Publications by authors named "Carlo Alberto Quaranta"

Background/objectives: Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) comprise a heterogenous spectrum of rare neurogenetic disorders predominantly characterized by progressive spasticity and weakness of the lower extremities. Among autosomal-dominant forms of HSP, molecular defects in the gene-particularly those associated with the SPG4 subtype-represent the most frequent genetic cause. SPAST encodes spastin, a microtubule-severing ATPase, crucial for cytoskeletal remodeling, neuronal connectivity, and intracellular trafficking.

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Objectives: Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1-DS) is a rare neurometabolic disorder caused by mutations in the SLC2A1 gene. GLUT1-DS is characterized by epilepsy, cognitive impairment, movement disorders, and gait abnormalities. In the present study we aimed to characterize gait features of GLUT1-DS by means of gait analysis based on a single inertial measurement unit.

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This study describes the development and validation of a fully automated workflow for serum sample preparation, enabling the quantitative determination of cannabidiol (CBD) and its active metabolite, 7-hydroxy-CBD, via liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Implemented on an automated platform, the workflow performs key steps such as solvent dispensing, mixing, centrifugation, filtration, and supernatant transfer, producing 96-well plates ready for analysis. Human serum samples were obtained from patients with epilepsy treated with CBD.

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Introduction: Children with septo-optic-pituitary dysplasia (SOD) may experience a range of visual impairments and hormonal dysfunctions beyond developmental delay/intellectual disability. The literature describes sleep fragmentation, circadian rhythm disruptions and reduced sleep efficiency. These manifestations are believed to be closely linked to both structural and functional abnormalities associated with SOD, potentially disrupting the natural circadian rhythm.

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Research Purpose: GLUT1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the SLC2A1 gene that limits the transport of glucose across the blood-brain barrier. Speech disorders and dysarthria are typical findings in patients with GLUT1DS, but have never been deeply phenotyped. The aim of the present study was to characterize speech abilities in a sample of patients with GLUT1DS.

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Sleep problems are common in neurological conditions for which ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) are recognised as an effective intervention (drug-resistant epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and migraine). Given the composite framework of action of ketogenic dietary therapies, the prevalence of sleep disturbance, and the importance of sleep regulation, the present scoping review aimed at identifying and mapping available evidence of the effects of ketogenic dietary therapies on sleep. A comprehensive web-based literature search was performed retrieving publications published to June 2023 using PubMed and Scopus, yielding to 277 records.

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