MCG Today

40 Pages·2002·3.8 MB·English

by  Medical College of Georgia

MEDICAL COLLEGE GEORGIA
OF
The best teachers never stop learning.
Advances in medicineoccureveryday. And manyofthem are made right here, at MCG-the region's
only academic medical center. Our team of nationally recognized physicians not only provides
exceptional care to patients; they also conduct ground-breaking research, teach the doctors of
tomorrow and share the latest medical advances with today's physicians. Our physicians are
dedicated to staying on the leading edge of medicine and delivering the highest quality of care
to our patients. At MCG, we are committed to being at the forefront of medicine and providing
the region's best health care.
Tomorrow's Medicine, Here Today."'
MCG
Health System
MedicalCollegeofGeorgia HealthSystem,AugustaGA
DAY
—
MEDICAL COLLEGE GEORGIA
OF
T
Few things are more At a Glance 2
impenetrable than the A new weapon in the fight against terrorism is among the items making news
minds ofthose with at the Medical College ofGeorgia.
autism.This devastat-
Hard-Wired 5
ing brain disorder can bar its MCG
victims from the real world research pinpoints brain differences in those with autism.
as effMecCtiGvely as prison bars. Secret Worlds 8
But researchers are
Pete and Liz Claffcy struggle topenetrate the secret worlds oftheir autistic children.
learning more every day
about the brain distinctions Plan Your Giving 11
ofthose with autism
Locking in financial security.
information that may one
day lead to better treatments Torchbearer 12
or even cures.The latest in Tim Mcllrath transformed his brush with death into apassion for life.
this research is featured in
this edition ofMedical College More Than Skin Deep 14
ofGeorgia Today, along with When a physician assistant student began raising funds forcancer research,
the poignant story ofa she didn't know hercause would soon become deeplypersonal.
family affected twice over
On the Fast Track 16
by autism.
We also introduce you to MCG's new School ofNursing dean is determined to optimize the school's
two MCG students,both of research potential.
whose personal experiences
Taking Flight 18
wnietwhddiimseeansseiohnasvetoadtdheend- An MCG incubator is hatching marketable ideas.
dedication as future health AlumlMews 20
care professionals. School-by-school newsfor and about MCG alumni.
This edition also includes
an update on the Office of
BiomedicalTechnology
Transfer, MCG's engine to MCG President: DanielW.Rahn,M.D. Editor: Christine Hurley Demo
InterimVicePresidentforUniversity Art Director: BrentD. Burch
transport laboratory findings Advancement: Bruce Howerton Photographer: Philjones
into the marketplace.We
think you'll be fascinated by C2002.Medical College ofGeorgia.The Medical College ofGeorgia is the health sciences university of
the University System ofGeorgia.
MCG's growing role in MCG MCG
Medical CollegeofGeorgiaTodayissponsoredby grants from Foundation,Inc.and the School
optimizing not only the ofMedicineAlumniAssociation.Itis producedby the DivisionsofInstitutional Relations and Health
medical but the economic Communication;Medical College ofGeorgia;Augusta,Georgia 30912.Advertisinginquiries should be
waenldl-stbaetie.ng ofthe community dtteiirrsleey,cmteMendtCstGoinATtuohgidusasyptuaibslMfiaucgraantziiisonhnee,ddo(te7os06an)lout7m2nco2in-sa5tn8id3tu3ft,reiPea.nnOds.enoBdfooMxrsC1e4Gm0e5n,wtiAtubhgyouustthteac,hMaeGrdegioecr.agTlihaCeo3la0lp9ep0ge3ea.roaPfnucbGeleioosrfhgeaiddavqeourfa-rt-he
products orservices advertised.
GLANCE
AT
A
Blinding Assault part ofthe healing process, disrupt orderly collagen
fibers so that light can no longer penetrate and
The immune systems assault on a corneal vision is lost. Once the damage is done,"you have
infection can do more harm than good, almost no solution except corneal transplantation,"
according to a researcher who wants to Dr.Yu said.
identify what triggers the immune response "We are trying to find out how infection or the
and stop it. presence ofbacteria trigger pro-inflammatory
The durable cornea, the transparent outer layer cytokines and things that interfere with that sig-
ofthe eye, collects light for the lens to focus and nal," he said. His group has developed an organ
shields the eye from damage such as trauma and culture model, testing reagents known to block
infections. But unchecked corneal damage may signaling pathways for efficacy in blocking the
trigger an immune response, compromising vision release ofthese pro-inflammatory cytokines.
as immune system cells move in and inflammation Dr.Yu first compromises the surface ofthe
sets in to help remove the invader, destroying tissue corneal model as an injury or contact lens might.
in the process. He then infects the model with bacteria, treats it
"When bacteria get in, they may trigger a with topical antibiotics, then tries to block the
domino reaction until there is inflammation and immune system response.
scar formation," said Dr. Fu-Shin X.Yu, a Medical He believes the response occurs when a recep-
College ofGeorgia cell biologist."And once that tor on the surface ofthe epithelium cell recognizes
inflammation has started, there is almost nothing bacteria that trigger the release ofcytokines,which
you can do to stop it."The resulting scars, a natural rally the immune system and set in motion the
potential for blindness within a short time period.
Dr. Fu-Shin X.Yu His study model also may one day provide an
alternative to animal testing for all sorts ofprod-
ucts that might impact the eyes, including cosmet-
ics,shampoos and cleaning chemicals."Our hope is
that our model some day can be used to replace or
reduce animal [eye] testing."
Countering Chemical
Warfare
A
device that could detect the earliest signs
ofexposure to deadly chemical warfare
agents is being developed by researchers in
Augusta and Boston.
The earliest sign ofexposure to agents such as
sarin and soman are the seemingly innocuous con-
tractions ofsmall groups ofmuscles, like an eye
twitch, the researchers says.They are pooling their
2 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIATODAY
knowledge about central nervous system toxins
and the electromyogram, or EMG, that records the
electrical activity ofmuscles, to develop an early-
detection device that may one day be worn by sol-
diers and rescue workers at risk. It may also benefit
those who work around insecticides, less lethal ver-
sions ofthese compounds called organophosphates.
"Chemical warfare agents kill by disrupting
normal communication between nerves and mus-
cles so that muscles can no longer relax," said Dr.
JerryJ. Buccafusco, a Medical College ofGeorgia
pharmacologist.The agents inhibit cholinesterase,
an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a key
neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory and Russian surgeons
neuromuscular activity. G. Ivanov andA.
At the earliest symptom ofexposure to deadly Kozyrin with Dr.
chemicals,victims might still be saved. Dr. Thomas R.
Puccafusco and Dr. Carlo De Luca, a biomedical Gadacz
engineer at Boston University,want to maximize —
that chance. system and ideally its business infrastructure by
"We believe we will see changes in the EMG creati—ngjobs for its weapons scientists and engi-
signal that will indicate organophosphates in the neers with technology and approaches that are
body before they begin to do serious damage,"Dr. novel in these secret cities and commonplace in
De Luca said.The research is funded by a National the United States.
Institutes ofHealth Small Business Innovation Dr. Stachura andJohn Peifer, director ofthe
ResearchAward. Biomedical InteractiveTechnology Center at the
Dr. Buccafusco's tests using animal models show Georgia Institute ofTechnology, assembled a cus-
the EMG can detect superficial muscle twitches tomized telemedicine system for the city.The sys-
before secondary, cold-like symptoms set in. tem has features such as hand-held video cameras,
Included in the detection device is a tracking sys- laptop computers and video cassette recorders so
tem so that soldiers or others using the device that,for instance, a nurse at a remote area can
could be rapidly found and treated. record a patient examination.A physician can
"IfI can help a soldier survive or help a farmer watch it later and determine whether the patient
in the fields,"Dr.Buccafusco said,"it's great." needs referral to a specialist.
Dr. Gadacz helped assemble the equipment
necessary to establish the Laparoscopic Center at
To Russia with Technology the Medical Center ofSarov, enabling minimally
invasive surgery. His next step is to bring his
Russian colleagues to his turf, where he can help
Department ofSurgery ChairmanThomas them further develop their laparoscopic skills.
R. Gadacz has been a pioneer in the field
offinding the least invasive approach to
surgery. Pedal Pushers
But his most recent ventures have taken him to
ground previously unknown: the secret, nuclear
city ofSarov, Russia, where barbed wire and guards Mike Miller loves the peacefulness ofa
Dr.
have kept visitors out and citizens in since the solitary bike ride, leisurely navigating the
city's inception in the 1940s. winding country roads near his North
Dr. Gadacz, scrub nurse BarbaraTyler and Dr. Augusta home. He also loves the com-
Max Stachura, director ofthe MCGTelemedicine radery ofbiking with a group, pushing himself to
Center,were among the earliest visitors to this city keep up with faster riders or hanging back to
of84,000, helping its residents forge a new direc- cheer on stragglers. He even bikes to work in nice
tion in the post-ColdWar era. weather, combining fresh air and exercise with
They are working with the Savannah River Site energy-efficient practicality.
through the Department ofEnergy's Nuclear But he loves his hobby most ofall when he
Cities Initiative to help Sarov bolster its health care uses it to help students.
VOLUME 30, NUMBER 3 / SPRING 2002 3
.
