Conference Schedule

Day1: July 12, 2018

Keynote Forum

Biography

Prof. Jean-Pierre Changeux is  a  renowned neuroscientist. He received his PhD in 1964 and continued to postdoctoral fellowships at the University of California-Berkeley and at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. Changeux returned to the Institut Pasteur in 1967, where he remains since. He also served as professor at the College de France from 1975 through 2006. His numerous awards include the Wolf Prize in Medicine  in  1982; the  Carl-Gustav-Bernhard medal of the Swedish Academy of Science in 1991; the CNRS Gold medal  in  1992;  the Balzan Prize for Cognitive Neurosciences in 2001; the Lewis Thomas Prize for Writing about Science  in  2005; the National Academy of Sciences' (NAS) Award in the Neurosciences in 2007; the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) award for eminent scientists in 2012; and many others. He is also a member of many international scientific academies and holds honorary degrees from leading institutions worldwide.The research of Jean-Pierre Changeux has centred on the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the recognition of chemical signals and their transduction into biological activity.
 


Abstract

Given the tremendous complexity of brain organization, here I propose a strategy that dynamically links stages of brain organization from genes to consciousness, at four privileged structural levels: genes; transcription factors (TFs)–gene networks; synaptic epigenesis; and long-range connectivity. These structures are viewed as nested and reciprocally inter-regulated, with a hierarchical organization that proceeds on different timescales during the course of evolution and development. Interlevel bridging mechanisms include intrinsic variation-selection mechanisms, which offer a community of bottom-up and topdown models linking genes to consciousness in a stepwise manner. The proposed approach is to nest the various intertwined structural and functional levels that compose the brain into a coherent and open brain models community covering multiple timescales. A critical bridging role between the gene and neuronal levels is assigned to regulatory proteins termed TFs. TFs regulate disparate genes into coherent assemblies. The impact of the environment on brain synaptogenesis is modelled as activity-dependent selective stabilization pruning of synapses. Longrange connectivity, subject to developmental shaping through interactions with the physical, social, and cultural environment, is proposed to form the bridge between neuronal micro circuitry and higher cognitive functions by globally integrating the underlying neural organizations. A novel allosteric pharmacology of TFs is proposed for neuropsychiatric diseases
 

Biography

Marina V Zueva, Professor of Pathophysiology received her PhD and Biological Science D from Moscow Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases. Currently, she is the Head of the Division of Clinical Physiology of Vision at the Moscow Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases. She is a member of International Society of Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV), European Association on Vision and Eye Research (EVER), European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA), Society for Research on Biological Rhythms (SRBR). She has published over 15 peer-reviewed full-length papers in English (over 100 in Russian) and presented near 70 topics at international conferences.

 

 


Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of low-intensity photo-stimulation with complex-structured optical signals on visual functions in patients with glaucoma.

 

Methods: For the stimulation, LED emitters embedded in virtual reality glasses were used, which forms light signals of complex structure with a given fractal dimension. In groups with suspected glaucoma (4 eyes), early primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG Ia, n=5), POAG IIa (n=13), and POAG IIIa (n=17), light stimulation was applied daily: course included 10 séances of 10min. Before and after the course of fractal stimulation, visual fields and colour recognition were examined with standard automatic perimetry (SAP) and the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Colour Vision Test (FM).

 

Results: In the SAP, mean deviation (MD), which in norm should not exceed −2 dB, before / and after the treatment in averaging for groups of suspected glaucoma, POAG Ia, IIa and IIIa were, respectively, -0.48/-0.43dB, -1.68/-1.38dB, -3.42/-1.75dB, and -14.37/-9.98dB. The pattern standard deviation (PSD) before / and after the treatment for groups with suspected glaucoma, POAG Ia, IIa, and IIIa were, respectively, -1.87/-1,76dB, -1.84/-1.77dB, -1.99/-1.89dB and -6.58/-6.28dB. The FM test was applied to estimate the errors in recognition of green, blue, yellow colours (TES). Before / and after the treatment, the TES data for four mentioned groups consisted, respectively, -12.00/-7,50, -13.60/-11,40, -20.62/-18,62, and -36.53/-32,35.

 

Conclusion: Low-intensive fractal photo-stimulation significantly improves the SAP indices and colour recognition in eyes with different stages of glaucoma. The pronounced effect of fractal stimulation for the advanced POAG can indicate that at any stage of glaucoma, in the general population of ganglion cells there is a significant percentage of cells that are yet at the plastic phase of reversible functional changes and capable of responding positively to medical or physical neuroprotective therapy. Further confirmation of the stability of effects is required in studies on a more massive cohort.

 

 

Biography

Roxana Carare is a medically qualified Clinical Neuroanatomist who has graduated in General Medicine in Bucharest Romania in 1996 and completed her PhD in Experimental Neuropathology in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK. She has a rich educational portfolio and leads research into the lymphatic drainage pathways of the brain. She has published more than 50 papers in peer- reviewed journals, 4 book chapters and has been serving as a Board Member on international organisations and an Editorial Board Member of repute for several journals.

 


Abstract


The brain lacks traditional lymphatic vessels. Instead, interstitial fluid is eliminated along the basement membranes of capillaries and basement membranes surrounding smooth muscle cells of arteries, towards the surface of the brain. These intramural periarterial drainage pathways become modified with ageing, possession of apolipoprotein E4 genotype, hyperlipidemia, resulting in the accumulation of aggregated proteins such as amyloid-beta (A) in the walls of arteries as cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Soluble antigens are eliminated from the brain along the intramural periarterial drainage pathways, towards the cervical lymph nodes. Arteries in the grey matter of the brain possess a layer of leptomeninges as advenitita, whereas arteries in the white matter have two such layers, with a potential perivascular space that becomes dilated when drainage of fluid is impaired in the grey matter. The motive force for efficient clearance of fluids is provided by the contractions of smooth muscle cells and therapeutic strategies to facilitate the clearance of fluid and prevent neurodegenerative diseases may be based on adrenergic and cholinergic interventions.

Biography

Hadi Eltonsi a Medical Graduate trained in group Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, Silva mind control, NLP, Reiki Master, Pranic Healing, Life Couch, Mantra Yuga meditation among others courses for psychic powers, family constellation thru his medical study and practice then as a Diplomat and Ambassador. He performed many TV, Radio interviews and seminars apart of two short American films about his work or inspired by his skills which were shown in international film festivals; the second got an award in Venice 2017


Abstract


Statement of the problem: Clients receiving psychotherapy require several sessions even with drugs and use of will power over time.
 
Purpose of the treatment: Achieving immediate non medicinal effortless painless healing without complications for personality development, relief of neuorotic disease, psychosomatic symptoms and diseases, treating emotional obesity and
smoking.
 
Method: After joint analysis with client and definition of psychological and physical goals of treatment, the healer as a trained behavioural, cognitive and logo psychotherapist arrives with client to a new corrected understanding of the case and roots of conflicts in childhood, taking around 2 hours, then in less than an hour performs non-verbal interpersonal hypnosis with transfer of energy and telepathy to client till deep sleep when he implants the required personality, ideas, emotions, motives and attitudes into the subconscious embodying the required state. The subconscious and conscious mind will have same agreed upon analysis and targets for immediate results in that session of 3 hours.
 
Results: The healer got patent in Egypt 2016 for his discovery of the immediate healing for personality development and for mentioned purposes. Up until now, treated more than 700 cases aging between 12 and 80 years with relief of more than 80% of cases either totally or mostly.
 
Conclusion: Immediate non medicinal revolutionary life transforming healing for a wide spectrum of cases achieving higher grades of maturity, insight, harmony and efficiency saving client time, effort, interests and complications. Also used
to maturate community leaders to be a trouble shooter model efficient leaders with team spirt. The healing can heal these diseases in one session of almost 3 hours and transform the personality in same time and way as above mentioned,
so it is highly recommended for those clients who cannot afford loosing time and interest in long treatments especially with drug secondary effects. It creates mature individuals able to have a happy successful life.

