As of June 30, 1998, three research projects funded by the AANS Research Foundation were completed. On July 1, five new investigators started their funding period and three awardees entered their second year of research. For fifteen years, research in the neurosciences has been made possible through the contributions of the neurosurgical community and corporate sponsors.
We are pleased to report on the work of the researchers concluding their Foundation-funded projects.
1997 Young Clinician Investigator
E. Sander Connolly, Jr., MD
Columbia University
Chairman: Robert A. Solomon, MD
Sponsor: David J. Pinsky, MD
Research Title: Leukocyte Adhesion Receptors and Thrombosis in the Pathogenesis of Evolving Stroke
We examined the role that microvascular failure plays in the death of penumbral cerebral tissue subjected to focal ischemia and reperfusion. Specifically, our interest is in the role of the hypoxic endothelium, and its interaction with circulating blood cells (namely, lymphocytes and platelets), and the role this interaction has in inhibiting reflow. To date we have been able to demonstrate a functional role for ICAM-1, P-selectin and E-selectin in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular no-reflow following reperfused stroke in both wild-type and transgenic knockout mice. Moreover, we developed phamacological strategies to improve outcome based on these findings. We also demonstrated a role for several circulating cytokines in the pathogenesis of no-reflow and demonstrated that procoagulant, complement-mediated processes may play an equally important and interrelated role. Strategies addressing these redundant mechanisms have been tested and appear highly efficacious.
1997 Shirley L. Bagan Young Clinician Investigator
Adam Mamelak, MD
California Institute of Technology
Chairman: William L. Caton, MD
Sponsors: Scott E. Fraser, MD, and Erin M. Schuman, MD
Research Title: Injury Induced Neuronal Reorganization in the Hippocampus
We studied the process of neuronal reorganization that occurs following seizure-induced injury to the hippocampus, a process known as Mossy Fiber Sprouting (MFS). MFS may be an important model of epileptogenesis. We use time-lapse two photon laser scanning microscopy to study the dynamic aspects of this reorganization process in an in vitro hippocampal slice preparation. The time-lapse imaging demonstrates dynamic aspects of neuronal reorganization following injury. Early results are encouraging and suggest that the interaction between injury, cell death, cell birth, and synaptic reorganization is a highly dynamic process which can be altered by neuroprotective agents such as Na-Sal. Completion of experiments over the next 6-8 months will be needed to confirm these initial observations.
1995 Research Fellow
Frank Feigenbaum, MD
Georgetown University
Sponsor and Chairman: Robert L. Martuza, MD
Research Title: Transcriptional Targeting of Recombinant HSV for Treatment of Nestin Producing Brain Tumors
This project involved the development of a recombinant Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) whose cytotoxicity is limited to intentionally targeted tumor cell types. An HSV immediate-early (IE) gene essential for viral replication was first placed under the control of regulatory elements from the nestin gene, a gene shown to be upregulated in tumors of neuroectodermal origin. The ability of this construct to drive IE gene expression was then demonstrated in vitro. The construct was then introduced into the HSV-1 genome using homologous recombination. The tumor cell killing efficacy and safety of the recombinant virus are now being examined.
RESEARCH FOUNDATION CORPORATE ASSOCIATES PROGRAM
The Executive Council of the AANS Research Foundation gratefully acknowledges the financial support given by the following companies. These companies have set the highest example of leadership by their commitment to neuroscientific research. Please join the Executive Council in applauding their efforts.
SUSTAINING ASSOCIATES (GIFTS OF $50,000 TO $75,000)
Synthes Spine/Synthes Maxillofacial
SUPPORTING ASSOCIATES (GIFTS OF $25,0000 TO $50,000)
Codman/Johnson &
Johnson Professional, Inc.
Elekta
Leibinger
Sofamor Danek Group, Inc.
ASSOCIATES (GIFTS OF $5,000 TO $10,000) Aesculap
Depuy Motech
Midas Rex Institute
Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.
Pmt Corporation
1999 RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS
The Research Fellowship, funded by the Research Foundation of The American Association of Neurological Surgeons, is designed to provide research training for neurosurgeons who are preparing for academic careers as clinician investigators. Applicants must be MDs who have been accepted in to, or who are in, an approved residency training program in neurological surgery in North America. The Fellowship is awarded for two years beginning July 1, 1999 at $35,000 per year. Deadline for application submission is December 4, 1997.
Applications will be available through the Internet on NEUROSURGERY://ON-CALL® by July 15, 1998. Applications will also be mailed to all Program Chairman in July 1998. If you would like additional information or would like an application mailed directly to you, please contact Chris Ann Philips, Grants Coordinator at 847-692-9500.
1999 YOUNG CLINICIAN INVESTIGATOR AWARD APPLICATIONS
The Research Foundation of The American Association of Neurological surgeons is accepting applications to grant support for young faculty who are pursuing careers as clinician investigators. Applicants must be neurosurgeons who are full-time faculty in North American teaching institutions and in the early years of their careers. The purpose of the Award is to fund pilot studies that could provide preliminary data that may be used to strengthen applications for more permanent funding from other sources. The Award of $40,000 will be provided for one year starting July 1, 1999. Deadline for application submission is December 5 1998.
Applications will be available through the Internet on NEUROSURGERY://ON-CALL® by July 15, 1998. Applications will also be mailed to all Program Chairman in July 1998. If you would like additional information or would like an application mailed directly to you, please contact Chris Ann Philips, Grants Coordinator at 847-692-9500.
1999 VAN WAGENEN FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS
In July 1998, The American Association of Neurological Surgeons will be accepting applications for the 1999 Van Wagenen Fellowship. The Fellowship is available to any neurosurgical resident in his/her last year of training who is a citizen of any North American country who intends to purse a career in neurological surgery. The Fellowship requires this continued training to take place outside of the North American continent for a period of not less than six months. Deadline for submission of applications is November 6, 1998.
Applications will be mailed to all neurosurgical residents whose residency training ends in 1999. For further information, please contact Chris Ann Philips, Grants Coordinator at 847-692-9500.
ANNUAL GIVING LEVELS
The Harvey Cushing Scholars Circle (Gifts from Individuals)
Summa Cum Laude $5,000 and up
Magna Cum Lauda $1,500 to $4,999
Cum Laude $1,000 to $2,499
Other Giving Levels
Honor Roll $500 to $999
Sponsor $250 to $499
Supporter $100 to $249
Scientific Society (Gifts from Groups and Organizations)
A gift of $1,000 or more that is received from an organization or group of doctors will be recognized within the Scientific Society category. Individuals will also be listed at their giving level.