29^th International Conference on Public Mental Health and Neuroscience July 16-18, 2018 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Biography:

Dr. Reza Nejat is a board certified Anesthesiologist and FCCM. After graduating from Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) as a GP, he could achieve the ECFMG certification and also board certification in Anesthesiology from Iran University of Medical Sciences. He passed the fellowship programme in Critical Care Medicine at Sina Hospital, TUMS. During this period he was inclined to study molecular medicine in the field of sepsis, acute heart failure and neurocritical care. Administration of EPO to neurologically injured patients has been one of his field of interests and experience for the past 4 years.

He was the chief of few hospitals and associate professor in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences for 8 years. Dr. Nejat has 4 published books in the fields of cardiology, nephrology, fluid and electrolyte, nutrition, metabolism and endocrinology. Recently, he contributed to the chapter of “Acute Heart Failure” in the reference book “Comprehensive Textbook of Therapeutics” studied by post-doc residents of pharmacotherapy. On his website, rezanejat.com, he publishes his articles.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: During the last 25 years in animal, ex-vivo, in-vitro and even in some clinical studies, cell protective effect of erythropoietin, a growth hormone used for eruthropoiesis, was clarified even though the German Multicenter EPO Stroke Trial revealed that administration of this growth factor might even be hazardous to humans. On the contrary, huge amount of studies thereafter, like the conclusion achieved in 2010 by Elmahdy and colleagues, could elucidate the anti-inflammatory cell-protective potentials of erythropoietin in neurological injuries and disorders recently categorized as neuroinflammatory entities. The neuroprotective effect of this endo-hormone and its safety, if proved clinically might change the fate of many disabled patients in the future.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Near 270 articles including reviews and animal, in-vitro, ex-vivo and clinically case-control studies downloaded from science direct and pubmed websites were studied.

Conclusion & Significance: It has long been believed that neural cells do not have the potentials to proliferate nor regenerate in case they encounter diverse sorts of insults including of hypoxic, hypoglycemic, oxidative and even apoptotic origin. A growing number of studies have shown that erythropoietin receptor is distributed extensively in the nervous system on the neurovascular unit cells and erythropoietin participates in many cell-protective anti-apoptotic pathways in the central and peripheral nervous systems. These pathways also have significant contributions to plasticity of the neuronal tissues which by itself shows the probable role of this growth factor in even restoring of memory and intelligence in post-injury period. A recent phase II study in infants with moderate to severe hypoxic/ischemic encephalopathy has demonstrated EPO’s effect in diminishing MRI brain injury and improving the motor function of the infants after 1 year. It seems to be a must to conduct more sophisticated methodological case control studies to elucidate the magical effects of this endo-hormone.

Biography:

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (FRCP – Glasgow). 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 with broad experience driving Research and Development (R&D) strategies and operations.

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.

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (FRCP – Glasgow). 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 with broad experience driving Research and Development (R&D) strategies and operations.

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.

Abstract:

Background: Mental health is without doubt one of the most vital aspects of any child's development. It is an essential part of children's overall health and has an impact on the child’s physical health and their ability to be successful.  Mental health increases children’s opportunity to live up to their full potential and do what is best for themselves and the people around them. 

Method: In order to carry out this assessment we applied qualitative and quantitative methodology.

Key findings:

• Whilst some child mental health services exist, these are fragmented between the public and private sector. There needs to be a catalogue of comprehensive and coordinated services, which health care professionals can access to improve care delivery and utilization of these services.

• There is a shortage of child mental health professionals such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, mental health nurses and psychologists. There is also a need for on–going training and career development for existing professionals.

• There is an important need to develop and improve mental health services in the Educational system that is tied in with children’s mental health services. This will allow provision of effective and timely school interventions for children who require special educational or supportive interventions due to mental health issues.

• 16.4% of children (through their families) seek help for ASD assessment between the age group 6–18+. It is critical to understand and address factors for seeking late–stage diagnosis, as ASD can be diagnosed much earlier and how many of these later presenters are actually diagnosed with ASD.

