Showing papers by "University of Mons published in 2020"

Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions as a clinical presentation of mild-to-moderate forms of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a multicenter European study.

Abstract: To investigate the occurrence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection were recruited from 12 European hospitals. The following epidemiological and clinical outcomes have been studied: age, sex, ethnicity, comorbidities, and general and otolaryngological symptoms. Patients completed olfactory and gustatory questionnaires based on the smell and taste component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and the short version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (sQOD-NS). A total of 417 mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients completed the study (263 females). The most prevalent general symptoms consisted of cough, myalgia, and loss of appetite. Face pain and nasal obstruction were the most disease-related otolaryngological symptoms. 85.6% and 88.0% of patients reported olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, respectively. There was a significant association between both disorders (p < 0.001). Olfactory dysfunction (OD) appeared before the other symptoms in 11.8% of cases. The sQO-NS scores were significantly lower in patients with anosmia compared with normosmic or hyposmic individuals (p = 0.001). Among the 18.2% of patients without nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, 79.7% were hyposmic or anosmic. The early olfactory recovery rate was 44.0%. Females were significantly more affected by olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions than males (p = 0.001). Olfactory and gustatory disorders are prevalent symptoms in European COVID-19 patients, who may not have nasal symptoms. The sudden anosmia or ageusia need to be recognized by the international scientific community as important symptoms of the COVID-19 infection.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 1420 European patients with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019.

Abstract: Background: The clinical presentation of European patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection is still unknown. Objective: To study the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in Europe. Methods: Patients with positive diagnosis of COVID-19 were recruited from 18 European hospitals. Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained through a standardized questionnaire. Bayesian analysis was used for analysing the relationship between outcomes. Results: A total of 1,420 patients completed the study (962 females, 30.7% of healthcare workers). The mean age of patients was 39.17 ± 12.09 years. The most common symptoms were headache (70.3%), loss of smell (70.2%), nasal obstruction (67.8%), cough (63.2%), asthenia (63.3%), myalgia (62.5%), rhinorrhea (60.1%), gustatory dysfunction (54.2%) and sore throat (52.9%). Fever was reported by 45.4%. The mean duration of COVID-19 symptoms of mild-to-moderate cured patients was 11.5 ± 5.7 days. The prevalence of symptoms significantly varied according to age and sex. Young patients more frequently had ear, nose and throat complaints, whereas elderly individuals often presented fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. Loss of smell, headache, nasal obstruction and fatigue were more prevalent in female patients. The loss of smell was a key symptom of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients and was not associated with nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea. Loss of smell persisted at least 7 days after the disease in 37.5% of cured patients. Conclusion: The clinical presentation of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 substantially varies according to the age and the sex characteristics of patients. Olfactory dysfunction seems to be an important underestimated symptom of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 that needs to be recognized as such by the WHO.

Multiresonant Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters Based on Heteroatom-Doped Nanographenes: Recent Advances and Prospects for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

Abstract: We thank the Leverhulme Trust (RPG-2016-047) for the financial support. S.S. acknowledges sup-port from the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (NarrowbandSSL EC Grant Agree-ment No: 838885). Computational resources have been provided by the Consortium des Equipements de Calcul Inten-sif (CECI), funded by the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifiques de Belgique (F.R.S.-FNRS) under Grant No. 2.5020.11, as well as the Tier-1 supercomputer of the Federation Wallonie-Bruxelles, infrastructure funded by the Walloon Region under the grant agreement n1117545. DB is a FNRS Research Director.

Gustatory Dysfunction: A Highly Specific and Smell-Independent Symptom of COVID-19

Abstract: Chemosensitive dysfunctions are now considered as frequent and early symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the last few weeks, researchers' greatest efforts have been focusing mainly on the analysis of olfactory disorders, neglecting taste dysfunctions. According to our psychophysical evaluations, it can be inferred that the pathogenesis of taste disorders in COVID-19 patients is largely smell-independent. Moreover, isolated gustatory disorders are highly specific of SARS-CoV-2 infection. For these reasons, it is essential that gustatory dysfunctions, like olfactory disorders, are included in the COVID-19 guidelines.