Tracks

  • Clinical NeuroSciences | Neuro Immunobiology | Neurological Disorders | Neuro Imaging | Cognitive Neuroscience | NeuroGenetics | Neurology |
Location: Amsterdam

Chair

Co Chair

Biography

Ivet B Koleva is a Medical Doctor, Specialist in Neurology, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) with European certification in PRM. She has completed three scientific theses: PhD in PRM, PhD in Pedagogics, Doctor of Medical Sciences in PRM [PhD thesis on Physical Prevention and Therapy of Diabetic Polyneuropathy; thesis for Doctor-es-Medical Sciences on Neurorehabilitation in patients with socially important neurological diseases]. She has published more than 100 papers in Bulgarian and international scientific journals, author of monographs and manuals in the fields of Physical Medicine, Neurorehabilitation, Neuro-ergotherapy, Grasp and Gait rehabilitation, Functional evaluation, Pain management. She is a Member of national and international associations of PRM. She is the President of Bulgarian Neurorehabilitation Society and Editor-In-Chief of the Bulgarian scientific magazine Neurorehabilitation (from 2006). Actually, she is Professor at the Medical University of Sofia, Bulgaria.


Abstract

Aim: Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy of application of different physical modalities and neurorehabilitation methods on independence in activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis and hemiparetic shoulder.

Material & Methods: We observed a total of 216 post-stroke patients with hemiparetic shoulder. We effectuate clinical approbation of different neurorehabilitation (NR) algorithms. Patients were randomized into eight therapeutic groups (27 per group). In all patients, the NR course (20 days) includes a basic physiotherapy complex. In group (gr 1) we applied only cryokinesitherapy; in gr 2 - physiotherapy and ergotherapy (occupational therapy). In the next groups we added some pre-formed modality: low frequency low intensity Magnetic Field (gr 3), Interferential Currents (gr 4), Ultrasound (gr 5), Deep Oscillation (gr 6), low-intensity Lasertherapy (gr 7), Functional electrostimulations of the deltoid muscle (gr 8).  Patients were controlled before, during and at the end of the NR course (of 20 treatment days) and one month after its end using a battery of clinical methods and functional scales.

Results & Discussion: The comparative analysis of results shows a significant reduction of pain, improvement of functional capacity and autonomy (Brunnstrom, Barthel); increase of the range of motion of the humero-scapular joint (goniometry). Cryokinesitherapy is effective on the orthopedic dysfunction of the humeral joint, ergotherapy is on the range of motion and the functional recovery of the upper extremity. In cases with intensive pain, the magnetic field and deep oscillation are most efficient; in humero-scapular periarthritis, ultrasound and laser therapy are used; in throphic alterations (osteoporosis of the humeral head) – interferential currents and laser therapy are efficient. Goniometrical indices (range of motion of the joint) are significantly increased by electrostimulations and ergotherapy.

Conclusion: We must underline that the structured neurorehabilitation algorithms must be individualized in every case.

 

Biography

J London (Emeritus Professor at University Paris-Diderot) has completed her PhD in the Pasteur Institute under the direction of Professor Jacques Monod (Nobel Prize winner) and Professor Michel Goldberg in the field of Protein Folding and Bacteriology (3 papers). She moved to immunology in Necker’s hospital under the direction of Professor Jean François Bach and then was a visiting scientist at NIH (9 papers). After coming back to Paris she settled a laboratory in Molecular Biology at the Blood Centre and cloned glycophorins A and B (13 papers). She then moved again to Necker’s Hospital where she joined the group working on Trisomy 21 and settled a laboratory to obtain transgenic mice for the SOD1 gene and cloned the murine CBS. She published some 35 papers on different aspects of Trisomy 21 using transgenic mice for some chromosome 21 genes: APP CBS, DYRK1A and SOD1.

 

 


Abstract

Trisomy 21 (T21/ Down syndrome: DS) is characterized by reduced cognitive capacities, behavioural alterations and early ageing with a high risk to develop dementia earlier than in the general population. In order to understand neurobiological mechanisms which contribute to this large pathophysiology, murine models have been raised overexpressing one, two or several chromosome 21 genes. Some of these models have already provided a lot of information leading even to some therapeutic approaches. Although alterations in some monoamines neurotransmitters have been shown in various brain areas or in serum/plasma from individuals with trisomy 21, very few information have been obtained in the animal models. We will present recent data obtained by HPLC-EC, showing how overexpression of APP, CBS, Dyrk1A genes induce different modifications in the serotoninergic, dopaminergic and adrenergic pathways in the four brain areas studied (hypothalamus, thalamus, hippocampus and striatum). Indeed DYRK1A or/and APP overexpression induce mainly alterations in the serotoninergic and the noradrenergic pathways while CBS overexpression induces mainly modifications in the dopaminergic pathway. Moreover we will show that there is not only a genotype effect depending on the brain areas studied but also a dramatic gender effect. As these genes are involved in neurogenesis, early neurodegeneration and some physiological aspects present in persons with T21, the clear evidence of alterations in monoamines neurotransmitters related to overexpression of one of these genes might facilitate the development of novel disease-modifying strategies.

 

Biography


Audrey C Brumback completed her MD and PhD training at the University of Colorado and went on to perform Paediatric Neurology and Post-doctoral studies at the University of California, San Francisco. She is now an Assistant Professor at the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin where she runs a basic / translational research program and cares for children with autism in her Paediatric Neurology clinic.


Abstract


Traditionally, medical therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders are developed as pharmaceuticals that are systemically distributed and thus have off-target effects. In contrast, modulating the activity of specific brain circuits using novel approaches may provide therapeutic benefit with fewer side effects. Using tools such as optogenetics, we are now able to activate or inhibit specific populations of neurons in experimental animals in real time to modulate behaviour. I will provide an overview of new approaches to brain stimulation and present recent work using these approaches to test the role of specific brain regions and cell types in social behaviour in autism model animals.

Biography

Walter G Solomon, is Parent of child with Early Childhood Autism who is now working, married and a parent himself. In 2012 he was trained as Waldon Facilitator. He also has organized three one day Waldon Approach workshops at Bishopswood Special School. From, 2013-2017. He has worked as Waldon Practitioner and gave training sessions for staff at Feuerstein Institute and Princess Basma School for Disabled Children Jerusalem. He also organized and participated in a two day Waldon Approach workshop at Imparole, Milan and Autismus Deutschland in Berlin. He is Speaker and Workshop organizer Young Child: Early Learning conference in New York. In, 2017 Opened Waldon Center in Jerusalem. He also organized and ran two day Waldon Approach workshops in Rome and Amsterdam and one day workshops at Bishopswood Special School and Arbour Vale Special School in the UK.
 

 


Abstract

The role of movement in the development of cognitive, emotional and social development was relatively neglected until recently. Only recently have psychologists come to appreciate that acting and knowing are inseparable. The young child’s motivation to reach is at the foundation of a perception action cycle, which creates new skills and hence new opportunities for cognitive development. Failure to move in a typical manner in early childhood is a predictor of difficulties later in life. Infants who were more motorically mature and who explored more actively at 5 months of age achieved higher academic levels as 14-year-olds. The developmental cascade arising from the child’s movements, leads to perceptual, cognitive and social development. A research topic Autism: The Movement Perspective opened up in Frontiers in Integrative Science (2013) and was followed by over 30 scientific research articles on the topic from research institutions around the world. An editorial for the research topic: ‘Autism: The Movement Perspective’ wrote that movement could be our best ally in autism, at all fronts. Studies of human movement demonstrate the intentionality of movement even as early as the second trimester in utero. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has its origin in early prenatal failure of movement, timing and coordination. Foetuses that move in an atypical manner may, post-partum, display a problem in qualitative and temporal-dynamic control, i.e. flexibility in affective response and precision in motor timing. This is associated with delay in cognitive development and language, which in turn is associated with a diagnosis of ASD.

Biography

Josef Finsterer has graduated at the University of Vienna, specialisation in Neurology, Habilitation in Neurology about automated EMG analysis. Having expertise and specialisation in the field of neuromuscular disorders and its multisystem implications, he is currently working as a Neurologist in the General Hospital Rudolfstiftung, Vienna and is giving lectures about neurological aspects in comparative medicine at the Messerli Institute of the Veterinary University of Vienna.

 


Abstract

Objectives: Since the central-nervous-system (CNS) is the second most frequently affected organ in mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) and since pediatric MIDs are increasingly recognized, it is important to know about the morphological CNS abnormalities on imaging in these patients. The review aims at summarizing and discussing current knowledge and recent advances concerning CNS imaging abnormalities in pediatric MIDs.

