Neurology Commons^™

Liver X Receptor-Dependent Inhibition Of Microglial Nitric Oxide Synthase 2, Julie R Secor Mcvoy, Hanadi Ajam Oughli, Unsong Oh

Neurology Publications

Background

The nuclear receptor liver X receptor (LXR) exerts transcriptional control over lipid metabolism and inflammatory response in cells of the myeloid lineage, suggesting that LXR may be a potential target in a number of chronic neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases where persistent microglial activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis.

Methods

The effect of LXR activation on microglia and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation was studied using a synthetic LXR agonist in cultured microglia, a microglial cell line and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of CNS inflammation.

Results

LXR activation inhibited nitric oxide synthase 2, inducible (Nos2 …

Progressive Cognitive Deficit, Motor Impairment And Striatal Pathology In A Transgenic Huntington Disease Monkey Model From Infancy To Adulthood, Anthony W. S. Chan, Jie Jiang, Yiju Chen, Chunxia Li, Melinda S. Prucha, Yijuan Hu, Tim Chi, Sean Moran, Tayeb Rahim, Shihua Li, Xiaojiang Li, Stuart M. Zola, Claudia M. Testa, Hui Mao, Rosa Villalba, Yoland Smith, Xiaodong Zhang, Jocelyne Bachevalier

Neurology Publications

One of the roadblocks to developing effective therapeutics for Huntington disease (HD) is the lack of animal models that develop progressive clinical traits comparable to those seen in patients. Here we report a longitudinal study that encompasses cognitive and motor assessment, and neuroimaging of a group of transgenic HD and control monkeys from infancy to adulthood. Along with progressive cognitive and motor impairment, neuroimaging revealed a progressive reduction in striatal volume. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 48 months of age revealed a decrease of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), further suggesting neuronal damage/loss in the striatum. Postmortem neuropathological analyses revealed significant neuronal loss in …

In A Right State Of Mind: An Analysis Of Cognitive And Linguistic Function Following A Rare Case Of Atypical Language Dominance In Aphasia, Emily Manton

Undergraduate Review

As the foundation for effective communication, the power of the human brain to create and execute language derives from the ability of its structural components to remain intact. Extensive research has found that in 97% of people worldwide, language is typically carried out by the left hemisphere of the brain. Research for lesions in this area therefore, have been well documented. For the 3% of individuals who fall in the category of "atypical cerebral dominance" however, there is little in the available literature. Therefore, this empirical prospective case study sought to document the cognitive and linguistic functions of a 59 …

A Dietary Intervention For Chronic Diabetic Neuropathy Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study, A. E. Bunner, C. L. Wells, J. Gonzales, U. Agarwal, Elham Bayat, Neal D. Barnard

Neurology Faculty Publications

Background:

Diabetic neuropathy is a common and often debilitating condition for which available treatments are limited. Because a low-fat plant-based diet has been shown to improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, we hypothesized that such a diet would reduce painful symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Methods:

In this 20-week pilot study, individuals with type 2 diabetes and painful diabetic neuropathy were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group was asked to follow a low-fat, plant-based diet, with weekly classes for support in following the prescribed diet, and to take a vitamin B12 supplement. The control group was …

Effect Of Cold Plasma On Glial Cell Morphology Studied By Atomic Force Microscopy., Nina Recek, Xiaoqian Cheng, Michael Keidar, Uros Cvelbar, Alenka Vesel, Miran Mozetic, Jonathan Sherman

Neurological Surgery Faculty Publications

The atomic force microscope (AFM) is broadly used to study the morphology of cells. The morphological characteristics and differences of the cell membrane between normal human astrocytes and glial tumor cells are not well explored. Following treatment with cold atmospheric plasma, evaluation of the selective effect of plasma on cell viability of tumor cells is poorly understood and requires further evaluation. Using AFM we imaged morphology of glial cells before and after cold atmospheric plasma treatment. To look more closely at the effect of plasma on cell membrane, high resolution imaging was used. We report the differences between normal human …

Genetic Modifiers Of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy And Dilated Cardiomyopathy., Andrea Barp, Luca Bello, Luisa Politano, Paola Melacini, Chiara Calore, Eric P. Hoffman, +16 Additional Authors

Genomics and Precision Medicine Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major complication and leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DCM onset is variable, suggesting modifier effects of genetic or environmental factors. We aimed to determine if polymorphisms previously associated with age at loss of independent ambulation (LoA) in DMD (rs28357094 in the SPP1 promoter, rs10880 and the VTTT/IAAM haplotype in LTBP4) also modify DCM onset.

METHODS: A multicentric cohort of 178 DMD patients was genotyped by TaqMan assays. We performed a time-to-event analysis of DCM onset, with age as time variable, and finding of left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% and/or end diastolic volume > 70 mL/m2 as …

Cervical Instability In Klippel-Feil Syndrome: Case Report And Review Of The Literature, Aaron Wessell, Peter Derosa, Abraham Cherrick, Jonathan H. Sherman

Neurological Surgery Faculty Publications

Background

The authors present a case of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy in the setting of multiple Klippel-Feil syndrome abnormalities treated surgically with a single-level C3–C4 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. We discuss the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and various treatment options for cervical spine abnormalities in Klippel-Feil syndrome.

