SATURDAY, JUNE 29 - Meetings & Pre-Conference Workshops

Pre-Conference I: Fluid-Based Biomarkers for Precision Medicine Applications 

Assessing Function in NeuroTrauma Populations 

Chairs: Kevin Wang, PhD, Univ. of Florida & Firas Kobeissy, University of Florida

1. Translational protein biomarkers for neurotrauma - Kevin Wang, PhD, University of Florida

2. Differential and quantitative proteomic methods - William Haskins, Gryphon Bio

3. Exosome and microvesicles research in neurotrauma - Jessica Gill, PhD,  RN, CNRM/NIHCNRM/NIH
   

4. Next generation protein biomarkers of traumatic brain injury - Denes Agoston, MD, PhD, USUHS

5. Blood and CSF Biomarkers of Repetitive Blast Injury In Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans - Elaine Peskind, PhD, UW Medicine

6. Genetic Modulators of TBI outcome - Yvette Perry Conley, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

7. DNA methylation: Lesson from a Breacher study - Fatemah Haghighi, PhD, Icahn SOM at Mount Sinai

SUNDAY, JUNE 30 

Pre-Conference II: Fluid-Based Biomarkers for Precision Medicine Applications  Assessing Function in NeuroTrauma Populations

Chairs: Amy Wagner, MD, University of Pittsburgh & Douglas Jeffery, FDA

1. Rehabilomics Research Model as a Framework for Precision Rehabilitation - Amy Wagner, MD, University of Pittsburgh 
2. Big Data Management and data exploration - Adam Ferguson, PhD, UCSF
3. System Biology Tools and Pathway Analysis - Opportunities for Biomarkers and Therapeutic Target Identification - Firas Kobeissy, PhD, University of Florida
4. Structural equations models for clinical phenotypes of human TBI - LindsayNelson, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin
5. Data-driven approaches for syndromic biomarkers in the laboratory and clinic UCSF - J. Russell Huie, PhD, UCSF
6. Precision Medicine Overview at UPMC and Pitt: From Bench to Bedside - Sana Borda, MD, University of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute
7. Regulatory Considerations for Blood-Based Biomarkers of TBI - Douglas Jeffery, FDA

AANS/CNS Session 1: Spine and Spinal Cord Injury

Chair: David Okonkwo, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

1. An update of the guidelines for spine trauma - James Harrop, MD, Jefferson University
   
2. Spinal cord injury trials update – Paul Arnold, MD, University of Illinois
   
3. Advances in spinal cord injury treatment – Imaging, Monitoring and Anticoagulation – Eve Tsai, MD, PhD, Ottawa Hospital
4. Debate:  3-column thoracolumbar fracture in the neurologically intact patient – operate vs not? - James Harrop, MD, Jefferson University & Paul Arnold, MD, University of Illinois
   
   • Case presentation - David Okonkwo, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
   • Operate – Paul Arnold, MD, University of Illinois
     
   • Do not operate – James Harrop, MD, Jefferson University
   • Verdict and discussion - David Okonkwo, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

AANS/CNS Session 2: Brain Injury

Chair: Uzma Samadani, MD, PhD, Univ. Minnesota

1. Lessons for the Clinician from Trials in TBI - David Okonkwo, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
   

2. Development of an Algorithm for Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Management - Tene Cage, Stanford University
   

3. Progress with Objective Measures for Injury - Christina Master, MD, CHOP
   

4. Debate: TBI Guidelines are Useful vs They Don’t Sufficiently Guide - Patricia Raksin, MD, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital & Gregory Hawryluk, MD, PhD, University of Utah

   • Case presentation – Uzma Samadani, MD, PhD, University of Minnesota
   • Guidelines are useful – Patricia Raksin, MD, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital
     
   • Guidelines do not sufficiently guide – Gregory Hawryluk, MD, PhD, University of Utah
     
   • Verdict and discussion – Uzma Samadani, MD, PhD, Univ. Minnesota

12:00 pm - 01:00 pm

AANS/CNS Lunch: Practical Course on Management of Traumatic Brain Injury and Monitoring

Sponsored by Integra

Update on an Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Algorithm - Greg Hawryluk

Case presentations - David Okonkwo

HOBIT: Hyperbaric Oxygen Brain Injury Treatment?  - Frederick Korley

Box lunch for AANS/CNS attendees

Tour of Safar Center for Resuscitation Research

FREE - Separate Registration required

The National Neurotrauma Society Presents Pittsburgh Community Advancements in Assistive Technology, Precision Medicine, and Research Engagement and Neuroscience Training PUBLIC EVENT

Sponsored by PITT School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Precision Medicine Institute

