MedWorm: University of Maryland

Warning! Collision imminent!

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(McGill University) Researchers at The Neuro and the University of Maryland have figured out the mathematical calculations that specific neurons employ in order to inform us of our distance from an object and the 3-D velocities of moving objects and surfaces relative to ourselves. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Concepts of Regional Therapies for Advanced Malignancy

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:21:22 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Regional Cancer TherapiesPages 1-2DOI 10.1245/s10434-012-2243-4Authors T. Clark Gamblin, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USAH. Richard Alexander, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USARobert Edwards, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USADavid L. Bartlett, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Journal Annals of Surgical OncologyOnline ISSN 1534-4681Print ISSN 1068-9265 (Source: Annals of Surgical Oncology)

Ethnic Differences in Prevalence and Barriers of HBV Screening and Vaccination Among Asian Americans

Journal of Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:14:02 +0100

Abstract Our study identifies the prevalence of HBV virus (HBV) screening and vaccination among Asian Americans, and ethnic differences for factors associated with screening and vaccination behaviors. In 2009–2010 we recruited 877 Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese Americans 18 years of age and above through several community organizations, churches and local ethnic businesses in Maryland for a health education intervention and a self-administered survey. Prevalence of HBV screening, screening result and vaccinations were compared by each ethnic group. We used logistic regression analysis to understand how sociodemographics, familial factors, patient-, provider-, and resource-related barriers are associated with screening and vaccination behaviors, using the total samp...

Acute Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Injury

Current Treatment Options in Neurology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:19 +0100

Opinion statement Most treatment options for acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) are directed at minimizing progression of the initial injury and preventing secondary injury. Failure to adhere to certain guiding principles can be detrimental to the long-term neurologic and functional outcome of these patients. Therapy for the hyperacute phase of traumatic SCI focuses on stabilizing vital signs and follows the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) algorithm for ensuring stability of airway, breathing and circulation, and disability (neurologic evaluation)—with spinal stabilization—and exposure. Spinal stabilization, with cervical collars and long backboards, is used to prevent movement of a potentially unstable spinal column injury to prevent further injury to the sp...

Treatment of Neurocritical Care Emergencies in Pregnancy

Current Treatment Options in Neurology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:14:15 +0100

Opinion statement Neurologic emergencies are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. In part because the patient population is young, the nihilistic approach that often accompanies neurologically devastating disorders in other contexts is largely absent. A number of studies have demonstrated improved patient outcomes in the setting of aggressive care delivered by neurointensivists in a specialty-specific environment. It stands to reason that young, pregnant women who suffer from neurologically devastating disorders and who have a wide range of prognosis may also benefit from such specialized care. Close collaboration between obstetricians and neurointensivists is critical in this context. A number of unique considerations in diagnosis and management pre...

Study: Diagnostic imaging on iPads twice as slow

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:39:34 +0100

Source: Brian Dolan, mobihealthnews Content: “A study from the University of Maryland found that radiologists using iPad 2s to evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) took twice as long to make a diagnosis as they did when using a 27-inch LCD monitor. Still, the study of 200 negative and 40 positive TB cases that included five [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

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Stents and surgery for blocked neck arteries are neck-and-neck as lasting stroke prevention

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland Medical Center) A new comparison of the procedures to help prevent strokes by removing or relieving blockages in the arteries of the neck concludes they are equally effective at halting repeat blockage. Two years after treatment with either surgery or a minimally invasive treatment using wire coils called stents, the re-blockage rate remained the same, approximately six percent. Results of the analysis were presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference in New Orleans. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Study: Diagnostic imaging on iPads twice as slow

mobihealthnews — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:45:17 +0100

A study from the University of Maryland found that radiologists using iPad 2s to evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) took twice as long to make a diagnosis as they did when using a 27-inch LCD monitor. Still, the study of 200 negative and 40 positive TB cases that included five radiologists, found the two displays [...] (Source: mobihealthnews)

5 US urban counties lead 'Terror Hot Spots' list, but rural areas not exempt

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Five urban counties lead the list of US terror "hot spots" - Manhattan, LA, Miami-Dade, San Francisco and Washington, DC - though smaller, more rural areas have emerged as hot spots in their own right in recent years with an increase in domestic terror there, says new research from the University of Maryland and Mass-Boston. The researchers identified 65 of the nation's 3,143 counties as "hot spots" of terrorism. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Major electric utility buys US Solar Decathlon winner

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) WaterShed, the international-prize-winning solar house built by University of Maryland students, faculty and professional partners, has found a buyer and a permanent site: Electric service provider Pepco is purchasing the high-tech building. The purchase secures WaterShed's future and will make its innovative technology and design available to the public for educational purposes. The house will serve as a "living classroom and laboratory" to demonstrate smart, clean energy options. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Circadian rhythm disruption in severe sepsis: the effect of ambient light on urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin secretion

Intensive Care Medicine — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:42:36 +0100

Conclusions Circadian rhythm was disrupted in patients with severe sepsis, as reflected by disordered diurnal variation of urinary 6-SMT excretion. Light levels were low, exhibited limited diurnal variation, and did not entrain circadian rhythms in these patients. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory OriginalPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00134-012-2494-3Authors Avelino C. Verceles, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St, Second Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, USALeann Silhan, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St, Second Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, USAMichael Terrin, Division of Pulmonary and Cr...

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Study Finds Good Intentions Ease Pain, Add To Pleasure

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

A nurse's tender loving care really does ease the pain of a medical procedure, and grandma's cookies really do taste better, if we perceive them to be made with love - suggests newly published research by a University of Maryland psychologist. The findings have many real-world applications, including in medicine, relationships, parenting and business... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Response to TASER electronic control devices and eye injuries

Documenta Ophthalmologica — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:46:44 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s10633-012-9311-8Authors Rony R. Sayegh, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAKimberly A. Madsen, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAJason D. Adler, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAMary A. Johnson, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAMichaela K. Mathews, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Journal Documenta OphthalmologicaOnline ISSN 1573-2622Print ...

UMMS: No details on Prince George's hospital plan until March

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:36:33 +0100

We had hoped to soon hear more details on the proposed new hospital in Prince George's County, but we must cool our heels. Saturday marks six months since officials from the county, the state, the University of Maryland Medical System and Dimensions Health System signed an ambitious agreement to pursue a $600 million regional medical center in Prince George's. We thought the six-month mark was a big milestone because according to the agreement, "within four to six months following the execution of this agreement," UMMS was to report back to the government with details of a project proposal... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)

Siegel to deliver Dwyer lecture at SIIM annual meeting

CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:54:36 +0100

Eliot L. Siegel, MD, professor and vice chair of radiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, will deliver the 2012 Dwyer Lecture at the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) annual meeting on June 8 in Orlando, Fla. (Source: CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives)

Nearly Three Quarters Of Injuries To Headphone-Wearing Pedestrians Are Fatal - Teens, Young Adult Males Predominantly Affected

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Listen up, pedestrians wearing headphones. Can you hear the trains or cars around you? Many probably can't, especially young adult males. Serious injuries to pedestrians listening to headphones have more than tripled in six years, according to new research from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. In many cases, the cars or trains are sounding horns that the pedestrians cannot hear, leading to fatalities in nearly three-quarters of cases... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Surgical options for recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome with perineural fibrosis

Hand — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:00:05 +0100

Abstract Surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is, in general, a very successful procedure. Some patients, however, fail this standard release and have persistent or recurrent symptoms. Such recalcitrance may relate to incomplete release but more often relates to perineural or intraneural fibrosis of the median nerve. While there is no good treatment for intraneural fibrosis, numerous procedures have evolved in an attempt to treat perineural fibrosis which restricts nerve gliding. These include procedures to isolate the nerve from scar as well as procedures to bring neovascularization to the median nerve. This review describes the various surgical treatment options for recalcitrant CTS as well as their reported ...

Good intentions ease pain, add to pleasure: UMD study

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) A nurse's tender loving care really does ease the pain of a medical procedure, and grandma's cookies really do taste better, if we perceive them to be made with love -- suggests newly published research by a University of Maryland psychologist. The findings have many real-world applications, including in medicine, relationships, parenting and business. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Why smart growth frustrates players in the system: UMD research

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Maryland planners, developers and land-use advocates consider the state's smart growth tools too weak, frustrating their desire for development within existing urban areas, finds a new University of Maryland study. "Just about everyone feels squeezed between a rock and a hard place -- wanting development where state laws intend to promote growth, but often seeing it thwarted by both local opposition and regulatory barriers," says UMD's Gerrit Knaap. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Headphone Wearing Pedestrians Struck by Cars and Trains More Than Triple

Disabled World — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:41:41 +0100

Injuries to Headphone-Wearing Pedestrians Struck by Cars and Trains More Than Triple Since 2004, According to University of Maryland Researchers - Teens, Young Adult Males Predominantly Affected; Nearly Three Quarters of Injuries Are Fatal. (Source: Disabled World)

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The clinical impact of preoperative percutaneous drainage of abdominopelvic abscesses in patients with Crohn’s disease

International Journal of Colorectal Disease — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:12:50 +0100

Conclusions In our series, the treatment of Crohn’s abscesses with percutaneous drainage prior to surgery did not decrease the rate of postoperative septic complications. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00384-011-1401-7Authors Andrea Chao Bafford, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USABrian Coakley, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USASarah Powers, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USADaniel Greenwald, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USAChristina Y. Ha, Department of Gastroen...

