From the Dean

Colleagues, Faculty, Staff and Students,

We have been quite busy this month with events, service activities and administrative undertakings, and I encourage you take a moment to read and share our news. If you’ve turned on your television, radio or smartphone lately, it’s hard to get past the bad news. Political unrest and economic uncertainty abound, and global and national issues are impacting our communities daily.

At the College of Medicine, we continue to monitor legislative proceedings, prepare for our LCME site visit in just 10 short months and prepare to welcome 200 new students in July. These are, in no small measure, challenging tasks. Through it all, I encourage you to remember that when times are tough and certain tasks seem difficult or even impossible, there is a way.

In 1848 a team of more than 20,000 workers and engineers began to build a railway over the Alps between Venice and Vienna before there was even a train capable of making the trip. Why? Because they knew it would be possible one day.

At that time, crossing of the Semmering mountain pass in northern Austria was believed impossible, but designer Carl von Ghega submitted a plan for innovative locomotives and rails that could overcome 25 miles of extreme upward gradients and sharp curves of the mountainous terrain. Throughout the next six years, Ghega and his team laid tracks while simultaneously designing new solutions for each challenge.

And that’s what we must do. We must continue the great work we’re doing while simultaneously implementing new and better ways of fulfilling our mission, knowing that what seems impossible today is achievable with perseverance. In short, when times get tough, it’s time to lay some tracks.

In regards to fulfilling our mission, please take a moment to review our newly revised mission, vision and values. You’ll find that the shorter, more succinct mission statement more accurately reflects our pledge to the healthcare of Texans, and in turn, will more effectively guide us in our endeavors.

I’d also like to provide an update on the student oversubscription issue. We have completed the acceptance and voluntary deferral process and will welcome 200 students in the Class of 2015, our largest class ever, at the White Coat Ceremony on July 30. Many thanks to all of the admissions staff for their work in this area.

Lastly, the 2011 Reunion is this weekend, and on Saturday we will launch the College of Medicine Alumni Association. After 34 years, this alumni association will be the first organization for our more than 1,500 former students and alumni to reconnect with one another and give back to the College.

We have much to do in the coming months, and I thank you for your continued hard work and diligence.

Sincerely,

T. Samuel Shomaker, M.D., J.D.
The Jean and Thomas McMullin Dean of Medicine and
Vice President for Clinical Affairs for the Texas A&M Health Science Center

Dates to Remember

• Reunion Weekend: April 29-30; welcome reception, CME, BBQ, tour of Bryan campus, Rapport Society Meeting, Alumni Association Board of Trustees Meeting, Donor Recognition Breakfast; locations and details at medicine.tamhsc.edu/reunion
• Executive Committee Meeting: May 5, 3-4 p.m., 3047B HPEB, 407C MEC, Round Rock N403E, 810 Alkek
• GSO Research Symposium: May 6, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., HPEB
• Dean’s Semi-Monthly Staff Meeting: May 10, 9-10:30 a.m., all locations
• Senior Banquet: May 20, 6 p.m., Reed Arena, College Station
• 2011 Commencement: May 21, 2 p.m., Rudder Auditorium, College Station
• Dean’s Semi-Monthly Staff Meeting: May 24, 9-10:30 a.m., all locations

College News

Mission Critical: COM Launches New Mission, Vision and Values to Focus on Health of Texans

In April, the Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) College of Medicine announced its revised mission statement…and then some.

Since December 2010, a team of leaders within the college including representatives from academic affairs, student affairs, research and the basic sciences examined mission statements from about 30 institutions and businesses, created a draft, distributed throughout the college, solicited feedback and revised a proposed mission statement.

After a strategic planning retreat in January with representatives from College of Medicine administration, basic science and clinical departments, students and staff, more feedback was incorporated. A second round of revisions resulted in the proposed mission statement that was then distributed to the college, to the Dean and then to the TAMHSC.

See the full article at TAMHSC News

From Bryan to the ‘Big Dance’: Dr. Gill shares his experience at the 2011 NCAA Women’s Championship Game

Kory Gill, D.O., is an Assistant Professor of Family & Community Medicine and a Texas A&M Physician specializing in sports medicine with the Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) College of Medicine. He was there for the 2011 NCAA Women’s Final Four championship game on April 5 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana where the Texas A&M Aggies defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 76-70 to win the national title for the first time.

He shared his thoughts with us on Friday, April 8 after having returned to Texas—just in time to teach first- and second-year medical students at a clinical skills workshop.

College of Medicine: Congratulations and welcome back to Texas! How did you get the opportunity to go with the Texas A&M women’s basketball team to the championship game?

Dr. Kory Gill: There is a group of doctors that rotate between all Texas A&M University athletic events, and I just lucked out! I also was able to travel with the women’s basketball team to their regional games in Shreveport, Louisiana and Dallas.

See the full story at TAMHSC News

Employee of the Quarter

The winner of the Employee of the Quarter Award for the 1st quarter of 2011 is Janis Chmiel, Administrative Coordinator in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine.

Co-workers describe Janis as one of the most efficient multi-taskers around. She is a source of information and support for graduate and medical education including faculty support for lectures, SACS and LCME accreditation, room scheduling and interfacing with both College of Medicine and Health Science Center administration. Her years of experience provide her with a perspective that allows her to readily see the forest from the trees. (Janis just celebrated 26 years of service with the College!)

As winner of Employee of the Quarter, Janis will receive a certificate and a $100 gift card.

13th Annual Black-Zandveld Lecture

On Thursday, April 14, the College of Medicine Department of Humanities in Medicine hosted the 13th annual Black-Zandveld Lecture in the History of Medicine for the first time at the new Bryan campus. Dr. Ian Tizard, the Richard M. Schubot Professor of Exotic Bird Health at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, was the honored lecturer and spoke about “The First Victory—Vaccination against Smallpox and the Beginning of Scientific Medicine.” More than 100 students attended the event along with faculty and staff.

The late Dr. S.H. Black, Professor Emeritus of Humanities in Medicine and of Medical Microbiology and Immunology in the College of Medicine of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, established the Black-Zandveld Lectureship in the History of Medicine in 1997 as a memorial to his wife of 36 years, Elisabeth Martha Black-Zandveld. The endowment is intended to support the Department of Humanities in Medicine in bringing to the College eminent scholars to speak on various topics related to the history of medicine. It was Dr. Black’s hope that this lecture series will serve both as a fitting tribute to his beloved wife and as a way of enriching the academic environment of the College of Medicine.

Adams Receives First Barnett Award

In April, Rae Adams, M.D., ’08, Chief Resident at the College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency in Bryan, was awarded the first Max Don Barnett Senior Resident IT Award to attend an electronic medical records conference. The award was funded by the generosity of Larry Holly, M.D., founding partner of Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP in Beaumont, Texas in honor of his friend Max Don Barnett. See news.tamhsc.edu for the forthcoming article.

Faculty, Residents and Staff Compete in Big D Marathon

On Saturday, April 9, five faculty, residents and staff members from the College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency competed in the Big D Marathon in Dallas. Program Coordinator Rudy Martinez ran the 5K. Education Coordinator Winona Murphy, first-year resident Tiffany Harms, M.D., and first-year resident Vivian Olsen, M.D. ran the half-marathon. And Assistant Professor of Family & Community Medicine John Simmons, M.D. ran the marathon. Congratulations to all!

Web CMS Training Now Offered Monthly

For anyone who serves their department as a website content provider, the Texas A&M Health Science Center website content management system (CMS) training was recently modified to include hands-on, interactive exercises.

