International Conference on Neurological Disorders & Stroke and Neurooncology April 24-25, 2017 Dubai, UAE

Biography:

Abstract:

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation(PAF) is recognised as a significant causative factor in embolic ischemic strokes.  However, the paucity of clinical data and clear guidelines regarding timing and duration of non-invasive cardiac monitoring has resulted in variable clinical practice. We analysed our local data to see if early extended cardiac monitoring using R-Test machine makes any difference in PAF detection rates and decision to anticoagulated when compared to late extended cardiac monitoring after discharge. We also reviewed ECHO findings to determine if there was any correlation between dilated left atrium (LA) and PAF

Method: Retrospective study.  Patients with presumed embolic stroke without previous history of PAF/AF and no significant carotid disease or lacunar stroke over a period of 1 year were included. Data was collected from available hospital records

Results: Of the 127 patients included, 85 (67%) had inpatient early 72-hour cardiac monitoring and 42(33%) had 72-hour cardiac monitoring after discharge. 37/85(44%) had PAF/AF confirmed on cardiac monitoring. 33/37(90%) patients had anticoagulation decision made while in hospital 2/42(<5%) with late 72-hour cardiac monitoring had AF detected; both patients were anti-coagulated. 19/39(49%) with positive results had dilated LA on ECHO16/39 (41%) positive results were in patients under 75 years

Conclusion: Early extended cardiac monitoring is significantly better in detecting PAF as compared to late monitoring and can make a substantial difference in anti-coagulation rate with potential for risk reduction and long term cost benefit to the health economy. There is an urgent need to review current guidelines and clinical practice

Biography:

Abstract:

The incidence of stroke is higher perinatally compared to any other time of life, Approximately 60% of children who suffer from perinatal stroke develop hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The impact on individuals and their families is substantial. The lack of bimanual dexterity in those affected has lifelong adverse effects on performance in activities of daily living. This in turn impacts significantly on mental health and quality of life, despite the majority having cognitive capacities within the normal range. The outcome after an adult onset stroke is largely determined by the extent of the initial brain injury and motor recovery occurs if a critical amount of corticospinal system function has been spared at the time of the lesion. However, this is not the case for a perinatal stroke and infants with a significant corticospinal projection from the infarcted cortex soon after the stroke, detected by transcranial magnetic stimulation, can still have a poor motor outcome. Early interventions that could provide trophic support to the infarcted motor cortex, or perhaps even replace lost corticospinal neurons, might help establish a more functionally active corticospinal projection from the infarcted side. However, the invasive nature of our proposed interventions requires that they are tested first in a rodent model.

We developed a perinatal stroke model and found a loss of cells at the lesion site. In order to replace the missing cells, we transplanted human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) into the sensorimotor cortex os the model. Stem cells are multipotential cells that have the ability to self-renew but also differentiate into mature cell types such as neurons or glial cells and possibly migrate to the site of lesion. It has previously been demonstrated in adults rats depleted of corticospinal neurons that some new neurons are generated from host stem cells which migrate to the injury site and make corticospinal projections. Currently, we are testing the hypothesis that transplanting hNPCs in a excrtacelluar matrix can augment this process in developing brain.

Biography:

Abstract:

Neural cell death during cerebral ischaemia in neonates correlates with various significant pathological conditions, such as cerebral palsy in humans. Central white matter experiences irreversible injury when exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), a practical model of ischaemia. We collected evidence to examine that glutamate transporters have an essential role to perinatal white matter ischaemic injury. Several studies demonstrated that glutamate transport by oligodendrocytes maintains glutamate homeostasis in developing neonatal cerebral white matter. During ischaemia, functional activity of glutamate transporters may fail, leading to a lethal accumulation of glutamate.  Failures of glutamate transporters are responsible for excitotoxic cell injury during ischaemia with subsequent damage of white matter regions such as axons and glia. Our paper work aimed at demonstration of use of immunohistochemistry technique and examined the sub-cellular distribution of excitatory aspartate amino acid transporter (EAAC1), Glutamate–aspartate transporter (GLAST) and glutamate transporter (GLT1) proteins in the perinatal white matter using double labelling. The method using is: Immunohistochemistry technique and exposure of the optic rat nerves after dissection (RONs) to a practical model of ischaemia (OGD). The result demonstrated extensive expression of GLAST and GLT1 on the perinatal astrocyte processes while minor levels of EAAC1 expression were observed.  Although neurofilament-heavy (NF-H) axons express moderate levels of GLT1 & EAAC1 transporter proteins but they did not express GLAST transporter protein. The moderate levels of D-Aspartate uptake at NF-H and astrocyte processes confirmed the presence of functional Na+-dependent glutamate transporters. The expression of GLAST demonstrates the potential for transport mediated-glutamate release into the extracellular space result in necrosis of ischaemic white matter during the perinatal period. We have shown that high levels of glutamate transporter expression in NF-H +axons and astrocytes are consistent with a tight maintenance of extracellular glutamate in the zone where axons and glia meet. This work is consistent with several recent studies have revealed rapid astrocyte swelling will liberate astrocyte glutamate into the extracellular space in a glutamate dependent manner usually via GLAST and GLT1 transport result in necrosis of neonatal ischemic white matter. Understanding the pathophysiology in immature white matter will progressively lead scientists toward the further development of effective therapeutic interventions in the future.

Biography:

Abstract:

The incidence of stroke in Bahrain is rising in the Bahraini population and has nearly doubled over the last 16 years, while the incidence in the non-Bahraini population has not changed. Incidence of stroke in the Bahraini population (110/ 100 000) is now much greater than in the non-Bahraini population (27/100 000). The Bahraini stroke population is 10 years younger than Western comparators with a much higher prevalence of many of the risk factors for stroke, including diabetes (54%), hypertension (75%) and hyperlipidaemia (34%). The combination of an ageing Bahraini population alongside a high prevalence of risk factors suggests a ‘ticking time bomb’ that is likely to see a continuing rise in the incidence of stroke. The quality of risk factor prevention and hospital-based stroke care is therefore crucial in Bahrain. While 88% of patients were scanned within 24 h and 86% with non-haemorrhagic strokes were commenced on aspirin within 48 h, none of the patients received thrombolysis or were admitted to a stroke unit.

Improvement of stroke outcomes in Bahrain could be achieved through implementation of evidence-based measures, including improved risk factor management in primary care and stroke units and thrombolysis in secondary care.

Biography:

Finished her High School attended:  Khawla secondary girl’s school; 2003-2006. GPA= 99.3% Graduated from Medical university attended: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. 2006-2011 Completed internship  in Salmaneya Medical Complex- Bahrain Completed Bahrain licensure exam in June 2012 Completed Saudi licensure exam in June 2012. Previous job: ultrasound specialist and patient support consultant in Abbott laboratories from September 2012 to august 2013. Current Job: Slamaniya Medical Complex- Radiology Department.

Abstract:

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is described as spontaneous extravasation of blood into the brain parenchyma, presenting in 10% to 15% of all stroke cases in the Western population. It is also associated with a higher mortality rate compared with ischemic stroke . ICH is classified according to its primary (80% to 85%) or secondary (15% to 20%) causes.  More than 50% of primary ICH events are directly correlated with hypertension as a risk factor, whereas 30% are known to be associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The causes of secondary ICH include hemorrhage conversion of Ischemiac stroke , amyloid angiopathy, stimulant drugs, vascular malformations (aneurysms, arterovenous malformations, venous angioma, cavernoma, dural arteriovenous fistula), coagulopathy (hereditary, acquired, induced by anticoagulants or antiplatelets), neoplasms, trauma, vasculitis, Moyamoya disease, or sinus venous thrombosis. A NEW  systematic stratification is proposed called,  (SMASH-U classification) , based on the underlying diseases of ICH:

1. Structural lesions (cavernomas and arterovenous malformations)

2. Medication (anticoagulation)

3. Amyloid angiopathy

4. Systemic diseases (liver cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, and various rare conditions),

5. Hypertension, and Undetermined causes.

Biography:

Mr. Varun Vikas Vij has done M pharmacy in Pharmacology and pursuing PhD from Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Faridkot Punjab India and currently working as a Pharmacy Executive in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana Punjab India. Mr. Vij has 11 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry (9 years in Pharmaceutical marketing and 2 years in Hospital pharmacy). He has 2 International publications. He has keen interest in Neuro Pharmacology.

