Sowing the seeds for a career in medicine: reflections and projections

Dr. George Lister delivered the following presentation as the Lee E. Farr Lecturer on May 8, 2011, which served as the culmination of the annual Student Research Day at Yale School of Medicine. He is the Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Pediatrician-in-Chief at Children's Medical Center of Dallas. In his lecture to the medical students, who had just completed their research theses, Dr. Lister discusses his own work on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), demonstrating the complexity of clinical research and proving insight into the traits required of physician scientists. Committed to medical education and recognized by several awards for his mentorship, he ends the talk by imparting valuable advice on future physicians.     

A festschrift for J. Martyn Bailey, a biochemist extraordinaire

A festschrift for Dr. John Martyn Bailey, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was organized by the Biochemistry department of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences on December 4-5, 2006 to honor his 48 years of contributions. He made important contributions in the areas of essential fatty acids, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and lipoxygenase metabolites.     

An interview with Dr. George C. Prendergast

Cell Cycle congratulates Dr. George C. Prendergast for his recent appointment as the Editor-in-Chief of Cancer Research (AACR). Dr. Prendergast, president and CEO of the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research in Wynnewood, PA, assumed the new post on January 1, 2010.     

Edmund Keffer Kline 1894-1976

It is with deep regret that the friends of Dr. E. K. Kline learned of his death on January 26th, 1976. Dr. Kline served with the Biological Stain Commission for many years, joining the Board of Trustees as representative of the American Public Health Association shortly after the reorganization of the Commission during the latter stages of World War II. Dr. Kline served as Vice-president of the Commission from 1963 to 1966, and as President from 1966 to 1969. His warm good nature and sound judgement combined effectively to help advance the goals of the Commission throughout his period of service, and his absence will be keenly felt.     

On the contribution of Arthur Cronquist to botanical science at The New York Botanical Garden

The contribution of Dr. Arthur Cronquist to botanical science at the New York Botanical Garden, with which he was associated from 1943 until his death in 1992, is discussed.     

Dr. Haifan Lin. Interviewed by Han Lee and Rachel Rosenstein

Dr. Haifan Lin is professor of Cell Biology at Yale University, where he studies the mechanism of stem cell self-renewal in fruit flies, mice, and human cancer cells. Recently named director of the Yale Stem Cell Center, Dr. Lin has made seminal contributions to the stem cell field, most notably his demonstration of the stem cell niche theory using the fruit fly model, his discovery of the PIWI/AGO gene family that is essential for stem cell division in diverse organisms, and his recent finding of a group of small RNAs called PIWI-interacting, or piRNAs, which may play a crucial role in stem cell proliferation and germline development. Dr. Lin’s work on piRNAs was recognized by Science Magazine as a top scientific breakthrough of 2006. Recently, the Lin lab has begun exploring the role of these molecules in stem cell division and oncogenesis.     

Prostate cancer: 1. The descriptive epidemiology in Canada

A 70-year-old woman who experienced a long period of depression after her first husband''s death from prostate cancer at the age of 63 has become increasingly anxious about her own health and that of her close family. A few years ago she married a man her own age; he is in good physical condition. Last year the family spent much of the winter in Florida, where the woman noticed several studies in the media suggesting that an epidemic of prostate cancer is occurring in North America and that because early detection can save lives men of retirement age should be checked by their physicians as soon as possible. In addition, 2 close friends recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. On his latest fishing trip her husband learned from a friend that 1 in 8 men get prostate cancer. He has not seen his family physician for several years, but his wife has booked an appointment for them to discuss their concerns.     

Prostate cancer pathology, screening, and epidemiology

Recent advances in the understanding of prostate cancer pathology, screening methods, and epidemiology were discussed at the 11th International Prostate Cancer Update. Regarding pathology, Dr. Gary Miller enumerated several factors that lead to the perception of prostate cancer as "unpredictable." These include the disease's multifocal nature, variable progression rates, and the uncertainty regarding the point at which carcinomas metastasize. Screening methods have been the subject of research by the Laval University Prostate Cancer Screening Program since 1988. Dr. Fernand Labrie presented the results of this 10-year study. Dr. Daisaku Hirano presented data from his studies of prostate cancer epidemiology in Japan as compared to the United States. The role of environmental factors, particularly diet, in prostate cancer pathogenesis and development is supported by the increase of the disease in Japan, concurrent with the "westernization" of diet there. Finally, useful information was presented on new computer- and Internet-based diagnostic and research tools.     