& Clinical and Translational Science Institute

AANS/CNS Session 3: Lessons from Sports and Multimodal TBI Management

Chair: Gregory Hawryluk, MD, PhD, University of Utah

1. A history of the playing field as laboratory - Julian Bailes, MD, Northshore University
   

2. Can the NFL Fix TBI in Football? - Allen Sills, MD, Vanderbilt University
   

3. Neurotrauma in the Military: Cut or Commute and the Implications for Civilian Practice? - Jeffrey M. Tomlin, Naval Medical Center San Diego
   

4. Debate: Is multimodal TBI management effective?

   • Case presentation – Roxanne Todor, MD, Jacobi Medical Center
     
   • Effective - David Okonkwo, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
   • Not Effective - Eve Tsai, MD, PhD, Ottawa Hospital
   • Verdict and discussion – Roxanne Todor, MD, Jacobi Medical Center

Grand 1

Journal of Neurotrauma Editorial Board Meeting

Rivers

AANS/CNS Session 4: Controversies in Brain Injury 

Chair: Eve Tsai, MD, PhD, Ottawa Hospital

1. Accurate prognostication of severe TBI - Joseph Giacino, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital
   

2. From Data to Press Release to Twitter: When Science Becomes FAKE NEWS - William Barr, PhD, NYU Langone Health

3. Will Big Data Fix Brain Injury? – Uzma Samadani, MD, PhD, Univ. Minnesota

4. Debate:  Does preclinical data help develop therapies for humans?

   • Case presentation – Eve Tsai, MD, PhD, Ottawa Hospital
   • Preclinical data helps – Patrick Kochanek, MD, Univ. Pittsburgh
     
   • Preclinical data hinders – Geoff Manley, MD, PhD, UCSF
     
   • Verdict and discussion – Eve Tsai, MD, PhD, Ottawa Hospital

Brain Computer Interface Technology: Outlining a Path from Science Fiction to Engineering Function

Douglas J. Weber, PhD 

"To me, function means satisfaction. Whether derived from an increase in the ability to think, move, feel, or communicate, any increase in these basic functions enhances our ability to derive satisfaction from our experiences as humans."

From WiNTR to TEAM: How the Women in Neurotrauma program set the stage for mentoring trainees and promoting diversity in NNS  TEAM

Gene Gurkoff, PhD, TEAM President

Welcome Reception: Pittsburgh Community Research Advancements and Assistive Technology Showcase

Sponsored by TIRR Foundation

Grand 3/4 & King's Garden

Movie Screening & Discussion: Breathe

Sponsored by UPMC Rehabilitation Institute & PITT Clinical & Translational Science Institute

Introduction: Sarah Shi, UPMC Neurologic PT Resident

FREE; includes light snacks

MONDAY, JULY 1

Funding & Regulatory Officers Breakfast Session: Federal Agencies Roundtable

Facilitators: Gregory Holmes, PhD, Penn State University, Holly Hinson, PhD, Oregon Health Sciences University & Corina Bondi, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Brain Tissue Oxygenation: Physiology-Based Technology to Guide Patient Care ClinicalTreatment

Chairs: Lori Shutter, MD, Univ. of Pittsburgh / Francis Bernard, MD, Univ. of Montreal

1. Mechanisms of Brain Tissue Hypoxia and Dysoxia - David Menon, PhD, University of Cambridge
   
2. Monitoring and Management of Brain Oxygenation - Francis Bernard, MD, University of Montreal
3. Updates on PbtO2 focused Clinical Trials & Future Therapies - Lori Shutter, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
   

President's Welcome Address

Amy Wagner, MD, University of Pittsburgh

 Keynote Lecture Series: What Does Function Mean to Me?  

Clinical Trials in Neurotrauma Research: Evaluating Function as an Efficacy Endpoint

Alan Jette, PT, PhD, BU  

"I subscribe to the definition of Function, first defined by sociologist Saag Nagi, as the ability to perform fundamental physical and mental actions used in daily life by one’s age-sex group. This concept was further elaborated upon by Verbrugge and Jette, who described function as the performance of generic tasks or actions, recruited in many specific circumstances, distinct from the concepts of pathology, impairments, and disability. Fundamental tasks or actions include walking, lifting objects, climbing stairs, reading standard-size print, producing intelligible speech and hearing other people speak in a room."

Award Presentations TEAM

TEAM VISA Award

Chair: Mayumi Prins, PhD, UCLA

Patient Perspectives

Chairs:Jennifer Collinger, PhD, University of Pittsburgh / Mylynda Massart, MD, University of Pittsburgh

• Shawn Smith
• Jan Scheuermann, PhD
• Nathan Copeland

Deploying Best Practices for Scientific Rigor in Neurotrauma Research TEAM

Sponsored by PITT Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Oswald Steward, PhD, Reeve-Irvine Research Center

 $20; Includes box lunch 

What Does Function Mean to Me? Function After SCI Roundtable

Sponsored by PITT Precision Medicine Institute & Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Chairs: Amy Wagner, MD, University of Pittsburgh / Grace Griesbach, PhD, Centre for NeuroSkills / Alexander Rabchevsky, PhD, University of Kentucky / Mylynda Massart, MD, University of Pittsburgh

 $20; Includes box lunch 

Clinical Sequelae in TBI & SCI Chronic Clinical

Chair: Nimish Acharya, PhD, Rowan University

1. Clinical Presentation in Adult Mild-to-Moderate TBI - Randel Swanson, DO, PhD, Univ. Pennsylvania
   
2. Clinical Presentation in Adult Moderate-to-Severe TBI - Stephen Hampton, MD, Univ. Pennsylvania
   
3. Clinical Presentation and Conditions Associated with SCI - Leslie Morse, DO, PhD, University of Colorado, Denver
   

 $20; Includes box lunch 

TBI Recovery: Neurobehavior, Function & Precision Care in Pediatric TBI Pediatric TBI

Chair: Michael Whalen, Massachusetts General Hospital

1. Neuroplasticity and functional recovery after pediatric TBI: Measurement & Treatment - Galit Pelled, PhD, Michigan State University
2. Personalized medicine innovations in pediatric TBI rehabilitation - Ericka Fink, MD, MS, University of Pittsburgh
3. Use of neuroimaging and neurobehavioral assessments to improve understanding of outcomes after pediatric TBI - Stacy Susakauer, MD, MS, Kennedy Krieger Institute
4. Behavioral, cellular, and molecular mechanisms in an adolescent repetitive head injury model - Michael Whalen, MD, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital

01:00 pm - 02:30 pm

Measuring Functional Outcomes in Pre-Clinical Blast Models Preclinical Models

Chair: C. Edward Dixon, PhD, Univ. of Pittsburgh

Sponsored by the PITT Center for Military Medical Research

1. Enduring deficits in memory and neuronal pathology after blast-induced traumatic brain injury - Douglas DeWitt, PhD, University of Texas Medical Branch
2. The cumulative effects of repeated low-level blast exposure - Joseph Long, PhD, MSc, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
   
3. Effects of Mild Blast Traumatic Brain Injury on Cerebral Vascular, Histopathological, and Behavioral - Pamela VanderVord, PhD, Virginia Tech
   
4. Sex-Dependent Effects of Mild Blast-induced Traumatic Brain Injury on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis - John T. Wu, PhD, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Therapeutic Strategies for CNS Regeneration and Functional Recovery Synapses & Circuits

Chairs: Shuxin Li, MD, PhD, Temple University / Michael Sofroniew, MD, PhD, UCLA

1. Promoting axon regeneration after complete spinal cord injury - Michael Sofroniew, MD, PhD, UCLA
   
2. A novel strategy for promoting functional recovery after CNS injury - Yimin Zou, PhD, UC San Diego
   
3. Promoting axon regeneration and recovery in adult CNS by targeting liver kinase B1 - Shuxin Li, MD, PhD, Temple University
4. Promoting robust respiratory function recovery after cervical spinal cord injury - Angelo Lepore, Jefferson University

Sports Controversy: To Play or Not to Play? Should Contact Sports for Kids be Banned? Repetitive TBI

Chairs:Ross Zafonte, DO, Harvard-Spaulding / Christopher Giza, MD, UCLA BIRC

1. Risk of catastrophic injury following sports concussion - Stan Herring, MD, Univ. of Washington
   
2. Age at first exposure to repeated impacts & long-term risks - Robert Cantu, MA, MD, FACS, FACSM, Cantu Concussion Center at Emerson Hospital
3. Concussion in Female Adolescent Athletes - Meeryo Choe, MD, UCLA
   
4. Rules of the Game: Can policies and rules improve safety in youth sports? - Christopher Giza, MD, UCLA BIRC
5. Short & long-term cognitive health in American style football - Ross Zafonte, DO, Harvard-Spaulding

Spinal Interneurons After Spinal Cord Injury SCI

Chairs: Michael Lane, PhD, Drexel Univ. / Kajana Satkunendrarajah, PhD, Univ. Toronto

1. Transplantation of V2a Interneurons in Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels after Spinal Cord Injury - Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert, PhD, Univ. of Texas, Austin
   
2. Transcriptional dynamics of neurorehabilitation in spinal cord injury at single-nucleus resolution - Claudia Kathe, PhD, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
3. Silencing spared interneurons results in better stepping after SCI in the rat: clinical implications - David Magnuson, PhD, Univ. of Louisville
   

Targeting the Injury in the Injured Brain - Advanced Diagnostics and Treatment Methods Treatment

