Introduction/Objective Stroke causes a high burden of motor and functional disability. Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) demonstrates potential in enhancing motor recovery and ambulation, particularly given the pronounced sociocultural affinity of the Ambonese population for rhythmic elements. This study evaluated the effect of RAS therapy using the Ronnie Gardiner Method (RGM) on walking ability and motor function in subacute stroke patients. Methods This quasi-experimental study involved 30 subacute stroke patients at a referral hospital in Ambon, Indonesia. Participants were allocated into a control group (n=15) and an intervention group (n=15). The intervention group received home-based RGM therapy for one month, while the control group received standard care. Outcomes were measured using the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) for walking ability and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) for motor function. Data were analyzed utilizing Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, and binary logistic regression tests. Results No statistically significant difference in FAC scores was observed between the two groups ( p = 0.136). However, the intervention group demonstrated a highly significant improvement in extremity motor function compared to the control group ( p = 0.035). Discussion Multivariate analysis confirmed that the music intervention independently predicted motor improvement (aOR = 11.56). Furthermore, achieving a functional motor status emerged as the strongest predictor for attaining walking independence (aOR = 23.64). Conclusion RAS therapy utilizing the RGM significantly improves motor function, which serves as a crucial foundational mechanism for walking independence, although it did not directly translate to functional ambulation within the one-month intervention period. RGM shows potential as a supportive adjuvant approach in home-care rehabilitation, though further validation in larger trials is warranted.
Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by demyelination, axonal injury, and progressive neuronal loss. This study sought to evaluate and compare the ability of double inversion recovery 3D (DIR) and 3D FLAIR sequences to identify cortical and juxtacortical lesions in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Methods Participants were recruited in this cross-sectional study at Yarmouk Teaching Hospital between June 2025 and January 2026. Forty-nine consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis (all clinical phenotypes) were included. Each subject underwent evaluation using the two imaging modalities as part of routine clinical assessment. MRI examinations were performed on a 3-Tesla Philips Achieva scanner (Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands) using a 16-channel head coil. The imaging protocol included 3D DIR and 3D FLAIR sequences acquired as part of the routine evaluation of patients with multiple sclerosis. For study purposes, lesion detection using the two sequences was compared. Results There were 31 females, accounting for 63.3%, and 18 males. The mean age was 36.6 Añ 6.97 years. Mixed-effects negative binomial regression demonstrated that 3D DIR detected significantly more lesions than 3D FLAIR. The detection rate was approximately 55% higher with 3D DIR (IRR 1.55, 95% CI 1.2-1.99, p <0.001). Age and gender were not independently associated with lesion counts. Adjusted marginal estimates showed mean detections of 3.10 lesions with 3D DIR compared with 2.01 using 3D FLAIR. Discussion This study has several important strengths. First, the paired design, in which each patient underwent both imaging modalities, reduced between-subject variability and allowed direct within-patient comparison. Second, the consistency of findings across patients-with most showing higher lesion detection using 3D DIR-strengthens the credibility and clinical relevance of the results. Several limitations should be acknowledged. The study was conducted in a single center, which may limit generalizability. Additionally, relevant clinical or imaging factors such as lesion characteristics or location were not included in the model, and the analysis focused on lesion counts rather than diagnostic accuracy or long-term clinical outcomes. Conclusion 3D DIR significantly improved lesion detection, identifying approximately 55% more lesions than 3D FLAIR independent of age and gender.
