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Rocca MA, Romanò F, Tedone N, Filippi M. Advanced neuroimaging techniques to explore the effects of motor and cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:3806-3848. [PMID: 38691168 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12395-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progress in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and analyses is improving our comprehension of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathophysiology. These advancements, which enable the evaluation of atrophy, microstructural tissue abnormalities, and functional plasticity, are broadening our insights into the effectiveness and working mechanisms of motor and cognitive rehabilitative treatments. AREAS COVERED This narrative review with selected studies discusses findings derived from the application of advanced MRI techniques to evaluate structural and functional neuroplasticity modifications underlying the effects of motor and cognitive rehabilitative treatments in people with MS (PwMS). Current applications as outcome measure in longitudinal trials and observational studies, their interpretation and possible pitfalls and limitations in their use are covered. Finally, we examine how the use of these techniques could evolve in the future to improve monitoring of motor and cognitive rehabilitative treatments. EXPERT COMMENTARY Despite substantial variability in study design and participant characteristics in rehabilitative studies for PwMS, improvements in motor and cognitive functions accompanied by structural and functional brain modifications induced by rehabilitation can be observed. However, significant enhancements to refine rehabilitation strategies are needed. Future studies in this field should strive to implement standardized methodologies regarding MRI acquisition and processing, possibly integrating multimodal measures. This will help identifying relevant markers of treatment response in PwMS, thus improving the use of rehabilitative interventions at individual level. The combination of motor and cognitive strategies, longer periods of treatment, as well as adequate follow-up assessments will contribute to enhance the quality of evidence in support of their routine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Romanò
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Tedone
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Amiri S, Hassani-Abharian P, Vaseghi S, Kazemi R, Nasehi M. Effect of RehaCom cognitive rehabilitation software on working memory and processing speed in chronic ischemic stroke patients. Assist Technol 2023; 35:41-47. [PMID: 34033513 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2021.1934608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke survivors need assistance to overcome cognitive impairments. Working memory (WM) and processing speed (PS) as two critical cognitive functions are disrupted by stroke. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of RehaCom rehabilitation software on WM and PS in participants with chronic ischemic stroke with hemiplegia (right/left side). Participants were selected among stroke patients who were referred to our special rehabilitation clinic. Fifty participants were assigned to control (n = 25) and experimental (n = 25) groups. The results of the experimental group were compared with the control group before and after the treatment with RehaCom (ten 45-min sessions across five weeks, two sessions per week). The results showed a significant improvement in WM and PS in the experimental group in comparison with the control group after a 5-week training with RehaCom. In conclusion, our findings indicate that treatment with RehaCom software improves WM and PS in chronic ischemic stroke participants with hemiplegia. The exact mechanism of RehaCom is largely unknown and further studies are needed, but its effects on the function of brain regions involved in modulating cognitive functions such as the prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and parietal cortex may be mechanisms of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Amiri
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Hassani-Abharian
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouzbeh Kazemi
- TABASOM Rehabilitation Center for Stroke Patients, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Simani L, Roozbeh M, Shojaei M, Ramezani M, Roozbeh M, Gharehgozli K, Rostami M. The effectiveness of anodal tDCS and cognitive training on cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis; a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104392. [PMID: 36544322 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Forty to 70% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from cognitive impairment during their illness. Only a few studies have examined the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) along with cognitive training on cognitive performance in MS patients. This study aims to determine whether multi-session a-tDCS with or without cognitive training impacts cognitive performance in MS. METHODS Eighty MS patients received a-tDCS, cognitive training, a-tDCS plus cognitive training, and sham for ten consecutive daily sessions. Cognitive function (including episodic memory, attention, and inhibitory control, working memory, and visuospatial skill) was measured at baseline, week 4, and week 12 after the intervention. RESULTS All cognitive functions significantly improved after the intervention compared to the sham condition. This effect also showed persistence during follow-up for some cognitive tasks in the a-tDCS and a-tDCS combined cognitive training groups. Although the cognitive training group experienced an immediate improvement in attention and inhibitory control, the difference was not significant at follow-up. Also, there were no significant differences between these three groups in cognitive scores after the intervention. CONCLUSION a-tDCS alone and a-tDCS paired with or without cognitive training as compared to sham appears to be a promising therapeutic option for cognitive performance in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Simani
