5^th World Congress on Neurology and Therapeutics March 14-16, 2016 London, UK

Biography:

Guy H Fontaine has made 15 original contributions at the inception of pacemakers since early 60s. He has serendipitously identified Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia in the late 70s. He has published more than 900 scientific papers including 201 book chapters. He was the reviewer of 17 journals in Clinical and Basic Science. He served during 5 years as a Member of the Editorial Board of Circulation. He has been invited to give 11 master lectures of 90 minutes each during three weeks in the top universities of China (2014).

Abstract:

Therapeutic hypothermia produced by evaporation of Per Fluoro Carbon in the fossa nasalis in a flow of oxygen reported in a prospective multicentre study has demonstrated a tendency to improve outcome in out of hospital cardiac arrest. When I saw the experiments on pigs at the Weil Institute of Cardiac Care Medicine (WICCM), I was immediately convinced that another approach of cooling could be abrupt decompression of gas. After multiple experiments I demonstrated that it was possible to obtain on the same model a drop of brain temperature similar to the work previously reported at the WICCM. However, the simultaneous work on infrared images on severed pig heads suggested that it was possible to cool the brain by the decompression of gas inside the mouth instead of the nose which looks to be an even less invasive and faster method on the field. The second major interest of this new technique seems to be its application in stroke also suggested by animal models. It was during these experiments that my wife watching TV beside me experienced an episode of cardiac arrest that I was able to diagnose immediately. I started Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation followed by defibrillation performed by an old but still working defibrillator that I kept in the basement of my house when the original study of the method of fulguration was completed. Before arrival of Fire Brigade I used a bottle of compressed gas also available in the basement of my house and delivered the cooling gas at that time in the fossa nasalis. Despite a period of 6 min of no-flow she was able to recover after 5 days of coma with absolutely no neurologic deficit. This fortuitous resuscitation using for the first time brain cooling by decompressed gas will be used for the first pilot study supported by the Schiller Company (Switzerland). It will start soon in the city of Lugano which is already famous for its highest success rate of resuscitation (50%).

Biography:

Dr. Tamiz is a Program Director at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Office of Translational Research (OTR) who oversees NIH Blueprint Neurotherapeutics network (BPN) and Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE).  

Abstract:

Background: The management of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with burden and mental health consequences. Main family caregivers are exposed to emotional and physical stress. The burden becomes heavier as the disease progresses, and some caregivers begin to use natural herbal products to improve their mood, anxiety, sleeplessness and vitamins or tonics to improve overall, although in other cases the use of psychotropic drug (i.e., antianxiety, antidepressant, and sedative/hypnotic agents) is required. Objectives: To examine the correlates of psychotropic drug, natural herbal products and vitamins use among family caregivers of AD patients. Other aims were to determine anxiety, and depression. Methods: The study was conducted on a sample group of 175 main family caregivers of AD patients in Galicia (Spain). Caregivers were asked to provide sociodemographic information (Table 1) and information about use of natural herbal products, vitamins and psychotropic drugs. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II and anxiety symptoms were measured using the STAI-Anxiety Questionnaire (Table 2). Results: The analysis of the results shows that the average caregiver of an AD patient is a woman, approximately 56 years old. The majority of caregivers are sons/daughters (65%) with a primary education (37.1%). The prevalence of psychotropic drug use among caregivers (39%) is higher than previously reported prevalence rates in the general population. Of caregivers with depressive symptoms, 52% used psychotropic drug. Of caregivers with anxiety symptoms 44.6% used psychotropic drug. 31.4% of caregivers used natural herbal products and 14.3% of caregivers used vitamins or tonics to improve overall. The use of natural herbal products in women caregivers (36%) was higher than men caregivers (17%). Conclusion: This study found that 48% of caregivers with depressive symptoms and 55.4% of caregivers with depressive symptoms were not taking psychotropic drug, even with high levels. Results suggest that routine screening for depression and anxiety in caregivers may identify unmet needs for antidepressant therapy and may provide help caregivers.

The mission of the Office of Translational Research (OTR) within the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is to accelerate the preclinical discovery and development of new therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders. The NINDS is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the leading supporter of biomedical research in the world. The OTR provides funding (approximately $100 million annually) and resources through grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to industry and university researchers to advance early-stage neurological technologies, devices, and therapeutic programs to industry adoption (i.e., investor funding and corporate partnerships). The OTR comprises five programs that support the design, implementation, and management of research activities to critical translational challenges in neurology.