OIT’s Web Services Group is offering training sessions the last Friday of every month. It’s a great opportunity to brush up on your content management skills and find out about useful features within Cascade Server 6.7. The next session is:

CMS Basic Training and Q&A
Friday, April 29, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Medical Sciences Library Room 044 (College Station)
Register Now!

In addition, the Web Services Group maintains a CMS Training Site which provides users with quick reference sheets, tutorials, frequently-asked questions, and a thorough User Guide for Cascade Server 6.7. A new feature of the site includes step-by-step videos that show how to perform specific tasks within the CMS.

If you have any questions about registration or about the site referenced, please contact Cynthia Kauder at 979-436-0916

Faculty

Johnson Gives Lipmann Lectureship in D.C.

In the fall of 2010, Dr. Arthur E. Johnson won the Fritz Lipmann Lectureship from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He gave the lecture, titled “Membrane Protein Biogenesis,” on April 11, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

The award, issued every other year, was established by friends and colleagues of Nobel Prize-winner Lipmann for conceptual advances in biochemistry, bioenergetics or molecular biology. Dr. Johnson is at Texas A&M Regents Professor, distinguished professor of molecular and cellular medicine, and holder of the Wehner-Welch Foundation Chair in the College of Medicine.

See the full article in Bio-Medicine

Students

College of Medicine students visit capitol for “First Tuesday”

AUSTIN–As part of the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA) “First Tuesday at the Capitol” events, 29 first-, second- and third-year students from the Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) College of Medicine visited the state capitol in Austin on April 5 to attend a 2011 Texas legislative session.

See the full article at TAMHSC News

GSO 16th Annual Student Research Symposium May 6

The College of Medicine Graduate Student Organization is proud to announce that we will be holding our 16th Annual Student Research Symposium on May 6, 2011 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Health Professions Education Building on the new Bryan campus.

Cash awards for first, second and third place in oral, junior and senior graduate student poster, and medical student poster presentations.

For more information, contact HSCGSO@medicine.tamhsc.edu

Family Medicine Interest Group Hones Procedural Skills

On Friday, April 8, 20 first-year students and 20 second-year students in the Family Medicine Interest Group learned how to suture, splint, cast, intubate, ultrasound and find those ever-elusive veins at the Bryan campus Simulation Center. Many thanks to the residents and faculty of the college's Family Medicine Residency and the Sim Center! See the full photo album at the College of Medicine facebook page.

TMLT Offers $10,000 Scholarships

In September 2011, Texas Medical Liability Trust will award four $10,000 scholarships from the TMLT Memorial Scholarship program. The scholarship is for Texas medical students who are interested in finding creative and effective ways to enhance patient safety. The deadline to enter is June 4, 2011. Read more about the scholarship or download the application.

If you have any questions, please contact 512-425-5898, email william-malamon@tmlt.org, or via Twitter @tmlt_tmic.

Administration

Web CMS Training Now Offered Monthly

For anyone who serves their department as a website content provider, the Texas A&M Health Science Center website content management system (CMS) training was recently modified to include hands-on, interactive exercises.

OIT’s Web Services Group is offering training sessions the last Friday of every month. It’s a great opportunity to brush up on your content management skills and find out about useful features within Cascade Server 6.7. The next session is:

CMS Basic Training and Q&A
Friday, April 29, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Medical Sciences Library Room 044 (College Station)
Register Now!

In addition, the Web Services Group maintains a CMS Training Site which provides users with quick reference sheets, tutorials, frequently-asked questions, and a thorough User Guide for Cascade Server 6.7. A new feature of the site includes step-by-step videos that show how to perform specific tasks within the CMS.

If you have any questions about registration or about the site referenced, please contact Cynthia Kauder at 979-436-0916

West Receives Med Ed Scholarship Award

On April 19, the College of Medicine was notified that Courtney West, Ph.D., Education Specialist in the Office of Educational Development, has received the 2011 Promising Medical Educator Scholarship Award from the Southern Group on Education Affairs (SGEA), part of the Association of American Medical Colleges. The annual award recognizes the most outstanding medical education presentation by a promising medical educator and first-time participant at the annual SGEA meeting.

Dr. West and Mark Sadoski, Ph.D. presented “Do study strategies predict academic achievement in medical school?” at the SGEA annual meeting in Houston in April. A corresponding article will be published in April edition of Medical Education

See news.tamhsc.edu for the forthcoming article.

Basic Science

HUMANITIES IN MEDICINE

Medicine and Humanities Consultations 2011

May 2, 2011: Ed Eckenfelds, M.D., presents “Compassion and the Professions: The Skipjack Project”

For additional information, contact the Dept. of Humanities in Medicine at 979-845-0755.

Consultations are held in The Longhorn Room of The Stagecoach Inn in Salado, Texas from 1-6 p.m. We anticipate the approval of four hours physician Continuing Medical Education credit, Continuing Nurses Education credit and social worker Continuing Education Units for each consultation.

MICROBIAL & MOLECULAR PATHOGENESIS

Recent Publications

Okada M, Kita Y, Nakajima T, Kanamura N, Hashimoto S, Nagasawa T, Kaneda Y, Shigeto Y, Nishida Y, Nakatani H, Takao K, Kishigami C, Nishimatsu S, Sekine Y, Inoue Y, McMurray DN, Sakatani M. Novel prophylactic vaccine using a prime-boost method and hemagglutinating virus of Japan-envelope against tuberculosis. Clin Devel Immunol 2011; ID 549281 (11 pp).

Monk JM, McMurray DN, Chapkin RS. Clinical effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation in human health and inflammatory diseases. In: Omega-3 Oils. Application in Functional Foods, Hernadez EM, Hosokawa M (eds,); ACOS Press, Urbana, IL; pp. 31-60 (2011).

Presentations, Conferences and Meetings

Dr. Tesh presented a symposium entitled “Ribotoxic Stress: Mechanisms and Models for Shiga toxins and the Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome” at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology in Washington, D.C., March 6-10, 2011.

MOLECULAR & CELLULAR MEDICINE

Recent Publications

Colon, J., Basha, M.R., Madero-Visbal, R., Konduri, S., Baker, C.H., Herrera, L.J., Safe, S., Sheikh-Hamad, D., Abudayyeh, A., Alvarado, B., and Abdelrahim, M. (2011) Tolfenamic acid decreases c-Met expression through Sp proteins degradation and inhibits lung cancer cell growth and tumor formation in orthotopic mice. Invest. New Drugs. 29(1) 41-51. 2009 Oct. 23. [Epub ahead of print].

Xie, R,, Nguyen, S., McKeehan, K., Wang, F., McKeehan, W.L., and Liu, L. (2011) Microtubule-associated Protein 1s (MAP1S) Bridges Autophagic Components with Microtubules and Mitochondria to Affect Autophagosomal Biogenesis and Degradation J. Biol. Chem. 286: 10367-10377. 2011 Jan. 24 [Epub ahead of print].

Sims-Lucas, S., Cusack, B., Eswarakumar, V.P., Zhang, J., Wang, F., and Bates, C.M. (2011) Independent roles of Fgfr2 and Frs2α in ureteric epithelium. Development 138, 1275-1280. 2011 Feb. 24. [Epub ahead of print],.

Wang, J., Greene, S.B., and Martin, J.F. (2011) BMP signaling in congenital heart disease: New developments and future directions. Birth Defects Res. A Clin. Mol. Teratol. 2011 Mar 7. [Epub ahead of print]

Presentations

Dr. Leyuan Liu gave seminars entitled “Roles of C19ORF5 in Regulation of Autophagy and Suppression of Hepatocarcinomas” at 1) the Sanford Research/University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota on February 07, 2011, 2) University of Central Florida School of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, on February 22, 2011, 3) Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso, Texas on February 25, 2011, and 4) University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana on February 28, 2011.

Dr. Judith Ball presented a talk entitled "New Insights into the Transport of the First Described Viral Enterotoxin" at the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences and Mathematics at Arkansas State University on February 23, 2011.

Stephanie Green, Ph.D. of James Martin’s lab gave a poster presentation entitled: "Regulation of Cardiac Development by miR-17-92" at the Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology: MicroRNAs and Human Disease, Banff, Canada, on February 13, 2011.

Dr. Jun-yuan Ji attended the Gordon Research Conference on "Signal Transduction within the Nucleus" from Feb. 27 to March 4, 2011 in Ventura, CA. He presented a poster entitled "CDK8 Inhibition of Lipogenesis by Direct Phosphorylation of SREBP".

Dr. Nick Pace presented a talk entitled "Forces Stabilizing Proteins" at Austin College in Sherman, TX on March 2, 2011.

Dr. Sarah Bondos traveled to Baltimore, MD for the 55th Annual Biophysical Society Meeting where she gave a talk "Generating Context-specific Functions with Intrinsically Disordered Domains". She co-chaired a platform session on Intrinsically Disordered Proteins, and was elected Councilor for the Intrinsically Disordered Proteins subgroup on March 5-9, 2011.

Dr. Leyuan Liu was selected to give a presentation entitled “C19ORF5 Suppresses Tumorigenesis through Autophagy Regulation” in the Concurrent Symposia I, Metastasis Session. He also presented a poster in section Cell Biology II, Innovative Minds in Prostate Cancer Today (IMPaCT) Conference, Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program, held by Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs at Hilton Orlando, Florida, on March 9-12, 2011.

Melissa Villanueva-Rodriguez with Dr. Mingyao Liu’s lab presented a poster titled, “Role of Prostate Specific G Protein Coupled Receptor in Prostate Cancer Progression" at the Innovative Minds in Prostate Cancer Today (IMPaCT) Conference, Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program, held by Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs at Hilton Orlando, Florida, on March 9-12, 2011.

Julia Yu Fong Chang in Dr. Fen Wang’s lab gave a presentation titled, “FGF-ERK signaling regulates proper growth of ondotogenic epithelial stem cells”, at the IADR-International Association for Dental Research Annual Meeting held March 16-19, 2011 in San Diego, CA.

Dr. Nick Pace was invited to present a seminar on "Forces Stabilizing Proteins" for the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT on March 17, 2011.

On March 19, Dr. Gregory Bix chaired a session entitled "Perturbations of the blood-brain barrier" at the 22nd Annual Spring Brain Research Conference in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Bix also gave a presentation of his work entitled: "Perlecan Domain V Neuroprotects, Enhances Brain Repair, and Modulates Glial Activation and Scar Formation in Animal Models of Focal Cortical Ischemia" in this session."

Dr. Nick Pace was invited to present a seminar on "Urea Denatured State Ensembles Contain Extensive Secondary Structure that is Increased in Hydrophobic Proteins" for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT on March 21, 2011.

Dr. Sarah Bondos presented a talk entitled "Functionalizing and Patterning Extensible Protein-based Materials for Use as Tissue Engineering Scaffolds" at the 2011 NSF-DFG Research Conference on "Bioinspired Design and Engineering of Novel Functional Materials" in New York, NY on March 22-25, 2011.

Todd Heallen, Ph.D. of James Martin’s lab gave a presentation entitled: “Hippo and Wnt signaling converge on common genes to regulate heart size” at the 2011 MD Anderson Genes and Development program retreat, Camp Allen, Navasota, TX, on March 22, 2011.

News

Hao- Ching Hsiao, a Genetics Graduate Student in the Bondos Lab received third place in the Texas A&M University Genetics Graduate Research Competition in February for his poster entitled "Ultrabithorax, an Intrinsically Disordered Protein, Selects Protein Interactions by Topology".

Dr. Sarah Bondos co-organized the 2011 Texas Protein Folders Meeting held on March 25-27, 2011 with Dr. Olivier Lichtarge (Baylor COM).

Announcements

Junior/new faculty meetings:

Drs. Dorothy Shippen and Daria Panina have agreed to return for a follow-up to their very well-received, NSF-funded “Lab Management Workshop”

Friday May 13, 11:30 am – 1 pm
College Station Room 230
Temple C126
Houston Alkek 202A

These workshops are open to all interested people. Please RSVP to Tina L. Gumienny.

NEUROSCIENCE & EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS

Manuscripts

David Earnest, Ph.D.: Farnell, Y.F., Shende, V.R., Neuendorff, N., Allen, G.C., and Earnest, D.J. Immortalized cell lines for real-time analysis of circadian pacemaker and peripheral oscillator properties. Eur J Neurosci. 2011 Mar 2. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07629.x. [Epub ahead of print]

Seminars and Invited Presentations

David Earnest, Ph.D.: 3/8/11, Tick-Tox: Clock Genes and Interactions Between the molecular pathways for the regulation of Circadian Rhythms and Toxin Metabolism. (Society of Toxicology Symposium on “Does the Clock make the Poison? Influence of Circadian Clock on Toxicological Mechanisms and Outcomes”, Washington D.C.

Rajesh Miranda, Ph.D.

January 19th 2011: Distinguished Lecture series, Dept. Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA. Presented a seminar titled, “Epigenetic control of microRNA function in fetal neural stem cells: Uncovering novel mechanisms of ethanol teratology”

January 25th 2011: Invitation by the Graduate Student Organization, University of Texas San Antonio Health Science Center, San Antonio Texas. Presented a seminar titled, “Epigenetic control of microRNA function in fetal neural stem cells: Uncovering novel mechanisms of ethanol teratology”.

January 31st 2011: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)/Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Bethesda MD. Presentation titled, “Circulating microRNA biomarkers of Fetal Alcohol Exposure”

February 1st 2011: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)/Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Bethesda MD. Presentation titled, “Clinical Perspectives: Circulating microRNA biomarkers of Fetal Alcohol Exposure”

February 1st 2011: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)/Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Bethesda MD. Presentation titled, “Ultrasound Studies of Fetal Ethanol Exposure”.

February 18th 2011: Texas Research Society on Alcoholism, Texas Tech Health Science Center, Lubbock TX. Presentation titled, “Circulating microRNA biomarkers of maternal/fetal ethanol exposure”

February 21st 2011: Waggoner Center for Research on Alcoholism, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX. Presentation titled, “Epigenetic control of microRNA function in fetal neural stem cells: Uncovering novel mechanisms of ethanol teratology”.

Farida Sohrabji, Ph.D.: 3/5 Sex Differences in Stroke and the role of estrogen, Brazos Valley Regional Advisory Council Trauma and Critical Care Symposium Invited Speaker.

