G. Steve BurrillCEO, Burrill & Company
Navigating the Sea of Change
G. Steven Burrill is Chief Executive Officer of Burrill & Company, a San Francisco based life sciences firm focused exclusively on companies involved in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, devices, human healthcare and related medical technologies, healthcare delivery, nutraceuticals and wellness, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology (biomaterials/bioprocesses), and biofuels. Burrill & Company's business revolves around four core activities: Venture Capital, Private Equity, Merchant Banking and Media. In our investment activities, Burrill & Company seeks to create value through developing significant equity stakes in its portfolio companies which benefit from Burrill & Company's unparalleled network in the life science community. In addition to the company's staff of over 50, Burrill & Company calls upon the members of its advisory boards for counsel. These boards are composed of former chief executives of major pharmaceutical, and biotech companies; industry luminaries; world-renowned scientists; and Nobel Laureates.
Presentation Abstract: Healthcare reform, greentech, climate change, food security, energy needs (and security) and sustainability, these are the big issues dominating the world today with biotech providing the answers to all. Yet, the world has undergone a sea change, it is not the same as it was. Capital is scarce and...
Shawn Patrick O'BrienCEO and President, Profectus Biosciences
Therapeutic Vaccines for Chronic Viral Infections - Do they provide an opportunity to prevent cancer
A biotech and big pharma executive leader with 26 years experience in building highly successful global enterprises. Shawn has extensive international experience in business development, marketing, selling, licensing, researching & developing both small and large molecules.
Mr. O'Brien joined Profectus in January of 2008 as president and CEO. Profectus BioSciences Inc. is a R&D company focused on treating and preventing chronic viral infections that lead to cancer. Shawn has secured two rounds of equity financing and a major vaccine licensing deal with Wyeth that has allowed over $ 100 million in government funding to be applied to Profectus BioSciences emerging portfolio.
Prior to joining Profectus, he was the President and CEO of Solstice Neurosciences Inc, for 3 years based in Malvern PA where they secured $ 125 Million in private financing and over $ 35 Million in deal income.
Previously he held executive positions with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, most recently as vice president of commercial operations for emerging brands. Previously, he led AstraZeneca's Business Unit for the Respiratory & Inflammation and commercial leader for the Oncology therapeutic area, each having in excess of $1 billion in sales. Shawn has been the leader and the architect of 4 brands at AstraZeneca which have combined sales in excess of $ 10 Billion today, Seroquel, Arimidex, Symbicort and Pulmicort Respules. In addition, Shawn has 9 successful NDAs in which he played a key role in delivering the approvals.
Presentation Abstract: Severe chronic viral infections, from HCV, HPV and HIV have been shown to lead to cancers over time in these patient populations. The cancers and morbidity associated with Hepatitis, Human Papillomavirus and AIDS result in a very large economic and social burden to the healthcare system. While...
Dr. M. Fatih YanikFaculty, Dept. of Engineering, MIT
High-Throughput In Vivo On-Chip Screens For Discovery Of Small-Molecules & Genetic Pathways
Professor Yanik received his BS and MS at MIT engineering in 2000, and PhD at Stanford physics in 2006. He is a faculty at MIT's Department of Engineering. His work on femtosecond optics, microfluidics, neuronal regeneration, coherent photonics is recognized by NIH Director's Innovator Award, Packard Award in Engineering, Alfred Sloan Award in Neuroscience, NIH Eureka Award, Shillman Career Award, NSF Career Award, Technology Review Magazine - "World's top 35 innovators under age 35",Junior Chamber - Outstanding Young Person", and Innovator's Challenge Award of Silicon Valley.
Presentation Abstract: Therapeutic treatment of spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases, will greatly benefit from the discovery of compounds that enhance neuronal regeneration. In recent years, the advantages of using small animals as models for human diseases have become increasingly...
Dr. Thomas R. Insel, M.DDirector, National Institute of Mental Health
Mental Illness: The Next Frontier in Biomedical Research
Dr. Insel is the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health. He currently serves as the founding director of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, a science and technology center, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) where he is involved in the development of an autism research center. Dr. Insel joined NIMH in 1979, where he served in various scientific research positions until 1994 when he went to Emory University, Atlanta, as Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, and Director of the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center. As director of Yerkes, Dr. Insel built one of the nation's leading HIV vaccine research programs. Dr. Insel oversees the NIMH's $1.3 billion research budget that provides support to investigators at universities throughout the country in the areas of basic science; clinical research, including large-scale trials of new treatments; and studies of the organization and delivery of mental health services. The Institute also administers an in-house research program at the NIH Bethesda. NIMH was authorized in 1946 as one of the first NIH institutes. The Institute’s mission is to reduce the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior.
Presentation Abstract: Genomics and neuroscience are transforming our understanding of mental illness. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders (such a PTSD) are now viewed as brain disorders resulting from genetic vulnerability interacting with developmental (including prenatal)...
Dr. Edgar Adams, Sc.D.Executive Director, Covance Inc.
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies: Recent Experience and Future Directions
Dr. Adams is Executive Director, Epidemiology, at Covance. He is responsible for providing scientific and technical leadership in epidemiology, and risk management.
He has more than 15 years of experience consulting on the design, assessment and implementation of risk management plan including RiskMAPs, and Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, postmarketing surveillance, and drug scheduling nationally and internationally. He has served on several risk management advisory groups including the Independent Steering Committee for Ultram and the RADARS Expert Advisory Group.
He was a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, as served as the Chief Epidemiologist at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), where he was responsible for the Nation's Drug Abuse Surveillance effort, including the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, and the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN).
For several years, he was the U.S. representative to the Pompidou Group of Experts in Epidemiology within the Council of Europe. While at NIDA, he received a commendation medal from the Surgeon General for contributions to epidemiology.
Presentation Abstract: Highly publicized withdrawals from the market, such as Tysabri and Vioxx, along with the publication of the Institute of Medicine report highlighted the issue of patient safety and served, at least in part, as a catalyst for the passage of the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA)...
Dr. Robert Malone, M.D.Associate Professor of Biotechnology, Kennesaw University
Bridging the Valley of Death
Robert Malone, M.D., M.S. Dr. Malone has extensive research and development experience in the areas of clinical trials, vaccines, gene therapy, biodefense, and immunology. He has over twenty years of management and leadership experience in academia, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. His NGO, HHS, NIH, and DoD contract and grant knowledge is extensive, and he has helped many groups and companies to capture and manage multi-million dollar awards with these sponsors. He is currently Associate Professor of Biotechnology at Kennesaw University, Editor in Chief at Journal of Immune Based Therapies and Vaccines, Medical Director at Accelovance, and is one of the original inventors of "DNA vaccinations".
Presentation Abstract: In 2000, the National Research Council published a report on weather satellites and prediction which famously referred to "Crossing the Valley of Death", using the phrase to describe the fundamental challenges involved in transitioning from research and development discoveries to commercial products...
Dr. Rathnam Chaguturu, Ph.D.Director of the High Throughput Screening Laboratory, University of Kansas
Emerging Trends in Drug Discovery Partnerships between Pharma and Academia
Rathnam Chaguturu, Ph.D. Dr. Chaguturu is the Director of High Throughput Screening Laboratory at the University of Kansas, and has more than 30 years of experience in new lead discovery and development, executing high throughput screens, and managing hit to lead projects. He joined Rutgers University in 1976 as an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, and later moved to Dow Chemical Company-Central Research Laboratories as a Project Leader. At Dow, Rathnam instituted the first principles of chemical library screening for new lead discovery, and developed tools for mining in-house chemical archives. Rathnam joined Sierra Sciences as Director of Drug Discovery in 2006 after a 22-year outstanding career at FMC Corporation where he led discovery research efforts focused on ion channel, receptor, enzyme and cell-based targets, and instrumental in designing the industry-first Zymark robotic screening platform for new lead discovery. He recently organized a workshop on high throughput screening (HTS) strategies in drug discovery, the first of its kind, in Panama City (Panama) aimed at Latin American scientists interested in drug discovery from natural sources. As a representative of FMC, he was one of the founding members of the Society for Biomolecular Sciences. Dr. Chaguturu has authored over 45 research publications including reviews and book chapters, and holds 11 US patents.
Presentation Abstract: The pharmaceutical industry, standing on the shoulders' of academia, has been the driver of drug discovery and development by managing the knowledge for profit. It is now clear that the cost of research is escalating by leaps and bounds, while the number of new molecular entities and the number of...
Dr. Scott LettCEO, Bioanalytics Group
Scott Lett, CEO of The BioAnalytics Group LLC, received his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado. He has almost 30 years’ experience; applying computer simulation and visualization to spacecraft design and operation, petroleum engineering, and biomedical research.
Presentation Abstract: The BioAnalytics Group LLC provides consulting services and software products to the biomedical research community. BioAnalytics specializes in data analysis and data management, technology evaluation and intellectual property consulting, and is proud to include large pharmaceutical companies, small biotechnology firms and major research universities as partners and customers.
