Neurology Commons^™

Cross-Species Standardised Cortico-Subcortical Tractography, Stephania Assimopoulos, Shaun Warrington, Davide Folloni, Katherine Bryant, Ali-Reza Mohammadi-Nejad, Wei Tang, Saad Jbabdi, Sarah R Heilbronner, Rogier B Mars, Stamatios N Sotiropoulos

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Despite their importance for brain function, cortico-subcortical white matter tracts are under-represented in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging tractography studies. Their non-invasive mapping is more challenging and less explored compared to other major cortico-cortical bundles. We introduce a set of standardised tractography protocols for delineating tracts between the cortex and various deep subcortical structures, including the caudate, putamen, amygdala, thalamus, and hippocampus. To enable comparative studies, our protocols are designed for both human and macaque brains. We demonstrate how tractography reconstructions follow topographical principles obtained from tracers in the macaque and how these translate to humans. We show that the proposed …

Diaphragm Resuspension To Titanium Neo-Ribs: A Technique For Chest-Wall Reconstruction Involving The Costal Margin, Patrick Mcgeoghegan, Vuong-Lam Pham, Cristian Medina, Sebastian Winocour, Robert Taylor Ripley, Ramiro Fernandez

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

From Bladder To Brain: How You Know When It’S Time To Go, Anne M J Verstegen, Kara L Marshall

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

The decision to urinate relies on assessing bladder fullness and context to determine an appropriate time and place to go. Any disruption in this interoceptive process results in frequent and sometimes debilitating consequences in daily life. Recent work has uncovered key pathways and brain regions that contribute to the sense of bladder stretch and the control of urinary reflexes, but many open questions remain. Here, we review the known mechanisms that convey sensory information from the bladder to the brain and back down again, and we highlight the knowledge gaps and opportunities for better understanding this system, which will be …

Loss Of The Lysosomal Protein Cln3 Triggers C-Abl-Dependent Yap1 Pro-Apoptotic Signaling, Neuza Domingues, Alessia Calcagni', Sofia Freire, Joana Pires, Ricardo Casqueiro, Ivan L Salazar, Niculin Joachim Herz, Tuong Huynh, Katarzyna Wieciorek, Tiago Fleming Outeiro, Henrique Girão, Ira Milosevic, Andrea Ballabio, Nuno Raimundo

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Batten disease is characterized by early-onset blindness, juvenile dementia and death within the second decade of life. The most common genetic cause are mutations in CLN3, encoding a lysosomal protein. Currently, no therapies targeting disease progression are available, largely because its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. To understand how CLN3 loss affects cellular signaling, we generated human CLN3 knock-out cells (CLN3-KO) and performed RNA-seq analysis. Our multi-dimensional analysis reveals the transcriptional regulator YAP1 as a key factor in remodeling the transcriptome in CLN3-KO cells. YAP1-mediated pro-apoptotic signaling is also increased as a consequence of CLN3 functional loss in retinal pigment …

Living With Dementia In Kenya: Pathways To Care, Diagnosis And Management, Edna Bosire

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing a sharp rise in the size of theolder population; consequently, the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer’s DiseaseRelated Dementias (AD/ADRD) is also expected to rise. There is limited research onAD/ADRD lived experiences have been conducted in SSA including Kenya. Our projectaimed to explore patient’s and caregivers lived experiences with Alzheimer’s disease inKenya.

Methods: This ethnographic study was conducted at the Aga Khan University hospital(AKUH), involving in-depth interviews with 21 health care providers, 26 patientswith mild cognitive impairment and 36 caregivers. We also conducted 10 homevisits and observations. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.In what …

Improved Model For Neurodegeneration In C. Elegans, Jean-Pierre Arditi

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

During Alzheimer's disease (AD), insoluble amyloid beta (AP) peptides accumulate to form extracellular aggregates (plaques). The direct cause of neuronal dysfunction observed in AD has been broadly investigated. The amyloid hypothesis states that AP plaques are neurotoxic, but recent studies support the AP oligomer hypothesis, which states that intracellular AP (iAP) is neurotoxic. To test this hypothesis, I used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to generate two transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) strains. I generated a strain (RSLl 11) using the rab-3 promoter to co-express GFP in neurons, which showed no gross behavioral changes but had a 50% reduced egglaying rate. RSLl …

Dual-Task Interaction Between Vestibular Function And Cognitive Processing Using The P300 Event-Related Potential, Laurel Elise Money-Nolan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Previous research has established links between vestibular function and cognitive processing, aging and cognitive function, and aging and vestibular function. Theories of cognitive resource allocation discuss how cognitive resources, such as attention, are devoted towards and divided between tasks when multitasking. This dual-task study, utilizing a balance task and a listening/cognitive task, across the young- and middle-aged adult age range, aimed to evaluate potential relationships between vestibular function, cognition, and age, and to examine how cognitive resources might be allocated under dual-task conditions.

