OSU College of Health Sciences – FY 2005 Research Abstracts
BIOMEDICAL
Allosteric Modulation of AMPA Receptors
The ionotropic glutamate receptors that mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission are critical for the normal development and function of the nervous system and for the processes underlying learning and memory. These receptors have also been implicated in the etiology of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, ALS, epilepsy, and brain damage following stroke. Effective new therapies for treatment of the disorders may result from development of drugs that bind to allosteric sites on the AMPA subtype of glutamate receptor.
Sponsor: OCAST
PI: Doris Patneau
Alterations in Glutamate Metabolism in Sensory Neurons during Chronic Inflammation
In chronic inflammation, elevated release of glutamate from sensory nerves augments pain signals sent to the brain. This is due to an increase in glutaminase, the enzyme for glutamate synthesis in sensory neurons. Two mechanisms are being explored for increased production of glutaminase: nerve growth factor from the inflamed field and stabilization of glutaminase mRNA.
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health
PI: Kenneth E. Miller
AMPA Receptor Expression and Selective Neuronal Death
This
project examines why certain types of neurons, including motor neurons and
cerebellar Purkinje cells, are particularly vulnerable to excitotoxicity
mediated by AMPA receptors. Experiments will determine whether these cells
possess AMPA receptors with unique functional properties and/or molecular
compositions that make them selectively vulnerable.
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health
PIs: Doris K. Patneau
University of Chicago: James Brorson
Analgesia Research Laboratory (ARL)
The overall mission of the ARL is to understand the detailed molecular mechanism that leads from the administration of an opioid analgesic like morphine to the end result of analgesia. Currently, studies are centered on the cloning of opioid receptors from different vertebrate species in order to investigate the molecular evolution of opioid receptor proteins. Using comparative bioinformatics, opioid receptor datasets are being investigated with respect to particular receptor domains that confer opioid-type selectivity. The overall goal is to better understand how opioid analgesics produce their pain-killing actions with the hope of designing better and safer opioid drugs.
Sponsors: NIH-NIDA, OCAST, ACLAM Foundation, Whitehall Foundation
PI: Craig W. Stevens
Anatomical Route of CNS Amebic Infections
Light and electron microscopy are being utilized to confirm the path taken by
aspirated pathogenic free-living amebae to the brain of infected animals.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Kirby Jarolim, David T. John
Cardiovascular Control Mechanisms
This research program is currently focused on two areas: autonomic control of heart rate variability and cardiac control of renal sodium excretion. The goal of these studies is to get a better understanding of blood pressure and cardiovascular regulation in health and disease. Heart rate and blood pressure variability in supine and passive head-up tilt positions is used to study autonomic control in humans. Our current emphasis is on diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Renal sodium excretion is studied by cellular and intact animal experiments. Computer simulations are used to address theoretical issues concerning tranepithelial sodium transport.
Sponsor: OCAST, American Heart Association, Intramural funding.
PI: Bruce Benjamin
Developing Diagnostic Assays to Baboon Cytomegalovirus
Baboons represent an invaluable source of xenogeneic organ donors for human
patients and are needed to relieve the great lack of human donor organs.
However, the risk of transmitting or allowing the establishment of a zoonotic
virus in humans is a real and frightening consideration. This proposed study
will focus on cytomegalovirus (CMV), since this is the most commonly
transmitted virus in human transplantation procedures and is a major cause of
many problems in immunosuppressed transplant recipients. This project will
identify the indigenous CMV of baboons (BaCMV) and develop sensitive diagnostic
assays. These tests will be capable of detecting BaCMV-infected potential organ
donors and will be useful in screening baboons for the establishment of
specific pathogen free (SPF) breeding colonies.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Earl Blewett
Effects of Dietary Protein Content on Kidney Structure and Function
Consuming
high or low protein diets produces dramatic changes in kidney function.
Serial analysis of gene expression will be used to identify, via global
expression of gene transcripts, the molecular events that cause these
changes. Results will inform the public of the consequences of ingesting
high or low protein diets.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Alexander Rouch
University of Paris: Alain Doucet
Effects of Trace Heavy Metal Exposure on CNS Activity
These studies examine the effects of low-level manganese and mercury exposure
on the dopaminergic function in cell culture and whole animal. Low-level
exposure to heavy metals may not cause overt CNS effects until much later.