Chairs: Donald Marion, MD, DVBIC / Maheen Adamson, PhD, Stanford/DVBIC

1. Improving cognition with neuromodulation: role of co-morbidities in brain injury rehabilitation - Maheen Adamson, PhD, Stanford/DVBIC
2. Individualized approaches to neuromodulation for TBI-associated neuropsychiatric syndromes - Shan Hai Siddiqi, MD, Harvard University
3. Can rTMS help to alleviate persistent post-concussive headache-A central neuropathic pain state? - Albert Leung, MD, UC San Diego/VA San Diego
4. Low intensity focused ultrasound after severe brain injury: from the science of disorders of consciousness - Martin Monti, PhD, UCLA BIRC
   
5. Focused ultrasound for executive function impairment in TBI - John Coetzee, PhD, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System
   

Data Blitz A: Oral Presentations

Chairs: Bridgette Semple, Monash University, Randel Swanson, University of Pennsylvania, Theresa Thomas, University of Arizona

DBA-01 Significant Epidemiological Changes in Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries in the State of Maryland over an 18-year Period - Bizhan Aarabi

DBA-02 Long Term Prognosis of Severe Traumatic Brain Injured Patients Using Acute Phase Neurophysiology Testing - Joshua Bauer

DBA-03 Gut microbiota dysbiosis exacerbates hippocampal neuronal loss and maladaptive fear memory response following TBI - Marta Celorrio-Navarro

DBA-04 Salivary non-coding RNAs: the next generation of biomarkers in concussed Rugby Football Union players - Valentia Di Pietro

DBA-05 Disruptions in Hippocampal Circuitry Involved in Learning and Memory Following TBI - Kimberly Gagnon

DBA-06 Microglia elimination recovered peripheral inflammation-induced sleep but prolonged TBI-induced sleep in mice - Katherine Giordano

DBA-07 Glial fibrillary acidic protein levels relate to changes in neuroimaging findings after mild traumatic brain injury - Vivian De Alvarenga Guedes

DBA-08 mTOR Pathway Activation Implicated in Epileptogenesis after TBI - Lauren Hanlon

DBA-09 Exploring additional approaches to therapy ranking in Operation Brain Trauma Therapy - Patrick Kochanek

DBA-10 Mild TBI Results in Hippocampal and Cortical Oscillatory Changes that Resolve over Time - Katelynn Ondek

DBA-11 Macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (CCL3) and its receptors contribute to secondary damage following SCI - Nicolas Pelisch

DBA-12 Cerebrovascular reactivity assessed with fNIRS and MRI as a biomarker of of traumatic cerebrovascular injury - Michael Sangobowale

DBA-13 Serum NfL Shows Diagnostic Utility as a Biomarker in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury - Pashtun Shahim

DBA-14 Changes in hippocampal synaptic plasticity following exposure to high frequency head impacts (HF-HI) - Stephanie Sloley

DBA-15 COMT and ANKK1 Genetics Influence Il-6 Levels and Associations with Depression and Behavior Following TBI - Sushupta Vijapur

Wine & Cheese Poster Session A / Final Competition Judging / Exhibits Open 

All Posters in Group A

TEAM-building & Mentoring "Chops & Hops" Event TEAM

$35 Ticket; Includes axe throwing, mentoring, pizza & beer/wine 

 LumberjAxes

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Movie Screening & Discussion: The Rider

Sponsored by UPMC Rehabilitation Institute & PITT Clinical & Translational Science Institute

Moderator: Laura Lubbers, CUREpilepsy

FREE ticket; includes light snacks

TUESDAY, JULY 2 

NNS Society Business Meeting - All NNS members are invited to attend

President's Announcements

Amy Wagner, MD, University of Pittsburgh

 Keynote Lecture Series: What Does Function Mean to Me? 

Including All of Us: Disability, Function and the Precision Medicine Initiative

Alison Cernich, PhD

"Function, for me, is how a person does things in a way that works for them and which fits with the social and built environment. Ultimately, there is no “right” or “best” way, rather it is the optimal way for the person and the skill or ability they are trying to use. "

Award Presentations: NNS

Travel Grant Awards 

Chair: Mayumi Prins, PhD, UCLA

Outcomes and Discussion of the SCI 2020 Decade of Disruption in SCI Research SCI

Chairs: Linda Noble-Haeusslein, PhD, UT Austin / Leslie Morse, DO, Univ Minnesotaniv Minnesota

1. Driving innovation in acute spinal cord injuries - Linda Noble-Haeusslein, PhD, UT Austin
2. Advances in repair, neuroplasticity, and the approach to secondary health effects subacute/chronic SCI - Leslie Morse, DO, Univ. Minnesotaiv. Minnesota
3. Facilitating Function through Neuromodulation and Technology - Edelle Field-Fote, PT, PhD, Shepherd Center/ Emory University
4. Kiosks for the community along the research pipeline - Matthew Rodreick, Unite2Fight Paralysis
   

