Archived News and Events - 2010
DOE Supports Project Effort to Use Wood as Renewable Energy Source
The Department of Energy recently awarded more than $1 million to a research project, "Imaging Lignin Degradation," for a three-year period to a research team including George Kabalka, PhD, Professor, Robert H. Cole Neuroscience Endowed Chair and Director of Research, Radiology at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, and investigators at Pennsylvania State University and Wesleyan University. Their research aims to identify novel enzymes that can be used to convert lignocellulosic material, found in wood, into bioethanol as an energy resource. The project will involve radioligand development and PET imaging, Dr. Kabalka's area of expertise.
Lignocellulosic material is the most abundant renewable carbon source in the biosphere, however, it is encased in a lignin barrier and the barrier's chemical recalcitrance is a major obstacle in the efficient utilization of lignocellulosic material. Lignin peroxidase, a lignin-degrading enzyme, was discovered 25 years ago but has proven to be one of the most expensive parts of converting lignocellulosic material to bioethanol. Since that time, the known list of enzymes capable of degrading lignin has not significantly increased, and this research team hopes to identify previously uncharacterized enzymes in the degradation and further utilization of lignin. The team has noted that lignin degradation occurs in complex environmental niches that are yet to be characterized, including within wood-feeding insects and in marine environments, and they hypothesize these niches contain microbial consortia that are distinct from the pure-culture systems where the peroxidases were discovered.
The research team plans to use near infrared fluorescence imaging to detect the initial biological depolymerization reactions of lignin. They then will use positron emission tomography to detect the initial biological depolymerization reactions of lignin and the subsequent degradation of the aromatic monomeric units. Using these methods, the researchers can potentially establish the presence and location of lignin degradation in previously unexplored ecological niches, providing the foundation for discovery of uncharacterized enzymes involved in lignin degradation and ultimately leading to improvements in lignocellulosic biomass utilization.
The primary investigator in this project is Ming Tien, PhD, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, with Dr. Kabalka and Erika Taylor, PhD, Department of Chemistry, Wesleyan University, participating as co-investigators.
Posted: October 28, 2010
Dr. John Bell Addresses Women's Cancer at UT Science Forum November 5
The University of Tennessee Science Forum will continue Friday, November 5, when John Bell, MD, Professor, Surgery's Division of Surgical Oncology at the UT Graduate School of Medicine, will discuss, "Epidemiology of Women's Cancer." The Forum will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the Thompson-Boling Arena Dining Room C-D on the UT Knoxville campus.
Posted: October 26, 2010
Registration Open for January Hematology Conference
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine presents the Seventh Annual Hematology Conference: An Update on Selected ASH Topics, scheduled for Saturday, January 22, 2011, University of Tennessee Conference Center, Knoxville. It is approved for 5 AMA, ACPE and AAPA credits and .5 CEUs.
The conference provides updates on clinical trials and recent advances in the treatment of blood cancers, including hemostasis/thrombosis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, multiple myeloma and malignant lymphoma. Nationally acclaimed experts in their fields will lead discussions, including Guillermo Garcia-Manero, MD, MD Anderson Cancer Center; Thomas Habermann, MD, Mayo Clinic; Jonathan Kaufman, MD, Emory University School of Medicine; Michael Keating, MB, BS, MD Anderson; and Craig Kessler, MD, Georgetown University.
This seventh annual CME-certified conference is a follow-up to the American Society of Hematology (ASH) international conference held in December. The UT Graduate School of Medicine update occurs annually following the ASH conference, giving featured speakers the opportunity to develop unique presentations combining their areas of expertise with new information garnered from the ASH presentations. Learn more and register today.