• It is suggested that half of the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have yet to have the condition diagnosed. This may be due to lack of awareness and stigma.

Biography:

Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Queens University, Kingston, Ontario. At present is the clinical director of the Adult Community Division. Held the position of Clinical Director of the Acute Inpatient Unit between 2013 and 2016. Lead Psychiatrist for the Assertive Com​munity Treatment Team since 2009. Had joined the department as an Assistant Professor in March 2009 and was promoted to Associate Professor in July, 2015. Trained in the University College of London, Camden and Islington Training Scheme Rotation. Did Medicine from Karachi, Pakistan practiced in Medicine and Family Medicine before going to the United Kingdom.

Abstract:

Quality Standards are a new form of evidence-based guidance developed by Health Quality Ontario in topics that are identified as high priority areas for quality improvement in Ontario. Quality Standards are intended to support health care professionals in providing the best care possible, and to help patients, caregivers and the public know what kind of care they should expect.

It is with time we have realized that a more comprehensive approach is required to improve the care of those with psychosis. Currently, there is an emphasis on developing and testing care pathways in health. These pathways map the journey of a person with psychosis through the care system.  The aim of a care pathway is to enhance the quality of care across the continuum by improving risk-adjusted patient outcomes, promoting patient safety, increasing patient satisfaction, and optimizing the use of resources.”

Recently the Health Quality Ontario has taken the initiative to come up with care pathways for individuals with Schizophrenia in attempt to standardize care across the province.

There are 11 Quality Standards in this pathway which range from providing comprehensive physical health assessment to discharge planning on the continuum.

Biography:

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (FRCP – Glasgow). 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 with broad experience driving Research and Development (R&D) strategies and operations.

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.

Abstract:

Background: According to the Ministry of Health, the number of people in the UAE aged over 60 years will increase from 4% to 20% of the population by 2050. Given these population predications, I is expected that dementia and other age–related illnesses will significantly increase as the population grows older.  There is a lack of research in the region into dementia. Figures on the number of people affected with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Method: In order to carry out the dementia needs assessment we applied qualitative and quantitative methodology.

Results:

• Dementia is a gray zone between three different sectors namely geriatrics, neurology and psychiatry and responsibilities needs to be addressed.

• It was estimated (based on WHO estimates for north Africa and the middle east) around 548 residents in Dubai aged 60 years or more in 2014 had dementia (of which 338 were men and 210 were women). With Dubai’s ageing population, it is clear that these figures are likely to increase in future.

• The most common mental disorders identified among the elderly or disabled were depression, stress, and dementia.

• As the population grows older, it is essential to establish a diagnostic infrastructure and set up long–term care facilities for the elderly including those with dementia and other degenerative mental health conditions.

• The first Dementia and memory clinic in DHA was established on the 8/9/2013. It is based in Al Mizher Primary Health Care Centre and it runs by two Geriatricians. The Clinic is twice per month on Sunday and currently caters for approximately 50 patients.

• There is also Alzheimer support group for the caregivers of the patients with all kinds of dementia to provide them with all the information and give them strong support and confidence in dealing with their patients.

Recommendations:

• Further work is required with primary health care in order to identify patients with undiagnosed dementia.

• Further work is undertaken within primary health care to assess disease registries including dementia with the aim of helping GP practices to improve their disease registers.

• There is a need for more studies into dementia to confirm and expand on these findings and understand local needs.

Biography:

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (FRCP – Glasgow). 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 with broad experience driving Research and Development (R&D) strategies and operations.

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.

Abstract:

Background: According to the Ministry of Health, the number of people in the UAE aged over 60 years will increase from 4% to 20% of the population by 2050. Given these population predications, I is expected that dementia and other age–related illnesses will significantly increase as the population grows older.  There is a lack of research in the region into dementia. Figures on the number of people affected with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Method: In order to carry out the dementia needs assessment we applied qualitative and quantitative methodology.