Abstract:

Neuropathic pain (NP) is defined as pain associated with damage or permanent alteration of the peripheral or central nervous system. Current drug treatment for the management of neuropathic pain associated with various adverse effects. The present study was designed to investigate the combined effect of acamprosate and baclofen in experimental model of peripheral Neuropathic pain in wistar rats. Material and Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction injured (cci) of sciatic nerve in rats. A camprosate (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o) and baclofen (10 and 20 mg/kg p.o) was given in different groups for 14 days starting on 7th day post sciatic nerve ligation. Further combination of acamprosate(100 mg/kg p.o) and baclofen (10 mg/kg p.o) was also given to one group. On 1th, 3rd, 7th, 14thand 21stday behavioral parameters like mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed. Then animals were sacrificed on 22nd day and biochemical parameters (gsh, lpo, catalase, nitrite, sod) were assessed. Results: ligation of sciatic nerve significantly induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia with increase in oxidative stress (increase in lpo and nitrite) and decline of anti-oxidant enzyme levels (catalase, sod, gsh) in sciatic nerve homogenate. A camprosate (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o) and baclofen (10and 20 mg/kg p.o) attenuated all the behavioural and biochemical parameters alone and/or combination.

Biography:

Abstract:

Sleep as a widespread physiological phenomenon is seen in all vertebrates. In primates as human, the sleep consists of two components REM & non-REM. One of the major centers involved in the control of REM sleep is Locus Coeruleus. REM sleep deprivation causes neural death in the LC. In the present study, we administered melatonin as an antioxidant factor and neuroprotective agent to prevent neural death.

Material & methods: In this study, the Flowerpot approach has been used to induce RSD. Melatonin was administered for 7 days, the count & the volume of the LC neurons examined due to stereology methods. The enzymatic test for GSH & measurement of Caspase-3 & C-Fos was done to assess the antioxidant property and apoptosis process and neural activity respectively. Immunohistochemistry of Anti-TH factors was done to assess the noradrenergic neurons and the Iba-1 test was also done to show the microglial migration.

Results: According to the papers the RSD cause neural apoptosis in LC. Melatonin leads to a reduction in the level of apoptotic factor Caspase-3 expression followed by RSD. According to stereology analysis, the count of adrenergic neurons & the volume of the nucleus reduces after RSD & in the administered-melatonin group the apoptotic protein Caspase-3 reduces to prevent neural death. Microglial migration to the LC occurs after neural death and the melatonin increases GSH levels in RSD group finally.

Biography:

Abstract:

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating childhood motor neuron disease caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1). SMN1 and SMN2 are nearly identical genes producing the survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN protein plays a crucial role in mRNA splicing and β-actin mRNA transport along the axons. In SMA the mutation leads to the loss of SMN1, which cannot be fully compensated by the SMN2 gene, which predominantly produces a truncated protein. The loss or reduction of SMN protein leads to motor axonal defects and motor neuron cell death. There are currently no treatments available but therapies have focused on increasing SMN through replacing SMN1 or increasing full length SMN from SMN2. The actin-binding protein Plastin 3 (PLS3) has been reported as a modifier for SMA, making it a potential therapeutic target. Recently, it was shown that the overexpression of the PLS3 gene improved axonal outgrowth in SMN- deficient motor neurons of SMA Zebrafish and cultured motor neurons from mouse embryos. Gene therapy using viral vectors was carried out in vitro and in vivo to assess whether the overexpression of PLS3 could rescue neuronal loss in SMA and be developed as a therapy. The SMNΔ7 mouse model produces low levels of SMN, modelling severe SMA disease with an average lifespan of 12 days and loss of motor neurons. This study has established that the SMNΔ7 mice have little or no detectable PLS3 from birth, making it a good model for developing PLS3 gene therapy. Lentiviral vectors were able to upregulate PLS3 expression in different cell lines. Transduction of NSC34 cells with LV-PLS3 vector led to a five-fold increase in expression of PLS3 compared to controls. In smn-deficient MNs, expression of PLS3 restored axonal length and showed a strong neuroprotective effect. Pre-clinical in vivo proof-of-concept studies using adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) encoding PLS3 in SMNΔ7 mice showed high transduction efficiency and overexpression of PLS3 specifically targeted to neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). This led to a small but significant increase of lifespan by 54%. However, PLS3 was not able to prevent disease onset. Although there was no improvement of phenotype, this study has demonstrated the potential use of PLS3 as a target for gene therapy, possibly in conjunction with other modulators of disease.

Biography:

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Due to the comparable somatic presentation and biomechanical nature of concussions, cervicogenic headaches (CGH), tension-type headaches (TTH), cervicogenic vertigo (CGV), and whiplash, it is conceivable that cranial and/or cervical-based dysfunctions can occur secondarily to concussions and increase somatic symptom presentation. Fascial restrictions found within cervical and cranial structures have been found to increase biotensegrital tensions along cranial nerves and vestibular systems; however, fascial release techniques like Positional Release Therapy (PRT) have been found to be an effective treatment in reducing symptoms related to CGH, TTH, CGV, and whiplash. The purpose of this study is to examine the post intervention effect of PRT in resolving somatic symptoms (i.e- headaches, vertigo, hyperacusis, and photosensitivity) associated with concussions in a secondary school setting. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: An action research study utilizing numerical rating scale (NRS) and post-concussion symptom score (PCSS) to measure changes to headaches, vertigo, nausea, hyperacusis, and/or photosensitivity pre/post PRT interventions. Findings: The participants in this study were of an active population within a secondary school setting. Statistically significant decreases in intensity of headaches, nausea, vertigo, hyperacusis, and photosensitivity were witnessed by outcome measures between pre/post PRT interventions. Conclusion & Significance: Patients suffering from symptoms associated with concussions may additionally be affected by cervicogenic and cranial-based fascial restrictions which exacerbates headaches, nausea, vertigo, hyperacucis, and/or photosensitivity. Findings suggest concussion patients may benefit from PRT in reducing somatic symptoms during their recovery.

Biography:

Abstract:

To study the ambulatory measured blood pressure (ABPM) profile in normotensive patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients and Methods: The study was designed as a case control study including 50male patients with mild cognitive impairment in the age group of 30 - 50 years old. The control group included 30 volunteers with no cognitive impairment and in the same age group (30 - 50 years old) and same gender. Mini-mental estate examination, office and ABP monitoring (ABPM) and brain MRI scans were done for cases and controls. 

Results: Thirty patients (60%) with MCI revealed a non-dipper blood pressure pattern. Sleeping systolic blood  pressure and sleeping systolic load were significantly higher in patients with MCI than in normal volunteers (p = 0.01). MRI brain showed more white matter lesions (WMLs) in patients with MCI than in normal volunteers; however, this didn’t reach significance level (p = 0.056). 

Conclusion: MCI in normotensive young adult patients could reflect an abnormal circadian blood pressure rhythm. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring could be an essential investigation in young adult MCI patients.

Biography:

Professor WK Tang was appointed to professor in the Department of Psychiatry, the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2011. His main research areas are Addictions and Neuropsychiatry in Stroke. Professor Tang has published over 100 papers in renowned journals, and has also contributed to the peer review of 40 journals. He has secured over 20 major competitive research grants. He has served the editorial boards of five scientific journals. He was also a recipient of the Young Researcher Award in 2007, awarded by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Abstract:

Depression is common following an acute stroke. Post stroke Depression (PSD) has notable impacts on the function recovery and quality of life of stroke survivors. Incidence decreased across time after stroke, but prevalence of PSD tend to be stable. Many studies have explored the association between lesion location and the incidence of PSD. For example, lesions in frontal lobe, basal ganglia and deep white matter have been related with PSD. Furthermore, cerebral micro bleeds and functional changes in brain networks have also been implicated in the development of PSD. In this presentation, evidences of such association between the above structural and functional brain changes and PSD will be reviewed.