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Mahrooz Roozbeh
- Institute for Cognitive & Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maziyar Shojaei
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Ramezani
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Roozbeh
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kurosh Gharehgozli
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rostami
- Cognitive Sciences Lab, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
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Frieske J, Pareto D, García-Vidal A, Cuypers K, Meesen RL, Alonso J, Arévalo MJ, Galán I, Renom M, Vidal-Jordana Á, Auger C, Montalban X, Rovira À, Sastre-Garriga J. Can cognitive training reignite compensatory mechanisms in advanced multiple sclerosis patients? An explorative morphological network approach. Neuroscience 2022; 495:86-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Podda J, Tacchino A, Pedullà L, Monti Bragadin M, Battaglia MA, Brichetto G. Focus on neglected features of cognitive rehabilitation in MS: Setting and mode of the treatment. Mult Scler 2020; 28:1009-1019. [PMID: 33045916 PMCID: PMC9131413 DOI: 10.1177/1352458520966300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS) aims at reducing patients’
cognitive impairments, improving their awareness and ability to take cognitive
difficulties into account in their daily living. However, at this moment, more
high-quality randomized trials are needed to draw conclusion about the
effectiveness of cognitive interventions in MS. Although existing studies
provide clear descriptions of intervention key ingredients (e.g. targeted
cognitive domain as well as treatment frequency and duration) and the practical
details needed to manage these key elements (e.g. restorative approaches,
compensatory strategies, or environmental modifications), other crucial aspects
received less attention in rehabilitation research. The aim of this topical
review is to try to elucidate some critical issues that were only partly
addressed and analyzed by the scientific literature: setting (center-based vs
home-based) and mode (individual vs group) of the cognitive rehabilitation
treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Podda
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Tacchino
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
| | - Ludovico Pedullà
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
| | - Margherita Monti Bragadin
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy/AISM Rehabilitation Center, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Alberto Battaglia
- Department of Physiopathology, Experimental Medicine and Public Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Brichetto
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy/AISM Rehabilitation Center, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society, Genoa, Italy
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Prosperini L, Di Filippo M. Beyond clinical changes: Rehabilitation-induced neuroplasticity in MS. Mult Scler 2020; 25:1348-1362. [PMID: 31469359 DOI: 10.1177/1352458519846096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural plasticity represents the substrate by which the damaged central nervous system (CNS) re-learns lost behaviors in response to rehabilitation. In persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), rehabilitation can therefore exploit the potential of neural plasticity to restore CNS functions beyond the spontaneous mechanisms of recovery from MS-related damage. METHODS Here, we reviewed the currently available evidence on the occurrence of mechanisms of structural and functional plasticity following rehabilitation, motor, and/or cognitive training. We presented both data gained from basic laboratory research on animal models and data on persons with MS obtained by advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. RESULTS Studies on physical and environmental enrichment in experimental MS models showed beneficial effects mediated by both immune modulation and activity-dependent plasticity, lowering tissue destruction and restoring of CNS network function. Translational researches in MS people demonstrated structural and/or functional MRI changes after various interventions, but their heterogeneity and small sample sizes (5-42 patients) raise concerns about the interpretation and generalization of the obtained results. DISCUSSION We highlighted the limitations of published studies, focusing on the knowledge gaps to be filled in terms of neuropathological correlations between changes detected in animal models and changes detected in vivo by neuroimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Prosperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Naeeni Davarani M, Arian Darestani A, Hassani-Abharian P, Vaseghi S, Zarrindast MR, Nasehi M. RehaCom rehabilitation training improves a wide-range of cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2020; 29:262-272. [PMID: 32368936 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2020.1747070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that impairs cognitive performance. Attention, response control, working memory, and processing speed are highly impaired in MS. On the other hand, RehaCom is a computerized software that improves cognitive dysfunctions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of RehaCom on attention, response control, processing speed, working memory, visuospatial skills, and verbal/non-verbal executive functions in MS patients. Sixty patients were selected randomly and divided into control (n = 30) and experimental (n = 30) groups. Integrated Auditory Visual-2 (IVA-2), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Judgment of Line Orientation (JLO) and The Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) were used to assess cognitive functions. Patients in the experimental group were treated by RehaCom for 5 weeks (two 60-min sessions per week). Cognitive performance of all patients in both groups was assessed at weeks 5 and 10 (post-test and follow-up stages, respectively). The results showed that RehaCom treatment improved all studied cognitive functions at the post-test stage. This effect also remained at the follow-up stage for some cognitive functions. In conclusion, treatment with RehaCom may have significant therapeutic effects on cognitive dysfunctions in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Naeeni Davarani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Arian Darestani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Hassani-Abharian
