Public release date: 7-Oct-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Sheryl Smith, Ph.D. sheryl.smith@downstate.edu 516-353-4714 SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Brooklyn, NY (October 7, 2013) SUNY Downstate Medical Center announced today that Sheryl Smith, PhD, professor of physiology and pharmacology, has published new findings demonstrating a reproducible pathology that may help shed light on anxiety and mood volatility in methamphetamine dependence. In her animal study, Dr. Smith demonstrates that neuroactive stress steroids can trigger identifiable changes to the brains of methamphetamine dependent rats in withdrawal. Interestingly, Dr. Smith notes, these changes appear to be reversible by an existing pharmacological agent flumazenil. The paper, titled, "A Stress Steroid Triggers Anxiety via Increased Expression of a4bd GABAA Receptors in Methamphetamine Dependence," was recently published online in Neuroscience.

"Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug. Dependence on this drug is difficult to treat because of the severity of the symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal," said Dr. Smith. "In addition to drug craving and lethargy, withdrawal from methamphetamine is associated with stress-triggered anxiety that may compromise therapeutic intervention. In our recent publication, we show that the system that provides inhibitory control in the brain is dysregulated during methamphetamine dependence in laboratory rodents."

The novel inhibitory receptor that is increased by exposure to methamphetamine is also the target for a stress steroid that produces anxiety during withdrawal from methamphetamine. This receptor is also a novel target for flumazenil, a drug commonly used to treat tranquilizer overdose. Flumazenil reduced expression of the inhibitory receptor and also prevented the anxiety triggered by the stress steroid during methamphetamine withdrawal. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for stress-triggered anxiety in methamphetamine dependence where flumazenil may have important therapeutic value.

One component of the stress response is the release of the steroid allopregnanolone or THP. This steroid modulates GABAA receptors, with 4 GABARs the most sensitive target. These receptors are extrasynaptic and generate a tonic current that is neuroprotective. They also exhibit a high degree of plasticity in response to increases in neuronal excitability, which would accompany METH exposure. In some cases, flumazenil was administered during the 24 hour withdrawal period. Although this drug is a benzodiazepine antagonist, it also binds to 4 GABARs and has been shown to regulate 4 expression.

The study results show that chronic METH treatment and its withdrawal significantly increased expression of 4 and GABAR subunits by 2 to 3-fold. This effect was prevented, however, by flumazenil administration during the withdrawal period. Dr. Smith continued, "Our results suggest that increased 4 GABARs mediate the anxiety response to stress steroids after METH withdrawal, an effect prevented by flumazenil. Because stress-triggered anxiety can result in drug relapse, flumazenil may have important therapeutic benefit in METH dependence."

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The work in this study was supported by grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health: DA09618, AA12958 and MH100561, and was also supported by a contract from Hythiam, Inc.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center, founded in 1860, was the first medical school in the United States to bring teaching out of the lecture hall and to the patient's bedside. A center of innovation and excellence in research and clinical service delivery, SUNY Downstate Medical Center comprises a College of Medicine, Colleges of Nursing and Health Related Professions, a School of Graduate Studies, a School of Public Health, University Hospital of Brooklyn, and an Advanced Biotechnology Park and Biotechnology Incubator.

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Stress steroid mediated withdrawal anxiety in dependent rats reversible by flumazenil

Medical School Alumni

A Catholic school-saving mission

October 7, 2013 student

Melanie Burney, Inquirer Staff Writer Posted: Monday, October 7, 2013, 2:01 AM

Given a choice years ago to retire and enjoy life, businessman Robert Healey Sr. decided to dig in. He is on a personal crusade to help save Catholic schools in the region.

Healey, 84, of Lumberton, a successful lawyer and entrepreneur, has become a champion for Catholic education, turning around struggling schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania by showing them how to operate more like businesses.

As the cofounder of Viking Yacht in Burlington County, one of the world's top luxury yacht builders, and the chief executive of more than a half-dozen companies and several charities, Healey knows how to run a business.

That means no more cake sales to keep the school doors open and the lights on, but a more aggressive strategy used by colleges and private schools for fund-raising and student recruiting.

"I have a passion about children and schools," Healey said in an interview last week. "My focus is to save these schools."

His approach has garnered national attention, and the National Catholic Educational Association will award Healey its highest honor Monday in Washington in recognition of his contributions.