Discovery and Validation of Novel Biomarkers for Preclinical TBI  TEAM

Sponsored by PITT Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Chairs: Diana Cummings, PhD, NIH/NINDS / Patrick Bellgowan, PhD, NIH/NINDS

1. Developing the tools and infrastructure for a preclinical collaborative consortium - Patrick Bellgowan, PhD, NIH/NINDS
2. Novel functional and molecular neuroimaging approaches for preclinical TBI in the TOP-NT consortium - Jinyuan Zhou, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute
3. Development and validation of biofluid-based neurotrauma biomarkers in the TOP-NT Consortium - Kevin K.W. Wang, PhD, University of Florida
4. Data Sharing and Analytics for Biomarker Discovery in the TOP-NT Consortium - Adam Ferguson, University of California San Francisco

 $20; Includes box lunch 

What Does Function Mean to Me?  Function After TBI Roundtable

Sponsored by PITT Precision Medicine Institute & Clinical and Translational Science Institute 

Chairs:  Amy Wagner, MD, University of Pittsburgh / Grace Griesbach, PhD, Centre for NeuroSkills / Alexander Rabchevsky, PhD, University of Kentucky / Mylynda Massart, MD, University of Pittsburgh

 $20; Includes box lunch 

Intersection of TBI and Domestic Violence Cross-Cutting

Chairs: Jonathan Lifshitz, University of Arizona University of Arizona / Rachel Rowe, PhD, University of Arizona

1. Domestic violence as a cause of TBI - Jonathan Lifshitz, University of Arizona University of Arizona
2. Structural and functional imaging correlates of repetitive traumatic brain injuries in women victims of intimate-partner violence - Eve Valera, PhD, Harvard University
3. The Relationship between Domestic Violence and Physical Abuse in Children - Rachel Berger, MD, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

 $20; Includes box lunch 

Repair & Neurodegeneration following Pediatric TBI: Variations in Structural & Functional Brain Connectivity Associated with Divergent Cognitive & Adaptive Outcomes Pediatric

Chairs: Robert Asarnow, PhD, UCLA / Talin Babikian, PhD, UCLA

1. MR Spectroscopic Correlates of Long-Term Functional Outcomes Following Pediatric TBI - Talin Babikian, UCLA
   
2. Altered Structural Connectivity in Pediatric Brain Injury - Emily Dennis, PhD, Brigham & Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School
   
3. Brain connectivity biomarkers of training-induced improvements in brain-injured patients: reality or pipe dream? - Karen Caeyenberghs, PhD, Australian Catholic University
4. Neural Correlates of Functional Disruption in Mild Pediatric Brain Injury - Elisabeth Wilde, PhD, University of Utah
   
5. BOLD hyper-activations are linked to an electrophysiological measure of slow inter-hemispheric trans - Alexander Olsen, PhD, Norwegian University of Science and Technology / St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim
   

Use of Alternative Neurotrauma Models in Defining and Assessing Functional Outcome Measures Preclinical Models

Chair: Alana Conti, PhD, Wayne State University

1. Genetic variants affect the risk of traumatic brain injury outcomes - David Wassarman, PhD, University of Wisconsin
   
2. Porcine models of CNS injury: Focus on functional assessment - Candace Floyd, PhD, University of Utah
3. Age and genetic background modify the effects of anesthetics and hyperoxia on traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes - Michael Perouansky, MD, University of Wisconsin
4. Drosophila as a model for traumatic brain injury at the single cell level - Douglas Ruden, PhD, Wayne State UniversityRuden, PhD, Wayne State University
   

CNSA Special Session:  Emerging Technologies in Examining Neurocircuitry Dysfunctions Following Neurotrauma Synapses & Circuits

Chairs: Kevin Wang, PhD, Univ. of Florida / Dong Sun, MD, PhD, VCU

1. Current state of the art on susceptibility weighted imaging and other new MRI imaging sequences - Zhifeng Kou, PhD, Wayne State University
   
2. Human Neural Stem Cell Transplantation-Mediated Alteration of Microglial/Macrophage Phenotypes - Ping Wu, MD, PhD, UTMB
3. Targeting NLRP3 inflammasomes to treat traumatic brain injury with a novel pharmacological inhibitor - Dong Sun, MD, PhD, VCU
4. Patient-Reported and Performance based Outcome after TBI - European Experiences from Center-TBI - Nicole von Steinbüchel, PhD, Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences

Subconcussions, Concussions, CTE & Tauopathy: New Ideas and Unanswered Questions Repetitive TBI

Chairs: Ross Zafonte, DO, Harvard University / Christopher Giza, MD, UCLA BIRC

1. CTE: History, questions and future directions - Steven DeKosky, MD, University of Florida
   
2. Basic pathophysiology of post-TBI neurodegeneration - Elisa Zanier, PhD, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan
3. Clinical features of chronic TBI/CTE - Charles Bernick, MD, MPH, Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas
4. Neuropathology of CTE & Tau – Relationship with TBI - William Stewart, MBChB, PhD, FRCPath, University of Glasgow
   
