Dennis H. Auckley, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine, CWRU
Director, Center for Sleep Medicine
Co-Program Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program
Co-Program Director, CWRU Sleep Fellowship Program
TEL: (216) 778-2286
FAX: (216) 778-3240

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Sleep disordered breathing and perioperative risk
Sleep disordered breathing and asthma
Treatment of sleep disordered breathing

Selected Publications
Baron J and Auckley D. “Gunshot wound to the head: an unusual complication of sleep apnea and bilevel pressure support.” Accepted for publication in Sleep and Breathing, 2004

Auckley D and Hudgel D. “Management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.” Respiratory Care: Principles and Practice. Saunders Co., copyright 2002, Chapter 58: 1139-1150

Auckley D, Crowell R, Heaphy E, Stidley C, Lechner J, Gilliland F, and Belinsky S. “Reduced DNA-dependent protein kinase active is associated with lung cancer.” Carcinogenesis 22 (5):723-727, 2001

Auckley D, Schmidt-Nowara W, and Brown L. “Reversal of sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in end stage renal disease following kidney transplantation.” American Journal of Kidney Disease 34(4): 739-744, 1999

Mark P. Aulisio, Ph.D.
Director, Clinical Ethics Program
MetroHealth Medical Center
Center for Biomedical Ethics
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-7290
FAX: (216) 778-3360

Biographical Information at Case

Research Interest(s)
Biomedical Ethics, Moral and Political Philosophy, Action Theory

Selected Publications
Mark P. Aulisio, Robert M. Arnold, and Stuart J. Youngner, Ed. Bioethics Consultation: Theoretical and Practical Issues (Baltimore, Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press, under contract, expected publication 2001).

The Society for Health and Human Values - Society for Bioethics Consultation Task Force on Standards for Bioethics Consultation, Core Competencies for Health Care Ethics Consultation: The Report of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (Lake View, Illinois: American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, 1998), 45 pp.

Mark P. Aulisio, "Standards for Decision Making at the End of Life" in T. May and P. Tudico, eds. Advance Directives and Surrogate Decision Making in Illinois, (Springfield, Illinois: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Medical Humanities Series, 1999).

vMark P. Aulisio, Robert M. Arnold, and Stuart J. Youngner, "Can There be Educational and Training Standards for Those Conducting Health Care Ethics Consultation?" in D. Thomasma and J. Monagle, ed. Health Care Ethics: Critical Issues for the 21st Century, (Gathersburg, Maryland: Aspen Publishers, 1998), 484-496.

Jennifer L. Bailit, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Director of Labor and Delivery
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
MetroHealth Medical Center
Center for Health Care Research & Policy Senior Scholar
Women’s Reproductive Health Research Program Scholar
TEL: (216) 778-3550
FAX: (216) 778-8847

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Bailit’s research focuses on how to assess and improve the quality of obstetrical care. Dr. Bailit works with large data sets such as birth certificate data. The overall goal of her research is to improve the quality of obstetrical care.

Selected Publications
Bailit JL for the NICHD MFMU Network. The MFMU Cesarean Registry: Impact of change of shift on Cesarean Complications. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;198:2;173.e1-173.e5.

Bailit JL, Love TE. The role of race in cesarean rate case mix adjustment. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;198:1; 69.e1-69.e5.

Bailit JL, Votruba ME. Medical cost savings associated with 17 Alpha Hydroxy-progesterone Caproate. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2007, 196:3; 219e1-219e7.

Bailit JL, Love TE, Dawson NV, Quality of obstetric care and risk-adjusted primary cesarean rates. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2006, 194:2;401-407.

Bailit JL, for the NICHD MFMU Network. The MFMU Cesarean Registry: Impact of time of day on Cesarean Complications. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2006; 195(4):1132-1137.

Stanley Ballou, M.D.
Director of Rheumatology
MetroHealth Medical Center
Associate Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-5154, (216) 778-4765
FAX: (216) 778-8376


Research Interest(s)
Lupus Erythematosus

David J. Birnkrant, M.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University
Head, Pediatric Pulmonology
Director, Student Education
Department of Pediatrics
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-4832
FAX: (216) 778-4223


Research Interest(s)
Respiratory complications of pediatric neuromuscular diseases; pediatric noninvasive mechanical ventilation; noninvasive mucus clearance techniques; perinatal asthma risk factors.

