Supplemental Topics
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Supplemental Topics for Individualized Training
At the end of the 2nd and 3rd weeks, a variety of supplemental techniques modules will be offered. The modules are designed to provide more individualized training for each participant. The topics offered for 2007 will be dictated by selections and inquiries during the application process and practical limitations of research space and faculty. Each applicant must indicate an order of preference (rank) for 3 modules from a list of possibilities. Participants and appropriate faculty and staff will then be assigned to training modules based on these selections and background statement. |
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Supplemental training modules may include:
-Mouse laminectomy surgery and SCI modeling
Participants will be supervised in surgical and care procedures in mice. Discussions will include advantages and disadvantages of murine models, unique perspectives and considerations of mouse SCI research, and recent applications. Participants will have the opportunity to pursue surgical models of their choice.
-Mouse locomotor analysis (BMS)
Recommended for all participants of the mouse SCI surgery module and participants that anticipate measuring functional outcomes in mice. This two day training will prepare enrollees in the use of a locomotor rating scale designed for assessment of mice in SCI research.
- Rat electomyography (EMG)
A hands-on laboratory will allow each student to prepare animals for acute or chronic in vivo EMG recordings. Applications of the approach and data obtained during the laboratory will be discussed and evaluated. Participants will have an opportunity to modify the approaches as needed to suit their research goals and applications.
-Immunocytochemistry
Participants will learn the theoretical and practical issues needed for application of immunocytochemical techniques in SCI research. Laboratory exercises will include staining of tissue sections and viewing results on standard fluorescent and confocal microscopes. Discussion and lecture topics will include the choice of antibody and secondary markers for detection, required controls, and new methods and tools available for enhancing immunocytochemical options.
- Tract tracing concepts and examples
Participants will discuss and practice techniques used for following axon projections. Overview lectures will describe the uses and caveats of different single and multiple labeling techniques and analyses approaches. Laboratory work will include stereotaxic methods and simple microscopy.
- Intraspinal transplantation
Participants will discuss and perform appropriate procedures for acute and chronic intraspinal transplantation studies. Overview lectures will describe the uses and controls for transplantation experiments and the background of cell-based clinical interventsions. Laboratory work will include intraspinal injections with re-exposure surgery for delayed grafting paradigms.
- Advanced behavioral methods
Methods for assessing recovery of function will go beyond the BBB or BMS. Participants will learn and apply procedures for obtaining additional information about functional outcomes, using walkway, kinematic analysis, reflex measures and sensory tests.
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