Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevin Pacheco-Barrios, Danielle Carolina Pimenta, Anne Victorio Pessotto, Felipe Fregni
Summary: The clinical correlates of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures, such as resting motor threshold (MT), motor-evoked potential (MEP), short intracortical inhibition (SICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF), in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients were investigated. It was found that SICI was associated with sleepiness, comorbidities, disease duration, and anxiety, while ICF showed a positive correlation with pain levels and a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI). These findings suggest that SICI and ICF metrics may serve as potential phenotyping biomarkers in FMS.
Article
Substance Abuse
Yuyu Song, Yanling Pi, Xiaoying Tan, Xue Xia, Yu Liu, Jian Zhang
Summary: By conducting three transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) experiments, the researchers measured the modulatory mechanisms in the primary motor cortex (M1) of smokers when they actively approached or avoided smoking-related cues. The results showed that smokers had faster reaction times, increased excitability of corticospinal pathways and intracortical facilitation effects when approaching smoking-related cues. On the other hand, they exhibited stronger short-interval intracortical inhibition effects when avoiding these cues.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hatice Tankisi, Christina S-Z Nielsen, James Howells, Bulent Cengiz, Gintaute Samusyte, Martin Koltzenburg, Jakob U. Blicher, Anette T. Moller, Kirsten Pugdahl, Anders Fuglsang-Frederiksen, Mamede de Carvalho, Hugh Bostock
Summary: This study found that both amplitude-based measure of cortical inhibition and T-SICI are sensitive measures for detecting cortical involvement in MND patients and may aid in early diagnosis of ALS, with T-SICI showing the most abnormalities before the development of upper motor neuron signs.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
George M. Opie, Wei-Yeh Liao, John G. Semmler
Summary: Research indicates that interactions between the cerebellum and primary motor cortex are crucial for effective motor function. A review of emerging literature on this topic offers valuable insights into the nature of these interactions.
Article
Neurosciences
S. N. Makarov, W. A. Wartman, G. M. Noetscher, K. Fujimoto, T. Zaidi, E. H. Burnham, M. Daneshzand, A. Nummenmaa
Summary: The optimized TMS inverse problem solutions improve the focality of the electric field induced by TMS and reduce the size of the field hot spot near the target. Additionally, uncertainties in coil position/orientation, conductivity, and head segmentation accuracy affect the performance of TMS-IP.
Article
Respiratory System
Peijun Gui, Lin Wang, Liya Guo, Chunwei Wu, Bo Zhang, Chen Chen, Ying Xie
Summary: This study investigated the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on the activation of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in relation to cough reflex and urge-to-cough sensitivity. The results showed that anodal stimulation significantly increased cough reflex and urge-to-cough thresholds, while urge-to-cough sensitivity remained unchanged.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Qian Ding, Huiting Cai, Manfeng Wu, Guiyuan Cai, Hongying Chen, Wanqi Li, Tuo Lin, Yinghua Jing, Tifei Yuan, Guangqing Xu, Yue Lan
Summary: This study systematically investigated the relationship between resting-state intracortical inhibition or facilitation and inhibitory control, finding a positive correlation between short intracortical facilitation and poorer inhibitory control. This suggests that short intracortical facilitation may serve as a potential physiological biomarker for motor-inhibitory control and have clinical implications for disorders associated with inhibitory control deficits.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sinan Yasaroglu, Joachim Liepert
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the changes in motor excitability and motor performance induced by a single session of anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in stroke patients. The results showed that anodal tDCS significantly reduced short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) without affecting intracortical facilitation (ICF) or long interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). Cathodal tDCS did not change motor excitability. Both types of tDCS did not alter motor performance. The SICI in the affected hemisphere was lower than in the unaffected hemisphere even before anodal tDCS, and it was correlated with changes in motor performance after anodal tDCS.
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Sonia Turrini, Francesca Fiori, Emilio Chiappini, Boris Lucero, Emiliano Santarnecchi, Alessio Avenanti
Summary: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies have shown that cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) can strengthen connectivity between the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and the primary motor cortex (M1) by modulating convergent input over M1 via Hebbian spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). The authors tested 60 right-handed young healthy humans using dual coil TMS and ccPAS over the left PMv and M1 to probe and manipulate PMv-to-M1 connectivity, and found that ccPAS acts locally over M1 by gradually increasing motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by paired PMv-M1 stimulation. Moreover, ccPAS reduced the magnitude of short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) without affecting intracortical facilitation (ICF), highlighting the physiological basis of ccPAS.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Brenton Hordacre, Mitchell R. Goldsworthy, Lynton Graetz, Michael C. Ridding
Summary: This research investigated the impact of baseline resting state functional connectivity on responses to continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS). The results showed that a low beta frequency band model of connectivity played a crucial role in determining responses to spaced cTBS, suggesting that M1-frontocentral networks may have an important role in the effects of cTBS on corticospinal excitability.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Ole Numssen, Anna-Leah Zier, Axel Thielscher, Gesa Hartwigsen, Thomas R. Knosche, Konstantin Weise
Summary: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a useful tool for studying causal structure-function relationships in the human brain, but the complex distribution of induced electric fields makes it challenging to precisely identify the stimulated neuronal populations. This study proposes a method to rapidly and feasibly localize cortical regions at the individual subject level by combining experimental data and numerically modeled fields. By establishing a functional link between the induced electric field and the modulated effect, the research demonstrates a fundamental step towards fully exploiting the potential of TMS for practical and clinical applications.
