Biography:

Hua P Su has expertise in structure based drug discovery with a focus on using x-ray crystallography to understand mechanism of action and inhibition. Having worked on numerous drug discovery projects including multiple neuroscience targets with small molecule and biologic modalities, he is interested in identifying new mechanisms of interaction that provides specificity to the targets and how to design screens that address selectivity.

Abstract:

Current therapies for chronic pain can have insufficient efficacy and lead to side effects, necessitating research on novel targets against pain. Although originally identified as an oncogene, TrkA is linked to pain and elevated levels of NGF, the ligand for TrkA, are associated with chronic pain. Antibodies that block TrkA interaction with its ligand, NGF, are in clinical trials for pain relief. Here, we describe the identification of TrkA-specific inhibitors and the structural basis for their selectivity over other Trk family kinases. The x-ray structures reveal a novel binding site outside the kinase active site that utilizes residues from the kinase domain and the juxtamembrane region. Three modes of binding with the juxtamembrane region are characterized through a series of ligand-bound complexes. The structures indicate a critical pharmacophore on the compounds that leads to the distinct binding modes. The mode of interaction can allow TrkA selectivity over TrkB and TrkC or promiscuous, pan-Trk inhibition. This highlights the difficulty in characterizing the structure-activity relationship of a chemical series in the absence of structural information due to substantial differences in the interacting residues. These structures illustrate the flexibility of binding to sequences outside of, but adjacent to, the kinase domain of TrkA. This knowledge allows development of compounds with specificity for TrkA or the family of Trk proteins and has implications on obtaining selectivity for kinase targets in drug discovery.

Biography:

Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD, Sleep Disorders Center, Läkargruppen, Örebro, Sweden, has been dedicated to sleep research during recent thirty years, with a special interest in restless legs syndrome  ( RLS ), even named Willis Ekbom Disease ( WED ). The main focus of this research has been on the epidemiology and the pathophysiology of this disease.   

Abstract:

Biography:

Mathew Nguyen, MD, MBA is board certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. He recently retired from faculty at the University of Florida, where during his 15 years, he oversaw multiple divisions, including Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, Consultation/Liaison, Medical Psychology, and Eating Disorders. Dr. Nguyen currently runs an adult psychiatry inpatient unit at Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. in Gainesville, Florida. He continues to be involved in clinical research, lecturing, and publishing. He also recently graduated from the University of Florida with a Masters in Business Administration and plans to incorporate the MBA into improving patient care models.

Abstract:

Schizophrenia has a prevalence rate of 1% and is a complicated illness that often leads to periods of relapses. Up to a third of patients with schizophrenia are considered to be treatment-resistant. Despite the new and various antipsychotic medications that have recently come to market, the number of treatment-resistant cases continue to abound. This has led to a sub-population of patients with schizophrenia being treated with more than one antipsychotic medication concurrently. Though it has become more common in clinical practice, there is sparse literature to objectively support the combination use of antipsychotic medications. There is also little literature addressing the use of a long-acting injectable (LAI) used in combination with another atypical antipsychotic. This case report serves to highlight the concurrent use of aripiprazole LAI used in combination with oral brexpiprazole in two patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The receptor binding affinity of these two antipsychotics appear complementary and perhaps even protective for extra pyramidal symptoms (EPS). We hypothesize that the use of a LAI serves as a “foundational barrier” to mitigate the potential for full psychotic relapses should patients become noncompliant with their oral medications, and that the LAI also may help with oral medication compliance in this subpopulation of treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients by increasing baseline functionality.

Biography:

Maha Ali Nada, I am a fourty one years old assistant professor of neurology in Ain Shams University which is one of the greatest univesitiesies in Cairo. Graduated in 1999. I' ve been practicing neurology since 2001 as resident , assistant lecturer, lecturer,  and assist prof since 2014. My MD thesis was namd: Clinicoradiological localisation of language disorders in acute ischemic CVS. I joined multiple sclerosis section in our department for 7years during which, I was responsible for day therapy care for all MS patients in our department. I used to attend all neurological conferences and to participate as speaker in some. 2 years ago, I became responsible for the pediatric neurology clinic in my department, which is a specialized afternoon clinic. Being the most senior in the clinic, it was my duty to teach younger staff and to encourage them to attend this new clinic which soon became the largest of the specialized clinics in our department regarding the number of patients attending(40 patients/clinic). Trying to register this large number of patients, we find many candidates for case reports and many ideas for new research. I 've also published a case report in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) on 12/2015 with a group of medical students and I was their mentor. Many puplications in the Egyptian Journal of Neurology, psychiatry and neurosurgery.One paper in the Journal of American Science in 2012

Abstract:

Among causes of secondary enuresis, epilepsy was none of those. It was observed in 15 children with secondary enuresis whom were urologically free, that their sleep EEG showed epileptic discharge without any other manifestations of epilepsy. After receiving antiepileptics, soon they became dry. There were common manifestations between those patients and they share some EEG similarities which we will try to explain aiming to shed the light on this possible new syndrome. This can guide future research for better management of such condition.

