Impact of COVID-19 on functional, cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and health-related outcomes in patients with dementia: A systematic review

Lucia Crivelli, Andrea Winkler, Greta Keller, Simone Beretta, ... Ricardo Allegri

• Article 100539
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2024.100539
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• Abstract

  This systematic review analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on dementia patients' functional, cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and health related outcomes. It hypothesizes that dementia patients infected with SARS-CoV-2experience more pronounced deterioration compared to those who are uninfected.

  Research from 01/03/2020 to 07/10/2023 was conducted using Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases, and adhering to PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework. The study aimed to determine if SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with worse outcomes in dementia patients. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022352481), and bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Is there a link between Hepatitis A virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome? A systematic review of case reports

Amirhosein Ghasemi, Nima Broomand Lomer, Alia Saberi

• Article 100551
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100551
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• Abstract

  Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nervous system, causing acute flaccid paralysis. There have been occasional reports linking Hepatitis A virus (HAV) to GBS. Here we aimed to evaluate the current literature on the association between GBS and HAV, exploring potential mechanisms and clinical implications.

  We conducted a systematic search using PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus. Only published case reports or conference abstracts presenting cases of confirmed HAV infection and GBS were included. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers, and quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool.

The role of Neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in MS and AQP4-NMOSD: Advancing clinical applications

Amirhosein Ghasemi, Nima Broomand Lomer, Alia Saberi

• Article 100551
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100550
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• Abstract

  Fluid biomarkers such as Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Neurofilament Light (NfL) play important roles in the diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluation of therapeutic responses in conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Aquaporin-4 Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (AQP4-NMOSD).

  These biomarkers offer key insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of these diseases, enabling effective follow-up and personalized treatment approaches, which are essential for improving patient outcomes. Herein, we synthesize the structural attributes, functional roles, and clinical significance of GFAP and NfL in the context of MS and AQP4-NMOSD. We explore the critical implications of these biomarkers in disease manifestation and progression, emphasizing the necessity to develop standardized methodologies and multicentric studies to confirm their clinical applicability.

Oral minocycline therapy as first-line treatment in patients with Myalgic encephalomyelitis and long COVID: A pilot study

Kunihisa Miwa

• Article 100537
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2024.100537
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• Abstract

  Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is associated with long COVID and also untoward sequelae after anti-coronavirus vaccination. Recently, oral minocycline therapy has been reported to ameliorate symptoms in patients with ME, particularly at the initial stage of the disease.

  Oral minocycline (100 mg × 2 on the first day, followed by 100 mg/day for 41 days) was administered to 55 patients with ME that emerged during the "Corona era," including 19 patients with long COVID and 5 patients diagnosed with untoward sequalae following coronavirus vaccination.

Early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in HIV-negative patients: Integration of brain MRI and clinical findings

Kosei Nakamura, Masato Kanazawa, Yuka Koike, Takuya Konno, Osamu Onodera

• Article 100552
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100552
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• Abstract

  Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative patients are often diagnosed later than in HIV-infected patients, which increases mortality rates concerning the former. Consequently, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving clinical prognosis in HIV-negative patients. This study investigated the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with clinical and laboratory findings for early diagnosis of CM in HIV-negative patients.

  This retrospective cohort analysis included consecutive patients diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) infections. Demographic profiles, laboratory findings, admission symptoms, and MRI findings were assessed. A comparative analysis between CM and other CNS infections was performed.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring as an independent predictor for postoperative delirium in ICU following aneurysm clipping

Abdullah M. Al-Qudah, Pooja S. Tallapaneni, Donald J. Crammond, Jeffrey Balzer, ... Parthasarathy D. Thirumala

• Article 100549
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100549
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• Abstract

  This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of significant intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) changes as an independent predictor of postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing aneurysm clipping.

  IONM and clinical data from 273 patients who underwent craniotomy for aneurysm clipping from 2019 until 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Significant IONM changes and POD were respectively evaluated based on visual review of data and clinical documentation. POD was assessed multiple times in the ICU using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC).