Biography:

Aakriti Gupta is a PhD scholar from Delhi University, India. She is expertise and passion in the area of micronutrient deficiencies. She has worked extensively in the area of nutritional status of vascular dementia amongst geriatric subjects. She has previously worked in various national level research projects with All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi in the area of Vitamin D deficiency, Pediatric Metabolic Syndrome and Geriatric Nutrition. She has several publications in indexed journals in diverse topics. She has written a chapter on Nutrition and Health in an esteemed textbook of community medicine for postgraduate students.

Abstract:

Introduction: Vascular dementia (VaD) has been shown to have a detrimental effect on the nutritional status of the geriatric population. Whereas, malnutrition has been suggested as an important risk factor for onset and progression of VaD. There is little published data regarding nutritional status of geriatric population suffering with VaD. Hence, the present study was conducted.

Method: A hospital based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the year 2014- 2015 in New Delhi. A total of 48 subjects suffering with VaD confirmed as per NINDS AIREN criteria, aged 55 years and above were enrolled. Data was collected on socio-demographic profile, clinical profile of vascular disease risk factors, mini nutritional assessment, dietary intake (24hr food record and food frequency questionnaire), anthropometric profile from all the subjects.

Results: We found that 69% (n=33) of the subjects were at risk of malnutrition. Subjects with moderate VaD had significantly worse nutritional status (p<0.01) as compared to the subjects with mild VaD. With increasing severity of VaD, the nutritional status of the subjects declined significantly (p<0.01). Subjects with moderate VaD had lower nutrient intake and adequacy for all nutrients than subjects with mild VaD.

Conclusion: The nutritional status of subjects with VaD is poor due to several factors. There is a need for initiating timely dietary interventions to improve the overall nutritional status and prevent further nutrition related complications in subjects with VaD. This may aid in alleviation and reversal of symptoms of dementia amongst the subjects.

Biography:

Dr. Turki Abualait is a clinical researcher in neuroscience and neurorehabilitation interested in investigating the neurological  disorders at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (university of Dammam formerly).

Abstract:

Fine motor and manual dexterity  deficits are  the main  cause of  functional  disability  that  leave  stroke  survivors  with  significant  impairment  physically  and  psychosocially.  transcranial  direct  current  stimulation  (tDCS)  is  one  of  the  non-invasive  brain  stimulation  (NIBS)  novel  techniques  that  can  be  used  in  modulating  brain  activity  and  improving  functional  and  clinical  outcomes.  To  investigate  the  therapeutic  utility  of  applying  tDCS  in behavioral  functions in patients  with stroke, a 48-year- old,  left-handed  male  who  had  a  right-hemisphere-fronto- parietal  ischemic  stroke  suffering  from  cortical  sensation  deficits; asterognosis and agraphesthesia was participated in  30  sessions of sham tDCS  before crossover  to  30  sessions of  dual- hemispheric tDCS in a double-blind, sham-controlled single-case  study. Six weeks of daily sessions (5 days per week) with (2 mA,  20  min).  Direct  current  was  delivered  from  a  battery-driven,  constant  current  stimulator  (Magstim HDCStim stimulator,  The  Magstim Co., Whitland, UK) using saline-soaked surface sponge  electrodes (5 × 5 cm)  with anodal  tDCS placed  over ipsilesional  primary motor area (M1), and cathodal over contralesional M1. Functional  outcome  measures  were  assessed  with  grooved  pegboard,  box  and  block  test  (BBT),  action  research  arm  test  (ARAT), functional  dexterity  test  (FDT)  and  nine-hole  peg  test (NHPT),  in  several  times;  prior  stimulation  (T0),  immediately  post (T1), as well as 1 month (T3) and 3 months after the end of procedure  (T4). Structural  and  tensor  diffusion  imaging  (DTI)  data  were  also  acquired  prior  (T0)  and  after  stimulation  (T1).  Slight  improvement  in  grooved  pegboard,  (BBT),  (ARAT),  (FDT)  and  (NHPT)  in  sham  was  noticed  in  (T1).  However,  with  real  dual-hemispheric  stimulation  all  findings  were  clinically  significant  across  all  times  (T1,  T3  and  T4).  Higher  fractional  anisotropy  (FA)  and  lower  diffusivity  of  the  corticospinal  tract  (CST)  positively  correlated  with  better  recovery  of  fine  motor  and  manual  dexterity.  tDCS  intervention  induces  not  only  behavioral but also and structural changes  in stroke.

Biography:

Dr. Turki Abualait is a clinical researcher in neuroscience and neurorehabilitation interested in investigating the neurological  disorders at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (university of Dammam formerly).

Abstract:

Fine motor and manual dexterity  deficits are  the main  cause of  functional  disability  that  leave  stroke  survivors  with  significant  impairment  physically  and  psychosocially.  transcranial  direct  current  stimulation  (tDCS)  is  one  of  the  non-invasive  brain  stimulation  (NIBS)  novel  techniques  that  can  be  used  in  modulating  brain  activity  and  improving  functional  and  clinical  outcomes.  To  investigate  the  therapeutic  utility  of  applying  tDCS  in behavioral  functions in patients  with stroke, a 48-year- old,  left-handed  male  who  had  a  right-hemisphere-fronto- parietal  ischemic  stroke  suffering  from  cortical  sensation  deficits; asterognosis and agraphesthesia was participated in  30  sessions of sham tDCS  before crossover  to  30  sessions of  dual- hemispheric tDCS in a double-blind, sham-controlled single-case  study. Six weeks of daily sessions (5 days per week) with (2 mA,  20  min).  Direct  current  was  delivered  from  a  battery-driven,  constant  current  stimulator  (Magstim HDCStim stimulator,  The  Magstim Co., Whitland, UK) using saline-soaked surface sponge  electrodes (5 × 5 cm)  with anodal  tDCS placed  over ipsilesional  primary motor area (M1), and cathodal over contralesional M1. Functional  outcome  measures  were  assessed  with  grooved  pegboard,  box  and  block  test  (BBT),  action  research  arm  test  (ARAT), functional  dexterity  test  (FDT)  and  nine-hole  peg  test (NHPT),  in  several  times;  prior  stimulation  (T0),  immediately  post (T1), as well as 1 month (T3) and 3 months after the end of procedure  (T4). Structural  and  tensor  diffusion  imaging  (DTI)  data  were  also  acquired  prior  (T0)  and  after  stimulation  (T1).  Slight  improvement  in  grooved  pegboard,  (BBT),  (ARAT),  (FDT)  and  (NHPT)  in  sham  was  noticed  in  (T1).  However,  with  real  dual-hemispheric  stimulation  all  findings  were  clinically  significant  across  all  times  (T1,  T3  and  T4).  Higher  fractional  anisotropy  (FA)  and  lower  diffusivity  of  the  corticospinal  tract  (CST)  positively  correlated  with  better  recovery  of  fine  motor  and  manual  dexterity.  tDCS  intervention  induces  not  only  behavioral but also and structural changes  in stroke.

Biography:

Dr. Arshad Zaman is an experienced neuro specialist with over 15 years’ experience in developing and clinically applying functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) at international centres of excellence. Previous studies encompass a spectrum of clinical applications to state-of-the-art applications. Current commitments centre on further development and clinical utilisation of fMRI.

Abstract:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging or functional MRI (fMRI) is a state-of-the-art functional neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting associated changes in blood flow. FMRI is increasingly playing a key role in providing a deeper insight into brain function and or functional brain networks. In fact, fMRI has matured over the last two decades from a research tool to a robust powerful clinical technique implemented in a wide spectrum of domains, from judicial, commercial to clinical.