The Cerebellar Cognitive Affective/Schmahmann Syndrome: a Task Force Paper

Abstract: Sporadically advocated over the last two centuries, a cerebellar role in cognition and affect has been rigorously established in the past few decades. In the clinical domain, such progress is epitomized by the “cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome” (“CCAS”) or “Schmahmann syndrome.” Introduced in the late 1990s, CCAS reflects a constellation of cerebellar-induced sequelae, comprising deficits in executive function, visuospatial cognition, emotion–affect, and language, over and above speech. The CCAS thus offers excellent grounds to investigate the functional topography of the cerebellum, and, ultimately, illustrate the precise mechanisms by which the cerebellum modulates cognition and affect. The primary objective of this task force paper is thus to stimulate further research in this area. After providing an up-to-date overview of the fundamental findings on cerebellar neurocognition, the paper substantiates the concept of CCAS with recent evidence from different scientific angles, promotes awareness of the CCAS as a clinical entity, and examines our current insight into the therapeutic options available. The paper finally identifies topics of divergence and outstanding questions for further research.

Forecasting: theory and practice

Abstract: Forecasting has always been at the forefront of decision making and planning. The uncertainty that surrounds the future is both exciting and challenging, with individuals and organisations seeking to minimise risks and maximise utilities. The large number of forecasting applications calls for a diverse set of forecasting methods to tackle real-life challenges. This article provides a non-systematic review of the theory and the practice of forecasting. We provide an overview of a wide range of theoretical, state-of-the-art models, methods, principles, and approaches to prepare, produce, organise, and evaluate forecasts. We then demonstrate how such theoretical concepts are applied in a variety of real-life contexts. We do not claim that this review is an exhaustive list of methods and applications. However, we wish that our encyclopedic presentation will offer a point of reference for the rich work that has been undertaken over the last decades, with some key insights for the future of forecasting theory and practice. Given its encyclopedic nature, the intended mode of reading is non-linear. We offer cross-references to allow the readers to navigate through the various topics. We complement the theoretical concepts and applications covered by large lists of free or open-source software implementations and publicly-available databases.

Loss of Smell and Taste in 2013 European Patients With Mild to Moderate COVID-19.

Abstract: Loss of Smell and Taste in 2013 European Patients With Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Background: Thecoronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread worldwide rapidly. Commonly reported symptoms, such as fever, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, and myalgia, are nonspecific, and the lack of testing in some European countries may make the diagnosis of COVID-19 challenging. However, 2 distinctive symptoms were identified recently: loss of smell and loss of taste (1). These symptoms were not reported extensively in initial studies (2) and might help in the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and features of, as well as recovery from, smell dysfunction in European patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

Smell and taste recovery in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a 60-day objective and prospective study.

Abstract: Background The long-term recovery rate of chemosensitive functions in coronavirus disease 2019 patients has not yet been determined. Method A multicentre prospective study on 138 coronavirus disease 2019 patients was conducted. Olfactory and gustatory functions were prospectively evaluated for 60 days. Results Within the first 4 days of coronavirus disease 2019, 84.8 per cent of patients had chemosensitive dysfunction that gradually improved over the observation period. The most significant increase in chemosensitive scores occurred in the first 10 days for taste and between 10 and 20 days for smell. At the end of the observation period (60 days after symptom onset), 7.2 per cent of the patients still had severe dysfunctions. The risk of developing a long-lasting disorder becomes significant at 10 days for taste (odds ratio = 40.2, 95 per cent confidence interval = 2.204–733.2, p = 0.013) and 20 days for smell (odds ratio = 58.5, 95 per cent confidence interval = 3.278–1043.5, p = 0.005). Conclusion Chemosensitive disturbances persisted in 7.2 per cent of patients 60 days after clinical onset. Specific therapies should be initiated in patients with severe olfactory and gustatory disturbances 20 days after disease onset.

A Deep Blue B,N-Doped Heptacene Emitter That Shows Both Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence and Delayed Fluorescence by Triplet-Triplet Annihilation.

Abstract: An easy-to-access, near-UV-emitting linearly extended B,N-doped heptacene with high thermal stability is designed and synthesized in good yields. This compound exhibits thermally activated delayed ...