Role of long interspersed nuclear element-1 in the regulation of chromatin landscapes and genome dynamics

LINE-1 retrotransposon, the most active mobile element of the human genome, is subject to tight regulatory control. Stressful environments and disease modify the recruitment of regulatory proteins leading to unregulated activation of LINE-1. The activation of LINE-1 influences genome dynamics through altered chromatin landscapes, insertion mutations, deletions, and modulation of cellular plasticity. To date, LINE-1 retrotransposition has been linked to various cancer types and may in fact underwrite the genetic basis of various other forms of chronic human illness. The occurrence of LINE-1 polymorphisms in the human population may define inter-individual differences in susceptibility to disease. This review is written in honor of Dr Peter Stambrook, a friend and colleague who carried out highly impactful cancer research over many years of professional practice. Dr Stambrook devoted considerable energy to helping others live up to their full potential and to navigate the complexities of professional life. He was an inspirational leader, a strong advocate, a kind mentor, a vocal supporter and cheerleader, and yes, a hard critic and tough friend when needed. His passionate stand on issues, his witty sense of humor, and his love for humanity have left a huge mark in our lives. We hope that that the knowledge summarized here will advance our understanding of the role of LINE-1 in cancer biology and expedite the development of innovative cancer diagnostics and treatments in the ways that Dr Stambrook himself had so passionately envisioned.     

The future of genomic medicine is here

A report on the 6th annual Future of Genomic Medicine conference, held at the Scripps Seaside Forum, La Jolla, CA, USA, March 7-8, 2013.On his flight over to San Diego to lead the Future of Genomic Medicine (FoGM) conference, Dr Eric Topol (Scripps Translational Science Institute, USA) used a heart monitor device attached to his smartphone to diagnose a distressed passenger with atrial fibrillation. Already, mobile technologies such as this one are beginning to transform medicine, and genome sequencing, with its rapidly decreasing costs, is no exception. As we get closer to mini-sequencers and what George Church (Harvard Medical School, USA) termed ''wearable sequencing'', a future of genomically informed medicine becomes possible. The FoGM conference integrated the patient-oriented perspective of genomic medicine, along with cutting-edge technologies and data integration, and developing methods and models in the aim of clinical utility.     

Dr. Max King: the sad life and early death of Mackenzie King's physician brother

While researching her best-selling biography, Mrs. King: The Life and Times of Isabel Mackenzie King, CMAJ contributing editor Charlotte Gray discovered a wealth of information about Dr. Dougal Macdougall (Max) King. Although he never became as famous as his older brother Mackenzie, Gray presents a convincing argument that Dr. Max King''s life and early death speak volumes about medicine and the medical profession at the turn of the century. She also argues that Mackenzie King''s own life would have been much different had his brother not died at the too young age of 42. Gray''s book was nominated for the Viacom Award, which honours the best nonfiction book published annually in Canada.     

Optimism regarding the use of RNA/DNA hybrids to repair genes at high efficiency

R. Michael Blaese obtained his MD degree from the University of Minnesota in 1964. In 1966 he moved to Bethesda, for what eventually became 32 years at the National Institutes of Health where he developed his career long interest in the investigation and treatment of patients with primary immunodeficiency disease. In 1990, he was the Principal Investigator of the initial human gene therapy trial which used retroviral vectors to transfer a normal ADA cDNA into the peripheral blood T cells of two girls with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). His laboratory has developed gene therapies for AIDS and cancer including the first clinical trial testing the strategy of inserting the herpes thymidine kinase (HSV‒tk) ‘suicide gene’ into recurrent brain tumors. In 1998, Dr. Blaese was appointed Chief Scientific Officer of Kimeragen, where he is pursuing his work on the correction of genetic disorders using a gene repair system based on the use of chimeric DNA/RNA oligonucleotides. In his own words he has been ‘totally seduced by this technology’. Dr. Blaese talked to The Journal of Gene Medicine, about the early results achieved using this approach and its prospects for the future. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Advances in ovarian cancer screening: health and medicine for women: a multidisciplinary, evidence-based review of mid-life health concerns

Early detection is imperative for improving survival from ovarian cancer, the leading cause of death from gynecological cancer in the United States. At the Health and Medicine for Women continuing medical education (CME) conference at Yale in September 2010, Dr. Gil Mor, a researcher in the Department of OB/GYN at Yale, presented recent advances on the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer. These advances, and particularly our growing understanding of cancer stem cells, may help overcome the limitations of current ovarian cancer detection and treatment methods.     

Abraham Flexner and the development of the Yale School of Medicine. 1999

Abraham Flexner first toured the Yale University School of Medicine in preparation for his report of 1910, but it was just the beginning of his relationship with the school. While his review of Yale in his report was generally favorable, he mentioned several shortfalls that needed to be improved to make the school acceptable. Throughout the next twenty-five years, Flexner worked with Deans George Blumer and Milton C. Winternitz to improve the school's finances, infrastructure, and quality of education through his work with the Carnegie Foundation and General Education Board. Flexner has been given great accolades for his work on medical education for the country, but little mention is made of him at Yale, even though he was one of the most influential figures in the development of Yale in the last century.     