The dual-task protocol in this study utilized an oddball paradigm with tonal stimuli to measure the P300 …

Blood-Based Clinical Markers For Early Dementia Detection: Insights From Ad-Detect-Cohort, Benard Aliwa, Jasmit Shah, Olivera Nesic Taylor,, Samuel Nguku, Juzar Hooker, Dilraj Sokhi, Sylvia Mbugua, Litha Musili, Rachel Maina, Harrison Kaleli, Levi Muyela, Anne Njoki Gitere, Anne Nyambura, Zul Merali, Karen Blackmon, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, with more than60% residing in low- and middle-income countries. Alzheimer’s disease, the mostcommon form of dementia, accounts for 60–70% of cases. Early and accurate diagnosisremains a global challenge, necessitating novel approaches to mitigate the diseaseburden. Biomarkers hold significant promise in improving diagnostic accuracy andpredicting disease progression. Validated biomarkers for the preclinical stages ofdementia are crucial for advancing diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. We aimedto identify potential clinical markers for early dementia detection and assess theirpredictive accuracy in identifying high-risk individuals.

Method: We analyzed blood samples from dementia cases (n = 30) and …

Clinical Phenotypes Of Motor Neurone Disease In A Kenyan Hospital-Based Population, Effie Nailah Kamadi, Jasmit Shah, Juzar Hooker, Thomas Jenkins, Dilraj Sokhi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Motor neurone disease (MND) presentation is globally heterogenous and data on the clinical phenotype in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is scarce. We sought to address this by describing the profile of MND patients in a Kenyan hospital-based population.

Methods: The medical charts of all adult MND patients assessed in the facility between January 2010 and December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The biographical data and clinical features of these patients were captured from their electronic and manual health records and statistical analysis performed.

Results: In total, 160 patients had their data analyzed. The male to female ratio was 1.76:1. The median …

Pengaruh Aerobic Low Impact Exercise Terhadap Fungsi Kognitif Lansia Dengan Risiko Demensia Di Sasana Tresna Werdha Cibubur Tahun 2025, Nur Achirda, Liza Laela Abida, Kania Annisa Zahra

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: Entering old age, the elderly often face various problems, one of which is impaired cognitive function. Some factors that influence the decline in cognitive abilities in the elderly include gender, education level, occupation, nutritional status, and comorbidities that can interfere with the nervous system, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The problem of dementia in the elderly is an important concern that requires effective prevention and treatment. Dementia in the elderly can include several aspects, such as orientation, registration, attention and calculation, memory, and language. Physiotherapy has an important role in maintaining and improving body movement function, so that …

Pengaruh Deep Neck Flexor Exercise Terhadap Neck Pain Non-Specific Pada Penjahit, Salwa Maylani, Fendy Nugroho, Yoni Rustiana

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: tailors tend to bow for a long time which results in excessive activation of the postural muscles in maintaining the position of the neck which causes weakness, decreased activity, and muscle imbalance which results in pain in the neck area. In overcoming these disorders, the intervention that can be given is deep neck flexor exercise. Objective: to determine the effect of deep neck flexor exercise on non-specific neck pain in tailors. Methods: this study used an experimental one group pre and post test with control design which was carried out in May-July 2024 at PT. Iskandar Indah Printing Textile …

Kecemasan Orang Tua Yang Memiliki Anak Disabilitas Intelektual Di Slbn 4 Jakarta, Hermito Gidion, Purnama Betty Sitorus, Zahrah Nabila Humayrah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Anxiety is a common mental condition characterized by feelings of nervousness, fear, and restlessness that can interfere with daily life. Parents who have children with intellectual disabilities often experience anxiety due to various factors, including psychological pressure and high emotional burdens. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of anxiety among parents who have children with intellectual disabilities at SLBN 4 Jakarta and to identify the relationship between predisposing and precipitating factors and the level of anxiety. This research employed a quantitative descriptive approach with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 81 parents at SLBN 4 …

Pengaruh Biofeedback Terhadap Program Peningkatan Kekuatan Otot, Aditya Johan Romadhon, Fendy Nugroho, Pajar Haryatno

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: In sport the muscle fiber composition surely affect athlete performances, selective training technic and using advance technology may improve and set a new standards for athlete optimal performances, technology innovation such as computer simulator has been use to generate realistic match simulation in several sport, but the technology is not cheap that many sport clubs can afford, so biofeedback may become innovation to improve athletes performance by monitoring muscle activation to achieve selective muscle contraction in muscle strengthening programs. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether auditory feedback as biofeedback can improve muscle activation in a …

The Intersection Of Near-Death Experiences (Ndes) And Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi): Neurobiological, Phenomenological, And Creative Implications, Diego Iacono, Gloria C Feltis

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and near-death experiences (NDEs) represent profound disruptions in brain function, often associated with dramatic changes in consciousness, self-perception, and behavior. While these events are typically studied for their pathological consequences, a growing body of evidence suggests they may also trigger unexpected cognitive and creative enhancements in a subset of individuals. We explore the intersection between TBI, NDEs, and the emergence of heightened artistic expression, integrating findings from neuroanatomy, neuropathology, genetics, and phenomenology. We examine how alterations in key brain networks - such as the default mode network, frontoparietal circuits, and limbic regions - may underpin shifts …