Consensus Paper: Cerebellum and Social Cognition

Abstract: The traditional view on the cerebellum is that it controls motor behavior. Although recent work has revealed that the cerebellum supports also nonmotor functions such as cognition and affect, only during the last 5 years it has become evident that the cerebellum also plays an important social role. This role is evident in social cognition based on interpreting goal-directed actions through the movements of individuals (social "mirroring") which is very close to its original role in motor learning, as well as in social understanding of other individuals' mental state, such as their intentions, beliefs, past behaviors, future aspirations, and personality traits (social "mentalizing"). Most of this mentalizing role is supported by the posterior cerebellum (e.g., Crus I and II). The most dominant hypothesis is that the cerebellum assists in learning and understanding social action sequences, and so facilitates social cognition by supporting optimal predictions about imminent or future social interaction and cooperation. This consensus paper brings together experts from different fields to discuss recent efforts in understanding the role of the cerebellum in social cognition, and the understanding of social behaviors and mental states by others, its effect on clinical impairments such as cerebellar ataxia and autism spectrum disorder, and how the cerebellum can become a potential target for noninvasive brain stimulation as a therapeutic intervention. We report on the most recent empirical findings and techniques for understanding and manipulating cerebellar circuits in humans. Cerebellar circuitry appears now as a key structure to elucidate social interactions.

Improving Processability and Efficiency of Resonant TADF Emitters: A Design Strategy

Abstract: This work is funded by the EC through the Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITN project TADFlife. The St Andrews team would also like to thank the Leverhulme Trust (RPG-2016- 047) and EPSRC (EP/P010482/1) for financial support. Computational resources have been provided by the Consortium des Equipements de Calcul Intensif (CECI), funded by the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifiques de Belgique (F.R.S.-FNRS) under Grant No. 2.5020.11, as well as the Tier-1 supercomputer of the Federation Wallonie-Bruxelles, infrastructure funded by the Walloon Region under the grant agreement n1117545. AP acknowledges the financial support from the Marie Curie Fellowship (MILORD project, N°. 748042). DB is a FNRS Research Director. We thank Franck-Julian Kahle for support with data analysis.

Elastic conducting polymer composites in thermoelectric modules

Abstract: The rapid growth of wearables has created a demand for lightweight, elastic and conformal energy harvesting and storage devices. The conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) has shown gr ...

Objective olfactory evaluation of self-reported loss of smell in a case series of 86 COVID-19 patients.

Abstract: Objective: To investigate olfactory dysfunction (OD) in patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through patient-reported outcome questionnaires and objective psychophysical testing. Methods: COVID-19 patients with self-reported sudden-onset OD were recruited. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected. Nasal complaints were evaluated with the sinonasal outcome-22. Subjective olfactory and gustatory status was evaluated with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Objective OD was evaluated using psychophysical tests. Results: Eighty-six patients completed the study. The most common symptoms were fatigue (72.9%), headache (60.0%), nasal obstruction (58.6%), and postnasal drip (48.6%). Total loss of smell was self-reported by 61.4% of patients. Objective olfactory testings identified 41 anosmic (47.7%), 12 hyposmic (14.0%), and 33 normosmic (38.3%) patients. There was no correlation between the objective test results and subjective reports of nasal obstruction or postnasal drip. Conclusion: A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients reporting OD do not have OD on objective testing.

Rapid Detection of Circulating Breast Cancer Cells Using a Multiresonant Optical Fiber Aptasensor with Plasmonic Amplification.

Abstract: The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are responsible for metastasis in several forms of cancer, represents an important goal in oncological diagnosis and treatment. These cells remain extremely challenging to detect, despite numerous previous studies, due to their low concentration (1-10 cells/mL of blood). In this work, an all-fiber plasmonic aptasensor featuring multiple narrowband resonances in the near-infrared wavelength range was developed to detect metastatic breast cancer cells. To this aim, specific aptamers against mammaglobin-A were selected and immobilized as receptors on the sensor surface. In vitro assays confirm that the label-free and real-time detection of cancer cells [limit of detection (LOD) of 49 cells/mL] occurs within 5 min, while the additional use of functionalized gold nanoparticles allows a 2-fold amplification of the biosensor response. Differential measurements on selected optical resonances were used to process the sensor response, and results were confirmed by microscopy. The detection of only 10 cancer cells/mL was achieved with relevant specificity against control cells and with quick response time.

Global warming and plant–pollinator mismatches

Abstract: The mutualism between plants and their pollinators provides globally important ecosystem services, but it is likely to be disrupted by global warming that can cause mismatches between both halves of this interaction. In this review, we summarise the available evidence on (i) spatial or (ii) phenological shifts of one or both of the actors of this mutualism. While the occurrence of future spatial mismatches is predominantly theoretical and based on predictive models, there is growing empirical evidence of phenological mismatches occurring at the present day. Mismatches may also occur when pollinators and their host plants are still found together. These mismatches can arise due to (iii) morphological modifications and (iv) disruptions to host attraction and foraging behaviours, and it is expected that these mismatches will lead to novel community assemblages. Overall plant-pollinator interactions seem to be resilient biological networks, particularly because generalist species can buffer these changes due to their plastic behaviour. However, we currently lack information on where and why spatial mismatches do occur and how they impact the fitness of plants and pollinators, in order to fully assess if adaptive evolutionary changes can keep pace with global warming predictions.

