John S Duncan

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This study looked at the relationship between genetic risk for a specific type of epilepsy and brain structure in healthy children. Researchers found that higher genetic risk was linked to a decrease in the thickness of certain brain areas, specifically in the temporal and parietal regions. This is important because it helps us understand how genetic factors can influence brain development and may lead to early identification of children at risk for epilepsy, allowing for personalized treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children at risk for epilepsy, and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to fix the problems caused by head movement during brain scans using a new deep-learning method called DL-HMC++. The researchers found that this method can produce clear images with very little error in measurements—averaging just 1.2% off for one type of scanner and 0.5% off for another. This work is important because it allows for more accurate brain imaging, which can lead to better diagnosis of neurological disorders without relying on expensive motion-tracking equipment. Who this helps: Patients needing brain scans.

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In this study, researchers looked at how electrodes used in a procedure called stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) can help identify important pathways in the brain related to epilepsy treatment. They analyzed data from 86 patients and found that nearly two-thirds of the electrode contacts (75% of contacts) travelled through white matter pathways, which connect different brain regions. This information is crucial because it shows that these pathways can be effectively targeted in future studies to stimulate the brain and possibly improve treatment outcomes for epilepsy. Who this helps: This helps patients with drug-resistant epilepsy by identifying new treatment options.

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This study examined how to better locate brain areas that cause seizures in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who do not respond to medication. Researchers looked at brain scans and electrical activity from 40 patients and found that using both MRI and EEG data improved predictions of whether surgery would be successful. Specifically, the combination of these methods raised the accuracy of predicting seizure-free outcomes from 76% to 92%. Who this helps: This benefits patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are considering surgery.

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This study examined brain activity and structure in individuals with juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE) to identify differences compared to their unaffected siblings and healthy controls. Researchers scanned 23 people with JAE, 18 of their siblings, and 28 controls, finding that those with JAE had less gray matter in certain brain areas, which was linked to language problems, and different brain activation patterns during memory tasks. Understanding these unique brain traits can help tailor treatments and support for individuals with JAE. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with juvenile absence epilepsy and their families.

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This study looked at when it's best for adults who have had epilepsy surgery to stop taking their antiseizure medications. Researchers found that those who tried to stop their medications within the first two years after surgery had a higher risk of seizures returning—specifically, a 40% higher risk in the first year and an 18% higher risk in the second year. However, waiting more than two years didn’t provide any extra safety in the long run regarding seizure freedom. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and their doctors by guiding decisions about when to safely withdraw medications after epilepsy surgery.

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This study focused on people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), particularly those whose seizures are hard to control despite trying multiple medications. Researchers compared two groups: one with early-stage IGE (42 people) and another with chronic IGE (67 people) to see how their brains changed over time. They found that participants with chronic IGE experienced significant brain changes, including thinning in areas of the brain connected to cognitive functions and seizures, while those with early-stage IGE showed only minor changes. This research is important because it highlights the severe impact that chronic epilepsy can have on brain structure, and suggests that certain medications like valproate may help protect the brain from these changes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with poorly controlled epilepsy and their doctors by providing insights into brain health over time.

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This research developed a new method called Fréchet Radiomic Distance (FRD) to compare medical images more effectively, especially when assessing how different images relate to each other. The findings showed that FRD outperformed existing methods in various tasks, such as identifying when images come from different sources and generating new medical images that look realistic and anatomically accurate. FRD is also more stable and efficient, even with smaller sample sizes, making it a valuable tool for improving medical image analysis. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with medical imaging.

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The IDEAS II study provided new brain imaging data from 216 people with epilepsy and 98 healthy individuals to help researchers understand how seizures affect brain networks. The findings showed that people with epilepsy had significant reductions in brain connectivity, especially in areas close to where seizures start. This information is crucial for improving treatment strategies and surgical outcomes for epilepsy patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with epilepsy, their doctors, and researchers studying epilepsy treatments.

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This study looked at how surgery on the temporal lobe affects a person's ability to name things, especially in people with epilepsy. Researchers examined 44 patients and found that those who had surgery on the left side of their brain often struggled more with naming afterward, particularly if their right brain wasn't connecting well. Notably, improved connections in the nondominant right hemisphere helped protect against naming difficulties, suggesting that understanding these brain connections before surgery can help predict who might face language challenges afterward. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their doctors by providing insights on managing potential language issues after surgery.