5. Use of [18F]AV-1451 tauopathy PET imaging and plasma NF-L as potential ante-mortem biomarkers of CTE - Dara Dickstein, PhD, USUHS

Mechanisms of Recovery of Function from Mouse to Man SCI

Chair: D. Michele Basso, EdD, Ohio State University

1. SCI-induced changes in myelin as a foundation for recovery - Dana McTigue, PhD, Ohio State University
   
2. First in man evidence of activity-dependent white matter plasticity - Tim Faw, PT, DPT, NCS, Ohio State University
   
3. Independent walking via neuromodulation: new elements of training - Susan Harkema, PhD, University of Louisville
4. Task-Specific neural plasticity mechanisms in rodents - D. Michele Basso, EdD, Ohio State University

EpiBioS4Rx - The Epilepsy Bioinformatics Study for Antiepileptogenic Therapy After Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment

Chair: Sandy Shultz, PhD, Monash University

1. Harmonization of preclinical multicenter studies for biomarker discovery - Asla Pitkanen, PhD, University of Eastern Finland
   
2. Interventions that prevent the development of PTE following TBI in rats - Aristea Galanopoulou, MD, PhD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
3. Translation and validation of biomarkers in human TBI patients - Paul Vespa, MD, UCLA
   
4. Public engagement in clinical TBI/PTE research: opportunities, needs, and challenges - Daniel Correa, MD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
   

Data Blitz B: Oral Presentations 

Chairs: Bridgette Semple, Monash University, Randel Swanson, University of Pennsylvania, Theresa Thomas, University of Arizona

DBB-16 Whole blood resuscitation improves cerebral perfusion and oxygenation in a rat model of penetrating brain injury and hemorrhage - Zachary Bailey

DBB-17  Remote Ischemic conditioning prevents traumatic brain injury-induced acute lung injury - Maha Saber

DBB-18 Neuroinflammatory and Synaptic Changes in the Hippocampus Following Diffuse Brain Injury in Swine - Michael Grovola

DBB-19 Sarm1 Deletion Reduces Axon Degeneration, Demyelination, and White Matter Atrophy After Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury - Christina Marion

DBB-20 Traumatic brain injury leads to widespread acute amyloid-beta deposition in the elderly - Hannah Morgan

DBB-21 Reduced cognitive resiliency of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder against subconcussive head impacts - Madeleine Nowak

DBB-22 Deficits in behavioral flexibility and impulse control are rescued with cues following severe frontal brain injury in rats - Chistopher O'Hearn

DBB-23 Time Interval to Emergence from Coma in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors with Favorable Outcome at 2 Years - Ava Puccio

DBB-24 Probing the Operation Brain Trauma Therapy Dataset Using Machine Learning Techniques - Hannah Radabaugh

DBB-25 Dissecting the role of CCL2 in neuropathic pain development - Jonathan Richards

DBB-26 Calibrated quantitative MRI of TBI across space, vendor, site, and time for diffusion Quantification of Diffuse Axonal Injury DAI - Walter Schneider

DBB-27 Towards precision medicine for the injured brain: auto-tuning of cortical spreading depolarization - Kevin Shah

DBB-28 Widespread axonal voltage-gated sodium channel changes in a swine model of concussion - Przemyslaw Swiatkowski

DBB-29  Data sharing in TBI research: Open Data Commons for Traumatic Brain Injury (ODC-TBI alpha) - Abel Torres Espin

DBB-30 Astrocyte Injury-Defined (AID) biomarker assays for preclinical neurotrauma models and diagnostic monitoring of TBI patients - Ina Wanner

Wine & Cheese Poster Session B: Group B / Visit Exhibits 

All Posters in Group B

HEINZ HISTORY CENTER DINNER: Pittsburgh Celebrates the Neurotrauma Community

Hosted by     

Sponsored by

PITT Critical Care Medicine,  PITT School of Medicine & Precision Medicine Institute

Reflections on Peter Safar PITT Neurotrauma Family Tree (7:00-7:30)

Movie Screening & Discussion: Freedom House (8:30-10:00)

$60; includes presentation, movie & all exhibits

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Adaptive Yoga

Sponsored by UPMC Rehabilitation Institute

FREE - All are invited to attend

Funding & Regulatory Officers Breakfast Session: Corporate and Foundation Agencies Roundtable

Facilitators: Gregory Holmes, PhD, Penn State University, Holly Hinson, PhD, Oregon Health Sciences University & Corina Bondi, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Severe TBI in Infants and Children - A View from the Pediatric ICU ClinicalPediatric

Sponsored by UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Chairs: Courtney Robertson, MD, JHMI / Patrick Kochanek, MD, MCCM, Univ. Pittsburgh

1. Reassessing Contemporary Therapy for Pediatric TBI: Initial Results of the ADAPT Trial - Michael Bell, Children's National Medical Center
2. How Can Big Data Help us Answer Important Questions in Pediatric TBI? - Tell Bennett, MD, UC Denver
3. Translational Applications of Diffuse TBI in the Developing Brain -- Pre-clinical Perspective - Todd Kilbaugh, MD, MCCM, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
4. A Novel Approach to Drug Development and Therapeutic Monitoring for Severe TBI in Children - Robert S. B. Clark, University of Pittsburgh

President's Announcements & iPad Drawing

Amy Wagner, MD, University of Pittsburgh

 Keynote Lecture Series: What Does Function Mean to Me?  