Dr. Miller, associate vice president for academic raised funds through the Bike RideAcross
—
and student affairs at the Medical College of Geo—rgia.This year's fund raiser Tour de Floss
Georgia, helped create theTour de Floss, a cycling IV will be held in conjunction with the annual
fund-raiser for the Georgia Dental Education Assault on Mt. Mitchell May 18. MCG team
Foundation, four years ago.The foundation was members are Dr. Miller and dental students
created in 1985 by the Georgia DentalAssociation, Ronnie Barth, Brian Linton and Matt Kormylo.
which allocated $50,000 as seed money. Since The 100-mile ride will begin in Spartanburg, S.C.,
then, the foundation has provided more than and end at the top ofMt. Mitchell in North
$250,000 for student scholarships. Dr. Miller, presi- Carolina."The ride has 1 1,000 feet ofvertical
dent-elect ofthe foundation, has served on its climb," Dr. Miller said."It's considered one ofthe
board since 1991 10 most challenging century rides in the
"About 50 percent ofthe money comes to Southeast, if not the country."
MCG students," said Dr. Miller, who was director Donations can be mailed to the Georgia Dental
ofstudent admissions and academic support in the Education Foundation business manager at P.O.
School ofDentistry before assuming his cam- Box 2186,Tucker, Georgia,30085-2186. Checks
puswide duties last year. should be made payable to GDEFTour de Floss
For the last three years, theTour de Floss has 2002.All contributions are tax-deductible.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We
particularly enjoyed your article about Thanks so much for the article I'vejust read
Matt and Kevin Howard in the winter about Dr. Matthew Howard's son, Kevin. Dr.
edition ofMCG Today. My wife was sur- Howard was my three children's pediatrician
prised to see pictures ofher cousins, uncle and and all ofKevin's adulation and praise ofhis
great-grandfather;she is not only married to an father's devoted, caring professional life I can con-
MCG graduate, but related to others.We are so firm as being real to his patients as well. Please, if
glad that Kevin has made something positive out it's possible,pass along to Kevin my admiration for
ofhis fathers tragic illness.The article was out- his father and for his own choice to enter the
standing.We wish space had permitted more about medical field.
Matts courage under fire inViet Nam above and Carol DeLoach
beyond the call ofduty that led both to his
wounds and his medals. His father also had har-
rowing experiences as a physician on the Okinawa
beaches. Please submit letters to the editor to
One interesting story about Matt is that due to Christine Hurley Deriso
MCG
his wounds, the word came back to that he e-mail: [email protected]
had died inViet Nam. Imagine the surprise ofhis mail: FI-1040
colleagues later as they met him in the hall at Medical College ofGeorgia
ETMH when he began his residency. Augusta, GA 30912
fax: [phone]
Dr. Kenneth Reynolds (School ofMedicine,
1961) and Lucy Howard Reynolds
Crested Butte, Colorado
4 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIATODAY
—
Toni Baker ogist at the Medical College ofGeorgia columns a basic organizational unit
and lead author ofresearch findings of80 to 100 brain—cells and their
Autistic individuals have a published in the Feb. 12 issue of connective wiring they have more of
fundamental structural Neurology. The structural difference they them.The team reproduced its findings
difference in the alignment have found would result in too much using a different method ofmicroscopic
and wiring oftheir brain cells, communication, too little inhibition and analysis before submitting them for
a difference that explains their proclivity a tendency to shut out much ofthe publication.
to live in their own world,according to world around them, the researchers said. "We believe that we have uncovered
researchers. Dr. Casanova's research team a major source ofpathology that has
"The fundamental structure by examined the brain tissue ofnine been untouched before because no one
which they think and process informa- autistic people with a mean age of looked at rninicolumns," Dr. Casanova
tion is different," said Dr. Manuel F. 12 and found to their surprise that said."I pray we are correct because this
Casanova, neurologist and neuropathol- not only do they have smaller mini- is standing on the verge ofsomething
VOLUME 3d, NUMBER 3 / SPRING 2(»i2 5
grossly with even the most sophisticated
Cadillac brain-imaging equipment.A microscope
is needed to detect the structures that
are about 40-millionth ofa meter in
diameter (a meter is 39.37 inches).
In autistic individuals, often
described as non-communicative and
self-centered, these microscopic struc-
tures are even tinier and more numer-
ous, so the individuals are bombarded
with environmental stimulation."Even
the flickering ofa fluorescent light can
interfere with an autistic person's con-
centration," Dr. Casanova said.