These studies have implications in forensic analysis and determining the
potential cause of CNS damage.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: David R. Wallace
HIV/Cocaine Neurotoxicity in Females
This
program examines the interaction between gp120/Tat (HIV proteins associated
with neurotoxicity), estrogen, and cocaine in female rats. Ultimately, the goal
of this research is to provide insight into gender-related differences in
AIDS-related central nervous system disorders leading to potential
gender-specific treatment strategies for HIV and cocaine addiction.
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health
PI: David R. Wallace
Immune Modulation
Our knowledge of the complexity of endogenous and exogenous control agents and mechanisms that influence the immune system continues to grow. This laboratory develops new methodologies and applies them to study the action of agents on the immune system.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Joseph A. Price
Intermediate Filaments in Mitosis
The role of intermediate filaments in mitosis is currently being investigated.
Immunoelectron-microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, mammalian
cell culture, and high voltage electron microscopy are used to study cells as
they progress through mitosis. The interaction of the intermediate filament
system with other cytoskeletal components (microtubules and microfilaments) is
also being explored. The status of the cytoskeleton in transformed or cancerous
cells is a topic of interest with emphasis on the transfer of information
between the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane. The function of cyclic AMP
in this mechanism is being studied.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: William D. Meek
Interaction of Antibodies with Toxins
This
project studies the interaction of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies with
various toxins using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Methods are
being developed to determine binding constants in complex mixtures.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Charles G. Sanny
Isolation and Characterization of Novel CNS-Acting Compounds from Natural Sources
This
program investigates the use of naturally occurring compounds as centrally
acting agents. One series of studies has been examining the effects of Native
American plants indigenous to Oklahoma and their potential analgesic effects. A
second series is investigating the estrogenic effects of flavonoids found in
soy and flaxseed.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: David R. Wallace
Pathogenic Free-living Amoebae
Occurring in the environment, pathogenic, free-living amoeba cause serious
human disease including infections of the eye and the central nervous system.
The goal of this research is to isolate, identify, and determine the
environmental distribution of pathogenic, free-living amoeba. Additionally, we
are involved in studies aimed at determining the factors responsible for
pathogenicity and resistance.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: David T. John
Propriospinal Pathways Involved in Sensory-Motor Integration
The purpose of this study is to examine how neurons of propriospinal pathway(s) originating in the upper cervical spinal cord process information to modulate sensory motor integration in the spinal cord. Stimulation of upper cervical neurons modulates the activity of neurons at lower segments and visceral, motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. Our current attention is toward determining how cervical propriospinal neurons process information from brainstem nuclei.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Kenneth E. Miller
Renal Control of Sodium Excretion
This research program is currently focused on two areas: renal vascular and
epithelial actions of gastrointestinal hormones and mechanism of regulation of
transepithelial NaCl transport. Experiments are conducted in the following
areas: 1) cellular techniques to study renal tubular function (isolated
perfused tubules, primary cultures, and renal cell lines); 2) in vivo
preparations (rat) to study renal vascular and epithelial function; and 3)
advanced simulation experiments to study the cellular mechanisms of
transepithelial NaCl transport and how it is regulated in epithelial cells.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Bruce Benjamin
Sequencing the Genome of Drill Cytomegalovirus
This project will sequence the genome of this virus, which resides in monkeys and is similar to human viruses, allowing comparative studies.
Sponsor: Niblack Scholar Program, Intramural Funding
PIs: Earl Blewett,
Undergraduate Niblack Scholarship Recipient: Kristen Ketchum
Spinal Cord Injury – Astrocytosis and Neural Plasticity
After spinal injury, astrocytes undergo reactive astrocytosis, producing a glial scar that inhibits neural regeneration. Little is known concerning alterations of metabolism or altered phenotype in reactive astrocytes. We are evaluating reactive astrocytosis following chronic injury with and without methylprednisolone, the major treatment for spinal injury. Our long-term goal is to reduce or eliminate the harmful parts of glial scarring in order to promote nerve regrowth or recovery of function in injured patients.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Kenneth E. Miller
Trafficking and Targeting of Muscarinic Receptors
The primary aim of the research proposed in this study is to learn more about muscarinic acetylcholine receptor localization, trafficking, and targeting in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). The data obtained from this investigation will contribute to our current understanding of the pharmacology and cell biology of muscarinic receptors expressed in the CNS. It will also provide the impetus for future research by identifying subtype-specific differences in the cell biology of muscarinic receptors and using these differences to identify the mechanisms responsible for them.