Selected Publications
Birnkrant DJ. The assessement and management of the respiratory complications of pediatric neuromuscular diseases. Clin Pediatr 2002; 41: 301-308.

Pope JF, Birnkrant DJ. Noninvasive ventilation to facilitate extubation in a pediatric intensive care unit. J Intensive Care Med 2002; 15: 99-103.

Birnkrant DJ, Pope JF, Eiben RM. Management of the respiratory complications of neuromuscular diseases in the pediatric intensive care unit. J Child Neurol 1999; 14: 139-143.

Birnkrant DJ, Pope JF, Martin JE, Repucci AH, Eiben RM. Treatment of type I spinal muscular atrophy with noninvasive ventilation and gastrostomy feeding. Pediatr Neurol 1998; 18: 407-410.

Pope JF, Birnkrant DJ, Martin JE, Repucci AH. Noninvasive ventilation during percutaneous gastrostomy placement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Pediatr Pulmonol 1997; 23: 468-471.

Carol E. Blixen, PhD, RN
Senior Scholar, Center for Health Care Research & Policy
Case Western Reserve University at MetroHealth Medical Center
Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine
Department of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-3902

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Blixen is an applied behavioral researcher who employs both qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed methods) to examine the personal, behavioral, and sociocultural issues that impact on patients` medical decision making and adherence to treatment. She is currently a co-investigator on a 5-year NIMH study that will examine the impact of a targeted behavioral intervention for adults with both severe mental illness and diabetes.

Selected Publications
Gertz, A., Blixen, C. & Frank, S. (February, 2011). A Survey of Patients and Providers at Free Clinics Across the United States. Journal of Community Health, 36 (1): 83-93.

Blixen, C., Perzynski, A., Sajatovic, M. & Dawson, N. (In Press, 2011). Treating severe mental illnesses and comorbid medical conditions in the primary care setting: An idea whose time has come. Cutting Edge Psychiatry in Practice.

Stoller, E., Webster, N., Blixen, C., McCormick, R., Hund, A., Perzynski, A., Kanuch, S., Kercher., Thomas, C. , Kercher, K. & Dawson, N. (2009). Alcohol consumption decisions among nonabusing drinkers diagnosed with Hepatitis C.: An exploratory sequential mixed methods study. Journal of Mixed Methods Research 3(1):65-86.

Blixen, C., Webster, N., Hund, A., Stoller, E., Kanuch, S., McCormick, R., & Dawson, N. (2008). Communication about alcohol consumption between non-dependent drinkers with hepatitis C (HCV) and their health-care providers. Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) 23(3):242-2247.

Blixen, C., Papp, K., Hull, A. , Rudick, R . & Bramstedt, K. (2007). Developing a mentorship program for clinical researchers. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions. 27(2):22-29.

Shari D. Bolen, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Medicine and
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
and KL2 Scholar
Case Western Reserve University
Physician, Division of Internal Medicine
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-5359
FAX: (216) 778-3945

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Bolen conducts health services research in diabetes and obesity, with an emphasis on ways to improve care. She has a special interest in comparative effectiveness research and systematic reviews/meta-analyses.

Selected Publications
Bolen SD, Bricker E, Samuels TA, Yeh HC, Marinopoulos SS, McGuire M et al. Factors associated with intensification of oral diabetes medications in primary care provider-patient dyads: a cohort study. Diabetes Care 2009; 32(1):25-31.

Bolen S, Feldman L, Vassy J, Wilson L, Yeh HC, Marinopoulos S, Wiley C, Selvin E, Wilson R, Bass EB, Brancati FL. Systematic Review: Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Medications for Type 2 Diabetes. Ann of Int Med 2007 Sep 18; 147(6): 386-399.

Bolen S, Tilburt J, Baffi C, Gary TL, Powe N, Howerton M, Ford JG, Lai G, Wilson R, Bass EB. Defining “Success” in Recruitment of Underrepresented Populations to Cancer Clinical Trials: Moving Toward a More Consistent Approach. Cancer 2006 Mar; 106(6): 1197-1204.

Maruthur NM, Bolen S, Brancati FL, Clark JM. Obesity and Mammography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Gen Intern Med 2009.