University of Maryland study: Headphone-distracted pedestrians face death, serious injury

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland Medical Center) Serious injuries to pedestrians listening to headphones have more than tripled in six years, according to new research from the University of Maryland. In many cases, the cars or trains are sounding horns that the pedestrians cannot hear, leading to fatalities in nearly three-quarters of cases. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Latest School of Nursing Work Study: Obese Nurses More Stressed, Less Active

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:59:38 +0100

January 13, 2012 (UMB) — Job stress and shift work have a lot more to do with obesity among nurses than previously thought, according to a study by the University of Maryland School of Nursing. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

Multimodality Imaging for Assessment of Myocardial Viability: Nuclear, Echocardiography, MR, and CT

Current Cardiology Reports — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:38:44 +0100

This article describes how each of these imaging modalities can be used to assess myocardial viability, and reviews the relative strengths and limitations of each technique. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Nuclear Cardiology (V Dilsizian, Section Editor)Pages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s11886-011-0242-xAuthors James A. Arrighi, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USAVasken Dilsizian, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, USA Journal Current Cardiology ReportsOnline ISSN 1534-3170Print ISSN 1523-3782 (Source: Current Cardiology Reports)

The Promise of Multimedia Technology for STI/HIV Prevention: Frameworks for Understanding Improved Facilitator Delivery and Participant Learning

AIDS and Behavior — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:05:00 +0100

We present conceptual frameworks describing how multimedia technology may improve intervention delivery by increasing standardization and fidelity to the intervention material and the participant’s ability to learn by improving attention, cognition, emotional engagement, skills-building, and uptake of sensitive material about sexual and drug risks. In addition, we describe how the non-multimedia behavioral STI/HIV prevention intervention, Project WORTH, was adapted into a multimedia format for women involved in the criminal justice system and provide examples of how multimedia activities can more effectively target key mediators of behavioral change in this intervention. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Substantive ReviewPages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s10461-011-0106-9Authors Mari...

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Prenatal health behaviors and postpartum depression: is there an association?

Archives of Women's Mental Health — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:00:26 +0100

This study investigated the associations of cigarette smoking, caffeine intake, and vitamin intake during pregnancy with postpartum depressive symptoms at 8 weeks after childbirth. Using a prospective cohort study design, participants were recruited from the postpartum floor at a hospital for women and newborns located in a northeastern city, from 2005 through 2008. Eligible women who were at least 18 years old and spoke English were interviewed in person while hospitalized for childbirth (N = 662). A follow-up home interview was conducted at 8 weeks postpartum with a 79% response rate (N = 526). Hierarchical regression analyses showed that smoking cigarettes anytime during pregnancy and not taking prenatal vitamins in the first trimester were significantly asso...

Genome-wide associated loci influencing interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1Ra, and IL-6 levels in African Americans

Immunogenetics — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:42:48 +0100

Abstract Interleukins (ILs) are key mediators of the immune response and inflammatory process. Plasma levels of IL-10, IL-1Ra, and IL-6 are associated with metabolic conditions, show large inter-individual variations, and are under strong genetic control. Therefore, elucidation of the genetic variants that influence levels of these ILs provides useful insights into mechanisms of immune response and pathogenesis of diseases. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of IL-10, IL-1Ra, and IL-6 levels in 707 non-diabetic African Americans using 5,396,780 imputed and directly genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with adjustment for gender, age, and body mass index. IL-10 levels showed genome-wide significant associations (p < 5 × 10−8) with e...

The Influence of Insulin Resistance, Obesity, and Diabetes Mellitus on Vascular Tone and Myocardial Blood Flow

Current Cardiology Reports — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:44:46 +0100

Abstract Among individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, reductions in coronary vasodilator capacity with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) carry important diagnostic and prognostic information. Positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging in concert with tracer kinetic modeling allows the assessment of absolute regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest and its response to various forms of vasomotor stress. Such noninvasive evaluation of myocardial flow reserve (MFR) or the vasodilator capacity of the coronary circulation expands the possibilities of conventional scintigraphic myocardial perfusion imaging from identifying flow-limiting epicardial coronary artery lesions to understanding the underlying pathophysiology of diabetic vasculopathy, micr...

Treatment of Homonymous Visual Field Defects

Current Treatment Options in Neurology — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:40:10 +0100

Opinion statement A clinical presentation of a retrochiasmal or homonymous visual field defect (HVFD) usually represents a permanent visual impairment. The visual and functional ramifications of HVFD will vary by patient. Comprehensive care—the clinical evaluation and consideration for treatment of HVFD—includes vision rehabilitation provided by optometrists, occupational therapists, or ophthalmologists. On the basis of individual patient needs, the eye care practitioner typically uses one or both of the following approaches to treat the HVFD: (1) field enhancement (also referred to in the literature as “field expansion”), in which optical systems incorporating prism are prescribed to optimize the use of the remaining vision, and (2) rehabilitative techniques inclu...

Restricting Post-Surgery Blood Transfusion Is Safe For Some Hip Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

More than half of the older, anemic patients in a New England Journal of Medicine study did not need blood transfusions as they recovered from hip surgery, according to new research co-authored by University of Maryland School of Medicine scientists. The findings could immediately change the way such patients are treated. Doctors have long assumed that transfusions strengthen patients weakened by anemia, improving their chances at recovery from surgery after hip fracture... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Seasonal leptin resistance is associated with impaired signalling via JAK2-STAT3 but not ERK, possibly mediated by reduced hypothalamic GRB2 protein

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:52:56 +0100

Abstract The Siberian hamster, Phodopus sungorus, undergoes a striking seasonal cycle of leptin sensitivity and body weight regulation, but the molecular mechanism and relevance to human leptin insensitivity are unknown. Here we show that nuclear translocation of phospho-STAT3 in the hypothalamus is rapidly stimulated by leptin to a greater extent in hamsters held in short-day length (SD) as compared to long-day length (LD). Intriguingly, effects of leptin on STAT3 appeared to be in part limited to nuclear translocation of phospho-STAT3 associated with the cell surface rather than phosphorylation of STAT3. The number of phospho-ERK cells within the hypothalamus was unaffected by either photoperiod or leptin. However, proximal to ERK phosphorylation, hypothalamic SH2-containi...

Osteoarthritis: The Rheumatologist’s Perspective

HSS Journal — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:37:21 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory HSS OSTEOARTHRITIS SYMPOSIUM: FRONTIERS IN OAPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s11420-011-9253-9Authors Marc C. Hochberg, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 S. Pine St., MSTF 8-34, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA Journal HSS JournalOnline ISSN 1556-3324Print ISSN 1556-3316 (Source: HSS Journal)

Molecular Imaging of Amyloidosis: Will the Heart Be the Next Target After the Brain?

Current Cardiology Reports — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:51:49 +0100

Abstract Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases with a common feature of extracellular deposition and infiltration of different types of amyloid fibrils in various organs. For example, Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by deposition of amyloid β in the brain. Radiolabeled positron emission tomography (PET) tracers, mainly derivatives of thioflavin-T, were recently introduced for identification of amyloid β plaques in Alzheimer’s patients. Such advances of amyloid β plaque imaging of the brain may shed light into imaging of other organs in amyloidosis patients, such as the heart. Cardiac infiltration of amyloid confers poor clinical outcomes, which renders early diagnosis for appropriate clinical management. At present, nuclear imaging of cardiac amyloid...

FDA's Gobburu Joins University Of Maryland School Of Pharmacy Faculty

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Joga Gobburu, PhD, MBA, FCP, a leading U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientist for more than a decade, has joined the faculty of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where he will establish a research and education program in the emerging field of pharmacometrics. Pharmacometrics measures and evaluates existing information on a given drug, a disease, and experiments, including clinical trials, to lay the groundwork for strategic decisions on drug regulation and/or drug development... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

University of Maryland Surgical Experience With the Jarvik 2000 Axial Flow Ventricular Assist Device [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: ADULT CARDIAC]

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The Jarvik 2000 has several distinctive features that simplify surgical management and permit flexible application in an expanded range of candidates for LVAD implantation, particularly in patients who have undergone previous sternotomy. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)

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UMD's START gets $3.6 million to study terrorism's human causes and consequences

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) With $3.6 million in new federal funding, researchers at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, based at the University of Maryland, will continue to expand the scientific understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism, specifically addressing crucial homeland security issues, such as terrorist behavior, violent extremism and counterterrorism. Funding for the new round of research comes from the US Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

University of Maryland Department of surgery continues to lead through surgical innovation

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland Medical Center) New funding data for fiscal 2011 shows that the University of Maryland Department of Surgery received the most research funding from the National Institutes of Health of any surgery department in Maryland and Washington, DC, and is among the top 10 NIH-funded surgical programs in the nation. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Study To See If Walking And/Or Memory Training May Prevent Memory Problems In People With Parkinson's Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Baltimore VA Medical Center have launched a study of exercise and computerized memory training to see if those activities may help people with Parkinson's disease prevent memory changes. The type of memory that will be examined is known as "executive function;" it allows people to take in information and use it in a new way... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Diabetes-Induced Birth Defects: What Do We Know? What Can We Do?