Biography:

Dr. Morgan earned a BS in Physical Therapy and her academic doctorate in Health Studies in 2006. She has 22 years of rehabilitation experience and has been a faculty member at LSU Health in Shreveport since 1997.  She has presented research nationally and internationally on cultural competence, wellness, and neurorehabilitation. She was honored by Maybelline as outstanding female educator and featured in People December 2006 issue.  Dr. Morgan was also the 2014 recipient of the Allen A Copping Teaching Award, a finalist for the 2011 International Award for Research and recipient of the APTA Minority Faculty National Scholarship in 2003.

Abstract:

Individuals that suffer from neurological deficits often experience foot drop and knee instability during gait, related to a lack of active control of lower extremity muscles. These impairments combined significantly hinder gait activity and may place the individual at an increased risk for falls. In order to compensate, individuals will often develop compensatory movements that often produce a greater energy cost. Common solutions for foot clearance and knee instability are the use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and/or functional electrical stimulation (FES) on lower extremity musculature. Advancements in technology have produced FES systems for the lower extremity that can produce a form functional gait cycle. This single-subject repeated measure study design was used to evaluate the short and long term effects of the BioNess L-300® system on joint angles (ankle, knee and hip) in all phases of the gait cycle. The participant (stroke diagnosis) utilized the BioNesss L-300® for gait training activities two times a week for approximately one hour each session over a two year period. Gait parameters using a motion analysis system and outcome measures were recorded at baseline, twelve months and twenty-four months. Results displayed both short term and longitudinal functional improvements in joint angles during all phases of the gait cycle, as well as improvements in all outcome measures. The findings indicated that utilizing the BioNesss L-300® system for gait activities on a limited weekly basis may provide both short term and longitudinal functional improvement in gait activity in individuals with neurological impairments.

Biography:

Dr. Suzanne Tinsley received her PT degree from Texas Woman’s University and earned her PhD in Neuropharmacology from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Dr. Tinsley received her Board Certification in Neurologic Physical Therapy in 2010. She has been on faculty at LSU-Health since 1988 and currently holds the position of Associate Professor. She has published a Pharmacology Text book for physical therapy education. She has an active clinical research program in the area of neurological rehabilitation. Dr. Tinsley has presented her clinical and basic science research in state, national and international scientific forums.

Abstract:

Individuals that suffer from neurological deficits often experience foot drop and knee instability during gait, related to a lack of active control of lower extremity muscles. These impairments combined significantly hinder gait activity and may place the individual at an increased risk for falls. In order to compensate, individuals will often develop compensatory movements that often produce a greater energy cost. Common solutions for foot clearance and knee instability are the use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and/or functional electrical stimulation (FES) on lower extremity musculature. Advancements in technology have produced FES systems for the lower extremity that can produce a form functional gait cycle. This single-subject repeated measure study design was used to evaluate the short and long term effects of the BioNess L-300® system on joint angles (ankle, knee and hip) in all phases of the gait cycle. The participant (stroke diagnosis) utilized the BioNesss L-300® for gait training activities two times a week for approximately one hour each session over a two year period. Gait parameters using a motion analysis system and outcome measures were recorded at baseline, twelve months and twenty-four months. Results displayed both short term and longitudinal functional improvements in joint angles during all phases of the gait cycle, as well as improvements in all outcome measures. The findings indicated that utilizing the BioNesss L-300® system for gait activities on a limited weekly basis may provide both short term and longitudinal functional improvement in gait activity in individuals with neurological impairments.

Biography:

Yuan-long Pan completed his BVM from Gansu Agricultural University, PR China. He received his PhD in Animal Nutrition from Virginia Tech, USA and PhD in Human Nutrition from UNC-Greensboro, USA. He conducted research in the area of menopause and cognition at Wake Forest University School of Medicine from 1996 to 2000. In 2000, he joined Nestle Purina Research. He has published more than 18 papers, filed 41 patent applications and obtained 10 patents. Recently, he won the Academy of Science-St. Louis 2016 George Engelmann Interdisciplinary Award for his outstanding achievement in science through collaboration

Abstract:

Aging has adverse effects on all tissues and organs in humans and animals including dogs and cats. Just like in humans, some of the senior dogs and cats eventually develop cognitive impairment and dementia called cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Since CDS is not a curable disease, our research has been focused on nutritional solutions that promote healthy brain aging in dogs and cats for the past 15 years. We have developed two solutions to enhance cognitive functions in dogs and cats. The first approach is to address the reduced ability of brain cells to utilize glucose as energy by providing medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and we have confirmed that MCTs do enhance cognition in aging dogs. The second solution is to minimize known risk factors associated with brain aging. Since there are multiple risk factors, we have developed a nutrient blend and demonstrated its cognition-enhancing benefits in middle-aged and aging cats. In summary, our research shows that optimal nutrition can enhance cognitive functions in healthy aging dogs and cats. What we have learned from pets may be able to facilitate the development of nutritional and therapeutic solutions for people.

