Nervous System Commons^™

Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediator Reduces Amyloid-Β42-Induced Gene Expression In Human Monocyte-Derived Microglia, Ying Wang, Xiang Zhang, Henrik Biverstål, Nicolas G. Bazan, Shuai Tan, Nailin Li, Makiko Ohshima, Marianne Schultzberg, Xiaofei Li

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00031/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators including maresin 1 mediate resolution but the levels of these are reduced in Alzheimer's disease brain, suggesting that they constitute a novel target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to prevent/stop inflammation and combat disease pathology. Therefore, it is important to clarify whether they counteract the expression of genes and proteins induced by amyloid-β. With this objective, we analyzed the relevance of human monocyte-derived microglia for in vitro modeling of neuroinflammation and its resolution in the context of Alzheimer's disease and investigated the pro-resolving bioactivity of maresin 1 on amyloid-β42-induced Alzheimer's disease-like inflammation. Analysis of …

Pneumocephalus – Epidural Injection Nightmare, Mohammad A. Rattu, Frank A. Wheeler

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Pneumocephalus (pneumatocele or intracranial aerocele) is defined as the presence of air in the intracranial space and most commonly occurs after a traumatic event (most commonly head or facial injury), epidural injection, cranial surgery, However, it may also be spontaneous. Classified into simple and tension types, the presentation varies based on severity and progression. Pneumocephalus with onset less than 72 hours prior to presentation is defined as acute, in contrast to a delayed presentation greater than the given timeframe. Symptoms vary based on the amount of air that is present as well as the exact location within the cranial cavity. …

Fos Expression In Lateral Hypothalamus/Perifornical Area Is Correlated With Psychosocial Stress-Induced Cocaine-Seeking Behavior In A Sex-Specific Manner, Milena Sudarikov, Nicole M. Hinds, Ireneusz D. Wojtas, Desta M. Pulley, Daniel F. Manvich

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cocaine Use Disorder persists as a significant public health concern in the United States. Recent epidemiological data indicate that rates of cocaine-involved overdose deaths are rising, and treatment of Cocaine Use Disorder is challenging due to a lack of FDA-approved medications to help patients achieve abstinence and avoid relapse. Stress can precipitate cocaine craving and trigger relapse episodes, however the underlying neural circuitry by which stressors drive cocaine seeking is not completely understood. Our laboratory has recently identified the potential involvement of the rostrolateral aspect of the periaqueductal gray (rlPAG) in psychosocial stress-induced cocaine-seeking behavior using a rodent model of …

The Neuroprotective Role Of Lipoxin A4 In Reinstating Blood Brain Barrier Integrity In Neuroinflammatory Disease Processes, Minjal Patel, Nimish Acharya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by the vascular endothelium, astrocytic foot processes, pericytes, is a highly selective barrier that is responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis and ultimately proper neuronal function. Disruption of the BBB, leading to increased BBB permeability, has been reported in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).¹ Loss of BBB integrity leads to the proliferation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFɑ, IL-1β, and IL-6.² Moderate inflammation has a beneficial response in the system following an acute injury. However, prolonged inflammation has been known to perturb homeostasis and have …

Pediatric Neurotropic Infection Alters Synaptic Development In The Developing Brain, Anuoluwapo Grace Fadare, Yashika S. Kamte, Manish N. Chandwani, Lauren A. O'Donnell

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Many neurotropic viruses cause more significant pathology in younger hosts as their brains are still developing. This experiment asked how central nervous system (CNS) viral-infections affect the development of synapses in the pediatric brain during infection and post-infection. Synaptogenesis is at its peak in pediatric mice (10 days old) and we hypothesized that a neurotropic infection could disrupt synaptic proteins. We used a transgenic mouse model where measles virus (MV) infects only mature neurons, leading us to question whether synapses were impacted. We examined synaptic markers in the cerebellum and hippocampus in MV-infected and uninfected mice 9 days and 90 …

The Benefits And Risks Of Pudendal Nerve Block And Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation In Pudendal Neuralgia, Pooja A. Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Context: Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome worsening throughout daily activities. Although temporarily relieved when standing or lying down, it is often misdiagnosed, improperly treated, and/or refractory to treatment leading to a negative impact on quality of life. The lack of research in proper diagnosis and interventional management (such as dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) and pudendal nerve block) further contributes to the delay in relief from the chronic pain. Objective: The goal of this scoping review is to assess if research exists on benefits and risks of pudendal nerve block and dorsal root ganglion and …

Utilizing Microwave Ablation In Combination With Vertebroplasty Is An Effective Method In Reducing Cancer Related Back Pain, Disability, And Opioid Use: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jonathan Elias, Lothar Vidal, Richard Jermyn

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: It is estimated that metastases from primary malignant neoplasms affect the spine around 30%-70% of the time. Many times, these osteolytic tumors will cause the degradation of the vertebrae, leaving patients in a tremendous amount of pain, disability, and dependence on opioids as analgesics. Microwave ablation (MWA) followed by vertebroplasties (VP) has been a developing treatment for such a condition; however, there are no systematic reviews or meta-analyses examining the method’s effectiveness thus far.

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzes the 4-week and 12-week outcomes of patients with metastatic spinal cancer treated with the combinatorial treatment …

Investigating The Link Between Preeclampsia/Eclampsia In Mothers And Cardiovascular Risk Among Their Neurodivergent Children, Jasmine Emanuel, Andrea Iannuzzelli, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Preeclampsia/Eclampsia are common gestational conditions among pregnant women. These individuals have hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation, proteinuria/end-stage organ disease, and may have seizures. These conditions can put the mother and fetus at risk.^1,2 A review of literature investigates whether an association exists between congenital heart defects (CHD), and maternal preeclampsia/eclampsia in the neurotypical and neurodivergent population. The Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center patient population was used to investigate whether maternal preeclampsia/eclampsia is indicative of higher congenital heart disease (CHD) in their neurodivergent children to achieve better quality of care. As a first step towards exploring the …

Optimization Of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (Vns) And The Use Of Cervical Vns As A Treatment For Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction, Misty Owens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a promising neuromodulatory therapy under investigation for a range of disorders, including heart failure, gastric dysmotility, and migraine. Two primary forms of VNS are currently investigated: cervical VNS (cVNS), involving surgically implantation to activate vagal afferents in the cervical branch in the neck and transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) which subcutaneously stimulates the auricular branch in the outer ear. The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) serves as a relay-station receiving 90% of vagal afferents, enabling connections with higher-order brain regions and other brainstem nuclei like the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5) and locus coeruleus (LC), facilitating …

The Pam-1 Aminopeptidase Protects Against Neurodegeneration In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Caleb Coil

Honors College Theses

The deteriorating effects of neurodegenerative conditions seem inescapable for many as they age. The experimental exploration of the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for neurodegeneration is aided using animal models. For instance, genetic screens have identified the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA) as a novel effector of neurodegeneration, as mutations in PSA in fruit flies result in perturbations of neuron anatomy and an accelerated onset of neuron death. We have tested the hypothesis that PAM-1, the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of PSA, plays a similar role in governing neurodegeneration in nematodes. Genetic strains were created that express the green fluorescent protein (GFP) in …

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

Sex Differences In The Association Between Cardiac Vagal Control And The Effects Of Baroreflex Afferents On Behavior, Xiao Yang, Jacob Chaney, Aaron S. David, Fang Fang

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. While sex differences in CVD have been well documented, the physiological mechanisms of those sex differences remain unclear. As important components of the cardiovascular system, cardiac vagal control and baroreflex serve as mechanisms of sex differences in CVD and are modifiable factors for gender-specific CVD preventions. Methods: Ninety-four healthy adults (18–44 years of age; M_age = 21.09 years; 46 female) were recruited to complete the assessments of heart rate variability (HRV) at a resting baseline and the cardiac timing effect on an R-wave-locked reaction time (RT) …

Cytomegalovirus And Varicella Zoster Virus Coinfection-Associated Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (Ondine's Curse), Marine Isakadze, Benjamin Zwain, Alan J. Velander, Jesus Lovera

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Central hypoventilation syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition resulting from damage to the respiratory centers in the central nervous system (CNS). It can be congenital or acquired and can cause hypoventilation, inadequate gas exchange, and respiratory failure, often during sleep but sometimes even while awake. CHS can lead to respiratory failure and life-threatening complications if not identified promptly. In this report, we present a rare case of a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), who developed CHS likely due to an opportunistic infection by cytomegalovirus (CMV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV), manifesting as a lesion in the …

Integrated Inflammatory Signaling Landscape Response After Delivering Elovanoid Free-Fatty-Acid Precursors Leading To Experimental Stroke Neuroprotection, Madigan M. Reid, Ludmila Belayev, Larissa Khoutorova, Pranab K. Mukherjee, Andre Obenaus, Kierany Shelvin, Stacey Knowles, Sung Ha Hong, Nicolas G. Bazan

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Despite efforts to identify modulatory neuroprotective mechanisms of damaging ischemic stroke cascade signaling, a void remains on an effective potential therapeutic. The present study defines neuroprotection by very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLC-PUFA) Elovanoid (ELV) precursors C-32:6 and C-34:6 delivered intranasally following experimental ischemic stroke. We demonstrate that these precursors improved neurological deficit, decreased T2WI lesion volume, and increased SMI-71 positive blood vessels and NeuN positive neurons, indicating blood–brain barrier (BBB) protection and neurogenesis modulated by the free fatty acids (FFAs) C-32:6 and C-34:6. Gene expression revealed increased anti-inflammatory and pro-homeostatic genes and decreases in expression of pro-inflammatory genes in …

Stellate Ganglion Block For Refractory Raynaud’S Phenomenon- A Case Report, William J. Naber Ii, Derik J. Scribner, Gabriel Howard

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Introduction: Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is predominately a sympathetically mediated ischemic vasospastic disease involving the distal limbs and is associated with sharp pains, numbness, and dermatological color changes. The symptoms are commonly induced by cold weather, stress, and trauma and it is known to affect 4.85% of the population. There are few well-defined treatments for patients with RP that are refractory to 1st-line therapies. We present a case of intractable RP with corresponding response to stellate ganglion block (SGB) which demonstrates the efficacy profile and safety of SNS blocks in treatment of resistant RP.

Methods: Per Bon Secours Mercy Health …

Journal Club: Glymphatic System In Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ronald G. Lott Iii, Xavier Zonna, Samuel Wlasowicz

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease impact a multitude of individuals worldwide. The neural Glymphatic system is a relatively newly discovered cellular transport pathway within the brain that has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. This article serves to provide a journal club review of current literature on the Glymphatic system to raise awareness of this system and its potential for future treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative conditions.

Comparison Of Clinical And Radiographic Efficacy Of Particles Versus Nbca/Onyx In Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization For Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Jane Khalife, Mohamed Salem, Victoria Wong Murray, Allen Karimov, Brian Jankowitz, Jan Karl Burkhardt, Hamza Shaikh, Daniel Tonetti, Pratit Patel, Tudor Jovin, Ajith Thomas

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Different embolic materials are utilized in MMA embolization of chronic subdural hematoma per operators’ discretion. We aim to compare the clinical and radiographic efficacy of different embolic materials in a pooled retrospective cohort of two US centers.

Effects Of Diet On Lcn2 Expression And Onset Of Neuroinflammation In An Alzheimer’S Disease Mice Model, Abdirahman A. Hayir

Neuroscience Honors Projects

This project covers the findings regarding the impact of diet on lipocalin 2 (LCN2) and the effects it has on neuroinflammation Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). LCN2 is a protein that is critical to the functionality of mitochondria and inflammatory responses. Evidence has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is a potential central event in driving AD pathogenesis and contributing to formation of pathological hallmarks such as chronic inflammation. Furthermore, studies have shown that LCN2 can be deficient under metabolic conditions such as high-fat-diet (HFD). This study investigates if HFD induces LCN2 deficiency and increased neuroinflammation in an AD mice model.

Differentiating Axonal From Demyelinating Neuropathies Using Multiparametric Quantitative Mri Of Peripheral Nerves, Jacob D. Baraz, Stephanie Xuan, Sadaf Saba, Xue Yang, Ryan Castoro, Yang Xuan, Alison Roth, Richard D. Dortch, Jun Li, Yongsheng Chen

Medical Student Research Symposium

Objectives: To develop a multiparametric quantitative MRI (qMRI) method to track pathological changes in the peripheral neuropathies.

Background: Irrespective of the causes or types of polyneuropathies, peripheral nerves are mainly afflicted by two kinds of pathologies – axonal loss and demyelination. It is critical to differentiate between the two as treatments are different for the two conditions. While nerve conduction studies (NCS) have been used to differentiate the two pathologies in the distal nerves, there are no tools to probe the pathologies in the proximal peripheral nerves. This is particularly needed when distal nerves become non-responsive in NCS.

Methods: We …

Brain Volume, Energy Balance, And Cardiovascular Health In Two Nonindustrial South American Populations, Hillard Kaplan, Paul L. Hooper, Margaret Gatz, Wendy J. Mack, E. Meng Law, Helena C. Chui, M. Linda Sutherland, James D. Sutherland, Christopher J. Rowan, L. Samuel Wann, Adel H. Allam, Randall C. Thompson, David E. Michalik, Guido Lombardi, Michael I. Miyamoto, Daniel Eid Rodriguez, Juan Copajira Adrian, Raul Quispe Gutierrez, Bret A. Beheim, Daniel K. Cummings, Edmond Seabright, Sarah Alami, Angela R. Garcia, Kenneth Buetow, Gregory S. Thomas, Caleb E. Finch, Jonathan Stieglitz, Benjamin C. Trumble, Michael D. Gurven, Andrei Irimia

ESI Publications

Little is known about brain aging or dementia in nonindustrialized environments that are similar to how humans lived throughout evolutionary history. This paper examines brain volume (BV) in middle and old age among two indigenous South American populations, the Tsimane and Moseten, whose lifestyles and environments diverge from those in high-income nations. With a sample of 1,165 individuals aged 40 to 94, we analyze population differences in cross-sectional rates of decline in BV with age. We also assess the relationships of BV with energy biomarkers and arterial disease and compare them against findings in industrialized contexts. The analyses test three …

Testing Extraction Of Dna From Lipid-Rich Tissues Using Various Reagents And Commercially Available Kits, Ryan V. Powers, Walker C. Kay, Jonathon C. Reynolds, Nathaniel E. Hill, Cole J. Farnsworth, Molly E. Henley, Alfred B. Amendolara, Noah D. Boekweg, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Endogenous Mirna-Based Innate-Immunity Against Sars-Cov-2 Invasion Of The Brain, Walter J. Lukiw, Aileen I. Pogue

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, possesses an unusually large positive-sense, single-stranded viral RNA (ssvRNA) genome of about ~29,903 nucleotides (nt). In many respects, this ssvRNA resembles a very large, polycistronic messenger RNA (mRNA) possessing a 5′-methyl cap (m7GpppN), a 3′- and 5′-untranslated region (3′-UTR, 5′-UTR), and a poly-adenylated (poly-A+) tail. As such, the SARS-CoV-2 ssvRNA is susceptible to targeting by small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) and/or microRNA (miRNA), as well as neutralization and/or inhibition of its infectivity via the human body’s natural complement of about ~2650 miRNA species. Depending on host cell and tissue …

High Energy Blue Light Induces Oxidative Stress And Retinal Cell Apoptosis, Jessica Malinsky

Capstone Showcase

Blue light (BL) is a high energy, short wavelength spanning 400 to 500 nm. Found in technological and environmental forms, BL has been shown to induce photochemical damage of the retina by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Excess ROS leads to oxidative stress, which disrupts retinal mitochondrial structure and function. As mitochondria amply occupy photoreceptors, they also contribute to oxidative stress due to their selectively significant absorption of BL at 400 to 500 nm. ROS generation that induces oxidative stress subsequently promotes retinal mitochondrial apoptosis. BL filtering and preventative mechanisms have been suggested to improve or repair BL-induced retinal damage, …

Impact Forces And Patterns Of Axonal Injury Differ Between Two Models Of Tbi, Edward Lai, David M Devilbiss

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects approximately 3.8 million Americans a year and results in complex neuropathological and neurocognitive sequelae. Animal models of TBI attempt to replicate the impact forces and pathology of injury in humans. However, in these models, the forces generated at the time of impact are poorly understood. Nonetheless, a variety of shear and strain forces generated at the time of impact can produce diffuse axonal injury. Injury to axons and neurons across a variety of brain regions resulting from axonal injury underlies the cognitive and behavioral impairments observed after TBI. Three critical brain regions, the corpus callosum …

Effect Of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment In Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Pots): A Literature Review, Sidharth Sahni, Harrison Jordan, Binoy Desai, Danielle Cooley, Alexander King

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is characterized by autonomic dysregulation resulting in diminished blood flow and excessive tachycardia.

POTS has been scarcely studied in the clinical setting. A review of literature generated only four articles, only one of which met the established criteria.

A follow up study to evaluate the effect of OMT on the quality of life for patients with POTS is planned. The hypothesis is that osteopathic manipulation plays a role in the management of POTS, as patients should experience improvement in their symptoms and their overall quality of life.

Anakinra Treatment Efficacy In Reduction Of Inflammatory Biomarkers In Covid-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis, Zunaira Naveed, Musharraf Sarwar, Zahid Ali, Danish Saeed, Khadija Choudhry, Azza Sarfraz, Zouina Sarfraz, Miguel Felix, Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Anakinra is being empirically considered for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The aim is to assess the efficacy of anakinra treatment on inflammatory marker reduction, including c-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, serum ferritin, and serum d-dimer levels.
Methods: Adhering to PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across the following databases from December 2019 until January 10, 2022: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. The following keywords were employed: Anakinra, COVID*, SARS-CoV-2, inflammatory, CRP, D-dimer, Ferritin, hematological, laboratory, clinical, trials. The findings were collated and presented in a tabulated manner, and statistically analyzed using Review …

Parkinson's Disease And Exercise: Steps Into A Hopeful Future, Jacob Barker

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

In the world of medicine and disease interventions, exercise is too often underlooked as a viable form of treatment or complementary treatment to medication. This is especially true with Parkinson’s Disease, a disease that attacks the basal ganglia of the brain and impairs neuromuscular function. In my analysis, I read a perspective from a PD patient, Gerry Hill, who has struggled with the disease himself and how he used physical activity to aid in his battle with the disease for both physical and psychological aid. Additionally, I performed research to understand how exercise benefits function within the brain. Aerobic exercise, …

Covid-19 In Cns And Pns: Basic And Clinical Focus On The Mechanisms Of Infection And New Tools For The Therapeutic Approach, Jorge Matias-Guiu, Jordi A. Matias-Guiu, Carmen Garrido, Genaro Pimienta, Patricio F. Reyes, Abdul Mannan Baig, Ulises Gomez-Pinedo

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Current And Novel Neuroregenerative Therapies, Arrin Brooks

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Underlying the physical and cognitive deficits consequent of many neuropathologies is one common factor, the loss of neurons. While neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and traumatic brain injury arise from a variety of etiologies, they all ultimately result in injury and/or death of neuronal cells and concomitant functional deficits. In the present work we primarily focus on current and potential treatments for localized lesions, particularly those in the striatum of Parkinson’s disease (PD) or the cortex as in stroke. First, we discuss a new surgical technique for deep brain stimulator (DBS) placement, as DBS is a mainstay treatment for movement disorders including …

Stimulating The Facial Nerve To Treat Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review, Turner S. Baker, Justin Robeny, Danna Cruz, Alexis Bruhat, Alfred-Marc Iloreta, Anthony Costa, Thomas James Oxley

Publications and Research

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a common devastating disease that has increased yearly in absolute number of cases since 1990. While mechanical thrombectomy and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) have proven to be effective treatments, their window-of-efficacy time is very short, leaving many patients with no viable treatment option. Over recent years there has been a growing interest in stimulating the facial nerves or ganglions to treat AIS. Pre-clinical studies have consistently demonstrated an increase in collateral blood flow (CBF) following ganglion stimulation, with positive indications in infarct size and neurological scores. Extensive human trials have focused on trans-oral electrical stimulation …