Biography:

Saule T.Turuspekova MD, PhD, neurologist highest category, Professor of the Department of  neurology and Neurosurgery of KazNMU. 1995- PhD Thesis -"Vegetative-vascular disorders in cerebral manifestations of diabetes mellitus." 2010 - Doctoral thesis - "The influence of small doses of ionizing radiation on the nervous system". Over 130 scientific papers which were presented at international conferences in many countries. State scholarship for talented young scientists of the Ministry of Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Coordinator of the Russian Youth Academy of Sciences (Samara). 2015-the personal physician of the Kazakhstan astronaut Aydin Aimbetov. Medal "Success of the Year". Badge and certificate of "Pride of the University" for outstanding contribution to the development of healthcare and medical science of the Republic of Kazakhstan and strengthening the image of the university. Patent holder The patent for invention number 31607The method of treatment patients with ischemic stroke in the early recovery period. The patent for invention number 31742The method of treatment patients with spinal cord injury in early rehabilitation period. Member of the ESO, WSO, EAN.    

Abstract:

There is an opinion that an insufficient level of external magnetic effect in terms of the degree of harm to the body can fully compete with a deficiency of minerals and vitamins, a prolonged stay in a weakened magnetic field of the Earth has a depressing effect on the central nervous system.Recently, more and more attention of researchers has been attracted to the neurostimulating effect of pulsed magnetic fields, in particular transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of ion-reflex induction magnetophonophoresis session using Extract of Ginkgo biloba (Tanakan (EGb 761^®))    in rehabilitation of patients with ischemic stroke in the early recovery period.

Materials and methods: 72 patients were supervised with ishemic stroke. The bioelectric activity of the cerebral cortex (EEG) was studied. There were use Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), and Barthel ADL Index. Quality of life was assessed by questionnaire Rivermead. Under observation were 3 groups:  1^st- 49 patients who received an extra ion-reflex induction magnetophonophoresis  sessions using Extract of Ginkgo biloba (Tanakan (EGb 761^®)) by applying head’s frontooccipital longitudinal galvanization techniques were conducted; 2^rd- 23 patients treated with protocol formed without sessions, 3^rd -25 healthy volunteers aged 21 to 70 years.

Results: sessions of ion-reflex induction magnetophonophoresis using Extract of Ginkgo biloba (Tanakan (EGb 761^®))  longitudinal methods fronto-occipital head galvanizing can achieve more significant results. There was a significant positive dynamics of cognitive functions according to the MoCA test in the intervention group (from 20,0 ± 2,3 to 26,8 ± 2,3 points) compared with controls (20,2 ± 2,1 - 23,2 ± 2,1). The MMSE was not informative. Barthel index rose by 10 points, Rivermead -15, respectively, in the 2^nd - without dynamic. The EEG noted a decrease in interhemispheric asymmetry of the α-rhythm in amplitude by 30-55% in 95% of patients, reducing the severity of slow-wave shifts by 30-40%. Expression and modulation of α-rhythm improved in 90% of cases. In dynamics, the slow wave activity decreased in 85% of patients.

Conclusions: The research’s indicators’ dynamics shows positive impact of ion-reflex induction magnetophonophoresis sessions using Extract of Ginkgo biloba (Tanakan (EGb 761^®)) by applying head’s frontooccipital longitudinal galvanization techniques in rehabilitation of patients with ischemic stroke in the early recovery period.

Biography:

Giuseppe Scalabrino studied at the School of Medicine of the University of Milan and received his M.D. degree magna cum laude in 1968. He has held a number of academic positions in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Milan. He was Associate Professor of General Pathology between 1971 and 1985; full Professor of General Pathology from 1986 till 2014. He has been invited speaker in various conferences, mainly dealing with the role of polyamines in oncology and subsequently with the cobalamin (vitamin B12) neurotrophism. Among his numerous honors, he received the International Award "Roentgen" from Italian Accademia dei Lincei in Rome for oncological research in 1983. He is author of more than 100 scientific papers and reviewer of numerous International  Journals.  Dr. Scalabrino's studies of cobalamin neurotrophism have been mentioned and reviewed in 12 american textbooks of neurology, biochemistry, hematology, and vitaminology.

