination. Nine unvaccinated patients experienced SARS-CoV2 infection and four of them (44%) died—one patient required respiratory support, whereas three patients were asymptomatic. Conclusions. COVID-19 significantly impacted MG patients with an increase in mortality due to respiratory sequelae. Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 showed good short-term safety in MG patients, who may take advantage of vaccination to avoiding life-threatening complications such as COVID-19 pneumonia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurological Aspects of COVID-19: What We Knew Then, What We Know Now, & What We Need to Prepare for in the Future)
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15 pages, 3790 KiB  
Review
Ischemic Stroke and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The Bidirectional Pathology and Risk Morbidities
by Vishal Chavda, Bipin Chaurasia, Alessandro Fiorindi, Giuseppe E. Umana, Bingwei Lu and Nicola Montemurro
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 391-405; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020032 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4539
Abstract
Stroke is a fatal morbidity that needs emergency medical admission and immediate medical attention. COVID-19 ischemic brain damage is closely associated with common neurological symptoms, which are extremely difficult to treat medically, and risk factors. We performed literature research about COVID-19 and ischemia [...] Read more.
Stroke is a fatal morbidity that needs emergency medical admission and immediate medical attention. COVID-19 ischemic brain damage is closely associated with common neurological symptoms, which are extremely difficult to treat medically, and risk factors. We performed literature research about COVID-19 and ischemia in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus for this current narrative review. We discovered parallel manifestations of SARS-CoV-19 infection and brain ischemia risk factors. In published papers, we discovered a similar but complex pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and stroke pathology. A patient with other systemic co-morbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, or any respiratory disease, has a fatal combination in intensive care management when infected with SARS-CoV-19. Furthermore, due to their shared risk factors, COVID-19 and stroke are a lethal combination for medical management to treat. In this review, we discuss shared pathophysiology, adjuvant risk factors, challenges, and advancements in stroke-associated COVID-19 therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurological Aspects of COVID-19: What We Knew Then, What We Know Now, & What We Need to Prepare for in the Future)
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13 pages, 1284 KiB  
Article
Volume of Amygdala Subregions and Plasma Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cortisol in Patients with s/s Genotype of Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphism of First-Episode and Drug-Naive Major Depressive Disorder: An Exploratory Study
by Naomichi Okamoto, Keita Watanabe, Hirofumi Tesen, Atsuko Ikenouchi, Ryohei Igata, Yuki Konishi, Tomoya Natsuyama, Rintaro Fujii, Shingo Kakeda, Taro Kishi, Nakao Iwata and Reiji Yoshimura
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 378-390; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020031 - 15 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2073
Abstract
The amygdala is a prominent region of the brain that plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The amygdala is formed from a collection of interconnected substructures (nuclei) that relay signals from multiple brain areas, which suggests that [...] Read more.
The amygdala is a prominent region of the brain that plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The amygdala is formed from a collection of interconnected substructures (nuclei) that relay signals from multiple brain areas, which suggests that the amygdala has different functions depending on its subregion. There are two main alleles of serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR): a 44-bp insertion (l-allele) or deletion (s-allele). The transcriptional activity of the l-allele of the gene is twice that of the s-allele. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the volume of the whole amygdala and subregions of the amygdala in 25 first-episode and drug-naive patients with MDD and 46 healthy controls (HCs) with the s/s genotype of 5-HTTLPR and plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or cortisol. No significant difference was observed in the amygdala total and subregion volumes between the HC and MDD groups. No significant difference was found in the plasma levels of BDNF and cortisol between the two groups. In addition, no correlations were found between the total and subregion amygdala volume and plasma levels of cortisol or BDNF. Full article
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10 pages, 274 KiB  
Review
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment in the COVID-19 Era: A Risk-Benefit Approach