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This study looked at how surgery for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy can affect patients' verbal memory. Researchers found that about 30% of patients who had surgery on the left side of their brain experienced memory issues afterward. Specifically, they discovered that damage to certain white matter pathways was linked to these memory problems, and preserving more of these pathways can lead to better memory outcomes after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors by providing insights to improve surgical techniques.

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This study looked at how brain connections differ in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers analyzed brain scans from 442 patients and 387 healthy adults and found that TLE patients had about 14% less connectivity within important brain networks and about 129% more connectivity between these networks. These changes in brain connections could help explain the memory and thinking challenges often faced by TLE patients and how seizures spread in the brain. Who this helps: This helps patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors better understand the condition.

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This research explored how deep learning can create synthetic MRI images of the liver that closely resemble traditional MRI scans for patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and cirrhosis. The study showed that the synthetic images were very similar to real MRIs, achieving a structural similarity score of 0.86 and an overlap score of 0.97, indicating high-quality imaging without the need for contrast agents. This breakthrough could make liver scans safer and faster, especially for patients who have allergies to contrast materials or other medical conditions that limit their ability to undergo traditional MRI procedures. Who this helps: Patients who need liver imaging but have issues with conventional contrast-enhanced MRIs.

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This study examined how anti-seizure medications (ASMs) work to reduce the length of seizures in people with epilepsy. Researchers analyzed data from 457 seizures in 28 patients and found that when the dosage of ASMs was lowered, seizures occurred more frequently and lasted longer—up to 224% longer in some cases. The results revealed that ASMs control seizures in two ways: by stopping certain seizure patterns from developing and by shortening the duration of others, which can help doctors find more effective treatment plans for their patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with epilepsy and their doctors by improving seizure management strategies.

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This study looked at how a protein called lamellipodin (Lpd) interacts with a protein named Rac1, focusing on a specific shorter version of Lpd known as Lpds. Researchers discovered that Lpds binds strongly to Rac1 in a unique way, which is important for controlling cell movement and growth; this interaction could play a role in cancer. Understanding this relationship could help develop new treatments for cancers influenced by Rac1. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cancers associated with Rac1.

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This study looked at how a protein called MRCKα affects the growth and spread of high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells. Researchers found that reducing MRCKα led to higher activity of another protein, GEF-H1, which is involved in cancer cell movement and survival. Specifically, when MRCKα was inhibited, cancer cells lost their ability to stick together and survive in clusters, which are important for tumor growth and metastasis. This work is important because targeting MRCK could be a new way to treat this aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

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In this study, researchers looked at how specific brain areas contribute to verbal memory in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. They found that patients with smaller brain volumes in areas like the medial prefrontal cortex and parts of the hippocampus performed worse on verbal memory tests. For example, having a smaller left dentate gyrus was linked to poorer memory scores, with a significant difference noted (p=0.003). Understanding these brain areas can help doctors find better treatments for patients struggling with memory issues due to epilepsy. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at a surgery called anteromesial temporal lobe resection (ATLR) used for patients with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. Researchers found that removing a specific part of the brain called the temporal piriform cortex during this surgery can lead to better results, including higher rates of patients being free from seizures. Improvements in surgical techniques, like using advanced imaging and navigation tools, helped make this possible. Who this helps: Patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

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This study looked at how to locate the starting point of seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who had normal MRI results. Researchers analyzed brain images from 42 such patients and found that a technique called cortex-based mapping (CBM) accurately identified the seizure origin 87% of the time, which is significantly better than other methods. This finding is important because it can help doctors more effectively plan surgeries for epilepsy patients who haven't responded to medication. Who this helps: This helps patients with drug-resistant epilepsy considering surgery.

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This study looked at how the timing and type of seizures that occur shortly after a stroke affect the risk of developing epilepsy and the chance of dying. They analyzed data from over 4,500 stroke patients and found that the risk of developing post-stroke epilepsy can range from 41% to 94%, and the risk of death can be from 36% to 100%, depending on the type and timing of the seizures. Notably, seizures occurring on the same day as the stroke and particularly severe seizures like status epilepticus significantly increase these risks. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, their families, and doctors by improving understanding of potential complications after a stroke.

