Spinal Cord Injury

10/2015 – 9/2021 (NCE)

Nash, M.S. (PI 20%)  

Sponsor: DHHS/NIDILRR 90DP0074-01-00

The project goals are to test: a) the impact of a model SCI lifestyle intervention (LI) program on attributes of health and function that are recognized to compromise their healthy aging in persons with SCI living in caregiver/care-receiver relationships, b) examine the impact of the LI on the relationship of the caregiver/care-receiver dyad, and c) determine whether co-intervention with the caregiver improves health/function outcomes for their partner.

10/2016 – 3/2022 (NCE)

Craven, C.C. (PI)

The project goals are to test the effects of statin monotherapy on biomarkers of cardioinflammatory stress and bone turnover. 

Sponsor: Craig H. Nielsen Foundation: TC= $600,000
Role: Co-Principal Investigator and Site Director (10%)

10/2016 – 9/2021

Felix, E. (PI)

South Florida Regional Model Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) System

Sponsor: National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research / Department of Education H133N110003

The goals of the project are to collect data on acutely injured persons with SCI and follow their progress through annual re-assessment, perform site-specific research that reduces the risk of upper limb dysfunction, and collaborate on multi-site research that reduces secondary complications of SCI.

Role: Co-Principal Investigator and Co-Director (5%)
Multi-Center Modular Research Project: Stakeholder Perceptions and Clinical Assessment of Cardiometabolic Disease/Syndrome after Spinal Cord Injury (Nash, PI)

7/2018 – 6/2021 (NCE)

Jacobs, K (PI)

The project goals are to examine fuel partitioning in persons with SCI who are undergoing acute exercise using both open spirometric and radiotracer testing. 

Sponsor: Craig H. Nielsen Foundation
Role: Co-Principal Investigator (7%)

10/2018 – 9/2021

Nash, MS, (PI, W81XWH-17-SCIRP-IIRA)

Selective Pharmacological Inhibition of Myostatin with SRK-015P in a Contusion Model of SCI: Effects on Obesity, Muscle, and Cardioendocrine Pathology

Sponsor: U.S. DoD – SCIRP

The primary objectives of the study are to test if injecting the antibody SR-015 against the myostatin molecule in mice with SCI: 1. prevents or reverses the loss of mass in muscles located below the injury; 2. Prevents decline after SCI in the function of muscles as measured by tests of motor coordination; and, 3. prevents fat infiltration of muscle below the lesion.

8/2019 – 7/2021 (NCE)

Shafazand, S. (PI)

Intermittent Hypoxia, Respiratory and Motor Plasticity, and Sleep Apnea 

Sponsor: Craig H. Nielsen Foundation: TC= $300K

The overall goal of this pilot project is to determine the effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its associated chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on neuroplasticity, respiratory, and motor functions in subjects with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), exposed to acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH). We will further explore changes in the biomarkers of AIH in the setting of OSA and SCI. 

Role: Nash, MS; Co-Principal Investigator (10%)

07/2020 – 06/2023

Daunart, S. (PI)

The Intestinal Epithelium and Microbiome After Spinal Cord Injury: Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Mechanisms and Personalized Therapeutic Interventions; Daunert (PI), Nash (Co-PI)    

Supporting Agency – USAMRMC

The project investigates the effects of SCI on intestinal tissue and the gut microbiome, and evaluates potential therapeutic modulation of these effects ex vivo, which ultimately, should result in improvement in the quality of life of individuals living with SCI. 

Role: Nash, MS; Co-PI (0.60 Calendar; 5%)

9/30/17-9/29/23

NIH RO1HD091278

Spinal Cord Injury Exercise and Nutrition Conceptual Engagement (SCIENCE)

Objectives: The specific objectives of the project are to assess the impact of home-based functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry (FESLCE) plus Diet versus Diet alone on body composition, insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness, basal metabolic rate and lipid profile in persons with motor complete spinal cord injury between C4-T4.

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