Results:

• Dementia is a gray zone between three different sectors namely geriatrics, neurology and psychiatry and responsibilities needs to be addressed.

• It was estimated (based on WHO estimates for north Africa and the middle east) around 548 residents in Dubai aged 60 years or more in 2014 had dementia (of which 338 were men and 210 were women). With Dubai’s ageing population, it is clear that these figures are likely to increase in future.

• The most common mental disorders identified among the elderly or disabled were depression, stress, and dementia.

• As the population grows older, it is essential to establish a diagnostic infrastructure and set up long–term care facilities for the elderly including those with dementia and other degenerative mental health conditions.

• The first Dementia and memory clinic in DHA was established on the 8/9/2013. It is based in Al Mizher Primary Health Care Centre and it runs by two Geriatricians. The Clinic is twice per month on Sunday and currently caters for approximately 50 patients.

• There is also Alzheimer support group for the caregivers of the patients with all kinds of dementia to provide them with all the information and give them strong support and confidence in dealing with their patients.

Recommendations:

• Further work is required with primary health care in order to identify patients with undiagnosed dementia.

• Further work is undertaken within primary health care to assess disease registries including dementia with the aim of helping GP practices to improve their disease registers.

• There is a need for more studies into dementia to confirm and expand on these findings and understand local needs.

Biography:

Sami Salahia. Sami Salahia is co-founder at MRSA Group and Genome Medical Research Association in the UAE. He is a 5th year medical student (Candidate medical Doctor) at Ain Shams University in Egypt with an interest in medical research and have a number of publications in peer reviewed journals. Being a Team Leader, he gives training workshops to Undergraduate Medical Students in Egypt and the UAE Specially for Secondary Research. 

Abstract:

Biography:

Sarah Aggad has done her PHD in Horward University.

Abstract:

Increasing global food demand has elevated the use of pesticides which may compromise human, as well as environmental health. Several studies have linked pesticides to various human diseases such as asthma, birth and fetal defects, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson disease. The objective of this study is to determine the association between Parkinson disease with the dietary sources of pesticides residues.  International peer review articles published between 1980 and 2017 were systematically reviewed. The Data bases used for this this review included PubMed and WHO resources. Out of the studies identified (n=1002), 100 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Compared to other disease, Parkinson disease was found to associate more with pesticides. It is evident from this review that active ingredients of pesticides such as paraquat can cause Parkinson-like symptoms. Rotenone is linked to brain inflammation that can lead to Parkinson's disease; organophosphate pesticides such as chlorpyrifos (Dursban™) and organochlorine compounds such as lindane are very toxic pesticides applied in the U.S. to control insect. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, dichlorvos, trichlorfon, alachlor, cyanazine, and the organochlorine pesticides aldrin, chlordane, and heptachlor are associated with diabetes; midazolinone herbicides, imazethapyr and imazaquin are linked to several types of cancer. To address this issue innovative agricultural food processing and food safety policy is crucial to ensure the sustainability of agriculture and ecosystem services to meet global food demand without compromising environmental and public health integrity.

Biography:

Morteza zendehdel  has completed his PhD at the age of 25 years from University of Tehran and postdoctoral studies from Monash University, School of Medicine. He is academic member of University of Tehran. He has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of Neurotransmitter Journal.
 

Abstract:

Objectives: One-third of epileptic patients are resistant to antiepileptic drugs. Few clinical studies with small sample size indicate that polyunsaturated fatty acids could control drug-resistant epilepsy. We examined the efficacy of acute and chronic administration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in two animal models of drug-resistant epilepsies, i.e. 6-Hz psychomotor seizures in mice and lamotrigine (LTG)- resistant kindled rats.