Sponsor: OCAST
PI: Gregory W. Sawyer
Vision Research Program
This program conducts interdisciplinary investigations into the neurobiology of
vision and methods to restore sight to the diseased eye. The goal of this study
is to develop, fabricate, and implant a neuro-prosthetic device to restore or
improve vision in an eye with a damaged or diseased retina. An artificial
vision system is under development in a collaborative effort of
neuroscientists, electrical engineers, medical geneticists, and retinal
surgeons. Several animal models and computer simulations are used to develop
the components of the retinal implant and its micro-technology.
Electrophysiological, neuronal tissue culture, retinal blood flow, and
semiconductor and laser technology are utilized. The Electrical Engineering
Department at the University of Tulsa provides engineering collaboration.
Current studies concern the design of an implantable retinal prosthesis with
the capability of detecting motion in the visual field.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Warren E. Finn
CLINICAL
Endocrine Factors of Post-Partum Depression
This
study is looking for a correlation between multiple hormones that change at the
time of birth and possibly correlate with the onset of depression. Questions posed
by the study will include the following: Is it possible to predict those at
high risk? Can hormone therapy be proposed to mitigate symptoms or avert
onset are studied?
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Sarah McCoy, Marty Beal, Gary Watson
Area Prevention Resource Centers
The Department of Psychiatry administers three Area Prevention Resource Centers
(APRCs). These centers organize individuals into task forces that assess
the mental health needs within their community and, with the assistance of APRC
staff members, develop and implement programming to reduce the incidence of
high-risk behaviors. APRC community-based programs provide information and
education, increase community awareness and citizen involvement, present life
skills development training, organize alternative activities, examine social
policy, and refer individuals for intervention services as needed.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Services
PI: Bruce A. Singer
African American Specialty Center
The goal of the Center is the development of healthy, responsible, productive
citizens who will be unlikely to experience alcohol or drug-related problems in
their lives. This is accomplished through the delivery of culturally-specific
prevention services that identify individual and environmental factors that
place African Americans at increased risk and address these conditions.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Services
PI: Bruce A. Singer
Assessing Empathic Communication in Medical Students
Some research links empathic communication by physicians to better medical outcomes and to higher ratings of clinical competence. This research attempts to rate medical students on their performance of empathic behaviors during standardized patient interviews and examines the association of these behaviors with ratings of clinical competence in clinical clerkship rotations and with scores on scales assessing empathic attitudes.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Michael H. Pollak, Susan K. Redwood
Availability of Delivery Physicians in Oklahoma
An updated list of the hospitals in the state of Oklahoma was acquired from the American Hospital Association (AHA). Each hospital on this list was contacted and asked to disclose the name of any and all the doctors at their facility that had OB privileges and that doctor’s area of specialty. This information was categorized by county and whether the doctor specialized in Family Practice or Obstetrics Gynecology and then inserted into an equation to find an “index”. The data indicated that both rural and urban counties showed a trend toward improving of the availability of OB care from 2002 to 2005. This is vital for the health and welfare of the citizens of Oklahoma, especially those residing rural areas.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Stan Sherman, Patrick Tucker
Division of Research: Sherril Stone, Frank Mulhern, Janet Gaskins
The Benefits of Pets for Siblings of Terminally or Chronically Ill Children
The specific hypothesis of this proposal is that pets will have therapeutic benefits for siblings of terminally ill children. Specifically, pets will decrease loneliness, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, colds, flu bouts, stomach aches, headaches, and bowel problems while increasing empathy, responsibility, pet care knowledge, and enhancing the child-pet bond. This hypothesis is based on the following observations. First, pets serve as therapeutic tools for various emotional disorders. Second, the presence of pets reduced loneliness and enhanced the psychological and physical well-being of homeless families, the elderly, and children. Third, pets can fill the void of missing family members. Based on this information, the focus of this proposal is the therapeutic impact of pets on the well-being of siblings of terminally ill children.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Sherril Stone, Miriam Mills, Stan Sherman
Cognitive Rehabilitation Following Brain Injury
Injury of brain tissue occurs in many diseases and traumatic incidents.