Grants

Farida Sohrabji, Ph.D.: Reviewed grant for NNRS study section 1/31-2/1 (10 grants) and reviewed grant for ZRG IDCN SEP study section 3/22, (1 grant)

Other Scientific/Scholarly Meetings Attended

Farida Sohrabji, Ph.D.: 3/21 Office for Research on Women’s Health Semi Annual Meeting. Presented “Research Priorities & Implementation of the Strategic Plan”, NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD

Book chapters

D. Samba Reddy, Ph.D.: Reddy DS, Rogawski MA (2011). Neurosteroids in the Treatment of Epilepsy. Book chapter In: Jasper’s Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies, Fourth Edition (Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, Olsen RW, Delgado-Escueta AV, eds), Oxford University Press (in press).

Notable Accomplishments

D. Samba Reddy, Ph.D. has been inducted as Editorial Board Member of Journal of Steroids & Hormonal Science, a leading open access publication.

Paper from Reddy lab “Development and persistence of limbic epileptogenesis are impaired in mice lacking progesterone receptors” (JNeurosci2011Jan12), has been selected for the Faculty of 1000 (F1000), which places this work in their library of the top 2% of published articles in biology and medicine.

Service

Farida Sohrabji, Ph.D.
TBSI: Research Director, coordinated pilot grant program
Attended the biannual meeting of the Advisory committee for research on Women’s Health, NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD (March 21st)
Treasurer-elect of the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences

SYSTEMS BIOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE

Communiqués

Dr. Sanjukta Chakraborty attended the National Postdoctoral Association Annual meeting March 25-27, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. She was invited to be a moderator on a session entitled ‘Innovation In Action’ that was aimed at identifying topics of importance pertaining to training and future goals of postdoctoral trainees. Dr. Chakraborty also acted as a judge in the poster session of this meeting that saw representation from postdocs and postdoctoral offices from several institutions nationwide.

Luke Potts, MD/PhD student, received the Microcirculatory Society’s Zweifach Student Award. This award will be presented at the MCS Awards Banquet Luncheon during the Experimental Biology 2011 meeting in Washington D.C. This award provides a certificate and $750 to be used for travel expenses.

Luke Potts also received the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine’s Young Investigator Award. This award will be presented during the SEBM Socializer and Awards Ceremony, also during the Experimental Biology 2011 meeting in Washington D.C. This award provides $500 for travel expenses.

Publications

Akl TJ, Nepiyushchikh ZV, Gashev AA, Zawieja DC, Coté GL. Measuring contraction propagation and localizing pacemaker cells in microlymphatics using high speed video microscopy. J Biomed Optics 2011 January/February;16(2):026016. PMID: 21361700; PMCID: PMC3065345 [Available on 2012/2/24].

Presentations

Drs. Soon-Mi Lim, Jerome P. Trzeciakowski, and Andreea Trache presented a poster titled “Effect of tensile stress on smooth muscle cells” at the Biophysical Society 55th Annual Meeting session “ Cytoskeletal Protein Dynamics” in Baltimore, Maryland on March 8, 2011.

Drs. Shenyuan L. Zhang, A.V. Yeromin, J. Hu, A. Amcheslavsky, H. Zheng, and M.D. Cahalan presented an oral presentation on March 7, 2011 to the 2011 Biophysical Society annual meeting. The title of the presentation was “Activation of Orai1 channels by mutation of a conserved glycine residue in TM1.”

Dr. Warren Zimmer presented a talk titled “The Drosophila bagpipe homolog Nk3.2 is an important factor of mesodermal differentiation” to the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi on February 11, 2011.

Dr. David Zawieja presented a talk titled “Lymphatics and microcirculation in health and disease” at the plenary lecture “D. Eugene Strandness, Jr. M.D. Memorial Lecture” at the American Venous Forum in San Diego, California on February 26, 2011.

Dr. Hongying Zheng presented a poster titled “Store-operated calcium channels” at the Biophysical Society 55th Annual meeting in Baltimore, Maryland on March 7, 2011.

Professional Activities

Dr. Anatoliy Gashev participated in experiments for a National Institutes of Health R01 grant with Dr. Michael Davis at the University of Missouri, Columbia in Columbia, Missouri, February 7-11, 2011.

Dr. Anatoliy Gashev attended a National Science Foundation grant writing workshop, in San Marcos, Texas, February 17-18, 2011.

Dr. Lih Kuo attended a grant review meeting for the National Institutes of Health “Myocardial Ischemia and Metabolism” Study Section in Santa Monica, California, February 2-5, 2011.

Dr. Cynthia J. Meininger participated in the American Heart Association, Study Section for Medical and Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships, San Francisco, California, March 17-18, 2011.

Dr. Cynthia Meininger also participated in the American Heart Association, Vascular Biology Blood Pressure Basic Science 2 Study Section on March 31, 2011.

Dr. Thomas Peterson attended the State of Texas Joint Admissions Medical Program (JAMP) Council in Galveston, Texas, February 8-11, 2011 to decide on acceptances to the special medical school admissions program for disadvantaged students.

Dr. Thomas Peterson attended the annual meeting of the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service in Austin, Texas, February 22, 2011, to discuss medical school admissions policies for State schools in the coming year.

Dr. Thomas Peterson served as the Field Trip Leader for the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Christian Medical Association’s trip to Lim, Peru, March 412-19, 2001, to set up free care medical clinics.

Grants

Dr. James Liao (PI; UCLA) and Dr. Lih Kuo (Co-I) received a non-competing continuation on their $1,911,125 National Institutes of Health R01 grant. The title of the grant is “Nitric oxide interaction with red blood cells.” The grant period is 04/01/06-03/31/11.

Dr. Mariappan Muthuchamy received a $34,186 National Institutes of Health R01 subcontract grant, through Dr. Chandra Murali at Washington State University. The title of the grant is “Calcium regulation of cardiac thin filament activation.” The grant period is 04/01/11-03/31/13.

Clinical Science

Latest from the Center of Excellence on Returning War Veterans

Dr. Eric Meyer, from the Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans was accepted into a two-week training opportunity by the NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Eleventh Annual Summer Institute on Design and Conduct of Randomized Clinical Trials Involving Behavioral Interventions, in Warrenton, Virginia on July 10-22, 2011. The objective of the training is to provide a thorough grounding in the conduct of randomized clinical trials to researchers and health professionals interested in developing competence in the planning, design, and execution of randomized clinical trials involving behavioral interventions

DIVISION OF INVESTIGATIVE PATHOLOGY

Dr. Alexzander Asea

Presentations/Meetings/Workshops

“Translational Research – Applications for the Development of Anti-Cancer Drugs” Texas Bioscience Institute, March 3, 2011, Temple, TX

“Careers in the Health Field” University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Nursing Student-Sponsored Health Fair at Temple Independent School District Fred. W. Edwards Academy, March 24, 2011, Temple, TX

“Development of Heat Shock Protein-Based Drugs”, Texas Southern University, March 25, 2011, Houston, TX

Educational Projects

Member of the Planning Committee for the Temple Independent School District Fred. W. Edwards Health Fair, hosted by Nursing Students at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Articles Reviewed

Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy

Cancer Research

European Journal of Hematology

Notable Accomplishments

Subject Matter Expert, “Licensing Opportunities and Challenges for Academic Discoveries” hosted by Florida A&M University, March 28-29, 2011, Tallahassee, FL

Conferences Attended

“Licensing Opportunities and Challenges for Academic Discoveries” hosted by Florida A&M University, March 28-29, 2011, Tallahassee, FL

Dr. Nagaraja Ganachari-Mallappa

 

Lectures

“Genetic Technology & Scientific Integrity”, Temple College/Texas Bioscience Biotechnology students, March 9, 2011.