Healey and four others will receive the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, named in honor of the first native-born American saint.

In a statement, Brother Robert Bimonte, NCEA president, said the award "recognizes great leaders who are supporting Catholic education in many ways."

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A Catholic school-saving mission

Medical School Alumni

Eight FUS graduates honored

October 5, 2013 student

STEUBENVILLE - Officials, staff, alumni and students at Franciscan University of Steubenville took time during a busy homecoming weekend to honor eight graduates of the school for their outstanding professional accomplishments and service to the church and community.

Accepting awards at the school's 25th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet Friday were the Rev. Michael Gaitley, MIC 1999, recipient of the Bishop John King Mussio Award for Faithful Service to the Church; Adam Tate, a 1994 alumnus and recipient of the Dr. John J. Carrigg Award for education; Col. Laurence Burgess, 1969 alumnus and recipient of the Alumni Citizenship Award; John Fischer, a 1983 graduate and recipient of the Rose M. DeFede Faithful Franciscan Award; Dr. David Born, a 1992 graduate and recipient of the Father Dan Egan Award for healthcare; Albert "Ray" Challis, a 1967 alumnus and recipient of the Professor Edward J. Kelly Award for business; and Aaron Cunningham, a 2007 graduate and recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Also recognized was Michael Kehoe, a 1968 graduate who was named last year's recipient of the Professor Edward J. Kelly Award but wasn't able to attend last year's event. Kehoe went on to serve in the Army's 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam, hold several positions with Ohio Bell and AT&T, working his way up to vice president of AT&T Ohio; and serve in the Columbus Rotary and on boards for such organizations as the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Columbus Urban League and Mount Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.

HONORED ALUMNI Among the many on hand for Franciscan University of Steubenvilles 25th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet Friday were, from left, front: Tim Delaney, the universitys director of alumni and constituent relations; honorees Dr. David Born, Albert Ray Challis and John Fischer; and Chris Wright, president of the universitys alumni board; and back: honoree Mike Kehoe, the Rev. Sean Sheridan, TOR, the universitys president; Col. Laurence Burgess and Adam Tate. Also honored were alumni Aaron Cunningham and the Rev. Michael Gaitley. -- Warren Scott

While at Franciscan University, Born served as coordinator and council representative for the In His Image household his junior and senior years, was treasurer for the Society of Biology Majors his junior year and participated in the orientation team and intramural sports.

He also was named to the Baconian Honor and Alpha Chi honor societies.

Born went on to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and University of Cincinnati Family Practice Residency, receiving the Gross Anatomy Award for Excellence and the Margaret C. Vogel Humanitarian Award.

While in medical school, he was honor council student representative, a leader of the Christian Medical Fellowship and member of a committee that created and implemented a new practice management curriculum and a procedure committee that developed a tracking system. He served as chief resident his last year, supporting, directing, and problem-solving for other residents.

Since 1999, Born has worked at Cherry Westgate Family Practice In Granville, Ohio and has been a partner in the practice since 2001. Since 2003, he has served as medical director for Heartbeats of Licking County Pregnancy Care Center. He lives in Newark, Ohio.

A native of New York, Fischer was a member of the Theophilus household and Alpha Phi Delta fraternity. He was president of the fraternity when it was named chapter of the year and represented it at a New York gathering. He also worked as a photographer for the Baronette yearbook and the public relations office.

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Eight FUS graduates honored

Medical School Alumni

Seven Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates honored

October 5, 2013 student

STEUBENVILLE -Officials, staff, alumni and students at Franciscan University of Steubenville took time during a busy homecoming weekend to honor seven graduates of the school for their outstanding professional accomplishments and service to the church and community.

He also was named to the Baconian Honor and Alpha Chi honor societies.

As a certified public accountant, Fischer created accounting software for the automotive aftermarket for a small Wintersville business. When it was purchased by a Pittsburgh firm, Fischer spent the next few years working out of Pittsburgh until the company was sold again.

Fischer went on to start his own business, Signal Software Corporation, in 1992 and co-founded another automobile aftermarket software company, OpenWebs Corporation, in 2000. There he served as vice president of sales until the company was acquired by the international firm, MAM Software, in 2002.