Abraham Flexner and the development of the Yale School of Medicine

Abraham Flexner first toured the Yale University School of Medicine in preparation for his report of 1910, but it was just the beginning of his relationship with the school. While his review of Yale in his report was generally favorable, he mentioned several shortfalls that needed to be improved to make the school acceptable. Throughout the next twenty-five years, Flexner worked with Deans George Blumer and Milton C. Winternitz to improve the school's finances, infrastructure, and quality of education through his work with the Carnegie Foundation and General Education Board Flexner has been given great accolades for his work on medical education for the country, but little mention is made of him at Yale, even though he was one of the most influential figures in the development of Yale in the last century.     

Dr. Moses Cousins Jr.: The mysterious Iowa contributor to Alphonso Wood’s <Emphasis Type="Italic">Class-book of Botany</Emphasis>

Thirty-eight plant names were explicitly ascribed to Iowa in Alphonso Wood’s Class-book of Botany. Fourteen represented the first report from the state for their species, while eight reports were likely erroneous. In the preface, Wood acknowledged “Dr. Cousens,” not otherwise identified, as the source of his specimens from Iowa. Circumstantial evidence suggests that this was Moses Cousins Jr., born in Vermont in 1827, who practiced medicine at Albia in Monroe County, Iowa, from 1850 until his death in 1868.     

Survival of blue-green algae under primitive atmospheric conditions

Conditions on the primordial Earth are reviewed and information on pertinent microfossils and primitive microorganisms presented. A series of simulated pre-Cambrian environments are set up and 8 strains of blue-green algae are tested under 7 different anaerobic, mildly reducing atmospheres. Of 61 cultures tested, 12 showed growth, 32 survived and 17 died. Growth was measured spectrophotometrically. Microscopic examination failed to show any gross morphological changes in the experimental cultures. It is concluded that certain strains of blue-green algae have retained their ability to survive or grow under a primordial atmosphere.This study supported by the Graduate Department of Marine Science, Long Island University. The author wishes to thank Dr George Claus for his kind assistance.     

Improvements in 25 Years of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy

In 1980, Dr. Michel Mirowski and his team inserted the first implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in a patient. Initially, ICD therapy was not widely accepted, and many physicians actually considered this therapy unethical. Large secondary and primary prevention trials, demonstrating a beneficial effect of ICD therapy in selected patients not only on arrhythmic death but also on all-cause mortality, stimulated a rapid growth in the number of implants and increased patient’s and physician’s acceptance. Improvements in size and weight, arrhythmia discrimination capabilities, battery technology, shock waveform and output, monitoring capabilities and defibrillator electrode technology eventually resulted in the current large number of yearly implants. Today, almost 40 years after the conception of the ICD and 25 years after the first human implant, ICD therapy is the treatment of choice for patients at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias either as secondary or primary prevention. Furthermore, with the more recent addition of resynchronisation therapy to standard ICD therapy, it became possible to treat selected patients with advanced symptoms of heart failure and to lower the risk of sudden death.     

LD ratios and the entrainment of circadian activity in a nocturnal and a diurnal rodent

Summary The activity rhythms of 5 flying squirrels,Glaucomys volans, and 7 chipmunks,Tamias striatus, were examined under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Free-running, circadian rhythms were demonstrated using a total of 25 LL or DD experiments. With 46 LD schedules the limits of entrainment in a 24-hour day were determined, and the phase angle difference for each schedule measured.Glaucomys was able to synchronize to schedules ranging from 1 second of light per 24-hour day to at least 18 hours light per day with little or no change in the phase angle.Tamias showed an oscillatory type of entrainment when the photoperiod was less than 3 hours per 24-hour day or greater than 23 hours, but in the intervening region was capable of stable entrainment. A tendency was evident for the phase angle difference to become less positive as the LD ratio increased. InGlaucomys single, isolated light pulses of either one second or 24 hours duration were able to bring about relatively large shifts in the phase of the activity rhythm.Dedicated to Professor Jürgen Aschoff on the occasion of his 60th birthday.I wish to acknowledge the hospitality and assistance of the Zoology Department, University of Wisconsin, Madison, the Max-Planck Institute, Erling-Andechs, Germany, and the Belle W. Baruch Coastal Research Institute, University of South Carolina, Columbia. Special thanks are due Dr. John Emlen and Dr. William Reeder of Madison, Prof. J. Aschoff of Erling-Andechs, Dr. John Vernberg and Dr. Winona Vernberg of Columbia, and my husband, Dr. George DeCoursey, for their untiring encouragement and help with these experiments.     

The Tissue Culture Laboratory of Dr. George Otto Gey 60 yrs ago as recalled by a former student

George Otto Gey was a pioneer in tissue culture, having introduced the roller drum, the HeLa cell line, and the use of human fetal cord serum and beef embryo extract. During his career (1920s–1960s), the field of tissue culture was in its infancy and not yet dependent upon commercial biological supply houses. While the early techniques of cell culture have been greatly improved upon, of historical interest may be personal observations of the Gey Tissue Culture Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Medical School, as recalled by a medical student working there in the 1950s. Dr. Gey served as a founding member and executive of the Tissue Culture Commission (TCC) and became the first president of the Tissue Culture Association (TCA).