Dear Colleagues:

Welcome to the January–March 2021 edition of Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience (ICNS). For 2021’s first quarterly issue of ICNS, we start with two letters to the editor. In “Sexual Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: It’s Telecounseling Time!” by Calabro et al, the researchers explore how Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted the sexual activity of many subgroups. “What About Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease?” pertains to the development of biomarkers for the neurodegenerative disease and how they could aid early diagnosis, various signs and symptoms, and identification of genetic predisposition. 

Following these letters is a case report titled “Longitudinal Data in Patients with Niemann-Pick Type C Disease Under Combined High Intrathecal and Low Intravenous Dose of 2-hydroxylpropyl-β-cyclodextrin” wherein Bountouvi et al described the cases of an 11-year-old female patient and a 5-year-old male patient with differing presentations of Niemann-Pick Type C disease and the treatment methods for each. 

Next, in another case report, Cawkwell et al present the case of an 11-year-old female patient who developed Catatonia subsequent to a Group A Streptococcus infection. Through this case, the researchers express a need for more systematic studies of catatonia in the pediatric population, which could lead to enhanced comprehension of its pathogenesis and better long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes.

After this, Clayton et al thoroughly review the neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19 in “Blood–Brain Barrier: COVID-19, Pandemics, and Cytokine Norms.” The researchers highlight current discussions and potential strategies to prevent the neurological and psychiatric effects of COVID-19 as well. 

Following is original research by Harvey et al. In “Capturing Clinical Symptoms with Ecological Momentary Assessment: Convergence of Momentary Reports of Psychotic and Mood Symptoms with Diagnoses and Standard Clinical Assessments,” the authors utilized ecological momentary assessment to analyze clinical symptoms of various disorders and link sampling results to structured clinical ratings, as such assessments are becoming more widespread in research settings. 

Next, IsHak et al examine the use of health technology, such as telehealth, chatbots, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, in “Integration of Advanced Health Technology Within the Healthcare System to Fight the Global Pandemic: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities.” This commentary also aims to explore how the above health technology can be integrated into typical healthcare settings.  

After is another commentary provided by Litman et al titled “Drug Development for Mental Illness: How Psychiatry Clinical Trial Sites are Meeting the Challenge of the COVID-19 Pandemic” wherein the authors discuss the influence the COVID-19 pandemic had on psychiatric drug development and clinical trials. According to Litman et al, many trial sites and studies have adapted and been able to keep with laboratory testing by practicing social distancing and using protective equipment and remote assessments. 

Following is a pilot study conducted by Meglio et al. In “Effects of Prismatic Lenses on Lateral Axial Dystonia in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study,” the researchers provided nine participants (who had Parkinson’s disease) with prismatic lenses and evaluated them for three months. Meglio et al discovered a relationship between severity of lateral axial dystonia (LAD) and duration of Parkinson’s disease, and the use of prismatic lenses led to reduced back pain and an overall improvement in LAD. 

Next, through the use of 32 pieces of previously published literature, Memon et al evaluate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Here, the authors of “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Treatment of Adolescent Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: A Narrative Review of Literature” discuss their findings. 

Following the above review, Takahiko Nagamine, MD, PhD, presented the treatment methods used on a patient with cognitive decline, following a minor head injury, who later developed central salt wasting syndrome. “Minor Head Injury Might Cause Treatable Dementia Due to Severe Hyponatremia” expresses the importance of follow-up laboratory tests (that tests serum sodium levels) to identify conditions similar to dementia in cases where head injuries are similarly treated. 

Finally, we wrap up the issue with the Risk Management column, where Ann L. McNary, JD, provides clinicians with the myths and misconceptions of terminating the treatment of a patient. 

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue of ICNS, and we look forward to receiving your feedback and submissions. 


Sincerely

Amir Kalali, MD

Editor, Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience