Neurosciences Commons^™

Feeding The Mind: Dietary Consumption And Neural Aging, Bhavani Tuppale

Senior Theses

Neural aging is the process of physiological decline in the brain and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease are associated with aging and the interaction of genetics and lifestyle choices. Previous research studies have connected Alzheimer’s disease with dysfunction in the metabolic system. To combat age-associated dysfunctions in the metabolic system, research studies propose using the ketogenic diet, which utilizes ketone bodies as an energy source instead of glucose. The thesis analyzes literature on the effect of neural aging on various model organisms, how a ketogenic diet affects aging model organisms, and how aging and …

Author Correction: Phenome-Wide Analysis Of Copy Number Variants In 470,727 Uk Biobank Genomes, Xueqing Zoe Zou, Fengyuan Hu, Haiyi Lou, Oliver S Burren, Xiaoyin Li, Karyn Megy, Eleanor Wheeler, Qiang Wu, Santosh S Atanur, Marcin Karpinski, Douglas Loesch, Zammy Fairhurst-Hunter, Sri V V Deevi, Erin Oerton, Sean Wen, Xiao Jiang, Cecilia Salvoro, Jonathan Mitchell, Abhishek Nag, Ben Hollis, Amanda O'Neill, Astrazeneca Genomics Initiative, Jen Harrow, Stewart Macarthur, Sebastian Wasilewski, Sean O'Dell, Lifeng Tian, Katherine R Smith, Guillermo Del Angel, Margarete Fabre, Ryan S Dhindsa, Quanli Wang, Slavé Petrovski, Keren Carss

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Phenome-Wide Analysis Of Copy Number Variants In 470,727 Uk Biobank Genomes, Xueqing Zoe Zou, Fengyuan Hu, Haiyi Lou, Oliver S Burren, Xiaoyin Li, Karyn Megy, Eleanor Wheeler, Qiang Wu, Santosh S Atanur, Marcin Karpinski, Douglas Loesch, Zammy Fairhurst-Hunter, Sri V V Deevi, Erin Oerton, Sean Wen, Xiao Jiang, Cecilia Salvoro, Jonathan Mitchell, Abhishek Nag, Ben Hollis, Amanda O'Neill, Jen Harrow, Stewart Macarthur, Sebastian Wasilewski, Sean O'Dell, Lifeng Tian, Katherine R Smith, Guillermo Del Angel, Margarete Fabre, Ryan S Dhindsa, Quanli Wang, Slavé Petrovski, Keren Carss

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Copy number variants (CNVs) are key drivers of human diversity and disease risk1. Here we evaluate the role of CNVs across a broad range of human phenotypes and diseases by analysing CNVs from 470,727 UK Biobank whole-genome sequences and conducting a variant- and gene-level phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) with 2,941 plasma protein abundance measurements, 13,336 binary clinical phenotypes and 1,911 quantitative traits. Proteomic analyses validated functional associations of CNVs with nearby genes (cis-protein quantitative trait loci; cis-pQTLs)—with deletions and duplications typically associated with reduced and increased protein levels, respectively—and uncovered previously unknown protein–protein interactions …

High-Power Dual-Channel Chamber For High-Frequency Magnetic Neuromodulation, Xiaoyang Tian, Hui Wang, Boshuo Wang, Jinshui Zhang, Dong Yan, Jeannette Ingabire, Samantha Coffler, Guillaume Duret, Quoc-Khanh Pham, Gang Bao, Junzhe Wang, Ashok Veeraraghavan, Jacob T Robinson, Stefan M Goetz, Angel V Peterchev

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective. Several novel methods, including magnetogenetics and magnetoelectric stimulation, use high frequency alternating magnetic fields to precisely manipulate neural activity. To quantify the behavioral effects of such interventions in a freely moving mouse, we developed a dual-channel magnetic chamber, specifically designed for rate-sensitive magnetothermal-genetic stimulation, and adaptable for other uses of alternating magnetic fields.

Approach. Through an optimized coil design, the system allows independent control of two spatially orthogonal uniform magnetic fields delivered at different frequencies within a 10 × 10 × 6 cm3 chamber suitable for mouse studies. The two channels have nominal frequencies of 50 and 550 kHz …

Assessment Of Routine, On-Demand Electroencephalograms For Seizure Detection In The Intensive Care Unit Of A Major Saudi Tertiary Center, Abdulrahman Yousef Aldayel, Homoud Alsahli, Rawabi Alhathlool, Afag Osman, Sonia Khan, Mohammed T. Alshahrani

Neurosciences

Objectives: To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of seizures using routine electroencephalograms (EEGs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis on routine, portable EEGs of 188 adult ICU patients (53% male) in a large tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We compared variables of interest using a t-test and chi-squared analyses and explored significant associations using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results: We found significant associations between the occurrence of seizures on EEGs and several variables, including patient age, ICU admission due to status epilepticus, history of epilepsy or previous neurosurgical procedure, coma state, …

Impact Of Burnout And Sleep Deprivation On The Clinical Performance Of Neurology Residents: A Cross-Sectional Country Wide Study, Bandar N. Aljafen, Walaa S. Alkhamis, Rahmah M. Alsawad, Israa B. Alhamoud, Zahra B. Alamer, Waad A. Alshanqiti, Rawan M. Alenez

Neurosciences

Objective: To assess burnout (BU) and sleep deprivation (SD) among neurology residents and their impact on clinical performance (CP). This study is based on a neurology residents from Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This multi-centric, cross-sectional study invited 214 registered neurology residents in the country; 179 participated in the study. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Medical Council of Canada’s Physicians’ Self-Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) were used to evaluate burnout (BU) and sleep deprivation (SD) among neurology residents and their impact on clinical performance (CP).

Results: Of the total 214 registered neurology residents, 179 participated in …

Predictors Of Long-Term Outcome And Recurrence Of Intramedullary Spinal Ependymomas: A Multicenter Study, Reem Albuhairan, Laila Alqahtani, Ahmed Gamal Sayed, Ali Alkhaibary, Sami Khairy, Faisal Farash, Ali H. Alassiri, Ahmed Alkhani

Neurosciences

Objectives: To define prognostic factors that affect clinical outcome of patients after surgical resection of spinal intramedullary ependymoma.

Methods: A retrospective multi-center study, including all cases operated on from 2007 through 2024 at 3 institutes. Data on surgical factors included: resection extent, intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring methods, and intraoperative/postoperative complications.

Results: A total of 19 patients were included with a mean age of 37.8 years (SD = 13.2, range 8–57 years). The majority of ependymomas (n = 14, 73.7%) were in the cervical region. The most common presenting symptoms included pain in 14 patients (73.7%), sensory deficits in 11 patients (57.8%), …

Identifying Risk Factors For The Rising Prevalence Of Multiple Sclerosis In Saudi Arabia: A Case-Control Analysis, Omar Babateen, Jamil Adnan Samkari, Rewaa Abdulaziz Alkaki, Sadin Ayman Alamri, Manal Mutlaq Alzahrani, Mussaed Saleh Alharbi, Ali Abdulrazaq Alghamdi, Amwaj Sultan Aljurays, Amjad Faleh Aldosari, Seraj Makkawi

Neurosciences

Objective: This study aims to identify risk factors linked to the increasing prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Saudi Arabia. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system, marked by inflammation and damage to nerves and the myelin sheath.

Method: A case-control study conducted from September 2022 to January 2024 included 832 participants—263 diagnosed with MS and 569 controls. Controls were matched by age, gender, residence, and employment status. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire, with written consent obtained from participants aged 18 and older. Logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain risk factors.

Results: …

Efficacy Of Erenumab In Patients With Treatment-Resistant Chronic Migraine And Medication Overuse Headache, Mohamed F. Binfalah, Anwar A. Alrayyes, Hussein H. Alhafnawi, Moiz O. Bakhiet

Neurosciences

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of erenumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, in patients with treatment-resistant chronic migraine and medication overuse headache.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective observational study conducted at University Medical Center on 73 patients with both medication-overuse headache and treatment-resistant chronic migraine who failed at least three oral preventive medications and/or botulinum toxin injections. Clinical data were extracted from the medical records and patient interviews. The patients received monthly erenumab injections 70 mg. Key outcomes included monthly migraine days, headache severity (visual analog scale [VAS]), headache impact test (HIT-6), acute …

Association Between Extracranial Artery Stenosis And Cerebral Small-Vessel Disease In Patients With Ischemic Stroke, Ahmad Ghoochani-Khorasani, Seyed Hadi Aghili, Seyed Zakaria Hosseini, Seyed Amir Hasan Habibi, Mehri Farhangranjbar, Mahdi Abdi

Neurosciences

Objective: To review the relationship between extracranial artery stenosis (ECAS) severity and total cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD) burden and evaluated 5-year mortality, disability, and stroke recurrence in ischemic stroke patients. Cerebral small-vessel disease and ECAS often share risk factors such as hypertension and atherosclerosis and coexist in ischemic stroke. Although ECAS affects large-artery disease, its impact on total CSVD burden on MRI and subsequent clinical outcomes is not well defined.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 348 patients older than 35 who had suffered acute ischemic stroke and were admitted to selected hospitals in Tehran, Iran from March …

Vagal Nerve Stimulation As Therapy For Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Tertiary Hospital Experience Of Outcomes And Efficacy In King Abdullah Medical City, Bassam G. Sef, Abeer S. Albalawi, Ahmed M. Alhajji, Muhammed M. Irfan, Hanadi M. Abu Alela

Neurosciences

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for reducing the frequency of seizures and complications in drug-resistant epilepsy.

Methods: This was a retrospective case series study conducted in King Abdullah Medical City from January 2015 to December 2021 hospital record. All patients undergoing VNS were enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were followed up for 12 months, and the seizure frequency and number of epileptic drugs used were evaluated. A paired sample t-test was applied to compare the outcome variables considering p-value < 0.05 as significant.

Results: Among 9 enrolled patients, four were females, and five …

Insights Into Stroke Risk And Prediction For Underweight Individuals, Saeed Awad M. Alqahtani, Moutasem S. Aboonq

Neurosciences

This review explores the relationship between underweight status and stroke risk and outcomes. Although the impact of obesity on stroke is well-documented, the harmful effects of being underweight are often overlooked. Drawing on evidence from observational studies, case-control studies, and meta-analyses, this review highlights that underweight individuals face increased mortality, poorer functional recovery, and higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events and recurrent strokes post-stroke. Challenges in stroke prediction for this population are examined, including the limited research focus, shortcomings of existing risk assessment tools such as the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, and population-specific factors affecting underweight prevalence …

Key Attributes Of An Ideal Neurology Residency Candidate: Program Directors’ Perspectives, Bandar N. Aljafen, Ruwa A. Alneseyan, Rahmah M. Alsawad, Mohamed Bahr

Neurosciences

Objectives: To guide medical students and interns interested in neurology by identifying the key attributes of an ideal neurology candidate from the perspectives of neurology program directors (PDs).

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, former and current neurology PDs were contacted across Saudi Arabia to complete a self-administered survey sent via email or text. The survey included seven questions: six on PD demographics and a seventh with 51 items evaluating candidate attributes on a 7-point Likert scale from disadvantage to advantage.

