2024 AASLD Foundation Abstract Awardees

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Foundation Abstract Awards recognize excellence and promote the professional development of early career investigators. These awards provide recipients travel support to defray costs associated with attending The Liver Meeting® or Digestive Disease Week® to present their outstanding research to an international audience.

The Liver Meeting® 2024 Abstract Awards

Anna S. Lok Award for Early Career Investigators in HBV Research

Wan-Hsin WenWan-Hsin Wen, MD, PhD  
Cardinal Tien Hospital, Taiwan  
Abstract 214: Alanine Aminotransferase Flares During Pregnancy or Postpartum Predict Increased HBeAg Seroclearance in Highly Viremic HBV-Infected Women  
 

Laurence M. Blendis Travel Award for Early Career Investigators in ACLF Research

Marti Ortega-Ribera

Marti Ortega-Ribera, PhD  
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, United States  
Abstract 29: Inhibition of necroptosis reduces inflammation, neutrophil activation, liver fibrosis and improves multiorgan damage (kidney function and neuroinflammation) in a murine model of alcohol-induced ACLF

 

Thomas D. Boyer Travel Award for Early Career Investigators in Portal Hypertension

Angus JeffreyAngus W. Jeffrey, MD  
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Australia  
Abstract 27: The Portal Decompensation Score - A Validated Predictive Model of Portal Hypertension Related Liver Decompensation Events in Cirrhosis  
 


 International Early Career Investigator Award Presented in Honor of Prof. C. Y. Kim

Heejoon JangHeejoon Jang, MD  
Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, South Korea  
Abstract 3494: DPP4 inhibition augments the anti-tumor effect of combined anti-PD-1 antibody/regorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma

 

Prof. Margit Hamosh Memorial Travel Award in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research

Lea Lemaitre

Lea Lemaitre PhD  
Stanford University, United States  
Abstract 15: Targeting Macrophage-Mediated Mechanisms of Immune Evasion as Adjuvant Therapy in TACE-resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma

 

Prof. Mindie H. Nguyen Award

Khushboo Agrawal

Khushboo Agrawal, PhD  
Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, India  
Abstract 197: Molecular Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Non-Cirrhotic Background: Integrating Immunohistochemistry Panel and Genomic Analysis

Chang Young

Chang Young, MD, PhD  
Soonchunhyang University, South Korea  
Abstract 3585: Therapeutic Potential of miR-660-5p and miR-125a-5p Antagonists in Attenuating Liver Fibrosis: Insights from Next-Generation Sequencing and Experimental Validation

Siyu Fu

Siyu Fu, MD  
Erasmus University Medical Center, Netherlands  
Abstract 132: DNA methylation of tumor tissues and circulating tumor DNA in early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hiroko Ikenaga

Hiroko Ikenaga, MD, PhD  
Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan  
Abstract 3550: Unlocking EPHX1-Mediated Alterations in Eicosatrienoic Acid Metabolism: Novel therapeutic Targets in Liver Fibrosis

Mercy Karoney

Mercy Jelagat Karoney, MD  
Moi Univerisity School of Medicine, Kenya  
Abstract 1396: Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Western Kenya: Risk Factors, Diagnosis & Surgical Management

Dong Yun Kim

Dong Yun Kim, MD, PhD  
Yonsei University, South Korea  
Abstract 2045: Identifying Candidates for Liver Biopsy in Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Machine Learning-Based Predictive Models

Sandy Mpho Mosenye

Sandy Mpho Mosenye MBChB, FCP(SA), MMed  
University of Cape Town, South Africa  
Abstract 4372: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in South Africa - a single centre experience

Lesley Patmore

Lesley Patmore, MD  
Erasmus Medical Center, Netherlands  
Abstract 96: Performance of the CAGE-B and SAGE-B scores for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients with advanced fibrosis

Tom Ryu

Tom Ryu MD, PhD  
Soonchunhyang University, South Korea  
Abstract 3437: Investigation for diagnostic value of circulating tumor DNA for the early HBV-derived HCC by profiling fragmentation

Maria Spencer Sandino

Maria Spencer Sandino, MS  
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile  
Abstract 2395: New steatotic liver disease diagnostic performance in a Chilean agricultural population cohort


Northern Lights Canadian Legacy Award

Richard Morrow

Richard L. Morrow, PhD  
University of British Columbia, Canada  
Abstract 1344: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on treatment for hepatitis B in British Columbia, Canada: an interrupted time series analysis

Or Steg Saban  
Or Steg Saban, MD  
The Hospital for Sick children, Canada  
Abstract 76: Serum IgG reflects histological activity in children with autoimmune hepatitis


PSC Partners Seeking a Cure Award

Yunguan Wang

Yunguan Wang, PhD  
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, United States  
Abstract 196: Noninflammatory macrophages drive a fibrogenic gene program of periductal fibroblasts in pediatric primary sclerosing cholangitis.