Article
Neurosciences
Takuya Matsumoto, Tatsunori Watanabe, Takayuki Kuwabara, Keisuke Yunoki, Xiaoxiao Chen, Nami Kubo, Hikari Kirimoto
Summary: Our study found that SICI in the ipsi-M1 is decreased during visually guided finger movements compared to rest condition. Additionally, both SICI and LICI were smaller in the right M1 compared to the left M1, regardless of task conditions.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maximilian J. Wessel, Chang-hyun Park, Elena Beanato, Estelle A. Cuttaz, Jan E. Timmermann, Robert Schulz, Takuya Morishita, Philipp J. Koch, Friedhelm C. Hummel
Summary: The study found that multisession motorcortical stimulation is beneficial for skill acquisition, while monofocal cerebellar stimulation or sequential multifocal motorcortico-cerebellar stimulation did not show additional effects. Baseline task performance and structural integrity of the bilateral superior cerebellar peduncle are the most influential predictors of training success.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Janine Kesselheim, Mitsuaki Takemi, Lasse Christiansen, Anke Ninija Karabanov, Hartwig Roman Siebner
Summary: This study investigated whether short-latency corticospinal facilitation engages additional mechanisms independently of I-wave periodicity. The results showed that multipulse TMSHAND at individual peak latency and trough latency facilitated MEP amplitudes and reduced resting motor threshold (RMT). This facilitation may be related to I-wave periodicity and slower-conducting indirect pyramidal tract projections, respectively.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Andrew R. Brown, Shaarang Mitra, G. Campbell Teskey, Jeffery A. Boychuk
Summary: In this study, complex forelimb movements and cortical topography in mice were investigated using intracortical microstimulation. The findings provide valuable insights into the motor control mechanisms in mice.
Review
Oncology
Hannah C. Timmins, David Mizrahi, Tiffany Li, Matthew C. Kiernan, David Goldstein, Susanna B. Park
Summary: Metabolic syndrome and associated conditions have been identified as potential risk factors for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN). Obesity and low physical activity may contribute to the development of CIPN. Further research is needed to explore CIPN risk factors and determine if lifestyle changes can improve long-term outcomes for cancer survivors.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Mansur A. Kutlubaev, Jashelle Caga, Ying Xu, Daria K. Areprintseva, Ekaterina Pervushina, Matthew C. Kiernan
Summary: This study aimed to determine the frequency and correlates of apathy in ALS and its impact on the disease prognosis. The findings suggest that the emergence of apathy is associated with cognitive decline and bulbar onset of the disease. Additionally, ALS patients with apathy showed more prominent changes in structural and functional brain imaging. Apathy worsened the long-term prognosis of ALS.
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS AND FRONTOTEMPORAL DEGENERATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andrew Hannaford, Karen Byth, Nathan Pavey, Robert D. Henderson, Susan Mathers, Merrilee Needham, David Schultz, Parvathi Menon, Matthew C. Kiernan, Steve Vucic
Summary: This study aimed to assess the utility of clinical biomarkers, such as Delta FS and BMI, and neurophysiological measures, such as SI and NPI, in monitoring disease progression in ALS patients. The results showed that Delta FS and BMI were predictive of disease severity and progression, while SI and NPI were associated with disease severity. The implementation of these biomarkers could assist in patient management and stratification into clinical trials.
