Article
Clinical Neurology
Amgad Droby, Elisa Pelosin, Martina Putzolu, Giulia Bommarito, Roberta Marchese, Luca Mazzella, Laura Avanzino, Matilde Inglese
Summary: This study investigated the patterns of whole-brain functional connectivity alterations within midbrain inter-connected regions in PD-FOG patients, and found that midbrain structural damage as well as decreased connectivity within the brainstem network might contribute to FOG occurrence in PD patients. The study also showed associations between cognitive and motor function scores and connectivity levels in several brain regions.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Minji Son, Sang-Myung Cheon, Changhong Youm, Jae Woo Kim
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzed the walking characteristics of patients with PD and found that they had narrower step length, slower walking speed, and difficulties in turning. These characteristics were found to be associated with the severity of FoG.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Luigi Borzi, Ivan Mazzetta, Alessandro Zampogna, Antonio Suppa, Gabriella Olmo, Fernanda Irrera
Summary: This study proposed a wearable system utilizing machine learning algorithms for FOG prediction, with the detection algorithm performing well in leave-one-subject-out validation. The classification algorithm for pre-FOG detection achieved high sensitivity and accuracy in leave-one-subject-out validation.
Article
Neurosciences
J. Lucas McKay, Jonathan Nye, Felicia C. Goldstein, Barbara Sommerfeld, Yoland Smith, David Weinshenker, Stewart A. Factor
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between noradrenergic systems and freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease (PD). The findings suggest that the binding density of norepinephrine transporter is associated with freezing of gait. This has implications for the classification and treatment of freezing of gait.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Orthopedics
Aileen E. Scully, Keith D. Hill, Dawn Tan, Ross Clark, Yong-Hao Pua, Beatriz I. R. de Oliveira
Summary: Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition globally, with freezing of gait being a common motor symptom. Assessing freezing of gait severity accurately is crucial for guiding management. The Freezing of Gait Questionnaire and Dynamic Parkinson Gait Scale are currently the best-performing outcome measures, but further validation and reliability studies are needed to strengthen evidence for their use.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Martina Mancini, Vrutangkumar V. Shah, Samuel Stuart, Carolin Curtze, Fay B. Horak, Delaram Safarpour, John G. Nutt
Summary: Despite growing research on measuring freezing of gait (FoG) in laboratory settings, few studies have attempted to detect FoG during daily life using body-worn sensors. A novel algorithm was presented to detect FoG in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the lab and at home. The results showed promising agreement between clinical scores and objective measures of freezing in the lab, but further validation is needed for daily life monitoring.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Paula T. Bezerra, Lorenna M. Santiago, Isaira A. Silva, Aline A. Souza, Camila L. Pegado, Clecia M. Damascena, Tatiana S. Ribeiro, Ana R. Lindquist
Summary: Combining action observation, motor imagery, and gait training did not show greater effectiveness than isolated gait training for balance and freezing of gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease. However, motor imagery training can moderate the effects of action observation and enhance motor learning when used together.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL AND REHABILITATION MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jae Jung Lee, Jin Yong Hong, Jong Sam Baik
Summary: This study found that olfactory dysfunction is a significant risk factor for the development of freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease. Patients with hyposmia had less improvement in UPDRS III scores and a higher rate of FOG compared to normosmic patients. The findings suggest that PD patients with olfactory dysfunction should be closely monitored for the occurrence of FOG in clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gabriele Imbalzano, Domiziana Rinaldi, Giovanna Calandra-Buonaura, Manuela Contin, Federica Amato, Giulia Giannini, Luisa Sambati, Claudia Ledda, Alberto Romagnolo, Gabriella Olmo, Pietro Cortelli, Maurizio Zibetti, Leonardo Lopiano, Carlo Alberto Artusi
Summary: This study aimed to explore the challenges in treating FoG and other PD axial symptoms and analyze the effects of progressively increasing levodopa doses on the resistance of FoG, posture, speech, and altered gait features. The results showed that in a short-term evaluation, increasing LCIG dose can improve dopa-resistant FoG and gait issues in most advanced PD patients with good overall control of motor symptoms.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Lina Goh, Serene S. Paul, Colleen G. Canning, Kaylena A. Ehgoetz Martens, Jooeun Song, Stephanie L. Campoy, Natalie E. Allen
Summary: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Ziegler test in measuring the severity of freezing of gait (FOG) in people with Parkinson disease. The results suggest that the Ziegler test has good interrater and test-retest reliability, and is a valid measure of FOG severity. The duration of the Ziegler test also shows moderate correlation with the percentage of time frozen and can be considered as a proxy measure for FOG severity.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Rebecca Chow, Bryan P. Tripp, Daniel Rzondzinski, Quincy J. Almeida
Summary: This study investigated the effects of cognitive training, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and proprioceptive training on Freezing of Gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The results showed that cognitive intervention significantly improved FOG severity, while CBT worsened FOG. On the other hand, proprioceptive training significantly improved FOG severity, suggesting it may be a viable treatment option for FOG.
