Albert Alan

Dr. Albert Alan


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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17 May 2024 in Pathophysiology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BABaha' Aljeradat
Baha' Aljeradat
DKDanisha Kumar
Danisha Kumar
ASAbdulmuizz Oluwatomi Sulaiman
Abdulmuizz Oluwatomi Sulaiman
MKMrinmoy Kundu
Mrinmoy Kundu
YAYasser F Almealawy
Yasser F Almealawy
MWMartin Weinand
Martin Weinand
The gut–brain axis (GBA) represents a complex, bidirectional communication network that intricately connects the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding and intervening in this axis opens a pathway for therapeutic advancements for neurological and gastrointestinal diseases where the GBA has been proposed to play a role in the pathophysiology. In light of this, the current review assesses the effectiveness of neuromodulation techniques in treating neurological and gastrointestinal disorders by modulating the GBA, involving key elements such as gut microbiota, neurotrophic factors, and proinflammatory cytokines. Through a comprehensive literature review encompassing PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, this research highlights the role played by the GBA in neurological and gastrointestinal diseases, in addition to the impact of neuromodulation on the management of these conditions which include both gastrointestinal (irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)) and neurological disorders (Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and neuropsychiatric disorders). Despite existing challenges, the ability of neuromodulation to adjust disrupted neural pathways, alleviate pain, and mitigate inflammation is significant in improving the quality of life for patients, thereby offering exciting prospects for future advancements in patient care.

26 January 2024 in Surgical Neurology International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
BBBarbara Buccilli
Barbara Buccilli
AAAlbert Alan
Albert Alan
ABAljeradat Baha’
Aljeradat Baha’
ASAkmal Shahzad
Akmal Shahzad
YAYasser F Almealawy
Yasser F Almealawy
MWMartin Weinand
Martin Weinand
Background: This review delves into clinical strategies aimed at addressing the complexities of traumatic brain injury (TBI), specifically focusing on pharmaceutical interventions and stem cell therapies as potential avenues for enhancing TBI outcomes. Methods: A thorough review of clinical strategies for TBI management, encompassing pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions, was performed. PubMed, MEDLINE and clinical trial databases were searched to identify relevant studies and clinical trials. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies involving pharmaceutical agents and other clinical approaches (i.e., stem cell therapies) targeting neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration in TBI. Data from clinical trials and ongoing research initiatives were analyzed to assess the current status and potential of these clinical approaches. Results: Many trials have been conducted to face the challenge that is TBI. These interventions are designed to target critical aspects of secondary brain injury, encompassing neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. Despite this, there is no panacea or definitive remedy for this condition. Combining therapies in a patient-tailored approach seems to be our best chance to improve these patients’ outcomes, but systematic protocols are needed. Conclusion: Clinical strategies represent dynamic and continually evolving pathways in TBI management. This review provides an extensive overview of the existing landscape of clinical approaches and promising new studies and outlines their influence on patient outcomes. By highlighting challenges and presenting opportunities, it contributes to the ongoing mission to advance clinical care for individuals impacted by TBI.

26 April 2024 in Surgical Neurology International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
AAAlbert Alan
Albert Alan
MEMichelle Ennabe
Michelle Ennabe
AAAlsarafandi Alsarafandi
Alsarafandi Alsarafandi
NMNoor Malik
Noor Malik
ELEdward R. Laws
Edward R. Laws
MWMartin Weinand
Martin Weinand
This review examines the cerebellum’s complex role, spotlighting Schmahmann’s syndrome, or cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS), which impairs executive functions, language, and spatial processing.