Impaired cognitive and perceptual abilities secondary to these injuries often
prevent patients from returning to productive work and family life.
Rehabilitation therapies have been widely available for only the past twenty
years; research into their effectiveness is in its infancy. Current
investigation involves examining the efficacy, clinical utility, and cost
effectiveness of an in-home computerized cognitive and perceptual
rehabilitation system. This research involves collaboration among faculty from
OSU-COM and NSU College of Optometry.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Richard H. Bost
Comparative Evaluation of Denture Decontamination Using the MicroWave TM
Dental Sanitizing and Cleaning System; Polident with PoliShieldTM;
and Tap Water: An In vivo Study
A wide range of microorganisms must be considered when treating either oral or systemic diseases in denture wearers. Denture hygiene and decontamination are critical to prevent both oral and systemic disease transmission. The dentures in ill patients must be considered as possible sources of pathogenic microorganisms. Previous studies (in vitro) have demonstrated that methyl-methacrylate can be contaminated with microorganisms and that a variety of decontamination methods have been ineffective. The purpose of this complete denture study was to test the effectiveness of decontamination methods against a wide range of microorganisms. Comparative studies were completed on three decontamination methods: MicroWaveTM Dental Sanitizing and Cleaning System; Polident with PoliShieldTM; and tap water. The study showed that MicroWaveTM Dental Sanitizing and Cleaning System was the only modality found consistently to decontaminate or to sanitize dentures worn by patients when compared to Polident with PoliShieldTM and tap water.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: R. Thomas Glass
Adjunct: Leigh B. Goodson
Microbiology: James W. Bullard, Robert S. Conrad
Competency Modeling in the Family Medicine Residency Program
A comprehensive, well-organized model of competencies relevant to Family Medicine residents is essential to guide program and resident development. This study employs rigorous competency modeling methods to evaluate: 1) the seven core competencies of the American Osteopathic Association Council on Postdoctoral Training, and 2) the taxonomic organization of the competency model.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: JooHee Kim, Charles Henley, Frances Wen, Stephen Eddy, Ray Stowers, Stanley Sherman
Dog Bite Prevention Skills for Children
The primary objective of this project is to teach Dog Bite Prevention skills to young children. Dog bites are the second most common injury to young children behind bicycle accidents. This program uses trained therapy dogs in an interactive workshop to teach skills to the children. The children then practice their newly learned skills on the dogs. After successful demonstration of the newly learned skills, they are given a coloring book provided by State Farm Insurance Company.
Sponsor: State Farm Insurance Company
PI: Sherril Stone
The Effect of Cephalo Pelvic Disproportion on Otitis Media
Otitis Media is a frequently occurring, yet rather perplexing condition causing inflammation of the middle ear. It is perplexing because numerous conditions fall under the umbrella of “Otitis Media,” including viral infections, bacterial infections, and the presence of various fluids, which can be categorized as either acute or chronic depending on the duration of fluid build-up. There is no distinct determination on the cause(s) of Otitis Media. Some postulate that allergies, whether resulting from environmental conditions or digestion of particular foods, trigger Otitis Media. Unfortunately, many experts do not believe an allergen triggers Otitis Media. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Cephalo Pelvic Disproportion on Otitis Media.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Kayse Shrum, Jenny Alexopulos
Division of Research: Sherril Stone
The Effect of Omega 3 Consumption on Discrimination Learning in Dogs
More and more food products are being advertised as “enhanced or supplemented with Omega 3” now than at any other time during the history of packaged food. This Omega 3 revolution is seen not only in human food products but in pet foods as well. The health benefits of Omega 3 are becoming well documented and a large database of support is being developed. However, much remains unknown about the effects of Omega 3 consumption on psychological functioning, such as learning. The purpose of the proposed study is to examine the effect of Omega 3 on discrimination learning in dogs.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Sherril Stone, Stan Sherman
Department of Animal Science: Deb Roeber
The Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, as Newborns, on the Health of Children in the First Six Months of Life
The study was an outpatient chart review of children’s first six months, matching 58 who had received OMT as newborns with 58 who had not. Comparison of the clinical variables yielded a few differences between the cohorts in the direction of less of the following symptoms in the intervention patients for at least one month: food intolerance, colic mentioned, chalasia-associated symptoms, antibiotic usage, spitting, diarrhea, and otitis media.
