Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

2013 March 5 - Medical Student Education Committee Minutes, Medical Student Education Committee, East Tennessee State University

Medical Student Education Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Walking Index For Spinal Cord Injury (Wisci/Wisci Ii): Nature, Metric Properties, Use And Misuse., J. F. Ditunno, Jr, P. L. Ditunno, G. Scivoletto, M. Patrick, M. Dijkers, H. Barbeau, A. S. Burns, R. J. Marino, M. Schmidt-Read

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty Papers

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To critically review all publications/internet sites that have described/used the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II), as a measure of impairment of walking function after spinal cord injury (SCI), in order to identify its psychometric properties, clarify its nature, specify misuse and incorporate the findings in an updated guide.

METHOD: A systematic literature search was done of Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and electronic sites using key words: WISCI or WISCI II, SCI, paraplegia/ tetraplegia/ quadriplegia and ambulation/gait/walking. Among 1235 citations retrieved, 154 relevant articles/sites were identified, …

Hirsutella Sinensis Mycelium Suppresses Interleukin-1b And Interleukin-18 Secretion By Inhibiting Both Canonical And Non-Canonical Inflammasomes, Tsung-Teng Huang, Kowit-Yu Chong, David M. Ojcius, Yi-Hui Wu, Yun-Fei Ko, Cheng-Yeu Wu, Jan Martel, Chia-Chen Lu, Hsin-Chih Lai, John Ding-E. Young

All Dugoni School of Dentistry Faculty Articles

Cordyceps sinensis is a medicinal mushroom used for centuries in Asian countries as a health supplement and tonic. Hirsutella sinensis—the anamorphic, mycelial form of C. sinensis—possesses similar properties, and is increasingly used as a health supplement. Recently, C. sinensis extracts were shown to inhibit the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this process has remained unclear. In addition, whether H. sinensis mycelium (HSM) extracts also inhibit the production of IL-1β has not been investigated. In the present study, the HSM extract suppresses IL-1β and IL-18 secretion, and ATP-induced activation of caspase-1. Notably, …

From The Frontier: Translating Research To Practice...A Story Of Economic Survival, Paul C. Erwin

Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research

This article is number two in the series From the Frontier: Translating Research to Practice. The narrative describes the interactions between a local health department director and two academicians in addressing the impact of the 2008 financial crisis. In a first set of activities, practice-academic partners used Financial and Operational Ratio and Trend Analysis to identify periods of a negative total margin and the impact of that on the agency’s declining fund balance. The use of private sector processes of retrenchment, repositioning, and reorganization led to a financial turnaround for the agency. In a second set of activities, practice-academic …

Disparities In Public Health Service Indicators And Governance Structures: Learning Through Comparison Between Usa And Uk, Mark Mccarthy

Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research

In the USA, indicators of public health service performance differ according to governance structures for the services. However, the UK also has disparities in public health indicators by geographical, but uniform public health service governance. The international comparison provides a caution for interpretation of correlation.

Computationally Designed Peptide Inhibitors Against The Ubiquitin E3 Ligase Scf Fbx4, Bing Hao

UCHC Articles - Research

Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase that maintains telomere length. Telomerase activity is suppressed in somatic cells such that telomere attrition triggers replicative senescence or apop-tosis. In cancer cells, telomerase is up-regulated or reactivated, effectively making the cell immortal. Previous studies have shown that telomerase activity positively correlates with unfavorable cancer prognosis. Since it was discovered that activation of telomerase is a rate-limiting step in carcinogenesis, telomerase has gained much interest as a drug target. Both screening and structure-based methods have been extensively employed to identify small molecule leads that can selectively disrupt telomerase activity. Strategies commonly used to target telomerase …

Assessing The Potential Impact Of Sequestration On Community Health Centers, Patients, And Medically Underserved Communities, Peter Shin, Jessica Sharac, Carmen Alvarez, Sara J. Rosenbaum

Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative

A new report by the Peter Shin, Jessica Sharac, Carmen Alvarez, and Sara Rosenbaum examines the potential impact of sequestration on community health centers and their patients and communities. "Assessing the Potential Impact of Sequestration on Community Health Centers, Patients, and Medically Underserved Communities" estimates that the nation's 1,200 federally funded health centers will lose $120 million in grant funding, and that this funding drop can be expected to translate into 900,000 fewer patients served and 3 million fewer visits. The analysis shows that the cuts will disproportionately impact the poorest Americans, children, young families, and members of ethnic and …

Broadening Access To Medical Care During A Severe Influenza Pandemic: The Cdc Nurse Triage Line Project., Lisa M. Koonin, Dan Hanfling

Emergency Medicine Faculty Publications

The impact of a severe influenza pandemic could be overwhelming to hospital emergency departments, clinics, and medical offices if large numbers of ill people were to simultaneously seek care. While current planning guidance to reduce surge on hospitals and other medical facilities during a pandemic largely focuses on improving the “supply” of medical care services, attention on reducing “demand” for such services is needed by better matching patient needs with alternative types and sites of care. Based on lessons learned during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its partners are currently exploring the acceptability …

Ada News - 03/04/2013, American Dental Association, Publishing Division

ADA News

Established in 1970 as the official newspaper of the American Dental Association, the ADA News serves practicing dentists and others allied to the dental profession in the U.S. and internationally. It is the No. 1 source of news and information about the many benefits and services the ADA delivers to members daily as well as timely information on scientific, social, political and economic developments affecting dentistry and health care.

Lateralized Difference In Tympanic Membrane Temperature: Emotion And Hemispheric Activity, Ruth E. Propper, Tad T. Brunyé

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

We review literature examining relationships between tympanic membrane temperature (TMT), affective/motivational orientation, and hemispheric activity. Lateralized differences in TMT might enable real-time monitoring of hemispheric activity in real-world conditions, and could serve as a corroborating marker of mental illnesses associated with specific affective dysregulation. We support the proposal that TMT holds potential for broadly indexing lateralized brain physiology during tasks demanding the processing and representation of emotional and/or motivational states, and for predicting trait-related affective/motivational orientations. The precise nature of the relationship between TMT and brain physiology, however, remains elusive. Indeed the limited extant research has sampled different participant populations …

Differential Effects Of Micrornas On Glioblastoma Growth And Migration, Duane Jeansonne, Marco Pacifici, Adam Lassak, Krzysztof Reiss, Giuseppe Russo, Jovanny Zabaleta, Francesca Peruzzi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Glioblastoma multiforme is characterized by rapid proliferation, aggressive metastatic potential, and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. The matricellular protein CYR61 regulates cellular proliferation and migration and is highly expressed in Glioblastomas. MicroRNAs are 22-nucleotides long RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Here, we utilized the LN229 glioblastoma cell line and found that CYR61 is a target of miR-136, miR-155, and miR-634. Over-expression of miR-136 and miR-634 miRNAs negatively affected proliferation, but not migration, while expression of miR-155 reduced migration but did not affect the proliferation of LN229 cells. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms affected by expression of miR-634 revealed an …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - March 3, 2013, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the March 3, 2013 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter, watercooler.

Contents Include

• Med School Café - Expert Advice for the Community

• Medical Students Get Hands-On Experience at Procedures Workshop

• Mark Your Calendar: Match Day 2013

• USA Neurology Group Welcomes Nurse Practitioner

• Stan Hammack Receives National Award from American Hospital Association

A Novel Anti-Inflammatory And Pro-Resolving Role For Resolvin D1 In Acute Cigarette Smoke-Induced Lung Inflammation, Hsi-Min Hsiao, Ramil E. Sapinoro, Thomas H. Thatcher, Amanda Croasdell, Elizabeth P. Levy, Robert A. Fulton, Keith C. Olsen, Stephen J. Pollock, Charles N. Serhan, Richard P. Phipps, Patricia J. Sime