Acute urticaria with pyrexia as the first manifestations of a COVID-19 infection.

Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) affects principally the respiratory tract but recent studies described that COVID‐19 could present a broader clinical spectrum from the absence of any symptoms to heart 1, digestive 2 or Ear‐Nose‐Throat (including anosmia and ageusia) 3 manifestations. Here we report two cases of peculiar skin manifestation.

Lanthanide-doped inorganic nanoparticles turn molecular triplet excitons bright

Abstract: The generation, control and transfer of triplet excitons in molecular and hybrid systems is of great interest owing to their long lifetime and diffusion length in both solid-state and solution phase systems, and to their applications in light emission1, optoelectronics2,3, photon frequency conversion4,5 and photocatalysis6,7. Molecular triplet excitons (bound electron-hole pairs) are 'dark states' because of the forbidden nature of the direct optical transition between the spin-zero ground state and the spin-one triplet levels8. Hence, triplet dynamics are conventionally controlled through heavy-metal-based spin-orbit coupling9-11 or tuning of the singlet-triplet energy splitting12,13 via molecular design. Both these methods place constraints on the range of properties that can be modified and the molecular structures that can be used. Here we demonstrate that it is possible to control triplet dynamics by coupling organic molecules to lanthanide-doped inorganic insulating nanoparticles. This allows the classically forbidden transitions from the ground-state singlet to excited-state triplets to gain oscillator strength, enabling triplets to be directly generated on molecules via photon absorption. Photogenerated singlet excitons can be converted to triplet excitons on sub-10-picosecond timescales with unity efficiency by intersystem crossing. Triplet exciton states of the molecules can undergo energy transfer to the lanthanide ions with unity efficiency, which allows us to achieve luminescent harvesting of the dark triplet excitons. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the triplet excitons generated in the lanthanide nanoparticle-molecule hybrid systems by near-infrared photoexcitation can undergo efficient upconversion via a lanthanide-triplet excitation fusion process: this process enables endothermic upconversion and allows efficient upconversion from near-infrared to visible frequencies in the solid state. These results provide a new way to control triplet excitons, which is essential for many fields of optoelectronic and biomedical research.

Photodoping through local charge carrier accumulation in alloyed hybrid perovskites for highly efficient luminescence

Abstract: Metal halide perovskites have emerged as exceptional semiconductors for optoelectronic applications. Substitution of the monovalent cations has advanced luminescence yields and device efficiencies. Here, we control the cation alloying to enhance optoelectronic performance through alteration of the charge carrier dynamics in mixed-halide perovskites. In contrast to single-halide perovskites, we find high luminescence yields for photoexcited carrier densities far below solar illumination conditions. Using time-resolved spectroscopy we show that the charge carrier recombination regime changes from second to first order within the first tens of nanoseconds after excitation. Supported by microscale mapping of the optical bandgap, electrically gated transport measurements and first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that spatially varying energetic disorder in the electronic states causes local charge accumulation, creating p- and n-type photodoped regions, which unearths a strategy for efficient light emission at low charge-injection in solar cells and light-emitting diodes. Localized photodoping in mixed-cation perovskites is shown to modify charge-carrier recombination and thus offer a route for more efficient light emission.

Validity and reliability of the reflux symptom score

Abstract: Objectives/hypothesis To develop and validate the Reflux Symptom Score (RSS), a self-administered patient-reported outcome questionnaire for patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Study design Prospective controlled study. Methods A total of 113 patients with LPR were enrolled and treated with diet and 3 months of pantoprazole, alginate, and/or magaldrate depending on the LPR characteristics (acid, nonacid, or mixed). Eighty asymptomatic individuals completed the study. Patients and controls completed the RSS twice within a 7-day period to assess test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's α for the RSS items in patients and controls. Validity was assessed by comparing the baseline RSS with the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Seventy-seven patients completed the RSS at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment to assess responsiveness to change. The RSS cutoff for determining the presence and absence of LPR was examined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results Test-retest reliability (rs = 0.921) and internal consistency reliability (α = 0.969) were high. RSS exhibited high external validity indicated by a significant correlation with the RSI (rs = 0.831). Internal validity was excellent based on the higher RSS in patients compared with controls (P = .001). RSS, RSI, and VHI scores significantly improved from pre- to posttreatment, indicating a high responsiveness to change. RSS >13 can be considered suggestive of LPR-related symptoms. RSS was not influenced by the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, LPR subtypes, or patient characteristics. Conclusions RSS is a self-administered patient-reported outcome questionnaire that demonstrates high reliability and excellent criterion-based validity. RSS can be used in diagnosing and monitoring LPR disease. Level of evidence 3b Laryngoscope, 130:E98-E107, 2020.

