February 17, 1999    Vol. 21, No. 7

Marc Asher, MD, gives $1.2 million for orthopedic research

    Marc A. Asher, MD, professor of orthopedic surgery, recently gave $1.2 million to support orthopedic research at the KU Medical Center. Dr. Asher's gift will supplement the existing Marc A. Asher Orthopedic Research Endowment Fund, established in 1991, which provides ongoing and enhanced research in orthopedics.
    "I have an abiding belief in the value of research," Dr. Asher said. "We wouldn't make much progress or learn anything new without research. By critically evaluating what we do, we can imagine how to do it better."
    A native of St. John, Kan., Dr. Asher earned his medical degree from KU School of Medicine in 1962. After serving in various residency and research positions on the east coast, including a term as chief resident at the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program, Dr. Asher returned to Kansas in 1972 to establish an academic practice in orthopedic surgery at KUMC. He was named professor of orthopedic surgery in 1979.
    Dr. Asher is highly respected for designing and developing instrumentation that supplements a spinal implant system originally developed by Paul Randall Harrington, MD, a KU School of Medicine alumnus who pioneered instrumentation to treat spinal deformity. Dr. Asher oversees the Harrington Archives at KUMC and, with his wife, Ellie, has made several contributions to KUMC, including a matching gift to supplement the Mary Alice and Paul R. Harrington Distinguished Professorship in Orthopedic Research.

Spotlight inserts help prepare for upcoming JCAHO survey

    Over the next few months, Topics will include a special insert called Spotlight, which is designed to help prepare KU Hospital employees for this summer's survey by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO). Each insert will "spotlight" one of 10 function areas to be covered during the JCAHO survey, such as patient education, care of patients or the management of information.
    Each Spotlight will include valuable information on the goals, standards and activities of each function area, as well as tips on areas of key concern for the JCAHO survey. In addition, each Spotlight will provide a quiz to help employees test their knowledge of the featured function area.
    The first installment, Spotlight on Patients Rights and Organizational Ethics, is included in this issue of Topics. Please read it and future Spotlight issues carefully and discuss with others in your department to ensure that your area is in compliance with key issues and to improve your readiness for the JCAHO survey. Remember, KU Hospital has set a goal of receiving Accreditation with Commendation, the highest possible JCAHO rating. By preparing now with the help of these Spotlight inserts, you can help ensure that you and everyone at KU Hospital will "Shine in '99."

KUMC must take the initiative on research
From the Executive Vice Chancellor...

Like many academic health centers, we are at a crossroads in our history. Momentum and support for research is growing in almost unprecedented ways. The U.S. Congress has before it a $15.6 billion appropriation for the National Institutes of Health, which enjoys bipartisan support.
Our nation would not enjoy much of the prosperity we do were it not for the work of previous academic health centers and great research universities. We take for granted the breakthroughs made possible by the space programs in the late 1950s and 1960s. Biomedical technology has brought the world unprecedented health and prosperity. Some of us remember dreading the summer because of polio. It wasn't too long ago that being told a loved one had cancer was the same as a death sentence. Now, polio seems like an exotic disease and many more are celebrating their victories over cancer.
Where did these advances take place? You only have to look to our nation's research universities and academic health centers. Here, the best and brightest combined their knowledge, tested and re-tested their theories, often only partially supported by funding bases. As a result, we today enjoy the Good Life.
If we are to ride this current wave of prosperity, we must capture the moment-move out with conviction to accept our role in the emerging scientific renaissance. We must encourage our governmental representatives to fund the research initiatives. Internally, we must dedicate our resources to deepen and expand our existing research programs. Senior researchers must mentor junior researchers. Lab space and equipment must be fully utilized.
We could spend the next few years bemoaning everything we don't have. If we do, we will miss the tide. This will be a poor legacy to leave future generations. Fortunately, we are creating a strong research strategic plan. We will implement that strategic plan. We are expanding our animal care facility. We are seeking external funding for distinguished faculty, buildings, equipment and the supporting infrastructure to support this endeavor. New discoveries are being disclosed and will be fully developed through the patenting and commercialization process.
Right now, we are taking steps to accept our role as a national leader in the research enterprise. We cannot take these steps in isolation. We must enthusiastically recruit and embrace new partners-business, industry, governmental leaders, privately based research institutions, potential international partners and regional universities. I believe we have the people in place to make it happen. Now we must combine our efforts and focus on the future.