Methods: Mice received a single injection of DHA (300 μM, i.c.v.) along with phenytoin (PHT) or LTG (i.p.). Six-Hz electroshock (0.2 milliseconds rectangular pulse width, 3 seconds duration, 44 mA current) was given 15 minutes after DHA, and seizure behaviors were recorded. In LTG-resistant kindled rats, a single dose of DHA (300 μM, i.c.v.) was administered with LTG, and seizure parameters were measured. In chronic treatment, mice received DHA (0.1 g/day, orally) for 30 days. Then, a single dose of LTG or PHT was administered to mice and 6-Hz-induced seizures were recorded. In rats, DHA (1 μM, i.c.v.) was administered during kindling development and effect of LTG in DHA-pretreated LTG-resistant kindled rats was verified.

Results: LTG and PHT did not inhibit 6-Hz seizures in mice after single injection of DHA. However, LTG and PHT inhibited 6-Hz seizures in mice that received DHA for 1 month. Acute or chronic administration of DHA to LTGresistant kindled rats led to the suppression of kindled seizure parameters by LTG.

Discussion: DHA removes the ‘inherent resistance’ of 6-Hz seizures to PHT and LTG, and prevents the

development of pharmacodynamic tolerance to LTG in LTG-resistant kindled rats. DHA might have potential

to be used as add-on therapy in patients with refractory epilepsy.

Biography:

Abdulrahman Mohammed Alammar is a medical student at King Saud University. He had completed his education in scientific field at “The Modern Institute of The Capital”. He got certificates in Basic Course on ECG and Arrhythmias Management, Research Methodology Course at SANS, Radiology Interpretation Course, Antibiotic and Infection Control Course. His

achievements are :

Research: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to Road Traffic Accidents in Riyadh

Research: The Prevalence and Severity of Periodontitis In Patients Diagnosed With Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract:

Background and Objectives:

Caffeine is well known to increase arousal and alertness, and subsequently, cognitive functions would increase. Our objective of the present study was to investigate whether anodal Transcranial Direct Current stimulation (tDCS) over the prefrontal cortex could improve performance cognitive function in comparison with caffeine.

Methodology:

 A prospective study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud University during the period between July and September 2017. A total of 32 subjects performed Cognitrone S4, Reaction Test S3, and Stroop Interference Test S8 in Vienna Test System (WTS NEURO). Tests were designed to assess concentration, attention, reaction, reading speed, and color recognition. Subjects were categorized into two groups, one group was given tDCS, and the other was given caffeine. Subjects performed the tasks once with sham tDCS and a placebo (decaf) espresso shot, and once with active tDCS and an actual espresso shot.

Results:

The number of correct reactions significantly improved in the tDCS group (-4.467±5.012 p=0.004) while in the caffeine group it did not (-2.294±7.016 p=0.196). On the other hand, the reaction time significantly improved in the caffeine group (59.294±95.603 p=0.021) while in the tDCS group it did not (14.667±67.248 p=0.413). The overall result showed no significant difference between tDCS and caffeine on their general cognitive performance.

Conclusion:

 This result might be achieved by focally improving executive functions and/or cognitive capacity when tasks are difficult, rather than by improving levels of arousal/alertness. These results indicate that tDCS is a promising tool to improve cognitive function. The variability in response to tDCS protocols is in line with similar studies using other forms of non-invasive brain stimulation. We recommend future studies to explore the effects of tDCS on patients diagnosed with cognitive disorders.

Biography:

Abdulrahman Hassan A Alfahadi is a medical student at College of Medicine, King Saud University 2019.

His research experience is:

Comparison of the effectiveness of smart applications versus conventional health care measures on body composition, cardiovascular risk, neurocognitive functions, and quality of life in obese subjects (funded by Dallah Hospital – in progress)

 Assessment of the relationship between cognitive functions and fasting effects on patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Principal Investigator – in progress)

 Serum inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in relation to Coronary Artery Disease (at level of submission)

Abstract:

Purpose/Objectives:

One of the complications of diabetes is the progressive decrease in mental abilities and cognition, in particular; processing speed and verbal memory, ultimately leading to dementia.The purpose of the present study was to see the effect of  fasting during the Ramadan month on cognitive functions and fatigue severity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)and compare it with control group Muslims using The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).

