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.