Current Diabetes Reports — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:57:30 +0100

Abstract Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, which has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the developed world. Many of these birth defects can be attributed to pre-existing, or pregestational, diabetes in pregnancy, which significantly increases a mother’s risk of having a child with a major birth defect. Strict preconceptional and early pregnancy glucose control, supplementation with multivitamins and fatty acids, and lower glycemic dietary management have been shown to reduce the incidence of birth defects in experimental and epidemiologic studies. However, because more than half of pregnancies are unplanned, these methods are not generalizable across the population. Thus, better interventions are urgently needed. Bas...

University of Maryland finds restricting post-surgery blood transfusion is safe for some hip patients

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland Medical Center) More than half of the older, anemic patients in a New England Journal of Medicine study did not need blood transfusions as they recovered from hip surgery, according to new research co-authored by University of Maryland School of Medicine scientists. The study found no significant difference in rate of recovery between patients who received transfusions at a moderate level of anemia and those who did not receive transfusions until their anemia was more advanced. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Model Developed For Future Obesity Drug Testing

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Scientists have shown that over expression of a specific human protein in the brain of a transgenic mouse leads to overeating and excessive body weight gain. Led by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, the mouse study may be ideal, they say, for testing new obesity controlling drugs and studies of the condition itself. In the Dec. 13 online issue of the International Journal of Obesity, Wanli Smith, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and colleagues report a link between the protein synphilin-1 and obesity... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Growing US violent extremism by the numbers: UMD database

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Attacks and plots by homegrown US terrorists are increasing, 40 percent of them by 'lone wolves,' says an analysis by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism at the University of Maryland. The statistics underscore the threat addressed in a new White House plan. "There have been more than 200 US terrorist attacks since 9/11, but what's really increased is the number of foiled plots," says UMD's Gary LaFree. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Exercise/memory research for Parkinson's

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland Medical Center) Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Baltimore VA Medical Center have launched a study of exercise and computerized memory training to see if those activities may help people with Parkinson's disease prevent memory changes. The type of memory that will be examined is known as "executive function;" it allows people to take in information and use it in a new way. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Researchers build spherical dynamo to mimic Earth's interior

Physics Today News Picks — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Nature: Although self-sustaining dynamos occur readily in stars and planets, none has yet been achieved in the lab. That may change next year when a project at the University of Maryland, College Park, is scheduled to go on line. Housed in a cavernous warehouse at the university, the Three Meter Experiment consists of a 3-meter-diameter ribbed sphere, inside of which is a 1-meter sphere surrounded by thousands of kilograms of liquid sodium heated to about 105 °C. When the device is turned on, it will whirl around and churn the electrically conducting fluid, which researchers hope will generate a self-sustaining electromagnetic field similar to Earth’s. The project could shed light on how rotational forces in Earth's core deflect flows of electrically conducting liquid into a configu...

US Hispanics Were At Greater Risk For H1N1 Flu During 2009 Pandemic

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Social determinants, including the lack of paid sick leave, contributed to higher risk of exposure to the influenza A (H1N1) virus among Hispanics in the U.S. during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to a study led by Sandra Crouse Quinn, professor of family science and senior associate director of the Maryland Center for Health Equity at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. The findings are published online ahead of print in the American Journal of Public Health,... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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US believers favor international action on climate change, nuclear risk: UMD poll

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) A majority of Americans professing belief in God favor cooperative international efforts to combat climate change and the spread of nuclear weapons - branding it a moral obligation - says a new University of Maryland study. The nearly 1,500 Americans surveyed include large numbers of Catholics and Evangelicals. "This research challenges common political stereotypes that pigeonhole religious Americans as liberal or conservative on environmental and nuclear proliferation issues," says UMD co-author John Steinbruner. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

The role of focal myocardial inflammation in sudden unexpected cardiac and noncardiac deaths—A clinicopathological study

International Journal of Legal Medicine — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:03:17 +0100

Abstract The significance of focal myocardial inflammation in sudden death is poorly understood, because there are few studies addressing its frequency in noncardiac and cardiac arrhythmic deaths. We prospectively assessed inflammation in 384 consecutive hearts seen in consultation from a single medical examiners' office. Hearts were received intact and sectioned uniformly in five areas and reviewed histologically by a single pathologist. Intrinsic inflammatory diseases of the myocardium were excluded. Infiltrates were classified as lymphocytic without necrosis, lymphocytic with myocyte necrosis, and eosinophilic. Histologic findings were retrospectively correlated with other cardiac findings, history of drug and medication use, postmortem toxicology, and cause of death. I...

Neurodegeneration as a consequence of failed mitochondrial maintenance

Acta Neuropathologica — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:01:37 +0100

Abstract Maintaining the functional integrity of mitochondria is pivotal for cellular survival. It appears that neuronal homeostasis depends on high-fidelity mitochondria, in particular. Consequently, mitochondrial dysfunction is a fundamental problem associated with a significant number of neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and various peripheral neuropathies, as well as the normal aging process. To ensure optimal mitochondrial function, diverse, evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial quality control mechanisms are in place, including the scavenging of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and degradation of damaged mitochondrial proteins, but also turnover...

HIV in Africa: Challenges and Directions for the Next Decade

Current Infectious Disease Reports — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:41:42 +0100

Abstract Africa carries a disproportionate burden of the global HIV endemic, accounting for two thirds of the global 33.3 million people living with HIV. While tremendous advances have been made in addressing the HIV epidemic in Africa, considerable challenges remain. Testing for HIV increased by 86% from 2007 to 2009 but more than 75% of people 15–49 years remain unaware of their HIV status. CD4 count at diagnosis tends to be low and linkage to care and treatment is suboptimal. The scale-up of antiretroviral therapy is ongoing but is hampered by the lack of diagnostic capability to monitor response to therapy and a substantial healthcare workforce shortage. Prevention strategies such as male circumcision, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and antiretroviral therapy for pre...

Maryland study finds that US Hispanics were at greater risk for H1N1 flu during 2009 pandemic

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Social determinants, including the lack of paid sick leave, contributed to higher risk of exposure to the influenza A (H1N1) virus among Hispanics in the US during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to a study led by Sandra Crouse Quinn with the Maryland Center for Health Equity at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Quinn et al. urge the creation of federal sick leave policies to prevent health disparities during subsequent flu outbreaks. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Israeli Public Supports Middle East Nuclear Free Zone: UMD Poll

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Nearly two-thirds of Israeli Jews, 64 percent, favor establishing a nuclear free zone in the Middle East - even when it was spelled out that this would mean both Israel and Iran would have to forego nuclear weapons - finds a new University of Maryland poll. The research is a joint project of the Anwar Sadat Chair at the University of Maryland and the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA). Pressure for such a nuclear free zone has grown with the potential for Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, possibly leading to a regional arms race, the researchers say... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Lack of association between common single nucleotide polymorphisms in the TERT-CLPTM1L locus and breast cancer in women of African ancestry

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:29:06 +0100

Abstract As one of the most common cancers worldwide, breast cancer places an extraordinary burden on the populations of African ancestry. Common SNPs in the TERT-CLPTM1L locus have been reported to be associated with several types of cancer, including breast cancer. We sought to investigate whether the previously reported common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TERT-CLPTM1L locus could also contribute to the breast cancer risk in women of African ancestry. We genotyped eleven SNPs in 2,892 women of African descent but were unable to detect any significant association between TERT-CLPTM1L SNPs and their predispositions for breast cancer risk. Given the differences in linkage disequilibrium patterns across populations, our findings suggest that larger independent...

Salads you can trust -- safe farm practices get major test

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Ever since 2006, when a deadly batch of spinach killed three and sickened hundreds, US farm producers and others have argued over how best to protect consumers and assure the safety of leafy greens and tomatoes. Now, a major, national initiative, led by University of Maryland researchers, may help settle the fight, increase safety and deliver more trustworthy salad fixings. It promises to be one of the most comprehensive studies of fresh produce safety. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Israeli public supports middle east nuclear free zone: UMD poll

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Nearly two-thirds of Israeli Jews, 64 percent, favor establishing a nuclear free zone in the Middle East - even when it's spelled out that this would mean both Israel and Iran would have to forego nuclear weapons - says a new University of Maryland poll. The research is a joint project of the Sadat Chair at UMD and the Program on International Policy Attitudes. Pressure for such a nuclear free zone has grown with the potential for Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, the researchers say. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

New Study Involving The School Of Pharmacy Raises Concerns Over Foster Children On Antipsychotic Meds

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The authors of a unique and revealing study of children in foster care receiving antipsychotic medication are calling for better oversight of such medications for youths. A main finding from this research is that children in foster care were just as likely to be prescribed more than one psychotropic medication as were disabled youths, says Susan dosReis, PhD, an associate professor in the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research and the lead author... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Recruiting adolescent girls into a follow-up study: Benefits of using a social networking website

Contemporary Clinical Trials — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Loss to follow-up was minimized by contacting potential participants through Facebook. Social networking websites are a promising method to recruit adolescents. (Source: Contemporary Clinical Trials)

Researchers Develop Method For Advancing Development Of Antipsychotic Drugs

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers interested in the treatment of schizophrenia and dementia have clarified how antipsychotic drugs that target a complex of two receptors at the surface of cells in the brain work, according to a new study published online Nov. 23 in the journal Cell. The multidisciplinary team included researchers from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, together with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Barriers to Mental Health Care for Urban, Lower Income Families Referred from Pediatric Primary Care

Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:42:50 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of parent-reported barriers on the likelihood of attending a mental health evaluation after referral from pediatric primary care. As the part of procedure, parents of children (N = 55) referred for mental health from primary care completed a 23-item questionnaire (three subscales; Cronbach alpha > 0.7): intangible barriers, tangible barriers, and child functioning. Logistic regression examined associations between responses and referral follow-through. The results showed that the high levels of intangible barriers were associated with decreased odds of attending the mental health evaluation (OR = 0.20, 0.06–0.83; P = 0.03). Therefore, we conclude that parental concerns...