There are several new novel clinical applications of fMRI. The session will cover an introduction to clinical fMRI, clinical and a wide spectrum of recent novel applications. This session will spotlight what currently can and can't be done with fMRI.

Biography:

Raquel Neves. Nursing graduation in 2006 in Nursing School of Lisbon, Portugal. Completed her Master and Post-Specialization in Rehabilitation in 2013, Lisbon, Portugal. Working since 2006 with stroke patients in stroke wards. In the past she worked in Portugal (7years), KSA (2 years) and at the moment is a stroke coordinator in Amana Healthcare Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Abstract:

Ischaemic hearth disease and stroke are the leading two cases of premature death1 and stroke continues to increase, with 16.9 million of people being affected by stroke annually.

An estimated 50 million stroke survivors worldwide currently cope with significant physical, cognitive and emotional deficits and 25% to 74% of these survivors require some assistance or they need fully assistance of caregivers for activity of daily living2. Following a stroke an individual may experience cognitive, physical and psychological deficits. Evidence shows that the earlier rehabilitation is commenced the better the outcome for the stroke survivor and this principles should be applied in the acute and post-acute settings.  Following a stroke an individual may experience cognitive, physical and psychological deficits. After the stroke, the first aim is to stabilize medical condition during the acute phase, and then to retrain the previously learnt tasks through actual trial and performance in the rehabilitation phase. The main goal for stroke rehabilitation is to help stroke survivors relearning skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged and to adjust him to this new condition.  Stroke rehabilitation is proactive, person-centered and goal-oriented process that should begin the first day after stroke. And the literature shows rehabilitation is not only related with physical recovery but also with reintegration of the person into the community and therefore the transition between hospital and community care. A multidisciplinary team with a holistic, comprehensive and interactive approach should be in place to implement a stroke rehabilitation program as soon as possible, by setting realistic goals with the stroke survivor and family.

Biography:

Dr. Cherine Fahim is an associate researcher at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal Canada and a lecturer at the Department of Biomedical sciences University of Fribourg Switzerland. She is the founder of Endoxa Neuroscience in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Her research focuses on brain development and mental health. She is also very interested in maximizing the impact of neuroscience research. Dr. Fahim believes that bridging between neuroscience, the general public, universities, socio-medical institutions, hospitals, schools, museums and the industry is the most effective way to achieve the greatest impact to the advantage of the community and the world.

Abstract:

Enlarged head circumference (macrocephaly) and enlarged brain volume (macroencephaly) are the most consistent neurobiological findings in autism (Courchesne, Carper, & Akshoomoff, 2003). Conversely, genetic, behavioral, and regional specific brain structural/functional neuroimaging findings are widely inconsistent (Levy, Mandell, & Schultz, 2009; Lotspeich & Ciaranello, 1993; Piven et al., 1995; Sparks et al., 2002). Finding a consistency within the inconsistencies reasonably warrant further discussion. Indeed, the autism phenotype is associated with an excess of brain volume due in part to decreased pruning during development. Here we aimed at assessing brain volume early in development to further elucidate previous findings in autism and determine whether this pattern is restricted to idiopathic autism or shared within the autistic phenotype (fragile X syndrome [FXS]). We investigated brain volume in 37 participants, using the fully automated Civet pipeline anatomical magnetic resonance imaging. 3 groups with intellectual deficiency: autism (AUT); its most associated FXS; and its most opposite Williams syndrome (WS) were compared with each other and with normal controls (NC). We report increased total and regional gray and white matter brain volume in AUT and FXS relative to WS and NC. These findings are discussed in light of the possibilities leading for the enlarged brain volume in children with the AUT phenotype. We speculate that this excess suggests reduced regression of neuronal processes "pruning" in cortical and subcortical regions in AUT/FXS, which may be due to a mutation in specific genes involved in pruning and/or a lack of socio-emotional environmental experience during a critical developmental period.

Research Highlights

•   Children with autism show increased brain gray and white matter volume.

•   Children with FXS with the autism behavioral phenotype show increased brain volume.

•   Children with Williams’s syndrome with no autism display decreased brain volume.

•   Increased brain volume is associated with the autism phenotype in children.

Biography:

Dr. Arshad Zaman is an experienced neuro specialist with over 15 years’ experience in developing and clinically applying functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) at international centres of excellence. Previous studies encompass a spectrum of clinical applications (epilepsy, oncology) to state-of-the-art applications (e.g. pain relief, mental health, brain training). Current commitments centre on further development and clinical utilisation of fMRI.  

Abstract:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging or functional MRI (fMRI) is a state-of-the-art functional neuroimaging technique (non-invasive) that measures brain activity by detecting associated changes in blood flow. fMRI is increasingly playing a key role in providing a deeper insight into brain function and or functional brain networks. There are several novel clinical applications of clinical fMRI.  Indeed, fMRI brain functional imaging, can unlock the deepest secrets of the living brain, consequently plays a key role in modern mental health treatment and psychiatric methods.

Research Highlights

•  Children with autism show increased brain gray and white matter volume.

•  Children with FXS with the autism behavioral phenotype show increased brain volume.

•  Children with Williams’s syndrome with no autism display decreased brain volume.

•  Increased brain volume is associated with the autism phenotype in children.

Biography:

Iulia Karlsson has completed her PhD in Medical Biosciences at the age of 29 years from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and works today as Regulatory Affairs Specialist and Head of Companion Diagnostics and Biomarker Development at Double Bond Pharmaceutical, an innovative pharmaceutical company founded in 2014 in Sweden. She has extensive experience in clinical studies both in human and veterinary medicine and a profound knowledge in human biology. 

Abstract:

To assess whether Temodex improves the standard of care treatment (Stupp) for patients with operable neuro epithelial brain tumors when administered into the cavity formed after tumor resection.

Biography:

Dr. Viviane Elsner has completed her PhD at the age of 28 years from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Currently she has 31 years old and is professor/research in a Pos Graduate Program and guides 6 master students. She coordinates the “Interdisciplinary Group of Study on Epigenetics Applied to Health and Disease” and their academic production primarily involves the line of research related to the effects of physical exercise on the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms and peripheral BDNF levels in healthy subjects or patients with neurological and chronic diseases.

Abstract:

Approximately 1% of the world's population is affected by schizophrenia (SZ). Among possible factors, an imbalance on epigenetic machinery and inflammatory markers have been recognized in it´s physiopathogenesis and course. The patients with SZ usually adopts a sedentary lifestyle, which has been partially associated with the increase in obesity incidence rates, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, exercise has been considered an important additional therapeutic option for this population, promoting benefits to physical and mental health. Few studies have been pointed out that the positive effects of exercise in different populations engage the modulation of epigenetic and inflammatory markers. However, studies investigating this interaction in SZ patients are lack. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of a concurrent exercise protocol (CEP) on anthropometric parameters, global histone H4 acetylation levels and inflammatory markers (IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-γ) in peripheral blood of SZ patients at different time-points. This study was approved by the Centro Universitário Metodista-IPA Research Ethics Committee (no 1.243.680/2015). The participants (n=15) were submitted to the CEP during 90 days, 3 times a week/60 minutes-session. Blood samples were collected pre, 30, 60 and 90 days after the intervention began. The CEP significantly reduced body mass index and body mass. The CEP induced a remarkable histone H4 hypoacetylation status in all times evaluated when compared to the baseline period. A reduction in IL-6 levels during the 60 and 90 days compared to the baseline period was observed. Finally, diminished IFN-γ levels were found in the 90 days period compared to the baseline and 30 days after periods. These data suggest that the improvement in anthropometric measures following CEP is associated to the histone H4 hypoacetylation status and the reduction on anti-inflammatory cytokines. Acknowledgments: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (FAPERGS)/Brazil.

Biography:

Dr. Azzam Ismail has completed his CCST in Neuropathology at 2004 from Newcastle upon Tyne University - UK. He is a Consultant Neuropathologist at Leeds Teaching hospitals - NHS trust and a Senior Honorary Lecturer at The University of Leeds. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals in the field of CNS tumours.