Mark L. VachonPresident & CEO, GE Healthcare Americas
healthymagination
As President & CEO of GE Healthcare's $9 billion Americas Region and as a GE Corporate Officer, Mark L. Vachon leads GE Healthcares activities in the United States, Canada and Latin America. With responsibilities spanning across all of GE Healthcare's diagnostics, health information technology and life sciences product and service offerings, Mark's primary focus is on leveraging the capabilities of GE Healthcare in partnering with governments and clinicians to lower costs, improve quality, and achieve greater access in healthcare.
Most recently, Mark served as President and CEO of GE Healthcare's $8 billion Global Diagnostic Imaging organization headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, providing world-class technology in imaging and diagnostics.
Since joining GE in 1982, and graduating GE's leadership programs, Mark has provided leadership in a number of GE's businesses, including the Global Research Center, GE Appliances, GE Plastics - Europe, NBC, and GE's investor relations. In recognition for his contribution to GE, Mark was appointed a Corporate Officer in 1999.
Mark is an active member of the Center for Corporate Innovation and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. He is a Board member of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) and the Medical Imaging Technology Association (MITA). Mark also serves on the Overseers Board for Northeastern University, Boston, his alma mater.
Presentation Abstract: Healthymagination is GEs strategy to deliver and maintain sustainable healthcare globally.
Using technology, innovation and imagination, GE will provide solutions that help doctors and hospitals deliver better healthcare to more people at a lower cost, while also improving the health of our own employees. Launched in May 2009...
Dr. Arthur M. Brown, M.D.CEO, ChanTest Corporation
Ion Channel Screening in Drug Discovery
Arthur M. "Buzz" Brown, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Brown is the founder and CEO of ChanTest Corporation, an ion channel company specializing in drug discovery and safety services. He is Adjunct Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Brown has more than 30 years of experience in ion channel structure-function relationships and their associations with human health. He established world-leading ion channel departments at University of Texas Medical Branch, Baylor College of Medicine, and Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Brown holds eight patents on ion channel methodology and application of ion channel pharmacology to therapeutics.
Presentation Abstract: Ion channels are important drug targets for primary efficacy and secondary safety/tox effects but have been neglected because throughput was low and costs high. Automated patch clamp electrophysiology and ion-specific fluorescence now permit functional analyses of ion channel-expressing cell lines...
Dr. Taosheng Huang, Ph.D., MDProfessor, University of California, Irvine and Ambry Genetics
Genetics of Congenital Cardiac Defects
Taosheng Huang, MD, Ph.D, is a tenured professor in pediatrics, developmental biology, and pathology at University of California, Irvine. He is also the director for the Cardiovascular Genetics Clinic and the director for the MitoMed Molecular Diagnostic laboratory.
The primary interest of his lab is to study the molecular basis of genetic syndromes, and apply discoveries from genetic syndromes to common diseases. Currently, his lab is focusing on the following areas:
- The intracellular pathway of TBX5 and congenital cardiac defects
- TBX3 and breast cancer
- To identify the disease-causing gene associated with noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium (spongy heart)
- The Genetic basis of optic atrophy
Presentation Abstract: Congenital heart disease is one of the most common major malformations in humans, contributing substantially to the financial and psychological burden of child healthcare. About one percent of children are born with heart defects, and every year, more children die from congenital heart...
Daniel Messinger, Ph.DAssociate Professor, Miami University
Affect, Attention, and Autism Risk
Dr. Daniel S. Messinger is an associate professor of Psychology, Pediatrics, and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Miami. He is an expert on the social and emotional development of typically developing infants and infants at risk for autism. He is the author of close to 50 journal articles and chapters, and associate Editor of the journal Emotion. He is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and Autism Speaks. He is director of the Miami Marino Autism Research Institute and a member of the NIH/Autism Speaks Baby Sibs Research Consortium. Dr. Messinger was born in El Reno, Oklahoma, earned his Masters at the University of Chicago in 1989 and his PhD at the University of Utah in 1994, where he studied with Alan Fogel.
Presentation Abstract: This is a psychological study of early development in infants at heightened risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). ASDs are pervasive developmental disorder characterized by qualitative impairments in social interaction and communication. High levels of autism diagnosis have focused...
Dr. June GrodenExecutive Director, The Groden Center, Inc.
Stress and Coping in Autism
June Groden holds a Ph.D. and M.A. degree in psychology, a M.Ed. in education, and a B.S. in business administration. Since 1976, Dr. Groden has been Director of the Groden Center in Providence, Rhode Island, an educational and treatment facility, which serves children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Dr. Groden serves on the clinical faculty at the University of Rhode Island and Salve Regina, is a visiting research associate at the Center for the Study of Human Development at Brown University, is a Fellow of the American Psychotherapy Association, and is on the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America. In 2009, Dr. Groden became a member of the Rhode Island Global Consumer Choice Compact Waiver Taskforce to assure public input with respect to the reforms to the Medicaid program. Also in 2009, Dr. Groden became a member of the Rhode Island State Commission to Study the Education of Children with Autism.
Dr. Groden has adapted stress reduction procedures such as relaxation and imagery-based picture rehearsal for special populations. She is the co-author of Relaxation: A manual for adults, children and children with special needs and Coping with stress through picture rehearsal and has produced three videos on relaxation, picture rehearsal and intensive early intervention. Most recently, she has co-authored Stress & Coping in Autism, a book dedicated to all children and adults with autism whose courage and determination in coping with the stresses of life give us a greater understanding of human potential and of what is positive and possible. She has also written numerous book chapters and journal articles.
Presentation Abstract: The construct of stress has expanded, in a revolutionary way, our understanding of both typical and atypical human development. This presentation will describe a theoretical framework for the usefulness of the stress construct in understanding, assessing and treating autism spectrum disorders...
Clara LajonchereVice President of Clinical Programs, Autism Speaks
Overview of Autism Research: From the Bench to the Bedside
Dr. Lajonchere currently serves as Vice President of Clinical Programs at Autism Speaks where she oversees a diverse portfolio of clinical programs and research resources that serve to facilitate basic and translational research on autism spectrum disorders. These include the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE), the Autism Tissue Program (ATP), the Clinical Trials Network (ATN), and the Autism Treatment Network (ATN). Dr. Lajonchere has significant experience in biobanking (AGRE/ATP), the development of clinical and research registries (AGRE/ATP/ATN), and multi-site collaborative networks geared towards the rapid discovery, dissemination and implementation of autism treatments, guidelines and clinical toolkits for the community. Dr. Lajonchereis also Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at USCs Keck School of Medicine and Research Assistant Professor at
Presentation Abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of highly prevalent, life-long neurodevelopmental disorders affecting social, communicative, and behavioral functioning, which pose a substantial public health burden. At an estimated prevalence of 1 in 150, care for individuals with ASD costs the
Dr. Judy Van de Water, Ph.DFaculty in the Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis
The Role of Maternal Autoantibodies to Fetal Brain in Autism
Dr. Van de Water obtained her Ph.D. in Immunology from UC Davis, where she joined the faculty in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis in 1992. Dr. Van de Water later joined the faculty of the M.I.N.D. (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute in 2000 when she began her research on the immunobiology of autism. Her laboratory research programs include the identification of the various mechanisms associated with autoimmune and other immune-mediated disorders. This includes the biological aspects of autism spectrum disorders including immune dysfunction and autoantibody production. In addition, her current work involves the identification of maternal antibodies to fetal brain proteins found in some mothers of children with autism. Dr. Van de Water is currently part of the NIEHS funded Center for Children’s Environmental Health as the principal investigator of the Immunological Susceptibility in Autism project. She is also part of a project funded by NIMH in collaboration with an epidemiologist at Kaiser Permanente to examine the plasma of mothers whose children have autism for early biomarkers.
Presentation Abstract: The contribution of peripheral immunity to autism risk has been highly debated but poorly understood. This presentation will focus on the recent findings describing the presence of maternal antibodies to fetal brain proteins in the mothers of children with autism and their potential role in the pathophysiology of this...
Dr. Karen Halls, Ph.D.Scientific Support Manager, Abcam
An Introduction to Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)
Karen has almost 10 years lab experience and comes from an epigenetics background. She has worked in both the academic and commercial sector and was involved in the human genome sequencing project at the Sanger Institute. She completed a PhD studying chromatin modifying proteins and transcription and it was during this time that she used ChIP extensively in her research. Karen has been in the Abcam, Scientific Support team for almost 2 years and has attended a number of Chromatin meetings, maintaining her knowledge in this research area.
Presentation Abstract: Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a tool that has unlocked the mysteries of chromatin and revolutionized our understanding of the science behind it. The ChIP technique can be used in any area of research to further elucidate gene function and regulation in their native state. ChIP is currently the most accurate way to identify the specific proteins associated with a region of the genome and vice versa, what region of the genome is associated with specific proteins. If understanding the biological function of a particular protein and identifying how the distribution of that protein is altered as part of a systemic biological response then ChIP may be of interest for you. ChIP is a powerful technique that may sound intimidating but with the right tools and information can be mastered.
Dr. Vincent P. Mauro, Ph.D.Associate Professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Scripps Institute
Mechanisms Of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation
Dr. Mauro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California. He is also a co-founder and lead scientist of Promosome, a biotechnology company focused on bioproduction enablement and DNA vaccines. In addition, Dr. Mauro is a Senior Fellow in Experimental Neurobiology at the Neurosciences Institute in San Diego, California.
Dr. Mauro studies both fundamental and applied aspects of translational control mechanisms. His basic research is focused on understanding how eukaryotic mRNAs recruit ribosomes, how ribosomes subsequently locate initiation codons, and how ribosomes regulate the translation of specific subsets of mRNAs. Dr. Mauro's applied studies build on his basic research. These applied studies have led to the identification of Translational Enhancer Elements (TEEs) and the generation of synthetic translational enhancers.
Presentation Abstract: Protein synthesis is one of the most fundamental cellular processes, yet many of its basic principles remain poorly understood. For example, in eukaryotes, it is known that mRNAs can recruit the translation machinery either at the 5' cap-structure or at internal sequences. However, the mechanism by...
Bill Harten M.S.CEO and CTO, UNIConnect
The Laboratory Chicken vs. Egg Question: Which Comes First, the Lab or the LIMS?
Mr. Harten is the founder, CEO and CTO of UNIConnect, and the inventor of the UNIFlow LIMS platform. Prior to founding UNIConnect, he was the chief architect of the world’s largest genealogical database, FamilySearch™. During this time he invented the GEDCOM format which later became the international standard to exchange genealogical information and remains the standard to this day. He has lectured throughout North America and Europe and is recognized in the database community as a world expert on database architectures for extreme computing requirements. He recognized that the challenge of tracking samples from tube to tube to plate to plate… is solved by the same concepts that are used to connect the wide array of data elements found in genealogical databases. Mr. Harten earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Brigham Young University.
Presentation Abstract: Mr. Harten will be accompanied by 1 or 2 representatives from Axial to discuss how they went about implementing their LIMS in tandem with the design and set up of the lab. A focus of the discussion will be on how to utilize the right people in the organization and put the right technology into their hands to...
Dr. L.V. Rao, Ph.D.Director, Core laboratories, Associate Professor, Dept of Pathology, UMass Memorial Medical Center
Automation of Antinuclear Antibody Testing in Clinical Laboratories
Lokinendi V. (L.V.) Rao received his Ph.D in Biochemistry from Kurukshetra University in India and completed his post doctoral fellowship in steroid biochemistry at Fondation de Recherche en Hormonologie in France. He latter served as staff scientist in the immunoendocrinology division at the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi, India, Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, MetroHealth Medical Center/ Case Western reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. In 1995, he did his clinical post doctoral fellowship in clinical chemistry at University of Texas medical Branch Galveston, TX and later served as Technical Director of outreach laboratory services at Galveston, TX. In 2001 he joined the UMass Memorial Medical Center and is currently serving as the Director of Core Laboratories, Immunology and Clinical Research and Support Divisions of Department of Hospital Laboratories. He also holds Associate Professor Position in the Department of Pathology at UMass Medical School in Worcester, MA. His areas of expertise include clinical chemistry, auto immune testing, endocrine-immune interactions, out come research studies, development and validation of new markers. Dr. Rao has over 50 peer reviewed publications and made numerous presentations in the areas of clinical chemistry, endocrinology, immunology, point of care and clinical toxicology.
Presentation Abstract: Screening for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) has been performed for many years to identify patients with autoimmune diseases. ANA’s are directed against a variety of nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens have been detected in the serum of patients with many rheumatic and non rheumatic...
Dr. Wayne C. Duer, Ph.D.President, Duer Forensic Toxicology, Inc.
Discussions of Qualitative Chemical Identification and Linear Least-Squares Quantification Consideri
Dr. Duer's educational background includes: B.A. Mathematics, Fort Hays University, 1965; M.S. Organic Chemistry, University of Missouri-Rolla, 1967; Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, University of Missouri-Rolla, 1970. In graduate school he was a National Defense Education Act Fellow and a National Science Foundation Fellow. After obtaining the Ph.D., he taught general and analytical chemistry at the University of Florida, the Univeristy of Guelph, and the University of Miami. He has also taught Forensic Toxicology at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and at the Unversity of South Florida Department of Medicine. He has held the positions of Bureau Chief of Laboratory Services, Florida Department of Business Regulation; Senior Analyst, Florida Department of Law Enforcement; and,Chief Forensic Toxicologist, Hillsborough County Medical Examiner Department. In 1980 he was named as a Outstanding Young Man of America. Since January 2008 he has been president of Duer Forensic Toxicology, Inc. engaged in educational and medico-legal consulting both in the USA and Mexico. Between 1969 and 2009 he has 37 publications in peer reviewed scientific journals, both chemistry and toxicology. He is a member of The American Academy of Forensic Scienes, The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists, The Society of Forensic Toxicologists, and the Mathematical Society of America.
Presentation Abstract: Two of the most important uses of analytical chemistry are chemical qualitative identification and chemical quantification. Several aspects of these two uses will be discussed in this presentation.
Martin Bluggel, B.S.Chief Operating Officer, Protagen, Inc.
Characterization Of Antibodies By High Resolution Protein Analytical Methods
Martin Blüggel is an expert in the field of mass spectrometry, proteomics, peptide and protein analysis and bioinformatics for proteomics. He is author of more than 30 scientific publications and has presented state of the art analytical methods to the Biotechnology Working Party (BWP, EMEA) and Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI). Mr. Bluggel became Director Bio-IT of Protagen since 1999 and became Chief Operating Officer of Protagen in 2002.
In 1999 Martin Bluggel was co-founder of Protagen AG. Since then he sets up the profitable business in Protagen´s AG core units Bioinformatics and Analytics.
In November 1997, he founded the Protagen GbR together with Prof. H. E. Meyer as a spin-off from the Ruhr-University Bochum. He established the company with focus on state of the art Peptide and Protein analysis.
Presentation Abstract: In recent years the development of biopharmaceuticals has increased enormously and in the next years immense growth is expected. The production of recombinant antibodies is a challenging field and changes in the protein structure or posttranslational modifications can occur with and without...
Dr. David Ferrick, Ph.D.Chief Scientific Officer, Seahorse Biosciences
A Label-Free, Cell-Based Screen For Compounds That Target Mitochondrial Function And Cellular Bioene
Dr. Ferrick has over 20 years of R&D experience in drug discovery, clinical development and life science applications. As an industry executive he has transformed three biotechnology research platforms into product pipelines, founded one of those companies, raised over $30M in private equity and established several corporate alliances including Pfizer, Novartis and Boehringer Ingelheim. He currently is the Chief Scientific Officer at Seahorse Biosciences, a privately held Boston area biotechnology company that designs and manufactures instruments and consumable sensors that measure in real time the uptake and excretion of metabolic end products. Prior to joining Seahorse Bioscience, Dr. Ferrick directed Biology and Application Development at Guava Technologies, a cell-based instrument and applications company. In 1999, Dr. Ferrick founded and led Sagres Discovery, an oncogenome research and cancer drug discovery company until it was acquired by Chiron in 2004. Prior to that Dr. Ferrick was the head of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc. since its inception in 1997. Dr. Ferrick received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Georgetown University and did his postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Tak Mak. Dr. Ferrick held a faculty position at the University of California at Davis, where his contributions to the discovery and functions of gamma T cells have made him a world-recognized leader in this area. He has authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications, 25 patents and has been awarded over $3M in NIH research funding.
Presentation Abstract: In the past decade there has been significant advancement in our understanding of chronic degenerative diseases that affect the health of today's aging population. This stems from the realization that mitochondrial dysfunction occurs at the earliest stages and underlies the pathology of chronic...
Dr. Wayne P. Kelley, Ph.D.Manager Of The Analytical Science Team, GlaxoSmithKline, Biopharmaceutical R&D
The Bioanalytical Method Development Lifecycle -A QbD Perspective
Dr. Kelley is the manager of the analytical science team and quality by design (QbD) leader for GlaxoSmithKline, Biopharmaceutical R&D. His primary focus during his doctoral thesis was using ion trap mass spectrometry for the elucidation and characterization of novel conotoxins and other neurotoxic and neuromodulatory, marine natural products. He has numerous publications in this area including such journals as Biochemistry, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Journal of Neurochemistry and Analytical Chemistry and continues to referee for some of these journals. Dr. Kelley joined GlaxoSmithKline in 2002 as a Principal Scientist in Pharmaceutical Development. During his six years in the department he won several scientific excellence awards an was analytical and project leader for several programs including two NDA approvals for Altabax (antibacterial) and Promacta (treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura).
Presentation Abstract: Biopharmaceutical development is an expensive, highly complex process. The size, secondary and tertiary structure of the molecule creates a significant challenge in associating the physical-chemical and biological properties to desired clinical performance. In addition, there is inherent variability...
Dr. Doug Johnson, Ph.D.President/Consultant, OCAM Solutions, Inc.
Initiating Chemistry and Manufacturing Outsourcing for Clinical Trial Materials
Douglas Johnson is the president of OCAM Solutions Inc. OCAM (Outsourcing Chemistry and Manufacturing) is a consulting company specializing in chemistry and manufacturing elements of drug development. Prior to founding OCAM Solutions in 2008, Dr. Johnson worked for over ten years at Allos Therpeutics (a virtual drug development company focussed on new chemical entities for oncology applications). While at Allos Dr. Johnson was Vice President of Manufacturing and Vice President of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Before joining Allos, Dr. Johnson was at Baxter Healthcare for over eight years where he held several positions of increasing responsibility.