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This research studied a new method for analyzing brain connectivity using a tool called the Spatio-Temporal Node Attention Graph Neural Network (STNAGNN). The researchers found that their approach effectively combines traditional methods of measuring brain connections with more detailed, data-driven information, which improves the understanding of brain activity patterns. This matters because it provides a clearer picture of how different parts of the brain work together, potentially leading to better insights in mental health and neurological conditions. Who this helps: Patients and doctors working on brain-related disorders.

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This study looked at brain differences in people with hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs), which are brain growths linked to seizures. Researchers found that patients with HHs had increased gray matter in several brain areas compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, those with certain types of more severe seizures had more gray matter in the HH stalk, while others had more in the amygdala. Understanding these brain changes helps doctors develop better treatment plans that consider the entire brain network involved in these seizure disorders. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with hypothalamic hamartomas and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the severity of seizures in people with epilepsy varies over time, depending on patterns found in their brain activity measured by intracranial EEG. Researchers analyzed data from 20 patients and found that in most cases, the duration of a seizure was linked to different cycles of brain activity lasting from minutes to days, with 70% of their statistical models explaining over 60% of the variation in seizure duration. Understanding these patterns can help develop personalized treatment plans to reduce seizure severity. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy by informing more tailored treatment strategies.

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This study looked at improving a common medical imaging technique called Positron Emission Tomography (PET) while reducing radiation exposure to patients. The researchers developed a new method, called the 2.5D Multi-View Averaging Diffusion Model (MADM), which successfully created clearer 3D images from low-dose scans, outperforming older methods by producing higher-quality results. This is important because it means patients can receive effective imaging with less risk from radiation. Who this helps: Patients needing PET scans for diagnosis or treatment monitoring.

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This study looked at how children and adults with hard-to-treat epilepsy respond to two types of brain monitoring techniques: subdural grid electrode implantation (SDE) and stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). Researchers analyzed data from 857 patients and found that while both groups had similar chances of brain surgery and becoming seizure-free after SDE, children had a higher chance of a successful surgery when using SEEG (76% for children vs. 64% for adults). However, children experienced more complications (22% vs. 15% in adults), especially with SDE. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly children with refractory epilepsy, by informing treatment choices and management.

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This study looked at how abnormalities in two parts of the brain, gray matter and superficial white matter, impact the success of epilepsy surgery in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Researchers analyzed brain scans from 143 patients and found that combining information about both types of brain abnormalities allowed them to better predict post-surgery outcomes. Specifically, patients who had all identified abnormalities removed achieved a 100% success rate in controlling their seizures. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and patients with temporal lobe epilepsy make better decisions about surgery to improve seizure control.

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This study looked at how machine learning models can mistakenly rely on irrelevant patterns, known as spurious features, which can lead to unfair performance differences between different groups of data. The researchers discovered that a small number of neurons in the model memorized information about minority groups, resulting in poorer performance during testing. They found that removing these misleading patterns greatly improved the model's accuracy for these minority groups. Who this helps: This benefits patients and researchers working to ensure fairer and more accurate AI systems in healthcare.

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This study looked at the long-term survival of adults who had surgery for severe epilepsy that didn’t respond to medication. It found that the overall death rate after surgery was 6.16 per 1,000 person-years, with 2.52 of those deaths linked to epilepsy, including 0.84 due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Notably, the risk of death related to epilepsy was higher within the first 15 years after the surgery, and factors like older age at surgery and poor seizure control impacted survival. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with epilepsy and their doctors by highlighting the importance of surgery for improving long-term survival.

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This study developed a user-friendly online tool called Brain MoNoCle that helps researchers analyze brain structure by comparing measurements from healthy individuals with those from patients. They tested the tool using a database of 3,276 healthy brains and validated it with patients who have bipolar disorder and temporal lobe epilepsy, showing that it accurately identifies brain abnormalities associated with these conditions. This work is important because it makes advanced brain analysis easier for researchers, potentially leading to better diagnoses and treatments for various neurological disorders. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with patients who have brain disorders.

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This study looked at how the brain changes in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) as they age, comparing their brain structure to that of healthy individuals. Researchers examined 769 patients and found that those with TLE experienced significant declines in gray matter thickness and volume, as well as changes in white matter, with more severe effects seen in patients over 55. Understanding these changes is crucial because it highlights the need for early diagnosis and treatment, particularly for older patients, to manage the progression of TLE and its impact on brain health. Who this helps: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at brain activity using a method called intracranial EEG (icEEG) to better understand healthy brain function. Researchers gathered data from 15 hospitals, involving many participants to create a comprehensive map of normal brain activity, showing that age significantly influences brain wave patterns more than sex does. These findings matter because they help establish benchmarks for identifying abnormal brain activity, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions like epilepsy. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with patients who have brain disorders, particularly epilepsy.