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Srestha Mazumder, Heather McCann, Susan D'Silva, Sarah Furlong, Claire E. Shepherd, Jillian J. Kril, Glenda M. Halliday, Dominic B. Rowe, Matthew C. Kiernan, Rachel H. Tan
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Matthew C. Kiernan, David Burke, Rachel H. Tan
Article
Clinical Neurology
Matthew Silsby, Alessandro F. Fois, Con Yiannikas, Karl Ng, Matthew C. Kiernan, Victor S. C. Fung, Steve Vucic
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate tremor in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and test the hypothesis that tremor occurs due to mistimed peripheral inputs affecting central motor processing, as established in other demyelinating neuropathies. Additionally, the tremor stability index (TSI) was calculated to assess the variability of CIDP-related tremor compared to other tremor disorders.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Eduardo Martinez-Valdes, Roger M. Enoka, Ales Holobar, Kevin McGill, Dario Farina, Manuela Besomi, Francois Hug, Deborah Falla, Richard G. Carson, Edward A. Clancy, Catherine Disselhorst-Klug, Jaap H. van Dieen, Kylie Tucker, Simon Gandevia, Madeleine Lowery, Karen Sogaard, Thor Besier, Roberto Merletti, Matthew C. Kiernan, John C. Rothwell, Eric Perreault, Paul W. Hodges
Summary: The analysis of single motor unit (SMU) activity is crucial for understanding the neural strategies controlling muscle force. Traditionally, this analysis has been done invasively through intramuscular electromyography (EMG), but recent advances in signal processing techniques have enabled the identification of SMU activity in high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) recordings.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND KINESIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Sean W. Willemse, Peter Harley, Ruben P. A. van Eijk, Koen C. Demaegd, Pavol Zelina, R. Jeroen Pasterkamp, Philip van Damme, Caroline Ingre, Wouter van Rheenen, Jan H. Veldink, Matthew C. Kiernan, Ammar Al-Chalabi, Leonard H. van den Berg, Pietro Fratta, Michael A. van Es
Summary: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a deadly neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options. A specific gene polymorphism in the UNC13A gene has been found to increase the risk of ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and can modify the disease phenotype in ALS patients. UNC13A is involved in maintaining synaptic active zones and its depletion leads to impaired neurotransmission. Recent discoveries have identified UNC13A as a potential therapeutic target, with ongoing trials using lithium carbonate and considering antisense oligonucleotides. Knowledge of UNC13A's distinct phenotype is important for future clinical trials.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Michelle A. Farrar, Matthew C. Kiernan, Didu S. Kariyawasam
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Matthew C. C. Kiernan, Susanna B. B. Park
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yue Yang, Dominic Rowe, Heather McCann, Claire E. Shepherd, Jillian J. Kril, Matthew C. Kiernan, Glenda M. Halliday, Rachel H. Tan
Summary: This study compared the pathology of ALS patients who received CuATSM and riluzole with those who only received riluzole, and found no significant difference in neuron density or TDP-43 burden. However, CuATSM treatment led to the presence of p62-immunoreactive astrocytes in the motor cortex and reduced Iba1 density in the spinal cord. There was no significant difference in astrocytic activity and SOD1 immunoreactivity with CuATSM treatment.
NEUROPATHOLOGY AND APPLIED NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Nathan Pavey, Parvathi Menon, Mehdi A. J. van den Bos, Matthew C. Kiernan, Steve Vucic
Summary: A complex interaction of inhibitory and facilitatory interneuronal processes may underlie the development of cortical excitability. The study utilized threshold tracking transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess cortical excitability with different coil orientations. Significant effects of coil orientation were observed on short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and facilitation (SICF). The results suggest that distinct interneuronal processes are recruited with variable cortical orientation and thresholds.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lyndal Henden, Liam G. Fearnley, Natalie Grima, Emily P. McCann, Carol Dobson-Stone, Lauren Fitzpatrick, Kathryn Friend, Lynne Hobson, Sandrine Chan Moi Fat, Dominic B. Rowe, Susan D'Silva, John B. Kwok, Glenda M. Halliday, Matthew C. Kiernan, Srestha Mazumder, Hannah C. Timmins, Margaret Zoing, Roger Pamphlett, Lorel Adams, Melanie Bahlo, Ian P. Blair, Kelly L. Williams
Summary: In this study, we analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 608 patients with sporadic ALS, 68 patients with sporadic FTD, and 4703 matched controls using three tools. We found that 17.6% of clinically diagnosed ALS and FTD cases had expanded STR alleles reported to be pathogenic or intermediate for other neurodegenerative diseases, providing evidence for their contribution to the development of these diseases. We also identified multiple disease-relevant STR expansions associated with neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the clinical and pathological pleiotropy of neurodegenerative disease genes and their importance in ALS and FTD.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nathan Pavey, Andrew Hannaford, Mana Higashihara, Mehdi van den Bos, Matthew C. Kiernan, Parvathi Menon, Steve Vucic
Summary: The split hand index (SI) derived by different methods showed potential as a diagnostic biomarker in ALS, with SICMAP amp and SIMScanFit-MUNE demonstrating greater utility in distinguishing ALS from mimic disorders.
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Matthew Silsby, Con Yiannikas, Alessandro F. Fois, Marina L. Kennerson, Matthew C. Kiernan, Victor S. C. Fung, Steve Vucic
Summary: Neuropathic tremor is a common clinical feature in CMT1A, with distinct characteristics compared to essential tremor. Upper limb tremors were postural and kinetic, while lower limb tremors were postural and orthostatic. The frequency of upper limb tremors varied along the limb, with a lower frequency distally and a higher frequency proximally. Lower limb tremors had a consistent frequency and were unaffected by fatigue. Postural lower limb tremor was associated with imbalance.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jaakko Vallinoja, Timo Nurmi, Julia Jaatela, Vincent Wens, Mathieu Bourguignon, Helena Maenpaa, Harri Piitulainen
Summary: The study aimed to assess the effects of lesions related to spastic diplegic cerebral palsy on functional connectivity. Using multiple imaging modalities, the researchers found enhanced functional connectivity in the sensorimotor network of individuals with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, which was not correlated with hand coordination performance.
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Francesca Ginatempo, Nicola Loi, John C. Rothwell, Franca Deriu
Summary: This study comprehensively investigated sensorimotor integration in the cranial-cervical muscles of healthy adults and found that the integration of sensory inputs with motor output is profoundly influenced by the type of sensory afferent involved and the functional role played by the target muscle.
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2024)