Methods

This observational case control study was conducted at the King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in control subjects (n=41) and patients with T2DM (n=39).The groups subjects were matched for age, BMI, and gender. The tests included a validated Arabic form of standardized Fatigue severity scale (FSS) .The tests selected from CANTAB battery were Motor Screening Task (MOT), Intra-Extra Dimensional Set Shift (IED) and Spatial Span (SSP) which test motor functions, rule acquisition and reversal and working memory capacity respectively. All subjects were metabolically stable without history of cognitive impairmentor  psychiatric disease (Anxiety and depression).

Results

During Ramadan there were significant differences in IED errors (24.43 ± 20.82 vs 50.73 ± 56.21 P=0.007) , IED stages completed (7.43 ± 2.43 vs  8.69 ± .73 , P=0.003), MOT (1466.32 ± 559.29 vs 1120.27 ± 343.09 , P= 0.002) , and SSP SL (4.13 ± 1.36 vs 4.82 ± 1.60 ,P= 0.05) in diabetics versus control. The differences significantly persisted even in the post Ramadan period among the two groups.  IED errors (52.62± 60.62vs 20.95± 16.90P=0.003) , IED stages completed (7.54± 2.50vs  8.7± .73 , P=0.003) . Motor Screening Task (MOT) Mean latency significantly decreased after Ramadan (1268.91 ±  297.52  vs 1047.41 ±  375.32, P=0.002). In T2DM there was significant decrease in MOT latency and a significant increase in SSP span length (4.32±1.33 vs 4.71±1.35, p= 0.025). In control subjects the effect on all tests was non-significant. Among the FSS items there were no significant differences in all items of FSS in control while Significant differences were observed in many items that shows T2DM patients have more fatigue symptoms than control

Conclusions

Ramadan fasting significantly affects the fatigue scales and neurocognitive functions in patients with T2DM in terms of (MOT)  motor performance,  (IED) flexibility of attention & more errors and (SSP) working memory capacity. These indicators remain worse in the post Ramadan period also.

 Large scale studies with educational counseling and proper management protocols are required to control the effects of Ramadan on cognitive decline in T2DM patients.

Biography:

Hoo Young Lee has her expertise in neurorehabilitation for traumatic brain injury and stroke. Her subspecialty in the clinic field is neuromodulation in acquired brain injury, cognitive rehabilitation therapy and pediatric rehabilitation. Her research areas include development of rehabilitation complexity scale in the ROK, neuromodulation, and enriched environment in adult mouse model in the context of neurorehabilitation. She has been in years of experience in clinic, research, and education in TBI Rehabilitation Center, National Traffic Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea. She in a Combined Program of Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Department of Medicine, The Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

Abstract:

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of emergence from prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC)  during inpatient rehabilitation and to compare temporal dynamics and prognostic power between six neurobehavioral signs of the JFK Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) scores on emergence from DOC.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the data of 50 patients who were diagnosed with vegetative state(VS) or minimal state of consciousness(MCS) at admission. Subjects were divided into two subgroups that showed emergence from MCS(EMCS) during neurorehabilitation and that remained VS or MCS. We compared demographic and clinical variables to investigate the best prediction model of EMCS. Moreover, we analyzed the temporal dynamics of six CRS-R neurobehavioral signs which were assessed at intervals of one month during the neurorehabilitation, and identified the signs that significantly predicted EMCS.

Results

Out of 50 patients, 46% showed EMCS. The model incorporating shorter lag time from brain injury onset and absence of intra-axial lesion best predicted EMCS. Also, level of consciousness and total CRS-R score at admission individually showed significant prediction. Other variables such as sex, age at injury onset, cause of brain injury, hydrocephalus, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, cranioplasty, anticonvulsant medication, seizure, and education level did not predict EMCS. Among six signs of CRS-R, auditory subscale showed the most significant correlation to EMCS. Patients denoted slower but greater emergence from MCS in the communication subscale than the motor subscale.