Computer modeling oftheir tiny
minicolumns indicates excess cell-
signaling along with too little inhibi-
tion, he said, noting that about one-
third ofpeople with autism also develop
seizures, another condition in which
signaling and inhibition are out ofbal-
ance. In fact, case reports hav—e shown
that anti-seizure medications which
limit—the flood ofsignals reaching the
Prices start as low as $29,990 brain have reduced the autistic symp-
toms ofthose who also have epilepsy.
A luxurysports sedan that
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ications, were given early enough to an
2003 Cadillac CTS available at: autistic child, in the first few years of
life while their brains are being hard-
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wired, they could help normalize the
flow ofstimulation reaching the mini-
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determine their pathology as well.
PONTIAC
This peculiar pathology linked to
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brain's major component, the cortex."In
that could be very important to many "Intelligence is not the property of A: Cortical section ofhealthy patient's
people." single cells, it's in the circuitry,"Dr. brain (left) and autisticpatient's (right).
The team previously published stud- Casanova said, referring to the mini- B: Same image with lines overlaid show-
ies indicating that microscopic differ- columns where cells take in informa- ing columnarstructure m
ences in the minicolumns ofman and tion, process it and respond.
non-human primates help explain man's Despite the general observation that
capacity for complex communication. autistic individuals tend to have unusu-
They also postulated that differences in ally large brains, the researchers found
the minicolumns might hold clues to throughout those brains smaller units of 3
conditions such as autism and schizo- circuitry and many more of them. M £
phrenia in which communication is Everyone has millions ofminicolumns, Normal Autistic Normal Autistic
dramatically impacted. yet their presence cannot be detected
6 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIATODAY
the cortex, the germinal cells continue
Our health care team members don't just save lives.
to migrate.This provides for progressive
layering ofcells into minicolumns, They have lives.
almost like rainbowJell-O," Dr.
Casanova said."So autism results from a
defect during creation ofthe cortex."
But based on his group's research, Dr.
Casanova suggests that these microscopic
differences in cell organization may not
m
be a defect at all but a step brain evo-
lution that enables people to truly focus
on complex issues facing todays society,
such as technology and science.
Currently
"Evolution is usually depicted as a
ladder where one rung follows the next," recruitingfor
he said."It is really more ofa bush with all Health
sideway branches or improvisations. Professions
Variation in the size and number of
minicolumns may represent one such The Navy Medical Corps is more than a practice, it's a way of life.You can find
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Brain tissue used in the study came Lab Balances • Physician's Scales
from theAutism Research Foundation M •Wheelchair Scales
in Boston and funding was provided by
grants from theTheodore andVada P.O. Box 21 1480 Augusta, GA
SRteavnileeywFBoouanrdda.t"ioWneaanrde gtrhaeteVfAulMteoritthe PAHugOusNtEa, GA 30917-1480 (706) 855-1 I I I
1-800-858-1 151 Charleston, SC
Autism Research Foundation and to the
families who donated brain tissue for Georgia www.gascale.com [phone]
study," Dr. Casanova said."Without the Scale ISO/IEC 17025Accredited Savannah, GA
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Becky Claffey was about 4 when deaf. Becky,like many children, had a lot
she scraped her leg during a ofear infections.The otolaryngologist
family outing.When she came put tubes in her ears and told her
home to wash offthe day's parents that children with older, talka-
fun in the tub, the bath water tive siblings often are reticent to start
burned the new scratches a little. themselves.
The beautiful youngest From that day, the parents knew
daughter ofPete and Liz she could hear them,because Becky
Claffey is 12 now and still now often covered her ears as ifto
refuses to sit in the tub."Most shut out the noise.Their experience
children would have done that with Becky helped them know that
for a couple ofdays," her moth- PeteJr.,born within a year of
er said.Becky does some things Becky,was autistic as well.
other children would. She will The diagnosis wasn't official until
play in the pool all day; she loves hey were 4 and 5.The first term the
the wind blowing through her hair parents heard was'pervasive develop-
and ribbons in her dark locks; she likes mental disorder,' which "could be almost
computers and videos. anything," Mrs. Claffey said.When the
Perhaps Becky (above, with mother) word'autistic'was finally used,it meant
remembers that day in the tub not real- childrenjust seemed to be good babies. little to her."It'sjust not something you
ly more than other children would, but But as a toddler,Becky didn't babble or talk to your best friend about. It's not
differently. She and brother PeteJr. respond when her parents talked. Liz like you hear about polio or (multiple
(right) are autistic, she often shutting and Pete were experienced parents with sclerosis) or Down syndrome. I was try-
out the world around her and he often two older daughters, Katie andJennifer, ing to think,'Who else do I know who
overreacting to it. so they knew she should be interacting has a child with autism?' I knew of
At first the Claffeys' two youngest with them and thought,perhaps,she was nobody. I didn't know what autism was."
8 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIATODAY