Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Neuron-Based Heredity And Human Evolution, Don M. Gash, Andrew S. Deane

Neuroscience Faculty Publications

It is widely recognized that human evolution has been driven by two systems of heredity: one DNA-based and the other based on the transmission of behaviorally acquired information via nervous system functions. The genetic system is ancient, going back to the appearance of life on Earth. It is responsible for the evolutionary processes described by Darwin. By comparison, the nervous system is relatively newly minted and in its highest form, responsible for ideation and mind-to-mind transmission of information. Here the informational capabilities and functions of the two systems are compared. While employing quite different mechanisms for encoding, storing and transmission …

Space Environmental Factor Impacts Upon Murine Colon Microbiota And Mucosal Homeostasis, Lauren E. Ritchie, Stella S. Taddeo, Brad R. Weeks, Florence Lima, Susan A. Bloomfield, M. Andrea Azcarate-Peril, Sara R. Zwart, Scott M. Smith, Nancy D. Turner

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Astronaut intestinal health may be impacted by microgravity, radiation, and diet. The aim of this study was to characterize how high and low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, microgravity, and elevated dietary iron affect colon microbiota (determined by 16S rDNA pyrosequencing) and colon function. Three independent experiments were conducted to achieve these goals: 1) fractionated low LET γ radiation (¹³⁷Cs, 3 Gy, RAD), high Fe diet (IRON) (650 mg/kg diet), and a combination of low LET γ radiation and high Fe diet (IRON+RAD) in male Sprague-Dawley rats; 2) high LET ³⁸Si particle exposure (0.050 Gy), 1/6 G …

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: A Global Health Challenge, Lawrence O. Gostin, Daniel Lucey

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

Beginning in May 2015, Middle-East respiratory syndrome (MERS) experienced its first publicly reported “super-spreading” event in South Korea. By mid-June, more than 120 cases and 11 deaths in South Korea had been linked to a businessman returning from travel to Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Globally more than 1200 had been infected of whom more than 450 died—a high fatality rate of 37%.

What are the most effective legal, social, and public health responses to MERS and other emerging diseases? First, the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR) did not effectively guide the …

Molecular Biology Of Precision Medicine In Jdc, Daniel G. Kipnis, Msi

Jefferson Digital Commons News

On April 29, 2015, the Computational Medicine Center, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, The Wills Eye Hospital, and The Jefferson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences presented a one-day event: The Molecular Biology of Precision Medicine: Gender, Population and Race.

Trust In Science And Scientists And The Acceptance Of Evolution, Louis S. Nadelson, Kimberly K. Hardy

Psychological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Accepting the concept of evolution is important for the advancement of biological science and has many implications for daily life. However, a large portion of the general public does not currently accept biological evolution. Therefore, it is important to understand what factors are associated with a decline in the acceptance of evolution. Of particular interest for us is the relationship of individuals’ sense of trust in science in relationship to evolution acceptance.

Methods: Using the Trust in Science and Scientists and Inventory of Student Evolution Acceptance we surveyed 159 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory psychology course. Additionally, we …

2015 June 16 - Medical Student Education Committee Retreat And Annual Meeting Minutes, Medical Student Education Committee, East Tennessee State University

Medical Student Education Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

Pennsylvania Research Portal Showcases Jefferson Research, Daniel G. Kipnis, Msi

Jefferson Digital Commons News

The new Pennsylvania Research Commons (PRC), an online portal to share high-quality research conducted within the state, features content from 20 institutions, including Thomas Jefferson University. This content includes articles, book chapters, dissertations, conference proceedings, and other original scholarly work — all freely available to users anywhere in the world. Users can access university archives in addition to more current content.

Effects Of Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide Compared To Lanthanum Carbonate And Sevelamer Carbonate On Phosphate Homeostasis And Vascular Calcifications In A Rat Model Of Chronic Kidney Failure, Olivier Phan, Marc Maillard, Hartmut H. Malluche, Jean-Christophe Stehle, Felix Funk, Michel Burnier

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Elevated serum phosphorus, calcium, and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels are associated with cardiovascular disease in chronic renal disease. This study evaluated the effects of sucroferric oxyhydroxide (PA21), a new iron-based phosphate binder, versus lanthanum carbonate (La) and sevelamer carbonate (Se), on serum FGF23, phosphorus, calcium, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentrations, and the development of vascular calcification in adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF) rats. After induction of CRF, renal function was significantly impaired in all groups: uremic rats developed severe hyperphosphatemia, and serum iPTH increased significantly. All uremic rats (except controls) then received phosphate binders for 4 weeks. …