Posted: October 25, 2010
UTGSM Chief Residents Lead the Way
At the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, chief residents fulfill many roles within their departments, including planning call schedules, mentoring residents, taking second calls, and acting as liaisons to faculty and staff administration. Leading the way for 2010-2011 are
Anesthesiology
Brigitte Messenger, MD
Tim McIlrath, MD
Dentistry
Leah Jennings, DMD
Muriel Law, DDS
Family Medicine
Luke Chesney, MD
Chase Wilson, MD
Medicine
Jeremiah Bivins, MD
Brad Davis, MD
OB/GYN
Jodi Berendzen, MD
Rachel Farrell, MD
Virginia Homewood, MD
OMFS
Brian Nguyen, DMD
Matthew Richman, DDS
Pathology
George Sneed, DO
Radiology
Jason Hill, MD
Rob Thurman, MD
Surgery
Daniel Alterman, MD
Aaron Hurd, MD
LaMar Mack, MD
Khanjan Nagarsheth, MD
Posted: October 25, 2010
Family Medicine Residents Give Medical Coverage at Local Football Games
On Friday nights, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Family Medicine resident and fellow physicians can be found on the sidelines at Knoxville area football games providing medical coverage to injured players. Under the supervision of Kenneth Bielak, MD, Associate Professor and Sports Medicine Fellowship Director, football players from Austin East, South Doyle and West high schools are receiving on-the-spot assessments by trained physicians who are able to determine if injured players can get back in the game.
"Having a trained physician there is invaluable to the team, coaches and athletes," Dr. Bielak said. "If an athlete has a concussion or significant ligament sprain or strain or possible fracture, a physician is best to help guide what the athlete should do."
Chase Wilson, MD, Family Medicine Chief Resident assisting the Austin East High School football team, agreed. "Athletic trainers working solo provide exceptional care for their student-athletes, but an additional sideline evaluation and recommendation from a physician can aid in timely management of an injury. An athletic trainer and a physician working together as a team provide better care than either can provide alone."
Dr. Bielak said the residents and fellows also benefit from this service. "This gives the resident first-hand experience to seeing potential injury on the sideline. They get to work with a seasoned trainer and examine athletes while they are in their field gear."
Eric Kujawski, DO, Sports Medicine Fellow providing medical coverage at South Doyle football games, said this gives him an opportunity to work with a population not often seen in the clinic. "We don't usually see student athletes off the field because they are healthy, but on the field I'm getting to see acute injuries."
Dr. Wilson said that while none of the injuries he has treated to date have been very serious, he remembers a specific injury that occurred last fall while he was assisting at Austin East in which he sent a player to the hospital for further evaluation for a possible fracture.
"A player was hit in the posterior hip in the area of the right sacro-iliac joint by an opposing player's helmet. He experienced severe, acute pain. Austin East's trainer, Jayson Berlin, and I conducted a brief evaluation and examination on the field. After determining that the player could be safely moved, we assisted the player to the sideline.
"Further evaluation and monitoring revealed a very tender right SI joint that did not resolve with ice therapy. More concerning was the fact that the player had pain in the right SI joint with anterior compression of the pelvis. This was concerning for a possible pelvic fracture or sprain of the ligaments involving the SI joint causing instability of the joint. I made the decision to send the patient to the hospital for further evaluation with radiographic imaging. Thankfully, the imaging revealed no fracture. The player was treated with conservative management for acute SI joint injury/sprain. He recovered and returned to play two weeks later."
At the games, the physicians also have opportunities to interact with parents.
Dr. Kujawski said, "After an injury, I'm able to talk with the parents while the trainers keep their eyes on the game. It eases the parents' anxiety, and I'm able to tell them what to do for follow up and during the next week. This is a lot easier than trying to tell a teenager who is caught up in a competitive game."
The experience providing community service has made an impact on the physicians. Dr. Wilson hopes to continue providing sideline medical coverage to high school football teams throughout his career.
"I do plan to seek a sports medicine fellowship position. After fellowship training, I want to practice family medicine with sports medicine as an adjunct to my practice. I want to be involved in local high school athletics and/or small college athletics depending upon my practice location."
Posted: October 21, 2010
Students Receive Research Experience Through Dr. Collmann's Legacy
Nine students participated in research projects during the summer through the I. Reid Collmann, M.D. Medical Student Educational Endowment, working in University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine research laboratories to gain bench research experience not often gained in undergraduate, post graduate and medical school.
Dr. Collmann, former dean of the Graduate School of Medicine, initiated the endowment to give students an opportunity similar to his own student research experience. In preparation of a career in medicine, Dr. Collmann spent summers working in a lab, gaining research experience, and learning firsthand how research affects patient care.
