1. The effects of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation on cortical GABAergic and cholinergic circuits : a transcranial magnetic stimulation studyVesna M. Van Midden, Jure Demšar, Zvezdan Pirtošek, Maja Kojović, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: neurology, neuroscience, transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation, short-interval intracortical inhibition, short-latency afferent inhibition
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 31.08.2026; Ogledov: 66; Prenosov: 41
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2. Detecting subtle cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease and normal cognition : a novel cognitive control challenge task (C3T)Karmen Resnik Robida, Vida Ana Politakis, Aleš Oblak, Anka Slana Ozimič, Helena Burger, Zvezdan Pirtošek, Jurij Bon, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often show early deficits in cognitive control, with primary difficulties in flexibility and relatively intact stable representations. The aim of our study was to assess executive function using an ecologically valid approach that combines measures of stability and flexibility. Fourteen patients without cognitive deficits and sixteen comparable control subjects completed a standardized neuropsychological test battery and a newly developed cognitive control challenge task (C3T). We found that the accuracy of C3T performance decreased with age in healthy participants and remained impaired in PD patients regardless of age. In addition, PD patients showed significantly lower overall performance for cognitive control tasks than healthy controls, even when they scored in the normal range on standardized neuropsychological tests. PD Patients responded significantly faster than healthy control subjects regarding flexible cognitive control tasks due to their impulsivity. Correlations showed that the C3T task targets multiple cognitive systems, including working memory, inhibition, and task switching, providing a reliable measure of complex cognitive control. C3T could be a valuable tool for characterizing cognitive deficits associated with PD and appears to be a more sensitive measure than standardized neuropsychological tests. A different assessment approach could potentially detect early signs of the disease and identify opportunities for early intervention with neuroprotective therapies.
Ključne besede: stable cognitive control, flexible cognitive control, cognitive control challenge task, Parkinson’s disease, task switching
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.08.2026; Ogledov: 187; Prenosov: 115
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4. The effect of taVNS at 25 Hz and 100 Hz on Parkinson's disease gait : a randomized motion sensor studyVesna M. Van Midden, Urban Simončič, Zvezdan Pirtošek, Maja Kojović, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: Transcutaneous electrostimulation of the auricular branch of the vagal nerve (taVNS) has the propensity to reach diffuse neuromodulatory networks, which are dysfunctional in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies support the use of taVNS as an add-on treatment for gait in PD. Objectives: We assessed the effect of taVNS at 25 Hz (taVNS25), taVNS at 100 Hz (taVNS100), and sham earlobe stimulation (sVNS) on levodopa responsive (arm swing velocity, arm range of motion, stride length, gait speed) and non-responsive gait characteristics (arm range of motion asymmetry, anticipatory postural adjustment [APA] duration, APA first step duration, APA first step range of motion), and turns (first turn duration, double 360° turn duration, steps per turn) in advanced PD. Methods: In our double blind sham controlled within-subject randomized trial, we included 30 PD patients (modified Hoehn and Yahr stage, 2.5–4) to assess the effect of taVNS25, taVNS100, and sVNS on gait characteristics measured with inertial motion sensors during the instrumented stand and walk test and a double 360° turn. Separate generalized mixed models were built for each gait characteristic. Results: During taVNS100 compared to sVNS arm swing velocity (P = 0.030) and stride length increased (P = 0.027), and APA duration decreased (P = 0.050). During taVNS25 compared to sVNS stride length (P = 0.024) and gait speed (P = 0.021) increased and double 360° turn duration decreased (P = 0.039). Conclusions: We have found that taVNS has a frequency specific propensity to improve stride length, arm swing velocity, and gait speed and double 360° turn duration in PD patients.
Ključne besede: Parkinsonova bolezen
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.06.2026; Ogledov: 314; Prenosov: 334
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5. Wearable online freezing of gait detection and cueing systemJan Slemenšek, Jelka Geršak, Božidar Bratina, Vesna M. Van Midden, Zvezdan Pirtošek, Riko Šafarič, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This paper presents a real-time wearable system designed to assist Parkinson’s disease patients experiencing freezing of gait episodes. The system utilizes advanced machine learning models, including convolutional and recurrent neural networks, enhanced with past sample data preprocessing to achieve high accuracy, efficiency, and robustness. By continuously monitoring gait patterns, the system provides timely interventions, improving mobility and reducing the impact of freezing episodes. This paper explores the implementation of a CNN+RNN+PS machine learning model on a microcontroller-based device. The device operates at a real-time processing rate of 40 Hz and is deployed in practical settings to provide ‘on demand’ vibratory stimulation to patients. This paper examines the system’s ability to operate with minimal latency, achieving an average detection delay of just 261 milliseconds and a freezing of gait detection accuracy of 95.1%. While patients received on-demand stimulation, the system’s effectiveness was assessed by decreasing the average duration of freezing of gait episodes by 45%. These preliminarily results underscore the potential of personalized, real-time feedback systems in enhancing the quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes for patients with movement disorders.
Ključne besede: Parkinson’s disease, freezing of gait, machine learning, real-time systems, wearable devices, on-demand stimulation
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.06.2026; Ogledov: 340; Prenosov: 201
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7. Enrichment of rare variants in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial metabolism genes in patients with early-onset or familial parkinson’s diseaseGaber Bergant, Vesna M. Van Midden, Polina Tsygankova, Dorian Laslo, Valentino Rački, Dejan Georgiev, Eliša Papić, Marija Branković, Milena Janković, Marina Svetel, Nataša Teran, Natasa Dragasević Misković, Igor N. Petrović, Aleš Maver, Ivana Novaković, Zvezdan Pirtošek, Martin Rakuša, Vladimira Vuletić, Borut Peterlin, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: mitochondrial metabolism, mitochondrial variants, mutation burden analysis
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.05.2026; Ogledov: 334; Prenosov: 230
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8. Breaking barriers in Parkinson's care : the multidisciplinary team approachZvezdan Pirtošek, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Parkinson’s disease is a complex neurodegenerative disorder presenting a range of motor and non-motor symptoms that greatly impact both patients and caregivers. The diverse needs arising from these symptoms make a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach crucial for effective management. This article explores the role and benefits of MDTs in Parkinson’s care, highlighting how collaborative models improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. MDTs integrate neurologists, nurse specialists, therapists, and other professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. The inclusion of patients and caregivers fosters shared decision-making, enhancing health outcomes. However, challenges like limited controlled trials, lack of comprehensive guidelines, and under-referral remain. Innovative models, such as telehealth and communitybased care, offer promising solutions, especially in underserved regions. The article advocates for further research and standardized guidelines to optimize the MDT approach for Parkinson’s disease.
Ključne besede: Parkinson's disease, multidisciplinary teams, patient-centered management, healthcare integration, barriers to multidisciplinary approach
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 13.03.2026; Ogledov: 335; Prenosov: 222
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