Presentation Abstract: With a medicinal chemistry route of synthesis and a laboratory analytical method in hand there is still a lot of work to be done before one has material that be used in the clinic and one can file an IND. Along the way there are several key steps where money and time can be saved or wasted...
Dr. Farid Gharagozloo, M.D., F.A.C.S.Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Washington Institute of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, George Washington University Medical Center
Robotic Thoracic Surgery
Dr. Gharagozloo is Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Harbor Hospital Center, Director, Thoracic Oncology Program, Harbor Hospital Center, Director, Northern Virginia Thoracic Oncology Program, Surgeon-in-Chief, Washington Institute of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Professor of Surgery, George Washington University Medical Center, Chief of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery, George Washington University Hospital. He is also a member of the Board of Governors, International Minimally Invasive Robotic Association and he is Chairman of the Committee on Development, International Minimally Invasive Robotic association.
Dr. Lin Wu, M.D.Senior Scientist, CV Therapeutics
Role of Late Sodium Current in Cardiac Arrhythmias
Dr. Lin Wu practiced clinical cardiology for over 10 years at Beijing Medical University First Hospital, after getting his MD degree and completing medical training. He also had clinical cardiology training in Japan and postdoctoral research training in the US. Since 2001, he has been working as a senior scientist doing cardiac electrophysiological research at CV Therapeutics in Palo Alto, CA. Dr. Wu has experience in both basic and clinical medicine. His area of expertise is cardiac electrophysiology. His recent research explores the proarrhythmic effects of low risk QT prolonging drugs (i.e., moxifloxacin, amiodarone, etc) and the value of EKG and electrophysiological parameters in predicting the drug-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Presentation Abstract: Sodium channelopathies cause cardiac, neurological and skeletal muscle abnormalities. In the heart, either gain- or loss-of-function of SCN5A-encoded Nav1.5 Na+ channel causes cardiac arrhythmias, including sinus node dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, Brugada syndrome, and torsade de pointes...
Dr. John Coates, Ph.D.Owner & President, Coates Consulting
Miniaturized Optical Spectrometers: Ideal Candidates for Bioscience and Medical Spectroscopy
Dr. Coates has 45 years of industrial experience. He is principal consultant for Coates Consulting, a network consultancy focused on, applied and industrial instrumentation, optical spectroscopy and analytical instruments and sensors for dedicated applications. His main focus in the past 8 years is on instrument miniaturization and spectral sensors. He is a founding member of Sentelligence, a sensor company focused on the automotive industry. Recently he served as VP of Technology for microSpectral Sensors (now MicrOptix) a company that markets handheld spectrometers for environmental and industrial applications. While at microSpectral Sensors he designed and developed a low-cost handheld spectrometer based on a solid-state spectrometer. Prior to his current positions, Dr Coates served as Director of Technologies for Global Technovations, Inc. (Now On-Site Analysis, Inc.), and as Interim Director of MCEC (Measurement and Control Engineering Center) at the University of Tennessee. Previously, Dr. Coates was the Technical Director for the Perkin-Elmer, Real-Time Systems Division (Wilton, CT, USA). A division specializing in the application of advanced analytical instrumentation technology to industrial processes. Prior to this Dr Coates worked for two other instrument companies and one major oil/lubricant company.
Presentation Abstract:Optical spectroscopy is becoming important as a diagnostic tool in a wide range of bioscience (life science) and medical applications. Its roles range from early detection of cancer (Raman and infrared) to the monitoring of patient health in a potential trauma condition (UV‐vis‐NIR). Traditional spectrometers tend to be large...
Dr. Peter Hoffmann, Ph.D.Vice President, Genzyme Pharmaceuticals
Targeted Therapeutic Agents: Eliminating the
Peter joined Genzyme Corporation in 1994. Identification, evaluation and development of drug delivery technology related opportunities are his major function as Vice President, New Technology Development for Genzyme
Peter has several publications and patents and is serving on various scientific and industrial advisory boards. He continues to present at international conferences annually.
Presentation Abstract:The ultimate goal of targeted therapeutics is to treat disease on the molecular level where the cause of the disease occurs. Because of the difficulties that cause and location often present, traditional drug delivery systems relying on systemic blood circulation result in only a small portion of the medication...
Dr. Debbie C. Crans, Ph.D.Professor in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Colorado State University
Fundamental Studies And Application Complex Media In Drug Formulation To Combat Cancer
Debbie Crans is a Professor in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry at Colorado State University where she began teaching in 1987. Her research interests include bioinorganic chemistry, with a particular interest in vanadium chemistry, biochemistry, and applications in enzymology. In 1997, she co-organized the first symposium in “Vanadium Chemistry and Biochemistry” and is presently the Program Chair for the Inorganic Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society.
Edith Lewis-Rogers, MBAExecutive Vice President, ESLR Associates LLC and former FDA
Emerging Trends In R&D: The Challenge Of Outsourced Products Filling The Pharma Pipeline
Edith Lewis-Rogers is Executive Vice President of ESLR Associates, LLC and has over 30 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She began her career with FDA as a field investigator and has worked in senior management position R&D QA/Compliance for Novartis and Hoffmann- La Roche, and in Compliance at Carter Wallace. She has started three new departments in QA/Compliance- the first for a QA/QC department at Ciba, the second for an R&D QA/Compliance department at Novartis and the third as World Wide Global Compliance Director for MannKind Biotechnology.
In FDA as part of the Small Business Administration program she was recognized for her cost effective solutions to compliance issues and was routinely complemented by CEO/COO for the ease of implementation of her solutions. Edith routinely speaks at national seminars on FDA compliance issues on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP). In July she co-chaired the Skin Deep Symposium at the Rutgers Department of Biomaterials on the development of dermatology products. Currently she is Co-Chair for the 2010 Northeast Conference for the Food, Drug and Cosmetic division of the American Society for Quality.
Her current business focuses on quality and compliance issues of start-up, small and mid-size pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. She actively assists firms in compliance activities in GMPs and GCPs. She manages clinical supply manufacturing for Phase I-III studies at outsourced facilities, and performs due diligence inspections at clinical and manufacturing sites.
Presentation Abstract: Large Pharma is now depending on entrepreneurial companies to fill their R&D pipelines. Not only is this necessary to obtain new innovation but it is also essential to control their R&D costs for health care containment. This change in business model from internally developed products to...
Dr. Chas AndreApplications Manager, Finnzymes
Direct PCR allows DNA amplification directly from different samples - forget DNA purification!
Chas Andr is the Applications manager at Finnzymes, a biotechnology company that supplies reagents, consumables and instrumentation for the biotech and molecular diagnostic sectors. Dr. Andr graduated from The University of Chicago with a Bachelors degree in Biology, and earned his Ph.D. in plant genetics at Stanford University. Prior to his current position, which he has held since 2006, he worked at several other biotech companies including DuPont Agricultural Products, Applied Biosystems and MJ Research, where he lead various projects involving integration of advanced instrumentation and molecular biology platforms.
Presentation Abstract: Finnzymes' Direct PCR approach allows amplification of DNA directly from different types of starting materials such as plants, animal tissues and blood without prior DNA purification. Optimized protocols and products allow results directly from samples in as little as 30-40 minutes.
Mohammad ArabpourAssistant, Department of Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences - Iran
Antigenic Variations of human influenza virus in Shirz Iran, During 2005-2007
Ms.C. of medical virology, Influenza Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz ,Iran
I'm associated researcher of Influenza research center, Department of Microbiology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. We are focused on the way of Influenza epidemiology regarding surface glycoprotein antigenic drift. More over we are keen to find more efficient methods for producing the attenuated influenza vaccine via reverse genetic reasortment. Passing through the old conventional reverse genetic systems we decided they have some technical and bio-safety limitation which should be overcome if they are to be the bases of a general Influenza vaccine. Therefore a part of our research is currently concentrated on modifying the current methods fo a better alternative.
Presentation Abstract: Back Ground and Aim: Influenza viruses are major cause of human respiratory infections and are responsible for pandemics and regional outbreaks around the world. The aim of present investigation was to determine the prevalent influenza genotypes during 2005-2007 outbreak in Shiraz, the capital city...
Dr. Farhat Batool, Ph.D.Neurochemistry and Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, University of Karachi
Reversal of Haloperidol-induced Catalepsy and Enhanced Serotonin Metabolism in the Rat Medial Prefro
Farhat Batool, Assistant Professor of Neurochemistry and Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry University of Karachi. Actively engaged in both teaching and research for the last 10 years, Farhat Batool has established courses like Neuroharmacology and behavioral techniques in the Department of Biochemistry. Author of about 30 research publications, she has supervised number of Masters Theses. She has also designed behavioral animal models for the bioscreening of different novel pharmacological compounds in the treatment of schizophrenia. Her research involved extensive experimentation employing animal models injected with different serotonergic and anti-schizophrenic drugs. This requires fine skilled surgical techniques and maintenance of rodents in proper conditions (like room temperature and light/dark cycle). Video assisted gait measurements and behavioral responses in different novel and familiar environments are carried out as a mean for monitoring different behavioral responses. At the end of experiments animals were euthanised and brain regions were removed for biochemical and neurochemical assays by HPLC - EC detection.
