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Pascarella A, Manzo L, Ferlazzo E. Modern neurophysiological techniques indexing normal or abnormal brain aging. Seizure 2024:S1059-1311(24)00194-8. [PMID: 38972778 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain aging is associated with a decline in cognitive performance, motor function and sensory perception, even in the absence of neurodegeneration. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood, though alterations in neurogenesis, neuronal senescence and synaptic plasticity are implicated. Recent years have seen advancements in neurophysiological techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), event-related potentials (ERP) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), offering insights into physiological and pathological brain aging. These methods provide real-time information on brain activity, connectivity and network dynamics. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques promise as a tool enhancing the diagnosis and prognosis of age-related cognitive decline. Our review highlights recent advances in these electrophysiological techniques (focusing on EEG, ERP, TMS and TMS-EEG methodologies) and their application in physiological and pathological brain aging. Physiological aging is characterized by changes in EEG spectral power and connectivity, ERP and TMS parameters, indicating alterations in neural activity and network function. Pathological aging, such as in Alzheimer's disease, is associated with further disruptions in EEG rhythms, ERP components and TMS measures, reflecting underlying neurodegenerative processes. Machine learning approaches show promise in classifying cognitive impairment and predicting disease progression. Standardization of neurophysiological methods and integration with other modalities are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Advanced network analysis techniques and AI methods hold potential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and deepening insights into age-related brain changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Pascarella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy.
| | - Lucia Manzo
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Edoardo Ferlazzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli Hospital", Reggio Calabria, Italy
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Sun W, Wu Q, Gao L, Zheng Z, Xiang H, Yang K, Yu B, Yao J. Advancements in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Research and the Path to Precision. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:1841-1851. [PMID: 37641588 PMCID: PMC10460597 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s414782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become increasingly popular in clinical practice in recent years, and there have been significant advances in the principles and stimulation modes of TMS. With the development of multi-mode and precise stimulation technology, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of TMS. The neuroregulatory effects of TMS can vary depending on the specific mode of stimulation, highlighting the importance of exploring these effects through multimodal application. Additionally, the use of precise TMS therapy can help enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying these effects, providing us with a more comprehensive perspective. This article aims to review the mechanism of action, stimulation mode, multimodal application, and precision of TMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, the Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, the Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Neurology, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu Institute of Neurological Diseases, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Neurobiological Detection Center, West China Hospital Affiliated to Sichuan University, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hu Xiang
- Department of Psychiatry, the Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, the Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, the Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Yao
- Department of Psychiatry, the Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
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Puri R, Hinder MR. Response bias reveals the role of interhemispheric inhibitory networks in movement preparation and execution. Neuropsychologia 2021; 165:108120. [PMID: 34915037 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.108120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Human movement is influenced by various cognitive processes, such as bias, that dynamically shape competing movement representations. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the effects of bias on movement selection across the lifespan remains poorly understood. Healthy young (n = 21) and older (n = 20) adults completed a choice reaction-time task necessitating left- or right-hand responses to imperative stimuli (IS). Response bias was manipulated via a cue that informed participants a particular response was 70% likely (i.e., the IS was either congruent, or incongruent, with the cue); biasing was either fixed for blocks of trials (block-wise bias) or varied from trial-to-trial (trial-wise bias). As well as assessing the behavioural manifestations of bias, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation to determine changes in corticospinal excitability (CSE) and short- and long-interval interhemispheric inhibition (SIHI, LIHI) during movement preparation and execution. Participants responded more quickly, and accurately, in congruent compared to incongruent trials. CSE decreases occurred in both hands following the cue, consistent with the 'inhibition for impulse control' hypothesis of preparatory inhibition. In contrast, IHI modulations occurred in a hand-specific manner. Greater SIHI was observed during movement preparation in the hand biased away from, compared to the hand biased towards, the cue; furthermore, greater SIHI was observed during movement execution in the hand biased towards the cue when it was not required to respond (i.e., incongruent trial) compared to when it was required to respond (congruent trial). Additionally, during the movement preparation period, the LIHI ratio of the hand biased towards, compared to the hand biased away from, the cue was greatest when the cue varied trial-by-trial. Overall, the IHI results provide support for the 'inhibition for competition resolution' hypothesis, with hand specific modulation of inhibition during movement preparation and execution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Puri
