- Neuro-All - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

MNN Visiting Speaker: W. Dalton Dietrich - Fri May 5th @ 12 Noon (followed by trainee lunch)
by Kelly Jorundson 27 Apr '17

27 Apr '17

S E M I N A R & V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R S E R I E S D AT E Friday, May 5th, 2017 12:00 Noon LO C AT I O N Apotex 071 W. Dalton Dietrich, PhD <http://www.themiamiproject.org/research/faculty/dalton-dietrich/> Scientific Director, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Departments of Neurological Surgery, Neurology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami Topic: New Insights into the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury: Current and Future Initiates (to be followed by a TRAINEE LUNCH in room SR415 **Please encourage all your neuroscience trainees to attend!) W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D., Scientific Director, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Departments of Neurological Surgery, Neurology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami FL USA Each year thousands of new spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur throughout the world leading to long-term deficits and serious quality of life issues. Currently, there are millions of people living with the detrimental consequences of SCI that could benefit from reparative strategies to enhance ability and function. Although a large number of exciting preclinical studies have been conducted to test therapeutic interventions, to date no proven therapeutic modality exists that has been demonstrated to significantly improve neurological outcome. This fact emphases the need for continued research on the pathophysiology and treatment of this serious clinical condition. In the area of neuroprotection, our research programs have focused on the beneficial effects of therapeutic hypothermia on reducing multiple secondary injury mechanisms and improving outcomes. Studies conducted in multiple laboratories have now reported that mild reductions in core or spinal cord temperature early after SCI reduce overall histopathological damage and improves long-term functional outcomes. Recently, we have been successful in translating this experimental therapy to severely injured cervical SCI patients using a well described cooling and rewarming strategy. To date, we have cooled over 60 AIS A patients and at 1 year, over 43 percent of patients have converted to incomplete status (AIS B, C). A new randomized multicenter trial to assess the long-term beneficial effects of therapeutic hypothermia on sensory and motor function is now underway. In addition to acute protection, work has also emphasized the use of cell therapies and rehabilitation to improve outcomes by replacing damaged cells or producing a more permissive environment for axonal repair. We have studied the beneficial effects of autologous Schwann cell transplantation in multiple models of SCI. Schwann cell transplantation enhances axonal remyelination, growth promoting factor production and axonal regeneration. We have submitted an IND to the FDA and obtained permission to test autologous human Schwann cell transplantation in SCI. We have completed a dose escalation safety study in subacute patients with severe thoracic SCI. Based on encouraging data, we are now recruiting and transplanting Schwann cells into chronically injured spinal cord subjects that have undergone extensive rehabilitation. In addition, the benefits of neural modulation including transcranial magnetic stimulation that may act synergistically with other treatments are being assessed. Discovery and translational studies continue to provide new knowledge to fuel our future clinical studies and trials. This presentation will review progress in these areas of SCI research and other related topics. Kelly Jorundson Coordinator, Membership & Operations Manitoba Neuroscience Network Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA This email and any attachments may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information intended for a specific individual and purpose. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, retaining, distribution, access, use or modification of the contents of this e-mailed information is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy the email message and any attachments or copies. ****************************************** <http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> <https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts> <https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/> <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>

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MNN Visiting Speaker: W. Dalton Dietrich - Fri May 5th @ 12 Noon (followed by trainee lunch)
by Manitoba Neuroscience Network 19 Apr '17