PAOLA ROSAS: Notable Accomplishments

Patent application submitted: “Therapeutic Effect of Heat shock Proteins in Preventing Amylin Aggregation in Type II Diabetes Mellitus” (Our ref: SW11-005P1; Legal ref: SCOT.P0016USP1)

Internal Medicine

Executive Summary of Scholarly Activity Scott & White/Texas A&M HSC COM   Department of Medicine February 2011
In order to generate an accurate count of scholarly products within the Department of Internal Medicine, all scholarly products are counted only once and are not reported for every faculty member involved. For the purposes of this departmental report, a scholarly product will be counted under the first author’s division or program only. If the first author is not in the Department of Internal Medicine, credit will be assigned to the highest author in IM. For February 2011, Department of Medicine divisions and programs reported the following scholarly activity:
Total Numbers
8	Peer-reviewed publications
10	Manuscripts
19	Abstracts accepted/presented
1	Book chapter
4	Research projects
13	Presentations
8	Posters/exhibits
29	Lectures
7	Articles reviewed
4	Grants received
1	Educational Projects
6	Notable accomplishments
Reported by Division
Allergy	Nothing reported for February 2011
Cardiology	See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

1	Manuscript
3	Presentations
2	Lectures
1	Articles reviewed

Cardiology- Molecular

See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

5	Peer-reviewed publications
1	Book chapter
4	Research projects
1	Presentations
2	Grants received
1	Notable accomplishments

 

Endocrinology

See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

1	Presentations
	Abstracts – See also Medical Education

Executive Health	Nothing reported for February 2011
Gastroenterology	Nothing reported for February 2011
Gastroenterology – Lab	See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

1	Peer-reviewed publications
1	Manuscripts in review/in press
9	Abstracts accepted/presented
1	Articles reviewed
1	Grants received
1	Notable accomplishments

General Internal Medicine

See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

1	Presentation
1	Lecture
1	Articles reviewed

Geriatrics

See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

1	Manuscript in review
1	Presentation
1	Notable accomplishment

Hematology/Oncology

See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

1	Presentation

Hospital Medicine

See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

7

Lectures

Infectious Disease	Nothing reported for February 2011
Nephrology	See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

3	Presentations
1	Posters/exhibits
15	Lectures

Nephrology Lab

See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

5	Manuscripts accepted/presented
2	Presentations
3	Lectures
3	Articles reviewed

Pulmonary Disease

See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

1	Peer-reviewed publication

Rheumatology

Nothing reported for February 2011

Reported by Program/Center
Center for Applied Health Research (CAHR), Temple
Community Research Center for Senior Health	Nothing reported for February 2011.
Health Outcomes Core	Nothing reported for February 2011
Office of System Data Metrics	Nothing reported for February 2011.
Program on Aging and Care	Nothing reported for February 2011
Office of Medical Education, Evaluation & Research Development (OMEERD)	See pages that follow for list of publications, etc.

1	Manuscript in Press
	Abstract - See Collaborative Research

Patient Engagement and Safety Research Program	Nothing reported for February 2011
1	Manuscript
1	Article reviewed
1	Grant received
1	Notable accomplishment
Community Research Center for Senior Health	Nothing reported for February 2011.
Medical Education (UME/GME)  Residency, fellowship and medical student activities and scholarly products

1	Publication
1	Manuscript in Review
4	Abstracts accepted
5	Presentations
7	Posters/exhibits
1	Notable accomplishment
Collaborative Research
1	Abstract
1	Lecture
1	Educational project

Publications – Peer-Reviewed

Cardiology - Molecular

1. Kenneth M. Baker, M.D. Guleria RS, Choudhary R, Tanaka T, Baker KM, Pan J. Retinoid Acid Receptor-Mediated Signaling Protects Cardiomyocytes from Hyperglycemia Induced Apoptosis: Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System. Journal of Cell Physiology, 226: 1292-1307, 2011.

2. Kenneth M. Baker, M.D. Kumar S, Seqqat R, Chigurupati S, Kumar R, Baker KM, Young D, Sen S, Gupta S. Inhibition of Nuclear Factor B (NF-B) Regresses Cardiac Hypertrophy by Modulating the Expression of Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Molecules. Journal of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 50: 206-215, 2011.

3. Miller T, Yang F, Wise CE, Meng F, Priester S, Munshi MK, Guerrier M, Dostal DE, Glaser SS. Simvastatin stimulates apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma by inhibition of Rac1 activity. Dig Liver Dis. 2011 Feb 18. [Epub ahead of print]

4. Guleria RS, Choudhary R, Tanaka T, Baker KM, Pan J. Retinoid Acid Receptor-Mediated Signaling Protects Cardiomyocytes from Hyperglycemia Induced Apoptosis: Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System. Journal of Cell Physiology, 226: 1292-1307, 2011.

5. Kumar S, Seqqat R, Chigurupati S, Kumar R, Baker KM, Young D, Sen S, Gupta S. Inhibition of Nuclear Factor B (NF-B) Regresses Cardiac Hypertrophy by Modulating the Expression of Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Molecules. Journal of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 50: 206-215, 2011.

Gastroenterology Lab

1. F Meng, S Glaser, H Francis, S DeMorrow, Y Han, J Passarini, A Stokes, J Cleary, X Liu, J Venter, K Preetham, S Priester, L Hubble, D Staloch, J Sharma, C-G Liu, and G Alpini. Functional characterization of microRNAs in human hepatocellular cancer stem cells. J Cell Mol Med. 2011 Feb 25. doi: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01282.x. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 21352471 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher].

Medical Education

Endocrinology Fellowship Program 
1. Patel A, Fonseca V. Turning glucosuria into a therapy: Efficacy and safety with SGLT2 inhibitors. Curr Diab Rep. 2010;10:101-107. Dr. Anupa Patel is an endocrinology fellow.

Pulmonary

1. Marilynn Prince-Fiocco, MD- Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in Lung Disease (Online) American College of Chest Physicians PCCSU Article 02.15.11

Manuscripts – In review/Accepted/In press

Cardiology

1. Patel MR, Wolk MJ, Allen J, Dehmer GJ, Brindis RG. The privilege of self regulation. The role of appropriate use criteria. J Am Coll Cardiol 2011; 57: (in press).

Geriatrics

1. The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD): Structured for Use in Clinical Research", Emily R. Smith, MSPH, Nicole M. Webb, MA, Elaine H. Bailey, PhD, Amie Ragan, PhD, Alan B. Stevens, PhD - In review at Aging and Mental Health.

Medical Education

1. Colbert CY, Myers JD, Cable CT, Ogden PE, Mirkes C, McNeal T, Skeen S. Residents become systems thinkers in resident clinic: Effects of the CCORE experience. Academic Medicine. In review Feb 2011.

Nephrology Lab

1. Chiasson VL, Talreja D, Young KJ, Chatterjee P, Banes-Berceli A, Mitchell BM. FK506 binding protein 12 deficiency in endothelial and hematopoietic cells decreases regulatory T cells and causes Th17 cell-mediated hypertension. Hypertension 2011;(in press).

2. Chiasson VL, Quinn MA, Young KJ, Mitchell BM. PKCbetaII-mediated phosphorylation of eNOS threonine 495 mediates the endothelial dysfunction induced by tacrolimus. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2011 ;( in 2nd review).

3. Chiasson VL, Munshi N, Young KJ, Mitchell BM. Pin1 deficiency increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase serine 116 phosphorylation, endothelial dysfunction, and blood pressure. Hypertension 2011;(in review).