Pharmacy Faculty/Staff Publications

Introduction: Cigarette smoke is a profound pro-inflammatory stimulus that contributes to acute lung injuries and to chronic lung disease including COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis). Until recently, it was assumed that resolution of inflammation was a passive process that occurred once the inflammatory stimulus was removed. It is now recognized that resolution of inflammation is a bioactive process, mediated by specialized lipid mediators, and that normal homeostasis is maintained by a balance between pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving pathways. These novel small lipid mediators, including the resolvins, protectins and maresins, are bioactive products mainly derived from dietary omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty …

Planning And Adjustments For The Control Of Reach Extent In A Virtual Environment, Jill Campbell Stewart Pt,Phd, James Gordon, Carolee J. Winstein

Faculty Publications

Background Skilled performance of reach actions includes both anticipatory planning and compensatory adjustments made while moving. The execution of reach actions in a virtual environment (VE) demonstrates similar characteristics to reaches performed in the real-world, however, it is unclear whether the VE itself significantly impacts movement planning or compensatory adjustments. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the use of planning and adjustments to control extent for unconstrained reach actions performed in an immersive VE to those performed in an analogous real-world environment (RWE). Methods Five non-disabled adults (29 ± 5 years) reached with the dominant, right arm …

Conference Learnings, Lori Anne Wittner Bsn, Rn, Cnor

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Cell Mates: David Bodine Enlists Colby Researchers In A Bid To Unlock The Genetic Mysteries Of Blood Disorders, Steve Heacock

Colby Magazine

In a steady stream, Colby-trained scientists have joined David Bodine ’76 at the National Institutes of Health. By example, Bodine leads a dedicated team working to find answers to puzzling questions posed by genetic blood disorders.

The Perfect Fit

Colby Magazine

From the classrooms and laboratories of Mayflower Hill, they found their niche in science. Microbiologist Carrie Harwood ’73, transplant surgeon Patrick Wood ’75, and marine biologist Paul Wade ’80 have passion for their professions.

Nothing But The Truth: Forensic Psychologist Ann Leblanc Manages Cases Where Crime And Mental Illness Overlap, Douglas Rooks

Colby Magazine

Forensic psychologist Ann LeBlanc '74 manages cases in which crime and mental illness overlap.

The Last Page: Following Schweitzer's Path, Rima Lathrop Carlson

Colby Magazine

Rima Lathrop Carlson '96 arrived at Albert Schweitzer's clinic in Gabon, West Africa, and discovered a link to past and future.

The Last Page: The Other Sars Epidemic, John Hughes

Colby Magazine

In the weeks before I left for my job teaching English in Wuhan, in central China’s Hubei province, I worried about whether I would be a good teacher, how I would cope with spicy Sichuan cuisine every day and even whether Chinese girls would like me. I didn’t, however, give a thought to the possibility that a deadly disease—and the even more invasive rumors that accompanied it—would consume my life so fully that, in the end, I would count masks as I walked down the street, trying to time my breathing so I exhaled as I passed large groups of …

Dark Days: For College Students, Depression Can Intrude On "The Best Four Years", Alicia Nemiccolo Macleay

Colby Magazine

For some college students, depression can steal “the best four years.” Stigma and guilt are obstacles, but treatment is available.

