2022 Conference Agenda
Day One - June 6, 2022
7:15 AM
Registration and Continental Breakfast
7:55 AM
Chairperson's Opening Remarks
Andreas Jeromin, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Company name TBA (in stealth mode)
8:00 AM
A Novel 3D Microfluidic Model of the Human Neurovascular Unit for the Study of TBI and Neuroinflammation
Understanding the biochemical, cellular, and molecular mechanisms that follow TBI, specifically with respect to the BBB, can aid in the development of treatments. However, few in vitro models of TBI exist that include vascular elements, fluidic flow, 3D arrangement, and interactions with other cells of the neurovascular unit (NVU). We have developed a novel 3D microfluidic model using light-based bioprinting technology. Scaffolds were constructed using cross-linkable photoinks Polyethylene glycol Diacrylate and Gelatin methacryloyl. Primary brain microvascular endothelial cells were then seeded into vascular lumens and perfused to create fully endothelized 3D branched vascular networks. Moreover, cells of the CNS (ie. astrocytes, neurons etc.) can be embedded into the scaffold to create a NVU. Importantly, we demonstrate that these scaffolds are compatible with a uniaxial stretch device to mimic the primary phase of injury in TBI. Overall, the use of advanced microfluidic models of the NVU have the potential to bridge the transability gap and improve the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Servio Ramirez, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Temple University
Servio Ramirez, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Temple University
8:30 AM
Leveraging Psychiatric Genomic Consortia to Power Large-scale Genetic Analysis of TBI
Despite a rapid growth in identifying genetic correlates of psychiatric and neurological conditions, research to date on the genetic factors which confer risk for TBI sequelae has been relatively limited. The presentation will review progress in the field and introduce the efforts of the TBI Workgroup (part of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium’s PTSD working group), which is seeking to power research into how genes are correlated with TBI incidence and predictive of TBI outcomes. The group’s aim is to collaborate with individual research cohorts as well as large biobanks to harmonize and analyze genome-wide associations for TBI, post-concussion syndrome, and psychiatric comorbidities following TBI. Workgroup aims and available preliminary results will be reviewed.
Seth Disner, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota
Seth Disner, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota
9:00 AM
The PTSD Research Roadmap: A Model Approach for Discovering New Treatment Opportunities for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Magali Haas, MD, Ph.D., CEO and President, Cohen Veterans Bioscience
9:30 AM
Traumatic Brain Injury During Pregnancy
In this presentation Dr. Lifshitz will discuss two recently published papers as well as a study that is currently underway: Study 1: state-wide epidemiology of concurrent concussion and domestic violence. The results point to infant boys and child-bearing age women at the greatest risk. Study 2: a laboratory study of TBI during pregnancy in mice to evaluate the effects in neurological development of the offspring. Study 3: a return to state-wide data on 300,000 pregnancies, with ~30,000 TBI/DV events during pregnancy.
Jonathan Lifshitz, Ph.D., Professor, Child Health; Research Scientist, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital
Jonathan Lifshitz, Ph.D., Professor, Child Health; Research Scientist, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital
10:00 AM
Morning Break
During our morning break you will have an opportunity to visit with our numerous exhibitors, peruse the scientific poster session, have a snack and a coffee and network/meet with colleagues
10:30 AM
PANEL SESSION: Biomarkers in the Emergency Room: Practice and Promise
Panelists:
Chris Davlantes, MD, FACEP, Senior Director, Global Medical Affairs, Abbott Point of Care
W. Frank Peacock, MD, FACEP, Professor, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
11:20 AM
NINDS TBI Research: The Spectrum of Research and Opportunities
In this presentation, Dr. Umoh will cover the following topics: • NINDS Investment Across the Research Spectrum • Funding Strategies & Opportunities • Infrastructure and Resources
Nsini Umoh, Ph.D., Traumatic Brain Injury Program Director, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorder & Stroke
Nsini Umoh, Ph.D., Traumatic Brain Injury Program Director, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorder & Stroke
11:50 AM
Characterizing the Invisible Wound of Military TBI: An Update from the DoD/USU Brain Tissue Repository
Daniel Perl, MD, Professor, Uniformed Services University
12:20 PM
Luncheon
We have a number of options for lunch locations this year. You can dine with colleagues and acquaintances in two separate locations or if you'd like to physically distance due to Covid concerns, you can bring your lunch into the meeting room, dine in your guest room or in a quiet corner of the common areas through the hotel.