4. Chiasson VL, Jones KA, Mahajan A, Young KJ, Mitchell BM. Endothelial cell TGF-beta receptor activation causes tacrolimus-induced renal arteriolar hyalinosis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2011;(in review).

5. Chatterjee P, Chiasson VL, Young KJ, Chatterjee V, Mitchell BM. Interleukin-10 deficiency exacerbates Toll-like receptor 3-induced preeclampsia-like symptoms in mice. Hypertension 2011;(in 3rd review).

Office of Medical Education, Evaluation & Research

1. Colbert CY, Ogden PE, Ownby AR, Bowe C. Systems-Based Practice in Graduate Medical Education: Systems Thinking as a Foundational Construct. Teaching and Learning in Medicine. In press March 2011

Patient Engagement & Safety Research Program

1. H Wehbe-Janek, J Pliego, S Sheather, F Villamaria. Effects of Increasing the Utilization of Medical Emergency Teams on Mortality with Implementation of Multidisciplinary Simulation-Based Training. In review - JAMA

Book Chapters

Cardiology – Molecular

1. Golden HB, Verma SK, Lal H, Foster DM, Ribeiro M, Mukhopadhyay S, Dostal DE. Mechanical Regulation of Stress-Activated MAP Kinases. Research Signpost. Book series “The Cardiac Fibroblast” edited by Neil Turner, 2011.

Abstracts – Accepted/Presented

Gastroenterology Lab

1. F Meng, T Francis, G Alpini, D Staloch, and H Francis. The H4HR agonist, clobenpropit, inhibits migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) during cholangiocarcinoma development. Accepted for presentation at AACR meeting, Orlando, FL, 2011.

2. H Francis, P Onori, R Mancinelli, A Franchitto, F Meng, J Venter, A Renzi, C J Meininger, E Gaudio, and G Alpini. H1 histamine receptor agonists accelerate the regrowth of the biliary tree after 70% hepatectomy by increased biliary VEGF expression. Accepted for presentation at EB meeting, Washington DC, MD, 2011.

3. S Glaser, R Mancinelli, P Onori, A Franchitto, J Venter, M White, F Meng, A Renzi, G Carpino, W Butler, R Sferra, D Staloch, E Gaudio, and G Alpini. Ischemia reperfusion of the hepatic artery induces the functional damage of large bile ducts by changes in the expression of the cholangiocyte angiogenic factors, VEGF and angiopoietin. Accepted for poster presentation at the American Gastroenterological Association meeting, Chicago, IL, 2011.

4. A Renzi, S DeMorrow, S Glaser, P Onori, J Venter, R Mancinelli, A Franchitto, M White, H Francis, Y Ueno, F Meng, W Butler, E Gaudio, and G Alpini. Modulation of the biliary expression of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT, the key enzyme regulating melatonin synthesis) alters the proliferative/apoptotic responses of cholangiocytes to liver injury in vivo and in vitro. Accepted for oral presentation at the American Gastroenterological Association meeting, Chicago, IL, 2011.

5. J Venter, H Francis, F Meng, M White, D Staloch, A Renzi, P Onori, W Butler, E Gaudio, and G Alpini. Initial development and characterization of primary cultures of small and large intrahepatic cholangiocytes from normal rat liver. Accepted for poster presentation at the American Gastroenterological Association meeting, Chicago, IL, 2011.

6. Y Han, F Meng, S Glaser, H Francis, J Sharma, C-G Liu, J Venter, M White, A Stokes, H Levi, D Staloch, and G Alpini. Aberrant expression of the miR-17-92 cluster in human cholangiocarcinoma stem cells. Accepted for oral presentation at the American Gastroenterological Association meeting, Chicago, IL, 2011.

7. F Meng, H Francis, S Glaser, Y Han, C-G Liu, J Venter, D Staloch, A Stokes, T Hidekazu, and G Alpini. Epigenetic regulation of miR-34a expression in alcoholic liver injury. Accepted for oral presentation at the American Gastroenterological Association meeting, Chicago, IL, 2011.

8. Y Han, S DeMorrow, P Invernizzi, F Meng, A Lleo, J Venter, M White, H Francis, F Bernuzzi, D Alvaro, P Onori, M Marzioni, E Gaudio, and G Alpini. Melatonin inhibits in vivo cholangiocarcinoma growth by enhanced biliary expression of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) the key enzyme involved in melatonin synthesis. Accepted for oral presentation at the American Gastroenterological Association meeting, Chicago, IL, 2011.

9. S DeMorrow, P Onori, R Mancinelli, J Venter, A Franchitto, M White, Y Ueno, H Francis, W Butler, E Gaudio, and G Alpini. Selective activation of the serotonin receptor 2B isoform increases cholangiocyte growth and induces the expression of the fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1). Accepted for oral presentation at the American Gastroenterological Association meeting, Chicago, IL, 2011.

Medical Education (UME/GME)

Internal Medicine Residency Program
National
1. Moran J, Colbert C, Colbert C, Varghees S, McNeal T. Internal medicine resident quality improvement curriculum: Putting the patient panel experience into action. AAMC June Conference, “Integrating Quality: Linking Clinical and Educational Excellence,” June 2011, Chicago, IL. Abstract accepted for poster presentation Feb 2011.

2. Michael McNeal, Jeffrey Clark, John Midturi, Charlene Church, Harold Sonnier, Tresa McNeal. Neurotoxicity Resulting from Prolonged Metronidzaole: A Case Report. Society for Hospital Medicine. Dallas, TX, May 11-13, 2011. Accepted for poster presentation Feb 2011. Dr. McNeal is an Internal Medicine resident.

3. Ackerman K, Cohen DC, Erickson RA. Hepatitus B vaccination induced idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Digestive Disease Week, May 7-10, 2011, Chicago, IL. Accepted for poster presentation Feb 2011. Dr. Kimberley Ackerman is an Internal Medicine resident.

Endocrinology Fellowship Program 
4. Patel A, Piziak V. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with diabetes mellitus in two community-based populations. Accepted for poster presentation Feb 2010.

Collaborative Research

National
1. Wehbe-Janek H, Colbert C, White B, Govednik-Horny C, Thomas S, Shabahang M. Residents' Perspectives on the Value of Simulation in a General Surgery Residency Curriculum. American College of Surgeons (ACS), Division of Education, Accredited Education Institutes, “Enhancing Patient Safety Through Simulation” Conference, April 2011. Accepted Feb 2011.

Presentations

Cardiology

1. Gregory J. Dehmer, MD- Update on Stable Angina. Family Medicine Review; Feb 14-18, 2011 Regional meeting.

2. Allen Anderson, MD- Presentation on Heart Disease to Temple Kiwanis Club – February 8, 2011

3. Allen Anderson, MD- “75 Years of Cardiovascular Medicine – Some Patients’ Stories”; Presented at SW Medical Surgical Update, Crested Butte, CO. February 16, 2011

Cardiology - Molecular

1. Dr. Baker presented the talk entitled “Intracellular Renin-Angiotensin System: Implications on ECM in Diabetic Models” during the Session on “How Do Other Organs Regulate ECM in the Heart?” at the Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology: Extracellular Matrix and Cardiovascular Remodeling at Granlibakken Resort, Tahoe City, California, 23-28 January, 2011.