Conclusion

This study revealed that significant recovery of consciousness is observed in patients with prolonged DOC during neurorehabilitation. Shorter lag time and absence of intra-axial lesion were significant predictors for EMCS. Patients in DOC with evidence of higher auditory function were most likely to recover consciousness. These findings should be considered regarding assessment tools and rehabilitative programs that best evaluate and maximize the potential for recovery of consciousness.

Biography:

Professor Dr. Kazi Saifuddin has received PhD from Kobe University, Japan and worked as a research fellow in Cambridge, Lancaster, Tokushima and other Universities. Presently he is a Dean of the Faculty of Life and Earth Science (Former Chairman of Psychology Department) of Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Renowned academic personality Dr. Kazi Saifuddin was the former President and General Secretary of Jagannath University Teacher Association. He also holds the post of Treasurer of Bangladesh Psychological Association, and Treasurer of South Asian Association of Psychologists. He received international award on the research on psychophysics. He has published many research articles and books. Dr. Saifuddin has been editing many research journals and books.

Abstract:

Autism has been defined as a neuro-developmental disability of the children. A study was carried out to investigate the relationship between the intensity of autistic disorder and the demographic variables of the parents. The data was puprosively selected from different special schools for atistic children in the dhaka city. Intensity of autism wes measured by using the concern tools and the demographic variables of the parents were collected from the office record. One hundred autistic children were used as subjects those age range was 8 to 25 years and their parents age range was 25 to 60 years old. Allmost the subjects came from poor family.

In this study the demographic variables of parents were taken in account are: father’s blood group, socio economic status, living areas, number of siblings, number of autistic child and family planning has positive correlation significantly (p< 0.05) to the higher intensity of autism. On the other hand, demographic variables of parents are sex, mother’s blood group and physical problem were found significantly (p< 0.05) negative correlation with higher intensity of autism. There was negative correlation found between sex and age of parents. The negative correlation was also between mother’s blood group and father’s blood group. Again there was negative correlation found between physical problem and family planning. 

Therefore, it was concluded that the demographic variables of the parents more or less related to those of the intensities of spectrum of the autism.

Biography:

Saeed Shahbeigi is a Neuroimmunology fellow from UBC Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, Canada. He is an author for Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: An Overview of Open Labels and Ongoing Studies. J Neurol Neurophysiol.

Abstract:

Stem Cells (SC) therapy emerges as a potential new hope for neurological patients as it could accomplish the immunomodulatory as well as the neuroprotective functions.

 There is a growing body of literature that supports the potential of the SC for immunomodulation and re-myelination. Here we focus on examining the registered published and on-going clinical trials using stem cells especially the Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy in neurological disorders such as MS, ALS, Stroke, spinal cord injuries and also some types of devastating neuropathies like POEMS.

There are evidence showing that the MSC can alter the phenotype of NK cells and suppress proliferation, cytokine secretion, and cytotoxicity against HLA-class I- expressing targets. Some of these effects require cell-to-cell contact, whereas others are mediated by soluble factors, including transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) and prostaglandin E2, pointing to the existence of diverse mechanisms for the MSC-mediated NK-cell suppression . The MSC have been reported to block the differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells (DC) and impair antigen presentation  as well as IL-12 production. Also the human MSC (hMSC) alter cytokine secretion and induce more anti-inflammatory responses. Specifically, the hMSC by induction of mature dendritic cells (DC) decrease tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion and increase IL-10 secretion . The hMSC inhibit Th1 cells, decrease interferon gamma, and affect Th2 cells by increasing secretion of IL-4. This causes an increase in the proportion of T- Regulatory cell switches the CD4+ T cell responses from a Th1 to a Th2 polarized phenotype resulting in a decrease secretion of IFN-gamma from NK cells.

Generally speaking we are going to discuss the immunomodulatory effects of the mesenchymal stem cells and finally to review some interested data from our experience and other papers around the world.