Though their experiences varied, Collmann participants agreed that their exposure to medical research was invaluable.
Taylor Barnett
Medical Student
UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
Barnett conducted research in the Preclinical Diagnostic and Molecular Imaging Laboratory with Jonathan Wall, PhD, Director, focusing on amyloidosis. While not a great number of people are diagnosed with the disease, amyloidosis has a far reaching effect underlying many diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple myeloma.
"Before this summer," said Barnett, "I had never had any sort of bench laboratory experience, but I am glad I had the opportunity to see the overlap between basic science research and clinical medicine."
Katie Carlson
Undergraduate
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Carlson conducted research in the Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Program laboratory, working with Amy LeBlanc, DVM, Director of Translational Research. Her project included using PET/CT scanning to monitor the development of atherosclerosis in pigs.
"Since the goal of translational research is better patient outcomes for humans, we hope that our data will be useful in diagnosing and treating atherosclerosis in humans," Carlson said. "I now have a better understanding of and appreciation for project planning and execution. I feel very fortunate to have participated in the Collmann program."
Stuart Deaderick
Medical Student
UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
Deaderick worked in the Anesthesiology Research Laboratory under the direction of Roger Carroll, PhD, Director. One of his duties in the lab was to collect blood from various patients and analyze the coagulation cascade.
Deaderick said, "Doing this allowed me to see the trauma team in action, see a wide range of surgical procedures performed, and take part in laboratory analysis. This experience has shown me the clinical value and real time application of medical research."
Andrew Harris
Medical Student
UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
Harris conducted research in the Vascular Research Laboratory with Deidra Mountain, PhD, Research Scientist, performing microsurgery on rats, dissections, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and many other research techniques.
He said, "Everyday I was excited to enter the lab. I recommend this program to anyone interested in exploring the different fields of research."
Sumaiya Hossain
Medical Student
UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
Hossain worked with Karla Matteson, PhD, FACMG, Co-Director of the UT Genetics Center, in the Genetic Testing Laboratories, and conducted research in conjunction with Pathology. The objective was to use cytopathology slides containing DNA samples obtained from fine needle aspirates to analyze the DNA for the presence of mutation in the RAF gene that is diagnostic of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
She said, "This research experience awakened in me an interest in academic medicine. It taught me the importance of conducting a literature review before embarking on a new study. It also showed me that even when one problem is solved, many new questions arise, thus perpetuating a beautiful cycle of hypotheses and experiments."
Rissa Ivens
Medical Student
UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
Ivens conducted research in the Conformational Diseases and Therapeutics Research Laboratory under the direction of Valerie Berthelier, PhD, Director. She ran aggregation reactions with Huntington's disease-related proteins and learned about the underlying mechanisms of amyloidosis.
"I would highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in the field of medicine as a way to explore the intricacies of research in an open and flexible environment," Ivens said. "Everyone in the lab was always willing to lend a hand and answer questions while still showing me a sense of independence and autonomy. My experience as a Collmann fellow was one I would repeat without hesitation."
Avery Nolan
Medical Student
East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee
Nolan conducted research in the Vascular Research Laboratory under the guidance of Deidra Mountain, PhD, Research Scientist. His research included the effects of doxycycline on matrix metalloproteinases which are upregulated after injury, such as balloon angioplasty of the carotid artery in post HRT women. Doxycycline seems to decrease the speed and amount of intimal hyperplasia after this treatment, which can be very helpful in lowering the amount of post-surgical complications.
Nolan said, "Overall I am glad I had the opportunity to learn so much during my summer break, and I do not think I could have spent it better."
John Prenshaw
Medical Student
UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
Prenshaw conducted research in the Human Immunology and Cancer Program with Dan Kestler, PhD, Assistant Professor. Previously, a highly invasive and metastatic breast cancer cell line was transfected with recombinant human ODAM plasmid constructs, and ODAM expression was detected in these cells. After culture, ODAM-expressing tumor cells showed significantly less migration, invasion and growth when compared to the control tumor cells. Prenshaw worked to characterize this difference using multiple assays on cell culture. He also assisted Charles Bruker, MD, Pathology Resident, in gathering patient samples and was able to learn about sectioning tissues and the subtle differences between benign growth and ductal carcinoma in situ on prepared slides.