Endocrinology

1. Deepika Reddy, MD- Fellow conference presentation and board review 2/25/2011.

Geriatrics

1. Alan B. Stevens, PhD- 2011 AoA, CMS, and VA Grantee National Conference presentation

General Internal Medicine

1. Cheryl L. Laffer, MD, PhD- State: Central Texas Nurse Practioners Update, Waco TX:“Hypertension for Nurse Practioners”

Hematology/Oncology

1. Arthur E. Frankel, MD- "New therapeutic approaches to mantle cell lymphoma" UTHSCSA – Regional Texas Forum on Blood Cancer.

Medical Education – UME/GME

Internal Medicine Residency Program

1. Hailey Vincent, Tresa McNeal. Double Trouble: A Case of Myasthenia Gravis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Southern Society for Clinical Investigation, Southern Regional meeting, New Orleans, LA, Feb. 17-19, 2011. Podium presentation

2. Chris Farmer, John Midturi. A Case of Serratia Liquefaciens Brain Abscess. Southern Society for Clinical Investigation, Southern Regional meeting, New Orleans, LA, Feb. 17-19, 2011. Podium presentation.

Nephrology Fellowship Program 

3. Enoch Agunanne, MD: “Marinobufagenin Levels Are Elevated in Preeclamptic Patients”. Oral presentation at SSCI Annual Nephrology Young Investigators Forum, New Orleans LA, Feb. 16, 2011.

4. “Inpatient Hemodialysis: How Are We Doing”: Hoang-Lan Nguyen, Luis Concepcion. Oral presentation at 31st Annual Dialysis Conference, Phoenix AZ, Feb. 20-22, 2011.

5. “Metformin Intoxication Requiring Dialysis”: Hoang-Lan Nguyen, Luis Concepcion. Oral presentation at 31st Annual Dialysis Conference, Phoenix AZ, Feb. 20-22, 2011.

Nephrology

1. Mohanram Narayanan, MD Management of Hypertension in the Diabetic: Scott & WhiteMedical/Surgical Update 2011, Crested Butte CO, February 15, 2011. (regional)

2. “Hypertensives with CKD Have Higher Dietary Acid Due to Lower Intake of Fruits & Vegetables”: Nimrit Goraya, Donald Wesson. Oral presentation at 2011 Southern Regional Meeting, New Orleans LA, Feb. 19, 2011.

3. “Acute Kidney Injury: Shift CVVHD Dose”: Luis Concepcion, Hoang-Lan Nguyen. Oral presentation at 31st Annual Dialysis Conference, Phoenix AZ, Feb. 20-22, 2011.

Nephrology Lab

1. Weaver LE, Chatterjee P, Lopez M, Chiasson VL, Young KJ, Mitchell BM. Activation of double-stranded RNA receptors contributes to preeclampsia. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine 31st Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, February 12, 2011. International. 2nd year Medical Student Laura Weaver presented this poster.

2. Chatterjee P, Chiasson VL, Young KJ, Mitchell BM. IL-4 KO mice exhibit gestational hypertension which is augmented following dsRNA-induced maternal immune system activation. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine 31st Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, February 12, 2011. International. This poster won the Excellence in Research – Best Poster Award at the Meeting.

Posters/Exhibits

Medical Education – UME/GME

State
1. Chandler M, Oliver SK, Debord J, Edwards B, Teer L, Stallings T, Bush R, Laing Y. UGME/GME professional career ladder proven to be successful. Texas Hospital Association conference, Feb. 2-3, 2011, Austin, TX. Poster presented Feb 2011.

Internal Medicine Residency Program

Regional
1. Scott Swendsen. Jonathan Ramirez, Dawn Sears. JAK2 Mutation Myeloproliferative Disorder Presenting as Budd-Chiari Syndrome. Southern Society for Clinical Investigation, Southern Regional meeting, New Orleans, LA, Feb. 17-19, 2011. Poster presented Feb 2011.

Nephrology Fellowship Program

National
1. Luis Concepcion, Hoang-Lan Nguyen: “Acute Kidney Injury: Shift CVVHD Dose”, poster presented at 31st Annual Dialysis Conference, Phoenix AZ, February 20-22, 2011. Dr. Nguyen is a nephrology fellow.

2. Hoang-Lan Nguyen, Luis Concepcion: “Metformin Intoxication Requiring Dialysis”, abstract accepted at 31st Annual Dialysis Conference, Phoenix AZ, February 20-22, 2011. Dr. Nguyen is a nephrology fellow.

3. Hoang-Lan Nguyen, Luis Concepcion: “Inpatient Hemodialysis: How Are We Doing?”, abstract accepted at 31st Annual Dialysis Conference, Phoenix AZ, February 20-22, 2011. Dr. Nguyen is a nephrology fellow.

4. Enoch Agunanne, MD: “Marinobufagenin Levels Are Elevated in Preeclamptic Patients”. Poster presentation at 2011 Southern Regional Meetings, New Orleans LA, Feb. 17, 2011. Dr. Aguanne is a nephrology fellow.

Regional
5. Marinobufagenin Levels are Elevated in Preeclamptic Patients: Enoch Agunanne, D Horvat, R Harrison, MN Uddin, R Jones, JB Puschett. Abstract accepted for oral presentation, SSCI Tenth Annual Nephrology Young Investigators Forum, Feb. 16, 2011, New Orleans LA. 2011 Southern Regional Meetings, Feb 17, 2011, New Orleans LA. Poster presentation. Dr. Agunanne is a nephrology fellow.

Nephrology

1. Nimrit Goraya, MD- “Dietary Fruits & Vegetables Reduce Augmented Urine Endothelin & Aldosterone Excretion Associated with Reduced GFR”. Poster presentation at 2011 Southern Regional Meeting, New Orleans LA, Feb. 17, 2011.

Lectures

Cardiology

1. Allen Anderson, MD- Pulmonary Thromboembolism – Cardiology Fellows Didactic Conference; Feb. 7

2. Gregory J. Dehmer, MD- Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization; Feb 21, 2011; Cardiology Fellows

Collaborative Research

1. Wehbe-Janek H- Lecture: Endocrinology residents: Motivational Interviewing and Weighting for Your Newborn; February 15th

General Internal Medicine

1. Cheryl L. Laffer, MD, PhD- Department of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine -Scott & White, 3rd Year Medical Student Clerkship: “Hypertensive urgencies”

Hospital Medicine

1. Rajan – Ethics, MS3 inpatient lecture series, Feb. 1st , 2011

2. Laffer– HTN Urgencies, MS3 inpatient lecture series, Feb. 7th , 2011

3. Reddy – Pain Management, MS3 inpatient lecture series, Feb. 8th , 2011

4. Benivides – Anemia, MS3 inpatient lecture series, Feb. 14th , 2011

5. Wood – Chest Pain, MS3 inpatient lecture series, Feb. 15th , 2011

6. Deppisch – EKG Review, MS3 inpatient lecture series, Feb. 21st , 2011

7. Boucher – CPC, inpatient lecture series, Feb. 22nd , 2011

Nephrology

1. Enoch Agunanne, MD: “Acute Renal Allograft Rejection”, Nephrology Morbidity & Mortality Conference, Scott & White Temple, Feb. 2, 2011. (fellows & senior staff)

2. Enoch Agunanne, MD: “Post Transplantation Anemia & Erythrocytosis”, Transplant Grand Rounds, Scott & White Temple, Feb. 3, 2011. (fellows, residents & senior staff).

3. Enoch Agunanne, MD: “Chronic Kidney Disease”, Nephrology Journal Club, Scott & White Temple, Feb. 23, 2011. (fellows & senior staff)

4. Hoang-Lan Nguyen, DO: “Hypoxic Regulation of Erythropoiesis & Iron Metabolism”, Renal Physiology Conference, Scott & White Temple, Feb. 10, 2011. (fellows & senior staff)

5. Geetha Seerangan MD: “AKI SLED Therapy”, Nephrology Journal Club, Scott & White Temple, Feb. 9, 2011. (fellows & senior staff)

6. Geetha Seerangan MD: “Recurrent Disease Post Transplantation”, Transplant Grand Rounds, Scott & White Temple, Feb. 17, 2011. (fellows, residents & senior staff)

7. Sheldon Chaffer, MD- “Regulation of Body Water: Hypo and Hypernatremia”, Renal / GU Block lecture to medical students, Texas A&M COM, College Station, February 3, 2011.

8. Sheldon Chaffer, MD- “Hypo & Hypernatremia Case Studies”, Renal / GU Block lecture to medical students, Texas A&M COM, College Station, Feb. 4, 2011.

9. Sheldon Chaffer, MD- “Impact of Chronic Disease on the Human Experience”, Renal / GU Block lecture to medical students, Texas A&M COM, Temple, Feb. 10, 2011.

10. Sheldon Chaffer, MD- “Assessment & Clinical Use of GFR”, Renal / GU Block lecture to medical students, Texas A&M COM, Temple, Feb. 11, 2011.

11. Sheldon Chaffer, MD- “Ethical Issues in Transplant & Dialysis”, Renal / GU Block lecture to medical students, Texas A&M COM, Temple, Feb. 22, 2011.

12. Sheldon Chaffer, MD- Clinicopathologic Correlations: Interactive Case Discussions”, Renal / GU Block with medical students, Texas A&M COM, Temple, Feb. 23, 20

13. Luis Concepcion, MD“Diagnosis & Management of Acute Renal Failure”, Renal/GU Block lecture to medical students, Texas A&M COM, Temple, Feb. 16, 2011.

14. Luis Concepcion, MD “Diagnosis & Management of Chronic Kidney Disease”, Renal/GU Block lecture to medical students, Texas A&M COM, Temple, Feb. 17, 2011.

15. Luis Concepcion, MD “Dialysis & Renal Transplantation”, Renal/GU Block lecture to medical students, Texas A&M COM, Temple, Feb. 23, 2011.

Nephrology Lab

1. Mitchell BM- Pathogenesis of Acute Kidney Injury – Feb 16, 2011 – TAMHSC Medical School (2nd year students)

2. Mitchell BM- Pathogenesis of Chronic Kidney Disease – Feb 17, 2011 – TAMHSC Medical School (2nd year students)

3. Mitchell BM- Hypertension – Feb 24, 2011 – TAMHSC Graduate School

Articles Reviewed – Peer-Reviewed Journals – Feb. 2011

Cardiology

regory J. Dehmer, MD - American Journal of Cardiology - 1 article

Patient Safety

1. Wehbe-Janek J. -Simulation in Healthcare – 1 article

Gastroenterology Lab

1. Alpini- 4 articles reviewed for 2 Am J Pathol, 1 Hepatology, 1 JCI,

General Internal Medicine

1. Cheryl L. Laffer, MD, PhD- Journal of Clinical Hypertension

Nephrology Lab

1. Mitchell BM 2 – Hypertension

2. Mitchell BM 1 – Vascular Pharmacology

3. Mitchell BM 1 – Annals of Transplantation

Research Projects

Cardiology – Molecular

1. Rajesh Kumar, Ph.D. - Intracellular RAS in Development of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy – Novartis

2. Kenneth M. Baker, M.D. - Novel Aspects of the Cardiac Renin Angiotensin System – National Institutes of Health

3. Kenneth M. Baker, M.D. - Role of Retinoid Mediated Signaling in Diabetes and Cardiac Remodeling – National Institutes of Health

4. Jing Pan, M.D. Ph.D. - Molecular Mechanisms of Osteoporosis in Diabetes Mellitus – Scott & White Research Vision Award

Grants Received

Cardiology - Molecular

1. Dr. Dostal received a Scott & White Research Grants Program (SWRGP) award entitled “Cardiac Effects of Anthrax Lethal Toxin: Unraveling the Mechanisms for Sodium and Calcium Dysregulation”.

2. Dr. Guleria received a Scott & White Research Grants Program (SWRGP) award entitled “Retinoid Receptors in Diabetes-Induced Cardiac Remodeling”. Co-PI’s are Drs. Kenneth M. Baker and Jing Pan

Patient Safety

1. 03-2011 Start Date: Internal funding, Scott & White Healthcare, Simulation Grant Oversight Committee; H Wehbe-Janek and R Bush (Co-PIs/Project Managers) Development and Evaluation of Standardized Patient Methodology for Professionalism Assessment and Training within Organizational and Contextual-based Encounters

Gastroenterology Lab

1. Alpini- Grant from CFTR foundation in collaboration with Dr. Drew Ferenchak, Southwestern University, Dallas, TX.

Educational Projects

Collaborative Research

Wehbe-Janek, H. Curriculum developed for MS1 Research Ethics Selective (Selective Director)

Notable Accomplishments

Molecular Cardiology

1. Dr. Gupta was elected Faculty of the American Heart Association (F.A.H.A.).

Patient Engagement and Safety Research Program

1. Wehbe-Janek- New membership: American Society of Professionals in Patient Safety

Geriatrics

1. Alan B. Stevens, PhD- Texas A&M School of Rural Public Health External Advisory Board meeting

Gastroenterology Lab

1. Dr. Gianfranco Alpini was invited to serve as a member of the Hepatobiliary Pathophysiology Study Section [HBPP], 2011-2015.

Medical Education – UME/GME

1. Cable C. Appointed as chair of the College of Medicine’s Vision Committee, a sub-committee of the Curriculum Committee.

Nephrology Lab

1. The following poster presentation won the Excellence in Research – Best Poster Award at this International meeting. Chatterjee P, Chiasson VL, Young KJ, Mitchell BM. IL-4 KO mice exhibit gestational hypertension which is augmented following dsRNA-induced maternal immune system activation. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine 31st Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, February 12, 2011.

INTERNAL MEDICINE RESEARCH

Gianfranco Alpini Ph.D.

• Talk entitled “VEGF regulation of biliary growth" Gastroenterology, University of the Studies of Rome “La Sapienza” March 14, 2011.
• Talk entitled “Neuroendocrine regulation of biliary growth " Human Anatomy, University of the Studies of Rome “La Sapienza” March 14, 2011.

 

Human hepatic stem cell and maturational liver lineage biology.

Turner R, Lozoya O, Wang Y, Cardinale V, Gaudio E, Alpini G, Mendel G, Wauthier E, Barbier C, Alvaro D, Reid LM.

Hepatology. 2011 Mar;53(3):1035-45. doi: 10.1002/hep.24157.

PMID: 21374667 [PubMed - in process]

 

Functional Analysis of microRNAs in Human Hepatocellular Cancer Stem Cells.

Meng F, Glaser SS, Francis H, Demorrow S, Han Y, Passarini JD, Stokes A, Cleary JP, Liu X, Venter J, Kumar P, Priester S, Hubble L, Stoloch D, Sharma J, Liu CG, Alpini G.

J Cell Mol Med. 2011 Feb 25. doi: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01282.x. [Epub ahead of print]

PMID: 21352471 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Heather Francis Ph.D.

 

Promotion to Assistant Professor at Texas A&M HSC was approved in March.

Academic Medicine

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