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This study looked at how well patients with a specific type of brain condition called temporal encephalocoeles respond to treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Researchers found that 87.5% of patients who had surgery went on to be free of seizures, while none of the patients who received non-surgical treatment achieved this outcome. Understanding how to identify and manage these conditions effectively is important because it can lead to better treatment options and improved quality of life for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy.

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This study looked at brain abnormalities in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) by using advanced imaging techniques. Researchers found that the outer layer of white matter in the brain had more significant damage than the deeper layers, especially on the side of the brain affected by epilepsy, with very strong statistical results (p < 0.001). These findings are important because they can help doctors better understand the disease and potentially improve how they diagnose and treat patients, even those whose MRIs appear normal. Who this helps: This helps patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the brain encodes faces and words in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared to healthy individuals, using advanced imaging techniques. It found that people with TLE showed less accurate brain patterns when encoding memories, especially in certain brain areas, such as the parahippocampal gyrus. This research matters because it can help doctors better plan surgeries to reduce the risk of memory loss after procedures for epilepsy. Who this helps: This helps patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, especially those considering surgery.

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This study looked at how surgery for drug-resistant frontal lobe epilepsy affects patients' ability to name pictures. Researchers found that, one year after surgery, patients showed significant improvement in naming ability, regardless of which side of the brain was operated on, with better naming linked to fewer seizures. This matters because it suggests that disconnecting parts of the brain involved in epilepsy may help restore normal function and enhance cognitive recovery. Who this helps: Patients with frontal lobe epilepsy who are considering surgery.

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This study focused on improving how doctors identify and measure brain tissue removed during epilepsy surgery using a new automated tool called RAMPS. The researchers found that RAMPS was nearly as accurate as manual methods, achieving a similarity score of 0.86 for temporal lobe surgeries, which was better than two other existing methods that scored 0.72. This is important because it saves time and reduces errors in the surgical planning process. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and surgeons performing epilepsy surgery, as well as their patients who need accurate assessments for treatment.

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This study looked at how injecting a special gel (hydrogel) directly into heart tissue after a heart attack (myocardial infarction) affects heart function and the growth of new blood vessels. The researchers found that pigs who received the hydrogel had improved heart function, with a significant increase in the heart's ability to pump blood (an increase in ejection fraction) by 12% compared to those who only received a saline solution. Importantly, the hydrogel treatment also led to more signs of new blood vessel growth in the damaged heart tissue. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from heart attacks by potentially improving their heart function and blood supply.

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In this study, researchers tested a vaccine made from the sheep's own killed bacteria to see if it could prevent joint-ill in newborn lambs caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies dysgalactiae. They vaccinated 481 pregnant ewes and compared them to 509 unvaccinated ewes. While the vaccinated ewes had higher levels of protective antibodies, both groups had the same number of lambs with joint-ill—five from each group—showing the vaccine did not prevent the disease despite improving antibody levels. Who this helps: This research benefits sheep farmers and veterinarians who are looking for ways to improve lamb health.

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This study looked at the costs and benefits of epilepsy surgery compared to usual medical treatment for adults with epilepsy in the UK. They found that the total cost over a person’s lifetime for surgery was £56,911, while for medical treatment it was £32,490. However, surgery resulted in more quality-adjusted life years (15.91 vs. 13.76), making it more cost-effective with a cost of £11,348 per additional quality-adjusted life year gained. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who may need surgery to improve their quality of life.

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This study examined how the health and nutrition of sheep (ewes) affect the survival and growth of newborn lambs. Researchers found that ewes carrying twins had lower chances of losing a lamb if they had better nutrition, while lambs born as triplets were more likely to suffer from a lack of immunity (FPTI) if their mothers were unhealthy. Specifically, lambs with FPTI gained less weight, averaging less than 0.26 kg per day. Who this helps: This information benefits farmers and veterinarians who work with sheep to improve lamb survival and health.