Biography:

Abstract:

The exact mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation and neuropathology in multiple sclerosis (MS) are still unknown, but susceptibility depends on a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors and their interactions. With little influence on genetic predisposition, the importance of modulating environmental risk factors is becoming an area of great interest. There is mounting evidence implicating both late Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and hypovitaminosis-D as key environmental risk factors in MS. We have previously shown that active white matter lesions in the MS brain show signs of innate immune activation and that latently EBV-infected cells can be found in these areas. We hypothesized that EBV-RNAs (EBERs) may get secreted from EBV-infected cells and promote an inflammatory milieu within the lesion. We then tested whether EBV infection was under the control of vitamin-D and found that hypovitaminosis-D, which is a characteristic feature of MS cohorts, was not able to impact on EBV infection. More recently, we compared EBV-status and innate immune signatures in serum and cerebrospial fluid of untreated relapsing-remitting MS patients and found antibody production against latent EBV antigens mainly in the periphery and innate immune IL-8 responses preferentially in the CNS. Dysregulated EBV infection may be a potential risk factor and contribute to MS disease activity via the stimulation of innate immune responses by EBERs, antigenic mimicry and/or cross-reactivity of cellular immune responses with “self” brain antigens or via the transactivation of endogenous retroviruses. The identification of environmental risk factors in MS may offer novel targets for intervention and prevention.

Biography:

Kang Jun Yoon is the Director of MING St. Peter’s Hospital with over 30 years of experience in the medical field since 1984.

Abstract:

The key to successful micro-vascular decompression of the neurovascular compression syndrome is maintaining the separation between the nerve and the offending vessel. We describe a transposition technique in which was mini band retraction for hemi-facial spasm, focusing on the tied-point for transposition the offending artery in the appropriate direction. We conducted a retrospective review of micro-vascular decompression operations in which the offending vessel was transposed and then retained by a designed mini-band, tied from the petrous dura. This technique was used in 42 consecutive cases for 2 years. Post operatively, complete symptom relief was achieved in 97.6% of the patients without any significant surgical complications. No patient suffered recurrence in the follow-up. For mini-designed band retraction technique to be performed successfully, it is important for a mini-band placed at the suitable site to transpose the offending vessel in the intended direction.

Biography:

Kassem El-Shunnar completed his training in Neurosurgery in UK in 1993 following which he took up his first Consultant Neurosurgeon post in January 1994 in Plymouth, Devon. His interest in stereotactic surgery started during his training days in Edinburgh in the late eighties and continued later on with lesional functional neurosurgery and subsequently with image guided surgery. He is now based in the Middle East where he introduced the latest technology in his daily practice.

Abstract:

Introduction: Advances in nasal endoscopy led to cooperation between neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons in Endoscopic trans-sphenoidal Pituitary surgery. This report discusses the cases treated by our team consisting of one neurosurgeon, one ENT surgeon, two endocrinologists and one neuro-ophthalmologist between March 2007 and December 2015. Methods: Forty-four patients (16 females and 28 males) presented to us between March 2007 and December 2015. Age range was 9-80 years. Most patients presented with visual failure. Pituitary apoplexy was the next most common presentation in our series. Hypopituitarism was present in only nine patients. Results: Most cases were non-functioning adenomas. There were 3 Carniopharyngiomas, 2 Rathke's Cleft cysts, 2 prolactinomas, 2 GH secreting tumors and one arachnoid cyst. Two cases had CSF leak requiring repair and 10 cases had transient Diabetes Insipidus. Vision improved in 90% of cases. There was no permanent added impairment to pituitary function. There was no mortality and 2 patients suffered postoperative complications. Conclusions: Endoscopic navigation guided trans-sphenoidal surgery is a safe and reliable procedure. We recommend working as a team of Neurosurgeon and ENT surgeon. We do not recommend preparing a mucosal flap as a routine for each case.