Is Obesity Socially Contagious?, Ciani Jean Sparks

Statistics

The main objective of this paper is to analyze three different articles that discuss whether obesity could be socially contagious. According to the World Health Organization in 2013, obesity is the fifth leading risk for deaths around the world. This disease has dramatically increased in the last decade, which has led scientists to believe there are other factors contributing to the epidemic besides genetics. The first article I analyzed, written by Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler, provided a logistic regression model to estimate the odds of a person becoming obese. The model included the explanatory variables: age, sex, education, smoking …

Attitudes And Beliefs Regarding Participation In Genomic Research Studies: Insights From Argentines Affected With Neural Tube Defects (Ntd), Ariel C. Armony

Center for Latin American Studies Publications

Over the last several years, the field of genetics and genomics has grown exponentially in comparison to other areas of medicine. The study of genomic medicine, however, goes beyond the reach of traditional genetics research and investigates the interaction between environmental factors and the genetic code. In this regard, the success of genomic studies depends on the participation of diverse populations; Latin American groups, however, are generally underrepresented in such studies. This research project, conducted via a focus group of Argentines residing in Buenos Aires, seeks to explore personal knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions in one area of Latin America …

Healthnet News V.28:No.1 Spring 2013, Judith S. Kronick, Alberta Richetelle

Articles - Patient Care

A newsletter for public librarians and others interested in consumer health information services

Case Report And Review Of Esophageal Lichen Planus Treated With Fluticasone, Marie Lourdes Ynson, Faripour Forouhar, Haleh Vaziri

Articles - Patient Care

Lichen planus is a fairly common chronic idiopathic disorder of the skin, nails and mucosal surfaces. Esophageal involvement of this disease on the other hand is rare and only about 50 cases have been reported in literature. Given its rarity, it can be difficult to diagnose and may be easily misdiagnosed as reflux esophagitis. Currently, there are no clear recommendations on the optimal management of this disease and little is known about the best treatment approach. Systemic steroids are usually the first line treatment and offer a favorable response. In this report, we would like to present a novel approach …

Medical Education Digest, Vol. 15 No. 2 (March/April 2013), Nova Southeastern University

Medical Education Digest

No abstract provided.

Break Out: Urogenital Schistosomiasis And Schistosoma Haematobium Infection In The Post-Genomic Era, Paul J. Brindley, Peter J. Hotez

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Community Health Centers In An Era Of Health Reform: An Overview And Key Challenges To Health Center Growth, Peter Shin, Jessica Sharac, Carmen Alvarez, Sara J. Rosenbaum

Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative

Today, over 1,100 federally funded community health centers play a vital role in ensuring access to health care for a predominantly low-income population in medically underserved communities. Health centers’ ability to provide comprehensive primary care and improve access to high-quality care while holding down health care cost growth has been well-documented. As health reform spurs coverage expansion and efforts to improve quality, the nation’s reliance on health centers is likely to grow.

In the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Congress invested $11 billion over five years to expand the health center program, to broaden access to care in lower-income communities as …

Asynchronous Web-Based Learning, A Practical Method To Enhance Teaching In Emergency Medicine, Ali Pourmand, Raymond Lucas, Mehdi Nouraie

Emergency Medicine Faculty Publications

Objective: To compare medical knowledge acquisition among emergency medicine (EM) residents who attend weekly core content lectures with those absent but asynchronously viewing the same lectures in a Web-based electronic platform.

Subjects and Methods: During the study period all EM residents attending or absent from weekly educational conferences were given a quiz on the covered material. During Phase 1, absentees were not given supplemental educational content for missed lectures. During Phase 2, absentees were sent a link to an online multimedia module containing an audiovisual recording of the actual missed lecture with presentation slides. Scores between attendees and absentees during …

Bedside Teaching On Time To Disposition Improves Length Of Stay For Critically-Ill Emergency Departments Patients, Ali Pourmand, Raymond Lucas, Jesse M. Pines, Hamid Shokoohi, Kabir Yadav

Emergency Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: We tested the effect of a brief disposition process intervention on residents’ time to disposition and emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) in high acuity ED patients.

Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study design in a single teaching hospital where ED residents are responsible for administrative bed requests for patients. Enrollment was performed for intervention and control groups on an even-odd day schedule. Inclusion criteria were ED patients triaged as Emergency Severity Index (ESI) 1 and 2. In the intervention group, the attending physician prompted the resident to make the disposition immediately after the evaluation of resuscitation patients. …