Fall 2012

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• September 6, 2012 - M. Kristen Peek, Ph.D

  "Overview of the PMCH Graduate Student Seminar Course"

• September 13, 2012 - M. Kristen Peek, Ph.D

  "Professionalism"

• September 20, 2012 - PMCH GSO Meeting

  “Global health initiative”
  
  Screening of the documentary RX for Survival - A Global Health Challenge with food from Pho 20
  

• September 27, 2012 - Kristy Murray

  "Clinical Investigation of West Nile Virus: 10 Years of Research on the Houston Cohort"
  
  Kristy Murray, DVM, PhD
  Associate Professor of Pediatrics
  Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine
  National School of Tropical Medicine
  Baylor College of Medicine
  
  Abstract: West Nile virus (WNV) is an important emerging pathogen resulting in acute and sometimes fatal disease in humans. In animal models, WNV can persistently infect the kidneys. Dr. Murray identified that a similar persistent infection was occurring in humans when a discovered larger than expected numbers of patients were experiencing progressive kidney disease in her cohort of 196 WNV-positive patients. Her preliminary research found associations between persistence of symptoms, sustained detectable IgM antibody response, and altered cytokine expressions, which strengthened her hypothesis that a subset of patients can develop persistent infection. Recently, she reported 5 out of 25 (20%) cohort participants’ urine contained WNV viral RNA, which is the first ever documented evidence of persistent renal WNV infection in humans. Further testing of the cohort has now detected a total of 47/131 (36%) patients shedding WNV RNA in the urine; 47% of these patients have proteinuria, and 40% have evidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In those shedding viral RNA, 68% showed a decrease in glomerular filtration rates over a one year period. Even more concerning is that 27% of these patients shedding RNA in the urine had mild or asymptomatic disease at the time of infection. This presentation will detail her clinical investigation of these patients and outline the next steps for understanding persistent renal and central nervous system infection with West Nile virus in humans.
  

• October 4, 2012 - Jacques Baillargeon, Ph.D

  “Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Older Men Receiving Testosterone Replacement Therapy”

   Jacques Baillargeon, PhD
  Associate Professor, PMCH
  Director of Research, CMC
  Fellow, SCOA
  UTMB Health
  
  Circulating testosterone levels decline with advancing age and are lower in older men than in younger men. Over the past decade, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prescriptions have increased dramatically. This trend has been driven in part by reported TRT-associated improvements in: lean muscle mass, sexual function, cognitive ability, bone density, insulin sensitivity, and energy level. The development of new drugs and improved methods of delivery—including skin patches, dermal gels, and buccal and sublingual systems —have further contributed to increased TRT use. Despite the widespread promotion and use of testosterone replacement therapy, the toxicities for this treatment have not been delineated. In recent years, TRT-associated cardiovascular adverse events has emerged as an area of particular concern and debate. Studies examining the influence of TRT on cardiovascular events, however, have yielded conflicting results. We therefore conducted a population-based cohort study of older men to examine the influence of intravenous treatment with testosterone on subsequent hospitalization for cardiovascular disease.

• October 11, 2012 - Mark Vanlandingham

  “Katrina-related Health Impacts on Vietnamese New Orleanians: A Longitudinal Study of Community Vulnerability and Resilience”

  Mark VanLandingham, PhD
  Thomas C. Keller Professor
  Department of Global Health Systems and Development
  Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

  On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina stuck the coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, resulting in over 1000 deaths in Louisiana alone. Media attention has focused on the devastation of New Orleans lower ninth ward, which suffered heavy damage near one of the major levee breaks. But little attention has focused on the substantial population of recent Vietnamese immigrants living in metropolitan New Orleans, many of whom live in this same heavily-damaged ninth ward. The levee failures occurring just after Hurricane Katrina’s landfall flooded the major Vietnamese enclave in eastern New Orleans, resulting in the evacuation and dislocation of this entire immigrant community. The lecture will describe a longstanding research project focusing on this immigrant community, and will focus on changes in health status for a working-age cohort that was assessed just before the Katrina catastrophe and at several points thereafter.
  

• October 18, 2012 - Alyssa Shell

  “Neighborhood ethnic composition and mental health among Mexican-descent residents of Texas City, Texas”

  Alyssa Shell
  MD/PhD Doctoral Candidate
  Population Health Sciences, PMCH
  UTMB Health

  Neighborhood racial and ethnic composition is an important factor for health, though the specific pattern of this association varies by race/ethnicity. For example, a large body of research has demonstrated that African American residential segregation is associated with several negative social and health outcomes for African American residents. In contrast, emerging research suggests that living in a Hispanic neighborhood is associated with improved health outcomes for Hispanic residents, particularly for the foreign-born. However, the beneficial effects of Hispanic neighborhood composition have been demonstrated in only a few data sets, and mechanisms of this protective effect have yet to be explored. This presentation describes dissertation work designed to address these gaps in the literature in two ways. First, we use quantitative methods to estimate the Hispanic composition—depressive symptoms relationship in the Texas City Stress and Health Study and to test three possible mechanisms—social support, perceived discrimination and perceived stress. Second, we use qualitative methods to explore the differences between living in a high and low Hispanic composition neighborhood for Mexican-descent residents of Texas City. This presentation focuses on results from the quantitative phase of the project, and describes the design for the future qualitative phase of research.

• October 25, 2012 - Jared Dickinson, PhD

  "Understanding the Role of Exercise and Nutrition as Therapies to Improve Muscle Function"
  

  Jared Dickinson, Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor
  Department of Nutrition and Metabolism
  UTMB Health

  Aging is characterized by a gradual loss of skeletal muscle size and function, termed sarcopenia, which promotes disability and dependence in older adults. Our laboratory’s goals are to understand the cellular mechanisms that contribute to this loss of muscle size and function, and to identify and develop therapeutic strategies to improve muscle health in older adults and clinical populations. Changes in muscle size and function are ultimately governed by an interplay between the rates of muscle protein synthesis and protein breakdown, and our lab and others have identified that nutrition and exercise represent two powerful strategies to increase muscle protein synthesis. This lecture will focus on understanding how advancing age impacts the response of skeletal muscle to exercise and nutrition, and how these powerful stimuli can be used as a therapy for improving muscle health in older adults.

• November 1, 2012 - Jacqueline Hirth, PhD, MPH

  "Change in frequency of Pap tests and HPV testing among insured females (12-20 years old) between 2008 and 2010"

  Jacqueline Hirth, PhD, MPH
  Assistant Professor
  Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health
  Obstetrics and Gynecology

  Introduction: In December 2009, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommended that Pap smears and HPV testing should not be used among females < 21 years old because detection of cervical dysplasia and human papilloma virus (HPV) is more harmful than beneficial in these groups. This study examined reductions in Pap smears and HPV testing in young women after ACOG guidelines were issued. Methods: A retrospective study using insurance claims data examined the proportion of females between 12-20 years who received a well woman exam and who also received a Pap smear or HPV test between 2008 and 2010. The frequencies of cervical dysplasia and diagnosis of high risk HPV were also examined. Results: A total of 178,899 privately insured females were identified who met the age criteria and had at least one well woman exam between 2008 and 2010. The proportion of teenagers that received a pap smear dropped from over 70% in December of 2009 to 57% in December of 2010. Although having a previous abnormal Pap test was associated with having a Pap test in 2010, receiving a previous Pap test was more strongly associated. Conclusions: Decreases in Pap testing among young women occurred after ACOG guidelines were issued. However, previous abnormal Pap results did not appear to be the main motivator for inappropriate Pap testing in 2010. Further research needs to be conducted to examine compliance since similar guidelines were adopted by the US Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society in 2012.

• November 8, 2012 - Field Epidemiology in Peru Course Presentation

  TBA

• November 15, 2012 - Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR

  Rehabilitation Outcomes using Large Datasets: An Example and Resources
  

  Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR
  Russell Shearn Moody Distinguished Chair
  Professor & Director, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences
  Associate Director, Sealy Center on Aging

  This presentation will discuss the need and opportunities to use large datasets in exploring rehabilitation outcomes. An example using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Data will be presented using hospital readmission for persons receiving inpatient medical rehabilitation as the outcome. Resources available through the UTMB Center for Rehabilitation Research Using Large Datasets will be described.