26 January 2024 in Surgical Neurology International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
BBBarbara Buccilli
Barbara Buccilli
AAAlbert Alan
Albert Alan
BABaha' Aljeradat
Baha' Aljeradat
ASAkmal Shahzad
Akmal Shahzad
YAYasser F Almealawy
Yasser F Almealawy
MWMartin Weinand
Martin Weinand
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant public health concern, profoundly impacting individuals and society. In this context, behavioral interventions have gained prominence as crucial elements in TBI management, addressing the diverse needs of TBI-affected individuals.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on behavioral interventions in TBI, with a particular emphasis on their impact on outcomes. Relevant articles published within the past decade were prioritized, and a qualitative synthesis of the findings was performed.Results: Behavioral interventions have demonstrated their effectiveness in addressing various aspects of TBI care. They have been instrumental in improving cognitive functions, emotional stability, and adaptive behaviors among TBI patients. However, it is important to acknowledge that challenges still exist, including issues related to clinical heterogeneity and healthcare disparities.Conclusion: The integration of behavioral interventions into standard clinical practice marks a transformative shift in TBI care. This approach holds immense potential for enhancing patient outcomes and elevating the overall quality of life for individuals grappling with the complexities of this condition. This review serves as a clarion call for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to recognize the pivotal role of behavioral interventions in TBI care, advocating for their wider adoption to advance the field toward a more holistic and patient-centric approach.

26 January 2024 in Surgical Neurology International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
BBBarbara Buccilli
Barbara Buccilli
AAAlbert Alan
Albert Alan
BABaha' Aljeradat
Baha' Aljeradat
ASAkmal Shahzad
Akmal Shahzad
YAYasser F Almealawy
Yasser F Almealawy
MWMartin Weinand
Martin Weinand
Background: This review is centered on the pivotal role of surgical interventions within the comprehensive management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Surgical strategies are indispensable components of TBI care, encompassing primary injury management and the alleviation of secondary injury processes, including the handling of intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs), contusions, and mass lesions. Methods: A systematic review was carried out by searching databases including PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria involved studies discussing surgical strategies for TBI, with a focus on primary injury management, ICHs, contusions, and mass lesions. More recent articles were prioritized, and data were synthesized to assess the impact of surgical interventions on TBI outcomes. Results: The evolution of surgical technologies has heralded a transformation in TBI management. These advancements encompass minimally invasive procedures, neuroimaging-guided surgeries, and robotic-assisted techniques, all geared toward optimizing patient outcomes. Conclusion: Surgical interventions within TBI care present unique challenges, such as timing considerations, patient selection criteria, and postoperative care. This review underscores the critical significance of multidisciplinary collaboration among neurosurgeons, neurologists, and critical care specialists. Such collaboration is essential to tailor surgical strategies to the individualized needs of patients. Moreover, the review highlights emerging trends in TBI surgery and underscores the ongoing imperative of research endeavors aimed at refining surgical protocols and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

15 September 2023 in Surgical Neurology International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
AAAlbert Alan
Albert Alan
MEMichelle Ennabe
Michelle Ennabe
NJNeil Joshi
Neil Joshi
MWMartin Weinand
Martin Weinand
Background: This study underscores the high burnout rates among physicians, particularly surgical residents, attributing it to the demanding health-care ecosystem. It highlights the negative impacts of burnout, such as medical errors and increased health-care costs, while exploring the potential mitigating role of emotional intelligence (EI) and mindfulness. The research aimed to analyze the existing literature on EI in neurosurgery, focusing on its relationship with physician burnout and its potential role in healthcare leadership and residency training programs. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, OVID Embase, and OVID Medline, using the keywords “Emotional Intelligence” and “neurosurgery.” The search duration spanned from each database’s inception to June 2023. Results: The review highlighted various studies emphasizing the importance of integrating EI and mindfulness training into medical education and leadership, suggesting that a balance between technical competencies and interpersonal skills are critical. It identified personal integrity, effective communication, professional ethics, pursuit of excellence, relationship building, and critical thinking as key competencies for health-care leadership. Conclusion: EI and a growth mindset play a critical role in managing burnout, enhancing job satisfaction and performance, and promoting effective healthcare leadership. The review, however, acknowledges certain limitations such as small sample sizes, single-institution experiences, potential biases, and inconsistencies in burnout parameters and EI measurement tools. Despite these, it points toward potential areas for future investigation and highlights the importance of standardized EI measurement tools and robust quantitative assessment methods.