Nicholson W, Bolen S, Witkop CT, Neale D, Wilson L, Bass E. Benefits and risks of oral diabetes agents compared with insulin in women with gestational diabetes: a systematic review. Obstet Gynecol 2009; 113(1):193-205.

Leslie Bruggeman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center
Center for AIDS Research
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-7603
FAX: (216) 778-4321


Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Molecular and cellular biology of chronic kidney diseases. Areas of special interest include: pathogenesis of HIV-associated nephropathy; transcriptional regulation of HIV-1 and eukaryotic gene expression; podocyte cell biology; transcriptional regulation during epithelial cell differentiation and in kidney development. In vitro modeling of the glomerular filtration barrier.

Selected Publications
Bruggeman, L. A., S. Martinka, and J. S. Simske. Expression of TM4SF10, a claudin/EMP/PMP22 family cell junction protein, during mouse kidney development and podocyte differentiation. Dev. Dyn. 236:596-605 (2007).

Ross, M. D., S. Martinka, A. Mukherjee, J. R. Sedor, C. Vinson, and L. A. Bruggeman. Math6 expression in kidney development and altered expression in a mouse model of glomerulosclerosis. Dev. Dyn. 235:3102-3109 (2006).

Martinka, S. and L. A. Bruggeman. Persistent NF-kB activation in renal epithelial cells in a transgenic mouse model of HIV-associated nephropathy. Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol. 290: F657-665 (2006).

Ross, M. J., S. Martinka, V. D. D’Agati, and L. A. Bruggeman. NF-kB regulates Fas-mediated apoptosis in HIV-associated nephropathy. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 16: 2403-2411 (2005).

Gharavi A. G., T. Ahmad, R. Wong, R. Hooshyar, J. Vaughn, S. Oller, R. Z. Frankel, L. A. Bruggeman, V. D. D`Agati, P. E. Klotman, and R. P. Lifton. Mapping a locus for susceptibility to HIV-1-associated nephropathy to mouse chromosome 3. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 101:2488-2493 (2004).

James W. Campbell, M.D.
Chairperson, Director, Geriatric Health
Physician, Family Practice
MetroHealth Medical Center
Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-8084

Patrick M. Catalano, M.D.
Chairman, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
MetroHealth Medical Center
Professor, Department of Reproductive Biology
Case Western Reserve University
Schwartz Center for Metabolism and Nutrition
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-4876
FAX: (216) 778-1574

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
The long range goals of our research are to evaluate metabolic adaptations to pregnancy and the short and long term effects on the mother and fetus. The dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity worldwide has reached such a degree as to being declared an epidemic level by the WHO. Recent studies have suggested that overgrowth in the fetus is a primary risk factor for developing obesity and associated diseases in children as well as in adults. Our earlier studies have established that maternal pre-gravid obesity and glucose intolerance as observed in gestational diabetes appear to be the strongest risk factors for increased fetal growth. Currently our grant support is focused on evaluating mechanisms by which the maternal metabolic environment affects placental function and nutrient availability for the fetus. In obese women we are evaluating the mechanisms linking the increase in insulin sensitivity and the abnormal expression of adipokines leading to inflammation. Other grants are focused on the ability of nutrient supplements, using a RCT, to decrease inflammation in overweight and obese pregnant women in order to improve insulin sensitivity and subsequently to decrease nutrient availability, particularly lipids, to prevent fetal overgrowth. All of the above studies are currently funded through the National Institutes of Health. Based on our initial results, we hypothesize that the in utero environment is the opportune time to begin the prevention of obesity and subsequent metabolic dysregulation for both the mother and her offspring.

Selected Publications
Landon MB, Spong CY, Thom E, Carpenter MW, Ramin SM, Casey B, Wapner RJ, Varner MW, Rouse DJ, Thorp JM Jr., Sciscione A, Catalano P, Harper M, Saade G, Lain KY, Sorokyn Y, Peaceman AM, Tolosa JE, Anderson GB; A multicenter, randomized trial of treatment for mild gestational diabetes. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. N Engl J Med 2009 Oct 1; 361(14):1339-48.

Catalano PM, Farrell K, Thomas A, Huston-Presley L, Mencin P, de Mouzon SH, Amini SB. Perinatal risk factors for childhood obesity and metabolic dysregulation. Am J Ciln Nutr 2009 Nov;90(5):1303-13.

Waters TP, Schultz BA, Mercer BM, Catalano PM. Effect of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate on glucose intolerance in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2009 July; 114(1):45-9.

Catalano PM, Presley L, Minium J, Hauguel-de Mouzon S. Fetuses of obese mothers develop insulin resistance in utero. Diabetes Care 2009 June; 32(6):1076-80.

Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study: associations with neonatal anthropometrics. HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group. Diabetes 2009 Feb; 58(2):453-9.

Grace Cater, M.D.
Staff Physician, Cardiology
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-2431


Research Interest(s)
General cardiology,
Non-Invasive Cardiology,
Cardiac Imaging

Randall D. Cebul, M.D.
Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Director, Center for Health Care Research & Policy
Director, Better Health Greater Cleveland
TEL: (216) 778-3902
FAX: (216) 778-3945


Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Methods in epidemiology, information technology and the decision sciences to examine and improve health care delivery, emphasizing preventive services and the care and outcomes for persons with chronic illnesses.

Selected Publications
Cebul RD, Rebitzer JB, Taylor LJ, Votruba ME. Unhealthy insurance markets: search frictions and the cost and quality of health insurance. NBER Working Paper Series. Working paper 14455. http://www.nber.org/papers/w14455. October, 2008. Amer Economic Review. In press.

Cebul RD, Rebitzer JB, Taylor LJ, Votruba ME. Organizational fragmentation and care quality in the U.S. health care system. J. Econ Perspectives. 2008; 22(4): 93-113. Also in NBER Working Paper Series. Working Paper 14212. http://www.nber.org/papers/w14212. August, 2008.

Love TE, Cebul RD, Einstadter D, et.al. Electronic medical record-assisted design of a cluster randomized trial to improve diabetes care and outcomes. J Gen Intern Med. 2008; 23(4): 383-91.

Cebul RD. Using electronic medical records to measure and improve performance. TransAm Clin Climat Assoc. 2008; 119:65-76.

Katzan IL, Dawson NV, Thomas CL, Votruba ME, Cebul RD. The cost of pneumonia after acute stroke. Neurology 2007;68(22):1938-1943.

John Chae, M.D., M.E.
Associate Professor of PM&R
Director of Research
Case School of Medicine
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Case School of Engineering
Associate Director of Clinical Affairs
Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation Center
TEL: (216) 778-3472
FAX: (216) 778-1653


Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Chae`s research focuses on the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to restore upper and lower extremity motor function in hemiplegia. The specific areas of focus include 1) treatment of shoulder subluxation and pain, 2) facilitation of motor recovery 3) development and implementation of neuroprostheses and relationship between neurophysiology, motor impairment and physical disability.

Selected Publications
Yu DT, Chae J, Walker ME et al. Intramuscular neuromuscular electrical stimulation for post-stroke shoulder pain: A multi-center randomized clinical trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004; 85: 695-704.

Chae J, Hart R. Intramuscular hand neuroprosthesis for chronic stroke survivors. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2003; 17: 109-117.

Chae J, Yang G, Labatia I. Upper limb motor function in chronic hemiparesis: Concurrent validity of the Arm Motor Ability Test. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2003; 82: 1-8.

Chae J, Yang G, Park BK, Labatia I. Muscle weakness and co-contraction in hemiparesis: Relationship to motor impairment and physical disability. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2002: 16: 241-248.

Chae J, Yang G, Park BK, Labatia I. Delay in initiation and termination of muscle contraction, motor impairment and physical disability in upper limb hemiparesis. Muscle Nerve 2002; 25: 568-575.

Jeffrey A. Claridge, MD, MS, FACS
Medical Director, Northern Ohio Trauma System
Director
Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Burns
MetroHealth Medical Center
Associate Professor of Surgery
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
TEL: (216) 778-5416
FAX: (216) 778-1351

Biosketch

Selected Publications
Golob JF, Fadlalla AM, Kan JA, Patel NP, Yowler CJ, Claridge JA. Validation of SIC-IR: A ModernMedical Informatics System For Intensive Care Unit Research, Quality of Care Improvement, and Daily Patient Care. The Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 2008 Aug;207(2):164-73.

Golob JF, Claridge JA, Fadlalla MA, Sando MJ, Phipps WR, Yowler CJ, Malangoni MA. Fever andluekocytosis in critically ill trauma patients: It`s not the urine. Surgical infections. 2008 Feb;9(1):49-56.