 

Advanced Practice Provider Award

Lisa Catalli

Lisa Catalli MSN, NP-C  
University of California San Francisco Medical Center, United States  
Abstract 181: Enhanced Patient Knowledge and Confidence in Managing Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Through Behavioral Resources and Intervention Through Digital Group Education (BRIDGE): A Shared Medical Appointment Program

Alana Saddic

Alana Saddic, MSN, AGACNP-BC  
Virginia Commonwealth University, United States  
Abstract 2149: Health Literacy and Education Level are Determinants of Disease Severity in Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Fellow Research Award

P. Vineeth DanielP. Vineeth Daniel, PhD  
Mayo Clinic Rochester, United States  
Abstract 1071: Novel Hepatic Lipid-Induced Enhancer activation modulates Steatohepatitis via S100A11  
 


Liver Transplant and/or Hepatobiliary Surgery Fellow Award

Catherine AnosovaCatherine Anosova,  MD  
Sclifosovsky Emergency Medicine Institute, Russia  
Abstract 2486: The classification of portal vein thrombosis and a tactical algorithm based on it

 

 

Pediatric Research Award

Helaina HuneaultHelaina Huneault, RD, PhD Candidate  
Emory University, United States  
Abstract 1: Clinically Distinct Metabotypes of Pediatric Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: An Unsupervised Machine Learning Analysis of Children Enrolled in NASH CRN Studies

 

Resident Research Award

Jacob M BogdanovJacob Michael Bogdanov, MD  
University of Southern California, United States  
Abstract 157: Single-Cell Imaging Mass Cytometry Defines Immune Cell Composition and Spatial Interactions with Apoptotic Hepatocytes in Immune-mediated Liver Injury from Checkpoint Inhibitors (ILICI) and Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH)

 

Student Research Award

Emily RobitschekEmily Robitschek  
University of California San Francisco / University of California Berkeley / ETH Zurich, Switzerland  
Abstract 12: Applying Large Language Models to Better Understand Psychosocial Factors Contributing to Liver Transplant Waiting List Decisions

Early Career Investigator Award in Healthcare Disparities Research 
 

Divya Ayyala-Somayajula

Divya Ayyala-Somayajula, MD, MAS 
Thomas Jefferson University, United States 
Abstract 121: Outcomes of the Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis Bridge Clinic at a Safety-Net Hospital: A Prospective Pilot Study

Saleha Aziz

Saleha Aziz, MBBS 
University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States 
Abstract 4170: Rising Mortality Trends Among Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease and Cirrhosis in the United States (1999 to 2020): A Study of Health Disparities

Ashley Jowell

Ashley Jowell, MD, MS 
Duke University School of Medicine, United States 
Abstract 179: Variable Treatment and Access to Liver Transplantation for Alcohol Associated Liver Disease: The California Liver Network

Chawin Lopimpisuth 
Chawin Lopimpisuth, MD 
University of Miami/Jackson Health System, United States 
Abstract 2498: Center-level Variability in Utilizing Normothermic Machine Perfusion and the Association with Recipient Insurance

Nicole Ng

Nicole Ng, MD 
New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell, United States 
Abstract 2556: Racial and Gender Disparities in Access to Living Donor Liver Transplantation Between 1999-2021

 

 

International Early Career Investigator Award 
 

Syed Ahmed

Syed Ahmed 
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India 
Abstract 68: Carvedilol does not prevent decompensation in patients with compensated cirrhosis without high-risk varices with clinically significant portal hypertension defined by non-invasive tests: a randomised controlled trial

Kanit Bunnag

Kanit Bunnag, MD 
Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Thailand 
Abstract 4098: Comparison of 1 Day Versus 5 Days of Octreotide Infusion Along With Endoscopic Therapy in Preventing Early Rebleeding and Mortality from Esophageal Varices: A Nationwide, Multicenter, Non-Inferiority, Randomized Control Trial

