Archives for September 2011

30
Sep 2011

Paying It Forward

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Last week I spent 5 days in Ames, Iowa for the annual board certification exam of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). Thankfully I wasn’t a candidate, but rather a member of the ACVP Examination Committee that actually constructs and administers the exam each year. I’ve been on the committee since 2007, and this coming year will mark my final year as a member, as my official “tour of duty” comes to an end.

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It’s been a long and arduous task as a committee member – it’s basically like having an extra part-time job. The exam is always held in September each year, and always in Ames. Typically we’ll start compiling exam questions and other 

necessary materials around November/December of the previous year, and usually the exam isn’t finally ready and printed until mid-summer. So you can imagine how much effort goes into that process in the intervening months. I’m not complaining about it – I find it extremely enjoyable – but it’s sometimes stressful and always tiring work, with lots to do, and strict deadlines to keep.

It is also highly rewarding. Ever since I completed my own residency training and succeeded in passing the board certification exam, I felt the need to “give back”. I wanted to pay something forward to new, incoming candidates – one of the main things that I knew I could do was to help “keep it fair”. Naturally, as one of about 12 voices on the committee, I can only do my bit, but I feel content knowing that I really have contributed to maintaining fairness in the exam system.

Additionally, outwith my involvement on the exam committee, I wanted to be able to provide moral support and mentoring to candidates under my watch. I was fortunate enough to spend three years in a very good and structured training program. But when I became a mentor myself, I wanted to not only provide this kind of training structure for programs in which I taught, but to be able to offer something more in addition. So over the years, I’ve done my utmost to be the best mentor possible for residents training with me. And whether this involved extra one-to-one training sessions, staying late for journal club sessions, or simply lending an empathetic ear when someone felt they weren’t doing as well as they should be doing, I discovered that every little helped. When people feel like they are not alone in whatever they are striving for, it’s amazing how much this can boost their morale.

The highlight of this year for me? My 3 most recent mentees (and good friends to boot) were all successful at this year’s examination, and are now enjoying their new lives as ACVP Diplomates! They all agreed that Ames was beautiful in the fall, but nevertheless they are relieved never to have to return there again! And me? To say I was ecstatic about their results is an understatement.

How do you pay it forward for your science?

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Categories: Veterinary Tags: , , , , ,
29
Sep 2011

Dr Ralph Brinster Awarded The National Medal of Science

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The National Medal of Science
The National Medal of Science is a Presidential Award that was established back in 1959, and is given to those who are considered to be “deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, or engineering sciences.”

Nominees for the award are evaluated by a President-appointed committee of 12 scientists and engineers. To date, this prestigious award has been given to 468 individuals who have devoted decades of their careers to research and development.p

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One of this Year’s Recipients
On September 27th, I was very excited to learn that Dr Ralph Brinster, Professor of Physiology at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania was named as one of this year’s seven award recipients. He is being honored for his work in reproductive physiology, specifically for research on manipulation of the mammalian germline, and “for his fundamental contributions to the development and use of transgenic mice. His research has provided experimental foundations and inspiration for progress in germline genetic modification in a range of species, which has generated a revolution in biology, medicine and agriculture.”

Transgenesis involves inserting new genes into the germline of a developing organism – a technique that enables researchers to produce animals with selected traits that can serve as models for the understanding and treatment of disease processes. 

I was excited to hear of his success, not only because he is a fellow veterinarian, but because I literally crossed paths with him multiple times on most days during the four years that I also worked at the School of Veterinary Medicine. For the longest time when I first joined the school, I had no idea who he was – we’d pass in the hallways since we both worked on the same floor. I can say in all honesty that he was one of the nicest human beings you could ever meet. He would always have a smile on his face, and never failed to say hello and chit-chat as he passed by me. Truthfully, I had no idea of his high status there, and in this current climate of the big ego, I certainly would never have guessed that this was a man who’s list of awards and honors was like a stand-alone CV in its own right.

With his characteristic modesty, Dr Brinster remarked: “I got lucky. I always tell my students, ‘If you can choose between talent and luck, take luck.’ ” Modesty aside though, this award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon scientists and engineers by the US government. The University’s Provost Vincent Price commented: “The entire Penn community congratulates Ralph Brinster on this tremendously prestigious honor. He has been a pioneer in using fundamental research to address profound and far-reaching biological questions. His innovations have defined entire fields of inquiry, spurred critical new technologies and transformed the study of human biology and disease.”

An amazing achievement by an amazing and inspirational man. I’m proud to have known him.

Congratulations Dr Brinster!

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Photo Credit Scott H. Spitzer

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Categories: Veterinary Tags: , , , , , ,
28
Sep 2011

Taste Buds #10

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Are you:

  • Busy?
  • A food lover?
  • Always looking for some new, easy, & (somewhat) nutritious recipes?