Maximizing The Impact Of Training Initiatives For Health Professionals In Low-Income Countries: Frameworks, Challenges, And Best Practices, Corrado Cancedda, Paul E. Farmer, Vanessa Kerry, Tej Nuthulaganti, Kirstin W. Scott, Eric Goosby, Agnes Binagwaho

Dartmouth Scholarship

Corrado Cancedda and colleagues outline a framework for health professional training initiatives in low-income countries.

Strategic Distribution Of The Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter In Cardiac Mitochondria, Sergio De La Fuente, Caitlin Vail, Elorm J. Agra, Kira Holmstrom, Junhui Sun, Jyotsna Mishra, Toren Finkel, Elizabeth Murphy, Shey-Shing Sheu, György Csordás

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Background:

1) Control of the mitochondrial ATP production by SR-derived Ca²⁺ signals includes local, nanodomain Ca²⁺ transfer from ryanodine receptors (RyR2) to the mitochondrial matrix (excitation-bioenergetics coupling).

2) Ca²⁺ crosses the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) via the mtCU, a low-affinity Ca²⁺-activated Ca²⁺ channel complex.

3) The surface area of cardiac IMM is extensively enhanced by cristae folding; however, mitoplast patch clamp studies showed mtCU current density the lowest amongst a range of tissues (Fieni 2012. Nat Commun).

Low Level Lead Exposure Impairs Attentional Set Shifting Task Performance Depending Upon Sex And Developmental Periods Of Exposure, L.S. Neuwirth, D.W. Anderson, J. S. Schneider

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Introduction

Exposure to low levels of lead (Pb) impairs a variety of cognitive processes. Although children exposed to Pb developmentally present with a variety of cognitive impairments that include deficits in learning, memory, language, and executive functioning, experimental work on Pb toxicity in rats has focused mostly on learning and memory deficits and less on executive functions. However, detrimental effects on executive functioning could lead to or even underlie a variety of other cognitive problems attributed to Pb exposure. In this study, we examined the ability of Long Evans rats (control and Pb-exposed: 150ppm Pb-acetate in food given perinatally (gestation …

Animal Health Matters, Russ Daly, Jane Hennings

Animal Health MATTERS Newsletter

[Page] 1- ADRDL Steps Up in Light of Highly Pathogenic H5N2 Avian Influenza Outbreaks [Page] 2- Director's Message: The SD Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and Emergency Testing for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [Page] 3- Pre-Veterinary Students Honored by SDVMA and SDSU Through Stethoscope Ceremony [Page] 4- Clerical Staff Makes Strides in Efficiency and Service [Page] 5- ADRDL Pathologists Team with Veterinarian to Address Cattle Lameness for Livestock Group [Page] 5- Canine Influenza Testing—SDSU ADRDL [Page] 6- ADRDL Hosts Tours for Legislators and State Agency Staff [Page] 6- ADRDL Offers Next Generation Sequencing [Page] 6- ADRDL at the SDVMA …

Ada News - 06/15/2015, 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.

What's Happening: June 15, 2015, Maine Medical Center

What's Happening

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Family Responsibilities And Gender On Seeking Substance-Abuse Treatment, Holly Weiss

Theses and Dissertations

It is evident in the media, from news reports to published research, that substance use is a serious and extensive problem (SAMHSA, 2012). The problem with drug use is not a new issue, but with a changing society the substance abuse issue is changing as well. With substance abuse at its highest in about ten years, it would be expected that treatment admissions would be at the highest levels as well, yet the numbers have remained constant (SAHMSA, 2012). The changing society has helped foster increased drug use, but it has also assisted in developing new difficulties that those affected …

Links Between Anr And Quorum Sensing In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilms, John H. Hammond, Emily F. Dolben, T. Jarrod Smith, Sabin Bhuju, Deborah Hogan