Biography:

Hui-Chieh Lee completed his MD from the National Defense Medical University in 1978 and Undersea Medical Officer Training in Groton USA, in 1979. He had served as the Chief, Dept. of Diving Medicine, Zuoying Naval General Hospital, Taiwan for 10 years and became the President of Hyperbaric and Undersea Medical Association, R.O.C. from 2008 to 2012. Currently, he is the Executive Director of Asian-Pacific Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. He has published 30 papers in the Chinese and International Journal.

Abstract:

Neurological decompression sickness (DCS) is a rare condition that may lead to serious spinal cord injury and sometimes brain injury. We herein report two cases of neurological DCS treated with a combined methods of steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), acupuncture and physical therapy. First diving fisherman was a 53-year-old man who developed mental confusion, weakness and numbness over both upper limbs, paraplegia and difficulty urination after a dive to a maximum depth of 38 meters with a total dive time of 60 minutes. The MRI of brain showed multiple acute infarctions of brain. The second diving fisherman was a 45-year-old man who developed chest and back pain, weakness and numbness over right upper limb and both lower limbs with difficulty urination after a dive to 52 meters for 40 minutes. The MRI of spine showed focally increasing signal intensity change of C4-C5 spinal cord region on T2WI. Both cases received one United States Navy (USN) treatment table 6A and one Modified USN table 5A initially and HBOT for 21 sessions and 16 sessions, respectively. The plasma expander and steroids were given before the HBOT. The physical therapy and acupuncture were also applied for rehabilitation of neural function. After discharge, the first case could stand up but still need the help of wheelchair and the second could walk for some distance. Both cases had improvement of urination and defecation. In conclusion, the early examination of MRI for DCS cases with marked neurological symptoms and signs sometimes may show positive findings of brain or spine MRI and a combined method of steroids, HBOT, acupuncture and physical therapy may be useful in the treatment of neurological DCS.

Biography:

Jiatang Zhang has completed his PhD from Medical school of Chinese Peoples’ Liberation Army. He is the Vice-Director of department of neurology at Chinese Peoples’ Liberation Army General Hospital. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Background: Limited studies reported the risk of cerebral infarction associated with the change of climate. Our aim is to investigate the risk factors of cerebral infarction occurred after travelling across different climate zones. Methods: Subjects travelled from northeast, northwest and north of China to Sanya during September 1st 2012 to February 28th 2013 were reviewed. Subjects who developed cerebral infarct (Group I) or did not (Group II) were compared and risk factors were identified. Logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors of cerebral infarction following climate zone change. Results: Two hundred and ninety one subjects (Group I: 144; Group II: 147) were analyzed. Group I patients have higher prevalence of history of cerebral vascular disease, hypertension, abnormal glucose metabolism, and carotid arterial stenosis, hyperhomocysteinemia. Group I also experienced a bigger change of temperature between the place of departure and Sanya. A lower mean arterial blood pressure travel upon arrival to Sanya and a bigger blood pressure difference before and after travel were observed in Group I. Cox regression analysis showed that male gender (OR=1.522, p=0.025), abnormal glucose metabolism (OR=4.617, p<0.001), cerebral arterial stenosis (OR=3.48, p<0.001), hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.417, p=0.040), bigger temperature difference between the place of departure and Sanya (each 10°C) (OR=1.423, p<0.001), low blood pressure before travel (OR=0.979, p=0.025) were independent risk factors of cerebral infarction following travel. Conclusions: Cerebral infarction following travel across different climate zones is a newly recognized etiology of stroke, and may be associated with hemodynamic changes.

Biography:

Abstract:

Hereditary deafness comprises a large percentage of all causes of hearing loss. Despite the large number of genetic polymorphisms recognized to cause hereditary deafness, a considerable number of patients do not show any of those. To address the genetic heterogeneity of hereditary hearing loss in Sudanese population, we carried out bioinformatics based analysis of SNPs identified previously by Next Generation Whole Genome Sequencing of three Sudanese patients diagnosed clinically with non-syndromic hereditary deafness. We performed in-silico prediction of the structural and functional effects of polymorphisms noted in known deafness causing genes using SIFT and PolyPhen v2. We further studied the stability and 3D structure of the mutant proteins using iMutant and CPH model, respectively. We were able to identify a set of novel SNPs in deafness associated genes in each patient. Novel polymorphisms in (TRIOBP, TMC1, EYA4) genes were found to have the highest prediction scores in both SIFT and PolyPhen. Those novel SNPs showed decreased predicted stability as well as change in 3D structure models. We consider these novel polymorphisms as candidates for further large scale studies.