Six month follow-up of self-reported loss of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Loss of smell and taste is now recognised as amongst the most common symptoms of COVID-19 and the best predictor of COVID-19 positivity. Long term outcomes are unknown. This study aims to investigate recovery of loss of smell and the prevalence of parosmia. METHODOLOGY: 6-month follow-up of respondents to an online surgery who self-reported loss of smell at the onset of the CO- VID-19 pandemic in the UK. Information of additional symptoms, recovery of loss of smell and the development of parosmia was collected. RESULTS: 44% of respondents reported at least one other ongoing symptom at 6 months, of which fatigue (n=106) was the most prevalent. There was a significant improvement in self-rating of severity of olfactory loss where 177 patients stated they had a normal smell of smell while 12 patients reported complete loss of smell. The prevalence of parosmia is 43.1% with median interval of 2.5 months (range 0-6) from the onset of loss of smell. CONCLUSIONS: While many patients recover quickly, some experience long-term deficits with no self-reported improvement at 6 months. Furthermore, there is a high prevalence of parosmia even in those who report at least some recovery of olfactory func- tion. Longer term evaluation of recovery is required.

Metal oxide semiconductors with highly concentrated oxygen vacancies for gas sensing materials: a review

Abstract: The introduction of oxygen vacancies into metal oxide semiconductors is an effective way to enhance their gas sensing performance. In this review paper, firstly, the roles of oxygen vacancies on band structure, electrical conductivity, optical absorption and gas adsorption are presented. The presence of highly concentrated oxygen vacancies narrows the bandgap width of semiconductors, thus reducing the energy required for electron transition. It also increases the active sites on the material surface and enhances the chemisorption, thus improving the adsorption performance of the material. In addition, it also improves the electrical conductivity and light absorption ability of the material. Then, this review paper briefly introduced the state of the art of metal oxide semiconductors with highly concentrated oxygen vacancies fabricated by various processes, which are mainly divided into direct and indirect methods. At last, the application of metal oxide semiconductors with highly concentrated oxygen vacancies in the field of gas sensors is reviewed.

Update and Challenges in Carbon Dioxide-Based Polycarbonate Synthesis.

Abstract: The utilization of carbon dioxide as a comonomer to produce polycarbonates has attracted a great deal of attention from both industrial and academic communities because it promises to replace petroleum-derived plastics and supports a sustainable environment. Significant progress in the copolymerization of cyclic ethers (e.g., epoxide, oxetane) and carbon dioxide has been made in recent decades, owing to the rapid development of catalysts. In this Review, the focus is to summarize and discuss recent advances in the development of homogeneous catalysts, including metal- and organo-based complexes, as well as the preparation of carbon dioxide-based block copolymer and functional polycarbonates.

Modelling the dynamics of industrial robots for milling operations

Abstract: Using industrial robots as machine tools is targeted by many industries for their lower cost and larger workspace. Nevertheless, performance of industrial robots is limited due to their mechanical structure involving rotational joints with a lower stiffness. As a consequence, vibration instabilities, known as chatter, are more likely to appear in industrial robots than in conventional machine tools. Commonly, chatter is avoided by using stability lobe diagrams to determine the stable combinations of axial depth of cut and spindle speed. Although the computation of stability lobes in conventional machine tools is a well-studied subject, developing them in robotic milling is challenging because of the lack of accurate multi-body dynamics models involving joint compliance able of predicting the posture-dependent dynamics of the robot. In this paper, two multi-body dynamics models of articulated industrial robots suitable for machining applications are presented. The link and rotor inertias along with the joint stiffness and damping parameters of the developed models are identified using a combination of multiple-input multiple-output identification approach, computer-aided design model of the robot, and experimental modal analysis. The performance of the developed models in predicting posture-dependent dynamics of a KUKA KR90 R3100 robotic arm is studied experimentally.