Presentation Abstract: Background and Objective: Schizophrenia is a major therapeutic challenge of modern medicine, and one of the last frontiers of brain research. Development of antipsychotics with slight/ no extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) is one of the exploring fields of drug research. Although the principal mechanism by which all...
Kristen BettingerSigma-Aldrich
Creation of Knockout Rats: A New Paradigm for Target Validation and Preclinical Development
Kristen Bettinger joined SAGE Labs in 2009 and her role includes key liaison to the R&D community, defining and commercializing preclinical research models.
During her time with Sigma-Aldrich, Bettinger has helped manage the custom shRNA libraries from the RNAi Consortium and has held positions in research and development working on emerging technologies and plant biotechnology, where she was a co-recipient of two patents for the invention and development of a novel cloning system
Bettinger holds a bachelor's in biology with a focus on genetic engineering from the University of Southern Illinois, Edwardsville.
Presentation Abstract: The rat has long been an important experimental model in many fields of study, and the rodent model of choice in many areas of research including toxicology, neurobiology, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. Unlike its murine cousin, gene targeting in the rat has remained a...
Dr. Anant Narayan Bhatt, Ph.D.Scientist, Division of Radiation Biosciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi
Glycolysis induced radio-resistance in cancer cells
Dr. Anant Narayan Bhatt is Scientist of Metabolic Cell Signaling, Division of Radiation Biosciences, Delhi, INDIA. He graduated with a PhD in Molecular Biophysics from Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, INDIA. His current research interest involves Understanding the mechanism of glycolysis induced radio and chemo-resistance in cancer cells.
Presentation Abstract:One of the "signature" phenotypes of highly malignant, poorly differentiated tumors is their remarkable propensity to utilize glucose at a much higher rate than normal cells, with most of them demonstrating resistance to radiation and anticancer drugs. Glucose usage rate was enhanced by using various...
Dr. Doriano Brogioli, Ph.D.Researcher, Medicina Sperimentale, Universita' di Milano Bicocca
Effect of Intercalators and Groove Binders on DNA Tensional and Torsional Properties
Dr. Brogioli works as a researcher in a group of bio-physicists at the Experimental Medicine department of Universita' degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca. She receive her Ph. D. in Physics (2002), with a thesis titled "Near Field Speckles". Her Research experience includes
- DNA mechanical properties and the effects of drugs
- in-vitro study of aggregation processes of amyloid beta peptides
- development of optical devices for the study of nanoparticles, colloids and aggregation
Presentation Abstact: We study the mechanical properties of single DNA molecules by using two complementary techniques: AFM imaging and magnetic tweezers manipulation. Both the techniques allow to measure contour and persistence length. Moreover, magnetic tweezers allow to measure the torsional properties...
Dr. Zhou Chan, Ph.D.Postdoc Research Associate, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Computational Systems Biology Laboratory
Comparative Analyses of Distributions and Functions of Z-DNA in Arabidopsis and Rice
Chan Zhou is a Postdoctoral Associate in Bioinformatics, at Compuational Systems Biology Lab, University of Georgia, GA. She received her PhD from Zhejiang University, China, in 2009, co-supervised by Prof. Bailin Hao and Prof. Ying Xu(CSBL@UGA). She is interested in comparative genomics studies and evolution genomics, in particular, functional elements in plant genomics including Z-DNA, plant studies related to biofuel, protein protein interaction, horizontal gene transfer. She has reviewed for Plos One etc Internal Journals. She published research papers since her undergraduate years.
Presentation Abstract: The atomic-resolution structure of a left-handed Z-DNA was observed for the first time in 1979. Z-DNA conformation is favored in DNA regions with specific features, e.g. purine-pyrimidine alternation. The actual formation of Z-DNA in vivo can take place only under certain physiological conditions, and it...
Dr. Laura K. Chico, Ph.D.President, LKC Pharma Services
Designing small molecule candidates in CNS drug discovery: database mining and analyses reveal key m
Laura K. Chico, PhD, LKC Pharma Services: Dr. Chico is the President and founder of LKC Pharma Services. She also serves as an instructor in the Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry department at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Chico has published peer-reviewed journal articles in the areas of pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and informatics, with special emphasis in CNS drug discovery and development campaigns. Dr. Chico received her Master's degree in computational biology and Ph.D. in pharmacology from Northwestern University. Her dissertation focused on modeling small molecule first-pass metabolism and brain penetration. In her role as President of LKC Pharma Services, Dr. Chico has driven the development of informatics software targeting preclinical drug discovery campaigns and facilitated the evaluation of novel compounds being pursued as lead compounds in CNS drug discovery efforts.
Presentation Abstract: Success or failure in drug discovery often arises from outcomes related to either pharmacodynamics ("what the drug does to the body") or pharmacokinetics ("what the body does to the drug"). Orally administered drugs for any disease indication will encounter the P450 class of drug metabolizing...
Dr. Catherine Conway, Ph.D.Business Development Executive, SlidePath - Dublin
Immunohistochemical Quantification using Computed-assisted Analysis
Catherine has a BSc in Biotechnology and a PhD on the application of high-throughput quantification of protein expression from Dublin City University, Ireland. Prior to her PhD Catherine worked in Bristol Myers Squibb pharmaceuticals. During her PhD Catherine was awarded the prestigious Orla Benson Fellowship from Dublin City University, which facilitated her travel to Washington DC to perform research in the National Institute of Health. During her PhD and current position Catherine showcased her research in conjunction with SlidePath at a number of international conferences. Catherine has published numerous publications in relation to automated image analysis software. In addition, Catherine has facilitated numerous researchers to publish data by utilising SlidePath automated image analysis software. Catherine currently works as a Business Development Executive with specific emphasis in the area of automated image analysis and Tissue Microarray applications within SlidePath.
Presentation Abstract:Identification and classification of tumour cells requires highly skilled and extremely knowledgeable individuals. Traditionally, human analysis was considered the optimal method for quantifying immunohistochemical staining. However, the ability to manually quantify staining intensity results in high levels of...
Dr. Andrew David Miller, BSc, PhD, MRSC, CChem, MRSMProfessor of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Director of GTC, Imperial College London
Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Health; Designing Nanoparticles that Enable Nucleic Acid Therap
Prof Andrew David Miller is both Professor of Organic Chemistry & Chemical Biology at Imperial College London and founding Director of the Imperial College Genetic Therapies Centre (GTC). He is also the main driving force behind the newly created Foundation for Global Biomedical Solutions (FnGBS). He began his chemistry education at the University of Bristol (UK) from where he graduated in 1984 with a BSc degree. PhD thesis research was carried out at the University of Cambridge (UK) in the research group of Professor Alan Battersby, after which he joined the research group of Professor Jeremy Knowles at Harvard University (USA). Since 1990, Prof Miller has been a member of academic staff in the Chemistry Department of Imperial College London (UK) and founded the GTC in 1998. The GTC was founded to pioneer multidisciplinary Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology research at the Chemistry-Biology and Chemistry-Medicine interfaces. GTC infrastructure is one of the most complete in Imperial College for carrying out research all the way from chemical disciplines to animal pharmacology.
Presentation Abstract: Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Health; Designing Nanoparticles that Enable Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Molecular Imaging and Theranostics. Nazila Kamaly1,2, Ming Wang1, Soumia Kolli1, Christopher R. Drake3, Tammy Kalber2, Joachim H.G. Steinke1,3 Jimmy D. Bell2, Richard P. Harbottle1...
Dr. Ronald L. Schefdore, DMD & Dr. Jack Maggiore, Ph.D.President and Chief Scientific Officer, Healthy Life Labs
New Uses for Forgotten Technologies Spells Opportunities for Innovative Thinkers: Real Stories
Dr. Schefdore has been in full time private practice since graduating from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 1983. He practices general dentistry in a western suburb of Chicago. His practice profits have consistently been in the top
5% for all general dentists for the past 25 years. His seminars focus on how to improve patient health, provide exceptional service, and how to communicate with physicians to start a mutually referring relationship. His Healthy Heart Dentistry periodontal treatment and wellness protocol, FDA approved blood screening kits for the dental office, and evidence-based periodontal nutritional supplements, are a few of the topics covered in his seminar. Dr. Schefdore has been recognized for four consecutive years as one of the top speakers by Dentistry Today Magazine. He is the author of "Better Service, Better Dentistry, Better Income", over 50 published dental articles including a cover story in Dentistry Today, and has been cited in US News and World Report, The Wall Street Journal, Readers Digest, NBC-TV Chicago and affiliates, and FOX News. The special NBC report, "Can a trip to the dentist save your life?" featured him for being the first dentist to achieve certification to perform accurate and simple FDA approved blood screening tests on periodontal patients for early detection of underlying medical conditions. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Schefdore and his colleagues, a major paradigm shift in dentistry is underway, where dental professionals are being called upon to step to the front line in systemic disease detection.