Abstract:

Our experimental and clinical studies have highlighted the non-coenzyme functions of cobalamin (Cbl, vitamin B₁₂). Cytokine and growth factor (GF) imbalance in the central nervous system (CNS) of Cbl-deficient (Cbl-D) rats is a key point in the pathogenesis of Cbl-D neuropathy. The increased molecules are tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-a, nerve GF, and the soluble (s) CD40:sCD40Ligand dyad; the decreased molecules are epidermal GF (EGF) and interleukin-6. The in vivo administration of the lacking myelinotrophic molecules or agents antagonizing the excess myelintoxic agent is as effective as Cbl in repairing or preventing Cbl-deficiency-induced CNS myelin lesions. Cbl deficiency morphologically affects also glial cells, which normally synthesize and release various cytokines and GFs. Therefore, Cbl deficiency triggers the rearrangements of glia gene expression, eventually leading to a changed pattern of cytokine and GF production. Such an opposite imbalance in TNF-a and EGF similar to that observed in CNS of Cbl-D rats has been found in the sera of adult patients with pernicious anemia (but not in patients with iron-deficient anemia), and it was rectified by Cbl therapy. This imbalance has been found also in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of adult patients with Cbl-D neuropathy. Given that TNF-a and EGF regulate the expression of normal prions (PrP^cs) and PrP^cs play a crucial role in myelin maintenance, we investigated whether CNS PrP^c levels are indirectly regulated by Cbl. PrP^c levels had increased by the time Cbl-D-induced myelin lesions appeared. This increase was mediated by excess TNF-a and prevented by EGF. Cbl deficiency greatly reduced CNS PrP^c-mRNA levels, which were subsequently increased by Cbl and EGF. Similar increases in PrP^c levels also occur in the serum and CSF of adult Cbl-D patients, and the serum increase has been corrected by Cbl therapy. Therefore, Cbl may regulate the PrP^c levels in the serum and CSF in humans.          

Figure 1: Cbl as a fulcrum between physiologically myelinotrophic (green) and potential myelinodamaging agents (red) in rat CNS. This is highlighted by the Cbl-mediated stimulation of EGF, the Cbl- and EGF-mediated stimulation of PrP^c synthesis (green arrows), and the reduction of TNF-a and NGF levels (red arrows), eventually leading to a low NF-kB level                                                                        

Biography:

Natalia Malikowska is a PhD student at the Jagiellonian University Medical College. Besides fulfilling herself in a Pharmacy, she also realizes her scientific passion working at the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy CM UJ as a Behavioral Pharmacologist. Previously she was working on Epilepsy and Pain Issues, but nowadays her area of expertise has been expanded to memory, depression and PTSD studies. She is a young, but very creative researcher with really strong need to broaden her knowledge. Pretty long period of belonging to students’ scientific group enabled her to get acquainted to the laboratory and working with animals, also acquired academic achievements.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disease, associated with excessive stress and anxiety due to the cues which provoke re-experiencing of traumatic events. Because in PTSD we observe symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, the current pharmacotherapy includes antidepressants (mainly serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs) and anxiolytic drugs (benzodiazepines). However, these drugs are ineffective in some individuals. Furthermore, adverse effects of the above-mentioned drugs, in particular benzodiazepines, strongly impair patients’ social life. Our study was performed to determine if drugs acting via other neurotransmitter systems might present a higher activity in the mouse model of PTSD. For this purpose we studied the efficiency of venlafaxine, an antidepressant drug that interacts with serotoninergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic pathways.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The mouse model of PTSD was induced using single prolonged stress protocol (mSPS). The effectiveness of venlafaxine was assessed using the forced swim test (FST) 24 h, 3 days, 8 days, 15 day and 25 days after mSPS. In order to compare the activity of venlafaxine in PTSD model to its antidepressant effect in non-PTSD conditions, we have also performed FST in naïve mice.

Findings: Venlafaxine, when compared to SPS-subjected control group, presented antidepressant activity in the repeated FST, except for the day 8th (Fig. 1). The highest activity was observed on day 25, which correlates with findings that SPS model requires up to 3 weeks to become fully developed. However, when venlafaxine was tested in naïve mice, strong, antidepressant effect was demonstrated.

Conclusion & Significance: Venlafaxine is an effective drug in the mouse model of PTSD, although presented effect increases gradually. PTSD might induce neurobiological changes which cannot be fully reversed by venlafaxine administration, which is confirmed by higher activity of venlafaxine in non mSPS-subjected mice.