The Role of Neuroimaging in TBI Biomarker Development: Can a Crisis Advance our Science?

Frank Hillary, PhD, Penn State University

"My definition of functional capacity in the areas of sensory, motor, can cognitive functioning is guided by principles of individual differences and developmental trajectories. The determinant of functional capacity is bound by expectation of the capacity. With regard to the first anchor, what can be deemed "functional" deviates between individuals and is contextually dependent. With regard to the second, function is developmentally dependent so that our expectations regarding functionality change over the lifespan. Finally, the functionality of any human capacity is best rated by the holder of the function, with expectations of function guiding what is deemed 'functional'."

09:00 am - 09:30 am

Award Presentations: Trainee Poster Competition

David Hovda Award - Anthony Marmarou Award - Alan Faden Award - Murray Goldstein Award - Michael Goldberger Award - TEAM Research Award

Chair: Mayumi Prins, PhD, UCLA

Adverse Functional Outcomes Related to Substance Use and Abuse Following Traumatic Brain Injury Repetitive TBI

Chairs: Abigail Schindler, PhD, University of Washington / Alana Conti, PhD, Wayne State University

1. Effects of TBI on opioid receptor function and morphine seeking - Alana Conti, PhD, Wayne State University
2. Neuroimaging correlates of elevated oxycodone seeking after repeated mild TBI - Christopher Olsen, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin
   
3. Blast-mTBI as a risk factor for maladaptive reward learning and substance misuse - Abigail Schindler, PhD, University of Washington
   
4. Using multi-modal neuroimaging to customize neuromodulatory treatment for co-occurring mild TBI/AUD - Amy Herrold, PhD, Northwestern University
   

Stepping Through Translational Research in Neurotrauma: Process, Opportunities and Tips for Success  TEAM

Chairs: Patrick Bellgowan, PhD NIH / Victoria Smith, PhD, NINDS

1. Early-stage therapy development process, funding opportunities and tips for success - Rebecca Roof, PhD, NIH/NINDS
   
2. Translational Challenges in SCI - Linda Bambrick, PhD, CDMRP / DoD
   
3. Advanced Translational Efforts: Optimization and Development - Chris Boshoff, PhD, NIH/NINDS
   

 $20; Includes box lunch 

What Does Function Mean to Me? Exploring a Role for TBI & SCI Advocacy Roundtable

Sponsored by PITT Precision Medicine Institute & Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Chairs:  Amy Wagner, MD, University of Pittsburgh / Grace Griesbach, PhD, Centre for NeuroSkills / Alexander Rabchevsky, PhD, University of Kentucky / Mylynda Massart, MD, University of Pittsburgh

 $20; Includes box lunch 

Neuroscience Tools for Neurotrauma TEAM Cross-Cutting

Sponsored by PITT  Brain Institute, Center for Neuroscience University of Pittsburgh and

PITT Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Chair: Shaun Carlson, PhD, University of Pittsburgh / Sarah Svirsky, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

1. Optical brain computer interface reveals a potential strategy for increasing information throughput during rehabilitation - Sandra Kuhlman, PhD, Carnegie Mellon University
2. Peripheral Nerve Injury: Opportunities and Challenges for Diagnosis and Treatment using Nanotechnology - Jelena Janjic, PhD Duquesne University
3. Imaging Cerebral Pathology In Vivo in Neurotrauma - Chet Mathis, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
   

 $20; Includes box lunch 

Under Construction: The Function of the Teenage Brain After TBI Pediatric

Chairs: Mayumi Prins, PhD, UCLA / Courtney Robertson, MD, JHMI

1. The adolescent brain: unique period of cerebral maturation - Mayumi Prins, PhD, UCLA
   
2. Adolescent TBI and Addictive Behavior - Gabriella Ilie, PhD, Dalhousie University
   
3. Adolescent TBI research, sex and recovery - Richelle Mychasiuk, PhD, University of Calgary
4. Do Rathletes Recover From Concussion Faster Than Sedentary Rats? - Lindsay Ferguson,  PhD, UCLA
   

Secondary Conditions after TBI: Headache, Neuroendocrine & Neuropsychiatric Sequelae Preclinical Models

