Events (126)

Biophysical investigation of the molecular pathogenesis of CMT1X neuropathy

by prof. Mario Bortolozzi, Physics and Astronomy Dept., Padova

When: June 4th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: Mutations of connexin 32 (Cx32) protein cause the X-linked form of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT1X), a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy for which there is no cure. A growing body of evidence indicates that ATP release through Cx32 hemichannels in Schwann cells could be critical for nerve myelination, but it is unknown if CMT1X mutations alter the physiological mechanism that controls Cx32 hemichannel opening and ATP release.

Our study uncovered a link between CMT1X and Cx32 hemichannel dysfunction, suggesting a candidate peptide for treating the disease caused by the R220X mutation of Cx32.

Visuomotor control and visual place learning in flies

by prof. Aram Megighian, Dep. of Biomedical Science, Padova

When: May 28th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: Navigation plays a key role in organisms adaptive behavior. An adequate response to environmental stimuli, is fundamental for supporting food search, social interactions and mating, all of them step physiological mechanisms from the evolutionary point of view.

The lecture will talk about visuomotor responses and place learning studies in flies made in our and other laboratories combining sophisticated quantitative behavioral techniques, fly genetic tools and optogenetics.

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A Rational Framework for Studying Neurorehabilitation Interventions

by prof. Nick Ward, Institute of Neurology, UCL Queen Square

When: May 21th, 2020 – 2:30 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: Stroke is the most common cause of neurological disability in the world. In the UK alone, there are more people living with the consequences of stroke than with dementia (1.2M vs 0.85M) with an estimated annual cost of £26B. Stroke is still considered a single incident disease with most resources targeted to the first few hours, days or weeks after onset.

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Multitasking reveals impaired spatial awareness after stroke

by prof. Mario Bonato, Dep. of General Psychology, Padova

When: May 14th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: In everyday life contexts sometimes we manage to attend multiple sources of information without particular effort. Sometimes, however, performing two or more tasks together becomes very difficult, like for instance if we have to drive a car in a foggy day while paying attention to a debate on the radio. In these conditions our attention is loaded and we perform what is called “multitasking”.

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Mesoscale connectivity changes after stroke and novel mouse models

by prof. Timothy Murphy, Dept. of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia

When: May 7th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: New approaches to real-time assessment and closed-loop feedback based on behavioral features or brain activity will be discussed in the lecture that are designed to optimize stroke recovery interventions in mice for insight into better approaches for human recovery.

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The Primary Motor Cortex Seen by a Neurosurgeon: an Anatomical and Functional Appraisal

by Consultant Neurosurgeon PhD. Francesco Vergani, King’s College Hospital, London

When: February 20th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Knowledge of the anatomical and functional relationship between brain tumours and surrounding cortical and subcortical structures is essential in neuro-oncology when planning overall treatment and surgical approach. This is particularly true for tumours in close relationship
to the primary motor cortex and the corticospinal tract (CST), where surgery carries the risk of inducing a permanent motor deficit.

The present review focuses on different aspects of the motor network.

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Bridging Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research to Clinical Practice in Anorexia Nervosa

by prof. Angela Favaro, Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Padova

When: February 6th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Research in the field of neuroimaging, connectomics and neuropsychology is growing in the field of eating disorders.

In this presentation, I will review the recent advances of neuroscience research conducted by our group of research with a particular attention to those aspects that have direct or indirect clinical implications.

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Functional Alignment of fMRI Exploiting Prior Information

by prof. Livio Finos, Dept. of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova

When: January 30th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Multi-subject functional Magnetic Resonance Image (fMRI) studies are critical to test the validity of findings across subjects. However, the anatomical and functional structure varies across subjects, hence the image alignment is a fundamental step. One anatomical alignment is the Talairach Atlas, thus, it doesn’t account for functional topography. For that, Haxby et al. (2011) developed a functional approach called Hyperalignment, using sequential Procrustes orthogonal transformations. The inter-subject classification of functional response is improved. However, any constraint isn’t imposed to the transformation, losing results interpretability.

Imaging and Stimulating Adaptive Brain Plasticity

by prof. Heidi Johansen-Berg, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford

When: January 23rd, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Animal studies show that the adult brain shows remarkable plasticity in response to learning or recovery from injury. Non-invasive brain imaging techniques can be used to detect systems-level structural and functional plasticity in the human brain.

This talk will focus on how brain imaging has allowed us to monitor healthy brains learning new motor skills, to assess how brains recover after damage, such as stroke, and how they adapt to change, such as limb amputation.

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Dynamics of Brain networks in Psychosis: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

by prof. Fabio Sambataro, Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Padova

When: January 16th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Psychoses are the most severe and devastating psychiatric disorders that cut through the classical nosological categories and include schizophrenia spectrum disorders as well as affective disorders. Genetic and environmental factors have been associated with their etiology, but their pathophysiology is still unknown. Neuroimaging studies have investigated structural and functional changes associated with the risk for these disorders along with their treatment response.

In this presentation, functional connectivity-related phenotypes associated with the risk for the disorders, their modulation by genetic variation and treatment will be discussed.