• November 22, 2012 - NO SEMINAR for THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

  NO SEMINAR

• November 29, 2012 - Diana M. Bensyl, PhD, MA, CAPT, USPHS

  Do Virginity Pledges Delay Initiation of Sexual Intercourse? Results from the Youth Asset Survey

  Diana M. Bensyl, PhD, MA, CAPT, USPHS
  EIS Field Supervisor
  Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Field Assignments Branch, CDC

  The Youth Asset Survey (YAS) is a five-wave longitudinal study of youth-parent pairs to investigate youth risk behaviors and assets. The first wave of data was collected during 2003–2004. YAS data from year five (2008–2009), the most recent wave of data, was used for this analysis. Wave 5 included 858 respondents with pledge status and initiation of sexual activity data (mean age = 18 years; 50% female; 38% white non-Hispanic). Any type of virginity pledge was reported by 331 youth (27% of males compared to 50% of females; p < 0.001). Of those 331 youth, 156 (47%) reported they had had sex, and for the 527 youth who had not made a pledge, 428 (81%) reported they had had sex, a significant difference (p < 0.0001) indicating that taking a pledge was associated with fewer youth reporting initiating sexual intercourse. Virginity pledges were associated with decreased reporting of sexual intercourse. Differences were observed by both gender and pledge type. Understanding the role of virginity pledges in adolescent pregnancy prevention will help ensure sex education programs include best practices.

• December 6, 2012 - Environmental Health and Toxicology Students Project Presentation

  "Environmental Health and Toxicology Students Project Presentation"

• December 13, 2012 - GSO Meeting

  TBA

Spring 2012

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• January 12, 2012 - Labros Sidossis, PhD.

  "Did Prokroustes* have the secret to cure obesity?"
  
  Labros Sidossis, PhD
  Professor, Department of Internal Medicine-Geriatrics
  Director of Obesity Research - Sealy Center on Aging,
  Shriners Hospital for Children and Institute for Translational Sciences
  University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
  
  Professor of Nutrition and Metabolism
  Harokopio University Athens, Greece
  
  The obesity epidemic in the western world results in significant health risks and financial burden. Efforts to decrease and maintain, in the long-term an "ideal" weight have been met with very limited success. To better respond to the challenge to prevent or decrease the prevalence of obesity, we need to understand the mechanisms that regulate our weight. We need to recognize the roles of genetics and the environment and identify the modifiable factors and the extent to which these factors can be modified. It is now time to refocus our efforts to the health and overall well-being of our patients and not to make everyone fit an arbitrary standard!
  
  * In Greek mythology Procrustes or "the stretcher", was the cruel owner of a small estate in Attica. He kept a house by the side of the road where he offered hospitality to passing strangers, who were invited in for a pleasant meal and a night's rest in his very special bed. Procrustes described it as having the unique property that its length exactly matched whomsoever lay down upon it. What Procrustes didn't volunteer was the method by which this "one-size-fits-all" was achieved, namely as soon as the guest lay down Procrustes went to work upon him, stretching him on the rack if he was too short for the bed and chopping off his legs if he was too long. Theseus turned the tables on Procrustes, fatally adjusting him to fit his own bed. In general, when something is Procrustean, different sizes are fitted to an arbitrary standard.
  
  

• January 19, 2012 - Cancelled

  The seminar that was scheduled for January 19, 2012 has been cancelled.

• January 26, 2012 – GSO Meeting - Potluck & a Film

  The GSO will provide pizza - bring a side dish or dessert and join us for a entertaining film with a Public Health theme.

  Everyone is welcome to attend.

  

• February 2 – Casey Boyd, M.D.

  "Hospital and Medical Care Days in Pancreatic Cancer"
  
  Casey A. Boyd, M.D.
  General Surgery Research Fellow
  UTMB Health
  
  This study is the first to quantify hospital/medical care days in patients with pancreatic cancer by stage, treatment, and survival. Patients who have surgery for their pancreatic cancer are in the hospital less often at the end of life, while patients who receive chemotherapy for metastatic disease receive medical therapy more often their entire life. This information can help patients with pancreatic cancer make treatment decisions to maximize their quantity and quality of life.

• February 9, 2012 - Elizabeth Lyons, Ph.D., M.P.H.

  "Video games and energy balance: psychological and physiological effects of motion-controlled gaming"

  Elizabeth Lyons, Ph.D., M.P.H.
  Assistant Professor
  Institute for Translational Sciences
  UTMB Health
  
  Play of motion-controlled video games may be a way to increase physical activity and/or decrease sedentary behavior, but games are not universally active or enjoyable. Motion-controlled games may differ from traditional games on important attributes, which may affect frequency and intensity of play. These attributes may also influence snack food and caloric beverage intake, which have been found to be higher during TV watching and traditional video gaming than in no-distraction conditions. Infrequency of play and increases in snacking may be unexpected outcomes that could hinder future game-based exercise interventions; there is a need for better understanding of how and why individuals play motion-controlled games and how play affects their energy balance-related behaviors. This talk will describe two large cross-sectional studies of motion-controlled video game play in young adults. First, the effects of four different types of video games on energy expenditure and enjoyment were compared: shooter, band simulation, dance simulation, and fitness. Second, the effects of watching TV, playing traditional video games, or playing motion-controlled video games for one hour on snacking behavior and energy expenditure were compared. Finally, results of these studies will be discussed in the context of future research and game development needs.

• February 16, 2012 - James Graham, PhD

  "Inpatient Rehabilitation Volume-Outcomes Relationship in Stroke, Hip Fracture, and Joint Replacement"

  James Graham, PhD
  Assistant Professor
  Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, UTMB Health

  The relationship between higher patient volume and better health outcomes is well established in acute care settings. Mortality (survival) is the most common outcome in these studies. There is little to no information on the volume-outcomes relationship in post acute care settings such as inpatient rehabilitation. In addition, mortality is not an appropriate gauge of rehabilitation success. During this presentation we will discuss the variability in facility volumes within the three most common inpatient rehabilitation impairment categories (stroke, hip fracture, and joint replacement) and the association between these volumes and rehabilitation-relevant outcomes: functional status at discharge and discharge setting.

• February 23, 2012 - Ophra Leyser-Whalen, PhD

  "A tale of two studies: Failure rates and decision-making for low-income women getting outpatient sterilization"
  
  Ophra Leyser-Whalen, PhD
  NRSA Postdoctoral Research Fellow
  Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health
  Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  UTMB Health
  

  
  This talk presents findings from two studies on the new Essure, outpatient sterilization procedure that was performed at UTMB’s Regional Maternal Child Health clinic on predominantly Hispanic, low-income women. The first study finds an association between sexually transmitted infections and tubal-related failure rates through a quantitative analysis of electronic medical records. The second study is a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews, and finds that relationship factors, wanting a better future, and past reproductive histories were major components in why women decided on the Essure sterilization.

• March 1, 2012 – Mark Fossett

  "Texas Census Research Data Center: Opportunities for Research Using Non-Public Data"

  Mark Fossett
  Director, Texas Census Research Data Center
  Texas A&M University
  
  Abstract: Texas A&M University, in collaboration with consortium partners Baylor University, the Texas A&M University System, and the University of Texas at Austin, has won US Census Bureau approval and National Science Foundation funding to establish the Texas Census Research Data Center (TXCRDC) in College Station, Texas. When the facility opens in fall 2012, it will be one of only about a dozen CRDCs in the nation and the only CRDC in a region extending 800 miles in any direction from Texas A&M University.
  
  The TXCRDC will give researchers a compelling resource for advanced research in the social, behavioral, economic, and health sciences. CRDCs provide a secure computing facility where qualified researchers with approved projects can undertake statistical analyses using non-public microdata files maintained by federal statistical agencies including the US Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The richness of the data available in CRDCs makes them increasingly important for basic science and policy research in fields such as economics, business, planning, demography, and health/health disparities.
  
  The presentation and discussion will review the opportunities that CRDCs offer researchers, the nature and realities of conducting research in this setting, and tips and strategies for winning approval to undertake projects in CRDCs. In addition, the presentation will provide an overview of the TXCRDC, the resources it will offer researchers, and the options for gaining access via institutional consortium membership or project-specific arrangements for researchers not at consortium member institutions.
  