I always love finding new recipes to try out, & they score bonus points if they’re even vaguely healthy! Here are three tried & tested options that I thought I’d share with you this week:

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Whole Wheat Sour Cream Blueberry Pancakes

 

Lentil Cakes With Couscous

Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

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Categories: Miscellaneous Tags: , , , , , , ,
26
Sep 2011

Check Your Skin

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Even if you don’t spend much time in the sun, your skin has likely still suffered damage over the years. Naturally this problem is exacerbated in people who do spend a significant amount of time in the sun, especially if they do not use sunscreen or take other precautions to protect their skin outdoors.

Skin damage is also particularly prevalent in those who use tanning salons. Although many people believe that tanning beds are a healthy alternative to direct sunlight for a beautiful tan, we know with certainty that this is absolutely not the case.

Tanning beds produce UVA and also UVB rays, which can contribute to skin cancer, eye damage, aging changes in the skin, and immune suppression. Consequently, the US Department of Health and Human Services has declared that UV rays from tanning beds are known cancer-causing substances. And additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology opposes indoor tanning.

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The Importance Of Self-Checks
It is important to check yourself regularly for changes in your skin that could represent early signs of skin cancer. Get into the habit of checking your skin on the same day each month, for example. The more you become accustomed to examining your skin, the sooner you are likely to recognize any changes.

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How To Examine Your Skin

  • Check your skin thoroughly each month – do this in a brightly lit room, and in front of a full-length mirror.
  • Examine your entire body surface as best possible, looking for any changes from the last examination.
  • Ask a partner to help you examine difficult-to reach areas, or use a smaller hand mirror in addition.

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What To Do If You See Any New or Changed Skin Lesions
You may find it helpful to make notes each month when you perform your self-examination. Record all changes that you find:

  • Location of lesion
  • Overall appearance of lesions, including size, shape and color

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Some Warning Signs In Particular That Require Attention

  • Any mole that appears to change in size, shape, color, texture or sensation
  • A smooth growth with a raised outer rim
  • A smooth growth with a central dimple
  • Sores that don’t heal adequately
  • Red patches of skin that don’t disappear
  • Yellow or waxy scar-like patches of skin 
  • Sores that ooze fluid, or become blistered or crusty

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What To Do If You See Any New or Changed Skin Lesions
If  you do notice any new moles or any other skin lesions, or if any pre-existing lesions start to change in any way, be sure to alert your physician or dermatologist as soon as possible.

And in addition to getting accustomed to examining your skin every month, be sure to visit your dermatologist annually – regular skin examinations by a specialist could just save your life.

Image Credit Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos

Categories: Medical Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
23
Sep 2011

Feline Phosphorescence

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It’s no longer just a cat’s eyes that glow in the dark! Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have created luminescent, genetically modified cats in an effort to learn more about AIDS.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes feline AIDS, a condition in cats that produces almost identical symptoms to those of AIDS in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite the similarity of the viruses, however, it should be noted that people cannot become infected with FIV, and cats cannot be infected by HIV. The similarity of both viruses, however, allows FIV to be used as a model for studying AIDS.
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In this most recent study, the Mayo group inserted two genes into the cats’ eggs prior to fertilization with sperm:

  • An FIV-resistance gene that makes a protein called restriction factor
  • A jellyfish gene to produce GFP, a protein that causes the modified cells to glow green

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Restriction Factor Proteins
Restriction factor proteins usually help the body to block viral infections. But in the case of HIV and FIV infections, these viruses have developed ways to evade attack by the proteins. The rhesus macaque version of restriction factor, however, is able to fight the viruses, so this monkey provided the source of restriction factor.
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Gamete-Targeted Lentiviral Transgenesis
Since cross-breeding of cats and monkeys is not an option, this genetic engineering process was used to introduce the monkey genetic material into cats. Insertion of the monkey restriction factor into the cats was so successful that almost all kittens produced from the genetically modified eggs had the genes for the protective restriction factor protein.

This protein was found all over the body, being tracked by virtue of its green glow, courtesy of the jellyfish gene that had also been introduced at the same time. The GFP protein produced by this gene acts as a marker – it allows the restriction factor proteins to be easily located in the body because it causes them to glow green.

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So What Was The Big Deal About This?
Cells that were subsequently taken out of the cats were found to be resistant to FIV infection when tested.

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The Future?
Although the research is still in its early stages, it certainly shows some exciting potential that could benefit both HIV-infected people, and FIV-infected cats. The Mayo team aims to further study these cats as a means to develop new therapies for people and cats infected with these viruses.