Pollen Protein: Lipid Macronutrient Ratios May Guide Broad Patterns of Bee Species Floral Preferences.

Abstract: Pollinator nutritional ecology provides insights into plant-pollinator interactions, coevolution, and the restoration of declining pollinator populations. Bees obtain their protein and lipid nutrient intake from pollen, which is essential for larval growth and development as well as adult health and reproduction. Our previous research revealed that pollen protein to lipid ratios (P:L) shape bumble bee foraging preferences among pollen host-plant species, and these preferred ratios link to bumble bee colony health and fitness. Yet, we are still in the early stages of integrating data on P:L ratios across plant and bee species. Here, using a standard laboratory protocol, we present over 80 plant species' protein and lipid concentrations and P:L values, and we evaluate the P:L ratios of pollen collected by three bee species. We discuss the general phylogenetic, phenotypic, behavioral, and ecological trends observed in these P:L ratios that may drive plant-pollinator interactions; we also present future research questions to further strengthen the field of pollination nutritional ecology. This dataset provides a foundation for researchers studying the nutritional drivers of plant-pollinator interactions as well as for stakeholders developing planting schemes to best support pollinators.

Consensus Paper. Cerebellar Reserve: From Cerebellar Physiology to Cerebellar Disorders.

Abstract: Cerebellar reserve refers to the capacity of the cerebellum to compensate for tissue damage or loss of function resulting from many different etiologies. When the inciting event produces acute focal damage (e.g., stroke, trauma), impaired cerebellar function may be compensated for by other cerebellar areas or by extracerebellar structures (i.e., structural cerebellar reserve). In contrast, when pathological changes compromise cerebellar neuronal integrity gradually leading to cell death (e.g., metabolic and immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias, neurodegenerative ataxias), it is possible that the affected area itself can compensate for the slowly evolving cerebellar lesion (i.e., functional cerebellar reserve). Here, we examine cerebellar reserve from the perspective of the three cornerstones of clinical ataxiology: control of ocular movements, coordination of voluntary axial and appendicular movements, and cognitive functions. Current evidence indicates that cerebellar reserve is potentiated by environmental enrichment through the mechanisms of autophagy and synaptogenesis, suggesting that cerebellar reserve is not rigid or fixed, but exhibits plasticity potentiated by experience. These conclusions have therapeutic implications. During the period when cerebellar reserve is preserved, treatments should be directed at stopping disease progression and/or limiting the pathological process. Simultaneously, cerebellar reserve may be potentiated using multiple approaches. Potentiation of cerebellar reserve may lead to compensation and restoration of function in the setting of cerebellar diseases, and also in disorders primarily of the cerebral hemispheres by enhancing cerebellar mechanisms of action. It therefore appears that cerebellar reserve, and the underlying plasticity of cerebellar microcircuitry that enables it, may be of critical neurobiological importance to a wide range of neurological/neuropsychiatric conditions.

Efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of long- lasting olfactory disorders in COVID-19 patients.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The growing number of COVID-19 patients with long-lasting olfactory disorders makes it necessary to identify ef- fective treatments that enhance the spontaneous recovery of olfactory function. METHODS: Multicentre randomised case-control study that involved 18 patients with COVID-19 related anosmia or severe hyposmia for more than 30 days. Nine patients were prescribed systemic prednisone and nasal irrigation with betamethasone, ambroxol and rinazine for 15 days. The other 9, untreated, patients were used as controls. The olfactory function was evaluated with CCCRC test at 20 and 40 days from the first evaluation. RESULTS: In the control group, a median olfactory score of 20 (IQR 30) was detected at baseline. At the 20-day control there was no significant improvement in olfactory function. The improvement in olfactory performance became significant at the 40-day follow-up compared to baseline scores [60 (IQR 60) versus 20 (IQR 30)]. In the treatment group, patients had a mean olfactory score of 10 (IQR 15) at initial control. At the 20-day control, a significant im-provement in the olfactory scores, compared to the baseline, was detected [70 (IQR 40) versus 10 (IQR 15)]. Olfactory function further improved at 40 days [median score 90 (IQR 50)]. Patients in the treatment group reported significantly higher improvements of the olfactory scores than the controls at both the 20-day [40 (IQR 45) versus 10 (IQR 15)] and 40-day [60 (IQR 40) versus 30 (IQR 25)] evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, the mix of drugs including steroids could represent a useful specific therapy to reduce the prevalence of this long-term morbidity.