Sponsors: American Osteopathic Association, American Academy of Osteopathy (Robuck Fund)
PI: Miriam V. Mills
Effects of Aircraft Cabin Altitude on Passengers
Decreased ambient air pressure at high altitude limits the oxygen available for breathing. The interiors (cabins) of commercial aircraft are pressurized to the equivalent of an altitude of 8,000 feet or less during flight. The effects of decreased oxygen were studied in over 550 volunteer passengers during 20-hour flights in an altitude chamber at air pressures equivalent to altitudes between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. The results are expected to be important for air travel regulations and future commercial aircraft design.
Sponsor: Boeing Company
PI: Paul Rock
Evaluation of Competency-Based Assessment Tools
It is important to document technical properties of assessment measures used in education. Moreover, the competing demands of a medical education setting compel efficiency in assessment systems. This study evaluates the variability in scores, reliability, validity, and ease-of-use of the competency-based assessment measures used by the Department of Family Medicine.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: JooHee Kim, Charles Henley, Frances Wen, Stephen Eddy, Thomas Pickard, Ray Stowers, Stanley Sherman
Evaluation of the Sanitization Effectiveness of Medical Tabs on Dentures Contaminated with Known Microbial Flora, an In vitro Study
Dentures contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, and herpes simplex virus I were tested to see if they could be decontaminated by using Medical Tabs for Dentures. Viral analyses found that dentures retain large amounts of virus when washed with water, but no virus was recovered from any of the 40 samples treated with Medical Tabs for five minutes. It was determined that a single use of Medical Tabs for Dentures is effective in eliminating certain species of microorganisms, including selected viruses, in vitro.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: R. Thomas Glass
Microbiology: James W. Bullard, Robert S. Conrad, Earl L. Blewett
Facilitator Versus Small Group Interaction on Clinical Problem Solving Coursework
The goal of the project is to examine the method of delivery effectiveness for coursework required in Clinical Problem Solving. Currently, the second year students have four hours of lecture followed by four hours of small group interaction that focuses on problem-based learning. The group is led by a facilitator and involves a hands-on approach. However, technology allows the possibility of teaching the same material to the students using an online approach rather than facilitator approach. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of both approaches to determine if there is a significant difference between them. The results of the study will allow faculty to utilize the most efficient and effective type of presentation that maximizes the students’ learning, thus producing highly qualified health care providers.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Laurie Clark, Sherril Stone
Fidgeting during Daily Life
An imbalance between energy intake and expenditure may lead to weight change that results in obesity. Energy expenditure related to physical activity is an important determinant of such an imbalance. This research focuses on one component of non-exercise daily physical activity (i.e., fidgeting) that may contribute to this energy imbalance. This research attempts to demonstrate that individuals differ characteristically in fidgeting in ways that can be measured during daily life using unobtrusive body-worn monitors.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Michael H. Pollak
Human Identity Laboratory
Standards under which forensic DNA-typing laboratories operate mandate that the amount of human DNA recovered from forensic samples be determined. Currently, methods used for quantification of human DNA in extracts rely on technology that is completely different from that used normally in the crime laboratory to develop DNA profiles. Over the past two years, we have undertaken to develop and validate a DNA quantification method relying upon quantitative PCR amplification of the human amelogenin locus. The amelogenin gene in human DNA is six base pairs longer in males than in females and serves as a way to determine the sex of a DNA sample. In previous studies from the laboratory, the validity of the quantitative PCR method was established. Current work aims to validate its use to quantify male and female contributions of DNA to mixed samples, which are common in sexual assault cases.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Robert W. Allen
Graduate Student: Denise Juroske
The Influence of the Human-Horse Bond on the Self-Concept of Children in a Therapeutic Riding Program
The purpose of this proposed quantitative study is to determine whether self-concept changes during participation in a therapeutic riding program, and if so, whether these changes vary as a function of the human-horse bonding that may take place. Participants will benefit from this study by learning more about self-concept and human-animal bonding, which are skills used to deal with general life stressors. Societal benefits include a better understanding of the effect of animal bonding on the self-concept of children in a therapeutic riding program.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Janice Williams Miller, Sherril Stone