Methods: Systematic literature review.

Results: The most relevant CNS abnormalities in pediatric MIDs on imaging include white and grey matter lesions, stroke-like lesions as the morphological equivalent of stroke-like episodes, cerebral atrophy, calcifications, optic atrophy and lactacidosis. Since these CNS lesions may go along with or without clinical manifestations, it is important to screen all MID patients for cerebral involvement. Some of these lesions may remain unchanged for years whereas others may be dynamic, either in the sense of progression or regress. Typical dynamic lesions are stroke-like lesions and grey matter lesions. Clinically relevant imaging techniques for visualization of CNS abnormalities in pediatric MIDs are the computed tomography, magnetic-resonance-imaging, MR-spectroscopy, SPECT, PET, and angiography.

Conclusions: CNS imaging in pediatric MIDs is important for diagnosing and monitoring CNS involvement. It also contributes to the understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms that lead to CNS involvement in MIDs.

 

Biography

Faymonville M E is Doctor of Medicine with PhD thesis in Anaesthesiology, Director of the Pain Clinic and Palliative Care in the University Hospital of Liege (Belgium). Since 1992, she introduced hypnosis as a new anaesthetic technique and, since 2008, she taught groups of patients (oncologic or chronic pain patients) selfhypnosis and selfcare. In collaboration with the Coma Science Group (www.coma.ulg.ac.be), she publishes about the neurophysiological correlates during different modified or altered conscious states.  She is author and co-author of 200 publications. 


Abstract

Since 1992, hypnosis has become routine practice in our surgery services. Revivication of pleasant life experiences has served as the hypnotic substratum in a series of over 9,000 patients. In retrospective studies followed by randomised prospective studies, we have confirmed the usefulness of hypnosedation (hypnosis in combination with conscious IV sedation) and local anaesthesia as a valuable alternative to traditional anaesthetic techniques. Medical hypnosis is also a safe and effective complementary technique in the treatment of chronic pain syndromes. Learning selfhypnosis/selfcare improves not only pain but also psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, pain disability and improves patient’s global impression of treatment effectiveness. The relevance of mind-body interventions to reduce emotional distress in breast cancer patients was also studied. Selfhypnosis/selfcare learning decreases distress and fatigue, insomnia and increases quality of life, as well as emotional functioning in these cancer patients. In a context of a socio-economic crisis, it is essential to develop health intervention treatments with a significant effectiveness combined with a low cost for the patient. Futures studies should consider comparing selfcare learning and selfhypnosis interventions separately to disentangle the effect of hypnosis from the effect of selfcare learning in the management of chronic pain.

Biography

Martine Hamann is an Associate Professor of Neurosciences in the Department of Neurosciences, Psychology and Behaviour at University of Leicester (UK). She has graduated and obtained her PhD in Neurosciences from University of Strasbourg.  She was a Research and Teaching Assistant at Centre Médical Universitaire in Geneva and completed Post-doctoral studies from University College London. She became a RCUK Research Fellow at University of Leicester (UK), studying the effects of acoustic over-exposure on the dorsal cochlear nucleus, the auditory cerebellum. Her research focuses on understanding cellular mechanisms associated to hearing loss and tinnitus in pre-clinical models, and aims at identifying markers to prevent or target those auditory deficits. Her projects involve modulation of temporal encoding after acoustic over exposure, understanding genetic dysregulation after acoustic over-exposure and identifying molecular mechanisms common to epilepsy and tinnitus.


Abstract

Tinnitus, the phantom perception of sound, affects 10 to 15% of the adult population worldwide. Despite its prevalence, there are still no U S Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- or European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved drugs on the market that target tinnitus. Over the past decade, numerous studies suggest that tinnitus results from an increased central gain in response to cochlear damage and hearing loss. Our previous studies shed light on dysfunctional excitability in the central auditory system during hearing loss. Here, we show that exposure to loud sound leading to hearing loss and tinnitus triggering a deficit in synaptic plasticity due to an increased release probability of glutamate in the central auditory brainstem. More importantly, we show that in vivo administration of magnesium threonate promotes recovery from these deficits, and allows recovery using an experimental model of tinnitus. The significance and novelty or our study is linked to the physiological relevance behind the modulation of long-term potentiation (LTP), the neural basis for learning and memory. We showed that LTP alterations form a memory trace in the dorsal cochlear nucleus that is related to the phantom perception of auditory objects. Decreasing release probability could potentially lead to the development of novel treatments for tinnitus and open new avenues for understanding cellular and network mechanisms linked to aberrant auditory perceptions.  Although tinnitus is caused by cochlear dysfunction, it is actually a neurological disorder for which underlying cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our study highlights a novel role for synaptic plasticity in an auditory brainstem nucleus and describes cellular mechanisms behind a therapeutic intervention against tinnitus.

 

Biography

Alasdair MacKenzie is a Reader in Molecular Genetics at the University of Aberdeen. From 2006-2009, he was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. He completed his Postdoc in 2001 in University of Edinburgh Vet School. He completed his Ph.D in Molecular and Cellular Biology, in 1992-Manchester University.
 


Abstract

Conditions such as obesity, alcohol abuse and depression cause huge amount of morbidity and mortality globally each year. However, genome wise association (GWA) studies suggest that most associated loci (>90%) are found within regions of the genome that do not encode proteins. This presents a problem, not only for understanding the causes of disease, but also for stratified medicine where side effects and a lack of efficacy in patient response to drugs is a major problem. This seminar will describe our use of bioinformatics, magnetofection of primary neuron cultures, CRISPR genome editing in mice, behavioural analysis and ChIP assay to identify non-coding tissue-specific regulatory elements in the human genome and to determine the functional effects of disease associated polymorphisms and epigenetic modification on their activity. Our recent findings will have a direct effect on our understanding of the genomic mechanisms modulating critical aspects of behaviour such as food intake, fat selection and alcohol intake and how these mechanisms are altered by polymorphic variation and epigenetics. Development of a greater understanding of the functional effects of polymorphic variation and DNA-methylation on tissue-specific gene regulation will have a critical impact on our ability to predict disease, to design novel personalised treatments and to select the patients who would most benefit from specific treatments; a central tenet of stratified medicine.

Biography

Sharief Taraman, MD is the Vice President of Medical at Cognoa, Inc., a startup utilizing artificial intelligence machine learning to diagnose and treat neurobehavioral disorders, specifically autism. He is also the Assistant Division Chair of the CHOC Children’s Specialists Pediatric Neurology Division and a Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Irvine School of Medicine. He is board certified in Neurology with special qualifications in child neurology from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as well as in Clinical Informatics from the American Board of Preventative Medicine. He is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan having majored in Biochemistry. He completed his medical education at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2006 and went on to complete Residency training in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.


Abstract

Current tools utilized to diagnose neurobehavioral disorders such as autism are time consuming and require specialized training. The length of the current standard exam as well as the need for administration in a clinical facility contributes to delay in diagnosis and an imbalance in coverage of the population needing attention. Families typically wait months between initial screening and diagnosis and even longer if part of a minority population or lower socioeconomic group. These delays directly translate into postponements to the delivery of early intervention services, which if started before 36 months have the potential for significant and positive impacts on a child’s development. Based on the initial work of Dennis Wall, PhD at Harvard and Stanford Universities, Cognoa, Inc has developed a proprietary machine learning algorithm to detect autism spectrum disorder with high accuracy in children ages 18-72 months utilizing a questionnaire and analysis of short videos of the children provided by the parent. Clinical validation of the algorithm was done in a multi-center clinical trial at three tertiary care centers specializing in autism diagnosis (The Thompson Center at the University of Missouri, Vanderbilt University, and the University of South Carolina).  Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for current screening tools versus Cognoa’s algorithm demonstrate superiority.  Furthermore, the average age of children identified by Cognoa as high-risk for autism was 3.08 years old, which is 13 months sooner than the US national average for autism diagnosis of 4.17 years. This earlier identification affords parents the ability to seek help for their children during the critical treatment window for which the software provides home based developmental activities based on the features identified during the assessment.