Abstract:

This presentation summarises the recent advances in the classification of gliomas emphasising on  the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic values of Molecular Genetics changes (IDH-1/2 mut., 1p/19q co-del., BRAF mut./fus., MGMT Hypermythelation). It highlights the significance of Integrated Diagnosis in guiding Neuro-oncologists to choose the most efficient treatment that successfully can target specific types of gliomas and may help in reducing the side effect of the drugs.

Biography:

Dr. Arshad Zaman is an experienced neuro specialist with over 15 years’ experience in developing and clinically applying functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) at international centres of excellence. Previous studies encompass a spectrum of clinical applications to state-of-the-art applications. Current commitments centre on further development and clinical utilisation of fMRI.

Abstract:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows non-invasive assessment of human brain function in vivo by detecting blood flow differences. From a powerful research tool actively utilised in cognitive neuroscience, clinical fMRI has evolved and matured into a robust clinical tool, implemented with a wide spectrum of patients. In this study, we further push the limits of this unique tool with paediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to present the experience of a large teaching hospital centre in the utility of clinical fMRI in a paediatric cohort and in particular focusing on the typical problems, pitfalls, solutions and benefits.  

Biography:

Fatemeh Nejatbakhshesfahani has completed her M.Sc at the age of 25 from TUM University department of Biomedical Computing in Munich, Germany from 2013 to 2015 and she started Dr. rer in Human Biology studies from LMU University Radiology Clinic in 2016

Abstract:

This projects is proposing a novel machine learning algorithm based on Generative Method to characterize intra-tumor heterogeneity of glioma. The algorithm was applied on dynamic [18F] FET-PET, Fmiso PET, rOEF, MRI T1, T2, T1W, T2W, FLAIR, DCE MRI and so on. This probabilistic model allows for different tumor boundaries in each channel, reflecting difference in tumor appearance across modalities. Classification result shows partly distributed feature maps in order to be able to select relevant features amongst wide patient data. The identified parts with different malignancy were discussed and validated according to first, the manual segmentations by clinical experts to investigate the performance on the tumor borders and second, graph maps to investigate the performance on the intra tumor regions. The main aim of the project is focused on the extraction of the additive information from PET a nd combining it with the MRI images information for each patient and relating them to the grade of malignancy.

Biography:

Dr. Turki Abualait is a clinical researcher in neuroscience and neurorehabilitation interested in investigating the neurological  disorders at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (university of Dammam formerly).

Abstract:

Fine motor and manual dexterity  deficits are  the main  cause of  functional  disability  that  leave  stroke  survivors  with  significant  impairment  physically  and  psychosocially.  transcranial  direct  current  stimulation  (tDCS)  is  one  of  the  non-invasive  brain  stimulation  (NIBS)  novel  techniques  that  can  be  used  in  modulating  brain  activity  and  improving  functional  and  clinical  outcomes.  To  investigate  the  therapeutic  utility  of  applying  tDCS  in behavioral  functions in patients  with stroke, a 48-year- old,  left-handed  male  who  had  a  right-hemisphere-fronto- parietal  ischemic  stroke  suffering  from  cortical  sensation  deficits; asterognosis and agraphesthesia was participated in  30  sessions of sham tDCS  before crossover  to  30  sessions of  dual- hemispheric tDCS in a double-blind, sham-controlled single-case  study. Six weeks of daily sessions (5 days per week) with (2 mA,  20  min).  Direct  current  was  delivered  from  a  battery-driven,  constant  current  stimulator  (Magstim HDCStim stimulator,  The  Magstim Co., Whitland, UK) using saline-soaked surface sponge  electrodes (5 × 5 cm)  with anodal  tDCS placed  over ipsilesional  primary motor area (M1), and cathodal over contralesional M1. Functional  outcome  measures  were  assessed  with  grooved  pegboard,  box  and  block  test  (BBT),  action  research  arm  test  (ARAT), functional  dexterity  test  (FDT)  and  nine-hole  peg  test (NHPT),  in  several  times;  prior  stimulation  (T0),  immediately  post (T1), as well as 1 month (T3) and 3 months after the end of  procedure  (T4). Structural  and  tensor  diffusion  imaging  (DTI)  data  were  also  acquired  prior  (T0)  and  after  stimulation  (T1).  Slight  improvement  in  grooved  pegboard,  (BBT),  (ARAT),  (FDT)  and  (NHPT)  in  sham  was  noticed  in  (T1).  However,  with  real  dual-hemispheric  stimulation  all  findings  were  clinically  significant  across  all  times  (T1,  T3  and  T4).  Higher  fractional  anisotropy  (FA)  and  lower  diffusivity  of  the  corticospinal  tract  (CST)  positively  correlated  with  better  recovery  of  fine  motor  and  manual  dexterity.  tDCS  intervention  induces  not  only  behavioral but also and structural changes  in stroke.

Biography:

Mohamed Hamdy Ibrahim, Egyptian, born on 1/11/1975. Graduated from Department of medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Joined the neuropsychiatry residency at Ain shams university Cairo, Egypt from 2001 till 2003, finished my MD in neurology and got my doctorate by 2008. I have been assigned as lecturer of neurology and my main concern was in the field of NEUROVASCULAR INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY. Completed his fellowship in interventional neurology at ZURICH University, Switzerland as F.I.N.R. by 2013. Presently working as Assistant clinical professor of neurology, GMU University and GMC hospital, Ajman, united Arab of emirates (UAE) SINCE 2010. Have publications in many journals as OPEN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING (OJMI), The Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, the European Journal of Neurology, Neurology of India. Also a member of World Federation of Interventional and therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN), Member of ESMINT (European Society of Minimal Invasive NeurologicalTherapy). Member of European Society of Neuroradiology Diagnostic and Interventional (ESNR)

Abstract:

To study the ambulatory measured blood pressure (ABPM) profile in normotensive patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients and Methods: The study was designed as a case control study including 50male patients with mild cognitive impairment in the age group of 30 - 50 years old. The control group included 30 volunteers with no cognitive impairment and in the same age group (30 - 50 years old) and same gender. Mini-mental estate examination, office and ABP monitoring (ABPM) and brain MRI scans were done for cases and controls. Results: Thirty patients (60%) with MCI revealed a non-dipper blood pressure pattern. Sleeping systolic blood  pressure and sleeping systolic load were significantly higher in patients with MCI than in normal volunteers (p = 0.01). MRI brain showed more white matter lesions (WMLs) in patients with MCI than in normal volunteers; however, this didn’t reach significance level (p = 0.056). Conclusion: MCI in normotensive young adult patients could reflect an abnormal circadian blood pressure rhythm. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring could be an essential investigation in young adult MCI patients. 

Biography:

Dr. Zulviqar Anwer, MD, has training and expertise in handling chronic disorders including cardiacs and emergencies on regular basis. His open and contextual herbal medicine evaluation model based on responsive constructivists creates new pathways for improving medical care. His model is based on years of experience in research, and evaluation of herbal medicines of Unani origins in hospitals of repute in the country and his private clinic. He has also been involved in teaching and training of younger medical students in herbal system of medicine at various hospitals and educational institutions. 