Dr. Maggiore is President and Chief Scientific Officer of Healthy Life Laboratories, and is a Medical Technologist, certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, with a Master of Science in Clinical Chemistry and Doctorate in Pathology from the University of Illinois. He holds several medical device patents for his product developments and innovative enhancements, and has authored more than 35 abstracts, publications, and textbook chapters. Dr. Maggiore has delivered more than 100 presentations at national and international scientific meetings on topics ranging from disease pathophysiology to clinical laboratory method validation, and has consulted for a number of government agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His expertise includes clinical trials and regulatory affairs, having cleared six medical products through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. His clinical research interests include diabetes disease management, and development of novel biomarkers for chronic diseases. Dr. Maggiore is active in the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, where he has served as Chair of the Editorial Board for Clinical Laboratory News and serves on the Chicago Section Executive Committee. Dr. Maggiore's mission is to work with health care professionals to empower consumers to take a more active role in their health maintenance.
Presentation Abstract: Medical technologies are developed by biomedical engineers and medical technologists to provide tools to assist clinicians in making clinical diagnoses and establishing therapeutic regimens. Despite proven accuracy and reliability, advancements in modern day electronics and micro-sampling often...
Dr. Christopher Druzgalski, Ph.D.Professor of Biomedical &Clinical Engineering, California State University Long Beach
Healthcare shaped by life sciences, engineering innovations, and economics
Dr. Christopher Druzgalski is a Professor of Biomedical/Clinical and Electrical Engineering, President of ACSUP (Association of California State University Professors - an independent professional organization); Chair of Pan American Health Care Exchanges (PAHCE) which in cooperation with different international entities is linking health care needs across the continent, and Chair of IEEE LAC EMB. Also, he served as an Adjunct Faculty of Medicine, a member of the editorial boards and a reviewer. His current research interests focus on biosensors, pulmonary mechanics, telemedicine and Internet based technologies. He received a Fulbright Award to lecture in Brazil, as well as served as a consultant in China, Egypt, Honduras, Panama, and other countries. In addition, he lectured and gave keynote presentations, in other countries of Central and South America, Asia, and Europe besides US and Canada. He is actively involved in international professional activities and cooperative linkages.
Presentation Abstract: Overview: Healthcare represents the largest industry in the Unites States. Its $2.5 trillion activity embodies 17.5 % of the GDP and will continue as an increasing percentage of the overall GDP unless substantial reforms are made. Specifically, medical device activity in the US has an estimated value of...
Dan Falk, M.S.Software Architect, Systems Development, Tumor Tracker, LLC
In Vivo Studies: Accelerating the Discovery Process through Automation
Dan Falk is the lead software designer for Tumor Tracker, LLC. Dan has many years in the software industry specializing in the biological sciences. He holds a masters degree in computer science from Temple University. His areas of expertise include data communications, database design, laboratory device interface, and image analysis. He is currently spearheading the development of a new product for in vitro studies to complement the in vivo studies software currently being offered by Tumor Tracker.
Presentation Abstract: In Vivo Studies: Accelerating the Discovery Process through Automation Abstract by Dan Falk, Tumor Tracker, LLC http://studyadvantage.com Why automate? The goal of animal studies is to test the safety and efficacy of drug candidates typically discovered through in vitro studies. This determines whether...
Dr. Andrew GoulterSenior Applications Scientist, TTP Labtech
Multiparameter high-content, high-throughput analysis of the cell cycle
Dr Andrew Goulter is a senior application scientist at TTP Labtech. Having gained his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Biochemistry from the University of London he joined Pharmagene Laboratories and worked as a Senior Scientist in drug discovery for five years working on cardiovascular, inflammation and oncology therapeutics. At TTP Labtech he globally supports a range of innovative instruments for pharmaceutical research, including the Acumen range of fluorescence microplate cytometers.
Presentation Abstract: High-content analysis (HCA) defines a series of cell-based approaches usually based on automated fluorescence imaging. When multiplexed, HCA can provide quantitative information on many complex cellular processes, including proliferation and cell cycle progression. HCA readers can be divided into two categories: fluorescence microscopic imaging systems, such as the ArrayScan VTI reader (Thermo Fisher Scientific), and laser-scanning cytometers, such as the Acumen eX3 scanner (TTP Labtech). We used these two instrumentations to perform a head-to-head analysis of the phenotypic effects induced in human cancer cell lines treated with cell cycle inhibitors. An established four-parametric HCA approach was exploited to quantify the cell number, DNA content, BrdU incorporation, cyclin B1 expression and histone H3 phosphorylation. Overall, the results from both platforms were in agreement, confirming that the particular HCA technology used does not affect the consistency and reliability of data and allows the user to exploit the strengths of each technology.
Dr. Jeffrey P. Harrison, Ph.D., MBA, MHA, FACHEFaculty in Healthcare Finance, Health Information Technology and Strategic Management, University of North Florida
The Role of Laboratory Information Systems in Healthcare Quality Improvement
Dr. Harrison received a Master's in Business Administration from the College of William and Mary, a Masters in Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a PhD in Health Services Organization and Research from Virginia Commonwealth University. Jeff is on the faculty of the University of North Florida where he teaches Healthcare Finance, Health Information Technology and Strategic Management. Prior to teaching he had over twenty-five years experience in medical group management, hospital leadership and health systems planning. He has published extensively on health information technology including articles titled "The Role of Clinical Information Systems in Healthcare Quality Improvement", "The Role of E-Health in the Changing Healthcare Environment", " The Role of Laboratory Information Systems in Healthcare Quality Improvement" and "Leveraging Health Information Technology to Improve Patient Safety". Throughout his career Jeff has provided professional development seminars to thousands of healthcare executives. His areas of expertise include: "Disaster Planning", "Management of Change," "Healthcare Technology" and "Corporate Compliance." Jeff is the Principal Investigator on a funded research grant titled The Effect of the Prospective Payment System on Quality and Efficiency in Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals and serves in an advisory capacity to the North East Florida Regional Health Information Organization (NEFRHO). He is a Certified Healthcare Executive, a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE), and a member of the Health Care Financial Management Association (HFMA), the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and the Academy of Health.
Presentation Abstract: Goal: Using a combination of lecture and group discussion, each participant will be able to understand the use of electronic health information and Laboratory Information Systems to improve the quality healthcare services.
Dr. El Akrem Hayouni, Ph.D.Engineer/Assistant Professor, Bioactive Compounds, Center of Biotechnology at Technopole of Borj-Cedria.Tunisia
Hydroalcoholic extract based-ointment from Punica granatum L. peels with enhanced in vivo healing po
I am EL AKREM Hayouni, I was born in November 26th, 1972 in Thala (Tunisia). Actually, I am Permanent Assistant Professor at the Biotechnology Center at the Ecopark of Borj-Cedria (Tunisia). In fact, I got a National Diploma of Engineer in Biotechnology from the National School of engineering in Sfax (ENIS) after two years of preparing the entrance to engineering schools at the Preparatory Institute of Engineering Studies at Sfax (IPEIS) and three years of applied courses at ENIS. The main topic of my research program was "Purification and biochemical characterisation and industrial uses of lipases from various sources: microorganisms, hepatopancreas of primitive animals, birds and mammalians."
Presenation Abstract: The aim of this investigation was to assess the healing potential of Punica granatum L. peels. A 5% (w/w) methanolic extract based-ointment was formulated and evaluated for its wound healing in guinea pigs. The ointment was applied in vivo on the paravertebral area of eight excised wounded...
Dr. Gotz Hensel, Ph.D.Senior Researcher, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research
Genetic Engineering of Barley - Methods and Applications
Dr. Hensel is Senior Researcher at Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Re-search (IPK), Plant Reproductive Biology group. Managed the day-by-day running in the lab including the financial and human resources. Supervised students and run my own research project entitled with: "Initial Mechanisms of Pollen Embryogenesis", founded by the Federal Minis-try of Education and Research. Ph.D. student, Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Yeast Genetics group, degree as PhD in Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Department of Botany.
Thesis: The PR-protein CBP20 - Investigations of the induction of synthesis and accumulation as well as the intracellular transport by using in vitro cultures of tobacco and yeast.
Presentation Abstract: Barley belongs to the most important crops worldwide. For this species, numerous genomics tools and resources such as specific cDNA libraries, EST databases, molecular markers as well as physical and genetic maps have been developed. As a result, many DNA-sequences are available for which a...
Roy JefferisSchool of Immunity & Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham - UK
Human Immunoglobulin Allotypes: Possible implications for immunogenicity
After attaining BSc and PhD in Chemistry (Birmingham) I moved to the Medical School (Birmingham) and began research into the structure and function of antibody molecules, in health and disease. A particular focus has been to reveal the significance of the structural and functional heterogeneity of the carbohydrate component (glycoforms). We have shown that that it can have a profound influence on cellular activation, in vitro and in vivo. These studies coincided with the development of therapeutic recombinant antibodies and demonstrated the need to produce IgG antibodies, from non-human cells, with a human glycosylation profile. This resulted in extensive contacts with the biopharmaceutical industry and I hold several consultancy contracts. Customised glycoforms of antibody drugs are now entering the clinic and further engineering of antibody structure is in process to optimise efficacy for defined disease indications. Increased efficacy may benefit wider population groups and/or result in lower "cost of goods" (CoG) and "cost of treatment" (CoT). I am an elected Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath); in consideration of published research. I have published > 300 scientific papers, of which 196 are archived in PubMed.