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Photo Credit BBC

Categories: Medical, Veterinary Tags: , , , , , , ,
21
Sep 2011

Taste Buds #9

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Are you:

  • Busy?
  • A food lover?
  • Always looking for some new, easy, & (somewhat) nutritious recipes?

I always love finding new recipes to try out, & they score bonus points if they’re even vaguely healthy! Here are three tried & tested options that I thought I’d share with you this week:

 

Breakfast Burrito Bites

Cumin-Scented Summer Squash Salad

Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Categories: Miscellaneous Tags: , , , , , , ,
19
Sep 2011

The FDA’s New Sunscreen Guidelines

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After more than three decades in the works, the FDA’s new regulations on sunscreens have finally been released.

The new rules require that sunscreens are subjected to FDA tests to check that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Ultraviolet radiation is associated with development of 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers (which affect one in five people in the US), and 65% of melanoma cases (responsible for the death of about 8,700 people annually).

Reading The New Labels

  • Products with SPF values between 2 and 14 can be labeled as “Broad Spectrum” if they pass FDA tests to show that they protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
  • Products can only state that they reduce the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer if they are of SPF 15 or above.
  • The FDA feels that there is no such thing as a “waterproof” sunscreen. So the terms “waterproof” and “sweatproof” are no longer allowed. The term “water-resistant” is now used, and products must state if they work for 40 or 80 minutes. If a sunscreen is not water-resistant, it must be labeled in such a way as to advise consumers to use a water-resistant product if necessary.
  • The maximum SPF value on a label will now be “50+” since there’s not yet any proof that SPF values over 50 offer any better protection against sun damage than those with SPF 50.
  • The term “sunblock” is no longer allowed, since products don’t actually block the sun, but deflect it.

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“These changes to sunscreen labels are an important part of helping consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families,” reported Janet Woodcock,  director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “All they’re going to need to do is pick an SPF number and then make sure that it’s broad spectrum.”

The new rules go into effect next year and must be on all sunblocks by the summer, but manufacturers can implement them immediately if they so choose – so you’ll find some newly-labeled products on the shelves now.

The Skin Cancer Foundation hopes that the new FDA regulations will make consumers choose sunscreens more wisely, thereby better protecting their skin from sun exposure, and ultimately reducing the rates of skin cancer.

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Some Other Sunscreen Tips
In addition to choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30:

  • Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before heading outdoors
  • Apply it liberally – use at least 2 ounces (enough to fill a shot glass)
  • Reapply every two hours (more frequently if you are swimming, drying off, or sweating)
  • Always check the product expiration date

And don’t forget all the other ways you can protect yourself and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

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Categories: Medical Tags: , , , ,
17
Sep 2011

The 2011 AMWA Annual Conference Is Almost Here

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This year’s AMWA Annual Conference is almost upon us, so don’t forget to register if you’re fortunate enough to be able to make it this year.

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AMWA have published this presentation on Getting The Most From The Conference when you attend. It contains lots of handy tips to consider if you’ve never attended either this conference in particular.

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Categories: Medical Writing, Miscellaneous Tags: ,
16
Sep 2011

Recruiter’s Tips

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Inquill is currently hosting a Medical Writing Festival – you can check out the schedule and pricing for the seminars on their site. I don’t know anything about the company, so can’t give any first-hand information about it, or about the festival for that matter. But they do have some very prominent names giving seminars, so even if just one of the talks appeals to you, you may find it worthwhile to register for it – you don’t have to sign up for the whole thing, you can opt to simply buy one seminar if you choose. And maybe you can even buy recordings of past seminars from the start of the festival if one of those catches your eye?
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The main reason for me posting this, however, was to share a short video with you. One of the talks is by George Buckland, an experienced medical recruiter – click on this link and play the free 3 minute video clip that is about halfway down the page. He shares some important points about the need for medical writers to have an online presence, as well as sharing information about how he searches for writers.

LinkedIn is one great way to network with recruiters, so if you haven’t yet made yourself a profile there, now is the time to do it – you can use the search box to find recruiters looking for medical writers, as well as by joining medical writing groups where recruiters will often post job ads.

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Categories: Medical Writing Tags: , , , ,
14
Sep 2011

Taste Buds #8

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Are you:

  • Busy?
  • A food lover?
  • Always looking for some new, easy, & (somewhat) nutritious recipes?

I always love finding new recipes to try out, & they score bonus points if they’re even vaguely healthy! Here are three tried & tested options that I thought I’d share with you this week:

 

 

Mango Oat Breakfast Bars

Moroccan Chicken In The Slow Cooker

Buddy’s Blueberry Wisdom & Blueberry Cobbler Bars

 

Categories: Miscellaneous Tags: , , , , , ,
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