Abstract:

Severe case of known prognosis of acute ischemic stroke with right hemiplegia and complete loss of speech was successfully treated and significantly recovered. A 75 years old male with known history of hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was shifted from intensive care unit (ICU) with medical complications involving acute ischemic stroke, right hemiplegia and complete loss of speech. The patient was shifted after three days of admission in the ICU to the Unani Herbal Medicine Unit of the HNA Clinic, Bijnor. The diagnostics including Contrast MRI Stroke Panel of the brain infirmed large acute infarct in left medial fronto-parietal lobe involving corpus callosum. There were multiple sub-acute to chronic lacunar infarcts in bilateral frontal and parietal lobes. Moreover, diffuse cerebral atrophy was noticed. The pathological examinations of the blood revealed leukocytosis. However, the random blood sugar and lipid profiles were found to be within the normal limits as was the Liver function test and Renal function test.  On further examination, his temperature was found 102.7°F, blood pressure at 106/64 mm Hg, heart rate 140 beats/minute, and oxygen saturation at 93% on room air as noted on first herbal clinic’s visit. The pre-herbal treatment medicament included Statin, Ecosprin, Pantoprazole, Citicholine, Telmisartan, Amlodipine, Vitamin B₁₂ and Doxofylline and injectable. All the medicines except Ecospirin, Statin, and Vitamin B₁₂ were discontinued immediately. The patient was put on Unani medicine, Khamira Abresham Hakeem Arshad Wala, Arq Gao Zaban, Mau’l Asl, Dawaul Misk, Habb e ayarij in addition to Ecospirin, Statin, and Vitamin B₁₂ in a defined dose regimen for all the medicines including herbals and non-herbals. The therapeutic plan and the dosage regimen continued for 4 weeks and the patient showed satisfactory recovery of speech. He also regained satisfactory movements of his upper and lower limbs in significant strength and quality. A detailed presentation of the case will be undertaken.

Biography:

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: We have shown elevated levels of p53 and active caspase-3 in gastrocnemius skeletal muscle with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of endurance exercise training on the expression of p53 and active caspase-3 in the skeletal muscle of mouse with induced Parkinsonism.

METHODS: Sedentary control (SC), sedentary Parkinson diseased (SPD), and exercised Parkinson diseased (EPD) groups were formed; each consisting of 10 randomly selected normal albino mice. Chronic Parkinson disease was induced in the SPD and EPD animals using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and probenecid (MPTP/p). The expression of p53 and active caspase-3 was investigated, using immunohistochemistry, in the gastrocnemius muscle in each animal group.

RESULTS: Both p53 and active caspase-3 expression was significantly (p value < 0.05) reduced in the PD gastrocnemius skeletal muscle following endurance exercise training.

CONCLUSION: Our present data suggest that chronic exercise training reduced Parkinson disease-induced upregulation of p53 and active caspase-3 in gastrocnemius skeletal muscle. Thus, our study suggests that inhibiting p53 and/or active caspase-3 may be considered as a therapeutic approach to ameliorate PD skeletal muscle abnormalities.

Biography:

Dr. Arshad Zaman is an experienced neuro specialist with over 15 years’ experience in developing and clinically applying functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) at international centers of excellence. Previous studies encompass a spectrum of clinical applications (epilepsy, oncology) to state-of-the-art applications (e.g. pain relief, mental health, brain training). Current commitments centre around further development and clinical utilisation of fMRI.  

Abstract:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging or functional MRI (fMRI) is a state-of-the-art functional neuroimaging technique (non-invasive) that measures brain activity by detecting associated changes in blood flow. fMRI is increasingly playing a key role in providing a deeper insight into brain function and or functional brain networks. There are several novel clinical applications of clinical fMRI.  Indeed, fMRI brain functional imaging, can unlock the deepest secrets of the living brain, consequently plays a key role in modern mental health treatment and psychiatric methods (clinical and research). Recently, there has been considerable consensus that modern psychiatry practices do not take full advantage of new (yet matured) powerful science, e.g.  neuroimaging techniques.

The session will cover an introduction to clinical fMRI, clinical and novel applications in mental health. This session will spotlight what can and can't be done with fMRI in the context of mental health and identification and or treatment of psychiatric disorders. The session will address the key question, whether it is the correct time to inject state-of-the-art science into psychiatric practice.

Biography:

Iulia Karlsson has completed her PhD in Medical Biosciences at the age of 29 years from Swedish Pharmaceutical Company and works today as Regulatory Affairs Specialist and Head of Companion Diagnostics and Biomarker Development at Double Bond Pharmaceutical, an innovative pharmaceutical company founded in 2014 in Sweden. She has extensive experience in clinical studies both in human and veterinary medicine and a profound knowledge in human biology. 

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of the local chemotherapeutical drug Temodex, constituted of temozolomide as active pharmaceutical ingredient and dextran phosphate as carrier, was studied in a phase II clinical trial.

AIM: To assess whether Temodex improves the standard of care treatment (Stupp) for patients with operable neuroepithelial brain tumors when administered into the cavity formed after tumor resection.

METHODS: An open, controlled, comparative, retro-prospective study with overall survival (OS) as primary endpoint. Totally 95 patients with Grade II-IV glioma were included in the control group and 41 in the Temodex group.

RESULTS: Median OS of patients with highly malignant, Grade III-IV, tumors was significantly improved in the Temodex group compared to control group (14.4 vs 9.1 months, respectively, p=0.0001). Median OS for all patients (Grade II-IV) in the Temodex group was 8.5 months longer compared to control (p=0.0001). Median PFS of patients with Grade III-IV tumors was 13.6 months in the Temodex group compared to 7.8 months in control (p=0.0001). Median PFS in patients with Grade IV tumors in the Temodex group was 12.9 months compared to 7.2 months in control (p=0,0001). One-year cumulative survival ratio of patients with Grade III-IV tumors was 51.9% higher in Temodex group compared to control  (p=0.0001). At the time of the latest analysis, 74.4% patients in Temodex and 94.4% patients in the control groups had died.

CONCLUSION: The current study of Temodex efficacy in combination with adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy against Grade II-IV tumors demonstrates an increase in both median OS as well as in median PFS.

Biography:

I am a qualified neurosurgeon with a background of 5 years of training and 4 years of practice as a neurosurgery specialty doctor, now working as a Neuro-oncology Neurosurgery Fellow at the Imperial College of London – Imperial College NHS Trust.

Our group’s research is focused on: 1) implementation of new technologies in neurosurgery to improve both diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours; 2) molecular pathways in brain tumours; 3) improving neurological and neuro-cognitive assessment in patients with brain tumours.

Abstract:

Statement of the problem: Resection and biopsy of brain gliomas is challenging. Extent of resection has been proven to be an independent prognostic factor to predict both progression free survival and overall survival, but tumour margins are often hard to identify, and intraoperative targeting areas of suspected high grade components might be difficult only basing on pre-operative imaging. We previously explored role of intra-operative 3D US on intrinsic brain tumours resection, and the possibility of combining pre-operative spectroscopy MRI scan and PET with neuronavigation in order to target high grade areas. We have now investigated role of a new diagnostic tool, the iKnife, in combination with 3D US technology.

Methodology and theoretical orientation. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with suspected gliomas were treated with intraoperative use of 3D US and iKnife. Data were collected regarding extent of resection based on 3D US finding and targeting of the high grade components as defined by neuronavigation data, iknife results, and histological analysis according to WHO classification.

Findings. Use of 3D US was confirmed to be helpful in terms of tumour resection and verifying real-time changes. Both ultrasound and iknife data both showed areas within a transforming tumour that corresponded with a higher cell count and mitotic index on histology. iKnife use is technique and operator dependant, needing a strictly standardized protocol to obtain reproducible results. 

Conclusions and significance. Intraoperative 3D US confirmed to be an extremely useful tool to both identify margins of resection and account for real time intraoperative changes. iKnife data were closely related to histological analysis, thus encouraging further data collection and studies to prove their efficacy and reliability.

Biography:

Dr. Arshad Zaman is an experienced neuro specialist with over 15 years’ experience in developing and clinically applying functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) at international centers of excellence. Previous studies encompass a spectrum of clinical applications (epilepsy, oncology) to state-of-the-art applications (e.g. pain relief, mental health, brain training). Current commitments centre around further development and clinical utilisation of fMRI.  

Abstract:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows non-invasive assessment of human brain function in vivo by detecting blood flow differences. From a powerful research tool actively utilised in cognitive neuroscience, clinical fMRI has evolved and matured into a robust clinical tool, implemented with a wide spectrum of patients. In this study, we further push the limits of this unique tool with paediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to present the experience of a large teaching hospital centre in the utility of clinical fMRI in a paediatric cohort and in particular focusing on the typical problems, pitfalls, solutions and benefits.  

