News Capsules 08/17/05
August 17, 2005
NEWS
Need information about clinical trials? Help is now available from the newly created Clinical Research Help Desk. Recently established by the AHC’s Research Services Organization, the help desk is available to faculty, staff, and the general public. Direct assistance will be provided to researchers in the following areas: identifying protocol-required research services from Fairview and UMPhysicians, completing the e-form to request these services, establishing research accounts with Fairview/UMPhysicians, reviewing and requesting any necessary corrections to Fairview/UMPhysicians invoices, and providing direction to research information and assistance available within the University. The general public can receive information about clinical trial opportunities, direction to appropriate clinical trial contacts, and general information about clinical trials listed on the AHC Clinical Trials Web site (http://www.ahc.umn.edu/trials). To contact the help desk, call 612-625-1109 (fax: 612-625-3956), e-mail mailto:ahcoor@umn.edu, or visit the office in room R694 Children’s Rehabilitation Center, 426 Church St. S.E. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The myU Web portal for health sciences faculty, staff, and students is now up and running and will officially replace the myAHC portal on Sept. 1. The myU portal--which is based upon the same technology as myAHC--is available at http://www.myu.umn.edu. Users can access the same personalized information on myU that they currently access on myAHC--such as course information, immunizations status, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training modules. Users who developed their own content for myAHC and want to move it to the myU portal need to do so by Sept. 1. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the portal support team at mailto:umportal@umn.edu. Having one portal--myU--will result in improved portal services, prevent duplication of technology resources, and be less confusing for users.
School of Public Health researchers with the State Health Access Data Assistance Center recently completed a study of health insurance coverage, health status, and access to health care services among U.S. children as part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Covering Kids and Families Back-to-School Campaign. The report is available at: http://www.shadac.org/events.
NEWS RELEASES
Individuals seeking treatment for alcohol dependence have a greater risk for relapse if they have anxiety disorders.
http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/anxiety081505
Medical School researchers have created a model to simulate sexual transmission of HIV in humans. The development increases the understanding, from a biological standpoint, of how HIV is transmitted in humans and may lead to the development of new ways to reduce HIV transmission.
http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/hiv080805
Which of two approaches is best to prevent graft-versus-host disease in patients receiving bone marrow transplants? That’s a question Medical School researchers and 16 other institutions attempted to answer in a recently completed clinical trial. Although the study demonstrated similar survival rates, the study was the most comprehensive to date, evaluating various clinical outcomes, resource utilization, costs, and quality of life.
http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/bmt080305
U researchers found that by increasing the concentration of a key regulator in glucose metabolism, using a mouse model, the mouse’s liver was better able to produce and dispose of glucose. The researchers believe that if they can find a way to increase that regulator in humans, a new treatment for diabetes and obesity could be found.
http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/sugar081605
PEOPLE
Nine School of Dentistry researchers, educators, and students were featured in the August issue of Minnesota Medicine. A series of articles explored the relationship between oral health and general health and wellness. Dean Patrick Lloyd, Mark Herzberg, Nelson Rhodus, Bryan Michalowicz, Jim Swift, Larry Wolff, Les Martens, Jasmine Kaygisiz, and Brian Grove were quoted.
Lisa Carney Anderson, School of Nursing, has been named to the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Lisa’s biography will be published in the 9th edition of the publication, which will be available next month.
Robert Kane, School of Public Health, health services research and policy, has received a $1.07 million grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for his project, “Comparative Effectiveness Review for MMA Section 1013.”
Hillari Neu, Program in Physical Therapy, is this year’s recipient of the Barbara Lee Graham Award. Neu will graduate in 2006 with the doctor in physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. The criteria for selection are based on an essay and letters of recommendation outlining the applicant’s merit and potential in the field of physical therapy. In addition, Elizabeth Ironside, class of 2006, and Meagan Binenstock, class of 2007, each won the Margie Gardner Fellowship. The recipients of this honor are nominated by their class in recognition of their service to the class, department, profession, and community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Register now for the fall 2005 series of Mini Medical School, which will focus on the building blocks of medicine. Class topics include basic anatomy, biochemistry, histology, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Classes are Monday evenings, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Oct. 10 through Nov. 7. Registration for the five classes is $60. To learn more and/or to register, go to http://www.ahc.umn.edu/outreach/minimed/fall2005
Blood donors and volunteers are sought for the U’s 4th annual Blood Drive, Thursday, Sept. 15, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Coffman Memorial Union. Organizers hope to enlist 240 people to give blood and 40 volunteers to work at the registration and canteen areas. Volunteers must commit to at least a one-hour shift. For more information, or to schedule an appointment online, visit http://www.givelife.org or call the Red Cross at 651-291-3293.
The University of Minnesota is seeking written comments from the public regarding the Twin Cities campus. These comments will be used by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in its comprehensive accreditation review of the Twin Cities campus from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. Comments may be submitted via letter, electronic comment form, or e-mail to the commission below:
--Public Comment on the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
--Comment form: http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org
--E-mail: mailto:info@hlcommission.org
Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be signed and in writing and cannot be treated as confidential. All comments must be received by Oct. 1, 2005. For more information, contact John Ziegenhagen, director, University Accountability Office of Planning and Academic Affairs, at mailto:ziege006@umn.edu or 612-626-8711.
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