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

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:

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:

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 divided 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:

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:

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. 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:

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. 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:

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. 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.