 

Biography

Punita Tripathi was a practicing Cardiac Anesthesiologist at India’s premier medical institute, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, before coming over to USA in 1996. Thereafter, she completed her Residency in Anesthesiology from Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA in 2002. Since 2002, she is Faculty at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. For the past five years she has been the Director of Neurosurgical Anesthesia at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and has been actively involved in writing protocols for Awake Craniotomy and Anesthesia for Neurosurgical cases. Her areas of interests are Neurosurgical Anesthesia, Thoracic Anesthesia and Obstetric Anesthesia. She has authored papers in reputable journals and written book chapters.  

 


Abstract

Introduction: Awake craniotomy with intraoperative brain mapping allows for maximum tumor resection while monitoring neurological function and is used for lesions involving the eloquent areas of the brain, such as Broca's, Wernicke’s, or the primary motor area. Commonly used techniques are monitored anesthesia care (MAC) with an unprotected airway, or the AAA technique, with a partially or totally protected airway.

Method: A prospective data collection and retrospective data analysis was conducted on 81 patients who underwent an awake craniotomy for an eloquent brain lesion over a 9 year period. 50 patients underwent anesthesia with the MAC technique and 31 patients underwent the AAA technique by a single surgeon and a team of anesthesiologist. MAC technique: no set protocol for sedation. Different medications for MAC based on the comfort level of anesthesiologist, requirements of the patient and whether the scalp block is working well. AAA technique: Propofol was used for induction followed by laryngeal mask airway placement. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane until the patient was spontaneously ventilating and asleep. Scalp Block: a complete scalp block was performed in all patients. Infiltrative block is performed at the pinning site, incision site and after craniotomy around the nerves supplying the duramater. Bupivacaine or Ropivacaine of 0.5% with 1:200,000 epinephrines is usually used.

Results & Conclusion: Operative time is shorter in the MAC group versus the AAA by about 30 minutes.  Hypertension is the most common intraoperative complication. Intraoperative seizures incidence is 4% in the MAC group and 3.2% in the AAA group.

 

Biography

M Fratini has completed her specialization school in Medical Physics from LA Sapienza University and PhD studies from Roma TRE University in physics. She is a Researcher at the CNR-Nanotec. She is PI at Santa Lucia Foundation in Young Research project of the Healthy Ministry. She has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.
 


Abstract

Anomalous developments or damages to the vascular network (VN) of the CNS, as well as an impaired partnership with neurons and glia are related to pathology. Several studies have found that the early detection of vascular diseases in the brain may lead to an increased ability to perform premorbid diagnosis of the Alzheimer Disease. On the other hand, traumatic spinal cord injuries induce microvascular changes that may contribute to secondary injuries and deficits observed in patients. In particular, the ischemia and the extravasation of the blood components resulting from such injuries contribute to a series of effects such as edema formation, neuronal cell death, and damage to white matter tracts. Studying the complexity of the VN and neuronal network in a large volume of tissue, with a resolution sufficient to access the smallest capillaries and the neuronal ultra-structure, appears then as a key point for a better understanding of the neuro-vascular coupling. Nevertheless, conventional 2D imaging yields incomplete spatial coverage, whereas conventional 3D imaging does not achieve sufficient resolution and contrast. X-ray phase-contrast μTomography (XrPCμT) has great potential for the investigation of the structures that generate poor contrast by absorption, since the XrPCμT sensitivity to light elements is about 1000 times higher than by X-ray absorption contrast methods. By X-ray high-resolution phase-contrast tomography, we performed a simultaneous 3D imaging of the VN and of the neurons of the mouse spinal cord. The cellular images show the 3D distribution of axons bundles, the neuronal soma and the synaptic junction. The study of CNS diseases and of traumatic spinal cord injuries are two of the most significant examples of applications that could take advantage of our approach, which is a crucial complementary tool for pre-clinical investigation and would allow for solving the entangled relationship between the VN and for the neuronal system.

 

Biography

Sh Jalaie is a Faculty member in Tehran university of Medical Sciences (Iran), PhD in Biostatistics. She is an expert in Design Medical Research and Professional in Medical test Development. Using General linear models in Clinical Trials Analyses is another one of her interests. She teaches Advance Biostatistics, Research method and Test development techniques for MSc and PhD students. She is a Member of editorial board in 3 Journals that publish by English language and Co-author of 140 English papers, 79 of them indexed in Scopus. She has more than 150 Persian Papers also. Her citation number is reported 942 totally and H-index is equal to 14 by Google Scholar and 386 citations by 79 documents and H-index=11 by Scopus.

 


Abstract

Background & Aim: The verb  picture  naming  test is  designed  in  many languages  and  used  for many  disorders  like  Alzheimer’s  disease.  The  aim  of  this  study  was to develop Persian  version  of  verb picture naming and determine  face and  content  validity, internal consistency and  reliability of this test in  patients  with  Alzheimer’s  disease  and    normal adults.
 
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, we carefully chose 180 verbs from 520 verbs of my bank, for design of two version of test. The verbs were selected based on; their frequency,  age  of  acquisition,  familiarity,  visual complexity, name  agreement,  image  agreement,  syllable  length,  transitivity  and  composite  or  simply  of  verbs.  The  pictures of each selected verb, had  given  to  15  experts  in  order  to  determine  content  and  face validity  and  then  the  pictures  were  placed  in  original  and  parallel form of  Persian  version  of  this test. Chi square test was used to show there is no significant difference between distributions of these features between two versions of test. After this, both tests were performed to determine internal consistency by Cronbach’s Alfa, and reliability by pair T-test, Pearson correlation test and ICC index; in 50 normal cases and 20 patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
 
Results: The result showed that face and content validity of these tests were more than 0.85 and 0.98 respectively. The internal consistency in patients was more than 0.87 and in normal adults was more than 0.81 in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. For calculating reliability;  the  results  showed  that  difference  of  scores  mean  of  the  test and retest were not significant in both groups and both tests (p>.10). The correlation between two versions of test was significant (r>.96, p<0.05) and (ICC>.96, P<.000).
 
Discussion & Conclusion: The two parallel Persian versions of verb picture naming tests are valid and reliable. 

Biography

Yung-Feng Liao has completed his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia, USA) and Post-doctoral studies from Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts, USA). He is the Principal Investigator of the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology in the Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, a premier research institution in Taiwan. He has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and has been serving either as an Editorial Board Member or as a Peer Reviewer of prestigious journals.


Abstract

Proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) C-terminal fragments (CTFs) by γ-secretase underlies the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). An RNA interference screen using APP-CTF [99-residue CTF (C99)] and Notch-specific γ-secretase interaction assays identified a unique ErbB2-centered signaling network that was predicted to preferentially govern the proteostasis of APP-C99. We then found that ErbB2 effectively suppressed autophagic flux by physically dissociating Beclin-1 from the Vps34–Vps15 complex independent of its kinase activity. Down-regulation of ErbB2 by CL-387,785 decreased the levels of C99 and secreted amyloid-β in cellular, zebra fish and mouse models of AD, through the activation of autophagy. Oral administration of an ErbB2-targeted CL-387,785 for 3 weeks significantly improves the cognitive functions of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. This work unveils a non-canonical function of ErbB2 in modulating autophagy and establishes ErbB2 as a novel therapeutic target for AD.

 

Biography

Ahmed Essmat Ali Mohamed  has completed his MD  at the age of 35 years from Al-Azhar  University School of Medicine. He is a lecturer of Neurology ,   He has published a lot of papers and he is the  winner of prize of  research in multiple sclerosis in MENACTRIMS 2017

 


Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease affecting more than 2 million people worldwide and considered a leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults in many countries.

Objective: To evaluate the mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by investigating serum levels of lactate and uric acid (UA) in MS patients and to explore their potential role in pathogenesis of MS as biological markers for monitoring disease activity and progression.

Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 52 Egyptian subjects (32 multiple sclerosis patients and 20 normal healthy individuals as control. Patients were subjected to thorough history taking, detailed neurological examination and clinical assessment of the severity of the disease using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and fatigue using Fatigue severity scale (FSS). Serum level of lactate and uric acid were measured in both groups.

Results: In comparison to the control group, subjects with multiple sclerosis had statistically significant higher serum level of lactate (p= 0.001), with no statistically significant difference in serum levels of UA (p= 0.337). There was statically significant negative correlation between serum lactate levels and EDSS-FSS, but no statistically significant correlation between serum UA levels and EDSS or FSS.