Chair: Cole VonderHaar, PhD, West Virginia University

1. Modeling and treating chronic psychiatric-like dysfunction in rats with TBI - Cole VonderHaar, PhD, West Virginia University
2. Functional Assessment of Pain in porcine models of CNS injury - Candace Floyd, PhD, University of Utah
3. Modeling Neuroendocrine Dysfunction after TBI - John T. Wu, PhD, USUHS
   
4. Modeling Post-traumatic Headache - Dan Levy, MD, MSc, Harvard University
   

From Synapses to Circuits Synapses & Circuits

Chairs: Akiva Cohen, PhD, University of Pennsylvania

1. Linking TBI-induced Synaptic Changes with Functional Outcome - Shaun Carlson, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
2. The Argument for Considering Circuits - Theresa Thomas, PhD, University of Arizona
   
3. TBI, EEG and Outcome: What Does the Network Tell Us? - Gene Gurkoff, PhD, University of California Davis
   
4. The Effects of TBI on Hippocampal Circuitry Underlying Spatial Memory - John Wolf, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
   

Women, Sex, and Hormones in Neurotrauma Research Cross-Cutting

Chairs: Kimberly Byrnes, PhD, USUHS /  Tiffany Greco, PhD, UCLA BIRC

1. Researching Sex Differences: What are the Challenges? - Erin Reinl, PhD, University of Maryland
   
2. Sex specific TBI effects on limbic-stress axis - Mario Oyola, PhD, NIH
3. Hormonal Dysfunction and TBI: Pre-clinical Perspectives - Tiffany Greco, PhD, UCLA BIRC
   
4. Endogenous sex hormone profiles—Relationships to survival, non-neurological organ dysfunction and TBI relevant pathophysiology - Raj Kumar, PhD, Mt. Sinai
   

Mouse to Man: How the Brain - Spinal Cord Relationship Influences Functional Recovery SCI

Chair: David S.K. Magnuson, PhD, University of Louisville

1. Beyond Neuroprosthetics: Brain-machine interface technology to study cognitive impairment - Karen Moxon, PhD, UC Davis
   
2. Cortical Remodeling and Functional Recovery in the Mouse - Edmund Hollis II, PhD, Burke Neurological Institute
   
3. How learning masquerades as recovery after stroke: implications for rehabilitation - Juan Camilo Cortes, Johns Hopkins
   

Targeting Mitochondrial Medicine to Improve Functional Outcome After CNS Injury Treatment

Chairs: Alexander Rabchevsky, PhD, University of Kentucky / Dianne Langford, PhD, Temple University

1. Increasing mitochondrial biogenesis after spinal cord injury -  Rick Schnellmann, PhD, University of Arizona
   
2. Putting the PINCH on neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction after insult - Dianne Langford, PhD, Temple University
3. Mitochondrial medicine for pediatric TBI - Courtney Robertson, MD, JHMI
4. Mitoceuticals to improve cognitive deficits following TBI - Patrick Sullivan, PhD, University of Kentucky
   

04:30 pm - 05:00 pm

Latest Advances in Imaging of Function After TBI Cross-Cutting

Chairs: Ivan Kirov, PhD, NYU Langone Health / Bernard Dardzinski, PhD, USUHS

1. Re-emergence of Brain Networks During Recovery of Consciousness After Acute Traumatic Coma - Brian Edlow,  MD, Massachusetts General Hospital
2. Longitudinal Neuroimaging and Functional Outcome Evaluation in US Military with Combat Concussion - Christine MacDonald, PhD, University of Washington
   
3. Volumetric and DTI imaging markers and their relation to function in Veterans and military personnel - Elisabeth Wilde, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine
   
4. Precision imaging of neuroinflammation after TBI - Jennifer Coughlin, MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
   

Sex Differences in TBI Pathophysiology Cross-Cutting

Chairs: Margalit Haber, PhD, University of Pennsylvania / Kristen Whitney, PhD, SUNY Downstate Medical Center

1. Impact of menstrual phase on outcome after mild TBI in women - Jeffrey Bazarian, MD, MPH, University of Rochester
   
2. Sexual dimorphism in the inflammatory response to traumatic brain injury - Sonia Villapol, PhD, Houston Methodist Research Hospital
3. Sex differences in white matter alterations following repetitive subconcussive injury - Inga Koerte, MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School
4. Sex differences in cerebral autoregulation after pediatric traumatic brain injury - Monica Vavilala, MD, University of Washington
   

Neurotrauma Celebrates Function with the Rhizome Theater Company

Sponsored by UPMC Mercy Hospital

“A collection of stories, of questions and answers and more questions. A reflection of function in its many conceptions. A dynamic live performance woven from the real words of NNS members. An interactive portrait of a community, united in research and care.”

FREE for all registered attendees