Bit-By-Bit Therapeutic Riding Program: Linda Barron
Microbial Contamination of Protective Mouth Guards in Hockey Players: An In Vivo Study
Removable dentures harbor a wide range of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms that can produce disease in the wearer. Protective mouth guards are of similar construction and have been used in a variety of sports for years. Review of medical/dental literature reveals no studies that investigate whether mouth guards can act as reservoirs of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms and be, therefore, potentially harmful to the wearers. A wide array of pathogenic and opportunistic gram-negative and gram-positive cocci and rods and were found in the mouth guards worn by semi-professional hockey players, including one mouth guard yielding Candida dublinensis, a yeast commonly found in HIV positive patients. Protective athletic mouth guards do contain pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms that might be potentially harmful to the wearer. The findings of this study would support the idea of limiting the length of wear of protective athletic mouth guards and the possibility of single-use protective athletic mouth guards.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: R. Thomas Glass
Medical Student II: Sarah E. Martin
Microbiology: James W. Bullard, Robert S. Conrad
Microbial Retention in Dentures that Have Been Stored for 1.5 Years and Exposed to Harsh Treatments
Dentures have long been associated with a concurrent stomatitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an extended period of drying, freezing, and boiling on the microorganisms found in dentures that have been worn from 12 days to 48+ years. Portions of polymethyl-methacrylate dentures that had been used in previous studies were frozen and thawed a minimum of two times and ultimately frozen for approximately 1.5 years. The results of these experiments revealed that subjecting dentures to such harsh treatment does substantially reduce the numbers of microorganisms, but that sufficient numbers of disease-producing microorganisms remain and a more effective means of denture sanitization needs to be found.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: R. Thomas Glass
Microbiology: James W. Bullard, Robert S. Conrad
Oklahoma Area Health Education Center Program
The Oklahoma Area Health Education Center Program (OkAHEC) is a sponsored program
of OSU-COM that is conducted through regional AHECs located in Enid, Poteau,
Lawton, and Pryor, and a training/health care facility in the Osage Hills
Complex in Tulsa. The program combines academic and community resources to
improve the supply and distribution of primary care professionals and to
increase the accessibility of quality health care services in rural and
medically underserved areas. The OkAHEC mission is accomplished through
community-based training for health professional students and medical residents
with rural and underserved populations; educational interventions that promote
disease prevention and improved health through access to primary health care
services; continuing education for health practitioners in rural communities; health
careers recruitment with a special focus on minority and underserved
populations; locally-based initiatives that respond to emerging health care
needs; and coordination with other state and federal primary care initiatives.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Health, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services
PIs: Ray Stowers, Richard Perry
Patient Satisfaction Survey for OSU Health Care Center
Oklahoma State University Department of Family Medicine (DFM) serves a large indigent population in Tulsa and the surrounding areas through the clinic system. In addition, the DFM clinics serve an important but smaller population of patients with private insurance. In the increasingly competitive Tulsa health care market, it is necessary to systematically evaluate the performance of the department in fulfilling its mission to provide efficient and high quality health care to our patients. This survey research was conducted to: 1) obtain patient evaluative data of various aspects of service through the clinic system; 2) improve patient quality of care, facilities, access, and health education; and 3) increase the numbers of patients served by the DFM physicians in the clinic system.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Danny Thomason, Sherril Stone, Jenny Alexopulos
Physician Prescription of Mammography and Patient Follow-through in Eligible Oklahoma Women
Annual mammograms are recommended for women meeting particular age and health criteria, but many factors can affect mammography utilization. This study examines mammography utilization among eligible women in rural and urban areas of Oklahoma, focusing on the influence of: 1) physicians’ prescriptions for mammograms, and 2) socioeconomic factors on utilization rates.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PIs: Ray Stowers, Charles Henley, Shannon Daleiden, JooHee Kim, Richard Perry, Mary Williams, Frances Wen
Prevention Resource and Evaluation Center
The Prevention Resource and Evaluation Center (PREC) provides consultation, material