Saruul Enkhjargal

Saruul Enkhjargal, MD, MS 
National University of Mongolia, Mongolia 
Abstract 1145: Successful development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP-PCR) for detection HDV-RNA

Yanna Liu 
Yanna Liu, MD 
Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China 
Abstract 1524: Machine Learning of CT Images for Noninvasive Discrimination of Porto-sinusoidal Vascular Disease from Cirrhosis in Patients with Portal Hypertension

Angelo Zd Mattos

Ângelo Zambam de Mattos, MD, MSc, PhD 
Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Brazil 
Abstract 4107: Impact of the different stages of acute kidney injury in cirrhosis - a prospective multicenter cohort study

 

 

Early Career Investigator Award in Basic Science Research 
 

Chloe Boehm

Chloe Boehm, BS 
Weill Cornell Medicine, United States  
Abstract 155: Novel host factors in hepatitis B viral surface antigen production identified by genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen

Sudrishti Chaudhary

Sudrishti Chaudhary, PhD  
University of Pittsburgh, United States  
Abstract 145: Alpha diversity analysis of hepatic transcriptome reveals distinct signatures and predicts novel pathways in alcohol-related hepatitis.

Scott Davies

Scott Davies, PhD  
University of Birmingham, United Kingdom  
Abstract 4322: E-cadherin expression by CD8+ T cells is increased in patients with primary biliary cholangitis and promotes their invasion into biliary epithelial cells

Qianqian Guo

Qianqian Guo, MD, MS  
Mayo Clinic, United States  
Abstract 142: Lipid induced Endothelial Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1) Promotes Liver Inflammation in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)

Siddhi Jain

Siddhi Jain, PhD  
University of Pittsburgh, United States  
Abstract 2472: Targeted Deletion of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Hepatocytes Mitigates Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage and Enhances Compensatory Regeneration in Mice

Niharika Jakhar

Niharika Jakhar, MS 
University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany  
Abstract 114: The proteome differentiates  MetALD from MASLD and identifies patients at risk

Seiya Kato

Seiya Kato, MD  
Osaka University, Japan  
Abstract 1520: Hepatic congestion promotes liver pathogenesis through the activation of Integrin αV-YAP/TAZ-CTGF axis in LSECs

Mengyun Ke

Mengyun Ke, PhD  
University of Pittsburgh, United States  
Abstract 93: The Protective Role of Sulfiredoxin-1 (SRXN1) in Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury

Claudia Rose Keating

Claudia Rose Keating, BS  
Loyola University Chicago, United States  
Abstract 234: The role of Sirt2 and downstream signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma progression

Pooja Muddasani

Pooja Muddasani, MS  
University of Pittsburgh, United States  
Abstract 101: Hepatic Grp78/BiP Overexpression Protects Against Enhanced MASLD by Vinyl Chloride.

Kazuya Okushin

Kazuya Okushin, MD, PhD  
The University of Tokyo, Japan  
Abstract 59: Heterozygous Knockout of Bile Salt Export Pump Induces Alterations in the Gut-Liver Axis Including Gut Microbiota in Mice Fed a High-fat Diet

Estanislao Peixoto

Estanislao Peixoto, PhD  
Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, United States  
Abstract 3363: Cholangiocytes' Primary Cilia Regulates DNA Damage Response and Repair

Maria FR Tonetti

Maria Fernanda Raya Tonetti, PhD 
University of California San Diego, United States  
Abstract 80: Absence of intestinal Mucin-2 Promotes Goblet Cell-associated Antigen Passages Formation to Prevent Ethanol-induced Steatohepatitis in mice.

Yu Sato

Yu Sato, MD  
Osaka University, Japan  
Abstract 169: Regnase-1 down-regulation contributes to myeloid cell intermediated ICC development

Jayesh Kumar Sevak

Jayesh Kumar Sevak, PhD 
Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, India  
Abstract 1400: Immuno-metabolic driven hepatitis B surface antigen seroconversion in mild and severe hepatitis B reactivation

Aarti Sharma

Aarti Sharma 
Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, India  
Abstract 220: Hepatic lymphangiogenesis regulates biliary cell proliferation during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy  

 

Bhupesh Singla

Bhupesh Singla, PhD 
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, United States  
Abstract 1055: Hepatic R-spondin 2 is a key suppressor of hepatosteatosis.