UMD poll: Egyptians see military putting brake on revolution 2:1

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) A new University of Maryland public opinion poll finds Egyptians harboring serious doubts about their military's commitment to the revolution that ousted the Mubarak regime last spring. "There appears to be a major shift in Egyptian public attitudes toward military authorities, and this will likely have important consequences for politics there in coming weeks," says University of Maryland Sadat Professor and researcher Shibley Telhami, who conducts polling in Egypt and other Arab nations each year. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Racial differences in presentation, referral and treatment patterns and survival in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia: A single-institution experience

Leukemia Research — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Background: Disease presentation and outcomes differ by race in a number of malignancies, but data in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are limited.Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of pretreatment characteristics, referral and treatment patterns, and outcomes in 548 AML patients evaluated at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, a tertiary care referral center in Baltimore, MD, from 2000 through 2009. Cases were analyzed for time from diagnosis to referral, age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, antecedent hematologic disorder, cytotoxic or radiation therapy for prior malignancy, karyotype, fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 (FLT3) mutations, intensive chemotherapy, clinical trial participation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantatio...

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Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Diseases

Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:58:12 +0100

Abstract Autoimmune diseases are characterized by tissue damage and loss of function due to an immune response that is directed against specific organs. This review is focused on the role of impaired intestinal barrier function on autoimmune pathogenesis. Together with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and the neuroendocrine network, the intestinal epithelial barrier, with its intercellular tight junctions, controls the equilibrium between tolerance and immunity to non-self antigens. Zonulin is the only physiologic modulator of intercellular tight junctions described so far that is involved in trafficking of macromolecules and, therefore, in tolerance/immune response balance. When the zonulin pathway is deregulated in genetically susceptible individuals, autoimmune disord...

The genetic/metabolic transformation concept of carcinogenesis

Cancer and Metastasis Reviews — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:57:00 +0100

Abstract The carcinogenesis process is poorly understood and subject to varying concepts and views. A rejuvenated interest has arisen regarding the role of altered cellular intermediary metabolism in the development and progression of cancer. As a result, differing views of the implications of altered metabolism in the development of cancer exist. None of the concepts recognize and incorporate the principles of cell metabolism to cell activity, which are applicable to all cells including the carcinogenesis process. This presentation incorporates a novel concept of carcinogenesis that includes a “genetic/metabolic” transformation that encompasses these principles of cell metabolism to cell activity. The intermediary metabolism transformation is essential to provide the ...

Head-to-head comparisons of quality of life instruments for young adult survivors of childhood cancer

Supportive Care in Cancer — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:56:22 +0100

Conclusions Neither instrument is superior. Item response theory is suggested to select high-quality items from different instruments to improve HRQOL measure for YASCC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00520-011-1315-5Authors I-Chan Huang, Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USAGwendolyn P. Quinn, Department of Oncologic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, USAKevin Krull, Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USAKatie Z. Eddleton, Institute for Child Health Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USADevin C. Murphy, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center...

Using three legacy measures to develop a health-related quality of life tool for young adult survivors of childhood cancer

Quality of Life Research — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:53:38 +0100

Conclusions Psychometric properties of the established tool for measuring HRQOL of YASCC were not satisfied. Future studies need to refine this tool, especially adding more challenging items. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-14DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-0055-9Authors I-Chan Huang, Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USAGwendolyn P. Quinn, Department of Oncologic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USAPey-Shan Wen, Institute for Child Health Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100177, Gainesville, FL 32610, USAElizabeth A. Shenkman, Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USADennis A....

Ethical Considerations in Clinical Research

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:49:59 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Healthcare Policy and OutcomesPages 1-2DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2143-zAuthors Emily C. Bellavance, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MarylandH. R. Alexander, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland Journal Annals of Surgical OncologyOnline ISSN 1534-4681Print ISSN 1068-9265 (Source: Annals of Surgical Oncology)

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University of Maryland, Baltimore President Jay Perman Takes On Childhood Obesity

RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Jay Perman is president of the University of Maryland at Baltimore. He’s also a pediatrician. Naturally, Perman tends to get animated when he talks about childhood obesity. His university hosted a summit on that topic this week, and Tuesday state and university leaders announced the creation of a new Institute for a Healthiest Maryland. The institute will “focus on obesity prevention, tobacco cessation and the reduction of hypertension and high cholesterol, and will link local health departments and community leaders to proven interventions in health and wellness,” according to a news release. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity)

Discrimination, Family Relationships, and Major Depression Among Asian Americans

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:57:04 +0100

This study examined whether discrimination and family dynamics are associated with depression in this population. Weighted logistic regressions using nationally representative data on Asian American adults (N = 2095) were used to examine associations between discrimination, negative interactions with relatives, family support, and 12-month major depressive disorder (MDD). Discrimination (odds ratio [OR] = 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.67, 2.71) and negative interactions with relatives (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.58) were positively associated with MDD. Family support was associated with lower MDD (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59, 0.89), and buffered lower levels of discrimination. Results suggest that discrimina...

New Study Shows Body Focus Affects How Both Men And Women See Others

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

For both men and women, wearing revealing attire causes them to be seen as more sensitive but less competent, says a new study by University of Maryland psychologist Kurt Gray and colleagues from Yale and Northeastern University. In an article just published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, the researchers write that it would be absurd to think people's mental capacities fundamentally change when they remove clothing. "In six studies, however, we show that taking off a sweater - or otherwise revealing flesh - can significantly change the way a mind is perceived... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Rising air pollution worsens drought, flooding, UMD-led study shows

EurekAlert! - Biology — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Increases in air pollution and other particulate matter in the atmosphere can strongly affect cloud development in ways that reduce precipitation in dry regions or seasons, while increasing rain, snowfall and the intensity of severe storms in wet regions or seasons, says a new study by a University of Maryland-led team of researchers. The research provides the first clear evidence of how aerosols can affect weather and climate, with important economic and water resource implications. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Ghrelin Agonist TZP-101/Ulimorelin Accelerates Gastrointestinal Recovery Independently of Opioid Use and Surgery Type: Covariate Analysis of Phase 2 Data

World Journal of Surgery — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:45:46 +0100

Conclusions Two factors, type of surgery and total opioid use, independently modified times to recovery of GI motility following partial large bowel resection surgery. Acceleration of recovery of GI motility by ulimorelin was independent of these factors. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00268-011-1335-9Authors Grant Bochicchio, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USAPhilippa Charlton, Tranzyme, Inc, 4819 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 400, Durham North Carolina, 27703 USAJohn C. Pezzullo, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USAGordana Kosutic, Tranzyme, Inc, 4819 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 400, Durham North Carolina, 27703 USAAnthony Senagore, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA Journal World ...

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Women see naked men differently too

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) For both men and women, wearing revealing attire causes them to be seen as more sensitive but less competent, says a new study by University of Maryland psychologist Kurt Gray and colleagues from Yale and Northeastern University. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

University of Maryland, Baltimore to Host Summit on Childhood Obesity

RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

[University of Maryland, Baltimore president Jay] Perman wants UMB to be a national center for battling childhood obesity, and he will formally kick off that effort by hosting a summit on the issue Tuesday and Wednesday… "There's no vaccine and it's not just medical," he says. "It's community health, it's access to parks and nutritious food. This is not a problem that's going to be solved with one big report." (Source: RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity)

Facial Recognition Software Success Rates for the Identification of 3D Surface Reconstructed Facial Images: Implications for Patient Privacy and Security

Journal of Digital Imaging — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:47:27 +0100

This study assessed the ability of a computer application to match research subjects’ 3D facial reconstructions with conventional photographs of their face. In a prospective study, 29 subjects underwent CT scans of the head and had frontal digital photographs of their face taken. Facial reconstructions of each CT dataset were generated on a 3D workstation. In phase 1, photographs of the 29 subjects undergoing CT scans were added to a digital directory and tested for recognition using facial recognition software. In phases 2–4, additional photographs were added in groups of 50 to increase the pool of possible matches and the test for recognition was repeated. As an internal control, photographs of all subjects were tested for recognition against an identical photograph. Of 3D reco...

Russia ready to launch probe to Martian moon

Physics Today News Picks — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Nature: After some 15 years, Russia is attempting to reignite its space program with the 8 November launch of its Phobos-Grunt spacecraft. The mission is two-pronged: to carry out scientific measurements on the surface of Phobos, the larger of Mars's two moons, and to bring back to Earth a few hundred grams of pebbles and dust collected from the moon’s surface. From the soil sample, scientists hope they will also find particles of material from Mars that they think could have been ejected from the planet’s surface by asteroid bombardment some 4 billion years ago. They also hope to use the material to determine Phobos’s age and origin and to see whether it contains any organic matter. "The major outcome is that Russia might establish its credibility again," said Roald...