- Department of Rehabilitation, Brain and Cognition Clinic, Tehran, Iran.,Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.,Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Neuroendocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Veisi-Pirkoohi S, Hassani-Abharian P, Kazemi R, Vaseghi S, Zarrindast MR, Nasehi M. Efficacy of RehaCom cognitive rehabilitation software in activities of daily living, attention and response control in chronic stroke patients. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 71:101-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.08.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rocca MA, Preziosa P, Filippi M. Application of advanced MRI techniques to monitor pharmacologic and rehabilitative treatment in multiple sclerosis: current status and future perspectives. Expert Rev Neurother 2018; 19:835-866. [PMID: 30500303 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1555038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and analyses are improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Due to their ability to grade the presence of irreversible tissue loss, microstructural tissue abnormalities, metabolic changes and functional plasticity, the application of these techniques is also expanding our knowledge on the efficacy and mechanisms of action of different pharmacological and rehabilitative treatments. Areas covered: This review discusses recent findings derived from the application of advanced MRI techniques to evaluate the structural and functional substrates underlying the effects of pharmacologic and rehabilitative treatments in patients with MS. Current applications as outcome in clinical trials and observational studies, their interpretation and possible pitfalls in their use are discussed. Finally, how these techniques could evolve in the future to improve monitoring of disease progression and treatment response is examined. Expert commentary: The number of treatments currently available for MS is increasing. The application of advanced MRI techniques is providing reliable and specific measures to better understand the targets of different treatments, including neuroprotection, tissue repair, and brain plasticity. This is a fundamental progress to move toward personalized medicine and individual treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
| | - Paolo Preziosa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
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Efficacy of a Computer-Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Behav Neurol 2017; 2017:5919841. [PMID: 29463950 PMCID: PMC5804109 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5919841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is frequently encountered in multiple sclerosis (MS) affecting between 40-65% of individuals, irrespective of disease duration and severity of physical disability. In the present multicenter randomized controlled trial, fifty-eight clinically stable RRMS patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment and relatively low disability status were randomized to receive either computer-assisted (RehaCom) functional cognitive training with an emphasis on episodic memory, information processing speed/attention, and executive functions for 10 weeks (IG; n = 32) or standard clinical care (CG; n = 26). Outcome measures included a flexible comprehensive neuropsychological battery of tests sensitive to MS patient deficits and feedback regarding personal benefit gained from the intervention on four verbal questions. Only the IG group showed significant improvements in verbal and visuospatial episodic memory, processing speed/attention, and executive functioning from pre - to postassessment. Moreover, the improvement obtained on attention was retained over 6 months providing evidence on the long-term benefits of this intervention. Group by time interactions revealed significant improvements in composite cognitive domain scores in the IG relative to the demographically and clinically matched CG for verbal episodic memory, processing speed, verbal fluency, and attention. Treated patients rated the intervention positively and were more confident about their cognitive abilities following treatment.
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Hulst HE, Langdon DW. Functional training is a senseless strategy in MS cognitive rehabilitation: Strategy training is the only useful approach - NO. Mult Scler 2017; 23:930-932. [PMID: 28332909 PMCID: PMC5455978 DOI: 10.1177/1352458517692422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanneke E Hulst
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Royal Holloway, University of London, Surrey, UK
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Brochet B. Functional training is a senseless strategy in MS cognitive rehabilitation: Strategy training is the only useful approach – Commentary. Mult Scler 2017; 23:932-933. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458517699877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Brochet
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
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