Results: Thirty-two neurology PDs filled out the questionnaire. Among the key attributes PDs prioritized in a candidate is their letter …

Novel Enpp1 Gene Mutation Causing Generalized Arterial Calcification Of Infancy: A Case Report, Haifa M. Alturki, Haya S. Alfaris, Mohammed A. Al-Owain, Musaad F. Abukhalid

Neurosciences

Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI), a complex disorder affecting multiple systems, stems from an autosomal recessive mutation in the ENPP1 gene. This condition is marked by arterial stenosis and usually manifests prenatally or in the initial months following birth. High mortality rates characterize the first few months, a phase often termed the ``critical period.'' The report presents a case study of a four-year-old female with a new mutation in the ENPP1 gene, which broadens our understanding of this rare genetic disorder.

Integration Of Cross-Species Multi-Omics With In Vivo Experimental Validation Identifies Parkinson’S Disease Therapeutic Targets And Novel Risk Factors Within Endolysosomal Pathway Subnetworks, Justin Moore, Leo Rao, Sara Garcia-Bellido, Fangfei Guo, Jorge Botas, Juan Botas

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, imposes a growing healthcare and socioeconomic burden worldwide. A defining hallmark of PD is the accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn) within intracellular inclusions such as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Genomic studies have identified numerous PD risk factors within the endolysosomal pathway (ELP), an essential cellular system for protein and membrane recycling. Concordantly, recurrent transcriptomic and proteomic alterations in ELP components implicate broad ELP dysfunction as a causal contributor to PD and suggest that additional, uncharacterized ELP genes may cooperate in polygenic disease mechanisms. A promising but underexplored therapeutic concept is that …

Hsp90 Inhibitor In Reducing Integrated Stress Response In An Experimental Mouse Model Of Spinal Cord Injury, Yousef Abozaid, Aditya Sarkar, Lukasz P. Slomnicki, Michal Hetman

The Cardinal Edge

Spinal cord injury (SCI) initiates a complex cascade of molecular events, including protein misfolding and neuroinflammation, contributing to neural damage and impaired functional recovery. Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), a critical molecular chaperone involved in cellular stress responses, emerges as a promising therapeutic target to mitigate secondary damage after SCI. This study was designed to validate the in-vivo effects of different doses of HSP90 inhibitor, HSP990-i, administered acutely after moderate T9 SCI mouse model. The level of HSP70 protein level is measured through western blot from the injury epicenter. Adult mice underwent experimental contusive SCI at the T9 level, followed …

Disrupted Nuclear Function And Nucleocytoplasmic Transport In Parkinson’S Disease, Ichiro M. Matoba

The Cardinal Edge

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Into Network Analyses Of Motor Behavior, Brain-Computer Interface Control, Arousal States, And An Ischemic Lesion Model, Shashank Anand

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Network-level modelling of neural function incorporates activity in specific brain regions along with a measure of the interactions between these regions (“connectivity”). Connectivity can be assessed through several means, for example through tractography (structural connectivity) or correlated temporal evolution of neural activity (functional connectivity). These analyses have provided valuable insight into several aspects of brain function, such as top-down control, memory, and navigation. This work focuses on studying neural activity within and between several brain regions across different brain states: namely, during motor actions, sensory perception, brain-computer interface engagement, task-free fluctuations in arousal state, and ischemic injury. High gamma (70-170 …

Creating A Culture Change Around Stroke: Integrating Process Improvement To Reduce Door-To-Needle Time, Shayna Brewer, Benedict Pereira, Rose Bisellach, Jason Greenspan

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Energetic Heterogeneity In Retinal Ganglion Cells: Role Of Neuronal Activity And Implications For Resilience, Zelun Wang

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the only connection between the eye and the brain via their axons in the optic nerve. In diseases such as glaucoma, RGCs undergo irreversible neurodegeneration leading to vision loss. RGCs consist of multiple types differing in morphology, gene expression, and signaling properties. Moreover, these types exhibit differential survival after axon injury. What cellular properties vary between RGC types that could underlie their heterogeneous response to neurodegeneration? Given that energy metabolism is tightly optimized for the homeostatic and active functions of different neurons, physiologically distinct RGC types likely exhibit divergent energetic characteristics. Furthermore, energy metabolism is …