Pulling at a Tangled Web

AIBS BioScience Editorials — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:15:35 +0100

It will strike most readers of BioScience as obvious that the political debate surrounding environmental issues is often sadly misinformed about pertinent facts. On one hand, the disconnect might result from an innocent inability of the participants to learn about relevant information because it is hidden in technical journals or is undiscovered. On the other hand, particularly among nonprofessionals, it might be the result of deliberate misdirection by parties with an interest in the debate's outcome. In either case, a wider appreciation of the available facts seems likely to be beneficial. Biologists and others concerned about the environment will therefore heartily endorse the National Science Foundation's funding of the new National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC). The c...

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Palmar radiocarpal dislocation: a case report and novel treatment method

Hand — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:54:43 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportsPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s11552-011-9374-0Authors Abimbola Obafemi, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USARaymond Pensy, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA Journal HandOnline ISSN 1558-9455Print ISSN 1558-9447 (Source: Hand)

Quantifying mental workloads of surgeons performing natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures

Surgical Endoscopy — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:58:12 +0100

Conclusion The results showed that performance of a task using the NOTES platform increases surgeons’ mental workload. Because difficulty performing NOTES is associated with flexible endoscopy, the authors expect that new operating systems providing stable platforms will help to decrease the mental workload of surgeons and enhance eye–hand coordination in performing NOTES. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00464-011-2038-xAuthors Bin Zheng, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, 3602-910 W. 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E3, USAErwin Rieder, Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Oregon Clinic, Portland, OR, USAMaria A. Cassera, Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Oregon Clinic, Portland, OR, USADa...

Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury causes intercalated cell-specific disruption of occludin in the collecting duct

Histochemistry and Cell Biology — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:58:59 +0100

Abstract Renal ischemic events open tight junctions and disrupt epithelial polarity. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury on expression and distribution of the tight junction proteins, occludin and ZO-1, in the rat kidney. IR injury was induced by clamping both renal pedicles for 30 min and animals were killed at 6 h after the reperfusion. IR injury decreased blood bicarbonate level, but did not persistently alter pH, Na+, K+, or Cl−. In control kidneys, occludin immunoreactivity was intense in the tight junctions in the thick ascending limb, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct, moderate in the thin limbs of the loop of Henle, and was not detected in the proximal tubule, glomerulus, and blood vessel...

The New 'Clean'

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Aiming to take "clean" to a whole new level, researchers at the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Maryland at College Park have teamed up to study how low-temperature plasmas can deactivate potentially dangerous biomolecules left behind by conventional sterilization methods. Using low-temperature plasmas is a promising technique for sterilization and deactivation of surgical instruments and medical devices, but the researchers say its effectiveness isn't fully understood yet. The researchers presented their findings at the AVS Symposium, held Oct. 30 - Nov... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Maryland climate plan passes key tests in UMD studies

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Maryland's plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020 meets a series of benchmark tests set by state lawmakers, concludes a new pair of studies by the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Environmental Research. The findings should help clear the way for adoption of a full Climate Action Plan next year, the researchers say. "We can allay critics' fears," says UMD researcher Matthias Ruth. "To the contrary, we see net benefits." (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Using an Electronic Health Record in an Introduction to Professional Nursing course

Clinical Simulation in Nursing — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Proficiency of electronic health records in both the inpatient and outpatient settings will be essential to rapid changes within the health care industry. The use of an academic electronic health record mimics the real-world environment with virtual patient data. The University of Maryland, School of Nursing has instituted a web-based educational health record and automated medication dispense system to use with the Introduction to Professional Nursing course clinical skills lab component. Currently, undergraduate nursing students are using this software for documentation after skills validations in the clinical simulation lab. The purpose of this exercise is to integrate computer technology that translates to real-life clinical practice. The students are given a variety of skills such as ...

The Child With Short Stature

Clinical Endocrinology News — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

DR. COUNTS is an associate professor of pediatrics and chief of the division of pediatric endocrinology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She works on multiple research studies with funding to the University of Maryland, Baltimore, from Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Novo Nordisk. (Source: Clinical Endocrinology News)

Community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia and Endocarditis among HIV Patients: a cohort study

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: CA-MRSA was significantly associated with an increased incidence of endocarditis in this cohort of HIV patients with MRSA bacteremia. In populations such as these, in which the prevalence of intravenous drug use and probability of endocarditis are both high, efforts must be made for early detection, which may improve treatment outcomes. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Influence of Radiology Report Format on Reading Time and Comprehension

Journal of Digital Imaging — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:48:52 +0100

This study examined whether radiology report format influences reading time and comprehension of information. Three reports were reformatted to conventional free text, structured text organized by organ system, and hierarchical structured text organized by clinical significance. Five attending radiologists, five radiology residents, five internal medicine attendings, and five internal medicine residents read the reports and answered a series of questions about them. Reading was timed and participants reported reading preferences. For reading time, there was no significant effect for format, but there was for attending versus resident, and radiology versus internal medicine. For percent correct scores, there was no significant effect for report format or for attending versus resident,...

Acute elevations of brain kynurenic acid impair cognitive flexibility: normalization by the alpha7 positive modulator galantamine

Psychopharmacology — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:56:52 +0100

Conclusions These results validate the use of animals with elevated brain kynurenic acid levels in SZ research and support studies of drugs that normalize brain kynurenic acid levels and/or positively modulate α7nAChRs as pro-cognitive treatments for SZ. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original InvestigationPages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00213-011-2539-2Authors Kathleen S. Alexander, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, USAHui-Qiu Wu, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USARobert Schwarcz, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21...

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Dual modification of Alzheimer’s disease PHF-tau protein by lysine methylation and ubiquitylation: a mass spectrometry approach

Acta Neuropathologica — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:49:03 +0100

Abstract In sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), neurofibrillary lesion formation is preceded by extensive post-translational modification of the microtubule associated protein tau. To identify the modification signature associated with tau lesion formation at single amino acid resolution, immunopurified paired helical filaments were isolated from AD brain and subjected to nanoflow liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The resulting spectra identified monomethylation of lysine residues as a new tau modification. The methyl-lysine was distributed among seven residues located in the projection and microtubule binding repeat regions of tau protein, with one site, K254, being a substrate for a competing lysine modification, ubiquitylation. To characterize ...

Scientists Discover New Pathway Critical To Heart Arrhythmia

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 +0100

University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers have uncovered a previously unknown molecular pathway that is critical to understanding cardiac arrhythmia and other heart muscle problems. Understanding the basic science of heart and muscle function could open the door to new treatments. The study, published recently in the journal Cell, examined the electrical impulses that coordinate contraction in heart and skeletal muscles, controlling heart rate, for example... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

FDA invests $2 million in partnerships through Centers of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation

Food and Drug Administration — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:57:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the award of $2 million to support two regional Centers of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI). The centers, which will be located at the University of Maryland and Georgetown University, will focus on strengthening science and training needed to modernize and improve the ways drugs and medical devices are reviewed and evaluated, a major focus within the FDA. (Source: Food and Drug Administration)

UM School of Medicine finds new pathway critical to heart arrhythmia

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland Medical Center) University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers have uncovered a previously unknown molecular pathway that is critical to understanding cardiac arrhythmia and other heart muscle problems. Understanding the basic science of heart and muscle function could open the door to new treatments. The study in Cell examined the electrical impulses that coordinate contraction in heart and skeletal muscles, controlling heart rate. These impulses are key to health conditions like paralysis, muscle relaxation and heart arrhythmia. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Re: Normalization of Proliferation and Tight Junction Formation in Bladder Epithelial Cells From Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome by d-Proline and d-Pipecolic Acid Derivatives of Antiproliferative Factor

The Journal of Urology — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

S. Keay, P. Kaczmarek, C. O. Zhang, K. Koch, Z. Szekely, J. J. Barchi, Jr. and C. Michejda Departments of Medicine and Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Veterans Administration Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, and Structural Biophysics Laboratory and Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland (Source: The Journal of Urology)

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Re: Native Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma in Transplant Recipients

The Journal of Urology — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

K. D. Suson, J. E. Sausville, A. Sener and M. W. Phelan Division of Urology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Foreclosure crisis may lead to health concerns nationwide

L.A. Times - Health — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:09:00 +0100

Study led by University of Maryland researcher finds depression, diet and medication problems among homeowners in defaultThe devastation of losing a house to foreclosure can lead to depression and a host of other conditions, according to the authors of new study who warn of a looming national health crisis. They are advocating for a new unified approach by financial and mental health advisers to provide homeowners with aid. (Source: L.A. Times - Health)

UMB cancer center wins city planners' approval

bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:12:41 +0100

A $245 million high-tech cancer treatment center and hotel planned for the University of Maryland, Baltimore BioPark on the city’s West Side received final approved from the Baltimore Planning Commission Thursday. Construction on the 195,000-square-foot Maryland Proton Treatment Center is expected to begin in first quarter 2012, said John Mishalanie, a vice president with Advanced Particle Therapy, the San Diego company that is developing the facility. The building is scheduled to open in first quarter 2014 and is expected to treat about 2,000 patients a year, Mishalanie said... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines)