- Sensorimotor Neuroscience and Ageing Research Group, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
| | - Mark R Hinder
- Sensorimotor Neuroscience and Ageing Research Group, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Calvert GHM, Carson RG. Neural mechanisms mediating cross education: With additional considerations for the ageing brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:260-288. [PMID: 34801578 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CALVERT, G.H.M., and CARSON, R.G. Neural mechanisms mediating cross education: With additional considerations for the ageing brain. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV 21(1) XXX-XXX, 2021. - Cross education (CE) is the process whereby a regimen of unilateral limb training engenders bilateral improvements in motor function. The contralateral gains thus derived may impart therapeutic benefits for patients with unilateral deficits arising from orthopaedic injury or stroke. Despite this prospective therapeutic utility, there is little consensus concerning its mechanistic basis. The precise means through which the neuroanatomical structures and cellular processes that mediate CE may be influenced by age-related neurodegeneration are also almost entirely unknown. Notwithstanding the increased incidence of unilateral impairment in later life, age-related variations in the expression of CE have been examined only infrequently. In this narrative review, we consider several mechanisms which may mediate the expression of CE with specific reference to the ageing CNS. We focus on the adaptive potential of cellular processes that are subserved by a specific set of neuroanatomical pathways including: the corticospinal tract, corticoreticulospinal projections, transcallosal fibres, and thalamocortical radiations. This analysis may inform the development of interventions that exploit the therapeutic utility of CE training in older persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn H M Calvert
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard G Carson
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK; School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Guerra A, Rocchi L, Grego A, Berardi F, Luisi C, Ferreri F. Contribution of TMS and TMS-EEG to the Understanding of Mechanisms Underlying Physiological Brain Aging. Brain Sci 2021; 11:405. [PMID: 33810206 PMCID: PMC8004753 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human brain, aging is characterized by progressive neuronal loss, leading to disruption of synapses and to a degree of failure in neurotransmission. However, there is increasing evidence to support the notion that the aged brain has a remarkable ability to reorganize itself, with the aim of preserving its physiological activity. It is important to develop objective markers able to characterize the biological processes underlying brain aging in the intact human, and to distinguish them from brain degeneration associated with many neurological diseases. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), coupled with electromyography or electroencephalography (EEG), is particularly suited to this aim, due to the functional nature of the information provided, and thanks to the ease with which it can be integrated with behavioral manipulation. In this review, we aimed to provide up to date information about the role of TMS and TMS-EEG in the investigation of brain aging. In particular, we focused on data about cortical excitability, connectivity and plasticity, obtained by using readouts such as motor evoked potentials and transcranial evoked potentials. Overall, findings in the literature support an important potential contribution of TMS to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying normal brain aging. Further studies are needed to expand the current body of information and to assess the applicability of TMS findings in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorenzo Rocchi
- Department of Clinical and Movements Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK;
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Grego
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (A.G.); (F.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Francesca Berardi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (A.G.); (F.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Concetta Luisi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (A.G.); (F.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Florinda Ferreri
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (A.G.); (F.B.); (C.L.)
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
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Hupfeld KE, Swanson CW, Fling BW, Seidler RD. TMS-induced silent periods: A review of methods and call for consistency. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 346:108950. [PMID: 32971133 PMCID: PMC8276277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced silent periods provide an in vivo measure of human motor cortical inhibitory function. Cortical silent periods (cSP, also sometimes referred to as contralateral silent periods) and ipsilateral silent periods (iSP) may change with advancing age and disease and can provide insight into cortical control of the motor system. The majority of past silent period work has implemented largely varying methodology, sometimes including subjective analyses and incomplete methods descriptions. This limits reproducibility of silent period work and hampers comparisons of silent period measures across studies. Here, we discuss methodological differences in past silent period work, highlighting how these choices affect silent period outcome measures. We also outline challenges and possible solutions for measuring silent periods in the unique case of the lower limbs. Finally, we provide comprehensive recommendations for collection, analysis, and reporting of future silent period studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Hupfeld
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - C W Swanson