by Paolo Immovilli, Nicola Morelli, Chiara Terracciano, Eugenia Rota, Elena Marchesi, Stefano Vollaro, Paola De Mitri, Domenica Zaino, Veronica Bazzurri and Donata Guidetti
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 368-377; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020030 - 15 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2610
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses an ongoing global challenge, and several risk factors make people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) particularly susceptible to running a severe disease course. Although the literature does report numerous articles on the risk factors for severe COVID-19 and vaccination response [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses an ongoing global challenge, and several risk factors make people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) particularly susceptible to running a severe disease course. Although the literature does report numerous articles on the risk factors for severe COVID-19 and vaccination response in pwMS, there is a scarcity of reviews integrating both these aspects into strategies aimed at minimizing risks. The aim of this review is to describe the risk of vulnerable pwMS exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the issues related to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and to evidence possible future strategies in the clinical management of pwMS. The authors searched for papers on severe COVID-19 risk factors, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and people with multiple sclerosis in support of this narrative literature review. We propose a multilevel strategy aimed at: the evaluation of risk factors for severe COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis, identifying the most appropriate vaccination schedule that is safe for people on disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) and a strict follow-up of high-risk people with multiple sclerosis to allow for the prompt administration of monoclonal antibodies to manage COVID-19 risks in this patient population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multiple Sclerosis)
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11 pages, 465 KiB  
Article
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Five-Word Test for Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease
by Chiara Fornari, Francesco Mori, Nicola Zoppi, Ilenia Libri, Chiara Silvestri, Maura Cosseddu, Rosanna Turrone, Matteo Maffi, Salvatore Caratozzolo, Barbara Borroni, Alessandro Padovani and Alberto Benussi
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 357-367; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020029 - 06 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2515
Abstract
New diagnostic methods have been developed for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with the primary purpose of intercepting the transition-phase (mild cognitive impairment, MCI) between normal aging and dementia. We aimed to explore whether the five-word test (FWT) and the mini-mental [...] Read more.
New diagnostic methods have been developed for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with the primary purpose of intercepting the transition-phase (mild cognitive impairment, MCI) between normal aging and dementia. We aimed to explore whether the five-word test (FWT) and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) are predictive for the early diagnosis of MCI due to AD (AD-MCI). We computed ROC analyses to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MMSE and FWT in predicting abnormal CSF (t-Tau, p-Tau181, Aβ1–42) and amyloid-PET biomarkers. AD-MCI patients showed lower MMSE and FWT scores (all p < 0.001) than non-AD-MCI. The best predictor of amyloid plaques’ presence at amyloid-PET imaging was the encoding sub-score of the FWT (AUC = 0.84). Both FWT and MMSE had low/moderate accuracy for the detection of pathological CSF Aβ42, t-Tau and p-Tau181 values, with higher accuracy for the t-Tau/Aβ1–42 ratio. In conclusion, the FWT, as a single-domain cognitive screening test, seems to be prompt and moderately accurate tool for the identification of an underlying AD neuropathological process in patients with MCI, supporting the importance of associating biomarkers evaluation in the work-up of patients with dementing neurodegenerative disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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20 pages, 844 KiB  
Review
Mitochondrial Ataxias: Molecular Classification and Clinical Heterogeneity
by Piervito Lopriore, Valentina Ricciarini, Gabriele Siciliano, Michelangelo Mancuso and Vincenzo Montano
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 337-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020028 - 02 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3507
Abstract
Ataxia is increasingly being recognized as a cardinal manifestation in primary mitochondrial diseases (PMDs) in both paediatric and adult patients. It can be caused by disruption of cerebellar nuclei or fibres, its connection with the brainstem, or spinal and peripheral lesions leading to [...] Read more.
