Swede Recognized for Cancer Prevention Research

April 29, 2015

An abstract submitted by Helen Swede, Ph.D., Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, and colleagues at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, was recognized as one of the top 15 in the area of Cancer Prevention at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Conference.

Swede presented the poster entitled “Modified Dietary Inflammatory Index and Increased Number of Colonic Aberrant Crypt Foci” at the meeting in Philadelphia on April 18-22. Dietary intake data were analyzed from 130 colonoscopy patients at the Colon Cancer Prevention Program (CCPP) of the Neag Cancer Center.

AACR is the largest organization for cancer research in the world, and there were over 18,000 attendees at the conference with over 6,000 posters presented.

Co-authors were: Valerie Duffy, Ph.D. (Nutrition Sciences, Storrs); Daniel Rosenberg, Ph.D. (Molecular Medicine and director of CCPP); Mastaneh Sharafi, M.S. (Nutritional Sciences, Storrs); Rong Wu, M.S. (CICATS Biostatistics Center); David Drew, Ph.D. (Molecular Medicine); Thomas Devers, M.D. (Gastroenterology and CCPP ); and Richard Stevens, Ph.D. (Community Medicine and Health Care and CCPP).

UConn Health May Programs, Events

April 24, 2015

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for May and early June 2015. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes.

New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, May 1. 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, June 4, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, smart shopping, and summer holiday eating. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

Walk for Bladder Cancer
Saturday, May 2, 1 p.m., Farmington River Trail, Route 4, Farmington
The UConn Health Bladder Cancer Support Group holds its annual walk to raise awareness and support for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network’s research, education and patient support. Learn more at http://support.bcan.org/Farmington or call Laurie at 860-986-3170.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, May 2, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, May 6, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. This workshop is offered on the first Wednesday of the month. Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

UConn Health Auxiliary Hanging Plant Sale
Thursday, May 7, UConn Health, locations and times vary, while supplies last
The UConn Health Auxiliary is holding a hanging plant sale at three locations: 16 Munson Road starting at 8 a.m., outside the Connucopia Gift Shop in the main building starting at 9 a.m., and at the Outpatient Pavilion gift shop starting at 9:30. For more information please call 860-679-2963. More information about the Auxiliary is available at http://auxiliary.uchc.edu.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, May 7, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Free Workshop: “Sickle Cell Disease and Reproduction: From Genetics to Delivery”
Thursday, May 14, 5 to 7 p.m., UConn Health, Low Learning Center
This conference will address multiple issues related to pregnancy, childbirth and newborn wellness for men and women living with sickle cell disease. Topics will include genetics, pregnancy management, psychosocial support, and avoiding complications for the newborn. To register or learn more, call 800-535-6232.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, May 18, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, May 18, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered monthly, generally on the third Tuesday, and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Registration is required: call 800-227-2345 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

Free Program: “Exercise as Medicine”
Wednesday, May 20, 7 p.m., UConn Health, Low Learning Center
Physician assistant Bradley Biskup from the Lifestyle Medicine Program explains how exercise can reduce or eliminate the need for medication and control cholesterol, weight, diabetes, hypertension, stress, and depression/anxiety. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, May 21, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, May 21, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, May 23, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

New Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, May 27, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3^rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group plans to meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Comcast NBC Connecticut Jim Calhoun Ride and Walk for Life Saving Research and Care
Saturday, May 30, 5, 7 a.m. registration, Northwest Catholic High School, West Hartford
Retired Hall of Fame UConn men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun’s annual bike and walk fundraiser benefits the UConn Health Research and Discovery Fund. Bicycle rides of 15, 30 and 62 miles are open to anyone over 14. The 5K walk is open to anyone. The day includes a picnic and live music, and free skin cancer screenings are available from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers and donations are welcome. Registration fee is $40 in advance, or $50 at the door. See http://calhounride.com for more information.

Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, June 4, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Science Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 860-679-4580 or www.uconnfertility.com.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, June 6, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 860-679-4410 or email hackett@uchc.edu for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, June 13, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.

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Human Anatomy Class Goes Virtual

April 17, 2015

UConn medical and dental students work on the Anatomage - a virtual anatomy table. — UConn medical and dental students work on the Anatomage – a virtual anatomy table.

UConn medical and dental students have a new high-tech learning tool. The Anatomage is a virtual anatomy table that works like a giant iPad. The table complements what the students learn with a human cadaver and better prepares them for the future.