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - B W Fling
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - R D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Cabibel V, Héraud N, Perrey S, Oliver N, Alexandre F, Varray A. Is bilateral corticospinal connectivity impaired in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? J Physiol 2020; 598:4591-4602. [PMID: 32697330 DOI: 10.1113/jp279560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS During moderate and high levels of quadriceps force production, the ipsilateral motor cortex is concomitantly activated with the contralateral motor cortex throughout the corpus callosum to generate the motor command. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients display a structurally impaired corpus callosum that may explain the reduced motor command in this population, which in turn contributes to COPD-related muscle weakness of the knee extensors. The study aimed to determine whether bilateral connectivity was impaired and ipsilateral activation was lowered during unilateral strength production of the knee extensors. Our results indicate impaired bilateral connectivity but preserved ipsilateral activation in patients during unilateral isometric contractions of 50% of maximum voluntary strength. The preservation of ipsilateral activation during force production despite impaired bilateral connectivity is consistent with a reorganization of bilateral motor network function that drives unilateral strength production. ABSTRACT The contralateral primary motor cortex (M1) is not the only brain area implicated in motor command generation. During moderate and high levels of quadriceps force production, the ipsilateral M1 is concomitantly activated. Such activation is mediated by the corpus callosum, the main component of bilateral connectivity. Structural damage to the corpus callosum has been observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, which might reduce ipsilateral activation and contribute to the lower motor command associated with COPD muscle weakness. We thus aimed to determine whether bilateral connectivity and ipsilateral activation were impaired in COPD. Twenty-two COPD patients and 21 healthy age-matched controls were evaluated by transcranial magnetic stimulation, at rest and during 50% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the dominant vastus lateralis muscle. Bilateral connectivity was determined by the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) during 50% MVIC. Ipsilateral activation was determined as the increase in ipsilateral excitability from rest to 50% MVIC. As expected, COPD patients had significantly lower MVIC (-25%, p = 0.03). These patients also showed a significantly lower iSP (-53%, p < 0.001) compared to controls. The ipsilateral excitability was increased in patients and controls (×2.5 and ×3.5, respectively, p < 0.001) but not differently between groups (p = 0.84). Despite impaired bilateral connectivity in COPD, ipsilateral activation was not increased. Reorganization in the patients' interhemispheric pathways could explain the preserved ipsilateral activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Cabibel
- EuroMov Digital Health in Motion, Univ Montpellier, IMT Mines Ales, Montpellier, France.,Les Cliniques du Souffle, Groupe 5 Santé, France
| | - Nelly Héraud
- Les Cliniques du Souffle, Groupe 5 Santé, France
| | - Stéphane Perrey
- EuroMov Digital Health in Motion, Univ Montpellier, IMT Mines Ales, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Alain Varray
- EuroMov Digital Health in Motion, Univ Montpellier, IMT Mines Ales, Montpellier, France
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Muffel T, Kirsch F, Shih PC, Kalloch B, Schaumberg S, Villringer A, Sehm B. Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over S1 Differentially Modulates Proprioceptive Accuracy in Young and Old Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:264. [PMID: 31611782 PMCID: PMC6775783 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprioception is a prerequisite for successful motor control but declines throughout the lifespan. Brain stimulation techniques such as anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) are capable of enhancing sensorimotor performance across different tasks and age groups. Despite such growing evidence for a restorative potential of tDCS, its impact on proprioceptive accuracy has not been studied in detail yet. OBJECTIVE This study investigated online effects of a-tDCS over S1 on proprioceptive accuracy in young (YA) and old healthy adults (OA). METHODS The effect of 15 min of a-tDCS vs. sham on proprioceptive accuracy was assessed in a cross-over, double blind experiment in both age groups. Performance changes were tested using an arm position matching task in a robotic environment. Electrical field (EF) strengths in the target area S1 and control areas were assessed based on individualized simulations. RESULTS a-tDCS elicited differential changes in proprioceptive accuracy and EF strengths in the two groups: while YA showed a slight improvement, OA exhibited a decrease in performance during a-tDCS. Stronger EF were induced in target S1 and control areas in the YA group. However, no relationship between EF strength and performance change was found. CONCLUSION a-tDCS over S1 elicits opposing effects on proprioceptive accuracy as a function of age, a result that is important for future studies investigating the restorative potential of a-tDCS in healthy aging and in the rehabilitation of neurological diseases that occur at advanced age. Modeling approaches could help elucidate the relationship between tDCS protocols, brain structure and performance modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Muffel
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Mind Brain Body Institute, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Kirsch
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Pei-Cheng Shih
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kalloch
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science and Media, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Schaumberg
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Mind Brain Body Institute, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bernhard Sehm
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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