Case Presentation

This 22-year-old female with Klippel-Feil syndrome presented with intermittent neck pain, left upper extremity weakness, and paresthesias. Preoperative MRI, CT, and X-rays of the cervical spine revealed anterolisthesis at C3/4 with unstable movement on flexion and extension imaging. In addition, there were multiple segmental fusion abnormalities including hemivertebrae and other …

Levetiracetam-Induced Pancytopenia., Talal Alzahrani, Dana Kay, Saeed A. Alqahtani, Yamane Makke, Linda Lesky, Mohamad Z. Koubeissi

Neurology Faculty Publications

Pancytopenia is a rare side effect of levetiracetam (LEV) that is associated with severe morbidity that requires hospitalization. Here, we report a patient with a right temporoparietal tumor who underwent a temporal craniotomy with resection of the mass and was started on LEV for seizure prophylaxis per the neurosurgery local protocol. The patient developed LEV-induced pancytopenia, which was successfully managed by discontinuation of this medication. Our report aims to increase awareness of this rare cause of pancytopenia among clinicians.

Adar1 Facilitates Hiv-1 Replication In Primary Cd4+ T Cells., Eloy Cuadrado, Thijs Booiman, John L Van Hamme, Machiel H Jansen, Karel A Van Dort, Adeline Vanderver, Gillian I Rice, Yanick J Crow, Neeltje A Kootstra, Taco W Kuijpers

Neurology Faculty Publications

Unlike resting CD4+ T cells, activated CD4+T cells are highly susceptible to infection of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 infects T cells and macrophages without activating the nucleic acid sensors and the anti-viral type I interferon response. Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) is an RNA editing enzyme that displays antiviral activity against several RNA viruses. Mutations in ADAR1 cause the autoimmune disorder Aicardi-Goutieères syndrome (AGS). This disease is characterized by an inappropriate activation of the interferon-stimulated gene response. Here we show that HIV-1 replication, in ADAR1-deficient CD4+T lymphocytes from AGS patients, is blocked at the level of …

Mitral Subvalvular Aneurysm In A Patient With Chagas Disease And Recurrent Episodes Of Ventricular Tachycardia., Tereza Augusta Grillo, Guilherme Rafael S Athayde, Ana Flávia L Belfort, Reynaldo C Miranda, Andrea Z. Beaton, Bruno R Nascimento

Neurology Faculty Publications

Subvalvular left ventricular aneurysm is a rare disease of obscure origin suggesting unique causes such as congenital, traumatic, and inflammatory or infectious diseases. Its mortality is closely related to heart failure, mitral insufficiency, thromboembolic phenomena, and cardiac arrhythmias. Although association with coronary artery disease is not described, the compression of epicardial vessels by the aneurysm may lead to ischemic manifestations. We report here a case of mitral subvalvular left ventricular aneurysm of probable chagasic origin, in a patient with normal left ventricular function evolving with repeated episodes of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, despite noninducible electrophysiological testing and the use of optimal …

Impacts Of Signal Free Corridors On The Incidence Of Road Traffic Accidents In Karachi, Salman Zubair, Jamil H. Kazm, Syed Shahid Ali, Rashid Jooma, Zeeshan Akhtar

Section of Neurosurgery

Increase in road Traffic Accidents is a global phenomenon and Pakistan is no exception. In Karachi, this problem becomes severe due to rapid growth of population. This menace is ruining the lives of thousands of people and making Karachi a worrisome place to live. Recent road geometrical transitions in the city with insufficient accessories have been reducing the problem of traffic congestion to a limited extent. On the contrary, this has erupted as a problem of Road Traffic Accidents which is reaching out of proportions. Recently, induction of a unique feature named, Signal Free Corridor in Karachi has cost many …

Neuronal Migration: How Do You Build A Brain?, Sravya Uppalapati

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Senior biology major Alex Burkard is working in the Walsh Neurodevelopment Laboratory at VCU to help answer the question, ‘How do you build a brain?’ Burkard is researching neuronal migration in Zebrafish and how cellular polarity affects hindbrain development.

Polio Eradication And Health Systems In Karachi: Vaccine Refusals In Context, Svea Closser, Rashid Jooma, Emma Varley, Naina Qayyum, Sonia Rodrigues, Akasha Sarwar, Patricia Omidian

Section of Neurosurgery

Community and health worker engagement will be key to polio eradication in Karachi, Pakistan. In this study, the authors conducted participant observation, interviews, and a document review in SITE Town, Karachi, an area that in recent years has harbored poliovirus. SITE’s diverse population includes large numbers of internally displaced persons who are disproportionately affected by polio and are more likely than other populations to refuse the polio vaccine. Vaccine acceptance and worker motivation in SITE Town were shaped by the discrepancy in funding and attention for polio eradication campaigns as compared with routine services. Parental vaccine refusals stemmed from a …

Educational Professionals' Current Knowledge Of Concussions And Return To Learn Implementation Practice, Michelle Kuzma

Online Theses and Dissertations

Purpose of Project: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge level and return-to-learn concussion management guidelines for secondary school educational professionals.