19 Apr '17

cid:image001.jpg@01D158FE.B69B8D00 S E M I N A R & V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R S E R I E S D AT E Friday, May 5th, 2017 12:00 Noon LO C AT I O N Apotex 071 W. Dalton Dietrich, PhD <http://www.themiamiproject.org/research/faculty/dalton-dietrich/> Scientific Director, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Departments of Neurological Surgery, Neurology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami Topic: New Insights into the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury: Current and Future Initiates (to be followed by a TRAINEE LUNCH in room SR415 **Please encourage all your neuroscience trainees to attend!) W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D., Scientific Director, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Departments of Neurological Surgery, Neurology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami FL USA Each year thousands of new spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur throughout the world leading to long-term deficits and serious quality of life issues. Currently, there are millions of people living with the detrimental consequences of SCI that could benefit from reparative strategies to enhance ability and function. Although a large number of exciting preclinical studies have been conducted to test therapeutic interventions, to date no proven therapeutic modality exists that has been demonstrated to significantly improve neurological outcome. This fact emphases the need for continued research on the pathophysiology and treatment of this serious clinical condition. In the area of neuroprotection, our research programs have focused on the beneficial effects of therapeutic hypothermia on reducing multiple secondary injury mechanisms and improving outcomes. Studies conducted in multiple laboratories have now reported that mild reductions in core or spinal cord temperature early after SCI reduce overall histopathological damage and improves long-term functional outcomes. Recently, we have been successful in translating this experimental therapy to severely injured cervical SCI patients using a well described cooling and rewarming strategy. To date, we have cooled over 60 AIS A patients and at 1 year, over 43 percent of patients have converted to incomplete status (AIS B, C). A new randomized multicenter trial to assess the long-term beneficial effects of therapeutic hypothermia on sensory and motor function is now underway. In addition to acute protection, work has also emphasized the use of cell therapies and rehabilitation to improve outcomes by replacing damaged cells or producing a more permissive environment for axonal repair. We have studied the beneficial effects of autologous Schwann cell transplantation in multiple models of SCI. Schwann cell transplantation enhances axonal remyelination, growth promoting factor production and axonal regeneration. We have submitted an IND to the FDA and obtained permission to test autologous human Schwann cell transplantation in SCI. We have completed a dose escalation safety study in subacute patients with severe thoracic SCI. Based on encouraging data, we are now recruiting and transplanting Schwann cells into chronically injured spinal cord subjects that have undergone extensive rehabilitation. In addition, the benefits of neural modulation including transcranial magnetic stimulation that may act synergistically with other treatments are being assessed. Discovery and translational studies continue to provide new knowledge to fuel our future clinical studies and trials. This presentation will review progress in these areas of SCI research and other related topics. Kelly Jorundson Coordinator, Membership & Operations Manitoba Neuroscience Network Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA This email and any attachments may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information intended for a specific individual and purpose. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, retaining, distribution, access, use or modification of the contents of this e-mailed information is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy the email message and any attachments or copies. ****************************************** <http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710 <https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts> cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/> cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro> cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480

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MNN wins national award - Thank you
by Chris Anderson 18 Apr '17

18 Apr '17

Great news! The Manitoba Neuroscience Network was recently named 2017 best Canadian Society for Neuroscience Chapter Award for neuroscience advocacy. http://can-acn.org/manitoba-neuroscience-network-wins-2017-can-advocacy-awa… This is a tremendous honour for us and I want to take the opportunity to thank all faculty, trainees and admin staff who volunteer time and passion for MNN activities. You often operate behind the scenes but you are science fair judges, web/social media content coordinators, seminar and symposia organizers, expert outreach speakers, fundraisers, media liaisons, portfolio directors, event volunteers and more. Your efforts are appreciated and the fruits of your efforts are clearly recognized as outstanding at the national level. Well done and thank you! Chris Anderson MNN Director

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Winnipeg hosts an International neuroscience symposium
by MNN Networking 12 Apr '17

12 Apr '17

This May, Winnipeg will host the 8th International Symposium on the Cerebellum. This is an international symposium of the Society for Research on the Cerebellum and Ataxias and features an extensive roster of outstanding international speakers. Several MNN scientists are members of the local organizing committee and they wish to encourage as many Manitoba neuroscientists as possible to register for the symposium. Please see the following for meeting details: Event Description: 8th International Symposium on the Cerebellum: from Development to Disease Location: Theatre A, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba; Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Dates: Wednesday-Friday, May 24-26, 2017 The Program and Organizing Committees have invited internationally recognized basic and clinical research scientists to present their cutting-edge research on cerebellum-related topics that include: cerebellar development genetics, functional implications, autism spectrum disorders, ataxia, medulloblastoma, and neuroimaging with clinical approaches. We strongly encourage participation and support from all basic and clinical scientists that work in similar and related areas to join us for this exciting International Conference. The latest version of the symposium program and information is now available online: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/units/anatomy/cerebel lum2017.html Abstracts may be submitted on-line until Monday, May 1st, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/units/anatomy/abstrac t.html Online Registration: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/units/anatomy/registr ation.html Early: October 15, 2016 - April 21, 2017 Late: April 22, 2017 - May 20, 2017 Onsite: May 24-26, 2017 For any questions regarding abstract submission or registration, please contact us at <mailto:src2017canada@umanitoba.ca> src2017canada(a)umanitoba.ca Twitter: SRCA Canada Linkedin: SRCA International Symposium Best regards, Local Organizing Committee The Society for Research on the Cerebellum and Ataxia (SRCA) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0J9 ****************************************** <http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> <https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts> <https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/> <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>