Watch the video: http://youtu.be/ylc0cyhS79U

“When the students leave the gross anatomy lab they’ll rely primarily on medical and dental imaging such as MRI and CT images,” explains John Harrison, associate professor in the Department of Craniofacial Sciences. “Those can be challenging to interpret so this virtual anatomy table is a great way to begin to bridge that gap between what they see in the lab and what they’ll see in the rest of their careers.”

The Anatomage has both a male and female cadaver that have been transformed into 3D renderings that students can rotate, manipulate, and cut into cross sections in virtually any plane that they would like to visualize.

“It allows them to look at the standard configurations they would see in medical imaging, axial, coronal, as well as sagittal sections down the middle,” adds Harrison.

“It’s really cool to see it from different angles and things we don’t get to see when they’re in the body sometimes,” says Andrew Glick, first-year medical student. “I think this will definitely complement what we learn in the lab. It’s awesome.”

Harrison has noticed that the students, many who grew up playing video games and using high-tech gadgets, have no problem mastering the Anatomage.

“They’re technical natives. They’ve grown up with the technology, they’re comfortable with it, and they’re very good at it. So this is a great resource for millennial learners,” adds Harrison.

“I think having a little tech-savviness when operating it is helpful,” says Andrew Emery, first-year dental student. “It makes it easier to learn.”

First-year dental student Leila Fussell says, “It’s more interactive which is what we’re used to. I think it will be a great learning tool for all of us, so I’m excited.”

But Harrison says the virtual cadaver will not replace the real thing.

“We have a wonderful anatomical donation program so our gross anatomy labs are provided by donors who will their bodies for the benefit of our medical and dental students and their future knowledge and their future practice. We think that’s an incredibly important thing for our students to experience.”

The first-year medical and dental students are currently using the Anatomage but Harrison says this is just the beginning. The goal is to purchase more tables and create a much larger virtual anatomy lab that will span not only the first year but all four years of medical school.

Lessons on Career Choices and Science at the 2015 Physician-Scientist Career Development Colloquium

April 13, 2015

Finding your way through a career in science and medicine is a daunting challenge to physician-scientists at all stages of their careers. To help guide them in their journey, the UConn Office of Physician-Scientist Career Development (OPSCD) convenes an annual career development colloquium highlighted by a keynote address from a distinguished physician-scientist. The 2015 colloquium, which took place on March 25, featured a keynote address from Dr. Christine Seidman, Thomas W. Smith Professor of Medicine and Genetics at Harvard Medical School and current president of the Association of American Physicians. Describing her own journey through medicine and science, Seidman centered her address around an important driving force in her career: deriving inspiration and direction from the care of her patients.

For Seidman, that inspiration came early in her career. Captivated by the heart (as she described it, “what other organ system sings to you?”), Seidman focused her scientific energies on a great mystery of cardiology: the then-enigma of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Long recognized but poorly understood, HCM causes sudden, unexplained death, often in athletes in the prime of their lives. The mystery of this condition, and the myriad avenues of scientific inquiry it presented, were what launched her journey of scientific discovery. Despite the many advances medical science has made, Seidman reminded the audience, many such medical mysteries remain, and physician-scientists are ideally-placed to recognize and tackle them.

Describing her entry into this unknown area, Seidman extolled her audience to take risks in their own careers by seeking out new ideas, new techniques, and new collaborators. Indeed, this was the key factor that propelled her career forward. Even as a new investigator in the field of cardiology, she looked to literature beyond cardiac pathology, discovering the work of Joseph Martin and colleagues that led to the genetic basis of the neurological disorder Huntington’s disease. Seeking out her own new ideas and collaborators, Seidman collaborated with Bill McKenna and a Canadian colleague, Peter Pare, to evaluate the genetics of a Canadian pedigree of HCM patients. This work led to the discovery of a mutation in the myosin heavy chain gene on chromosome 14 and many subsequent mutations in other genes, providing the first genetic basis for this complex disease.

Even with all these successes, Seidman stressed the importance of continuing to dream and to dream big throughout your career. For her, the big dream is to take the genetic knowledge she has uncovered and use it to change the course of disease for those affected by HCM. For Seidman, the challenges and excitement never end, a sentiment shared by Dr. Andrew Arnold, director of the Office of Physician-Scientist Career Development. “The life of a physician-scientist is challenging, but the challenges and promises are what make the career so exciting” said Arnold. “Hosting distinguished physician-scientists like Dr. Seidman is an excellent way to inspire our trainees and junior faculty to dream big and aim high in their own careers.”