Methods: Surveys were distributed to 1,334 middle and high school educational professionals. Surveys included questions regarding basic demographics, teaching and coaching experience, personal concussion experiences, general concussion knowledge, and knowledge of return-to-learn guidelines. Results: Survey response rate was 15.7% (N=210). The mean teaching experience was 13.9±8.6yr and 46.4% had previous or current coaching experience. Overall 25.8% of respondents had taken a class/clinic on concussion recognition. Of those that coached, only 49.0% took a class on concussion …

Anti-Nmda Receptor Encephalitis In A Patient With Previous Psychosis And Neurological Abnormalities: A Diagnostic Challenge, R. David Heekin, Maria C. Catalano, Alfred T. Frontera, Glenn Catalano

Neurology Faculty Publications

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by IgG autoantibodies directed against the NR1 subunit of the NMDA glutamate receptor. Psychiatric symptoms are common and include psychosis, mania, depressed mood, aggression, and speech abnormalities. Neurological symptoms such as seizures, decreased responsiveness, dyskinesias, and other movement abnormalities and/or autonomic instability are frequently seen as well. We present the case of a woman who was followed up at our facility for over 14 years for the treatment of multiple neuropsychiatric symptoms. Initially, she presented with paresthesias, memory loss, and manic symptoms. Nine years later, she presented to our facility again, …

The Clinical Utility Of Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation In Individuals With Huntington’S Disease, Travis Miles Cruickshank

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterised by a progressive loss of cognitive function, motor control and psychiatric features. Individuals also display a variety of systemic features. Progressive neuronal dysfunction and neuronal cell death are thought to underlie the onset and progression of many clinical features of HD.

Despite scientific progress, there is still no cure or disease modifying therapy for HD, and available pharmaceutical agents only provide partial relief of motor and psychiatric features. An emerging body of evidence indicates that lifestyle enrichment may delay the onset and progression of clinical features, and exert favourable effects …

Can Trained Field Community Workers Identify Stroke Using A Stroke Symptom Questionnaire As Well As Neurologists? Adaptation And Validation Of A Community Worker Administered Stroke Symptom Questionnaire In A Peri-Urban Pakistani Community., Maria Khan,, Ayeesha Kamran Kamal, Muhammad S. Ilyas, Muhammad Islam, Iqbal Azam Syed, Azam Virk,, Alia Nasir, Hasan Rehman,, Anita Arif,, Muhammad Jan,, Anjum Akhtar,, Minaz Mawani, Junaid Abdul Razzak,, Omrana Pasha

Department of Medicine

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is a paucity of data from South Asia where stroke is highly prevalent. Validated tools administrable by Community Health Workers (CHWs) are required to identify stroke in the community in a resource strapped region such as this.

Methods: The study was conducted in a transitional slum in Karachi, Pakistan. Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status (QVSFS) was adapted and translated into Urdu. Two CHWs, trained by a neurologist, selected 322 community dwelling subjects using purposive sampling. Each CHW collected data independently which was validated by a vascular neurologist who …

Frataxin Levels In Peripheral Tissue In Friedreich Ataxia, Michael Lazaropoulos, Yina Dong, Elisia Clark, Nathaniel R. Greeley, Lauren A. Seyer, Karlla W. Brigatti, Carlton Christie, Susan L. Perlman, George R. Wilmot, Christoper M. Gomez, Katherine D. Mathews, Grace Yoon, Theresa Zesiewicz, Chad Hoyle, Sub H. Subramony, Alicia F. Brocht, Jennifer M. Farmer, Robert B. Wilson, Eric C. Deutsch, David R. Lynch

Neurology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Axon Initial Segment Stability In Multiple Sclerosis, Suneel K. Thummala

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by inflammation and demyelination. In addition to these hallmark features, MS also presents with axonal pathology, which is likely responsible for the signs and symptoms of the disease. Although prominent in MS, axonal pathology is frequently considered a consequence of demyelination and not a primary event. This conclusion is consistent with demyelination inducing the loss of specific axonal domains, known as the nodes of Ranvier that are responsible for the propagation of action potentials along the axon. In contrast, we propose that axonal pathology associated with MS …

Extensive And Persistent Disruption Of Neurovascular Coupling By A Single Cerebral Microinfarct, Philipp Mcconnell Summers

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Cerebral microinfarcts (CMI), microscopic brain lesions caused by blockade of small blood vessels, have recently emerged as a potential determinant of cognitive decline. Though small in size, our recent work demonstrated that a single, strategically placed CMI was sufficient to disrupt sensory input in a behavioral task. However, the means by which such small lesions disrupt brain function remain poorly understood. We imaged vascular function in awake, head-fixed mice using two-photon microscopy to examine the impact of CMI on neurovascular coupling. CMI were generated in cortex by photothrombotic occlusion of single penetrating vessels through a thinned-skull cranial window. Vibrissa-evoked dilation …