Emerging public health crisis linked to mortgage default and foreclosure

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland Medical Center) Researchers warn of a looming health crisis in the wake of rising mortgage delinquencies and home foreclosures. The study is the first long-term survey of the impact the current housing crisis is having on older Americans. The study focused on adults over 50 and found high rates of depression among those behind in their mortgage payments and a higher likelihood of making unhealthy financial tradeoffs regarding food and needed prescription medications. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Pharmacy Model For Medication Therapy Management Improves Patient Health, Instructs Students

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Student pharmacist Samuel Akinyele noticed on her chart that Maria's blood sugar was too high. He suspected that her insulin dose was too low. Akinyele reviewed her medications with volunteer pharmacist Faramarz Zarfeshan, RPh, who brought a physician and other team members into a huddle. Akinyele and other University of Maryland School of Pharmacy students at the Mercy Health Clinic in Gaithersburg, Md. are learning firsthand about the remarkable effectiveness of medication therapy management (MTM), a hot new pharmacy trend in interprofessional heath care... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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FDA Grant to Boost Excipient Database Development

PharmaManufacturing.com — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:00:55 +0100

At the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, scientists are working on a database that will help drug makers decide which of 1,000 or so materials are safest and most effective to deliver specific medications. (Source: PharmaManufacturing.com)

Robotic medication delivery enhances patient care

Drug Topics - Top News — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

What appear to be garden-variety medication carts travel the halls (alone) at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, delivering medications to 3 critical-care units. (Source: Drug Topics - Top News)

Prostaglandin E2 EP receptors as therapeutic targets in breast cancer

Cancer and Metastasis Reviews — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:40:08 +0100

Abstract Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that mediate many physiological effects. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is the most abundant prostanoid in the human body, and synthesis of PGE2 is driven by cyclooxygenase enzymes including COX-2. Both elevated expression of COX-2 and increased PGE2 levels have been associated with many cancers including breast cancer. PGE2 exerts its effect by binding to the E series of prostaglandin receptors (EP) which are G protein-coupled receptors. Four EP receptor subtypes exist, EP1–4, and each is coupled to different intracellular signaling pathways. As downstream effectors of the COX-2 pathway, EP receptors have been shown to play a role in breast and other malignancies and in cancer metastasis. The role of each EP receptor in malignant behavi...

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Success of Maryland Innovation Partnership earns recognition

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) An innovative Maryland technology transfer program -- the first of its kind in the US to partner federal labs and public universities -- has received an award for its success. The Maryland Proof of Concept Alliance, which teams the Army Research Laboratory and University System of Maryland, was recognized as a national model by a group representing federal labs. To speed innovations to market, the University of Maryland-led Alliance gives targeted grants for demonstration projects. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

New Jobs on MLANET 10/05/2011

Medical Library Association News — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:51:58 +0100

Newest postings (October 5, 2011): Associate Provost and Director, Health Sciences Library, Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Division, Chicago, Illinois; Non-Tenure Track Faculty Position Vacancy, Outreach Liaison, Services Division, Health Sciences and Human Services Library, University of Maryland; Clinical Planning Consultant (Library Systems), Qatar. The MLANET job page is updated weekly on Wednesdays. Jobs appear chronologically, with the most recent postings at the top of the page, and then alphabetically by state. (Source: Medical Library Association News)

Tumor-Associated Antigen Expressing Listeria monocytogenes Induces Effective Primary and Memory T-Cell Responses Against Hepatic Colorectal Cancer Metastases

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:45:15 +0100

Conclusions This L. monocytogenes strain generated a highly effective antitumor T-cell response, providing a basis for the development of this vaccine platform in patients with liver metastases. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Translational Research and BiomarkersPages 1-11DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2037-0Authors Kelly Olino, Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USASatoshi Wada, Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USABarish H. Edil, Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USAXiaoyu Pan, Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, D...

Prevalence and correlates of symptoms and uncertainty in illness among head and neck cancer patients receiving definitive radiation with or without chemotherapy

Supportive Care in Cancer — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:38:23 +0100

Conclusion This study is the first to identify uncertainty in illness among oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer patients and found it to be higher than for other cancer populations. Findings provide insights into the uncertainty of living through treatment and provide information for patient care. The consistent pattern of high levels of uncertainty during and 1 month after treatment suggests that the uncertainty related to acute illness could extend into chronic uncertainty which may interfere with a cancer survivor's adaption to daily living after treatment. Further research is needed to investigate other variables that influence uncertainty during treatment as well as 1 to 6 months after treatment for head and neck cancer. Content Type Journal ArticleCa...

Me, myself, and I: the rise of the modern self

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Moderated by Robert Hanna (University of Colorado), historians Gerald Izenberg (Washington University, St. Louis) and Jerrold Seigel (New York University), philosopher Raymond Martin (University of Maryland and Union College), and sociologist Norbert Wiley (University of Illinois) trace the evolution of the meaning of self from antiquity to the present and consider how the self described by classical philosophers matches the reality of what we know about ourselves from human experience and research. (Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences)

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Foreword

Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This issue of the Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America is devoted to lung cancer. The guest editor is Mark J. Krasna, MD. Dr Krasna has been the Medical Director of The Cancer Institute at St Joseph’s Towson and Physician Advisor, Cancer Care for the Catholic Health Initiatives. Previously, he had been Director of the General Thoracic Surgery Department at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Chief of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the Baltimore Veteran’s Administration Medical Center. Dr Krasna’s career has spanned the gamut of the treatment and prevention of lung cancer. His career has centered around clinical trials and the multidisciplinary care team approach of the cancer patient. As principal investigator of the National Cancer Institute Community Can...

Free flaps for pediatric facial reconstruction: the Maryland experience

International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Introduction: The advances of microsurgical techniques have made the use of free tissue transfer in the pediatric population a viable reconstructive option. Objective: The purpose of this abstract is to review the use of free tissue microvascular transfer in the pediatric population with head and neck defects at the University of Maryland, Department of OMS. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)

Odontogenic myxomas: a review of 12 cases

International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Purpose: Odontogenic myxoma is a rare tumor with few large series with variable surgical management reported in the literature. This is case series of 12 odontogenic myxomas treated at the University of Maryland with surgical resection with 1cm bony margins as the primary management. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)

Penile Fracture Seems More Likely During Sex Under Stressful Situations

The Journal of Sexual Medicine — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Penile fracture patients appear to be a unique population of men who are having sexual intercourse under stressful situations. Extramarital affairs and out‐of‐the‐ordinary locations appear common in patients sustaining this relatively rare injury. Kramer AC. Penile fracture seems more likely during sex under stressful situations. J Sex Med **;**:**–**. (Source: The Journal of Sexual Medicine)

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Literacy-Sensitive Self-Management Intervention for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:54:18 +0100

Conclusions A literacy-sensitive self-management intervention can lead to improvements in inhaler technique, with benefits for patients with both low and higher health literacy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1867-6Authors Katie Kiser, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USADaniel Jonas, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USAZachary Warner, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USAKelli Scanlon, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USABetsy Bryant Shilliday, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USADarren A. D...

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Bilateral symmetrical cortical osteolytic lesions in two patients with Gaucher disease

Skeletal Radiology — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:48:58 +0100

We present two adolescent patients with type 3 GD who developed bilateral symmetrical cortical osteolytic lesions. The lesions in both cases demonstrate predominant cortical scalloping with fairly indolent growth. Neither patient manifests some of the more common bony manifestations of GD—bone crises or osteonecrosis. These atypical and unique skeletal findings in two unrelated probands with type 3 GD further expand the extent of phenotypic variation encountered in this single gene disorder. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00256-011-1260-xAuthors Ian M Oppenheim, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 35, Room 1A213, 35 Convent Drive, MSC 3708, Bethesda, MD 20892-3708, USA...

The effect of a novel frizzled 8-related antiproliferative factor on in vitro carcinoma and melanoma cell proliferation and invasion

Investigational New Drugs — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:42:50 +0100

Summary Antiproliferative factor (APF) is a potent frizzled protein 8-related sialoglycopeptide inhibitor of bladder epithelial cell proliferation that mediates its activity by binding to cytoskeletal associated protein 4 in the cell membrane. Synthetic asialylated APF (as-APF) (Galβ1-3GalNAcα-O-TVPAAVVVA) was previously shown to inhibit both normal bladder epithelial as well as T24 bladder carcinoma cell proliferation and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) production at low nanomolar concentrations, and an L-pipecolic acid derivative (Galβ1-3GalNAcα-O-TV-pipecolic acid-AAVVVA) was also shown to inhibit normal bladder epithelial cell proliferation. To better determine their spectrum of activity, we measured the effects of these APF deriv...

Regional SCCM Chapters to Hold Conferences

SCCM RSS News — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:30:43 +0100

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) many regional chapters provide educational sessions and networking opportunities. The Baltimore Chapter will host its fall meeting on September 21, 2011, at the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center Auditorium, located in the University of Maryland Medical Center. This meeting will provide updates on hot topics in critical care, including, telemedicine, anticoagulation and propensity score matching. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. and admission is free. The Carolinas/Virginias Chapter of SCCM will hold its biannual satellite conference, Multidisciplinary Critical Care Updates, on November 5, 2011, in Richmond, Virginia, USA. Speakers will highlight numerous topics including neurocritical care, sedation and analgesia, resuscitation, acute ...