Dartmouth Scholarship

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the transcription factor Anr controls the cellular response to low oxygen or anoxia. Anr activity is high in oxygen-limited environments, including biofilms and populations associated with chronic infections, and Anr is necessary for persistence in a model of pulmonary infection. In this study, we characterized the Anr regulon in biofilm-grown cells at 1% oxygen in the laboratory strain PAO1 and in a quorum sensing (QS)-deficient clinical isolate, J215. As expected, transcripts related to denitrification, arginine fermentation, high-affinity cytochrome oxidases, and CupA fimbriae were lower in the Δanr derivatives. In addition, we observed that transcripts associated with quorum …

Historical Differences In School Term Length And Measured Blood Pressure: Contributions To Persistent Racial Disparities Among Us-Born Adults, Sze Yan Liu, Jennifer M. Manly, Benjamin Capistrant, M Maria Glymour

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Abstract

Introduction

Legally mandated segregation policies dictated significant differences in the educational experiences of black and white Americans through the first half of the 20^th century, with markedly lower quality in schools attended by black children. We determined whether school term length, a common marker of school quality, was associated with blood pressure and hypertension among a cohort of older Americans who attended school during the de jure segregation era.

Methods

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I and II data were linked to state level historical information on school term length. We used race and gender-stratified linear regression …

Redesigning Orientation: Embracing The Challenge Of Multidisciplinary Oncology Care, Donna Colabroy Rn, Msn, Ocn, Ccm, Maura Price Rn, Bsn, Ocn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Molecular Determinants Underlying Binding Specificities Of The Abl Kinase Inhibitors: Combining Alanine Scanning Of Binding Hot Spots With Network Analysis Of Residue Interactions And Coevolution, Amanda Tse, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Quantifying binding specificity and drug resistance of protein kinase inhibitors is of fundamental importance and remains highly challenging due to complex interplay of structural and thermodynamic factors. In this work, molecular simulations and computational alanine scanning are combined with the network-based approaches to characterize molecular determinants underlying binding specificities of the ABL kinase inhibitors. The proposed theoretical framework unveiled a relationship between ligand binding and inhibitor-mediated changes in the residue interaction networks. By using topological parameters, we have described the organization of the residue interaction networks and networks of coevolving residues in the ABL kinase structures. This analysis has shown …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - June 14, 2015, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the June 14, 2015 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's Newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents Include:

Med School Café- 'Celiac Disease: Myths and Facts'

Medical Students to Receive White Coats June 20

Dr. Mark Taylor Awarded NIH Grant

USA Alum Receives MASA Award

Using Network Analysis To Understand Public Health Delivery Systems & Community Health Initiatives, Glen P. Mays

Health Management and Policy Presentations

The increasingly connected world of health care delivery relies on an expanding frontier of multi-stakeholder structures and processes, from interdisciplinary patient-centered care teams, to virtual accountable care organizations (ACOs), to complex community-level interventions. This session highlights recent advances in applying social network analysis (SNA) methods to study the implementation and impact of these types of innovations. This methods workshop examines the benefits and limits of novel SNA applications based on the expanding availability of large, linkable electronic clinical and administrative data sources with dependent data structures. This paper profiles examples of using SNA principles and methods to study the implementation …

Learning From Network Analysis: Care Transitions, Market Competition, & Community Interventions, Glen P. Mays

Health Management and Policy Presentations

The increasingly connected world of health care delivery relies on an expanding frontier of multi-stakeholder structures and processes, from interdisciplinary patient-centered care teams, to virtual accountable care organizations (ACOs), to complex community-level interventions. This methods workshop highlights recent advances in applying social network analysis (SNA) methods to study the implementation and impact of these types of innovations. This session will examine the benefits and limits of novel SNA applications based on the expanding availability of large, linkable electronic clinical and administrative data sources with dependent data structures.

Mobilisation Of Public Support For Policy Actions To Prevent Obesity, Terry T-K Huang, John H. Cawley, Marice Ashe, Sergio Costa, Leah M. Frerichs, Lindsey Zwicker, Juan A. Rivera, David Levy, Ross A. Hammond, Estelle V. Lambert, Shiriki K. Kumanyika

Publications and Research

Public mobilisation is needed to enact obesity prevention policies and to mitigate backlash against their implementation. However, current approaches in public health focus primarily on dialogue between public health professionals and political leaders. Strategies to increase popular demand for obesity prevention policies include refining and streamlining public information, identifying effective frames for each population, enhancing media advocacy, building citizen protest and engagement, and developing a receptive political environment with change agents embedded across organisations and sectors. Long-term support and investment in collaboration among diverse stakeholders to create shared value is also important. Each actor in an expanded coalition for obesity …

Learning From Delivery System Behavior, Dynamics & Interactions To Advance A Culture Of Health, Glen P. Mays

Health Management and Policy Presentations

A new "Systems for Action" national research program flows directly from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Culture of Health action framework. This program will build evidence on how best to align the delivery and financing systems for medical care, public health, and community services & supports so as to promote wellbeing and resiliency, realize efficiencies in resource use, and reduce inequities in health.