Ataxia is increasingly being recognized as a cardinal manifestation in primary mitochondrial diseases (PMDs) in both paediatric and adult patients. It can be caused by disruption of cerebellar nuclei or fibres, its connection with the brainstem, or spinal and peripheral lesions leading to proprioceptive loss. Despite mitochondrial ataxias having no specific defining features, they should be included in hereditary ataxias differential diagnosis, given the high prevalence of PMDs. This review focuses on the clinical and neuropathological features and genetic background of PMDs in which ataxia is a prominent manifestation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neurogenetics of Degenerative Disorders)
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1 pages, 169 KiB  
Editorial
Advances in Neurodegenerative Diseases
by Vasileios Siokas and Efthimios Dardiotis
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020027 - 28 Mar 2022
Viewed by 1626
Abstract
A multitude of diseases presenting a wide variety of phenotypic appearances are included in neurodegenerative disorders [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Neurodegenerative Diseases)
14 pages, 2632 KiB  
Article
Cortical Oxygenation during a Motor Task to Evaluate Recovery in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Study with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
by Nicola Lamberti, Fabio Manfredini, Francesca Nardi, Andrea Baroni, Giovanni Piva, Anna Crepaldi, Nino Basaglia, Ilaria Casetta and Sofia Straudi
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 322-335; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020026 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2037
Abstract
In subacute stroke patients we studied cortical oxygenation changes by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during a motor task performed with the hemiparetic arm (15 s of reaching and grasping, 45 s of rest, repeated 6 times). Twenty-three subjects were included at baseline, compared with [...] Read more.
In subacute stroke patients we studied cortical oxygenation changes by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during a motor task performed with the hemiparetic arm (15 s of reaching and grasping, 45 s of rest, repeated 6 times). Twenty-three subjects were included at baseline, compared with six healthy subjects, and restudied after 6 weeks of rehabilitation. Motor/premotor cortical changes in oxyhemoglobin detected by NIRS were quantified as the area under the curve (AUC) for the total cortex (TOT-AUC) and for both affected (AFF-AUC) and unaffected hemispheres (UN-AUC). The ratio between AUC and the number of task repetitions performed identified the cortical metabolic cost (CMC) or the oxygenation increase for a single movement. Fugl–Meyer assessment of the upper extremity (FMA-UE) was also performed. At baseline, both total and hemispheric CMC were significantly higher in stroke patients than in healthy subjects and inversely correlated with FMA-UE. After rehabilitation, changes in total-CMC and unaffected-CMC, but not Affected-CMC, were inversely correlated with variations in the FMA-UE score. A value > 5000 a.u. for the ratio baseline TOT-CMC/days since stroke was associated with not reaching the clinically important difference for FMA-UE after rehabilitation. In subacute stroke the CMC, a biomarker assessed by NIRS during a motor task with the hemiparetic arm, may describe cortical time/treatment reorganization and favor patient selection for rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fourth Brainstorming Research Assembly for Young Neuroscientists (BraYn))
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12 pages, 294 KiB  
Review
The Possible Application of Ketamine in the Treatment of Depression in Alzheimer’s Disease
by Islam Mohammad Shehata, Waniyah Masood, Nouran Nemr, Alexandra Anderson, Kamal Bhusal, Amber N. Edinoff, Elyse M. Cornett, Adam M. Kaye and Alan D. Kaye
Neurol. Int. 2022, 14(2), 310-321; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020025 - 22 Mar 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4913
Abstract
Depression is a leading cause of disability globally, with a prevalence of 3.8% among the whole population, 5% of the adult population, and 5.7% of the elderly population over 60 years of age. There is evidence that depression is linked to certain neurodegenerative [...] Read more.
Depression is a leading cause of disability globally, with a prevalence of 3.8% among the whole population, 5% of the adult population, and 5.7% of the elderly population over 60 years of age. There is evidence that depression is linked to certain neurodegenerative diseases, one being Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The efficacy of conventional antidepressants to treat depression in AD is conflicting, especially regarding selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A recent systemic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials including fourteen antidepressant medications showed no high efficacy in treating AD patients’ symptoms. However, ketamine, a nonselective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, can mediate a wide range of pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, multimodal analgesia, and treatment of depression, suicidal attempts, and status epilepticus. Esketamine, which is ketamine formulated as a nasal spray, was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2019 as an adjuvant drug to treat treatment-resistant depression. NMDA receptor antagonists treat AD through offsetting AD-related pathological stimulation of subtypes of glutamate receptors in the central nervous system. Recent clinical findings suggest that ketamine may provide neuroprotection and reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with AD. In the present investigation, we evaluate the potential role of ketamine and its postulated mechanism in AD management. Full article
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