Banrida Wahlang

Banrida Wahlang, PhD  
University of Louisville, United States  
Abstract 2441: The liver-endocrine axis plays a mechanistic role in driving chemical plus diet-induced steatotic liver disease in females

Grayson Way

Grayson Way, MS  
Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy, United States  
Abstract 118: snRNAseq and GeoMx spatial transcriptomics elucidate the cell-type-specific roles of lncRNA H19 in cholestatic liver injury

Lei Zhang

Lei Zhang, PhD  
Yale University, United States  
Abstract 146: Role of OGT-TFF2 axis in intrahepatic crosstalk and MASH pathogenesis

Early Career Investigator Award in Clinical/Translational Science Research 

 

Chunmaio Cai

Chunmiao Cai, PhD 
Mayo Clinic, United States 
Abstract 237: In vivo screening for targets to block immune escape in hepatocellular carcinoma

Benjamin Cailes

Benjamin Cailes, MBBS (Hons), BMedSci (Hons), FRACP 
University of Melbourne & Austin Health, Australia 
Abstract 33: Abdominal Aortic Calcification - A Novel Cardiac Risk Prediction Tool in Liver Transplantation

Tamir Diamond

Tamir Diamond, MD, MSTR 
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/University of Pennsylvania, United States 
Abstract 36: Circulating Activated Tissue Resident Memory CD8+ T cell Population is a Unique Feature of Pediatric Activated T-cell Acute Liver Failure and Hepatitis Associated Aplastic Anemia

Marisa dF Ferreira 
Marisa da Fonseca Ferreira, IMVM, MScR, AFHEA, DipECVIM-CA (Internal Medicine), MRCVS 
The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom 
Abstract 116: Biliary senescence drives hepatocyte VCAM-1 expression and liver neutrophil infiltration

Reeti Gulati 
Reeti Gulati, MD 
Duke University Medical Center, United States 
Abstract 3229: Real World Data Assessing the Impact of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Shivangi Gupta

Shivangi Gupta, MBBS 
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Australia 
Abstract 105: Muscle mass, frailty and cardiopulmonary exercise testing: correlations and impact on liver transplant outcomes

Soo Young Hwang

Soo Young Hwang, MD, MPH 
University of Maryland Midtown Campus, United States 
Abstract 69: Gastrointestinal and liver adverse effects of medical treatments of alcohol use disorder: a pharmacovigilance analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database

Abdellatif Ismail

Abdellatif Ismail, MD 
University of Maryland Medical Center, Midtown Campus, United States 
Abstract 171: AHEAD, A Novel Validated Machine Learning Model for Clinical Diagnosis of Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis

Henriette Kreimeyer

Henriette Kreimeyer, MD 
University of California San Diego, United States 
Abstract 38: Fecal proteomics links neutrophil degranulation with mortality in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis

Wonseok Lee

Wonseok Lee, PharmD, PhD 
University of California San Diego, United States 
Abstract 3620: Deletion of ETS1 in hepatic stellate cells accelerates development of liver fibrosis

Wenqi Li

Wenqi Li, MBBS 
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States 
Abstract 123: Intrinsic NF-κB activation controls cellular defects, viral susceptibility, and macrophage activation in biliary atresia cholangiocytes

Yingluo Liu

Yingluo Liu, PhD 
University of California San Diego, United States 
Abstract 41: Enhancing Cytotoxic CD8+ T Cell Response for Liver Cancer Treatment using polyIC-Containing Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles via activating Hepatocellular Type I IFN pathway

Ruixue Ma

Ruixue Ma, MD, PhD candidate 
Yale University, United States 
Abstract 6: Hepatic Artery Flow-Induced Portal Tract Remodeling and Fibrosis in Portal Hypertension: The Role of VCAM-1 and Osteopontin-Expressing Macrophages

Babak Mirminachi

Babak Mirminachi, MD, MPH 
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, United States 
Abstract 216: Long-term Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Combined Metabolic Dysfunction and Increased Alcohol Consumption (MetALD)

Burcin Ozturk

Samiran Mukherjee, MD, MSTR 
 Mount Sinai Hospital New York, United States 
Abstract 71: Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Patients with Histologic Steatosis Defined by Natural Language Processing in the MVP Liver Biopsy Cohort

Burcin Ozturk

Burçin Öztürk MD 
University of California San Diego, United States 
Abstract 42: Fecal cytolysin is associated with a poorer outcome in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Zayed Rashid

Zayed Rashid, MD 
The Ohio State University, United States 
Abstract 9: Impact of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on the Risk of Adverse Liver Outcomes among Patients with Alcohol-associated Liver Disease and Type 2 Diabetes.