BackgroundThe current study aimed to investigate the correlation between psychological factors, general jealousy, and rumination, and the progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The increasing awareness of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients, especially more severe ones, led us to assess how emotional states might be associated with the severity of the disease. Drawing on somewhat conflicting prior work and our own clinical intuitions, we hypothesized that patients reporting higher jealousy and rumination levels would tend to present at more advanced disease stages. MethodsOur study included 40 participants with PD for this cross-sectional investigation. To gauge general jealousy, we administered the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale; for rumination, we used the Rumination Response Scale; and disease stage was determined via the well-established Hoehn and Yahr classification system. Pearson’s correlation coefficients tested relationships between general jealousy, rumination, and disease stage, while multiple linear regression analysis examined whether rumination could predict disease stage, controlling for age and disease duration. ResultsOur hypothesis found support in the data. A strong positive correlation emerged between general jealousy and disease stage (r = 0.544, p < 0.01); in other words, patients with higher jealousy scores tended to be at more advanced stages of disease. A moderate positive correlation emerged between rumination and disease stage (r = 0.377, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis further revealed that rumination significantly predicted disease stage (standardized β = 0.473, p < 0.01; adjusted R2 = 0.20, F(3,36) = 4.12, p < 0.05), suggesting that higher rumination is associated with greater disease severity. Descriptive statistics: General jealousy mean = 32.6 (SD = 7.1); rumination mean = 45.6 (SD = 8.0); disease stage mean = 2.7 (SD = 1.3). DiscussionThese findings highlight how important emotional states could be and their interplay with PD severity, suggesting that addressing general jealousy and rumination could improve patient outcomes. In a broader context, this supports integrating psychological interventions into neurodegenerative disease management, potentially influencing global care models for chronic illnesses. ConclusionThe findings indicate the relevance of psychological factors in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Importantly, the significant associations between general jealousy, rumination, and disease stage demonstrate the importance of care approaches that include emotional and physical well-being. Further research is needed to confirm these associations longitudinally. Increased knowledge should be developed about interventions targeting general jealousy and rumination as a way to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Introduction Recent research has demonstrated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in both systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other neurological disorders. These molecules are central to neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and neurovascular function, all of which are fundamental to the pathophysiology of these diseases. Given the apparent overlap, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between psychological symptoms and serum VEGF and MMP-9 levels in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods This study employed a cross-sectional design and recruited patients with SSc. Serum levels of VEGF and MMP-9 were measured in the blood using certified immunoassays. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Correlation analysis was performed to examine associations between biomarker levels and psychological data obtained from the SCL-90-R. A mediation analysis was conducted to explore potential indirect relationships between biomarkers (VEGF, MMP-9) and psychological symptoms. Results Among 34 SSc patients (mean age 49.65 years), psychological distress was prevalent, with somatization and psychoticism showing the highest symptom scores on the SCL-90-R. VEGF and MMP-9 levels were within normal ranges but showed important associations: VEGF correlated with psychological symptoms, particularly paranoid ideation (r = 0.6, p = .01), while MMP-9 was linked to pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.4, p = .03). Mediation analyses confirmed that VEGF significantly mediated the relationship between MMP-9 and multiple psychological domains. Discussion This study demonstrates significant psychological distress in SS patients and reveals meaningful associations between VEGF levels and psychological symptoms, even within clinically normal ranges, suggesting subclinical biomarker variations may contribute to emotional distress through neurovascular pathways. The findings align with existing literature while extending understanding by identifying VEGF as a mediator between matrix metalloproteinase-9 and psychological domains. However, the cross-sectional design limits causal interpretation, and the sample size was limited; therefore, findings should be interpreted with caution. Conclusion These results suggest that dysregulated VEGF and MMP-9, both crucial for vascular and fibrotic functions, can also influence or reflect psychological well-being in individuals with SSc. Further studies are needed to identify the psychobiological pathways involved. Thus, a more integrated, physiological–psychological health-based treatment strategy might improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for SSc patients.
Introduction Functional Neurological Disorders (FNDs) are involuntary, disabling conditions often linked to biopsychosocial factors. There is a gap in the literature regarding the clinical characteristics of patients suffering from FNDs. This study aimed to describe and compare the clinical profiles of the most common FND subtypes (seizures and motor). Methods This cross-sectional study included data collection from semi-structured interviews, medical records, and the Hamilton scales. Results Among 105 patients, 60 participants were found to be eligible. Statistically differences were found in mean age of symptom onset (seizures: 25 years vs . motor: 36 years, p <0.001), mean time to diagnosis (seizures: 14 years vs . motor: 3 years, p <0.001), symptom frequency ( p =0.003), psychological violence (32% in seizures vs . 10% in motor, p =0.039), sexual trauma (76% in motor vs . 26% in seizures, p <0.001), sexual complications (41% in motor vs . 13% in seizures, p =0.013), loss of close relatives (48% in seizures vs . 10% in motor, p <0.001), and number of hours of sleep per night ( p =0.009). Differences were also found in family history of epilepsy (48% in seizures vs . 21% in motor, p =0.023), movement disorders (31% in motor vs . 10% in seizures, p =0.040), and schizophrenia (31% in motor vs . 7% in seizures, p =0.016). The seizure subtype had slightly higher HAM-A (38.6) and lower HAM-D (29.5) scores compared to the motor subtype (37.3 and 30.3, respectively), with statistically significant differences in agitation, weight loss, and genitourinary and somatic symptoms ( p <0.05). Discussion The affinities and variations between the two subgroups were correlated with the state-of-the-art literature, providing valuable insights into the theoretical and clinical understanding of FNDs. Conclusion Patients with FNDs exhibit a consistent clinical profile with variations according to their subtypes, allowing for the refinement of knowledge about subtype-specific characteristics.