Twenty children (5 - 16 years) underwent fMRI, over a period of 2 years, as part of the regional epilepsy pre-surgical evaluation programme. fMRI was performed on a 3T Philips scanner. Some of the children additionally underwent DTI (tractography). Paediatric dedicated fMRI paradigms consisted of motor, sensorimotor, visual, auditory, memory and speech tasks. In some cases we also compared pre- and postoperative fMRI. MRI image analysis was performed using SPM12.
In all cases, fMRI successfully revealed activation of the desired eloquent cortical territories. Speech and memory fMRI was challenging for some of the younger children in our cohort. Numerous cases successfully revealed evidence of neuroplasticity.

fMRI can be successfully applied in children and holds significant promise for both research and clinical purposes. Using dedicated paediatric protocols and paradigms can result in a more effective and successful clinical fMRI investigation. fMRI allows more accurate assessment of cortical resection margins and can determine if surgery is best performed with the patient awake or asleep. Clinical fMRI has significant potential to replace Wada for this challenging age group. Fusion of fMRI and DTI yields further useful clinical information in relevant cases.

Biography:

Abstract:

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of acquired disability.  It is divided into ischemic and haemorrhagic.  Ischaemic strokes are devided themselves according to territory affected or the causing mechanism. Knowledge of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of neuronal injury in stroke is essential to target treatment.

The goals of an imaging evaluation for acute stroke are to establish a diagnosis as early as possible and to obtain accurate information about the intracranial vasculature and brain perfusion for guidance in selecting the appropriate therapy.

A comprehensive overview including the current radiological investigations and their implications will be discussed , for example:  CT angiography can depict intravascular thrombi,  Diffusion-weighted MR imaging helps in detection of hyperacute ischemia.  Gradient-echo MR sequences is helpful in detecting a hemorrhage.

The status of neck and intracranial vessels can be evaluated with MR angiography, and a mismatch between findings on diffusion and perfusion MR images may be used to predict the presence of a penumbra.

Biography:

Abstract:

Currently there are no uniform standard treatments for newborn suffering from cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and to find new and effective strategies for treating the HI injury remains a key direction for future research. Present study was designed to demonstrate that optimal dose (1 or 3%) of Creatine monohydrate (Cr) for the treatment of neonatal HI in female albino mice. On postnatal day 10, animals were subjected to left carotid artery ligation followed by 8% hypoxia for 25 minutes. Following weaning on postnatal day 20, mice were divided into three treatments on the basis of diet supplementation (Normal rodent diet, 1% and 3% creatine supplemented diet) for 10 week. A battery of neurological tests (Rota rod, open field and Morris water maze) was used to demonstrate effect of Cr supplementation on neurofunction and infarct size following HI.

Open field test results indicated that Cr supplementation had significantly improved locomotory and exploratory behaviour in subjects. It was observed that Cr treated mice showed better neuromuscular coordination (rota rod) and improved spatial memory (Morris Water Maze test). A significant affect of creatine supplementation in reducing infarct size was also observed. Post hoc analysis of post hoc multiple comparisons revealed that mice supplemented with 3% Cr for 10 weeks performed better during Morris water maze test while 1% Cr supplementation improved the exploratory behaviour and gain in body weight than control group indicating that Cr supplementation has the potential to improve the neurofunction following neonatal brain damage.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Raquel Neves. Nursing graduation in 2006 in Nursing School of Lisbon, Portugal. Completed her Master and Post-Specialization in Rehabilitation in 2013, Lisbon, Portugal. Working since 2006 with stroke patients in stroke wards. In the past she worked in Portugal (7years), KSA (2 years) and at the moment is a stroke coordinator in Amana Healthcare Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. 

Abstract:

Ischaemic hearth disease and stroke are the leading two cases of premature death1 and stroke continues to increase, with 16.9 million of people being affected by stroke annually.

An estimated 50 million stroke survivors worldwide currently cope with significant physical, cognitive and emotional deficits and 25% to 74% of these survivors require some assistance or they need fully assistance of caregivers for activity of daily living2.

Following a stroke an individual may experience cognitive, physical and psychological deficits.

Evidence shows that the earlier rehabilitation is commenced the better the outcome for the stroke survivor and this principles should be applied in the acute and post-acute settings.

Following a stroke an individual may experience cognitive, physical and psychological deficits.

After the stroke, the first aim is to stabilize medical condition during the acute phase, and then to retrain the previously learnt tasks through actual trial and performance in the rehabilitation phase.

The main goal for stroke rehabilitation is to help stroke survivors relearning skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged and to adjust him to this new condition.

Stroke rehabilitation is proactive, person-centered and goal-oriented process that should begin the first day after stroke. And the literature shows rehabilitation is not only related with physical recovery but also with reintegration of the person into the community and therefore the transition between hospital and community care.

A multidisciplinary team with a holistic, comprehensive and interactive approach should be in place to implement a stroke rehabilitation program as soon as possible, by setting realistic goals with the stroke survivor and family

Biography:

Saima Nusrat has her expertise in biophysical, calorimetric and microscopic techniques. She is currently pursuing Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. Her area of research work is specified as protein folding and misfolding studies, protein-ligand interaction, protein aggregation and inhibition. She has published around 15 research articles in peer reviewed journals like ABB, PLoS ONE, JPCB etc. Her H index is 5 and total citation is around 71

Abstract:

Amyloid related neurodegenerative diseases and non-neuropathic systemic amyloidosis have attracted much research efforts however no curative drugs have been known till date other than the symptomatic cure. Therapeutic compounds that can either inhibit or disaggregate fibrillar species have been explored and many more are yet to be discovered. The current research describes an inclusive biophysical, microscopic and computational study establishing that L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (Levodopa) to be promising against the inhibition and disaggregation of thermally induced amyloid fibrillation of human lysozyme (HL). The IC₅₀ value of Levodopa was estimated to be 63.0±0.09 µM. Levodopa interferes amyloid fibrillation by forming hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bond formation with the amino acid residues present in the amyloid fibril forming prone region of HL as explained by molecular simulation results. Levodopa was also found to disaggregate mature amyloid fibrils into unordered species and the DC₅₀ value was calculated to be 19.95±0.06 µM. Thus, Levodopa and compounds with similar structure could be operative as a strong inhibitor towards the therapeutic development against systemic amyloidosis. 

Biography:

Euodia Guinmapang trained in the field of Internal Medicine at Ospital ng Makati located in the Philippines. Her love for medicine drives her passion to pursue her chosen field in the spirit of serving her fellow countrymen. She has also recently passed the Philippine Specialty Board of Internal Medicine (PSBIM) Examination. 

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: The role of inflammation in atherosclerosis has been well established over the past years. From a pathological perspective, all stages, ie, initiation, growth, and complication of the atherosclerotic plaque might be considered to be an inflammatory response to injury. The main trend amongst cardiovascular diseases is both primary and secondary prevention. The Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NL Ratio) is one of potential early markers that can be correlated to mortality or morbidity with it being a readily available, cost effective a routinely requested laboratory. The primary objective of this study is to determine the association of NL Ratio in the 30-day Mortality among patients with acute hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic stroke.

METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective cohort study which included 228 patients with a first episode Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS). The demographic and clinical profiles were tabulated including co-morbidities and baseline NIHSS (National Institute Stroke Scale). The baseline NL Ratio was taken from the CBC taken within 24 hours of admission. The diagnosis of Ischemic stroke was based on clinical and imaging studies done. The length of hospital stay, recurrence of stroke and mortality was noted during the course of admission and a period of 30 day follow up records were reviewed.

RESULTS: The group with low NL Ratio (<5.9) had mostly minor to moderate strokes, while those with higher NL Ratio  (>5.9) had a similar distribution with a higher proportion for moderate and moderate to severe stroke. The median number of hospital days was longer for the high NL Ratio group. (5 versus 3 days, p = 0.012). There was a greater proportion of mortalities for the high NL Ratio group (31% versus 14%, p = 0.003). On further analysis however, upon comparing the expired and surviving patients, there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate a difference between the two groups. Also, the NIHSS has a more significant correlation to mortality as compared to the NL Ratio.