In addition to her keynote address, Seidman’s visit included dinner and small group conversations about science, life, and managing a physician-scientist career with students and faculty at UConn and the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine. These conversations were particularly impactful for the young women pursuing MD/PhD degrees at UConn including Emily Anstadt, a member of the organizing committee for Seidman’s visit. “It is truly inspiring to interact with someone like Dr. Seidman who has raised a family and simultaneously built such a fantastic career,” said Anstadt. “Both family and my career are important to me, and Dr. Seidman’s example renews my faith that I can have both.”

Planning for the next career-development colloquium is already underway, so stay tuned to the OPSCD website for announcements and updates.

Making a Difference in the Hartford Community

April 8, 2015

Ann Ferris, Ph.D., RD, was honored for outstanding individual contributions at the 2015 Food Security Awards on March 26, held at the Hartford Public Library. The City of Hartford’s Advisory Commission on Food Policy regularly hosts the Community Food Security Awards event to raise awareness about community food security and to recognize individuals and organizations in Hartford that are working to improve nutrition, strengthen local food systems, and empower communities for better long-term food security.

Martha Page (left), executive director of Hartford Food Systems presented one of the 2015 Food Security Awards to emeritus professor, Ann Ferris. — Martha Page (left), executive director of Hartford Food Systems, presented one of the 2015 Food Security Awards to emeritus professor Ann Ferris.

Martha Page, MPH, CPH, executive director of the Hartford Food System, presented this year’s Food Security Award in the Individual Category to Dr. Ann Ferris. For more than 37 years, Dr. Ferris has participated in and led research groups from the University of Connecticut and UConn Health with a focus on explaining, preventing and treating various food-related conditions in underserved populations such as childhood obesity and iron deficiency anemia. She also directs the Husky Programs team, funded by the USDA SNAP-Ed program. UConn students participate in service-learning courses and provide direct nutrition education to Connecticut community members predominantly in Hartford. Ferris’ professional commitment to research and education supporting underserved populations in Hartford demonstrates her passion in creating change in Hartford’s food system and the prevention and treatment of food-related conditions. Her tireless pursuit of ideas and methods to improve food policies and systems toward better health has made a positive difference for Connecticut citizens.

In addition to her UConn-related work, Ann has worked on many other projects dedicated to promoting food security, healthy lifestyles, and access to healthy food. She and her team are now working with the Office for Children, Youth, Families, and Recreation and Hartford Early Childcare Centers to develop obesity prevention policies and programs and to continue to monitor preschool child obesity rates first done with the “Think differently for their future: Child Weight Surveillance in Preschool in Hartford, Connecticut.”

Dr. Ferris recently retired and stepped down as director of the Center for Public Health and Health Policy (CPHHP), but will continue to work part-time and lead Husky Programs and direct research to improve food security. She and Martha Page are currently leading a project funded by the Donaghue Foundation R3 (Making Research Relevant and Ready) to develop a viable plan to increase healthy food availability in Hartford mid-size markets.

The Hartford Food System has more details about the 2015 Hartford Food Security Awards.

2015 SPARK Program Winners Announced

April 7, 2015

Dr. Jeff Seemann, UConn/ UConn Health Vice President for Research and Dr. Bruce Liang, Interim Dean of UConn School of Medicine and Director of the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, are pleased to announce the recipients of UConn Health’s 2015 SPARK Grant Competition. These awards aim to help investigators move ideas into the earliest stages of commercialization and development.

The selection committee included UConn Health faculty and staff leaders, entrepreneurs and senior executives from top pharmaceutical, biotech and venture capital firms. The committee members were impressed by the science and innovation conveyed in all twelve presentations. A natural outcome of SPARK is the opportunity for participating researchers to connect with and learn from the members representing industry. We were very fortunate this year, as we have already had one of the companies represented on the committee express interest in a technology presented. The committee selected the following six awardees:

Dr. Robert Clark, “Development of a Blood Biomarker for Use in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis”

Dr. Robert Kelly, “Artificial Salivary Pump/Gland Concept”

Dr. Mark Metersky, “Novel Technologies for Cloning Cancer Cells Derived from Pleural Fluid for Diagnosis and Drug Discovery”

Dr. Kourosh Parham, “Inner ear protein prestin as a biomarker for ototoxicity”

Dr. Andrew Winokur, “A Phase I Study of the Biomarker Response and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) Administered as a Sublingual Tablet”

Dr. George Wu, “Targeted Transplantation of Mitochondria to Liver Cells”

“The top notch research underway at UConn Health ensured that we were able to offer the judges a highly competitive pool of candidates,” said Dr. Seemann. “We are extremely grateful to have the input of the industry members who provided keen insight into the factors leading to translation of research, as is the long term intent of this program.”