  For additional details about the TXCRDC see the website at http://txcrdc.tamu.edu
  
  

• March 8, 2012 - Jaime Benarroch-Gampel, MD

  "Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Cholecystectomy During Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity"

  Jaime Benarroch-Gampel, MD
  General Surgery Resident, UTMB Health
  

  There is controversy about the management of the gallbladder in patients who have bariatric surgery. Some surgeons advocate to remove the gallbladder during bariatric surgery to avoid future problems. Others preferred to leave the gallbladder intact as the majority of the patients will not develop gallbladder symptoms after surgery. This study evaluates which strategy has more benefits in relation to it cost.

• March 15, 2012 – Cancelled

  Seminar cancelled
  

• March 22, 2012 – Helen Lane, PhD, RD

  "Nutrition Research: Basis for Station Requirements"
  

  Helen W Lane¹, Barbara Rice², Scott M Smith¹

   ¹NASA/Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX. ²Enterprise Advisory Services, Houston TX

  
  PRESENTED BY: Helen W. Lane, PhD, RD
  Chief Scientist for Biological Sciences and Applications
  Space Life Sciences at NASA/Johnson Space Center
  
  

  Prior to the Shuttle program, all understanding of nutritional needs in space came from Skylab metabolic research. Because Shuttle flights were short, most less than 14 days, research focused on major nutritional issues: energy (calories), protein and amino acids, water and electrotypes, with some more general physiology studies that related to iron and calcium. Using stable isotope tracer studies and diet intake records, we found that astronauts typically did not consume adequate calories to meet energy expenditure. To monitor energy and nutrient intake status and provide feedback to the flight surgeon and the astronauts, the International Space Station (ISS) program implemented a weekly food frequency questionnaire and routine body mass measurements. Other Shuttle investigations found that protein turnover was higher during flight, suggesting there was increased protein degradation and probably concurrent increase in protein synthesis, and this occurred even in cases of adequate protein and caloric intake. These results may partially explain some of the loss of leg muscle mass. Fluid and electrolyte flight studies demonstrated that water intake, like energy intake, was lower than required. However, sodium intakes were elevated during flight and likely related to other concerns such as calcium turnover and other health-related issues. NASA is making efforts to have tasty foods with much lower salt levels to reduce sodium intake and to promote fluid intake on orbit. Red blood cell studies conducted on the Shuttle found decreased erythrogenesis and increased serum ferritin levels. Given that the diet is high in iron there may be iron storage health concerns, especially related to the role of iron in oxidative damage, complicated by the stress and radiation. The Shuttle nutrition research lead to new monitoring and research on ISS. These data will be valuable for future NASA and commercial crewed missions.

• March 29, 2012 – Larissa Avilés-Santa, MD, MPH, FACP, FACE - TO BE HELD IN 6.100 REBECCA SEALY HOSPITAL

  Joint Seminar Presented by
  Preventive Medicine & Community Health and the
  WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center on Aging and Health

  "The Hispanic Community Health Study-Study of Latinos:an update and opportunities for collaborations"

  
  

  Larissa Avilés-Santa, MD, MPH, FACP, FACE
  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH
  

  
  The Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is an ongoing population multi-center epidemiologic study to examine the prevalence and development of disease, and risk factors in Hispanics/Latinos. The study includes approximately 16,000 persons of Hispanic/Latino origin from San Diego, Chicago, the Bronx area of New York, and Miami.
  

• April 5, 2012 – Rebecca Galloway, PT, GCS

  "Inpatient Rehabilitation Outcomes for Patients with Debility"

  Rebecca Galloway, PT, GCS
  PhD candidate, Rehabilitation Sciences
  Assistant Professor & DCE, Physical Therapy
  UTMB Health

  Patients who experience debility, also known as deconditioning, during acute hospitalization may require inpatient rehabilitation to improve functional independence before returning to community living. Limited evidence exists to understand the longitudinal increase in debility cases and to guide rehabilitation recommendations. This presentation will focus on inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) outcome trends for the years 2000 to 2010 for > 250,000 admissions from the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR®). Key health outcomes include functional independence at admission and discharge, length of stay, and discharge setting. These trends will be discussed in the context of health care policy changes including prospective payment system and requirements to qualify as an IRF for Medicare reimbursement. Further aims utilizing data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are to 1) examine trends in post-IRF acute care readmission and mortality and 2) identify risk factors associated with discharge from IRF to acute care for patients with debility.

• April 12, 2012 – Ijaz Ahmed

  "Inpatient Rehabilitation Outcomes Following Lower Extremity Fracture in Patients with Pneumonia"

  Ijaz Ahmed, MD, RRT
  Assistant Professor
  School of Health Professions, UTMB Health

  Pneumonia is a common comorbidity among hospitalized older adults. It can impede functional restoration and increase medical costs. Accordingly, reimbursement rates through the prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation are slightly higher for patients within a given impairment category who also have pneumonia. Using secondary data analysis of medical records obtained from 919 facilities that subscribed to the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR) in 2005-2007 we assessed the associations between pneumonia comorbidity and rehabilitation outcomes in persons receiving inpatient rehabilitation services following lower extremity fracture.
  

• April 19, 2012 - Ashley Purgason

  "Molecular and Histopathological Changes in Mouse Intestinal Tissue Following Whole-Body Exposure to Varying Radiation Qualities"
  
  Ashley Purgason
  Graduate Student, Population Health Sciences
  UTMB Health

  Abstract: Crew members face potential consequences following exposure to the space radiation environment including acute radiation syndrome, damage to radio-sensitive tissues, and cancer. Epithelial cells of the intestine are known to display extreme sensitivity to the effects of ionizing radiation. In addition, the men and women of the astronaut corps are typically middle aged and may harbor precancerous lesions of the colon which can potentially be exacerbated by radiation exposure. The space radiation environment is ample with protons and is also characterized by the presence of other charged particles. Knowledge is limited, however, regarding their effects on mammalian systems. Currently, evidence shows that radiation of different qualities may act incongruously on particular tissues, too. Our research attempts to discern the effects on the gastrointestinal tract of mouse models following exposure to differing radiation qualities at varying doses and time points. This presentation will focus on the elucidation of such effects and model systems from the perspective of both the current literature and work in progress.

Fall 2011

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• September 8, 2011 - M. Kristen Peek, Ph.D

  Overview of the PMCH Graduate Student Seminar Course

• September 15, 2011 - Alaina Brinley

  The Effect of Modeled Microgravity and  Radiation on Epstein-Barr Virus in a Modled Spaceflight Environment
  
  Alaina Brinley
  Graduate Student, Population Health Sciences Program
  
  Abstract: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with mononucleosis, post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), and several types of malignancy including Burkitt’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. EBV is known to reactivate during spaceflight, increasing to levels ten times those observed pre- and post-flight. Though acute and chronic stress have been shown to increase reactivation of EBV, viral load (viral copy number) increases 10-fold during spaceflight as compared to pre and post-flight levels. Thus it is likely other factors such as radiation and microgravity influence reactivation in space. This research is currently using a model spaceflight system to evaluate the effects of radiation and microgravity on EBV-infected B-lymphocytes. A rotating wall vessel (bioreactor) has been utilized to model microgravity while gamma radiation has been employed to model the spaceflight radiation environment. This presentation will focus on the characterization of this model spaceflight system.
  
  

• September 22, 2011 - PMCH GSO Sponsored Event

  Using Library Resources
  
  Julie M. Trumble
  Head of Reference and Educational Services
  Moody Medical Library
  University of Texas Medical Branch
  
  For more information contact Lawrence Panas at lapanas@utmb.edu

• September 29, 2011 - Drs. Croisant, Ansari & Elferink

  Gulf Coast Health Alliance: health Risks related to the Macondo Spill (GC-HARMS)
  
  Sharon Petronella Croisant, Ph.D.
  Cornelis Elferink, Ph.D.
  Shakeel Ansari, Ph.D.