1:20 PM
Acute Axon Damage and Demyelination are Mitigated by 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) Therapy after Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury
Maintaining axon function is required to alleviate symptoms and prevent irreversible white matter neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We have identified significant benefit on axon and myelin neuropathology in white matter tracts with early treatment using a small molecule, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), in a mouse TBI model. 4-AP is FDA-approved as an extended release formulation, dalfampridine, to treat walking disability in chronic multiple sclerosis patients. The studies to be presented show that acute 4-AP therapy initiated 1 day after experimental TBI significantly reduces axon damage and demyelination at 7 days post-injury. Pre-clinical trials of acute 4-AP therapy were performed in adult mice using a single impact concussive TBI model with well characterized, reproducible white matter pathology. This first study of repurposing 4-AP as an acute treatment for TBI demonstrates pre-clinical efficacy in decreasing pathological hallmarks of axon damage. Studies beyond this acute phase are now warranted to assess functional utility and outcome trajectory.
Kryslaine Radomski, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University
Kryslaine Radomski, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University
1:35 PM
Evaluation of Provider Management of Head Injuries in Urgent Care: A Protocol Development Project
In this presentation Dr. Millay will be discussing the background, methods and outcomes of her Doctor of Nursing Practice evidence-based project. The purpose of the project was to evaluate provider management of head injuries in the urgent care setting and to develop a written head injury protocol for use in the urgent care setting specific to the management of this patient population.
Brandy Millay, DNP, Urgent Care & Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Valley Health
Brandy Millay, DNP, Urgent Care & Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Valley Health
1:50 PM
The Impact of Colonic Inflammation During Chronic Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice on Long-term Outcomes
Disruptions of the brain-gut axis have been implicated in the progression of a variety of central nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) injuries and diseases, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is a chronic disease that disrupts normal GI health and function and is also exacerbated by subsequent enteric challenges. Enteric pathogen infection during chronic experimental TBI worsens cortical lesion volume and perilesional neuroinflammation. Chemically-induced colitis during chronic experimental TBI exacerbates neurological deficits and hippocampal neuroinflammation. The neural and systemic pathways of the brain-gut axis may serve as the connecting mechanisms with an acute bout of colitis during chronic experimental TBI resulting in persistent extra-intestinal and systemic inflammation and dysautonomia.
Marie Hanscom, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University
Marie Hanscom, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University
2:20 PM
Involvement of Lateral Habenula Dysfunction in Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Motivational Deficits
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is highly prevalent and associated with an increased risk of psychiatric illnesses. This suggests possible dysregulation of neural circuits involved in regulating emotion and motivation . One of the important brain regions that control motivation and mood is the lateral habenula which its hyperactivity underlies depression. Here we used a repetitive closed head injury mTBI model in adult male mice and provide the first evidence for the causal role of LHb dysfunction in motivational deficits following mTBI.
Fereshteh Nugent, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Uniformed Services University
Fereshteh Nugent, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Uniformed Services University
2:50 PM
Afternoon Break
During our afternoon break you will have an opportunity to visit with our numerous exhibitors, peruse the scientific poster session, have a snack and a coffee and network/meet with colleagues
3:20 PM
Artificial Intelligence in Neurology: The View from the FDA
John Smith, MD, Partner, Hogan Lovells
3:50 PM
Defining Acute Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Report of the HEAD Injury Serum Markers and Multi-Modalities for Assessing Response to Trauma (HeadSMART II) Study
In this presentation Dr. Peacock will present an interim analysis of the world’s largest currently enrolling TBI study. The goal of HeadSMART II (HEAD injury Serum markers and Multi-modalities for Assessing Response to Trauma) is to develop an In-Vitro Diagnostic, the BRAINBox TBI test, to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with mild traumatic brain injury by incorporating blood biomarkers, clinical assessments, and tools to measure associated neurocognitive impairments. This protocol proposes to collect data using a multi-modality approach to identify subjects with a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and their likelihood of chronic symptoms.
W. Frank Peacock, MD, FACEP, Professor, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
W. Frank Peacock, MD, FACEP, Professor, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
4:20 PM
Traumatic Brain Injury and the Gut Microbiome
In this presentation Dr. Simon will discuss the role that gut microbiota may play in recovery from traumatic brain injury. Signaling between intestinal microbiota and the brain influences neurologic outcome in multiple forms of brain injury. The impact of gut microbiota following traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been well established. The goal of Dr. Simon’s recent research was to compare TBI outcomes in specific pathogen-free mice with or without depletion of intestinal bacteria. Depletion of intestinal microbiota was consistent with a neuroprotective effect whether initiated before or after injury in a murine model of TBI.
Dennis Simon, MD, Assistant Professor of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
Dennis Simon, MD, Assistant Professor of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