Conclusion: MS patients have significantly higher serum lactate level. This can support the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction has an important role in the underlying pathogenic mechanism of the disease. However, the potential value of serum lactate as a marker for monitoring disease activity and progression is questionable.

 

Biography

Violeta Kateva is Practicing Neurologist at University Hospital for Neurology and Psychiatry- Sofia, Bulgaria since 2012. She is also rTMS clinician/ teacher. She completed an Intensive Course in Neurology in 2015 & Intensive Course in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in 2016 at Harvard Medical School.  She also did a Multiple Sclerosis Preceptorship Program, Tel Aviv, Israel in 2015.

 


Abstract

Introduction: Over a 14 days course we studied the effects of high frequency repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation that was applied over the primary motor cortex  (M1) bilaterally to patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with EDSS ranging from 2,5-6,5. All procedures were done in a clinical setting. In addition to that, we have applied Cu So4 electrophoresis over the Spinal cord region. We studied a heterogeneous group of 65 patients with MS - 51 of them with muscle spasticity; 30 with decreased muscle strength; 25 with bladder control impairment and 50 with mood changes and fatigue.

Methods: We used Timed 25 foot walk test; Modified Ashworth Spasticity scale; The five point scale for muscle strength; Bowel and Bladder control scales from the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of life inventory and Fatigue Severity scale; and Depression inventoty scale. The patients were tested on the first and 14th day of the treatment. 

Results: Most of the symptoms (excluding fatigue) were significantly improved. 67% of the patients showed decreased muscle spasticity and thus, less weakness and improved gait. 68% showed improved mood.
18% reported positive outcome in Bladder control impairment. Faster ( in 5-7 procedures ) improvement was recorded in patients with EDSS from 2,5 to 4. None of the patients had any serious adverse side effects.

Conclusion: High frequency repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is beneficial in the management of motor and affective symptoms in patients with Multiple Sclerosis . The procedure is well tolerated and has an excellent safety profile.

 

Day2: July 13, 2018

Keynote Forum

Biography

Ece Genç has been with Yeditepe University Department of Medical Pharmacology since 2004 where she teaches Medical as well as Dentistry students and conducts research. Previously she has an experience as a Professor at the Pharmacology Department of Ä°stanbul Faculty of Medicine, Visiting Professor at Clinical Neuroscience Branch of National Institutes of Health USA, Lab Manager at Department of Pharmacology of University of California Irvine, instructor at California State University Los Angeles. She was a Post-doctoral fellow at Max-Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine Biochemical Pharmacology Department. Her major areas of interest are Neuropharmacology and Pharmacogenetics.

 


Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide effecting 1% of the population over 60 years of age. In addition to its restrictive effects in motor function, autonomus nervous system and cognitive functions are also effected. When levodopa is combined with peripheral decarboxylase inhibitors, symptom relief has been observed for a couple of years, however, many adverse effects including dyskinesias occur. Amantadine, anticholinergics, entecapone/talcapone, selegiline, dopaminergic receptor agonists all work for a limited period of time. Gene therapy, fetal substantia nigra tissue implantation have all been tried, however, the results have been inconclusive. Antiapoptotic drugs, glutamate antagonists and antiinflammatory drugs were used for their antioxidant effects and deep brain stimulation has also been applied as functional neurosurgery. Some vaccines have also been tried after the significant role of neuroinflammation has become evident.  In the studies conducted in our laboratory, the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid has been found to be effective by producing antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. Epigenetic modulation was also effective. In an animal model of Parkinson’s disease developed in rats stereotaxic injection of 6-OHDA (8μg/2μL) or saline (2μL) to the right substantia nigra pars compacta was done. The following coordinates of substantia nigra pars compacta was used: (AP) = –4.8 mm, (ML) = –1.8 mm and (DV) = –8.2 mm. Only the rats showing pronounced rotational behaviour (more than 5 contralateral turns) were included in the study after apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg sc) test. The effects of valproic acid were compared with levodopa. The studies are underway to study the molecular mechanisms behind Parkinson’s disease.

 

Biography

Ivet B Koleva is a Medical Doctor, Specialist in Neurology, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) with European certification in PRM. She has completed three scientific theses: PhD in PRM, PhD in Pedagogics, Doctor of Medical Sciences in PRM [PhD thesis on Physical Prevention and Therapy of Diabetic Polyneuropathy; thesis for Doctor-es-Medical Sciences on Neurorehabilitationin patients with socially important neurological diseases]. She has published more than 100 papers in Bulgarian and international scientific journals, author of monographs and manuals in the fields of Physical Medicine, Neurorehabilitation, Neuro-ergotherapy, Grasp and Gait rehabilitation, Functional evaluation, Pain management. She is a Member of national and international associations of PRM. She is the President of Bulgarian Neurorehabilitation Society and Editor-In-Chief of the Bulgarian scientific magazine Neurorehabilitation (from 2006). Actually, she is Professor at the Medical University of Sofia, Bulgaria.


Abstract

The objective of current work is to emphasize on the impact of neurorehabilitation as a contemporaneous approach to Brain Activation. The goal was to prove and evaluate the efficacy of application of different modalities and methods of the physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) on independence and quality of life of neurological and neurosurgical patients. We effectuated a composition, clinical application and approbation of complex neurorehabilitation algorithms in patients with neurological and with neurosurgical conditions. Patients were divided into a lot of groups and subgroups, in each one we applied a different neurorehabilitation complex, composed by a synergic combination of natural and pre-formed physical modalities (electrical currents, laser, cryo/thermo-agents, hydro-/balneo-/ peloido-therapy; physiotherapy and occupational therapy). Patients were controlled before, during and at the end of the neurorehabilitation course and one month after its end - using a battery of traditional and contemporaneous objective methods: tests and scales for motor deficiency, balance and coordination; functional grip of the upper limb; gait and independent motion; independence in activities in daily living (ADL: self-service, family, professional and social life); depression and anxiety; visual analogue scale of pain; vibroesthesiometry; thermosensibility; laser Doppler flowmetry; ICF assessment. Based on detailed qualitative and quantitative evaluation, we proved the efficacy of application of different neurorehabilitation programmes – on different types and levels of sensory, motor and functional deficiency.  In conclusion, we emphasize on the capacity of physical modalities for functional recovery and amelioration of independence in everyday life of patients with diseases and conditions of the nervous systems. Our opinion (based on 30 years clinical practice) is that neurorehabilitation must be considered as an important approach to brain activation and must be involved in the everyday clinical practice of neurological and neurosurgical wards.

 

Biography

Yun- Hee Kim of Samsung Medical Center, Seoul has an expertise in Rehabilitation. She is Professor at the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University. Her Research interest includes, Stroke, Brain Injury, Vascular Dementia, Sensorimotor Rehabilitation, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Speech Rehabilitation and Central Pain. She had completed her PhD in 1996, from Yonsei University Graduate School, Department of Neuroanatomy.

 


Abstract

After focal ischemic injury of brain such as stroke, activity of remaining neural network is changed to optimize neural resources for recovery of function. Neuroplasticity plays an important role in coordinating neural interactions on different levels from cellular changes to wide-range cortical remapping for recovery from ischemic brain injury such as stroke. An experience-dependent synaptic and circuit plasticity remodels synaptic buttons and connections by repeated sensory experience. Modulation of neuroplasticity may enhance the rehabilitative outcome and functional restoration after stroke; therefore, it is a crucial topic of neurorehabilitation. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NBS) has recently been adopted for modulating neural excitability in a noninvasive manner and consequently enhancing neural recovery after stroke. The most popular noninvasive methods of neuromodulation include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). After a stroke, interhemispheric imbalance of cerebral cortical excitability occurs and cortical activity in the contralesional hemisphere is abnormally increased. On the other hand, brain activity in the ipsilesional hemisphere is decreased by interhemispheric inhibition of the contralesional hemisphere. NBS has been used to recover disrupted interhemispheric balance caused by stroke onset by modulating cortical excitability over specific brain regions. Cortical excitability can be modulated depending on the frequency of rTMS and the tDCS direction of current. This intervention can lead to the improvement of residual motor function by inducing neural plasticity. NBS has been mainly performed to restore abnormal interhemispheric balance by facilitating ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) excitability or by inhibiting contralesional M1 excitability. Recently, more challenging approaches, such as stimulation of two or more sites or use of dual modalities have been studied in stroke patients. One of the considerations on the effect of NBS is individual variation of its responsiveness. Diverse factors such as individual skull and cortical morphology, lesion location and severity, genetic polymorphism, etc. are considered as the intrinsic factors affecting individual response variability. The individually-tailored neural network modulation by customized NBS technique considering multiple influencing factors may enhance functional recovery and provide successful neurorehabilitation outcome after stroke. The modulating effect of NBS can expand to the interconnected subcortical network areas beyond the site of cortical stimulation. Use of multimodal functional neuroimaging methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), electroencephalography (EEG), functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can demonstrate the network effect of NBS. Neural plasticity after stroke can be seen from microscopic to macroscopic levels. This process may be spontaneous or induced by training, although the former occurs only within a critical period after injury. A novel neurorehabilitation strategy of using personalized NBS methods in combination with various rehabilitation techniques can further maximize functional recovery after stroke.