The School of Medicine was pleased to support SPARK again this year, said Dr. Liang. “I commend all of the SPARK applicants for presenting a very compelling case for their proposals, and offer my thanks to the Office of the Vice President for Research for its outstanding management of the SPARK program, as well at its financial contributions.”

Goal: 80% Screened for Colorectal Cancer by 2018

April 1, 2015

Signing the 80% by 2018 pledge from left, Daniel Rosenberg, Dr. Thomas Devers, Anne Diamond, Dr. Pramod Srivastava, and Dr. Joel Levine.

Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem. It is the second leading cause of cancer death, and a cause of considerable suffering among more than 140,000 adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. However, colorectal cancer can be detected early at a curable stage, and it can be prevented through the detection and removal of precancerous polyps.

UConn Health stands united in the belief that we can eliminate colorectal cancer as a major public health problem. We have screening technologies that work, the national capacity to apply these technologies, and effective local models for delivering the continuum of care in a more organized fashion. Equal access to care is everyone’s responsibility. We share a commitment to eliminating disparities in access to care. As such, UConn Health will work to empower communities, patients, providers, community health centers and health systems to embrace these models and develop the partnerships needed to deliver coordinated, quality colorectal cancer screening and follow up care that engages the patient and empowers them to complete needed care from screening through treatment and long-term follow-up.

UConn Health is embracing the shared goal of reaching 80% screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.

MD/Ph.D. Student Sara Pan to Present Research at AGS Annual Meeting

March 27, 2015

The Office of the Vice President for Research recognizes Sarah Pan, UConn Health MD/Ph.D. student, who has been asked to present her research at the Plenary Paper Session at the annual meeting of the American Geriatrics Society this May in Washington, D.C. The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting is the premier educational event in geriatrics, providing the latest information on clinical care, research on aging, and innovative models of care delivery. Work presented at the meeting’s Plenary Paper Session represents the field’s most highly rated scholarship.

Sarah Pan Pan’s paper, entitled “Upregulation of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Markers in Young and Aged Mice During Influenza Infection,” is the result of research conducted at the UConn Center on Aging in the labs of Dr. George Kuchel and Laura Haynes, Ph.D. In this study, the effects of influenza infection on body weight and expression of key muscle atrophy genes were observed in young and old mice. The virus led to significant weight loss and elevated atrophy genes in both groups, but older mice were much slower to recoup loss, and the correlation between weight loss and level of atrophy gene expression was also stronger in the aged mice. This link between weight loss and certain markers of inflammation-associated muscle loss may indicate that an infectious challenge such as the flu can disrupt the balance required to maintain muscle mass, and precipitate muscle and weight loss seen in frail older adults.

Pan’s research with the Kuchel and Haynes labs was funded by a prestigious 2015 MSTAR award from the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR). The MSTAR Program provides medical students with an enriching experience in aging-related research and geriatrics, with the mentorship of top experts in the field. Congratulations to Sarah and the Kuchel and Haynes labs!

Genice Nelson Honored for Impact in Sickle Cell Disease Community

March 25, 2015

In conjunction with FENDI, and in recognition of Women’s History Month, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) has honored UConn Health’s Genice Nelson, APRN, as one of several women nationally who have made a significant impact in the Sickle Cell Disease community. Genice and the other women have gone above and beyond the call of duty in hopes of making a difference in the sickle cell patient community, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. To show their appreciation, SCDAA has named the honorees the 2015 Iconic Women. The women will each receive a commemorative award from the SCDAA, as well as national recognition throughout the month of March.

Please visit SCDAA’s official Iconic Women website and make a contribution to SCDAA in honor of Genice’s work in Sickle Cell Disease by clicking on “Connecticut” and following the link by her picture. Be sure to include Genice’s name in the message box on the donation page so our local Connecticut SCDAA chapter can receive a portion of the donation.

Match Day Video and Photo Gallery

Fourth-year students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine celebrated a successful Match Day on March 20 with 98 percent of them securing residencies through the National Residency Match Program.

As in years past, a large percentage of UConn students, 48 percent, matched in a primary care residency program which includes internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics. The majority of the class, 67 of the 89 students, will stay in the Northeast, with 21 remaining in Connecticut.

Match Day is conducted annually at medical schools across the country to match students with residency programs and at teaching hospitals around the country.

Match Day 2015 Photo Gallery