Biography:

Victor Manolov has completed his PhD at Medical University in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is working as Assist. Prof. at Department of Clinical laboratory and clinical immunology at the same University. His interests are in neurology, pediatrics, gynecology, endocrinology and clinical laboratory. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves high number of population worldwide, which on its way increases brain-vascular diseases risk. Among the main reasons for increased brain disorders evidence in patients with CKD is iron homeostasis disregulation. Impairment of brain cognitive function is an early sign of atherosclerosis development. 65 patients with chronic kidney disease (stages II to V, incl on dialysis) were included; age 48.8 ± 6.9. Their results were compared to sex and age matched healthy control and with CKD patients with no atherosclerotic changes. Routine blood analyses as CBC, serum iron, ferritin, hsCRP and specific hepcidin were measured in the included groups. IMT, MMSE, CERAD tests were used for atherosclerotic changes evaluation. We found increased serum hepcidin levels in CKD patients with IMT, MMSE, CERAD changes (201.8 ± 14.7 μg/L) compared to healthy controls  (20.7 ± 1.9 μg/L) and CKD with no atherosclerotic changes group (174.4 ± 11.8 μg/L); P<0.005. A positive correlation was found in CKD patients with brain disorders between IMT and serum hepcidin levels (r=0.838, P<0.01). Serum hepcidin correlates positively to atherosclerotic evidence changes in patients with impaired kidney function (r=0.810, P<0.01). Brain-vascular disease risk factors are connected to chronic kidney function impairment. Disregulation of iron homeostasis is one of the main risk atherogenesis factors. Early hepcidin quantification might predict cognitive disturbances as atherosclerosis symptoms in chronic kidney disease patients, which might be very important for better clinical diagnosis and practice.

Acknowledgements: This project is sponsored by MU-Sofia, as part of Grant Д-235/2017.

Biography:

Dr Michelle Hunter –BSc, MA, MSc, PGCE, PhD, MCIPD, CPsychol, AFBPsS Chartered Occupational Psychologist | Senior Lecturer | Leadership Development Specialist | Executive Coach | Psychometrician

Dr Michelle Hunter is a Chartered Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Business and Management, and Programme Convener for human resource management and international business at The University of Roehampton, Business School. As well as being an International Champion in Business, Michelle is also a psychometrician, and executive coach who commits to developing individuals and organizations, internationally. As an Associate Fellow and accredited Verifier of the British Psychological Society (BPS), and provides consultation to organisations on ability and personality testing for the selection and development of leadership. Michelle designs and delivers taught and blended - learning courses/modules, including the BPS Occupational Test User programme. Keynote speaking on leadership, organisational culture, Michelle's research interests include social anxiety, mental health in the workplace, academic attainment in HE, personal and professional development, international HRM and expatriate failure, resistance to change, employability, the role of emotion and "below-the-surface" motivation in organisational behaviour, consumer behaviour and personality

Abstract:

Mental health issues impacts working lives too. People struggling with social anxiety place an excessively high standard for themselves within any given social situation, especially the modern day workplace where competence seems to matter most. Research suggests that employees struggling with social anxiety are more acutely aware of how they think and people are going to react to them, as they have a tendency to feel inferior to  others, irrespective of their positioning. Some of the questions this workshop will answer include: How does social anxiety impact employee performance? What support can be put in place for employees who are battling with social anxiety? How can a “deep” as opposed to “surface” coaching approach be used to tackle social anxiety? All participants are asked (in small groups) to comment on how issues such as social anxiety are expressed and addressed in their workplace. Other discussions around established and reputable strategies that have been used to tackle social anxiety will be embedded into the discussion.  The session will close with a plenary debate and defining the best practices, main problems and prioritisation of the author’s goals for promoting “healthy (in every way) organisations”.

Keywords: social anxiety; employee performance; mental health; inferiority complex; self-esteem; confidence; deep and surface coaching.

Position: Chartered Psychologist & Senior Lecturer. Address for correspondence: Dr Michelle Hunter, University of Roehampton, Southlands College, London SW15 5SL.