 
 

Biography

A Cedola completed her PhD degree at the University Joseph Fourier in Grenoble (France) with an experimental thesis at European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). She is currently permanent Senior Scientist of the National Research Council (CNR) at Institute of Nanotechnology in Rome.  She is enabled Associate Professor of Experimental Physics. She is responsible of the X-ray physics group at CNR in Rome; Member of Two Management Committees of the European Science Foundation Project COST and Scientific Committee of several international conferences on physics and X-ray optics. She is in the Editorial Board of the Journal Scientific Reports –Nature , She is currently principal investigator of the following financed projects:  H2020 FET-Open VOXEL 665207 project. She holds Marie SkÅ‚odowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (BiominAB-3D). She works on X-ray imaging, X-ray Phase Contrast Tomography applied to Biomedical applications. She received several invitation to plenary and talks. She has more than 120 publications with citations about 1400 citations.

 


Abstract

Techniques previously used to investigate damage to vascular and neuronal networks in neurological disorders suffer from several limitations. In particular, 2D imaging restricts spatial coverage, entails destructive sample preparation, and may lead to data misinterpretation due to lack of information on the third dimension. In contrast, recent ex-vivo study in mice demonstrated that imaging by X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) enables the study of the 3D distribution of both vasculature and neuronal networks, without sample sectioning or specific preparation. We have generated and quantified multiscale XPCT to evaluate alterations in vascular and neuronal networks at relevant disease phases of the animal model for multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), in affected mice and to understand how treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) modifies them. A direct 3D morphological description of EAE lesions is provided at both vascular and neuronal levels at two different length scales, from the whole spinal cord up to capillaries and single cell. Such a multi-scale direct analysis has never been performed to understand EAE pathology and address the effect of an innovative therapeutic strategy. The results strongly indicate i) a trend in alteration of the micron vessels and occlusions in the capillaries, an observation never obtained in tissue without the use of a contrast agent; ii) neuronal alterations with massive loss of lower motor neurons. Such vascular and neuronal alterations were considerably reduced in MSC-treated mice. We have also applied XPCT to the investigation of other neurodegenerative disorders, i.e. Alzheimer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the results will be presented.

 

Tracks

  • Neurological Disorders | Parkinson’s Disease | Cognitive Neurosciences | Neurophysiology | NeuroBiology | Alzhemier’s Disease | Neuroimaging
Location: Amsterdam

Alessia Cedola

Institute of Nanotechnology- CNR, Rome, Italy

Chair

Didier Pinault

Universite de Strasbourg, France

Co Chair

Biography

Ernesto Caballero-Garrido, is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and animal behavior, he grew up in Madrid (Spain) and received his Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Autonomus University of Madrid). After this period, he obtained the title of Doctor by the University Miguel Hernández of Elche and joined different laboratories (both pharmaceutical and from the academic world). During those years he targeted his research on different areas. He obtained his Master's Degree in Microbiology, but completed his doctorate in endondrinology (plasticity of the endocrine pancreas). Dr. Caballero-Garrido went to the US (to the University of New Mexico, Department of Neurosurgery) and began his research in the area of ​​neurobiology on miRNA and cerebral microvasculature. Furthermore, he has developed several projects on animal behaviour. In parallel, Dr. Caballero-Garrido wrote various books about the history of science and developed projects of scientific outreach, both scientific programs of Radio and TV. Miguel Hernández University of Elche awarded Dr. Caballero-Garrido for his outreach projects.


Abstract

The use of behavioural tests has been extensively used to evaluate animal recovery during potential treatment evaluation in neurological diseases, as well as the progression of certain degenerative conditions (e.i stroke multiple sclerosis, degenerative cervical myelopathy). Nevertheless, despite the remarkable number of researchers and the large number of papers published every year, we are failing in translate these results from animal models into humans. Regardless of the differences between humans and rodents and the complexity working in neurological diseases, one more level can be reached to overcoming this obstruction by promoting the standardization of behavioural test among different laboratories. This strategy will allow a direct comparison between the results generated by different laboratories working on the same animal model. One of the more challenging tasks in experimental stroke research is measuring long-term functional outcome in mice. It is, however, becoming more important, since transgenic mice are increasingly used for modelling human neurological disorders. Using Cat Walk, we characterized long-lasting gait/locomotion deficits following mouse distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO). The post-dMCAO assessment was performed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after experimental ischemia. All parameters measured in dMCAO and Sham-operated groups reached similar levels at four weeks after the experimental insult, which reflects a spontaneous post-ischemic recovery. Based on our investigation, we conclude that CatWalk represents a relevant and sensitive analysis, which allows long-term characterization of animal functional recovery in the dMCAO model of experimental ischemia.

 

Biography

Sharief Taraman, M D is the Assistant Division Chair of the CHOC Children’s Specialists Pediatric Neurology Division and a Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Irvine School of Medicine. He is Board certified in Neurology with special qualifications in child neurology from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as well as in Clinical Informatics from the American Board of Preventative Medicine. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Michigan having majored in Biochemistry. He completed his Medical education at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2006 and went on to complete Residency training in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. He is the Director of the Multi-Disciplinary Concussion Clinic at CHOC Children’s and has presented on concussion management both nationally and internationally.
 


Abstract

With the increasing attention given to concussions in the media, referrals for management and treatment of concussions have increased. Understanding how to actively manage concussions and post-concussive syndrome including return to cognitive activity, rehabilitation and return to physical activity, addressing the mental health aspects of concussion, and how to answer difficult questions such as what is my risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy? are essential for proper management of concussion. Clinicians should be familiar with the pathophysiology of concussions and the key elements of an initial concussion evaluation. The role of computerized neuropsychological testing along with its utility and limitations are reviewed. A review of the current literature as well as research in the field of concussion is presented.

 

Biography

António Melo is a Medical Doctor and Researcher who has been graduated in medicine in 2004 at Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar – Universidade do Porto, performed the Anesthesiology training in Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho, Portugal; and since 2015, he is an Anesthesiology Assistant at Hospital da Luz Arrábida, Portugal. In 2009, he did an advanced study diploma in Neurosciences at Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto and in 2018; he finished the PhD in Neurosciences at Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto. He is Researcher in the Health and Life Sciences Institute, Universidade do Minho since 2009 and Assistant Lecturer of Anatomy and Pathophysiology in the School of Health Sciences, University of Minho since 2014.
 


Abstract

Ketamine is a versatile drug used mainly as analgesic and general anaesthetic, but lately has enjoyed a recent renaissance as a potential treatment for a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Ketamine has shown promise as an antidepressant that acts within minutes to hours, rather than weeks or months. Other studies have shown that ketamine might help in other psychiatric diseases, such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorders. On the other side, the potential for misuse, including addiction, make ketamine a very controversial drug. Through this session we will look at the evidence of ketamine in the treatment of depression disorders and the potential role as a modulator in impulsive disorders.