Around KUMC...

Applications now being accepted for Summer Junior Volunteer Program
The Office of Volunteer Services is now accepting applications for its Summer Junior Volunteer Program, which will run June 7 through August 13. All applications must be received by April 15. Applications are available in the Volunteer Office, G443 Hospital, off the main lobby. For questions, contact Marilyn Coup or Susan Mong at ext. 6560.

Credit Union announces February 'Lucky Numbers'
The KUMC Credit Union "Lucky Numbers" for February are: 15103; 16485; 19863; 14321, and 16913. The "Lucky Birthday" for the month is Feb. 3. Prizes may be claimed at the Credit Union, 1037 Delp.

Ash Wednesday services in Spencer Chapel
Catholic services for Ash Wednesday will be Feb. 17 in Spencer Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 12:15 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Ahluwalia to serve on journal editorial board
Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS, vice chair and director of research for the Preventive Medicine Department, has been invited to participate on the faculty editorial advisory board for the Journal of Minority Medical Students.

Somoza leads effort to gather supplies for Guadalajara
Surgery tables. Diapers for premature newborns. IV poles. These and dozens of other items are among the needs of the Seville Hospital Cancer Institute in Guadalajara, Mexico. With support from KU Medical Center the institute and its patients will soon have the supplies they need.
    "They have a waiting list of six months for diagnostic mammograms among women who have suspicious lumps," said Ximena Somoza, MD, MPH, who is spearheading the KUMC effort as part of her work with the Spanish community and the Kansas City, Mo., Sister City Committee. "Many patients or their family members walk through the hospital carrying their own IV bags because they don't have enough poles."
    Other needs include wheelchairs, bed trays, three mammogram machines and televisions for waiting areas.
    "We're asking people to look at the items they are ready to throw away and consider sending them to us for shipment to Mexico," said Dr. Somoza. "See these items through the eyes of poor people. Everything is useful."
    Units with items scheduled for refuse can contact Dr. Somoza at ext. 4738 or by e-mail at <xsomoza>.

Focus on Faculty. . .

Cholesterol testing device improves patient care
KU Medical Center has a new tool that, though relatively small, will make great strides in helping improve patient care. The tool is a blood cholesterol testing device that can provide virtually immediate results for patients who have high blood cholesterol and are at risk for serious heart disease.
The device will be used most often to screen first-time patients and to help patients who have known heart disease and must have their cholesterol tested after eating, said Patrick Moriarty, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine who brought the testing machine to his practice. It also is helpful in measuring the effectiveness of medications to control cholesterol, particularly when those medications are being fine-tuned to meet the patient's individual needs.
The device uses a blood sample drawn from a simple finger stick. The blood is placed on a test cassette, which is inserted into an analyzer. In five minutes, the analyzer will report total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, tryglycerides and blood glucose levels. Getting such results used to take one to two days. With the device, physicians can now make decisions regarding treatment immediately.
Despite its usefulness, the device probably won't replace laboratory cholesterol tests. At approximately 90 percent accurate, the machine is more a screening device than a diagnostic tool. First-time patients whose results indicate cholesterol problems are sent to the laboratory for a more thorough work-up, Moriarty said.

Nudo research published in The Scientist
Research by Randolp Nudo, PhD, associate director of research at the Center on Aging and associate professor of molecular and integrative physiology, was featured in an article in the Feb. 1, 1999 issue of The Scientist. The article, "Recent findings lead to new understanding of dystonia," can also be found on-line at http://www.the-scientist.library.upenn. edu/yr1999/feb/research_990201.html.