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This study looked at changes in a part of the brain called the hippocampus in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy both before and after they had surgery to remove part of the temporal lobe. Researchers found that while the side of the brain with the epilepsy didn’t shrink significantly over time, the opposite side actually grew larger after surgery—on average, by 4.0 microliters per year, compared to normal aging where it typically shrinks by 4.1 microliters. This is important because these changes may indicate the brain's ability to adapt after surgery and highlight the impact of epilepsy on memory. Who this helps: This helps patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors by providing insights into brain changes related to epilepsy and surgery.

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In this study, researchers explored how stimulating a specific area of the brain called the mid-cingulate cortex affects behavior in a 31-year-old woman with severe epilepsy. When they applied electrical stimulation at a frequency of 50 Hz, she experienced unusual responses such as popping in her left ear, dropping her head, and briefly stopping her speech, which were different from her typical seizures. This finding is important because it shows that the mid-cingulate cortex plays a significant role in controlling movement and behavior, which can deepen our understanding of epilepsy and its treatments. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients dealing with drug-resistant epilepsy.

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This study looked at whether removing more brain tissue during surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy leads to fewer seizures afterward. Researchers analyzed data from 283 patients and found that, even though men had larger resection sizes due to their bigger brains, the size of the tissue removed did not significantly affect whether patients became seizure-free after 12 months. This is important because it suggests that doctors can safely perform smaller resections without worrying about sacrificing seizure control. Who this helps: This helps patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors when making surgical decisions.

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This study looked at how brain activity, measured using fMRI, can help identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD) more effectively. The researchers created a new deep learning model that achieved an accuracy of 71.9% in classifying ASD from brain images, which is better than previous methods. This is important because early and accurate diagnosis can lead to better treatment outcomes for individuals with ASD. Who this helps: This helps patients with autism and their healthcare providers.

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This research focused on improving how brain activity is analyzed using functional MRI (fMRI) by developing a new method called TA-GAT that can better understand brain functions during different tasks. The study found that this new method can effectively combine general brain activity patterns with specific task-related information, making it easier to analyze data from various tasks. This is important because it helps create more accurate models of brain function, which can improve our understanding of neurological disorders. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying brain disorders and doctors looking for better diagnosis tools.

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This study looked at the roles of two proteins, MEK1 and MEK2, in cell growth and survival. Researchers found that when they degraded MEK1/2, it led to the breakdown of another protein called CRAF, which is crucial for cell signaling, but this did not happen when they simply inhibited MEK1/2's activity. This finding is significant because it shows that MEK1/2 has important roles beyond its typical function as an enzyme, which could change how we understand cell signaling in diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on cancer treatments.

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Researchers studied how a specific form of a protein called lamellipodin (Lpd) interacts with Rac1, a protein important for cell movement. They found that a shorter version of lamellipodin binds strongly to Rac1 in a unique way that other versions do not; this interaction depends on Rac1 being active. This discovery can help in understanding and potentially treating cancers that involve Rac1 activity by targeting this specific protein interaction. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and doctors working on treatments targeting cell movement in tumors.

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This study focused on how a specific type of KRAS mutation, called KRAS G12V, affects cell metabolism in colorectal cancer. Researchers discovered that cells with this mutation rely heavily on a protein called ACSS2 for growth, making them more vulnerable to certain treatments when ACSS2 is blocked. They found that targeting ACSS2 could help improve treatment effectiveness for patients with this mutation, which is important because different mutations can respond differently to therapies. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with KRAS G12V colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at how to improve the planning process for a type of brain surgery called SEEG (stereoelectroencephalography) by using previous surgical data to make better initial plans. Researchers compared two planning methods: the standard computer-assisted planning (CAP) and a modified version that incorporated prior successful trajectories (CAP + Priors). They found that using CAP + Priors reduced the need for manual adjustments and improved planning consistency, while still keeping the total time for planning similar (5.6 minutes for CAP + Priors versus 4.6 minutes for standard CAP). Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients undergoing SEEG procedures, making the surgery safer and more efficient.

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This study explored how changes in the hippocampus, a part of the brain, relate to the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in treating epilepsy. The researchers found that people who did not respond to VNS had more significant abnormalities in their hippocampus compared to those who did respond, indicating they might have different brain structures affecting their treatment outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of examining brain structures more thoroughly to improve treatment strategies for epilepsy. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their doctors by informing better treatment options.