 

Biography

Didier Pinault had been worked more than 7 years as an Engineer in a private pharmaceutical research group. In 1990, he completed his PhD in neuroscience from the Université Pierre-et-Marie Curie, Paris-VI. Then he had been worked for 7 years at Laval University, Quebec, Canada, to acquire further experience in anatomical and electrophysiological cell-to-network exploration of the sensorimotor corticothalamic system. He is the inventor of the juxtacellular recording-labelling technique. Since 1997, he is an Inserm Researcher devoted to understanding the pathophysiological cell-to-network dynamics of the functional connectivity between the cortex and the thalamus in animal models of absence-epilepsies and for schizophrenia. He got his accreditation to supervise research in 2001. He has  published more than 40 papers in peer-reviewed journals.


Abstract

Psychotic disorders are devastating mental illnesses, which miss a treatment free of detrimental effects. They are associated with sensorimotor and cognitive deficits, dysfunctional neural networks, and abnormal brain oscillations, which are thought to be responsible for the clinical disorganization. Gamma frequency (30–80 Hz) oscillations, naturally implicated in attention-related integrative processes, are excessively amplified during hallucinations, in at-risk mental states (ARMS) for psychosis and first-episode psychosis. So, gamma oscillations may represent a bioelectrical marker for cerebral network disorders with prognostic and therapeutic potential. Abnormally amplified gamma oscillations are reproduced in the corticothalamic system of healthy humans and rodents after a single systemic administration, at a psychotogenic dose, of the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine. These translational ketamine models of ARMS are thus promising to work out a preventive noninvasive treatment against first-episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia. Transcranial electric stimulation (TES) may be considered an appropriate preventive therapeutic modality because it can influence cognitive performance and neural oscillations. Clinical and experimental findings indicate that, together, the corticothalamic pathway, the thalamus, and the glutamatergic synaptic transmission form an etiopathophysiological backbone for psychotic disorders represent a potential therapeutic target for preventive TES of dysfunctional brain networks in patients with ARMS for psychosis.

Biography

Nikolaos Mellios has completed his MD at the University of Athens, School of Medicine, Greece (1996-2002) and his PhD from the University of Massachusetts, School of Medicine (2004-2009) with a focus on Neurosciences. He continued his Postdoctoral studies at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT (2009-2015) and since August 2015, he has started his own lab at the Department of Neurosciences at the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine. He has published numerous papers in high impact journals on the role of non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.


Abstract

Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a subtype of non-coding RNAs enriched in the mammalian brain, nothing is known about their potential involvement in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we first show that circHomer1, a circRNA derived from Homer protein homolog 1 (HOMER1), is reduced in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and in stem cell-derived neuronal cultures from patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder and is inversely correlated to the relative abundance of HOMER1B mRNA isoform. Using in vivo knockdown of circHomer1 in mouse OFC, we show that it modulates the synaptic localization of Homer1b and is necessary for OFC-mediated reversal learning. Moreover, we demonstrate that circHomer1 inhibits synaptic transmission and binds to an RNA-binding protein that can increase its synaptic localization. Lastly, a SCZ-linked single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with reduced OFC circHomer1 expression and altered local functional connectivity. Collectively, these data introduce a novel psychiatric disease-associated circRNA that regulates synaptic gene expression, neuronal function, and cognitive flexibility. In parallel, we show data of altered circRNA expression in fetal brains of an animal model of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Spectrum Disorders. Ongoing experiments are aiming at examining the effects of ethanol-induced circRNAs on neuronal development and synaptic plasticity in mouse brain and human pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal cultures.

 

Biography

Kopuz M had Bachelors’ in Biochemistry in Ege University, Turkey. She received a Master’s degree in Department of Medical Biochemistry in Karadeniz Technical University where she has worked for 7 years as a Researcher, took part in many projects and improved her skills and experience in laboratory. She has completed her PhD on Medical Biochemistry from Karadeniz Technical University and studied her PhD thesis experiments in Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy. She continues her Post-doctoral studies in Yeditepe University, Turkey. 
 


Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) that is the second most common neurodegenerative movement disorder is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. The motor symptoms of the disease result from the death of cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain. This results in decreased levels of dopamine in these areas. The reason for this dopaminergic neuronal cell death is poorly understood, but involves the build-up of proteins called α-synuclein into Lewy bodies in the neurons. The cause of Parkinson's disease is generally unknown, but believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors. The study of pathological mechanism is dependent on ideal animal models, which should reproduce all the clinical and pathological characteristics of PD. Epidemiological studies have revealed that familial forms account for few of PD subjects, while the overwhelming majority are sporadic forms. Current animal models of PD can also be broadly divided into two categories: genetic and neurotoxic models, with the latter modelling sporadic PD. Various neurotoxin-based models of PD exhibiting notable degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons have been developed, such as 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), 1-methyl-4-phenyl1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), paraquat, and rotenone. Although animal models offer the possibility to study both physiological and behavioural mechanisms, (which most other alternatives do not) they do not always provide translatable results in pre-clinical drug screening for humans due to inter-species differences. Human post-mortem material also plays an important role for studying diseases, providing important patho-histological information. However, this material has limited availability, lacks important information such as cell function and behaviour due to tissue degeneration, and does not allow the observation of disease progression. Thus, in vitro models can be used in parallel with animal models and post-mortem material to study PD. These models can also provide a relatively inexpensive research tool and offer scientists the opportunity to observe disease progression in vitro, understand underlying mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets. 
 

Biography

Martin Pedard is Resident in Pharmacy at the University Hospital Center of Dijon (France), and PhD Student in U1093 (Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France). As part of his thesis, he is working on the role of endothelial BDNF on the link between endothelial function and brain health. These works have allowed him to publish its results in journals specialised in neurology, vascular function or physiology. He is also working clinically to identify a new biomarker of stroke outcome.


Abstract

While neuronal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is largely involved in cognition through the phosphorylation of neuronal TrkB receptors at Tyrosine 816, the role of BDNF derived from endothelium of the cerebral microvasculature remains enigmatic. The growing literature on the link between endothelial function (EF) and cognition combined with evidence that changes in EF coincide with changes in the same way in endothelial BDNF expression led us to suspect a control of cognition by BDNF derived from cerebral capillaries. To test this hypothesis, the cerebral BDNF/TrkB pathway was investigated in arthritis, which combines endothelial dysfunction, cognitive deficit and decreased brain BDNF levels. Lewis rats were subjected to adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA, n=23). Their brains were collected at day 31±2 post-immunization, a time at which EF is impaired and clinical inflammation maximal. BDNF and/or p-TrkB Y816 levels (Western blot analysis) and localization (immunohistochemical analysis) were evaluated on microvessels-enriched fractions (MEF) isolated from the forebrain and brain slices passing throughout the hippocampus. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels were used as an indicator of EF. Non-AIA rats were used as controls (n=17). As compared to controls, AIA rats exhibited low BDNF and eNOS levels in MEF with a positive association between these two parameters, in parallel with low BDNF and p-TrkB Y816 staining in endothelial cells. These effects coexisted with decreased BDNF and p-TrkB Y816 expression by both endothelial cells (arterioles) and neurons of the hippocampus. Endothelial BDNF staining was positively correlated not only with endothelial but also neuronal p-TrkB Y816 staining. By contrast, no association was found between these two parameters for the neurons. Importantly, changes in the endothelial/neuronal BDNF/TrkB pathway were disconnected from the severity of inflammatory symptoms. The present study supports decreased BDNF synthesis by the cerebral endothelium as an attractive causal event in impaired cognition associated to endothelial dysfunction. 