Vincenzo Ronca

Vincenzo Ronca, MD, MA 
Humanitas University, Italy 
Abstract 186: Fibrate-Oca (FI-OCA) Study - a Global snapshot of PBC practice around the Globe

Andrea Tou

Andrea Tou, MBBCh, BAO 
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States 
Abstract 166: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists have a potential to improve disease activity in Pediatric Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Ashley Upton

Ashley Upton, BS, RDMS, RVT 
Texas Children's Hospital, United States 
Abstract 232: An Ultrasound Approach to Visualize the 'Duct at the Hilum' in Infants Undergoing Evaluation for Biliary Atresia

DIGESTIVE DISEASE WEEK® 2024 AASLD FOUNDATION ABSTRACT AWARDEES

Congratulations to these outstanding investigators who presented their award-winning abstracts at Digestive Disease Week® May 18-24, 2024.

FELLOW ABSTRACT AWARD IN HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES RESEARCH

 

Yu Jun Wong

Yu Jun Wong, MD, Mmed, MCI, FRCP, FAMS
University of Alberta, Canada 
EPIDEMIOLOGY, NATURAL HISTORY, AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF PREGNANT WOMEN WITH HCV INFECTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF 227 STUDIES AND 255,862,858 WOMEN

FELLOW ABSTRACT AWARDS

Kanit Bunnag

Kanit Bunnag, MD
Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Thailand 
COMPARISION OF 1 DAY VERSUS 5 DAYS OF OCTREOTIDE INFUSION ALONG WITH ENDOSCOPIC THERAPY IN PREVENTING EARLY REBLEEDING AND MORTALITY FROM ESOPHAGEAL VARICES: A NATIONWIDE, MULTICENTER, NON-INFERIORITY, RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL - PRELIMINARY RESULT

 

Camille Kezer

Camille A. Kezer, MD
Mayo Clinic Rochester, United States
DIFFERENCES IN LIVER-RELATED HOSPITAL READMISSIONS IN PATIENTS WITH DECOMPENSATED CIRRHOSIS: EARLY RESULTS OF A CIRRHOSIS-DIRECTED REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING PROGRAM

 

Jieun Kim

Jieun Kim, PhD
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, United States
FATTY LIVER PROMOTES FIBROTIC TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT AND METASTATIC TUMOR GROWTH THROUGH THE UPREGULATION OF HAS2, CD44, AND PD-L1

 

Arunkumar Krishnan

Arunkumar Krishnan, MBBS, MS
Atrium Health Levine Cancer, United States 
MACRO AND MICROVASCULAR OUTCOMES AND MORTALITY IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE, DIABETES, AND OBESITY AFTER METABOLIC BARIATRIC SURGERY VERSUS USUAL CARE: A POPULATION-BASED MATCHED COHORT STUDY

 

Jessica Lin

Jessica S. Lin, MD, MBA
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, United States
CLOSING THE GAPS IN HEPATITIS C KNOWLEDGE AMONG INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENTS

 

 

Soe Thiha Maung

Soe Thiha Maung, MBBS, MRCP, MBA, MSc
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
HEPATITIS B VIRUS SCREENING RATE IN CANCER PATIENTS BEFORE RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY   A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

 

Luis Renteria

Luis Alejandro Rosales Renteria, MD
Centro Médico ISSEMyM Toluca, Mexico
LUNG POINT OF CARE ULTRASOUND-GUIDED ADMINISTRATION OF INTRAVENOUS ALBUMIN IN DECOMPENSATED CIRRHOSIS: A PILOT, OPEN LABEL, QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL TRIALINE RESIDENTS

 

Mai Sedki

Mai Sedki, MD, MPH
University of California San Francisco & Stanford University, United States
PREDICTORS OF THE RECEIPT OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) TREATMENT AMONG CURRENT PATIENTS IN A LARGE URBAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

 

Fnu Vikash

Fnu Vikash, MD
Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Jacobi Medical Center, United States
ANALYSIS OF TRENDS, HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION, AND OUTCOMES OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS

 

Yee Hui Yeo

Yee Hui Yeo
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, United States
THE REDUCED ACCURACY OF NON-INVASIVE TESTS FOR SIGNIFICANT FIBROSIS IN CHB PATIENTS WITH MASLD