Professors and students to present at research meetings
Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS, vice chair and director of research, Preventive Medicine, will be one of the opening plenary speakers at the annual scientific meeting of the Society for Behavioral Medicine in San Diego March 3 - 5. Dr. Ahluwalia's presentation is "Roadmaps for the Next Frontier: Getting Evidence-Based Behavioral Medicine Into Practice." At the same meeting, he will chair an invited symposium, "Culturally Sensitive Interventions," which will include presentations by three research assistant professors at KU School of Medicine: Cheryl Gibson, PhD, Kari Harris, PhD, MPH, and Kim Richter, PhD, MPH.
The Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco annual meeting will also be in San Diego, March 5 - 7. Five abstracts will be presented by KUMC staff and students: Denise Jolicoeur, (MPH student); Samuel Jean and Malaika Woods (second-year medical students); Kola Okuyemi, MD, (Family Medicine); Kim Richter, PhD, and Cheryl Gibson, PhD.

DeCarli presents stroke research during national AHA meeting
Physicians have moved a step closer to understanding the role of genetics in stroke as a result of research presented by Charles DeCarli, MD, at the American Heart Association's 24th Annual International Conference on Stroke and Cerebral Circulation, held Feb. 4-6 in Nashville, Tenn.
Dr. DeCarli, associate professor of neurology at KU Medical Center, has studied the relationship between the severity of brain injury in stroke and the presence of certain forms of the Apolioprotein gene, which helps regulate the metabolism of cholesterol. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Dr. DeCarli found that people with what is known as the E4 form of the Apolioprotein have an increased incidence of silent stroke when they also have high blood pressure, diabetes or other risk factors for stroke. He also found that these people showed more abnormalities in brain tissue and a greater amount of brain atrophy than did people who have the E2 form of the gene.
"What is fascinating is that this is true only in people who have the risk factors for stroke," said Dr. DeCarli, whose findings were also featured at a national news conference during the meeting.
In research funded through two National Institute of Health grants, Dr. DeCarli will now try to determine whether the more serious injury occurring in the presence of the gene also contributes to a greater cognitive disability.

KUMedWest opens Feb. 15

This young couple and their infant son were among the scores of people seeking medical services at KU MedWest on opening day of the new facility, Feb. 15. KU MedWest offers complete primary and specialty care services, as well as same-day surgery and after-hours urgent care.

Classifieds

For Sale

Beautiful wedding dress, size 9/10, ivory, professionally preserved, sheer sleeves, veil incl., asking $100. Call 432-4928.

Gateway computer, 133 MHz, 15" Gateway color monitor, 36x CD-ROM, 28K modem, 32MB Ram, mouse, sound card, speakers, Windows 98, less than two years old, $400. "Waiting Room" black vinyl office furniture, great cond., $50. Dirt Devil upright vacuum cleaner one yr. old, $25. Call 561-0139.

Two week old Pentium II 333 MHz, 4MB AGP video, 64 MB PC100 SDRAM, 17" .28 monitor, 6.4 GB HD, 32x CD-ROM, 56K modem, 1.44 floppy drive, Sound Blaster 64 sound card, speakers, Canon color printer, keyboard, mouse, Windows 98, MS Office, Quicken installed, $1,150 firm. Call Howard, 299-8408.

1989 RV Wilderness trailer house, 26' long, like new, must sell, $10,000 OBO. Call 913-287-1242 after 6 p.m.

Sofa sleeper, Simmons, queen, six-cushion, 75" long, deep green crushed velvet, cost $1,200, asking $300. Call 648-7926.

Dining table w/glass top, six upholstered armchairs, good cond., $100 OBO. Call 381-7288.

Antique couch, solid wine color, perfect cond., $160. Call 722-4707 after 5 p.m.

Moving sale: sofa, loveseat, coffee and end table, queen bed w/oak headboard and mattress, book shelves, entertainment center, bunk bed and dining table w/six chairs and much more. Call 262-4295.

Three bedroom house (one unfinished), fenced back yard, C/A, two driveways, back deck, nice landscaping, nice neighborhood near 38th and State Avenue, monthly house payment w/taxes and insurance is $236, asking $28,500 OBO. Call Rob at 371-6186.