NEUROREHABILITATION AND NEURAL REPAIR
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Amir Besharat, Sheri I. Imsdahl, Momona Yamagami, Nawat Nhan, Olivia Bellatin, Samuel A. Burden, Kathleen Cummer, Sujata D. Pradhan, Valerie E. Kelly
Summary: The experiment showed that PD+FoG patients exhibited kinematic changes associated with FoG episodes in virtual doorway and hallway environments. These changes included reduced joint excursions, swing phase toe clearance, arm swing, and inclination angle, as well as slower walking with shorter, wider steps.
Article
Neurosciences
Zi-Yan Chen, Hong-Jiao Yan, Lin Qi, Qiao-Xia Zhen, Cui Liu, Ping Wang, Yong-Hong Liu, Rui-Dan Wang, Yan-Jun Liu, Jin-Ping Fang, Yuan Su, Xiao-Yan Yan, Ai-Xian Liu, Jianing Xi, Boyan Fang
Summary: Efficient methods for assessing walking adaptability in individuals with Parkinson's disease are urgently needed. The C-Gait assessment provided additional value in identifying freezers in the PD population.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Anouk Tosserams, Masood Mazaheri, Priya Vart, Bastiaan R. Bloem, Jorik Nonnekes
Summary: The prevalence of freezing of gait (FOG) in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) does not differ significantly between men and women, but women are significantly underrepresented in intervention trials targeting FOG.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Reyisha Taximaimaiti, Xiao-Ping Wang
Summary: Freezing of gait (FOG) is a common walking problem in Parkinson's disease (PD) and impaired cognitive function is believed to play a crucial role in FOG development and severity. While traditional neuropsychological testing may not be sensitive enough to detect cognitive impairment in PD, motor symptoms such as rigidity and unilateral initiation may be important predictors of FOG. PD patients with FOG also exhibit worse motor and non-motor symptoms compared to those without FOG.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Antonio Carotenuto, Paola Valsasina, Paolo Preziosa, Damiano Mistri, Massimo Filippi, Maria A. Rocca
Summary: This study investigates abnormalities in the monoaminergic network of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using PET and fMRI techniques. The results show that MS patients exhibit dysregulation in these networks, with specific alterations associated with fatigue and depression. These findings provide potential targets for the treatment of these bothersome symptoms.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Massimo Filippi, Paolo Preziosa, Douglas L. Arnold, Frederik Barkhof, Daniel M. Harrison, Pietro Maggi, Caterina Mainero, Xavier Montalban, Elia Sechi, Brian G. Weinshenker, Maria A. Rocca
Summary: The use of MRI in the diagnosis of MS has evolved considerably, with the introduction of the 2017 McDonald criteria and new MRI markers. Artificial intelligence tools may complement human assessment in improving diagnosis and patient classification.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elisabetta Sarasso, Massimo Filippi, Federica Agosta
Summary: Gait and balance disorders are common in various neurodegenerative diseases and their characteristics depend on the specific disease and the changes in the brain. This review summarizes the clinical characteristics of gait and balance disorders in major neurodegenerative conditions and discusses the structural and functional brain changes underlying these deficits. The role of neurorehabilitation strategies in promoting brain plasticity and improving gait/balance is also examined.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Michela Leocadi, Elisa Canu, Angela Paldino, Federica Agosta, Massimo Filippi
Summary: This review aims to define awareness impairment and related disturbances in neurodegenerative diseases and provides an update on the use of MRI in studying awareness in these disorders. It highlights the importance of awareness impairment in AD and FTLD and discusses the application of MRI in investigating different aspects of awareness in these populations.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Monica Margoni, Mor Gueye, Alessandro Meani, Elisabetta Pagani, Lucia Moiola, Paolo Preziosa, Massimo Filippi, Maria A. Rocca
Summary: This study found that there is enlargement of the choroid plexus (CP) in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, suggesting its early involvement in the pathophysiology of the disease. The higher CP volume, especially in female patients, supports the hypothesis of sex-related differences in pediatric MS.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Giulia Berzero, Valentina Pieri, Pietro Mortini, Massimo Filippi, Gaetano Finocchiaro
Summary: The clinical use of liquid biopsy, specifically the analysis of cell-free DNA from plasma or cerebrospinal fluid, is increasingly important in oncology, particularly for brain tumours. It can provide valuable information for differential diagnosis, patient follow-up, and identifying targetable genetic alterations. However, there are challenges such as concomitant pathologies and invasive procedures to obtain cerebrospinal fluid, which could affect the accuracy and interpretation of the results. Further research and understanding of the mechanisms behind cfDNA shedding by tumours are needed to fully exploit its potential in clinical practice.