Acculturation and BMI Among Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese Adults

Journal of Community Health — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:51:25 +0100

The objective of this study is to examine the association between acculturation and BMI among Asian Americans using multiple measures of acculturation. Data of 847 Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese recruited for a health education program in Maryland during 2009 to 2010 were used. Acculturation was measured by the short version of Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA) and its individual components. Height and weight were measured by trained staff. Multiple linear regressions were used to estimate the association between acculturation and BMI. After adjusting for age, gender, education, income, marital status, and ethnicity, SL-ASIA (β = 0.71, SE = 0.28), having education in the US (β = 0.56, SE = 0.28), younger age of arriva...

Reviewer’s comment concerning “Direct repair of displaced anterior arch fracture of the atlas under microendoscopy: experience with seven patients” (DOI 10.1007/s00586-011-1965-5 R1 by Jian Wang)

European Spine Journal — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:50:18 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Reviewer's CommentPages 1-1DOI 10.1007/s00586-011-2022-0Authors Charles A. Sansur, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA Journal European Spine JournalOnline ISSN 1432-0932Print ISSN 0940-6719 (Source: European Spine Journal)

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Laughter Produces Endorphins, Study Finds

NYT Health — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:40:06 +0100

The simple muscular exertions involved in producing laughter trigger an increase in endorphins, the brain chemicals known for their feel-good effect. (Source: NYT Health)

Promising Results From Whole-Parasite Malaria Vaccine Clinical Trial

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 +0100

For the first time, a malaria vaccine that uses the entire malaria parasite has proven safe and shown promise to produce a strong immune response in a clinical trial, according to a new study co-authored by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development. The vaccine is unique in that it employs the entire malaria parasite, while most experimental malaria vaccines consist of just one or at most a few proteins found in the parasite. Researchers found that the vaccine - the first whole parasite vaccine to be approved by the U.S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Diffuse retinal injury from a non-penetrating TASER dart

Documenta Ophthalmologica — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:48:53 +0100

Abstract To describe a non-penetrating TASER gun injury resulting in a small exudative retinal detachment but significant visual acuity and retinal function loss as demonstrated by electroretinography (ERG). A 39-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a TASER barb embedded in his right lower lid. A complete clinical ophthalmologic examination and surgical extrication were performed, as well as radiologic imaging and Ganzfeld electroretinography. No scleral penetration was observed on surgical exploration. Retinal examination showed a peripheral exudative detachment. Subsequent follow-up revealed progressive resolution of the detachment and improvement in visual acuity. The ERG showed a 63–70% decrease in rod a- and b-waves, while isolated cone responses ...

First U.S. Patient Receives Specially Processed Donor Lungs at the University of Maryland

Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:12:58 +0100

(Source: Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide)

Newly Discovery Heart 'Mechanism' To Provide New Targets For Heart Therapies

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100

In tomorrow's issue of the journal Science, University of Maryland researchers describe for the first time a new mechanism by which heart cells communicate to regulate the heartbeat. The language used by the cells is a major surprise because it employs extremely reactive chemicals that are better known for the harm they do than for basic cell functions, say the researchers. The authors mechanically stretched individual heart cells in order to simulate the behavior of the heart when it fills with blood with each heartbeat... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Whole-parasite malaria vaccine shows promise in University of Maryland School of Medicine clinical trial

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland Medical Center) For the first time, a malaria vaccine that uses the entire parasite has proven safe and shown promise to produce a strong immune response in a clinical trial, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The vaccine is unique in that it employs the entire malaria parasite. Researchers found that the vaccine could provide unprecedented immune responses when administered intravenously. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Young Women With Early Breast Cancer Have Similar Survival With Breast Conservation, Mastectomy

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Young women with early-stage breast cancer have similar survival rates with a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, known as breast-conservation therapy, as with mastectomy, a new study conducted at the University of Maryland has found. The results of the analysis of nearly 15,000 patients listed in a nationwide cancer registry will be presented at the 2011 Breast Cancer Symposium to be held Sept. 8-11 in San Francisco. Steven J. Feigenberg, M.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

First U.S. Patient Receives Specially Processed Donor Lungs At The University Of Maryland

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Surgeons at the University of Maryland Medical Center have transplanted the first lungs treated in the United States with an experimental repair process before transplantation. The procedure is part of a five-center national clinical research trial to evaluate the efficacy of repairing, before transplant, lungs that might otherwise have been passed over as unsuitable for organ donation. The results of this study, if successful, could significantly expand the number of transplantable lungs available to patients awaiting transplants... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Among Three Asian American Sub-Groups: A Focus Group Inquiry

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:53:35 +0100

Abstract Prevalence of hepatitis B among Asian Americans is higher than for any other ethnic group in the United States. Since more than 50% of liver cancer is hepatitis B related, the burden of morbidity and mortality is extremely high among Asian Americans, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate interventions. We conducted focus groups (n = 8) with a total of 58 Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese immigrants in Maryland to explore knowledge, awareness and perceived barriers toward hepatitis B screening and vaccinations. Thematic analysis uncovered generally low levels of knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B risks, screening, and vaccination; inter-generational differences; and barriers to prevention. Some differences arose across ethnic groups, particul...

For safer food imports, Teach foreign lab workers US requirements

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Maryland) Amid ongoing concerns about Salmonella and other food-borne illnesses, a new facility will take a unique approach to safer imports bound for the United States: Give foreign technicians testing those foods intensive, hands-on lab training in US government methods, standards and technology. "The more we can get foreign food facilities to harmonize their procedures with US requirements, the greater the likelihood of safe imported foods reaching American consumers," says the University of Maryland's Janie Dubois. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Irritable Babies With Secure Attachment To Their Mothers Interact Better With Others

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Children with difficult temperaments are often the most affected by the quality of their relationships with their caregivers. New research suggests that highly irritable children who have secure attachments to their mothers are more likely to get along well with others than those who aren't securely attached. These findings, from researchers at the University of Maryland, are published in the journal Child Development. Researchers followed 84 infants from birth to age 2. About a third were characterized as highly irritable, while two-thirds were characterized as moderately irritable... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Laughter Has Positive Impact On Vascular Function

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Watching a funny movie or sitcom that produces laughter has a positive effect on vascular function and is opposite to that observed after watching a movie that causes mental stress according to research conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. "The idea to study positive emotions, such as laughter came about after studies had shown that mental stress caused blood vessels to constrict", says Dr. Michael Miller, Professor of Medicine and lead investigator... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Laughter Has A Positive Impact On Vascular Function

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0100

"The idea to study positive emotions, such as laughter came about after studies had shown that mental stress caused blood vessels to constrict", says Dr. Michael Miller, Professor of Medicine and lead investigator. Watching a funny movie or sitcom that produces laughter has a positive effect on vascular function and is opposite to that observed after watching a movie that causes mental stress according to research conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Expression of anti-HVEM single-chain antibody on tumor cells induces tumor-specific immunity with long-term memory

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:41:55 +0100

Abstract Genetic engineering of tumor cells to express immune-stimulatory molecules, including cytokines and co-stimulatory ligands, is a promising approach to generate highly efficient cancer vaccines. The co-signaling molecule, LIGHT, is particularly well suited for use in vaccine development as it delivers a potent co-stimulatory signal through the Herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) receptor on T cells and facilitates tumor-specific T cell immunity. However, because LIGHT binds two additional receptors, lymphotoxin β receptor and Decoy receptor 3, there are significant concerns that tumor-associated LIGHT results in both unexpected adverse events and interference with the ability of the vaccine to enhance antitumor immunity. In order to overcome these problems, we gene...

University of Maryland cancer center nabs $7.6M for research

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:06:46 +0100

The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center said Monday it received renewal of a top designation and nabbed $7.6 million in federal funding for research. The center won a five-year renewal of the National Cancer Institute’s designation for five years. The designation is in recognition of patient care and scientific excellence. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute also awarded the University of Maryland $7.6 million through mid-2016 to expand clinical and research. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

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Neurologic and Psychiatric Manifestations of Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

Psychiatric Quarterly — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:00:33 +0100

Abstract Celiac Disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disease dependent on gluten (a protein present in wheat, rye or barley) that occurs in about 1% of the population and is generally characterized by gastrointestinal complaints. More recently the understanding and knowledge of gluten sensitivity (GS), has emerged as an illness distinct from celiac disease with an estimated prevalence 6 times that of CD. Gluten sensitive people do not have villous atrophy or antibodies that are present in celiac disease, but rather they can test positive for antibodies to gliadin. Both CD and GS may present with a variety of neurologic and psychiatric co-morbidities, however, extraintestinal symptoms may be the prime presentation in those with GS. However, gluten sensitivity remains undertre...

UCLA memory fitness program improves memory abilities of oldest adults

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100

Who hasn't forgotten someone's name, misplaced their glasses or walked into a room and not remembered why they entered? Normal age-related memory decline affects more than half of all seniors, and those over 80 are the most vulnerable. A new UCLA study has found that a memory fitness program offered to older adults in their senior living communities helped improve their ability to recognize and recall words, benefitting their verbal learning and retention. Published in the September issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, the study also found that as a result of the program, seniors' self-perceived memory improved, an important factor in maintaining a positive outlook on life while aging. The average age of participants in the study was 81. "It was ...