  
  The “Gulf Coast Health Alliance: health Risks related to the Macondo Spill (GC-HARMS)” consortium involves the University of Texas Medical Branch, the University of Pennsylvania, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Louisiana State University, and Gulf Coast communities impacted by the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster. The coalition of community partners are represented by the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (Baton Rouge, LA), the Center for Environmental and Economic Justice (Biloxi, MS), the Mississippi Coalition for Vietnamese-American Fisherfolk and Families (Gulfport, MS), and the United Houma Nation (Houma, LA). The mission of the GC-HARMS consortium is to explore the health impacts and community resiliency related to the DWH disaster by fostering collaborative interactions amongst multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional basic and clinical investigators—buttressed by active participation of various community partners—to pursue both fundamental and translational research pertinent to the effects of the oil spill on human health. The overall theme of the GC-HARMS consortium is to understand and communicate the human health risks of exposure to potentially hazardous food-borne petrogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). Our goals developed in collaboration with our community partners are to, 1) assess PAH contamination of Gulf seafood consumed by and sold by the subsistence fishing communities, 2) determine the toxicity of petrogenic PAH, 3) evaluate exposure and health outcomes in the human population, and 4) translate and disseminate findings to our community stakeholders for development of appropriate outreach and education activities.

• October 6, 2011 - Alexandra (Lexi) B. Nolen, PhD, MPH

  Using a Health in All Policies Strategy to Support Pro-health Recovery Planning
  
  Alexandra (Lexi) B. Nolen, PhD, MPH
  Director of the Center to Eliminate Health Disparities
  Director ad interim of the Global Health Education Program, UTMB

  Abstract: For the last two years, the Center to Eliminate Health Disparities at UTMB has been working to strengthen pro-health planning in local hurricane recovery efforts. This outline will present CEHD’s strategy and priority issues to target for planning, as well as more and less successful aspects of the project.

• October 13, 2011 - David Gundermann, MS

  Role of reactive hyperemia in blood flow restriction exercise
  
  David Gundermann, MS
  Graduate Student
  Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, UTMB
  
  Abstract: Blood flow restriction (BFR) to a contracting muscle during low-intensity resistance exercise training increases muscle strength and size in humans. However, the mechanism(s) responsible for how BFR exercise causes muscle hypertrophy are not known. We have previously shown that mTORC1 signaling and muscle protein synthesis (MPS) are stimulated following an acute bout of BFR exercise. As nutrients are also capable of activating mTORC1 signaling and MPS, we hypothesized that reactive hyperemia (i.e., enhanced nutritive blood flow) following BFR exercise would be an important mechanism for BFR exercise-induced muscle growth. We simulated the reactive hyperemia response from BFR exercise by infusing sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a pharmacological vasodilator, into the femoral artery after non-restricted low-intensity leg extension exercise. In a randomized cross-over design, the acute post-exercise mTORC1 signaling and MPS response, from six young men (24 ± 2y), was measured in the SNP group and compared to BFR exercise (BFR group). Post-exercise mixed muscle fractional synthetic rate from the vastus lateralis increased by 49% in the BFR group (P<0.05) but was unaffected in the SNP group (P>0.05). BFR exercise increased the phosphorylation of mTOR, S6K1, rpS6, ERK1/2 and Mnk1 (P<0.05). There were no changes in mTORC1 signaling in the SNP group (P>0.05). We conclude that reactive hyperemia is not a primary mechanism for BFR exercise-induced mTORC1 signaling and MPS. It remains to be determined whether mTORC1 signaling is required for the increase in MPS and muscle growth with BFR exercise.

• October 20, 2011 - Matthew Dacso, M.D, MSc

  HIV and Non-Communicable Diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities in an Era of Epidemiologic Transition
  
  Matthew Dacso, M.D, M.Sc.
  Director, Center for Global Health Education
  Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
  University of Texas Medical Branch
  
  Premal Patel, M.D, M.Sc, AAHIVM
  Associate Director, Center for Global Health Education
  Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
  University of Texas Medical Branch
  
  Summary: More than 50 years after the end of the colonial era, the sub-Saharan Africa region remains in various stages of social, economic, and political transition. Health and disease patterns are also evolving in intricate ways. For many countries, advances in economic development have been offset by the devastating consequences of the HIV pandemic. Meanwhile, the health care infrastructure designed around "vertical" HIV, TB, and malaria programs is finding itself ill-equipped to handle the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that occur as Africans, previously dying at a young age, now live longer. As the recent United Nations summit demonstrates, the international aid community recognizes the importance of addressing NCDs. But will international aid fall into the same patterns of disease-specific top-down program funding or can existing "horizontal" health care infrastructure be leveraged to optimize care of these complex individuals? Several approaches to managing NCDs will be addressed, including both population and individual-level perspectives.
  
  

• October 27, 2011 - Jeff R. Temple, Ph.D.

  Substance Abuse: Research Issues in Prevention and Treatment
  
  Jeff R. Temple, Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor
  Research Director, Pelvic Health
  Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
  UTMB Health
  
  Substance abuse has consistently been shown to precede, cause, correlate with, exacerbate, or be a consequence of nearly every major mental health, physical health, behavioral, and psychosocial problem. From an economic standpoint, substance abuse is estimated to cost US society about $160 billion per year in health care costs alone. It is clear that it is in the best interest of society to prevent the onset, recurrence, and escalation of this problem. Using data collected from multiple samples (high school students, national study of adolescents, community women, and male batterers), Dr. Temple will discuss the research issues in the prevention and treatment of substance use.
  
  
  

• November 3, 2011 - Kristin Sheffield, Ph.D.

  End-of-life care in Medicare beneficiaries dying with pancreatic cancer
  
  Kristin M. Sheffield, Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor
  Department of Surgery, General Surgery, UTMB

  Hospice care improves management of symptoms and quality of life for patients at the end of life. Although hospice utilization has increased over the past two decades, many eligible patients are not enrolled in hospice or are enrolled late. Moreover, there is evidence that aggressiveness of end-of-life cancer treatment has increased, including receipt of chemotherapy, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admissions in the last month of life. This presentation will review relevant research on healthcare utilization, aggressiveness of care, and hospice enrollment in cancer patients at the end of life. Dr. Sheffield will also discuss results from a recently published study evaluating hospice enrollment and aggressiveness of care in pancreatic cancer patients at the end of life. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results and linked Medicare claims data were used to examine hospice use, early enrollment in hospice, and several indicators of aggressiveness of care in the last month of life in 22,995 older patients who died of pancreatic cancer from 1992-2006.

• November 10, 2011 - Charu Sawhney, D.O., M.P.H.

  On the Battleground of Access to Care - The story of HOPE Clinic: a community health center in Houston, Texas
  
  Charu Sawhney, D.O, M.P.H.
  General Internist – Preventive Medicine Clinician
  HOPE Clinic
  
  The tragedy of this country’s failing health care system is acutely felt in clinics and emergency rooms everyday. 17 percent of Americans, 25% of Texans and 33% of Harris County residents are uninsured. Access to basic primary health care and preventive services is challenging and access to specialty care is extremely difficult if not impossible to achieve. How do individuals without medical coverage get the care they need? The patchwork of healthcare services and community health programs for the uninsured will be discussed through the lens of a non-profit community health center located in Southwest Houston. Upcoming changes to healthcare delivery on a local level through The Affordable Care Act will also be addressed.

• November 17, 2011 - Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR

  UTMB Center for Rehabilitation Research using Large Datasets
  
  Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, PhD, OTR
  Russell Shearn Moody Distinguished Chair in Neurological Rehabilitation
  Professor & Director, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences
  Director, Center for Rehabilitation Sciences
  Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Research Education (SHP)

  
  Objectives:

  • Describe the purpose and mission of the NIH 24 Infrastructure Network Program.
  • Identify the services available through the R24 Infrastructure Networks/Centers focused on outcome research.
  • Learn how to apply for pilot funding, training opportunities, and visiting scientist positions.
  • Understand basic issues and challenges in conducting outcome research using secondary analysis of large datasets

• December 1, 2011 - PMCH GSO Meeting

  Happy Holidays!
  The PMCH GSO is hosting a Holiday Cookie Exchange, Lunch and a Movie

  December 1, 2011
  12:00 – 1:00 pm
  1.104 Ewing Hall
  
  The GSO will provide pizza, drinks and a seasonal movie.
  No need to RSVP - Please come, cookies or not!
  