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2017 MNN Meeting Abstracts and Registration
by Chris Anderson 12 Apr '17

12 Apr '17

I want to provide an update about when abstracts and registrations will be accepted for the Manitoba Neuroscience Network annual scientific meeting, taking place June 16, 2017. In past years we have opened the meeting website in March. There is a delay this year because we are in the process of launching a new MNN website. Phase 1 of the website will handle SFN Winnipeg Chapter memberships and all logistics associated with the MNN annual meeting. Phase 2 will launch subsequently and will contain a rich array of content, including profiles of MNN scientists - more details about that later. PHASE 1 is expected to launch this week or early next week. When it does, we will make an announcement. There should be plenty of time to register and submit abstracts. The ABSTRACT DEADLINE will be May 16, 2017 and the online REGISTRATION DEADLINE will be June 5, 2017. As always, reduced registration rates are available for members of the SFN Winnipeg Chapter. You will be able to become a 2017 member using the new website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, and don't forget to encourage applications by May 1 for our new MNN awards - NANCY HETTIE CLARK TRAINEE TRAVEL AWARDS and the VIKTOR HAVLICEK MEMORIAL NEUROSCIENCE LECTURESHIP. Thank you. Chris Anderson MNN Director

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REMINDER: MNN awards deadline is MAY 1 - PLEASE SUBMIT
by MNN Networking 06 Apr '17

06 Apr '17

As first announced on March 1, the MNN wishes to remind all Manitoba scientists of our newly-created awards for trainee conference travel and a distinguished lectureship. The deadline is May 1, 2017. Details of each award are as follows: NANCY HETTIE CLARK TRAINEE TRAVEL AWARDS. Applications are now being accepted until MAY 1, 2017 for conferences taking place between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018. There will normally be at least 2 awards of $700 each, annually. The intent is for one award to go to a Ph.D. student and the other to a postdoctoral fellow, although awards in any trainee category can be made based on the quality and availability of applicants. A complete application package consists of the following, sent by email to networking(a)manitobaneuroscience.ca <mailto:networking@manitobaneuroscience.ca> by May 1: * A graduate level academic transcript (students only) * Current curriculum vitae (CV) * Two-page (maximum) description of the research presented, the proposed conference and the type of presentation * Support letter from the primary research advisor with: (a) a merit assessment of the candidate and project; and (b) confirmation that there is a commitment to cover all eligible travel expenses less the award value Confirmation that the abstract is accepted and will be presented will also be required when it becomes available. Awards may be combined with other travel awards up to but not exceeding the total cost of travel to the chosen conference/workshop. Recipients must claim all eligible travel costs in accordance with the appropriate policies and procedures of the University of Manitoba. Eligible trainees are considered to be either Ph.D. students or postdoctoral fellows enrolled in or appointed at the University of Manitoba. Student candidates must be enrolled as full-time Ph.D. students in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba, and have a cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.5 or greater. Postdoctoral fellow candidates must be within the first five years their doctoral degree and have full-time appointments at the University of Manitoba or an affiliated hospital or institute. Research Associates are not eligible. Candidates must demonstrate excellent research performance and potential in a neurosciences-related discipline. Candidates must also demonstrate they will disseminate research results that reflect a high-quality contribution by The University of Manitoba. VIKTOR HAVLICEK MEMORIAL NEUROSCIENCE LECTURESHIP. Applications are now being accepted until MAY 1, 2017 for a visit and lecture to take place between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019. There will normally be one award of $3000, made biannually. Applications for the next Lectureship will be accepted in 2019 for 2020/2021 fiscal year. Nominations must be made by a faculty member but trainees and staff are encouraged to suggest names to their advisors. Faculty from any MNN contributing institution (ie. not only the University of Manitoba) may submit nominations. A complete nomination consists of a letter to the Neuroscience Awards Committee (NAC) Chair explaining the rationale for choice of candidate, along with any supporting materials the applicant deems useful for assessing the merit of the candidate and the benefits of his or her visit to the University of Manitoba. Please send nominations by email to <mailto:networking@manitobaneuroscience.ca> networking(a)manitobaneuroscience.ca by May 1. The NAC will determine an order of invitation priority for submitted nominees and the top-priority candidate invited at a time determined in consultation with the nominator. If this candidate is not available, the next candidate will be invited. All candidates on the priority list must be considered worthy of the Lectureship by the NAC. We hope you find these new opportunities helpful and exciting. If there are any questions, you may respond Dr. Chris Anderson at <mailto:networking@manitobaneuroscience.ca> networking(a)manitobaneuroscience.ca or <mailto:chris.anderson@umanitoba.ca> chris.anderson(a)umanitoba.ca. Thank you. ****************************************** <http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> <https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts> <https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/> <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>

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****CANCELLED***** VISITING SPEAKER JEFF KLEIM - APR 6TH SEMINAR & TRAINEE LUNCH
by Manitoba Neuroscience Network 05 Apr '17

05 Apr '17

Dr. Kleims visit to Winnipeg has been cancelled due to a family emergency. Therefore, the lecture and trainee lunch scheduled for Thursday Apr 6th have both been cancelled. Kelly Kelly Jorundson Coordinator, Membership & Operations Manitoba Neuroscience Network Email: <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca> kjorund(a)sbrc.ca Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA This email and any attachments may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information intended for a specific individual and purpose. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, retaining, distribution, access, use or modification of the contents of this e-mailed information is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy the email message and any attachments or copies. ****************************************** <http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710 <https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts> cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/> cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro> cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480

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Reminder: MNN Visiting Speaker Dr. Jeff Kleim | THURS APR 6th
by Manitoba Neuroscience Network 04 Apr '17

04 Apr '17

cid:image001.jpg@01D158FE.B69B8D00 V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R & S E M I N A R S E R I E S S P E A K E R JEFFREY KLEIM, PH.D <https://sbhse.engineering.asu.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty/jeff-kleim/> Associate Director School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Arizona State University D AT E Thursday, April 6th, 2017 NEUROSCIENCE TRAINEE LUNCH 12:00 NOON 12:00 Noon | SR415 Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine *ALL NEUROSCIENCE TRAINEES INVITED! D AT E Thursday, April 6th, 2017 RESEARCH LECTURE 3:00 PM TOPIC: Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation: Encouraging the Brain to Change 3:00PM | Theatre C Abstract: The capacity for the nervous system to structurally and functionally adapt (neural plasticity) has been described for more than a century. Decades of neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and molecular studies have revealed that neural plasticity is an evolutionarily conserved, fundamental property of all nervous tissue. It is critical for maintaining normal brain function and yet can also manifest into various forms of brain dysfunction. While we still do not fully understand the complexity of the human nervous system, its response to disease/injury and capacity for recovery, treatments designed to harness endogenous neural plasticity to overcome neurological impairment continue to emerge. Specifically, the characterization of key behavioral and neurobiological signals that drive neural plasticity, in combination with advances in biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine and genomics, have created opportunities to develop novel therapeutic interventions. Evidence from both animal and clinical studies will be presented that demonstrate how modulating specific elements of motor rehabilitation can enhance functional outcome and cortical reorganization after stroke. Further, the viability of many adjuvant therapies for augmenting neural plasticity to enhance the impact of motor rehabilitation will be presented. Kelly Jorundson Coordinator, Membership & Operations Manitoba Neuroscience Network Email: <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca> kjorund(a)sbrc.ca Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA This email and any attachments may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information intended for a specific individual and purpose. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, retaining, distribution, access, use or modification of the contents of this e-mailed information is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy the email message and any attachments or copies. ****************************************** <http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710 <https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts> cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/> cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro> cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480

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Neuroscience Trainee Lunch with Dr. Jeff Kleim
by MNN Networking 31 Mar '17

31 Mar '17

cid:image001.jpg@01D158FE.B69B8D00 V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R & S E M I N A R S E R I E S NEUROSCIENCE TRAINEE LUNCH Thursday, April 6th, 2017 12:00 Noon | SR415 Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R JEFFREY KLEIM, PH.D <https://sbhse.engineering.asu.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty/jeff-kleim/> ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL AND HEALTH SYSTEMS ENGINEERING ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY Abstract: The capacity for the nervous system to structurally and functionally adapt (neural plasticity) has been described for more than a century. Decades of neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and molecular studies have revealed that neural plasticity is an evolutionarily conserved, fundamental property of all nervous tissue. It is critical for maintaining normal brain function and yet can also manifest into various forms of brain dysfunction. While we still do not fully understand the complexity of the human nervous system, its response to disease/injury and capacity for recovery, treatments designed to harness endogenous neural plasticity to overcome neurological impairment continue to emerge. Specifically, the characterization of key behavioral and neurobiological signals that drive neural plasticity, in combination with advances in biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine and genomics, have created opportunities to develop novel therapeutic interventions. Evidence from both animal and clinical studies will be presented that demonstrate how modulating specific elements of motor rehabilitation can enhance functional outcome and cortical reorganization after stroke. Further, the viability of many adjuvant therapies for augmenting neural plasticity to enhance the impact of motor rehabilitation will be presented. Kelly Jorundson Coordinator, Membership & Operations Manitoba Neuroscience Network Email: <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca> kjorund(a)sbrc.ca Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA This email and any attachments may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information intended for a specific individual and purpose. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, retaining, distribution, access, use or modification of the contents of this e-mailed information is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy the email message and any attachments or copies. ****************************************** <http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710 <https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts> cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/> cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro> cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480

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TWO Upcoming MNN Seminars: Mar. 31 @ 9am and Apr. 6 @ 3pm
by MNN Networking 29 Mar '17

29 Mar '17

S E M I N A R & V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R S E R I E S D AT E Friday, March 31, 2017 9:00AM L O C AT I O N PX236/238 PsychHealth Building S P E A K E R Tiina M. Kauppinen, Ph.D. <http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/units/pharmacology/f aculty_members/7919.html> Assistant Professor - Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Principal Investigator Neuroscience Research Program, Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine TOPIC: Exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus induces cognitive changes in offspring My research lab studies the role of microglia and neuroinflammation in central nervous system disorders. Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system and believed to drive neuroinflammation, the nervous system-specific inflammatory-like responses to insult. Inflammatory responses are meant to protect tissue from pathogens and promote recovery/healing, however, they can generate environment that promotes neurodegeneration and jeopardize neurogenesis and interferes with development and maintenance of neuronal networks. One of our projects investigates how chronic inflammation induced by gestational diabetes mellitus affects offspring brain development and their cognitive function upon early adulthood. We utilize in vivo and in vitro models, and molecular biology tools to dissect how gestational diabetes induced neuroinflammation and how postnatal diet could affect neurocognitive development. The overall goals of my research program are to 1) understand how microglial functions affect neurodegeneration, neurogenesis and neuronal functions; 2) establish approaches to modulate microglial responses towards phenotype that supports brain health; and 3) develop new therapeutic strategies with multiple disease relevance. The project has been funded by Childrens Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Research Manitoba, Manitoba Health Research Council and Health Sciences Centre Foundation. S E M I N A R & V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R S E R I E S D AT E Thursday, April 6th, 2017 3:00PM LO C AT I O N Theatre C S P E A K E R Dr. Jeffrey Kleim Associate Director School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Arizona State University TOPIC: Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation: Encouraging the Brain to Change ABSTRACT: The capacity for the nervous system to structurally and functionally adapt (neural plasticity) has been described for more than a century. Decades of neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and molecular studies have revealed that neural plasticity is an evolutionarily conserved, fundamental property of all nervous tissue. It is critical for maintaining normal brain function and yet can also manifest into various forms of brain dysfunction. While we still do not fully understand the complexity of the human nervous system, its response to disease/injury and capacity for recovery, treatments designed to harness endogenous neural plasticity to overcome neurological impairment continue to emerge. Specifically, the characterization of key behavioral and neurobiological signals that drive neural plasticity, in combination with advances in biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine and genomics, have created opportunities to develop novel therapeutic interventions. Evidence from both animal and clinical studies will be presented that demonstrate how modulating specific elements of motor rehabilitation can enhance functional outcome and cortical reorganization after stroke. Further, the viability of many adjuvant therapies for augmenting neural plasticity to enhance the impact of motor rehabilitation will be presented. For more information contact: Eftekhar Eftekharpour, Visiting Speaker & Seminar Series Coordinator T: 204.789.3214 E: eftekhar.eftekharpour(a)umanitoba.ca <mailto:eftekhar.eftekharpour@umanitoba.ca> Kelly Jorundson Coordinator, Membership & Operations Manitoba Neuroscience Network Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca> Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA ****************************************** <http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> <https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts> <https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/> <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>

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