Biography:

Rebeillard F is a Doctor in Pharmacy and a first year PhD student. With his Medical and Scientific training his area of expertise includes pharmacology and health while integrating both fundamental science/research and patients care. This distinctive project about the unusual working principle of a nuclear GPCR is motivated by the need of supporting fundamental/academic research, and hopefully providing new openings for psychiatrics treatments to improve patients’ lives.

Abstract:

GPR88 is a neuronal orphan G-protein-coupled receptor preferentially concentrated in synaptic sites of the GABAergic MSNs, highlighting a neurotransmission role for GPR88 in MSNs which play a central role in a wide array of psychomotor functions subserved by the basal ganglia. However, no extensive description of its developmental expression has been provided so far. We reported that GPR88 protein is initially detected at embryonic day 16 (E16) in the rat striatal primordium. From E16-E20 to adulthood, the highest expression levels of both protein and mRNA are observed in striatum, olfactory tubercle, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and neocortex. We also observed an intracellular redistribution of GPR88 during cortical lamination. In the cortical plate, GPR88 presents a classical GPCR plasma membrane/cytoplasmic localization that shift, on the day of rat birth, to nuclei of neurons progressively settling in layers V to II. This intranuclear localization remains throughout adulthood and was also detected in mouse, monkey and human cortex. Transfections of GPR88 fluorescent chimeras into the rat cortical neurons demonstrated that nuclear localization depends on the I3 and C-terminus domains. GPR88 protein has no known NLS motifs, suggesting that GPR88 is driven into the cell nucleus by partner proteins. A yeast two-hybrid screen on a mouse brain cDNA library enabled to identify nuclear proteins including ATRX, TOP2B and BAZ2B as potential partners of GPR88. The results of proximity ligation assay experiments on neuronal cultures of cortex from WT and KO-GPR88 mice have validated the interaction of GPR88 with these nuclear proteins which are involved in the chromatin remodeling. The current description of the GPR88 subcellular expression may provide precious functional insights into this novel receptor. Furthermore, the GRP88 nuclear localization suggests nonclassical GPCR modes of action of the protein that could be relevant for cortical development and psychiatric disorders.

Biography:

Professor Gafarov Valery, in 1974 - MD (Novosibirsk medical university). 1980 - Phd, theme " Epidemiological studying Acute Myocardial Infarction in conditions of large industrial centre of Western Siberia". 1991 - MPH; 2003 - professor on a specialty "cardiology"; 2003 - present time – head of collaborative laboratory of epidemiology cardiovascular diseases and Laboratory of psychological, sociological aspects of therapeutic diseases of Research Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine. The author of 758 scientific publications (articles and abstracts), from them 6 monographs

Abstract:

Objective: to study the prevalence and association of rs2412646 gene CLOCK with some components of the socio-psychological characteristics and sleep disorders in the male population 25-44 years in Russia / Siberia (Novosibirsk).

Materials and methods. In 2014-2016 GG It surveyed a random representative sample of the male population 25-44 years, one of the districts of Novosibirsk. Randomly selected 200 men had a mean age of 35.5 years, who underwent psychosocial testing. Testing conducted by questionnaire "4-item Jenkins Sleep Questionnaire». Test anxiety and depression conducted modified questionnaires of the Welsh Depression subscale of the MMPI and Bendig Anxiety subscale of the MMPI, the study of the life of exhaustion conducted questionnaires The Maastricht Questionnaire (MQ). Questionnaire "Awareness and attitude towards their health" was also proposed. The men included in the study, studied the frequency distribution of genotypes of rs2412646 CLOCK gene. Differences in the distribution of genotype frequencies CLOCK gene were evaluated by Chi square (X2) test between groups. The values of p ≤ 0,05 were considered statistically significant.

Results. It was found that the most common genotype in the population was the C / C gene CLOCK -50,3%, C / T met at 42.5% and genotype T / T all at 7.2%. Most of the men were of the opinion, that would be addressed to the doctor only when severe pain or discomfort in the heart, but would not return if the pain or discomfort would be poorly expressed, however, 10.7% of men, the carriers of the genotype C / T, I would not go to a doctor, even when a severe pain or unpleasant sensations in the heart. It is also more likely to have continued to work carriers of genotype C / T - 47,4%. Among the carriers C / T genotype often sounded that their sleep is "satisfactory" or "poor." Media C / T genotype, compared with carriers of other genotypes, most agreed with the statement that oppresses them in a bad mood, and they are much less careful and attentive to detail.

Conclusion: Our results indicate a correlation between the presence of social and psychological factors, and sleep disorders, and polymorphic markers rs2412646 CLOCK gene.

Biography:

Hold a Doctorate degree in Public Health and Epidemiology, Master degree in Clinical Epidemiology (MSc), Master degree in Public Health (MPH), all from The Netherlands Universities.