Deterioration of preexisting myoclonus following nifedipine use in parkinsonian syndrome: A case report

Gohei Yamada, Takanari Toyoda, Eiichi Katada, Noriyuki Matsukawa

• Article 100545
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2024.100545
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• Abstract

  L-type calcium channel antagonists are uncommon causes of myoclonus, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report a case of parkinsonian syndrome with deterioration of preexisting myoclonus after nifedipine use. A 96-year-old woman was administered a single dose of sustained-release nifedipine for chest pain.  One hour later, the patient developed shock-like jerky movements in the trunk and upper and lower limbs. Neurological examination revealed myoclonus, intention tremor in both hands, facial hypomimia, stooped posture, short stride length, absent arm swing during walking, and muscle rigidity in the neck, left arm, and both legs. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed no causative lesions, suggesting a nifedipine-induced movement disorder. Myoclonic movements almost completely resolved within 24 h. Despite no further administration of nifedipine, a neurological examination one week later revealed parkinsonism with mild myoclonus and intention tremor. It appeared that preexisting myoclonus and intention tremor transiently worsened with nifedipine use. The patient was diagnosed with parkinsonian syndrome with deterioration of myoclonus due to nifedipine administration. This case suggests that the corticostriatal pathways may have already been impaired and were further affected by nifedipine. Nifedipine-induced alterations in dopaminergic and serotonergic systems may have contributed to the deterioration of myoclonus and intention tremor. When patients present with myoclonus after taking an L-type calcium channel antagonist, underlying neurological disorders should be carefully investigated.

Dynamic aphasia as an early sign of corticobasal degeneration: Clinico-radio-pathological correlation

Masanori Kurihara, Akira Arakawa, Aya Midori Tokumaru, Tomoyasu Matsubara, ... Yuko Saito

• Article 100526
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2024.100526
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• Abstract

  A 72-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of decreased voluntary speech. Sparse speech and decreased word fluency were observed. Articulation, naming, comprehension, and repetition were preserved. Agrammatism and paraphasia were not observed. These characteristics matched those reported as dynamic aphasia. Other findings were mild behavioral symptoms, recent memory impairment, and right hemiparkinsonism. The patient's voluntary speech continued to reduce and behavioral symptoms progressed. Brain MRI including voxel-based morphometric analysis showed left-dominant white matter volume reduction in the frontal lobe including those between the left supplementary motor area (SMA)/preSMA and the frontal operculum, likely involving the frontal aslant tract (FAT). The patient became completely mute after two years from disease onset and died of aspiration pneumonia. The neuropathological diagnosis was corticobasal degeneration (CBD). This case suggests that dynamic aphasia may be the initial sign of CBD and that early involvement of left FAT may be responsible for this feature.

Bilateral optic neuritis as an atypical presentation of juvenile Behcet syndrome: A case report

Armin Adibi, Iman Adibi, Saeed Bahramian, Saba Naghavi, Fatemeh Gholami

• Article 100554
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100554
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• Abstract

  Behcet syndrome is a systemic vasculitis characterized by relapsing uveitis, oral aphthous, and genital ulcers. We present a rare case of a 14-year-old male with juvenile Behcet syndrome (JBS) presenting as bilateral optic neuritis with oral aphthous. Initial treatment with methylprednisolone did not improve the patient's condition. Serum plasmapheresis was performed, resulting in improved visual acuity and papillitis. The patient was discharged with azathioprine, which led to symptom regression. This case highlights the atypical neurologic presentation of JBS and the potential efficacy of plasma exchange in refractory cases.

Recognizing familial Huntington's disease in an Asian cohort: Insights from the Philippines

Jao Jarro B. Garcia, Gilbert J. Cabataña, Iris Ditan, Karl Josef Niño J. Separa, ... Gerard Saranza

• Article 100558
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100558
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• Abstract

  Huntington's Disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant, neurodegenerative condition characterized by extrapyramidal, psychiatric, and cognitive disturbances. In the Philippines, only one genetically confirmed sporadic case had been previously reported. This study aims to present ten additional cases of genetically proven familial HD. All cases were of pure Filipino descent, aged 27–65. Six were males, and nine had at least one relative who manifested with the same symptomatology. The youngest age at onset was 21 years old. Nine initially manifested with chorea, whereas one manifested initially with behavioral change. At the time of consult, eight already had cognitive changes exemplified by memory lapses, while six also manifested behavioral or psychiatric disturbances. Workup revealed caudate atrophy in six and cerebral atrophy in five of the cases. All tested positive on genetic testing with the CAG trinucleotide spanning 41 to 53 repeats. The clinical profile of our patients did not differ from the known and published natural course of HD. To date, HD remains underrecognized in the Philippines. Although rare in Asian countries, it should still be a differential for a patient with chorea, cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and a strong family history of the same symptomatology.

Bilateral foot drop as presenting feature of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1

• Martin Krenn, Veronika Vetchy, Gregor Kasprian, Wolfgang Grisold
• Article 100546
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2024.100546
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Erratum regarding missing conflict of interests statements in previously published articles

• Article 100555
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100555
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Erratum regarding missing consent statements in previously published articles

• Article 100556
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100556
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Corrigendum to "Oral minocycline therapy as first-line treatment in patients with Myalgic encephalomyelitis and long COVID: A pilot study" [eNeurologicalSci 38 (2025) 100537].

Kunihisa Miwa

• Article 100557
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100557
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Neuroepidemiology: Basic concepts and population surveys

Walter A. Rocca

• Article 100544
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2024.100544
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Abstract

The practice of modern neurology is based on research evidence. Research evidence is constructed by teams of investigators throughout the world, from Tokyo to Buenos Aires, from Sidney to Vancouver, from New York to Rome. These investigators use research methods and tools to design and conduct their studies. Neuroepidemiology is the science used to conduct clinical studies and population studies and to construct medical research evidence. Thus, neuroepidemiology is the architecture of medical research evidence. In particular, epidemiologic methods are used to describe the frequency and distribution of neurological diseases in human populations, to discover risk and protective factors, to study outcomes of diseases, and to measure the response to treatments 

Neuropathy and the metabolic syndrome

Nicoló Piccolo, Astrid Wiggers, Emily J. Koubek, Eva L. Feldman

• Article 100542
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2024.100542
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• Abstract

  Obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are major global health challenges that contribute significantly to the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and neuropathy. Neuropathy, a common and disabling complication of T2D, is characterized by progressive distal-to-proximal axonal degeneration, driven in part by mitochondrial dysfunction in both neurons and axons. Recent evidence points to the toxic effects of saturated fatty acids on peripheral nerve health, with studies demonstrating that these fats impair mitochondrial function and bioenergetics, leading to distal axonal loss. Conversely, monounsaturated fatty acids are found to be neuroprotective, restoring mitochondrial function and preventing neuropathy. These findings suggest that dietary factors play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neuropathy associated with metabolic dysregulation and emphasize the need for lifestyle interventions and therapies that target these newly identified mechanisms.

Randomized clinical trial (RCT): An overview

Giancarlo Logroscino

• Article 100547
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100547
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• Abstract

  The gold standard of analytic research in science is the animal experiment. In this framework, the comparison between similar animal in the experiment in the lab aim to have complete control of all the variables that affect the biological processes under study. The exposure is allocated by the researcher without any specific constraint. A classical example may be two rats of the same lot and age that have similar diet but one of the two is deprived of a specific vitamin.

  The research with human beings represents a complete different domain. Epidemiology is the research design applied to human beings. Epidemiological studies are prone to error because they study human populations in natural settings in the real world. and not in laboratory conditions. Similarly to human research in the laboratory, epidemiological inference is based on comparisons. In the hierarchy of research in humans' clinical trial is at the top of the ladder, considered better than observational studies and case series

Update in multiple sclerosis

Bassem Yamout

• Article 100553
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100553
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• Abstract

  Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects predominately patients aged 20–40 years. The epidemiology of MS is changing worldwide, as is the understanding of its immunopathogenesis and natural history, with new evidence pointing towards a multifactorial etiology involving both environmental and genetic factors. The prevalence and incidence rates of MS have been steadily increasing worldwide over the last few decades. The diagnosis of MS relies on incorporating clinical and paraclinical findings to prove dissemination in space and time. Appropriate selection of MS therapies is critical to maximize patient benefit. The field of MS therapeutics is evolving rapidly as several novel disease modifying therapies (DMTs) have been added to our armamentarium in the last decade. This review will cover the epidemiology of MS, new concepts in immunopathogenesis and etiology, recent diagnostic criteria and red flags for avoiding misdiagnosis, therapeutic advances, disease management during pregnancy, and updated treatment guidelines.

Recent developments in consensus diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Matthew C. Kiernan

• Article 100559
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100559
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The world federation of neurology digital neurology update (WNU)

Wolfgang Grisold, Stephen L. Lewis

• Article 100548
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100548
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