Presentation Abstract: More than twenty recombinant monoclonal antibodies are approved as therapeutics. All are based on the whole IgG isotype format but vary in the origin of the variable regions between mouse (chimeric), humanised mouse and fully human sequences; all employ human constant region sequences...
Odigie JoachimDepartment of Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Toxicology, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Cannabis Related Psychiatric Disorders in Port Harcourt
Dr. Odigie Joachim is having his post graduate medical attachment at the Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Toxicology at the College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt. He is actively involved in clinical pharmacology research. he has several international journal publications and has presented scientific papers at conferences.
Presentation Abstract: Background: Cannabis is one of the most widely used illegal drugs in major Nigerian cities, including Port Harcourt. An increasing incidence of indulgence by young people and consequent addiction at a younger age in Nigerians has necessitated this study in Port Harcourt...
Dr. Charmy S. Kothari, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Analysis, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Education campus, Changa
Raman Spectroscopy latest emerging technique for analytical chemistry
Dr. Kothari is an Assistant Professor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis at the Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy in Changa India. Previously she held positions at the Arihant School of Pharmacy & BRI and the BM Shah College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research. She received her Ph.D. from the BM Shah College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research. Her specialty is in the area of Pharmaceutical Science (Pharm. Analysis). Dr. Kothari has been published in many national and international journals.
Presentation Abstract: Vibrational spectroscopy is an excellent method for identifying substances because it provides fingerprint spectra that are unique to each specific compound. Of the various vibrational spectroscopies available, Raman spectroscopy should be the method of first choice because the spectra it...
Dr. Elizabeth Lodolo, Ph.D.Professor, Brewing Consultant, Centre of Excellence (CoE), South African Breweries (SAB)
Brewing science: Practical technology solutions for the operational brewer
Elizabeth Lodolo completed a B.Sc at University of Pretoria in Microbiology, Genetics and Zoology. She completed her Hons in Genetics at Wits University.
She started her career with the CSIR where she completed her M.Sc. (with distinction) in the field of yeast taxonomy. Her studies then focused on yeast and fungal molecular genetics expressing heterologous proteins in yeast and developing rapid tools to distinguish Fusarium strains. She then moved to SAB as a microbiologist in 1992 where her investigations focused on fermentation optimization. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Stellenbosch for a study entitled: "The effects of oxygen on the fermentation ability of S. cerevisiae during high-gravity wort fermentations" and the MBAA Presidential award for the outstanding refereed paper based on this work.
Presentation Abstract: When considering brewing of beer in its most simplistic form, it probably represents mankind's oldest biotechnology. Since the first records of beer production by mankind, many changes have been made that resulted in the modern beer-brewing process. Numerous inventions have led to improved...
Dr. Dante J. Marciani, Sc.D., Ph.DSenior Scientific Director, Bio-Synthesis, Inc.
The New Generations of Immune Agonists: Their Role as Prophylactic and Therapeutic Products
Dante J. Marciani, Sc.D., Ph.D., is the Senior Scientific Director of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. He co-founded InkaBiosyn, Inc., a company dedicated to the development of therapeutic agents, with Bio-Synthesis' CEO, Dr. Miguel Castro.
He received his B.S. and Sc.D. in Biological Sciences from the
Dr. Marciani has over 50 scientific publications, 16
Presentation Abstract 1: Discoveries in innate and adaptive immunity together with the advances in the chemistry of different biomolecules, provide the foundations to develop new immune agonists with well define structure/function relationships. In some cases these new products upon conjugation may act also as delivery systems for antigens, modulating the immune response.
Dr. Dante J. Marciani, Sc.D., Ph.D. (Presentation 2)Senior Scientific Director, Bio-Synthesis, Inc.
Cell Penetrating Peptides and Bioconjugations: Applications in Cancer and siRNA Research
Dante J. Marciani, Sc.D., Ph.D., is the Senior Scientific Director of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. He co-founded InkaBiosyn, Inc., a company dedicated to the development of therapeutic agents, with Bio-Synthesis' CEO, Dr. Miguel Castro.
He received his B.S. and Sc.D. in Biological Sciences from the
Dr. Marciani has over 50 scientific publications, 16
Presentation Abstract 2: Cell Penetrating Peptides (CPP's) are polycationic peptide sequences which have been shown to permeate through most mammalian cell membranes. CPP's use with various cargoes (DNA, peptides, proteins, LNA's, PNA's, small drugs, etc.) attached to them will be discussed including their chemical linkages. Examples of tumor cell targeting using CPP's will be presented. Bioconjugates have been proven to be important in the development of cancer treatment and control of gene expression.
Dr. Daniel Martins-de-Souza, Ph.D.Postdoc Fellow, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry
What does proteomics tell us about schizophrenia?
Dr. Daniel Martins-de-Souza is a postdoc fellow in Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany, since 2008, supervised by Prof. Dr. Chris W. Turck. Dr. Martins-de-Souza has obtained his Ph.D. supervised by Dr. Emmanuel Dias-Neto in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, where he started the investigations he is currently performing in the proteome analysis of schizophrenia brain tissue, aiming to find differentially expressed proteins which can lead to a better comprehension of this disorder as well as find potential biomarkers to help the clinical diagnosis.
Presentation Abstract: Schizophrenia is likely to be a consequence of serial alterations of a number of genes and proteins that, together with environmental factors, will lead to the establishment of the illness. Since proteomic analysis of post-mortem schizophrenia brains may lead to the identification of schizophrenia...
Dr. Maria Teresa Mascellino, M.D.Director of Microbiology Laboratory Diseases, University "La Sapienza" - Rome, Italy
Impact Of Helicobacter Pylori Resistance In Unsuccesfully Pluritreated Patients
Dr. Mascellino received all of her education in Rome including her Specialization in Clinical Microbiology from the University "La Sapienza." Prior to her work as a researcher in the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at Policlinico Umberto 1 , Rome she was a holder of scholarship at Superior Institute of Sanitation in Rome. Dr. Mascellino has been awarded a great many honors and grants including grants for research at: Institute Pasteur in Lyon (France) concerning water microbiology, School of Pharmacy in London concerning antibiotic resistances, Presbiterian Hospital of New York about PCR and rapid bacterial diagnosis, Gen-Probe San Diego (California) concerning the amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis Direct test, University of New South Wales, Sidney (Australia) concerning Chlamydia trachomatis research. She has been published over 40 times in her career.
Presentation Abstract: Objectives: Aim of our work was to evaluate the "in vitro" resistance of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in patients who underwent from 2 to 9 empiric therapy cycles after a wash-out period of at least 4 weeks with no antibiotic and anti-reflux therapy. Methods: The population consisted of 25-out patients, in...
Dr. Ralf P. Mauritz, Ph.D.Director R&D, Roche Diagnostics GmbH
RealTime ready Functionally Tested qPCR Assays for Gene Expression Analysis on the LightCycler Pl
Ralf has almost 10 years experience in R&D and comes from a chemistry background with special expertise in micro arrays and PCR. He completed a PhD at the University of Wrzburg, Germany, studying backbone modified antisense oligonucleotides as an approach to serve as prodrugs. Ralf worked for 3 years for a small biotech company before joining Roche in 2002. He has been working in R&D with Roche Applied Science for almost seven years and is currently responsible for the development of Universal ProbeLibrary and RealTime ready PCR Assays.
Presentation Abstract: Roche Applied Sciences RealTime ready panels provide users of the LightCycler Systems with convenient and reliable content for gene expression analysis. RealTime ready assays are based on the unique Universal ProbeLibrary technology which allows fast and flexible assay design for millions of targets from...
Dr. Wayengera Misaki , Ph.D.Director of Research, Restrizymes Biotherapeutics (U) LTD Kampala, Uganda, Makerere University - Kampala
Taking Analytical Chemistry, life sciences & biotechnology to the People
Dr Wayengera holds an MBChB- Surgery /Medicine (Makerere), MSc Equiv-(MaRS dd, UHN, U of T) and PhD-ongoing (Pathogen omics). He has 150 CME credits and over 30 publications in international peer reviewed journals.
Presentation Abstract: Biotechnology, chemical biology and analytical chemistry may be considered among the fastest growing fields of life science. Having borrowed from recent inventories such as the completion of several organismal genomes, delineation of the "omes", computational biology; and more recently...
Uwe MuellerResearch Biologist, Merck & Co., Inc.
Automated Cell Culture in Support of Lead Optimization
Uwe Mueller is a Research Biologist in the In Vitro Sciences department at Merck Research Laboratories in Boston. His main responsibilities include the integration and operation of automated systems in support of centralized cell culture and automated lead optimization projects as well as the development of software tools to improve data integration and workflow.
Presentation Abstract: In the In Vitro Sciences Department at MRL Boston we support the determination of structure-activity relationships through automated assay technology. We were therefore interested in the integration of the Tecan CellerityTM into our workflows for reliable and consistent cell supply. The Cellerity has...
Dr. Zsuzsanna Palyi-Krekk, Ph.DResearcher, Department of Biophysics, University of Debrecen - Debrecen Hungary
The role of CD44 in the ErbB2 positve breast cancer
Dr. Zsuzsanna Palyi-Krekk is a research associate of Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Hungary. She graduated with a PhD in Biomedical Science from University of Debrecen. Her predoctoral research fellowship were at University of Koupio, Finland.
Presentation Abstract: Although trastuzumab, a recombinant humanized anti-ErbB2 antibody, is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer, neither its mechanism of action, nor the factors leading to resistance are fully understood. We have previously shown that antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity is pivotal in the in...
Dr. Neena Philips, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Biology (Natural Sciences), Fairleigh Dickinson University
Inhibition of Cancer Cell Growth and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling by P. leucotomos and Ascorbate
Dr. Neena Philips is Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ. She was Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, NJ; and the Principal Scientist for the dermis in the Skin Cell Biology laboratory of Chanel at Piscataway, NJ. Her postdoctoral research fellowships were in Dermatology at New York University Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She graduated with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
Presentation Abstract: The hallmarks of cancer include cell growth and metastasis, facilitated by the matrixmetalloproteinases (MMPs) and transforming growth factor (TGF-b), which remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) that gives tissue its structural integrity. The activity of MMPs is inhibited by tissue inhibitor of...
Jeanne PhillipsCorning
Innovative Solutions for Drug Discovery Research and Development
Jeanne E. Phillips, Ph.D. has extensive experience in the culture of epithelial cells on permeable support inserts and plates and has participated in a number of project teams developing new products to advance drug discovery research. She received her graduate degree in Biochemistry from Baylor College of Medicine where she got her start culturing MDCK cells and investigating the ability of these cells to establish polar expression of membrane proteins. She has also worked extensively in the field of hematology research and prior to joining Corning, she was a member of the eADME Preclinical Profiling team at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research.
Presentation Abstract: The Life Science Division of Corning,
Inc. is a leading innovator of products and solutions to advance drug discovery
research and development. The development and introduction of unique
surfaces, formats and technologies such as Corning TranswellProducts, HYPERFlask Cell Culture Vessels, microplates for
ultra-high throughput screening and Epic Label-Free Detection
Products, have enabled scientist to be successful in the drug discovery
process.
Dr. Anthony R. West, Ph.D.Associate Professor, The Chicago Medical School
Impact of phosphodiesterase 10A inhibition on striatal function: Implications for the treatment of s
Dr. West, Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Chicago Medical School, received his Ph.D. in Cellular and Clinical Neurobiology in 1997 from Wayne State University, School of Medicine. From 1997-2002, he trained as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with Professor Anthony A. Grace in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. West joined the Department of Neuroscience at the Chicago Medical School in 2002. Dr. West's research focuses on the interaction between striatal nitric oxide producing interneurons and dopamine afferents and their role in regulating the neural activity of striatal medium spiny projection neurons. The overarching goal of Dr. West's research is to improve our understanding of how these systems function to regulate striatal output in normal animals and rodent models of the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Dr. West's research has been supported by the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, the Tourette Syndrome Association, Pfizer Inc., the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Presentation Abstract: The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is highly expressed in striatal medium spiny projection neurons (MSNs), apparently playing a critical role in the regulation of both cGMP and cAMP signaling cascades. Genetic disruption or pharmacological inhibition of PDE10A effects behaviors in a...
Dr. Dirk SaerensDoctor in Applied Biological Sciences, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Research Foundation, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions
Single-domain antibodies as building blocks for novel therapeutics
Dr Dirk Saerens is a postdoc at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, during his PhD he selected multiple Nanobodies against various targets. He played a pivotal role in the engineering of Nanobodies and in their use as specific probes in diagnostics. His research involves designing novel Nanobody selection technologies, and tailoring Nanobodies for particular applications.
Presentation Abstract: Antibodies are large and complex molecules, with two identical parts that bind independently of each other onto the antigen and the third part of the molecule that dictates the effector function(s). To improve the therapeutic value of antibodies, protein-engineering endeavors reduced the size of...
Dr. Poongothai J. Sakthivel, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Amrita Viswha Vidyapeetham
Y chromosome microdeletions in sperm DNA of infertile patients from Tamil Nadu, South India
The author Dr. J.Poongothai holds the degree of M.Sc., in Biochemistry. She is a Doctoral fellow in Biotechnology. She is in collegiate service since 1999. Her areas of interest are Genetic engineering and Molecular Biology. She guided post graduate Biochemistry students for their dissertation work. She is a life member of Society of Biotechnologist, India and annual member of Indian Society of Human Genetics. She had published 7 papers in national and international journals. She had presented more than 10 papers in National/International conferences and had attended a number of conferences and workshops. Now, She is the Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering and Material Science Department of Amrita Viswha Vidya Peetham, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Presentation Abstract: Infertility is a major health problem today affecting 10% to 15% of the couples and in these couples, male factor infertility accounts for ~50% of causes. The known causes of male infertility are quite numerous but can be grouped into a moderate number of major categories. It has been associated with...
Dr. Larry A. Sklar, Ph.D.Regents Professor of Pathology and Associate Director of Basic Research, University of New Mexico Cancer Center
Small Molecule Discovery for the NIH Roadmap by High Throughput Flow Cytometry
Dr. Slar is Regents Professor of Pathology and Associate Director of Basic Research in the NCI Designated University of New Mexico Cancer Center. He has more than 300 publications and patents in leukocyte biology, molecular assembly in signal transduction and cell adhesion, and high throughput flow cytometry for drug discovery. He is PI and Director of the University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery for the NIH Roadmap Molecular Libraries Initiative.
Presentation Abstract: The University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery (http://screening.health.unm.edu/) is part of the NIH Roadmap Molecular Libraries Probe Production Center Network (http://mli.nih.gov/mli/). Using high throughput flow cytometry we have screened ~ 40 targets and identified...
Win Mar Soe, M.S.Ph.D. Candidate, Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Nanyang Technological University - Singapore
Effect of drug combinations using Epicatechin Gallate and Ethyl Gallate with Non Beta-Lactam Antibio
Miss Win Mar Soe is in her second year PhD (Biomedical Engineering) program at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She completed her research on Drug combinations in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus skin infections as part of a dissertation in her M.Sc (Biomedical Engineering) at Biomedical Engineering Research Center at Nanyang Technological University. She has presented about Drug Combination studies on Staphylococcus aureus at ICMAT conference in Singapore.
Presentation Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus is gram positive bacteria which are notoriously prevalent in hospital settings such as intensive care units, burn units and surgical units. It preys on the patients who have impaired immune system such as those suffering from Diabetes Mellitus and Acquired Immunodeficiency...
Dr. Mary Stewart, Ph.D.Senior Lecturer in Applied Psychology, Heriot-Watt University
Autistic traits and their predictive value
Mary Stewart BSc, MSc, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland. She gained her Masters in Neuroscience and her PhD from the University of Edinburgh in 2001. The primary focus of her research is to gain an understanding of how symptoms link to behaviour in Autism Spectrum Disorder, both by describing the profile that is associated with this spectrum of disorders and also by testing within the context of current cognitive theories. She has publications describing cognition, auditory processing, language and the broader phenotype in ASD. Her research has been funded by Autism Speaks, The Carnegie Trust, The British Academy, Wellcome Trust and the MRC.
Presentation Abstract: Some researchers consider traits or features of ASD to be present in the general population without a diagnosis of ASD. These traits, otherwise known as the Broader Autism Phenotype have been studied in relatives of those with ASD and in the general population. Parents of children with ASD have..
Dr. Matt Tector, Ph.D.Director Aurora ORBIT project, St. Luke's Medical Center
An Automated and Open-Source Collaboration Model Designed to Enhance the Efficiency of Translational
Matt Tector received his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1995 while studying the cell biology of the immune system. He performed postdoctoral research examining organelle biogenesis at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and at the Max-Planck Institute for Biochemistry. Matt has been trained in many areas of molecular biology (including DNA sequencing and SNP typing) and biochemistry (including protein purification and subcellular fractionation). Since arriving at Aurora Health Care Matt has focused on identifying and analyzing cutting edge technologies with value to health care delivery.
Presentation Abstract: Despite wide-spread agreement that access to human samples and medically relevant data is essential to incorporating scientific advances into the practice of medicine, efforts designed to improve this access are in the early developmental stages. The current inefficiencies of accessing appropriate data...
Dr. Binquan Zhuang, Ph.D.Postdoc, Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
FARP1 Promotes the Dendritic Growth of Spinal Motor Neuron Subtypes through Transmembrane Semaphorin
Dr. BinQuan Zhuang received his PhD from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and is currently a postdoctoral scholar in the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. He has broad experience in neurobiology, genetics, biochemistry, developmental and molecular biology. His dissertation studies have significantly contributed to the understanding of how Retinoic Acid, a pivotal signaling molecule derived from vitamin A, regulates the establishment of neural circuits in the spinal cord. Now, he is integrating innovative chemical tools into neuroscience to study the roles of carbohydrates in neural development and regeneration, aiming to discover the cure for spinal cord injury and various neurodegenerative diseases. He has presented and lectured his work at national and international conferences, including the Gordon Research Conference and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Meeting. His research has been published in prestigious worldwide journals and most recently as a cover story of Neuron and reported in Leading Edge by Cell.
Presentation Abstract: The dendritic morphology of neurons dictates their abilities to process and transmit information; however, the signaling pathways that regulate dendritic growth and complexity are poorly understood. Here, we show that retinoids induce the expression of the FERM Rho-GEF protein FARP1 inthe developing spinal...