Automotive

1997 Suzuki GS 550 E motorcycle, EC, garaged, only 3,250 miles, $1,700. Call 342-6758.

1989 Dodge Diplomat, A/C, air bag, rear defrost, power seat, elect. locks, tilt, cruise, 130K miles, $750. Call 578-4362.

1964 Ford Falcon 98 percent restored, turquoise, runs great, $1,900. Call 753-7671 and leave message.

1994 Geo Prizm, red, exc. cond., 5-spd., ABS, A/C, AM/FM cassette, 76K miles, new tires, $6,499 OBO. Call 415-8768 anytime.

1988 Ford Mustang, 2-dr., hatchback, 4-cyl., 5-spd., 87K miles, new stereo, like new, must sacrifice at $1,800. Call 816-322-9501.

1986 Toyota Camry, 144K miles, good cond., $1,700. Call 649-5247 6-9 p.m.

1991 Mercury Sable, brand new trans., 95K miles, exc. cond. inside and out, $4,600. Call 962-9973.

Wanted

Student-quality microscope. Call 531-5919.

Coming Up...

Thursday, Feb. 18:
•    Research Seminar, "Comparing the Learning Style Preferences of Medical Students and Practicing Physicians," noon-1 p.m., Room G567 KU, Hospital.
•    "Look Good . . . Feel Better" Program, developed by the American Cancer Society for women undergoing cancer treatment, 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Radiation Oncology Conference Room, free.
•    Department of History and Philosophy of Medicine Lecture, "Freethinking Physicians," reception at 4:30 p.m., Clendening Foyer, lecture at 5 p.m., Clendening Auditorium.
•    Student Governing Council meeting, 5:30 p.m., Student Center, Kansas Room. Dinner provided.
•    Manic Depressive/Depression Support Group, 7 p.m., Cottonwood Room, Delp Cafeteria.
•    Prostate Cancer Support Group, 7-9 p.m., Reike Auditorium.

Friday, Feb. 19:
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, "Bipolar Disorder: Great & Desperate Cures," 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
•    Centernet 1999 Broadcast Series, "Cutting-Edge Issues in Antiretroviral Therapy," 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lied Auditorium.

Monday, Feb. 22:
•    Alzheimer's Disease Support Group, noon-1:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria.

Tuesday, Feb. 23:
•    Kansas Cancer Institute research round table, "Reducing the Incidence of Breast Cancer in Women with High Risk," noon, Clendening Auditorium.
•    Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment Group, 1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine Clinic.
•    Center on Aging Research Seminar, "Home Care-Based Services: Patterns of Frailty in a High-Risk Elderly Population," 4-5 p.m., Clendening Amphitheater.

Wednesday, Feb. 24:
•    Diabetes Self-Management Series, 9-11 a.m., Room 1107, KU Hospital.
•    KUMC Interfaith meeting, noon-1 p.m., Room 3041, Wescoe.
•    Center on Aging Visiting Professor Series, "Aerobic Exercise for Chronic Stroke," noon-1 p.m., Lied Auditorium.

Topics Information
Topics is the employee publication of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
It is published weekly by the office of Public Relations and Marketing. The deadline for submitting news briefs for consideration is noon on the Wednesday before they are to appear. For longer articles or features, contact the editor in advance.
Send story ideas to Leslie Champlin, acting editor, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: lchampli@ kumc.edu or call ext. 1602

Topics ad policy
Send or bring your ad to Topics, G114 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 1225, or e-mail: lchampli@kumc.edu by noon Wednesday of the week before it is to run.
Ads run free of charge for employees, students and volunteers. For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include the advertiser’s name and work extension (or medical student box number) for verification.
Only home phone numbers --- no pager numbers or KUMC extensions --- will be published. No ads for commercial services or pets for sale will be accepted. Ads will not be taken by telephone. Only one phone number per ad.
Ads may be a held a week if space is limited.

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