Laughing at a funny film 'is good for your heart'... but stay away from horror and war flicks

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:19:40 +0100

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found watching a film, such as There's Something About Mary (pictured), that produces laughter has a positive effect on vascular function. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

New Study Benchmarks Current Critical Care Practices In The United States

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0100

New nationwide benchmarks representing current critical care practices for ICUs may highlight opportunities for care improvement. Researchers from the University of Massachusetts, the University of Maryland, and Maine Medical Center analyzed data representing 243,553 adult admissions from 271 ICUs and 188 US nonfederal hospitals during 2008. Using electronic medical records, they found that more than half of these critically ill adults were less than 65 years old and returned to their homes after discharge... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Study Shows Zinc Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 +0100

The essential element zinc has been shown in a new study to be a likely tumor suppressor in the commonist form of pancreatic cancer, University of Maryland scientists report in the current issue of the journal Cancer Biology & Therapy... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sex steroid hormone levels in breast adipose tissue and serum in postmenopausal women

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:51:39 +0100

Abstract Elevated levels of circulating estrogens and androgens are linked to higher breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women; however, little is known about hormone levels within the breast. Hormone concentrations within the breast may not be reflected in the blood and are likely important contributors to breast carcinogenesis. We used a previously validated method to measure levels of estrone, estradiol, androstenedione, and testosterone in adipose tissue removed as part of breast excisions performed for cancer in 100 postmenopausal women (69 ER/PR +/+ and 31 ER/PR −/−) participating in a breast cancer case–control study. We also measured the same steroid hormones, as well as estrone sulfate, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in serum from these patients...

Marijuana Exposure Opportunity and Initiation during College: Parent and Peer Influences

Prevention Science — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:48:30 +0100

Abstract Marijuana is the most prevalent illicit drug used by adolescents and young adults, yet marijuana initiation is rarely studied past adolescence. The present study sought to advance our understanding of parent and peer influences on marijuana exposure opportunity and incident use during college. A sample of 1,253 students was assessed annually for 4 years starting with the summer prior to college entry. More than one-third (38%wt) of students had already used marijuana at least once prior to college entry; another 25%wt initiated use after starting college. Of the 360 students who did not use marijuana prior to college, 74% were offered marijuana during college; of these individuals, 54% initiated marijuana use. Both low levels of parental monitoring during the last ...

Epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in very young children in a Romanian pediatric setting

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:44:59 +0100

This study provides prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders in young Romanian children, clinical characteristic of the children and families that can guide developing system of care. Cultural differences in parental report of emotional and behavioral problems warrant further examination. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ContributionPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00787-011-0214-0Authors Mary Margaret Gleason, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1440 Canal Street TB 52, New Orleans, LA 70112, USAAndrei Zamfirescu, Victor Gomoiu Children’s Hospital, Bucharest, RomaniaHelen L. Egger, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USACharles A. Nelson, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USANathan A. Fox, University of Maryland, ...

Socioeconomic Factors, Urological Epidemiology and Practice Patterns

The Journal of Urology — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

A. C. Kramer and A. Schweber Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (Source: The Journal of Urology)

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Informational and decisional empowerment in online health support communities: initial psychometric validation of the Cyber Info-Decisional Empowerment Scale (CIDES) and preliminary data from administration of the scale

Supportive Care in Cancer — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 15:52:34 +0100

Conclusions The ability of this composite measure to provide information about the extent to which computer-connected patients view digital peer support as an empowerment tool makes it a valuable addition to the literature in health informatics, supportive cancer care, and health quality of life research. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short CommunicationPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00520-011-1249-yAuthors Gül Seçkin, Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA Journal Supportive Care in CancerOnline ISSN 1433-7339Print ISSN 0941-4355 (Source: Supportive Care in Cancer)

Membrane attack by complement: the assembly and biology of terminal complement complexes

Immunologic Research — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:50:01 +0100

Abstract Complement system activation plays an important role in both innate and acquired immunity. Activation of the complement and the subsequent formation of C5b-9 channels (the membrane attack complex) on the cell membranes lead to cell death. However, when the number of channels assembled on the surface of nucleated cells is limited, sublytic C5b-9 can induce cell cycle progression by activating signal transduction pathways and transcription factors and inhibiting apoptosis. This induction by C5b-9 is dependent upon the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/FOXO1 and ERK1 pathways in a Gi protein-dependent manner. C5b-9 induces sequential activation of CDK4 and CDK2, enabling the G1/S-phase transition and cellular proliferation. In addition, it induces R...

Reliability and responsiveness of the Urgency Severity and Life Impact Questionnaire (USIQ)

International Urogynecology Journal — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:49:16 +0100

Conclusions This valid, reliable measure can be used in clinical practice and research trials to measure urgency severity. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00192-011-1531-zAuthors Lior Lowenstein, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Faculty of Medicine, 8 Ha’aliya Street, Haifa, 31096 IsraelLeslie Rickey, Division of Urology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USAKimberly Kenton, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USAMary P. FitzGerald, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USALinda Brubaker, Division of Female Pelvic Medic...

Short Takes

Public Policy Reports — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:49:11 +0100

Funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is helping to launch a national center to synthesize social and environmental information. The center, which will be housed at the University of Maryland, is the first NSF synthesis center to integrate the natural and social sciences. The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center will facilitate research on issues like water availability, sustainable food production, and the interaction between human activities and ecosystems health. The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) has released its draft science strategy. The draft report outlines the scientific questions that NEON will address, key aspects of the network's design, and needed infrastructure. To read the strategy or submit comments by 15 September 2011, visit http://w...

Poultry Farms That Go Organic Have Significantly Fewer Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Antibiotic use in conventional animal food production in the United States has created public health concern because it has been shown to contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can potentially spread to humans. A new study, led by Dr. Amy R. Sapkota of the University of Maryland School of Public Health, provides data demonstrating that poultry farms that have transitioned from conventional to organic practices and ceased using antibiotics have significantly lower levels of drug-resistant enterococci bacteria... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Numerical study of nanofluid infusion in deformable tissues for hyperthermia cancer treatments

Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 05:45:12 +0100

In this study, a poroelastic model is developed to investigate fluid transport and flow-induced tissue deformation in a tumor during an infusion process. A surface tracking technique is employed to predict the shape of nanofluid spreading after injection. The model is then used to simulate the formation of backflow and the change of tissue porosity due to the deformation. Specifically, we quantify the influence of the backflow on the spreading shape of the nanofluid and its dependence on injection parameters such as infusion rates, needle diameters, and tumor elastic properties. It is found that backflow is an important factor causing an irregular distribution of the nanofluid injected in a tumor. A higher infusion rate, larger needle diameter, and lower elastic modulus yield a longe...

Prevalence and Predictors of Drug Use Among Adolescents with HIV Infection Acquired Perinatally or Later in Life

AIDS and Behavior — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 05:45:12 +0100

We examined the prevalence and predictors of drug use among a diverse group of adolescents living with HIV infection acquired perinatally or through sexual risk behaviors (“behaviorally acquired”). Adolescents ages 13–21 (n = 166) who were receiving care at one of five pediatric/adolescent HIV clinics in three US cities (Baltimore MD, Washington DC, and New York NY) and were enrolled in a behavioral intervention were interviewed at baseline regarding lifetime drug use experiences and depression symptoms. A majority of study participants reported using alcohol (57.2%) and marijuana (51.2%); 48.8% reported tobacco/cigarette use. The mean age of onset of use for each type of drug was 14 years or younger. A larger proportion of participants with behaviorally acquired ...

Heart disease risk greater for women smokers

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:58:20 +0100

Huge US study published in the Lancet finds risk of heart disease linked to smoking is 25% higher for womenSmoking is more likely to give women heart disease than men, a study has found.Toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke may have a more potent effect on women due to biological differences, scientists believe.US researchers analysed pooled data on around 4 million individuals from 86 studies. After adjusting for other risk factors, they found the increased risk of heart disease linked to smoking was 25% higher for women.The longer a woman smoked, the greater her heart disease risk was compared with that of a man who had smoked for the same length of time. A woman's extra risk increased by 2% for every additional year she had been smoking.The findings are published on Thursday in an online edi...

Regulation of quinolinic acid neosynthesis in mouse, rat and human brain by iron and iron chelators in vitro

Journal of Neural Transmission — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:54:09 +0100

Abstract Several lines of evidence indicate that excess iron may play an etiologically significant role in neurodegenerative disorders. This idea is supported, for example, by experimental studies in animals demonstrating significant neuroprotection by iron chelation. Here, we tested whether this effect might be related to a functional link between iron and the endogenous excitotoxin quinolinic acid (QUIN), a presumed pathogen in several neurological disorders. In particular, the present in vitro study was designed to examine the effects of Fe2+, a known co-factor of oxygenases, on the activity of QUIN’s immediate biosynthetic enzyme, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid dioxygenase (3HAO), in the brain. In crude tissue homogenate, addition of Fe2+ (2–40 μM) stimulated 3HAO ...