"I quite enjoyed this summer opportunity, and I now better realize the possibility of incorporating research into a medical practice while continuing to emphasize patient care," Prenshaw said.
Lauren Simpson
Medical Student
UT Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
Simpson worked in the Shock Trauma and Nutrition Research Laboratory with Michael Karlstad, PhD, Chief of Surgical Research, where she was responsible for running western blots on adipocyte samples received from Jason Collier of the Department of Nutrition, UT Knoxville. Researchers in these two laboratories are collaborating to investigate Type I Diabetes, believing that pro-inflammatory cytokines increase P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases activities and the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells regulation of genes that impair function and viability of insulin producing cells. Simpson also participated in Dr. Karlstad's investigation on the connection between the renin-angiotensin system and the insulin pathway in burn patients and other trauma victims.
Posted: October 18, 2010
Resident Business Course Features Versatile Topics
The 2010-2011 Business Course for Residents series at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine kicked off September 16 and will meet monthly through April 2011 with topics that will prepare physicians and dentists for careers in private practice, hospital or academic settings. The series includes courses covering contracts, compensation models, different insurance options, and, new this year, a course on debt management with a focus on student loan debt.
The series kicked off with Pat Conry-Taylor and Della Morrow from Conry-Taylor & Morrow CPAs discussing "Professional and Financial Planning for Medical Professionals." Steve Ross, DPh, Senior Vice President, University Health Systems, Inc. will continue the series Thursday, October 21, with, "Questions to Ask in an Interview."
The full 2010-2011 series schedule is shown below. All sessions will be on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. in Wood Auditorium.
Thursday, October 21
Steve Ross, DPh, University Health Systems
"Questions to Ask in an Interview"
Thursday, November 18
Laura Lyons and Chad Schollaert, The Trust Company
"Budgeting and Debt Management"
Thursday, January 20
Jennifer Pearson-Taylor, London & Amburn
"Contracts"
Thursday, February 17
Cheryl Baxter, Vista Radiology
"Physician Compensation Model"
Thursday, March 24
Heath Hildreth, The Hildreth Agency
"Disability and Life Insurance"
Thursday, April 21
Heidi Barcus, London & Amburn
"Malpractice"
Posted: October 14, 2010
Dr. Dougherty Develops Online Test to Detect Dementia Earlier
Early detection of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive impairment provides patients maximum benefit from available treatments, and new research shows that a test developed by John Dougherty, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Cole Neuroscience Center, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine; Rex Cannon, PhD, Adjunct Research Assistant Professor of Psychology, UT Knoxville; and their research team is more than 95 percent effective in detecting cognitive abnormalities associated with forms of dementia.
The test, called CST for Computerized Self Test, was designed to be both effective and relatively simple for medical professionals to administer and for patients to take. The impetus for the test came from data showing that 60 percent of Alzheimer's cases are not diagnosed in the primary care setting and that those delays lead to missed treatment opportunities.
The CST is a brief, interactive online test that works to assess various impairments in functional cognitive domains. In Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Cannon's research, "The Computerized Self Test (CST): An Interactive, Internet Accessible Cognitive Screening Test for Dementia," published in the April issue of Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, they showed that the CST was substantially more effective and more accurate in detecting the presence of Alzheimer's and other forms of cognitive impairment in patients than other existing exams. The CST had a 96 percent accuracy rate compared to 71 percent and 69 percent for the tests that were currently in use at the time of their research.
The CST takes approximately 15 minutes, cost $19.95, and is available online at www.alzselftest.com. Read Dr. Dougherty's professional experience with Alzheimer's disease and why earlier detection is important to him on his blog at Alzselftest.com.
Additional news coverage, including a nurse's personal experience using the test, is available on Knoxnews.com and WATE.com.
Posted: October 11, 2010
Register by November 10: Trauma Management is Focus of CMDE-Certified Lecture
Register today to attend the 2010 Dr. R. Ben Alley, DDS, Endowed Lecture: Contemporary Maxillofacial Trauma Management on November 13. Featured speaker will be Edward Ellis III, DDS, MS, Professor and Chair, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and former president of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
The lecture is scheduled for 7:00 a.m.-noon, Heart Hospital Conference Room, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, and is approved for AMA and AGD credits and CEUs.