Article
Biology
Federica Agosta, Pietro Cozzini
Summary: Non-covalent intramolecular interactions are crucial for protein folding. Changes in amino acids, pH, or temperature can lead to misfolding or unfolding of proteins, resulting in functional impairment and pathological conditions. The recently implemented HINT scoring function is proposed as a rapid and sensitive method to evaluate destabilization processes. This study evaluates the stability of Transthyretin by generating mutated models under different pH conditions and comparing with experimental data, suggesting that the HINT scoring function can accurately and rapidly predict the effects of structural changes on protein systems.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Susana Otero-Romero, Christine Lebrun-Frenay, Saul Reyes, Maria Pia Amato, Magda Campins, Mauricio Farez, Massimo Filippi, Yael Hacohen, Bernhard Hemmer, Rosa Juuti, Melinda Magyari, Celia Oreja-Guevara, Aksel Siva, Sandra Vukusic, Mar Tintore
Summary: This study developed a European consensus on vaccination strategies for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) who are candidates for disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). A multidisciplinary working group used formal consensus methodology to formulate recommendations based on the quality of evidence and risk-benefit balance. A total of 53 recommendations were agreed upon, aiming to homogenize immunization practices in pwMS.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Federico Montini, Agostino Nozzolillo, Paola M. V. Rancoita, Chiara Zanetta, Lucia Moiola, Federica Cugnata, Federica Esposito, Maria A. Rocca, Vittorio Martinelli, Massimo Filippi
Summary: This study assessed modifiable risk factors associated with COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The results showed that higher vitamin D levels and active smoking status were associated with a lower risk of COVID-19, while external contact and working in the healthcare sector increased the risk. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation and teleworking may help prevent infection risk in PwMS.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Chiara Zanetta, Maria A. Rocca, Alessandro Meani, Vittorio Martinelli, Laura Ferre, Lucia Moiola, Massimo Filippi
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of cladribine in RRMS patients. The results showed that cladribine reduced relapses and MRI activity, and stabilized disability. Patients who switched from first-line therapies or were naïve had better outcomes.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Monica Margoni, Paolo Preziosa, Loredana Storelli, Mor Gueye, Lucia Moiola, Massimo Filippi, Maria A. Rocca
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Veronica Castelnovo, Elisa Canu, Teuta Domi, Laura Pozzi, Francesca Vignaroli, Edoardo Gioele Spinelli, Alma Ghirelli, Giacomo Tondo, Cristoforo Comi, Nilo Riva, Angelo Quattrini, Paola Carrera, Massimo Filippi, Federica Agosta
Summary: We report a case with a novel Progranulin gene (GRN) mutation and non-fluent language disturbances at onset. The patient presented with prominent language production difficulties and showed left fronto-temporal and striatal alterations on imaging. Genetic analysis revealed a new GRN mutation. The findings expand our understanding of phenotypic heterogeneity in GRN mutation carriers.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Massimo Filippi, Giordano Cecchetti, Federica Agosta
Summary: Currently, three antibeta amyloid (Aβ) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are being used for the treatment of early Alzheimer's disease. This review highlights the importance of MRI in the diagnostic process of dementia care, including patient selection, safety monitoring, and potential therapeutic efficacy markers. MRI findings can support an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis or indicate alternative conditions, and specific neuroimaging classification systems have been developed to assess amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). However, the results of using MRI measures as therapeutic efficacy markers are still controversial and require further clarification.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Francesco Gentile, Alessio Maranzano, Federico Verde, Veronica Bettoni, Eleonora Colombo, Alberto Doretti, Marco Olivero, Francesco Scheveger, Claudia Colombrita, Ilaria Bulgarelli, Edoardo Gioele Spinelli, Erminio Torresani, Stefano Messina, Luca Maderna, Federica Agosta, Claudia Morelli, Massimo Filippi, Vincenzo Silani, Nicola Ticozzi
Summary: This study investigates whether routine blood parameters can provide useful biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The results show that creatinine is a reliable biomarker, associated with clinical features, disability, and survival in ALS patients. Markers of nutrition/inflammation may offer additional prognostic information, and AST and chloride could assist in predicting disease progression rate and survival.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)