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Seven Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates honored

Medical School Alumni

Whitworth named 2013 Coming Home Queen

October 5, 2013 student

Thirty-one years after being crowned Cleburne High School homecoming queen, Dr. Susi Johnson Whitworth will preside over this weeks alumni celebrations as the CHS Ex-Students Association Coming Home Queen.

Dr. Whitworth was considered a leader by her classmates and teachers throughout her years at Cleburne High School, association President Cheri Fuller McCullough said. She was named Miss CHS by her fellow seniors, selected for Whos Who by the faculty and was the 1983 valedictorian.

Her commitment to help those in need began at CHS with her involvement in student service organizations including Student Council, Exchangettes and National Honor Society. She has continued to serve, as a pediatric infectious disease physician at Cook Childrens Medical Center in Fort Worth and through her involvement in numerous efforts including the implementation of the Snack Sack program here in Cleburne.

Whitworths achievements while at CHS included selection as class favorite three consecutive years, varsity cheerleader, election to senior class president and membership in the Latin Club.

According to the 1983 Santa Fe Trail yearbook, Susi Johnson was the most logical choice for Miss CHS, citing her numerous contributions to the school.

High school was so much fun, Whitworth said. We were involved in everything student council, Exchangettes we didnt focus on just one thing. I loved youth and government. And I had so many wonderful teachers Johnnie Hyde, Ben Oefinger, Pat McCarty Maggard, Glenda Young.

After graduation, Whitworth attended Baylor University, then on to medical school at the University of Texas at Galveston. She completed her residency at Arkansas Childrens Hospital in pediatrics and pediatrics infectious disease. She has been a member of Cook Childrens medical staff for 18 years.

I knew I would be a physician, Whitworth said. My dad, my uncle, my grandfather were all physicians. What I didnt think I would do was work with children. When I got to my third year of medical school and we began rotations, I chose pediatrics first because I wanted to get it out of the way. And I loved it. When we were doing our rotation in OB/GYN, I wanted to follow the babies I loved the babies.

The Whitworths lived in Fort Worth before their move to Cleburne. She and husband, Keith, a sociology professor at Texas Christian University, were involved in the Snack Sack project, which addresses child nutrition and hunger, through their church. They quickly determined that the same project was needed in Cleburne.

My daughter, Mary Ann, who was in the fifth grade at that time, came home one Friday and told me a friend had said that her family wouldnt be eating until Monday, which was pay day, Whitworth said. It was an epiphany for her and me. I realized there was a need here, too, not just Fort Worth.

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Whitworth named 2013 Coming Home Queen

Pharmacy

Florida woman tricked into taking abortion drug sues pharmacy

October 2, 2013 student

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Florida woman tricked into taking abortion drug sues pharmacy

Pharmacy

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Grants More Than Half A Million Certifications

October 2, 2013 student

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Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Grants More Than Half A Million Certifications

Medical School Alumni

Charleston School of Law founders proceeding with plan to sell to InfiLaw System

October 2, 2013 student

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Charleston School of Law founders are moving forward with their plan to sell the school to the for-profit InfiLaw System.

Retired U.S. magistrate judges George C. Kosko and Robert S. Carr, two of the three remaining founders and board members of law school, sent a memo to the Charleston School of Law community Wednesday stating they would move forward with the controversial plan.

Kosko and Carr stated in their memo that they were willing to consider well-thought-out and financially responsible alternatives for the schools future, but they didnt receive any proposals by the Oct. 1 deadline.

Many students, alumni and members of the local community have expressed outrage at the potential sale to InfiLaw, which they think could diminish the value of a Charleston School of Law degree. The company owns three other law schools, which many consider to be diploma mills.

Last week, Edward Westbrook, the third founder and board member, stated that at least three other alternatives exist:

-Paying Kosko and Carr a portion of the value of their shares, and remaining a limited liability corporation while the school stabilizes. Kosko and Carr could stay on as board members, but the school also would have respected members of the legal community join the board. Kosko and Carr could redeem the rest of their interests after things have calmed down.

-Redeeming all of Koskos and Carrs interests, just as it did for Alex Sanders and Ralph McCullough, the final two of the original five founders.

-Exploring transferring ownership of the school to the College of Charleston. Westbrook said that if that option were selected, he would be willing to donate his entire one-third ownership interest to the college.