At the conclusion of the lecture, participants will be able to
- Apply knowledge of historical and contemporary issues associated with surgical management of mandibular and zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures;
- Interpret the various patterns of rigid fixation of these fractures to improve participants’ practices; and
- Create enthusiasm for participants to initiate trauma-call practices for patients in their communities.
Registration for the Alley Lecture is available at www.tennessee.edu/cme/Alley2010 or by calling 865-974-0280. Registration will close November 10.
The R. Ben Alley, DDS, Endowed Lecture is presented by the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, and the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is directed by Eric Carlson, DMD, MD, Professor, Chair, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. For more information, visit www.tennessee.edu/cme/Alley2010.
Posted: October 11, 2010
Anesthesia Foundation Selects Dr. Rowan as Meeting Resident Scholar
Cody Rowan, MD, Anesthesiology Resident, has been selected as a 2010 Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) Meeting Resident Scholar. He will join 40 resident scholars from across the nation at the meeting October 15-19, in San Diego, California, to use information regarding advances in the field of anesthesiology; identify education, scientific and political issues facing the practice of anesthesiology; and benefit from early involvement in the society by having direct interaction with leaders of the specialty and other residents from different practices.
An educational grant of $1,000 is provided to selected anesthesiology departments to facilitate this educational opportunity for second-year residents. In addition to attending the FAER Annual Meeting, resident scholars also have the opportunity to attend the American Society of Anesthesiologists Resident Component's activities.
See all 2010 FAER Meeting Resident Scholars.
Posted: October 7, 2010
New 'Research @ Lunch' Series Begins October 12
The Office of Medical Education, Research, and Development (OMERAD) will host a monthly Research @ Lunch series for University of Tennessee Medical Center and Graduate School of Medicine faculty, staff, residents, fellows and students, led by Lorraine Wallace, PhD, OMERAD Director, and William Metheny, PhD, Assistant Dean, beginning Tuesday, October 12. Workshops will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in Morrison's Conference Center. Lunch will be provided to those who RSVP to Dr. Wallace prior to the provided deadline.
2010 Series Schedule
Tuesday, October 12
Topic: Writing for Peer-Reviewed Publications
Speaker: Lorraine Wallace, PhD
RSVP Deadline: Wednesday, October 6
Tuesday, October 19
Topic: How Many Subjects Do I Need for My Study
Speaker: William Metheny, PhD
RSVP Deadline: Wednesday, October 13
Tuesday, October 26
Topic: Formulating Research Questions and Designing Studies
Speaker: Lorraine Wallace, PhD
RSVP Deadline: Wednesday, October 20
Tuesday, November 9
Topic: Reviewing Manuscripts for Peer-Reviewed Publications
Speaker: Lorraine Wallace, PhD
RSVP Deadline: Wednesday, November 3
Tuesday, December 7
Topic: How to Measure What You Want to Measure
Speaker: Lorraine Wallace, PhD, and William Metheny, PhD
RSVP Deadline: Wednesday, December 1
Posted: October 7, 2010
Long-Time Faculty Member Dr. Warren Bagley Passes Away
Warren Bagley, MD, who taught in the Department of Anesthesia at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine for more than 20 years, recently passed away. He is remembered for introducing medical acupuncture as an alternative medical treatment for pain at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. In addition to being an Assistant Professor of Anesthesia, Dr. Bagley belonged to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, International Research Society, and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
Dr. Bagley graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with his M.D. in 1979. He completed his residency training in Anesthesiology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1987 and was board certified in Anesthesiology and Medical Acupuncture. Dr. Bagley was a U.S. Army veteran who served as a physician from 1977-1989. His final assignment as Lieutenant Colonel Bagley was as Chief of Anesthesia and Operative Services at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Jerry Epps, MD, Chairman of Anesthesiology, said, "Our Department of Anesthesiology has been greatly saddened by the passing of one of our long-time faculty members, Dr. Warren Bagley. To those individuals who knew Warren well, he was a great teacher, patient advocate, patriot and friend. The members of our department will greatly miss him."
Posted: October 4, 2010
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