  If you would like to participate in the cookie exchange:
  Bring two dozen of your favorite homemade cookies (and the recipe to share).
  

  For those who are not bakers, bring a package of your favorite cookies to share.
  
  For more information please contact PMCH GSO Chair Lawrence Panas

• December 8, 2011 - Environmental Health and Toxicology Students Project Presentation

  Reports from the Environmental Health and Toxicology Class

  
  

  Presented by Group 1:
  David Darrow
  Phillip Hoverstadt
  Amol Karmarkar
  Melissa Y. Morales
  
  

  "Persistent Drought in Texas: Management Plan to Reduce Future Adverse Health Outcomes"

  • Characterization of Drought in the Context of a Changing Climate
  • Texas Water Distribution and Policy
  • Adverse Health Outcomes
  • Risk Assessment of Drought in Texas
  • Development of the Management Plan

   

  Presented by Group 2:

  Becky Blue
  

  Ashley Grant
  James Cushman
  James Pattarini
  
  "Anthrax: An Assessment of Risk and Preparedness"
  

  
  The possibility of anthrax to be used as a biological weapon is a reality, as terrorist organizations continue to find means of circumventing law enforcement. The event of a bioterrorist attack is likely to impact poorly prepared emergency response services, with delayed recognition and response from the local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. It is difficult to evaluate approaches to preparation; while it is possible to propose examinations for emergency personnel and health providers, and table-top drills for potential responders, the reality of the matter is that examinations and drills are difficult to require and enforce, and may not target those who will actually be called upon in the event of a bioterrorist attack. Oversight agencies should continue to encourage the education, laboratory capabilities, government cooperation, public education, and other preparation plans. Unfortunately, the reality is that, as a nation, the United States will likely continue to be unprepared for the event of a disaster involving widespread release of biological weapons. It is only by a continual reexamination of this particular environmental health threat, from the point of recognition to the management of contagion, that we can hope to respond and neutralize such a threat when it occurs. This lecture will examine the current state of readiness, opportunities for improved response, and limitations to management of anthrax as a bioterrorist weapon.
  
  

Spring 2011

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• January 6, 2011 - Patricia van den Berg, PhD, MPH

  "Body image, disordered eating, weight, and health behaviors "
  
  Patricia van den Berg, PhD, MPH
  Assistant Professor
  Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
  
  Abstract: The prevalence of obesity among adolescents and young adults is high, and its public health effects are well-known. Unhealthy weight control attitudes and behaviors, such as body dissatisfaction and extreme dieting, are also highly prevalent among this population, and some researchers have posited that they may constitute risk factors for excessive weight gain. I will review the research linking overweight/obesity and unhealthy weight control behaviors and attitudes, and discuss an ongoing study of unhealthy weight control behaviors and obesity among Hispanic and non-Hispanic adolescent girls.
  

• January 13, 2011 - Anil Menon, MD, MS

  “The initial emergency response in the days after the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti.”
  
  Anil Menon, MD, MS
  UTMB/NASA Aerospace Medicine Resident
  
  Abstract: A team of 4 emergency physicians and nurses under the auspices of International Medical Corps responded to the devastating January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The team started travelling immediately and arrived 4 days after the earthquake, handling diverse responsibilities related to acute medical and surgical care of hundreds of critically injured and ill victims. While much of the knowledge and skills necessary in the early days of the response fell into the broad domain of emergency medicine, many of the necessary tasks resulted in expansion of the professional scope of the responders. Using a narrative format and discussion, Dr. Menon will outline some of the skills and abilities that may be helpful to physicians who respond to similar future disasters.

• January 20, 2011 - Joint Seminar with Healthy Health Policy Lunch & Lecture Series, Children's Hospital Auditorium 2.312

  The UTMB Office of Health Policy and Legislative Affairs, Center to Eliminate Health Disparities, Department of Preventive Medicine & Community Health, UTMB Student Chapter of the American Medical Association/Texas Medical Association, and the UTMB Chapter of the American Medical Student Association
  are serving up the

  2010-11 Healthy Health Policy Lunch & Lecture Series

   On the menu this month....
  "LEAST Lead Initiative: The emerging story of lead poisoning in Galveston children"

  Presented by:
  Lexi Nolen, M.P.H., Ph.D.
  Director, Center to Eliminate Health Disparities
  Director ad interim, Global Health Program
  UTMB Health, Galveston 

  Thursday, January 20, 2011
  12:00 - 1:00 pm
  NEW LOCATION: Children's Hospital Auditorium 2.312

   EVERYONE WELCOME!
  Lunch served beginning at 11:30 a.m.  

  Alexandra (Lexi) Bambas Nolen, PhD, MPH, serves as the Director of the Center to Eliminate Health Disparities and Director ad interim of the Global Health Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. In her capacity as Director of the CEHD, Dr. Nolen has developed program areas on reducing health inequities through the Health System and Social Determinants of Health, and has developed training materials on Leadership Skills for Social Change in Health as well as advanced research and training in Global Health. At the CEHD, Dr. Nolen is also currently overseeing an NIH-funded initiative to address Health in All Policies in Galveston’s local recovery efforts from Hurricane Ike. Dr. Nolen served on the Secretariat of the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health from 2005 – 2007, focused on advancing intersectoral action for health to reduce health inequities. Previously she was the Coordinator of the Global Equity Gauge Alliance (2002-2004), a South Africa-based non-governmental organization focused on health equity initiatives in Latin America, Africa and Asia. She has experience coordinating community-based research and interventions as well as policy development on issues of health inequities and public health in a number of country contexts

• January 27, 2011 - Karl Eschbach, PhD

  "Is neighborhood ethnic concentration associated with lower mortality among Mexican Americans?
  An investigation using geocoded state vital statistics data."
  
  Karl Eschbach, PhD
  Associate Professor
  Division of Geriatrics
  Department of Internal Medicine
  
  Abstract: Studies investigating the hypothesis that neighborhood ethnic concentration is associated with better health status and lower mortality among Mexican American adults have reported inconsistent results. This study uses geo-coded vital statistics data from Texas and California to study the spatial patterning of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Mexican Americans in relation to the distribution of ethnic concentration, poverty concentration, and immigrant composition.

• February 3, 2011 - NO PMCH SEMINAR - Students are encouraged to attend IM Seminar

   Internal Medicine/Geriatric Medicine

  This meeting will be broadcast via teleconference to UTMB’s geriatric clinic at Oceanview Transitional Care Center

  ---

  Thursday, February 3, 2011

  Rebecca Sealy Classroom, 5.100

  12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

  "Care Settings for People with Dementia: The Role of the Architectural Design"

  Presented by:

  Gesine Marquardt, MD

  Professor & Chair of Social and Health Care Design

  Dresden University of Technology Faculty of Architecture

  Dresden, Germany

• February 10, 2010 - Cancelled

  Due to weather.

• February 17, 2011 - Jazmin Ruiz

  Carbon Monoxide – The Ugly, The Bad and The Good?
  
  Jazmin Ruiz
  Graduate Student, Population Health Sciences 
   

  Carbon monoxide (CO) has been regarded as the “silent killer” of organisms that rely on oxygen for their energy supply and survival, in part due to its colorless, odorless and tasteless nature, even at toxic doses. Paradoxically, there has been increasing evidence in most recent years that reveals that low doses of CO (50-500 ppm) may mediate a protective effect. I will present a brief overview of the spectrum of the effects of CO - from high to low doses with a focus on its cytoprotective effects in the airway and its potential for therapeutic use in asthma. Currently, there is an important need for the discovery of an alternative and effective therapy to treat airway inflammation in asthmatics, and especially in severe asthmatics. The difficulty in characterizing and treating severe asthma has led its utilization of a disproportionate amount to the overall economic burden of asthmatics worldwide. Preliminary results in human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMC) have revealed that exogenously administered CO significantly decreases the cell’s pro-inflammatory and proliferative response both of which contribute to the chronic effects of asthma. Understanding the mechanism behind the anti-inflammatory of effects of CO will help further the understanding of the range of effects of CO, and its potential for therapeutic use to treat airway inflammation.