Biography

Seema Mehdi has completed her Bachelor’s in Pharmacy and Post-graduation in Pharmacology from the College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore. Presently, she is working as a Lecturer in the college of Pharmacy, JSS University Mysuru, from past four years. She has published papers and book chapters in reputed journals and books; her area of research is Clinical Pharmacology in the field of Neuroscience to provide health care services. She has attended various national and international conferences, seminars and workshops during her teaching tenure. She has also served as a Member in organising committee in 67th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress-2015 and 8th Asian Association of Schools of Pharmacy Conference-2017, held at Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeswara University (JSS University), Mysore

 

 


Abstract

Diabetes and other vascular injuries are known to cause the neurodegeneration in peripheral as well as central nervous system. The phenomenon of neurodegeneration is also known to cause the neuropathic pain and cognitive dysfunction. Sciatic nerve injury (SNI) has documented to produce the neuropathic pain and cognitive dysfunction. Folic acid is one of the micronutrients for the development and protection of neurodegenerative disorders. The objective of the present study is to investigate the role of folic acid in SNI induced cognitive dysfunction in rat model. SNI clinically mimics the diabetic neuropathy and neurotrauma associated cognitive dysfunction. The cognitive function was assessed by using Morris water maze (MWM) test in terms of escape latency time (ELT) which helped in accessing acquisition (learning) trail and time spent target quadrant (TSTQ) and retrieval (memory) trail. In addition, the biochemical tests such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity and total protein were also estimated in brain tissue sample. The administration of folic acid (10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) for 10 consecutive days significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated SNI induced by increase ELT and decrease TSTQ levels. Further, it also produces the ameliorative effect on SNI induced raise in TBARS, AChE activity and decrease in GSH levels when compared to sham control group. The study was compared with the treatment of donepezil (standard drug, 1 mg/Kg, p. o.) for 10 consecutive days which has also shown similar effects. Hence, it may be concluded that, folic acid may be a newer candidate for the management of cognitive dysfunction with peripheral nerve injury condition.

 

 

Biography

Leanne has completed a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Applied Cognitive Neuroscience. She is near the completion of her PhD, supported by Sheffield Hallam University, which has investigated social cognition and saccadic eye scan patterns in TBI and control groups. She currently works as an Assistant Psychologist for Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust in the Neuro Rehabilitation Outreach and Stroke team. Socioemotional problems post-TBI are often not assessed or rehabilitated (Kelly, McDonald & Frith, 2016) and Leanne is passionate about raising awareness of social cognition after TBI and in the future developing contemporary and ecologically valid clinical assessments and rehabilitation programmes.

 

 


Abstract

Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often precipitates socio-emotional problems which impinge on social relationships. Although socio-emotional impairments are debilitating the mechanisms underpinning these are poorly understood. Social interactions are dynamic yet research frequently employs static assessments. We investigated eye scan patterns of TBI and controls viewing static/dynamic facial expressions.

Design: Factorial analysis investigated correct response, reaction time, fixation duration/count to areas of interest (eyes, nose and mouth) across six emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happy, sadness and surprise).

Methods: 17 TBI participants were recruited from the NHS and age/gender matched controls were recruited using stratified opportunity sampling. Images from the Amsterdam Dynamic Facial Expression Set (ADFES) were presented on a Tobii T120 Eye Tracker screen. Multivariate and correlational methods were used to analyse data.

Static Results: Controls displayed greater fixation durations; counts to eyes were more accurate and quicker identifying emotions than TBI participants. The TBI group focused more on the nose compared to controls. Higher scores on the ADFES correlated with quicker responses across all emotions for all participants and positive relationships between empathy, emotion recognition and fixation patterns were revealed. Gaze-patterns for the six emotions differed slightly between the groups although fearful faces induced more/longer fixations and happy faces the least/shortest fixations.

Dynamic Results: Controls were more accurate at identifying emotions than the TBI group but no group differences were found for gaze-patterns. Happy faces induced more/longer fixations and sad faces the least/shortest fixations. A positive correlation between correct scores on the ADFES and empathy scores across all emotions for all participants was established.

Conclusions: Irregular gaze-patterns could underpin some socio-emotional problems after TBI, highlighting the potential for innovative rehabilitation approaches. Visual strategies underlying the recognition of static/dynamic emotions may differ. The key limitation was the small sample size which will hopefully be rectified in future work.

 

Biography

Hamada I Zehry is a consultant neurologist and have special interest in child neurology and abnormal movement. He had accepted poster presentation in child neurology section in last world congress of neurology Kyoto. Japan. He is PhD degree candidate since 2012 (in last part of PhD). He is working on the thesis entitled as, Basal Ganglionic Lesions In Egyptian Children: Radiological Findings In Correlation With Etiology And Clinical Manifestations.

 


Abstract

 

Background: In childhood, the metabolic activity of the basal ganglia is greater and they are particularly prone to injury. Damage to the basal ganglia cells may cause problems controlling speech, movement, consciousness, muscle tone, posture and cognition.

Aim of the study: To determine the etiology of basal ganglionic disorders in a sample of Egyptian children.

Methods: A cross sectional observational study was utilized on 34 patients attended at the Pediatric Neuro Outpatient Unit of Neurology department at Al-Azhar University Hospitals during a period of one year from the beginning of November 2014 to the end of November 2015. A specialized pediatric neurological sheet, cognitive assessment in children using Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and Laboratory investigations were performed. The included patients were classified according to MRI into two groups; ganglionic group that included patients with isolated basal ganglionic lesions (n=23) and para-ganglionic group that included patients with combined ganglionic as well as para-ganglionic lesions (n=11).

Results: The frequency of male patients was slightly higher than the female patients in both groups without significant difference (13(56.5%) versus 6(43.5%) and 10(54.5%) versus 5 (45.5%), in ganglionic and para-ganglionic groups, respectively). Acute ischemic stroke was the most frequent cause, which was found in 12(35.3%) cases, followed by 10(29.4%) had metabolic and infectious causes, and lastly 2(5.9%) had toxic causes. The incidence of toxic causes (CO poisoning) was significantly higher among ganglionic group compared to para-ganglionic group (2(8.7%) versus 0(0.0%), respectively). According to brain MRI imaging, bilateral basal ganglion affection was the most frequent lesions among ganglionic group 16 (69.7%) while temporal affection (temporal were 2(18.2%), tempro-parietal were 2(18.2%) and tempro-occipital was 1(9.1%) ) was the most frequent lesions among para-ganglionic group5(45.5%).

Conclusion: Acute ischemic stroke was the most frequent cause of basal ganglionic lesion in a sample of Egyptian children.

 

Biography

Rakhimbaeva Gulnara Sattarovna is member of the editorial board of the Journal of Neurology, a member of the World Society for Stroke ESO, WSO, a member of the European Academy of Neuroscience EAN, a member of the American Association for Alzheimer's Disease (AAA), a member of the IAPRD Scientific Committee, vice-president of the Uzbek branch of the international league on struggle against epilepsy ILAE, the vice-president of Association of neurologists of Uzbekistan.

 


Abstract

Background. In these days, there is no exactly known biomarker for self-use in the clinic that cannot be a decisive factor in determining the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. This is primarily due to the crossover definition of known biomarkers correlated with the course of AD, with other pathologies of the nervous system. In this regard, we hypothesized the integrated use of important biomarkers for early diagnosis, monitoring the effectiveness of therapy and identifying risk groups in AD. The essence of the proposed hypothesis is the simultaneous determination in patients of a number of biomarkers (dehydroepianderosterone sulfate (DHEA-s), when establishing discriminatory levels of these compounds in the development of an appropriate diagnosis or referring the patient to the risk of developing AD.
 
The aim of the study was to determine relationship between the indices of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-s) and the ischemic Khachinsky scale.
 
Material and methods. 135 patients with presenilic type of AD (n=32), senile AD (n=34) and chronic cerebral ischemia (n=69), and 20 volunteers from the control group were examined. To determine the cognitive dysfunction, the Khachinsky scale was used. The level of DHEA in the blood serum was determined by oxidation with the Fe2+ catalyst and the results of the DHEA concentration were compared before and after oxidation.
 
Results. According to Khachinsky scale, in 25 (78%) patients of the 1st group, 26 (76%) patients of the 2nd group had ≤4 point, in 69 (100%) patients of the 3rd group there were ≥7 points. In 7 (22%) patients in group 1 and 8 (24%) patients in the 2nd group with AD, the distribution of scores in the interval from 4 to 7 was observed, which does not allow to diagnose, reasonably according to the Khachinsky scale, the reason for these patients neurodegenerative disorders. Founding of DHEA-s in patients of first and second groups with a distribution in the range of 4 to 7 on the Khachinsky scale showed that levels of DHEA-s are comparable to those in patients with AD. Difference between the level of DHEA-s before and after oxidation is lower 1.0 μmol/l (in patients with a vascular cause of pathological states of the brain that difference between the level of DHEA-s before and after oxidation is greater than 1.0 μmol/l).
 
Conclusions. Determination of the serum level of DHEA in patients with a comparison of the data from Khachinsky scale allows one to diagnose early form of Alzheimer's disease along with the traditionally used beta-amyloid markers, which is an informative, economic more appropriate method.