The Mechanism Of Action Of Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (Ren) In Treating Migraine And Potentially Other Idiopathic Pain Conditions, Marius Birlea, Christopher L. Robinson, Eden Mama, Alit Stark-Inbar, Alon Ironi, Daniel Atashsokhan, Thomas Berk

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Purpose of Review

This review provides evidence for the mechanism of action (MOA) of Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN), a non-pharmacological therapeutic technology for treating migraine and other symptoms manifested by certain idiopathic pain diseases. It discusses the main physiological and anatomical aspects associated with conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and how REN is applied for the treatment of migraine pain and other symptoms.

Recent Findings

The REN wearable device (Nerivio®) is FDA cleared for acute and preventive treatment of migraine in patients aged 8 years and above, and CE marked in patients aged 12 and above. In brief, the REN MOA …

Profiling Tumour-Infiltrating Immune Cells In A Large Paediatric Medulloblastoma Cohort: A Retrospective Analysis, Mingze Chen, Xiangjun Shi, Yi Wang, Jiao Zhang, Jirong Guo, Xiuchen Guan, Yu Sun, Wenhao Wu, Chunde Li, Yongji Tian, Yunwei Ou, Tian Li, Kai Jiang, Michael D Taylor, Xuebin Liao, Liwei Zhang, Tao Sun

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Tumour-infiltrating immune cells exert both pro-tumour and anti-tumour effects on intracranial tumours. In this study, we investigated the prognostic value of various infiltrating immune cells in medulloblastoma (MB) within a large cohort.

Methods: We employed multiplex immunofluorescent (mIF) staining of tissue microarrays to assess the densities of T cells, B cells, NK cells, macrophages, and immune checkpoints in tumour samples from 249 primary paediatric patients with primary MB. Overall survival (OS) analysis, progression-free survival (PFS), and Cox regression analyses were utilised to explore potential relationships between immune cell densities and survival outcomes. Subsequently, multivariate Cox regression was validated using …

Development Of A Non-Faradaic Impedimetric Biosensor Based On Reduced Graphene Oxide For The Detection Of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf), Mariana N. Martins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the rising number of cases significantly increases global healthcare costs. Therefore, early detection of biomarkers at the onset of the disease is essential for early diagnosis. This study presents an electrochemical biosensor designed for the detection of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in human plasma, incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to enhance signal sensitivity. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) was employed to deposit rGO flakes on the electrode surface, improving conductivity and sensor performance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to monitor changes in impedance associated with BDNF binding events, …

The Effect Of Uterine Entry Technique On Chorioamniotic Membrane Separation In Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation For Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Brian A Burnett, Jessian L Munoz, Rebecca M Johnson, Christian M Parobek, Luis E Delgadillo Chabolla, Cara Buskmiller, Roopali V Donepudi, Magdalena Sanz Cortes, Michael A Belfort, Ahmed A Nassr

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Chorioamniotic membrane separation (CAS) is a recognized complication of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), associated with increased risks of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and preterm birth (PTB). Although CAS is well described, its incidence and relationship to specific surgical techniques, particularly the method of uterine entry, are not well defined in the published literature. No randomized trials have evaluated whether entry technique influences the risk of CAS.

Methods: We present the protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing sharp-trocar and Seldinger uterine entry techniques for FLP in TTTS diagnosed between 16 + 0 …

Capacity, Allocation And Update Dynamics Of Human Memory Systems, Shaoying Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Information is encoded and stored in three types of memory: sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). SM has a large capacity but retains information for only a brief period. When information transfers to STM, only a limited amount can be stored. Information in STM can then be transferred to LTM, which has a much larger capacity and longer retention time. STM is often conceptualized as working memory (WM) to highlight its role in active information processing. Due to the limited capacity of STM, it is commonly believed that STM serves as the bottleneck for information processing. …

Apathy Self-Awareness And Its Neural Correlates In Parkinson’S Disease, Hannah Conn, Hideo Suzuki, Zekai Jin, Ana Marin, Xi Zhu, Seonjoo Lee, Edward Huey, Ratko Radakovic, Sarah R Heilbronner, Nora Vanegas-Arroyave

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Apathy is a prevalent non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) that negatively impacts quality of life. Impaired self-awareness of apathy (ISA-a) further impacts patient care by limiting engagement. While apathy has been associated with reduced fronto-striatal functional connectivity (FC), the neural basis of ISA-a remains unclear. We examined ISA-a in 52 individuals and the neural basis of ISA-a in 35 individuals with PD using a dimensional approach (i.e., initiation, executive, and emotional apathy) and resting-state fMRI (3T scanner). Apathetic PD patients (42%) showed poorer self-awareness than non-apathetic peers. Apathetic PD patients showed a trend towards reduced FC between the left …