• February 24, 2011 - Suresh K. Bhavnani, PhD

  "Network Visualization and Analysis of Biomedical Data"

  Suresh K. Bhavnani, PhD
  Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics
  University of Texas, Medical Branch
  University of Texas, Health Science Center in Houston
  PI: Discovery and Innovation through Visual Analytics (DIVA Lab) 
  http://skbhavnani.com/DIVA/

   

  Abstract: The explosion of biomedical data has created new opportunities for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. However, the cognitive limitations of humans in comprehending large amounts of complex data poses a challenge for researchers. Dr. Bhavnani will discuss how he has used networks to address this challenge by helping researchers to visually explore complex multivariate relationships, develop hypotheses, and validate those hypotheses using graph-based and other statistical methods. The talk will abstract lessons learned from the analysis of genomic, proteomic, and phenomic data, and conclude by discussing the current strengths and limitations of networks.

• March 3, 2011 - Dr. Madonna Mamerow

  "Protein Needs for Preserving Muscle Mass"
  
  Presented by:

  Madonna M. Mamerow, PhD, MCG, CPT
  Research Fellow
  Division of Rehabilitation Sciences
  School of Health Professions, UTMB
  
  Thursday, March 3
  12:00 PM
  1.104 Ewing Hall
  
   Abstract: Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, is an insidious condition contributing to decrements in strength, balance and coordination; greater incidence for falls; longer hospital stays and recovery times; loss of independence; and an overall reduced quality of life. Muscle loss negatively impacts the lives of most older adults, but it can be prevented. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adult protein intake of 0.8 g/kg/d has generated much discussion among the scientific community as to whether this protein amount is adequate to maintain adult health status. This recommendation was established by the Institute of Medicine and is based on short-duration nitrogen balance studies with young adults. However, adults show lower efficiency for use of dietary protein and appear to require approximately 30 g of total protein per meal to fully stimulate muscle protein synthesis. This presentation will focus on protein needs for optimal meal response.

• March 10, 2011 - Dr. Laura Rudkin

  Competencies and Courses: Developing Integrated Curricular Plans for PMCH Graduate Programs

  “Learning results from what the student does and thinks and only from what the student does and thinks. The teacher can advance learning only by influencing what the student does to learn.”

                  Herbert A. Simon

                  Nobel Laureate and University Professor (deceased) at Carnegie Mellon University

   

  Presented by:

  Laura Rudkin, PhD

  Vice Chair for Education, PMCH

   

  Thursday, March 10

  12:00 PM

  1.104 Ewing Hall

   

  Abstract: The Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health administers three UTMB graduate programs—Public Health, Clinical Science, and Population Health Sciences—offering master’s and doctoral degrees. Curriculum planning in these programs is informed by competency frameworks developed by national organizations in public health and in clinical and translational sciences. Competency based curriculum plans shift the focus from what faculty members believe graduates need to know (teacher focused) to what students need to know and be able to do in professional settings (student or workplace focused). This approach to curriculum development is consistent with adult learning theories that emphasize that learning is not something done to students, but something done by students. This seminar will review basic principles from How Learning Works: 7 Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching (SA Ambrose et al, 2010) and will apply these principles to developing an integrated, competency-based structure for the PMCH graduate programs.

• March 17, 2011 - Cancelled

  No seminar or GSO meeting.

• March 24, 2011 - Elizabeth Arias, PhD

   

  "U.S. Life Tables by Race and Ethnicity: Data Challenges and Methodological Strategies"

   

  Elizabeth Arias, Ph.D.

  Health Scientist

  Mortality Statistics Branch

  Division of Vital Statistics

  National Center for Health Statistics

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

   

  Thursday, March 24

  12:00 PM

  1.104 Ewing Hall

   

  Abstract: The United States federal government has produced official life tables by race for over a century.  However, the groups included have been limited to the racially classified white and black populations.  The main reason for this limitation has been the lack of reliable vital registration, population and Medicare data for racial and ethnic minority populations.  Recent research has identified and quantified these data limitations and led to the development of reliable methodological strategies to address these data quality limitations.  In this presentation, I will discuss the data challenges that historically prevented the production of life tables for groups other than the racially classified white and black population as well as the methodological strategies employed to overcome them.  I will present their application using as a primary example the recently published United States life tables by Hispanic origin.  In addition, I will discuss the methodological strategies currently being developed in order to expand the US life table program further to include life tables for the Asian, American Indian, and Hispanic sub-group populations.

• March 31, 2011 - Quynh Do, MPH

  "Neighborhood Context and General Health among Non-Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks and

  Hispanics of Mexican Origin: Results of the Texas City Stress and Health Study"

   

  Quynh Do, MPH

  Graduate Student, Population Health Sciences Program

  Pre-Doctoral Fellow, Sealy Center on Aging

   

  Thursday, March 31

  12:00 PM

  1.104 Ewing Hall

   

   

   

  Abstract:  Neighborhoods have emerged as an important context for physical and psychological health. However, the impact of neighborhood perceptions on multidimensional health has been relatively unexplored. Negative perceptions concerning neighborhood environment can be a serious stressor of health and can be exacerbated when living near environmental hazards such as a petrochemical complex. Furthermore, little is known about how the relationship between neighborhood perceptions and health varies by race/ethnicity. Using data from the Texas City Stress and Health Study, this study examines the association between neighborhood perceptions and overall health among non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics of Mexican origin (n=2,500). Perceptions of neighborhood characteristics were measured across four dimensions of neighborhood context: perceived crime, social embeddedness, sense of community and neighborhood satisfaction. Overall health was measured by the SF-36, a multi-purpose, short-form health survey that is summed to calculate a score ranging from 0 to 100. The mean SF-36 was 63.6 ± 23.9 and the mean perceived neighborhood score was 21.4 ± 7.8. Results from hierarchical linear modeling showed that neighborhood perception is significantly and positively related to overall health. The results suggest overall health increased with more positive perception of neighborhood, especially in Hispanics of Mexican origin. Individual-level factors were statistically significant in predicting overall health including being female, age, Mexican origin, education, health insurance, low or middle income, former/current smoker, and underweight or obese. Thus, suggesting that the composition of the neighborhood (i.e., population) is more important than the neighborhood context itself in predicting physical and psychological health.

• April 7, 2011 - Janet Appleton

  "The Vagina Monologue is a Dialogue from the Microbiome Perspective"

  Janet Appleton

  Graduate Student, Clinical Science Program

   

  Thursday, April 7

  12:00 PM

  1.104 Ewing Hall

   

  Abstract: Beneficial vaginal microflora, including Lactobacillus spp, are essential components in maintenance of a healthy vaginal environment.  During pathologic conditions such populations can decline in number being replaced by increasing levels of abnormal bacteria; this process is the basis for symptomatic and asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV).  BV has a prevalence of 29% in the US and has been associated with increased susceptibility to other life-threatening sexually transmitted infections and infertility.  Clinically, Nugent scoring has been reported to be more sensitive than Amsel criteria for BV diagnosis but lacks the ability to accurately depict the species present in the vaginal microbiome.  To address this concern and to evaluate alternatives to Nugent scoring, quantitative (q)PCR assays have been studied that have showed increases in both sensitivity and specificity over the Nugent method.  We have adapted these qPCR assays to high-throughput using automation and have efficiently quantified genomic copies of common healthy and BV-associated bacteria (14 species) in vaginal fluid samples obtained from 30 women.  These studies also provided kinetic snapshots of the dynamics of shifting microbiomes that contribute to urogenital health and disease in women.  Importantly, the qPCR system effectively correlated with and enhanced the screening power for proper diagnosis of BV in asymptomatic woman.

• April 14, 2011 - Miguel Cabada, MD

   

  “Traveling to High Altitude Destinations in South America: A survey on pre-travel preparation and acute mountain sickness in Cusco-Peru (3,310 m)”

   

  Presented by:

  Miguel M. Cabada, M.D.

  Graduate Student, Clinical Science Program

   

  Thursday, April 14

  12:00 PM

  1.104 Ewing Hall

   

  Abstract: The epidemiology of acute mountain sickness among regular tourists visiting high altitude destinations in South America is largely unknown. Preliminary data suggest that travelers to Cusco-Peru (3,310 m) are poorly prepared to avoid acute mountain sickness. A survey was design to study the epidemiology, pre-travel preparation, and impact of acute mountain sickness in travelers visiting Cusco. Foreign travelers, ≥ 18 years of age that stayed in Cusco ≤15 days were invited to participate. A convenience sample of 991 departing travelers was obtained at Cusco’s International Airport during June 2010. The Lake Louise Consensus score were used to assess the prevalence of acute mountain sickness and its severity. The median age of the participants was 32 years (IQR 25 – 49), 55.5% were female, 86.5% had higher education, 86.7% were traveling for tourism, and the main countries of origin were United States (47.7%) and England (8.1%). Most travelers (76.8%) flew from sea level to Cusco and 30.7% visited high altitude in the previous 2 months. Twenty nine percent received professional pre-travel advice about acute mountain sickness, 19% recalled receiving advice on acetazolamide use, and 16.4% used it. Frequent preventive measures were using coca leaf products (62.3%) and limiting physical activity (39.1%). Acute mountain sickness was reported by 47% of the participants and 16% reported severe disease. Twenty percent of travelers with acute mountain sickness altered their travel plans. In the multivariate analysis those older than 60 years, visiting high altitude in the recent past, visiting lower altitude cities during the same trip and using acetazolamide prophylaxis were less likely to have acute mountain sickness. Those using coca leaf products for prophylaxis and limiting their physical activity were more likely to have acute mountain sickness. This condition was common among the participants and had a significant impact on travel plans. Pre-travel preparation and healthcare seeking behavior were alarmingly inadequate. While acetazolamide prophylaxis was largely underutilized, coca leaf products were widely accepted but users were more likely to have acute mountain sickness.

• April 21, 2011 - Cancelled

  No seminar or GSO meeting. 

Fall 2010

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• September 9, 2010 - M. Kristen Peek, Ph.D and Laura Rudkin, Ph.D.

  "Overview of the PMCH Graduate Student Seminar Course"

   

• September 16, 2010 - Jeff Temple, PhD

  “Preliminary data from Dating it Safe: A longitudinal study on the risk and protective factors of teen dating violence.”
  
  Jeff Temple, PhD
  Assistant Professor
  Research Director, Pelvic Health
  Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, UTMB
  
  Abstract: Teen dating violence is an emerging public health problem. Each year, approximately 25% of teens are physically or sexually abused by dating partners. Victims of dating violence experience a host of devastating consequences, including acute and chronic mental and physical health problems, suicide, delinquency, risky sexual behavior, school failure, and substance abuse. Moreover, individuals who perpetrate violence and sexual aggression in their adolescent relationships are at a heightened risk for continuing this behavior in their adult intimate relationships. Thus, understanding the factors that predict whether or not a teen ends up in an unhealthy relationship will have enormous implications for the prevention and treatment of dating violence. This presentation will review the prevalence and correlates of dating violence and also highlight preliminary findings from the first wave of a longitudinal study on teen dating violence. 

• September 23, 2010 - Jonathan Starkey, MD

  “New Insights into Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and Fat-Soluble Vitamins.”
  
  Jonathan Starkey, MD
  Post-Doctoral Fellow
  Bioinformatics Program
  Department of Internal Medicine, UTMB
  
  Abstract: The contribution of fat-soluble vitamins to the development of obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and diabetic complications has received considerable attention recently. Vitamin D (ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol) has been hypothesized to be a causal factor in the transition from obesity to metabolic syndrome to type 2 diabetes. It also may be important in the development of micro- and macro-vascular diabetic complications. Vitamin A (retinol) has long been associated with type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, randomized trials showed no benefit (and potential harm) of retinol supplementation in cardiovascular and cancer outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that there is not a problem in dietary intake of retinol, but in the bioavailability of the bioactive metabolite all-trans-retinoic acid.
  
  

• September 30, 2010 - PMCH GSO Meeting

  Presents: “Becoming American: Segment 3 of Unnatural Causes”
  
  Recent Mexican immigrants, although typically poorer, tend to be healthier than the average American. But the longer they live here, the worse their relative health becomes, even as their economic status improves. This “Latino paradox” places their children at high risk for obesity, heart disease, and mental illness.  What is it about new immigrant communities that shields people from poor health?  How can we all learn and benefit from that knowledge? And what erodes this protective shield over time?
  
  www.unnaturalcauses.org

• October 7, 2010 - Dana Wiltz-Beckham, DVM

  "Update on Galveston County Health District Services & Role of Epidemiology"
  
  Dana Wiltz-Beckham, DVM
  Chief Epidemiologist/Veterinary Consultant
  Galveston County Health District

  http://www.gchd.org/epidemiology/index.htm

• October 14, 2010 - Rebecca Hester, M.A., Ph.D.

  “Cultural competence in a context of multi-ethnic migration: Indigenous Oaxacans in the United States”
  
  Rebecca Hester, M.A., Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor
  Institute for the Medical Humanities, UTMB
  
  Abstract: Cultural competence has arisen as a policy response for addressing racial and ethnic health disparities in the United States. One group that is especially vulnerable to gaps in health care access and information is the relatively new and burgeoning indigenous Mexican migrant population. In this talk I explore the ways that the increasing ethnic diversity of migrants from Mexico is challenging our strategies for dealing with indigenous Mexicans in a culturally competent manner. I argue that these challenges arise because of our assumptions about the identities of Mexican migrants, because of the way indigenous “culture” is defined, and because of the way cultural competency is taught. Suggestions for improving the practice and theory of cultural competence are offered.

• October 21, 2010 - Taylor S. Riall, MD, PhD

  “Timing of Cholecystectomy for Complicated Gallstone Disease: Translation of Population-Based Data Into Clinical Practice”
  
  Taylor S. Riall, MD, PhD
  Associate Professor
  John Sealy Distinguished Chair in Clinical Research
  Department of Surgery, UTMB
  
  Abstract: Gallstone disease is the most costly digestive disease in the U.S. with over one million hospitalizations, 700,000 operations, and $5 billion in cost annually. This presentation reviews the history of the treatment of complicated gallstone disease including acute cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis, and common bile duct stones. Several cases are presented to demonstrate a problem in the care of patients with complicated gallstone disease. The current literature on timing of cholecystectomy for complicated gallstone disease will be reviewed and we will present population-based research that guided the development of a critical pathway for the care of patients with complicated gallstone disease at UTMB. Finally, we discuss the implementation of this pathway at UTMB, which improved the care of patients with complicated gallstone disease by decreasing length of stay, readmission rates for gallstone-related problems, and overall cost.

• October 28, 2010 - NO PMCH SEMINAR - Students are required to attend the Healthy Health Policy Lecture Series.

  There will not be a PMCH Seminar held at Ewing Hall. Students are required to attend the Healthy Health Policy Lecture Series. 

  WHO Commissioner on Social Determinants of Health to speak at UTMB

  The UTMB Office of Health Policy and Legislative Affairs, the Center to Eliminate Health Disparities and the Galveston Global Health Consortium Presents the inaugural lecture of the    2010 Healthy Health Policy Lunch & Lecture Series (formerly Pizza & Health Policy Lectures) Closing the Global and National Health Gaps – Can it be Done in a Generation? Dr. Denny Vågerö Senior Advisor to World Health Organization Europe and Professor of Medical Sociology Former Commissioner on the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health Thursday, Oct 28, 12-1 PM, Shriner’s Hospital Auditorium, 7th Floor Lunch served beginning at 11:30 a.m. Short bio/ Denny Vagero Denny Vågerö is a professor of medical sociology. His research presently focuses on two themes: firstly, health inequalities in modern societies and secondly on the public health development in Eastern Europe and the health gap between East and West Europe.  He also works with questions on how global health is related to global political and economic developments.  He has published extensively in leading medical and social science journals.   Denny Vågerö has a background in sociology, epidemiology and public health sciences. He has worked at the universities in Stockholm and Umeå, at the Karolinska Institutet, at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, at the Universities in London and Bath and at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin. He was the founder of CHESS, Centre for Health Equity Studies in Stockholm and its director 2000-2008.   He is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Denny Vågerö was a commissioner in the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health during 2005-2008. He is now a Senior Advisor to WHO Europe, presently working with the European Review of Social determinants and the Health Divide. EVERYONE WELCOME   Please plan to arrive by 11:30 a.m. to enjoy your lunch prior to entering the Shriner’s Auditorium.