resource support, and a wide range of program evaluation services for the
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS), the
Oklahoma Area Health Education Centers (OKAHEC), and other agencies throughout
the state. Originally developed exclusively for drug and alcohol prevention
programs, PREC has expanded its scope to include the evaluation of other
health-related topics and provides services, (i.e., evaluation design,
instrument development, and the production of formal evaluation reports) to
many other agencies. The collection, input, analysis, and services offered by
PREC staff are: survey development and implementation, evaluation site visits,
conducting informational or training presentations on evaluation or related
topics, and providing consultation or technical assistance.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Services
PI: Bruce A. Singer
Roles of a Multidrug Efflux System and Lipopolysaccharide in Antimicrobial Resistance of Pasteurella haemolytica
Pasteurella haemolytica is a primary etiological agent of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle resulting in significant economic losses in the cattle industry. The development of antibiotic resistance among feedlot cattle fed prophylactic doses of various antibiotics to prevent BRD is a matter of particular concern. This project begins by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 13 commonly-used antibiotics among 22 clinical isolates of P. haemolytica. Strains with unusual resistance patterns will be grown up in sufficient biomass to allow the extraction of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are major components of the bacterial cell wall that determines antimicrobial accessibility. Chemical characterizations of these LPS will be used to determine if antibiotic resistance can be correlated to the specific chemical composition of the outer membrane.
Sponsor: Targeted Research Initiative Program
PIs: R. Thomas Glass
Adjunct: Leigh B. Goodson
Microbiology: James W. Bullard, Robert S. Conrad
Rotavirus Vaccine Study
The Department of Pediatrics is evaluating the safety of a bovine viral vaccine for infants for the prevention of acute gastroenteritis due to Rotavirus. This virus is the most common cause of dehydration, with hospitalization in children less than three years of age. Over 60,000 children will be involved in the study worldwide.
Sponsor: Merck
PI: Stanley E. Gross
Special Olympics Health Promotion
The Healthy Athletes mission is to improve each athlete’s ability to train and compete in Special Olympics through better health and fitness. The MedFest objectives are to increase the health screenings administered to Special Olympics athletes while at events. The screenings collect basic information such as height, weight, BMI and blood pressure. This study will also examine glucose, total cholesterol, and body fat data in an attempt to identify trends within the population of Special Olympians.
Sponsor:
PI: Charles Glendenning
Division of Research: Frank Mulhern
Suicide among American Indians in New Mexico
Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data is continuing with Philip May of the University of New Mexico to update epidemiological information regarding completed suicides among the Apache, Navajo, and Pueblo Indians in New Mexico from 1957-1998. Age and gender differences, behavioral interactions prior to the event, and trends in suicide rates are being explored in these populations.
Sponsor: Indian Health Service
PI: Nancy Van Winkle
The Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Adjuvant Therapy in Children with Recurrent Acute Otitis Media
Patients with recurrent earaches (otitis) were followed for six months, with 32 patients receiving routine pediatric care and 25 receiving routine care plus adjuvant manipulation. Clinical status was monitored by review of medical records, audiograms, parent behavior rating, and tympanograms. The treatment group experienced a greater decrease in average monthly episodes of average monthly antibiotics prescribed, fewer surgical interventions, and more normal tympanograms.
Sponsors: American Osteopathic Association, American Academy of Osteopathy (Robuck Fund)
PIs: Miriam V. Mills
Family Medicine: Charles E. Henley
Educational Studies: Laura L.B. Barnes
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine: Jane E. Carreiro
Kirksville Osteopathic College: Brian F. Degenhardt
Vacation Preferences
The primary objective of this study is to examine the lure of animals in vacation preferences of humans. Exposure to animals is often part of many vacation activities. Some vacations are built entirely around animals. For example, people travel to Africa exclusively to participate in safaris and witness animal life such as lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Other vacationers go on vacations that include marine life activities. Families with children often include a trip to zoos or other animal parks as part of the vacation. This descriptive study will gather information on the vacation activities preferences for people of various cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities.
Sponsor: Intramural Funding
PI: Sherril Stone
Clinical Drug Trials
Several faculty have contracts with different pharmaceutical companies to test new drugs. Ongoing trials are testing drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and other diseases.