Changes In Public Health System Capital And Long-Run Health And Economic Outcomes: 1998 To 2014, Glen P. Mays, Cezar B. Mamaril

Health Management and Policy Presentations

Research Objective: The Affordable Care Act created new resources and incentives for hospitals, insurers, public health agencies, and others to contribute to disease prevention and health promotion activities, potentially changing the structure of public health delivery systems and expanding the implementation of strategies that improve population health. This study uses data from the 1998-2014 National Longitudinal Survey of Public Health Systems to examine: (1) the extent and nature of change in inter-organizational contributions to public health activities, which we use as indicators of public health “system capital”; and (2) the effects of these changes on preventable mortality and resource use. …

Download Entire Issue- Jefferson Interprofessional Education And Care Newsletter, Spring 2015, Volume 6, Issue 1

Collaborative Healthcare: Interprofessional Practice, Education and Evaluation (JCIPE)

Download entire issue- Jefferson Interprofessional Education and Care Newsletter, Spring 2015, Volume 6, Issue 1

Ipe Grand Rounds Learning Activity, Adrienne Christopher

Collaborative Healthcare: Interprofessional Practice, Education and Evaluation (JCIPE)

I attended the IPE Grand Rounds hosted by Jefferson Students for Interprofessional Education (JSIPE) with the Palliative Care Team. There were several different health care professionals present on the panel that explained their specific and individualized roles within the Palliative Care team, as well how these roles united to help them function best as a group. The panel demonstrated these specific roles with a case presentation that also helped illustrate some of the conflicts they face on a daily basis, and how they overcome these conflicts to best serve their patients.

Teamstepps® Interprofessional Learning Activity, Brady Mcguire

Collaborative Healthcare: Interprofessional Practice, Education and Evaluation (JCIPE)

In October 2014 I participated in a TeamSTEPPS® interprofessional (IP) learning activity that has already positively affected my performance in my first clinical field-work rotation. An IP team of professors from the nursing, occupational therapy, medicine, and pharmacy programs hosted the learning activity. Potential difficulty of cross-disciplinary interaction was noted from the beginning as students from each discipline sat in groups despite encouragement to split up. However, with direction from the professors, we formed small interdisciplinary groups and participated in a teamwork-focused icebreaker followed by a lecture about the origins and techniques of the TeamSTEPPS® system. After the lecture we …

Interprofessional Student Hotspotting Project, Mariana R. Kuperman, Mph, Brooke Salzman, Md, Mary Bonnet, David Goldstein, Anna Marie Morlino, Florda Priftanji, Jennifer Shoemake

Collaborative Healthcare: Interprofessional Practice, Education and Evaluation (JCIPE)

Background: IPE and Practice-based Learning

It is well established that there is a need for Interprofessional Education (IPE) in the current landscape of health education1 and students that participate in IPE enjoy these experiences and develop skills in interprofessional teamwork that prepare them for future team-based practice.2,3,4 IPE, however, is not standardized. It ranges from programs that teach theoretical frameworks in a classroom setting to others that allow interprofessional teams of students to work together in a clinical setting.5,6 The second form is referred to as practice-based learning (PrBL).3 PrBL is now considered by experts as one of the most …

Development Of A Cultural And Spiritual Toolbox: A High Impact Interprofessional Project, Marian Nowak, Dnp, Mph, Rn, Fcn

Collaborative Healthcare: Interprofessional Practice, Education and Evaluation (JCIPE)

Healthcare providers may not be prepared to incorporate cultural and spiritual aspects of patient care within their practice. The cultural and spiritual toolbox project will increase the opportunity for those working in a local three campus hospital system to deliver patient-centered care at the bedside by helping them recognize the nuances of various cultures and religions. An interprofessional team convened over a one year period to explore how these aspects of care could be met.

To this end, the team researched and developed a “Cultural and Spiritual Toolbox” which offers information in an online format. This project will be fully …