• November 4, 2010 - Ashwani Singal, MBBS

  "Comparison of low dose hydroxychloroquine and phlebotomy in the treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda: a prospective randomized study."
  
  Ashwani Singal, MBBS
  Graduate Student, Clinical Science
  
  Background and aims: Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common and readily treated type of porphyria, and is an iron-related disorder that results from generation of an inhibitor of hepatic uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) activity. Both repeated phlebotomy (P) and low-dose hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are accepted forms of treatment, but comparative data are limited. We designed a prospective randomized controlled study comparing their efficacy and safety. Patients and methods: Forty consecutive patients with well-documented active PCT (70% males) were characterized for risk factors such as hepatitis C (80%), HIV (2.5%), alcohol (95%), smoking (70%), estrogen use (3.5% of males and 33% of females), HFE mutations (55%), and inherited UROD deficiency (5%). Patients were randomized to either P or HCQ if they were willing and had no contraindications to either treatment. Patients not eligible for or refusing randomization were assigned to either treatment based on clinical indications. P (450 mL) was done every 2 weeks until a target serum ferritin (SF) of 20 ng/mL was reached and HCQ was given 100 mg twice weekly until plasma porphyrin (PP) levels were normal for at least one month. Patients were seen every 2 weeks for clinical examination as well as estimation of PP and SF. Patients were counseled to avoid alcohol, smoking and estrogen. Treatment of hepatitis C, which might interfere with either treatment, was postponed until PCT was in remission, but treatment of HIV continued. Patients completing at least 1 month of treatment were analyzed. Results: Of the 41 patients, 19 were not randomized (10 due to contraindications: anemia in 3, ferritin >600 ng/mL in 7 and 9 preferred either treatment). As in previous studies, the majority (90%) had ≥ 3 risk factors. Baseline characteristics were similar amongst randomized and non-randomized patients. Therefore, results for all patients were combined. Baseline PP and SF [mean ± S.D] were also similar amongst P and HCQ groups (12.5 ± 17.6 vs. 7.7 ± 7.7 mcg/dl and 564 ± 321 vs. 431 ± 516 nmol/mL respectively). Mean reduction in SF with P was 95.4% with decrease in 50%, 75%, and to target goal of < 20 achieved within 54 ± 51, 96 ± 69, and 164 ± 109 days respectively. The effect of treatment on PP was similar with P or HCQ in terms of % reduction (82% vs. 88%; p=0.2) and time (in days) required for 50% (102 ± 66 vs. 69 ± 36; p=0.1) and 75% reduction (179 ± 82 vs. 146 ± 79; p=0.2), and to target of < 0.9 (244 ± 119 vs. 219 ± 107 ; p=0.8) respectively. . Duration of treatment was slightly shorter with P as compared to HCQ (171 ± 115 vs. 243 ± 102 days; p=0.07) despite more interrupted treatment with phlebotomy (50 ± 80 vs. 8.8 ± 11.8 days; p=0.08). Median number of P required was 7 and median total amount of HCQ used was 7.04 gm. None of the patients developed any side effects with either therapy. Conclusions: Both P and HCQ are equally effective in the treatment of PCT. Although, phlebotomies can be completed more quickly, time to normalize PP is similar in this interim analysis. Long-term data are needed to compare these modalities in terms of durability of response and relapse of PCT.

• November 11, 2010 - Benjamin Isgur - Joint Seminar the 2010 Healthy Health Policy Lunch & Lecture Series - Shriner’s Hospital Auditorium, 7th Floor

  The UTMB Office of Health Policy and Legislative Affairs, the Center to Eliminate Health Disparities, and
  the Department of Preventive Medicine & Community Health Seminar Series
  present the second lecture of the
  2010 Healthy Health Policy Lunch & Lecture Series
  
  "Prospering in a Post Reform World"
  
  Benjamin Isgur
  Director, Health Research Institute
  PricewaterhouseCoopers

   

  Thursday, November 11, 2010
  12:00-1:00 p.m
  Shriner’s Hospital Auditorium, 7th Floor
  

  Lunch Served beginning at 11:30 a.m.

   
  Abstract: To prosper in the post-reform world, health executives will need to reassess current strategies and find ways to work together. The report illustrates the mega trends that each sector (provider, payer, and pharmaceutical and life sciences) will face as a result of health reform, the provisions in the law that are driving them, and recommendations on how organizations can turn these challenges into new opportunities. Most importantly, reform has opened the door for the industries to work together to achieve change. For example, with changes to their reimbursement structures, providers need to partner with payers and the pharmaceutical sector to share data, increase patient adherence and improve quality and outcomes.

   
  EVERYONE WELCOME
  Please plan to arrive by 11:30 a.m. to enjoy your lunch prior to entering the Shriner’s Auditorium
  

• November 18, 2010 - Stephen Linder, PhD

  The Guatemalan Syphilis Experiments: Context and Ethical Issues
  
  Stephen H. Linder, Ph.D.
  Professor, Management, Policy and Community Health
  The University of Texas School of Public Health
  
  Abstract: Recent research by historian, Susan Reverby, has documented a U.S. Public Health Service-sponsored program of medical experimentation in the late 1940's on 600 Guatemalans involving intentional inoculation with syphilis-causing pathogens. Some of the key investigators were also involved in the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. This topic was examined last week at a University of Texas School of Public Health Symposium that included our speaker as a panelist. We will discuss the ethical issues raised by these revelations and consider their import for the selection and treatment of study populations.

• November 25, 2010 - Thanksgiving Holiday

  No seminar during the Thanksgiving holiday.

• December 2, 2010 - CANCELED

  The PMCH Seminar scheduled for December 2, 2010 has been canceled.

  Dr. Luxon is rescheduled to present on March 10, 2011.

• December 9, 2010 - Environmental Health and Toxicology Students Project Presentation

  Reports from the Environmental Health and Toxicology Class
  
  Group 1: Health Implications of Ionizing Radiation Exposure from Medical Diagnostic Imaging
  
  Wesley Beauregard, MD
  Lily Kwatampora, MBChB
  Jennifer Law, M.D
  
  Abstract: The deleterious effects of ionizing radiation on the human body are well known and include acute radiation syndrome and increased risk of cancer. In the past 25 years, the use of medical diagnostic imaging especially computed tomography (CT) has increased dramatically, exposing patients to increased doses of ionizing radiation. In our presentation, we will discuss the major health effects of ionizing radiation exposure, statistics and reasons for the increasing radiation exposures from diagnostic imaging, and strategies for risk mitigation.
  
  Group 2: Regulating Mercury in the Environment: Sources and Health Effects
  
  Susan Fondy
  Yvette Guzman
  Rachel Mathers
  Anil Menon
  
  Abstract: Mercury is present in the environment, produced by industry, and propagated by societal actions. In its most dangerous form, methyl mercury, it cycles through the environment and makes its way up the food chain from algae to consumable fish—a process called bioaccumulation. Toxicity is observed in humans and is particularly harmful to developing fetuses which can occur through occupational hazards or, more likely, ingestion of mercury containing fish. Policy and legislation can help mitigate the effect of mercury by reducing exposure through the environment, occupation, and consumables. Currently, state and federal regulations offer some guidance but more analysis and control is possible. Any new action should be evaluated by an outcome based analysis of its desired effect. Targeted studies can address outcomes ranging from blood mercury levels in high risk populations to environmental mercury levels. An all encompassing approach to understanding mercury, its health effects, existing policy, policy recommendations, and evaluation strategies can help reduce the impact of mercury on a population level.
  

• December 16, 2010 - PMCH GSO Meeting

  PMCH GSO MEETING
  & Cookie Exchange
  
  

  December 16, 2010
  12:00 – 1:00 pm
  1.104 Ewing Hall
  
  Happy Holidays!
  The PMCH GSO is hosting a Holiday Cookie Exchange.

  Bring two dozen of your favorite homemade cookies and the recipe to share.

  For those who are not bakers, bring a package of your favorite cookies to share.
  
  If you would like to participate in the cookie
  exchange, please RSVP to Allie Glaser.