CONCLUSION: The NL ratio has a direct proportion to patients with non-surviving patients because of its proportion to higher NIHS scale patients. It is cost effective and has the potential to be a short term mortality predictor. Compared to NIHSS however, the association of NL Ratio still lacks the direct correlation to mortality. 

The determination of NL ratio invites researchers to further pursue in both acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases which may help in managing our future patients.

Biography:

I was a neuroscience researcher from 2006 to 2010 in  University   of Calgary. Before that I obtained M.Sc in Biochemical Engineering from the same university. I am a mother of two kids and now residing in saudi arabia with my family. During my research days I worked with animal models (rat and mice) of Neuorlogical diseases to look for potential treatments. I have several publications in different journals. My inquisitiveness to find out the hidden mechanism, hope to find a cause and cure that can improve the quality of life of millions of people and my passion for science keeps me going.

Abstract:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined brain disorder affecting approximately 1 in 150 children [1]. Autistic children exhibit impoverished verbal and non-verbal communication skills and reduced social interactions [2]. Several studies have shown that in utero VPA (valproic acid ) exposure may link to an increased risk of ASD, where, for example, it has been reported that the rate of ASD in the children of VPA-treated mothers may be roughly eight times may be larger than that of the general population [3,4]. The purpose of the study is to observe whether VPA can influence the speed of postnatal maturation in vivo and whether this can be associated with structural and behavioral characteristics related to autism. Methodology:  Although the effects of VPA have been tested in rodents for many years [5], only relatively recently it has been used to model ASD in rodents for studying ASD-like behavioural features such as social play behaviors. Findings: We found that VPA treated animals can exhibit gross cortical hypertrophy and a reduced predisposition for social play behavior. Conclusion and Significance: Structural and behavioral findings from this research suggests that alteration of the developmental time course in certain high-order cortical networks may play an important role in the neurophysiological basis of autism.

Biography:

David ÄŒerník, MD was born on 14.4.1982, Chomutov Czech republic Employer Krajská zdravotí a.s., Masaryk Hospital Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republik, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology since 2011 Post graduated in Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic since 2015

Abstract:

Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy is recommended as the standard treatment of occluded large cerebral artery within first 6 hours since stroke onset. Beyond this standard therapeutic time window, thrombectomy may be beneficial in strictly selected patients only and upper treatment time limit has been still unknown. The aim was to document a positive clinical effect of thrombectomy performed after 14 hours since stroke onset.

Methods: We describe a case of 73 y/o female, who presented with sudden severe left-sided hemiparesis at home. She was admitted to the stroke center after eleven hours after stroke onset with severe and fluctuating hemiparesis. Admission CT scan showed partial occlusion of right internal carotid artery (ICA) and occlusion middle cerebral artery (MCA) and relatively large ischemic penumbra on CT perfusion scans. Based on clinical symptoms, CT and MRI findings, the mechanical thrombectomy with successful recanalization of ICA and MCA were performed 14 hours after stroke onset with an excellent clinical outcome.

Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy is recommended a standard treatment of occluded large cerebral artery within first 6 hours since stroke onset. Strictly selected patients with ischemic penumbral patterns may have benefit from mechanical thrombectomy even beyond standard therapeutic time window.

Biography:

Federica Alemanno is a Neuropsychologist working in the Department of Specialistic Rehabilitation of Neurological, Cognitive and Motor Disorders, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy. She is specialized in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral focal lesions, and is responsible for the intraoperative monitoring of higher cognitive functions during awake neurosurgeries. She holds a PhD in Molecular Medicine and Experimental Neurology and underwent a Research Fellowship at the Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego (UCSD) with whom she still has ongoing collaborations. She lectures and mentors students of the Neuro-Psychological Faculty at the San Raffaele University, and is the lead Neuropsychologist in clinical trials on the use of non-invasive brain stimulation in aphasia; the use of virtual reality for neuro-cognitive rehabilitation; and pharmacological clinical trials on Alzheimer's disease (Biogen; Merck Serono). She also coordinates the Well Being Program for international private patients, at the San Raffaele Hospital.

Abstract:

Chronic pain, such as low back pain or facial pain, is a highly disabling condition severely degrading people’s quality of life. Pharmacological therapies are effective only in a minority of patients and alternative treatments have to be developed to relieve patients’ pain. Chronic pain can also cause severe anxiety or depression disorders, as well as complex cognitive impairments. The chronicity of pain can also lead to a dysperception of patient’s own body. Since clinical evaluation of pain lies on the subjective reports of patients, a “distortion of self” can lead to incorrect pain rating leading to incorrect treatment. Our project aims at defining a multimodal neurorehabilitative strategy to reduce chronic pain in patients presenting with low back pain and facial pain, using innovative technologies to help patients regain a correct somatotopic sensibility. Our approach combines virtual reality settings with well-validated and multimodal neurorehabilitation techniques in order to produce highly performing and personalized treatments to each patient. We first proceed to detailed physiotherapeutical and neuropsychological evaluations of patients. Then, the multidisciplinary team defines a neurorehabilitative strategy based on virtual reality rehabilitation combined with psychological support. The virtual-reality setting reinforces patients’ feedback in a multisensory point of view (visual, auditory and proprioceptive) and has the advantage of increasing patients’ compliance and motivation. Our technological setting also permits remote communications with patients from the hospital, allowing close follow-ups directly at patients’ homes. This has the great advantage of monitoring and helping maintain the benefits gained during rehabilitation. Our preliminary results demonstrated improvements in both patients’ groups, as revealed by a reduction of pain rating scale, analgesic drugs intake and improvement of quality of life. This treatment offers thus each patient a complete neuropsychological evaluation, a psychological support, and an innovative and efficient neurorehabilitative treatment, which is also associated with a better compliance of patients compared to standard rehabilitative care. 

Biography:

Finished her High School attended: Khawla secondary girl’s school; 2003-2006. GPA= 99.3% Graduated from Medical university attended: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. 2006-2011 Completed internship in Salmaniya Medical Complex- Bahrain Completed Bahrain licensure exam in June 2012.  Completed Saudi licensure exam in June 2012. Previous job: ultrasound specialist and patient support consultant in Abbott laboratories from September 2012 to August 2013. Current Job is radiology resident in Salmaniya Medical Complex.

Abstract:

Congenital absence of the internal carotid artery is a rare anomaly, occurring in less than 0.01% of the population. It includes agenesis, aplasia, and hypoplasia of the internal carotid artery.

Recognition of these anomalies has important implications during planned surgery, in thromboembolic disease, and in the surveillance and detection of associated cerebral aneurysms.

 It is usually an incidental finding on color Doppler carotid ultrasonography, angiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging  of the head and neck taken for some other reasons. Most of the patients are asymptomatic due to the presence of sufficient cerebral circulation supplied by the communicating arteries of the circle of Willis, intercavernous anastomosis, external carotid artery and by persistent embryologic arteries to the carotid artery territory. Nevertheless, in some cases this anatomic variation may eventually lead to some clinical signs and symptoms

We present a case of left ICA aplasia diagnosed after work-up of neurological events.

Biography:

I'm Nikki Stang and I suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2011, when I was 23 years old. It took over my life, and I have been fighting to get it back ever since. I was playing basketball with my students and I was accidentally headbutted in the mouth. I fractured my jaw, and eventually lost my front tooth. My life went on a downward spiral from that moment on.

Abstract:

 In 2011 I suffered a traumatic brain injury while playing basketball with my P.E. students. Living with a Traumatic Brain Injury turned my life into something I never expected. It is full of ups, downs, sorrow, pain, joy, and everything in between. Like everyone else, I have faced many hurdles over the years however, I wasn’t sure I would live to tell this particular tale. I made a promise to myself that one day I would share my story and I wouldn’t hold anything back. I have written everything as I remember it (the good, the bad, and the ugly) in hopes that it will find someone in need. Some parts may have adult content and/or profanity