·         Worked in Public Health since 1999 at different levels such as:

-          Academic (Erasmus university – Rotterdam / The Netherlands, Queen Marry University – London / UK), University of East Anglia UEA / Norwich.

-          International (United Nations).

-          National Health Authority (Qatar).

-          National Health Service (NHS), UK since Feb 2007.

-          others

·         Registered as Epidemiologist Grade A with The Netherlands Epidemiological Society.

·         Has numerous publications in the UK in mental illnesses, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Dementia, Autism, COPD, population health, road casualties and others.

·         Has broad experience with a wide variety of statistical software programs i.e. SPSS, STATA, excel, etc.

·         Broad experience of R&D.

·         Designing, conducting, analysing, and presenting quantitative and qualitative researches.

Abstract:

Background: Autism poses a particularly large public health challenge and an inspiring lifelong challenge for many families; it is a lifelong challenge of a different kind. Purpose:

Purpose: To understand what are the key challenges and  how to improve the lives of children who are affected with autism in Dubai.

Method: In order to carry out this assessment we have used two approaches:

• Qualitative methodology (focus groups with mental health experts working at: Al Jalila hospital (AJH), Dubai Autism Centre (DAC), Dubai Rehabilitation Centre for Disabilities, Latifa hospital, Private Sector Healthcare (PSH).)
• Quantitative methodology. Prevalence or incidence estimates based on international research. 

Key findings:

• Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Dubai Autism Center estimates it affects 1 in 146 births (0.68%). If we apply these estimates to the total number of births in Dubai for 2014, it is predicted there would be approximately 199 children (of which 58 were Nationals and 141 were Non–Nationals) suffering from autism at some stage.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a public health concern in Dubai. Families do not consult GPs for early diagnosis for a variety of reasons including cultural reasons.

Recommendations:

• Training of GP’s to aid early diagnosis of Autism and increase awareness.
• There is an urgent need for an adult autism center for when the children leave the safe environment of the school at 18 years.
• There is a need for further studies to cover the needs of people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Biography:

Mansoureh Togha received MD from shiraz university of medical sciences(1998) and graduated in course of specialty in “Neurology” in 1993 from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences(TUMS). Since then,she has been working as professor of neurology at TUMS. She is most interested in headache and facial pain researches. She has many experience of research, evaluation, and teaching in this field both in university hospital and private clinic. Also she has been the supervisor and advisor of more than 50MD, PhD and MSc theses and of a large volume of research works in collaboration with various research centers. Her main topic of research includes evaluating mechanisms involved in migraine development and progression, examining new treatment strategies and assessing the rate of comorbid disorders aimed at alleviating different types of headaches specially migraine. She has co-authored over50 international peer-reviewed publications and presented about100 papers and lectures at national or international scientific conferences. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Characterization of headaches and delineating possible relationships with Multiple Slerorosis(MS)-related determinants can ultimately circumvent headaches. Thus, in this study, we attempted to assess the prevalence of headaches during relapses and remissions of relapsing-remitting MS(RRMS)patients and denote the possible interrelations between headaches and types of MS exacerbations.Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: In a prospective case-control study, 65 RRMS patients and 65 healthy controls were recruited and asked about characteristics and co-symptoms of headaches they experienced in the preceding week and usage of disease modifying drugs and types of MS attacks were also inquired. The same questions were asked from the same patients 3 months later in a follow-up visit. Findings:A total of 57patients and 57controls were included in the final analyses. In total,26(45.6%) patients in relapse, 18(27.7%) controls, and 22(38.6%) patients in remission reported headaches and only significant difference existed between relapse patients and controls(P = 0.036). The headache prevalence was higher in patients in relapse phase having MS<3years compared to relapse patients with>3years of MS (68vs. 28.1%;P = 0.004). Other variables of interest did not differ among the three groups. Conclusion &Significance:The suggested explanation for migraine-MS interrelationship is that migraine, especially migraine with aura, switches on particular matrix metalloproteinases that in turn destruct the blood-brain barrier and render myelin autoantigens vulnerable to autoreactive T-cells present in the bloodstream and this process can ultimately culminate in MS. Furthermore, migraine episodes and MS attacks apparently share common cytokine profiles. According to our study at the earlier stages of MS, headaches were more common during attacks which may be due to active immune process in that stage. Common genetic and environmental determinants present in MS, and headaches are also on the agenda of headache-MS association. In summary, The RRMS patients in relapse phase suffer from headaches more than healthy people do.

Figure 1. Features of headache attacks during relapse and remission phases among patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, (A) Types of headache, (B) severity of headache, (C) quality of headache, (D) location of headache