No one submitted an application wanting to buy the law school, Kosko and Carr stated in their letter. While some people and groups have proposed vague alternative proposals, no one has come forward saying, We want to buy the law school, and here are our plans to run it.

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Charleston School of Law founders proceeding with plan to sell to InfiLaw System

Medical School Alumni

AAFP Delegates Debate Workforce Pipeline, Other Education Issues

October 2, 2013 student

The 2013 Congress of Delegates went to bat for the future of family medicine Sept. 24, adopting one resolution intended to help bolster the primary care workforce by shoring up the physician pipeline and calling for further study of another. A third measure seeking to survey family medicine residents about their medical school experience also was adopted.

Kansas alternate delegate Michael Kennedy, M.D., dean for rural health education at the University of Kansas, tells reference committee members that only about 5 percent of internal medicine residents and 11 percent of pediatrics residents that graduate from his program actually end up practicing primary care.

Although it seems clear that the number of primary care physicians medical schools indicate they're producing does not line up with the actual number who end up in primary care practice, it can be difficult to discern why. One resolution discussed during the Sept. 23 hearing of the AAFP Reference Committee on Education sought to address that problem by tying graduate medical education (GME) reimbursement and medical school accreditation to a minimum percentage of graduates selecting primary care.

Minnesota delegate Lynne Marie Lillie, M.D., of Woodbury, testified in favor of the resolution.

"As the funding for graduate medical education is going to become a very significant issue for America going forward with the (Patient Protection and) Affordable Care Act, simply increasing funding for primary care internal medicine residencies that only put 5 percent of their residents into primary care won't meet the big picture goal that we're trying to obtain," she said.

Although he agreed with the spirit of the resolution, said Missouri delegate Lawrence Rues, M.D., of Kansas City, he acknowledged he was uncomfortable with accreditation being part of the package.

The AAFP can't force the accreditation issue, which is the purview of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, he said. "I would, however, say (to schools), 'Good, do your own thing, but you're not going to get as much money.'

"The public needs primary care and as ([then] AAFP President) Jeff Cain said, we need to prioritize GME funding to the needs of the public, because that's going to move things."

The resolution eventually was referred to the AAFP Board of Directors to work out details and coordinate with the AAFP's current advocacy efforts in regard to GME funding.

The reference committee also heard extensive testimony in support of a resolution asking the AAFP to request that

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AAFP Delegates Debate Workforce Pipeline, Other Education Issues

Medical School Alumni

Paula Crone promoted to medical school dean

September 30, 2013 student

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POMONA, Calif. Dr. Paula Crone has been promoted to dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, the first time in the medical schools 36-year history that one of its graduates has held the position.

" She will not only provide leadership and direction to the faculty and staff of the college, but she will also have the capacity to galvanize the alumni of the college to become more active participants in advancing its mission, as well as that of the university," said WesternU President Philip Pumerantz, PhD.

"With the looming implementation of the Affordable Care Act facing the nation and our own institution, Dr. Crone's experience as a humanistic, committed family physician, and her academic leadership in bringing forth our DO program in Lebanon, will put her firmly in control of guiding this university on its course to prepare all health professions for the form of practice that will evolve during the middle of this century."

After earning her degree, Crone completed her residency in family practice at Eastmoreland Hospital in Portland and opened a private practice, Creekside Family Practice LLC. She remained involved in education by serving as a preceptor to medical students, interns and residents.

Crone began serving as executive associate dean of the COMP-Northwest campus in Lebanon in 2009, and she helped welcome COMP-Northwest's inaugural class of 107 students in July 2011. She was named WesternU's Vice President for Oregon Operations in 2012. She then took on the role of interim dean of COMP at the beginning of 2013, after former COMP Dean Clinton Adams, DO, stepped down.

"I am honored and humbled to take on the role of dean of one of the finest medical schools in the country," Crone said. "I look forward to involving our alumni and engaging them to help educate the next generation of physicians. It is an exciting time to be involved in medical education as we help usher in a whole new era of medicine."

Western University of Health Sciences opened its doors in 1977 as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, and welcomed its inaugural class of 36 students the following year. Today, WesternU is home to more than 3,600 students in 21 degree programs, as well as more than 1,000 employees, and is one of the most thriving enterprises in the Pomona and Inland valleys.

COMP has an enrollment of about 1,200 students, including 316 Lebanon students.

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