July 2014
2 Grants/$85,717 Awarded
Adenosine as an Endogenous Neuroprotectant Against the Metabolic Burden of Cortical Spreading Depolarization
Amount: $45,717
Primary Investigator: Ryan Tackla, MD
Category: Cerebrovascular
To determine the role of adenosine, a chemical naturally created by the body that causes drowsiness and slows down cell activity, in protecting the brain against cortical spreading depolarizations, harmful waves of brain inactivity that occur after a traumatic head injury or stroke. Scientists believe that enhancing this natural occurrence in the brain after trauma could help protect it from further damage in the hours and days following the injury.
A Novel Molecular Therapeutic for Malignant Brain Tumors
Amount: $40,000
Primary Investigator: Nazanin Majd, MD, PhD
Category: Brain Tumor
To develop a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of primary brain tumor patients. Supported by previous Mayfield Foundation grants in vitro studies (in test tubes) have shown an FDA-approved drug, commonly used in organ transplant patients, to suppress brain tumor cell growth without adversely affecting normal brain cells, and this study aims to replicate the cellular findings in vivo (in rodents), so as to provide the necessary data to pursue a Phase I clinical trial (in patients).
January 2014
3 Grants/$28,500 Awarded
OCT Retinal Imaging of Athletes with High Frequency of Head Injury
Amount: $11,500
Primary Investigator: Benjamin Bixenmann, MD
Category: Traumatic Brain Injury
To develop a new method of sideline and follow-up testing for concussion, using a retinal scanner to measure changes to the thickness of an athlete's retina. Such technology could confirm within a few seconds whether an athlete has sustained a concussion. Follow-up measurements could definitively determine when the athlete may be ready to return to play.
Factors Influencing the Acute Management of the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patient
Amount: $8,000
Primary Investigator: Yair M. Gozal, MD, PhD
Category: Traumatic Brain Injury
Because traumatic brain injuries differ widely in severity and symptoms, it is often difficult to determine which patients might have suffered additional brain damage or are vulnerable to secondary trauma while still under observation or even after being released. Researchers are attempting to identify and codify the many differing demographic or injury characteristics of trauma patients to identify those who might benefit from additional clinical testing, monitoring, or interventions.
The Electrophysiological and Behavioral Audiological Assessment of Individuals with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Amount: $9,000
Primary Investigator: Kristine Sonstrom, MS
Category: Traumatic Brain Injury
To develop an audiological assessment that can determine potential damage to the central auditory nervous system in mild traumatic brain injuries. While peripheral, or normal, hearing may appear intact, patients can suffer from trauma-induced damage to the auditory pathways. Such damage can result in auditory processing problems that can be treated effectively with proper interventions.