Rounds

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has been named the best oncology program in the metro Detroit area according to a study conducted by HCIA (one of the nation’s leading health care information companies) and cable television’s America’s Health Network. Karmanos received the top score in the "Top Hospitals in Oncology" category, based on quality of care, patient services and reputation.

Wayne State researchers have developed a novel way of deciphering cell suicide, also known as apoptosis or programmed cell death--a critical underlying mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases. In the past, a "one-time" analysis, or a snapshot of the cell was performed after injury had occurred. Researchers were able to characterize programmed cell death during only one point in time. Drs. Andrea Vincent and Kenneth Maiese have recently developed a unique approach whereby the condition of neurons can be studied or reversed at any point in the process of programmed cell death.

Kenneth Maiese, MD, is professor in neurology, anatomy and cell biology, the Center for Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, and the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics. Andrea Vincent, PhD, is research associate in the Maiese Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cerebral Ischemia. Together, the investigators noted that prior studies into programmed cell death provided only limited information with fixed assays that identified the end stages of apoptosis. With the new technique, the investigators can continuously "communicate" with cells in real time during the initial, intermediate, and final stages of programmed cell death.

Drs. Maiese and Vincent have received a rapid patent approval on this unique assay which employs annexin V labeling to examine viable cells without altering their survival. Their research is published in the May 1999 issue of the Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry.

A new hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy chamber is being used at Detroit Receiving Hospital (DRH) for burns, smoke inhalation, wounds, and a wide variety of other conditions.

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber helps patients.

Jai Prasad, MD, associate professor of surgery and medical director of hyperbaric oxygen medicine at The Detroit Medical Center, said, "Until now, most of the patients in southeastern Michigan who could benefit from the therapy have had to travel to Toledo, Ohio. DRH is unique statewide in its ability to offer 24-hour emergency HBO treatment."

As an adjunctive treatment, HBO therapy restores adequate blood flow and oxygen levels which allows antibiotic and surgical techniques to have full effect.

Leslie Schuh, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences, is conducting two smoking cessation research studies which combine antidepressants, nicotine replacement and counseling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer than five percent of smokers who seek help in quitting are successful; however, 40-60 percent of smokers who’ve tried this program remained smoke-free for one year.

The first study combines the antidepressant fluoxetine with the nicotine patch and group treatment. The second study combines Meridia with the nicotine patch and individual counseling. For more information, please call the Smoking Cessation Clinic at (313) 993-3949.

Students for Healthy Communities began as an "adopt a clinic" program by WSU medical student volunteers. Since then, it has been funded as a more dynamic program aimed at addressing the health needs of four ethnic groups living in the neighborhoods surrounding the East Davison and East Seven Mile Community Health Center Clinics in Detroit.

"Students for Healthy Communities is built on the belief that the key to improving the state of our health system is the integration of the needs and resources of all parties involved in the health care delivery process," said Shalini Chandra, year II medical student, and project coordinator. Coordination of community services will include a forum of community members, clinicians, public health professionals and medical students.

Services offered by the program will include a broad range of classes ranging from English as a Second Language to seminars on childhood immunizations.

Students interested in joining this effort may contact Curi Kim (Year I), Deborah Czarski (Year I), or Shalini Chandra (Year II).

The annual Reach Out to Youth program brought 400 students, age 7-14, to Scott Hall earlier this year to learn about science and medicine. Sponsored by the Wayne State University Black Medical Association, the program targets inner-city youth to boost career motivation, personal self-esteem, and knowledge about science and medicine.

Dr. Tynes with students from Van Zile Elementary School in Detroit.

Dedication complete on Hudson-Webber Cancer Research Center

The newest addition to the Karmanos Cancer Institute is the Hudson-Webber Cancer Research Center, which was officially dedicated earlier this year. The center is specially-designed to facilitate translational cancer research activities.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are celebrated for the Hudson-Webber Cancer Research Center.

Robert Sokol, MD, dean of the WSU School of Medicine, said "The Hudson-Webber Cancer Research Center is an important and tangible illustration of the impact that can be made by those with the generosity and the foresight to understand the critical difference bricks and mortar can make to developing a world-class cancer program in the city of Detroit."

Best wishes to retirees

Congratulations to the following School of Medicine employees who are retiring or have retired during the 1998-99 year:

Anna Bradley, immunology and microbiology

Lee Carrick, Jr., immunology and microbiology

Alma Grant, internal medicine

Sandra Hamlet, otolaryngology

Rachel Lesniak, anesthesiology

Gwendolyn MaGuire, neurology

Corrine Resta, neurology

Roger Spry, dean’s office