Golob JF, Sando MJ, Kan JC, Yowler CJ, Malangoni MA, Claridge JA. Theraputic Anticoagulation inTrauma Patients: Is it safe? Surgery. 2008 Oct;144(4):591-6; discussion 596-7.

Golob JF, Claridge JA, Yowler CJ, Como JJ, Peerless JR. Isolated cervical spine fractures in theelderly: a deadly injury. Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care, 2008 February; 64(2):511-515.

Lipman JM, Claridge JA, Haridas M, Martin MD, Yao DC, Grimes KL, MA Malangoni. PreoperativeFactors Predicting Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open. Surgery Surgery. 2007 Oct;142(4):556-63;discussion 563-5.

Alfred F. Connors, Jr., M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs
The MetroHealth System
Professor of Medicine
Senior Associate Dean for Medical Affairs
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
TEL: (216) 778-4900
FAX: (216) 778-5823

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Evaluation & measurement of patient outcomes, determining effectiveness of therapy, devices & processes of care, medical decision making, management of the seriously ill, and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Selected Publications
Stukenborg GJ, Wagner DP, Connors AF Jr. A comparison of two comorbidity measures with and without information from prior hospitalizations. Medical Care, 2001;39;727-739. Go to Publication

Arseneau KO, Cohn SM, Comminelli F, Connors AF Jr. Cost-utility of initial medical management for Crohn’s disease perianal fistulae. Gastroenterology 2001;120:1640-1656. Go to Publication

Rose JH. O`Toole EE. Dawson NV. Thomas C. Connors AF Jr. Wenger N. Phillips RS. Hamel MB. Reding DT. Cohen HJ. Lynn J. Generalists and oncologists show similar care practices and outcomes for hospitalized late-stage cancer patients. Medical Care. 2000;38:1103-1118. Go to Publication

Johnston KC, Connors AF Jr, Wagner DP, Haley EC Jr. Risk adjustment effect in stroke clinical trials. Stroke. 2004;35:43-45 Go to Publication

Stukenborg GJ, Wagner DP, Harrell FE, Oliver MN, Kilbridge K, Lyman J, Einbinder J, Connors AF. Hospital discharge abstract data on comorbidity improved the prediction of death among patients hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia. J Clin Epidemiol 2004; 57: 522-532. Go to Publication

Otto Costantini, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Director, Arrhythmia Prevention Center
Director, Clinical Trials Unit
TEL: (216) 778-8765
FAX: (216) 778-392


Research Interest(s)
Prediction and prevention of sudden cardiac death. Risk stratification of congestive heart failure patients for ventricular arrhythmias. Outcomes and quality of life of patients with CHF and ventricular arrhythmias. Triggers of ventricular tacharrhythmias in patients at risk.

Selected Publications
Costantini O, Rosenbaum DS. Can sudden cardiac death be predicted from the T wave of the ECG? PACE 2000;23:14071416.

Quan KJ, Lee JH, Costanini et al. Favorable results of ICD implantation in patients older than 70. Ann Thorac Surg 1997;64:1713-1717.

Costantini O, Huck K, Carlson MD et al. Impact of a guideline based disease management team on outcomes of hospitalized patients with congestive heart failure. Arch Intern Med 2001;161:177-185

Graham Creasey, MD, FRCSEd
Associate Professor
Dept of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Case Western Reserve University
Attending Physician
Dept of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
MetroHealth and VA Medical Centers
Principal Investigator
Functional Electrical Stimulation Center
TEL: (216) 778-5807, (216) 778-3472
FAX: (216) 778-1653


Curriculum Vitae
Functional Electrical Stimulation Center
PM&R, MetroHealth Medical Center

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Creasey studies the use of electrical stimulation to restore bladder, bowel, and sexual function following spinal cord injury, and the effects of these interventions on quality of life and costs.

Selected Publications
Lee YH, Creasey GH. Self-controlled dorsal penile nerve stimulation to inhibit bladder hyperreflexia in incomplete spinal cord injury: a case report. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2002 Feb;83(2):273-277. Go to Publication

Creasey GH, Dahlberg JE. Economic consequences of an implanted neuroprosthesis for bladder and bowel management. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2001 Nov;82(11):1520-1525. Go to Publication

Creasey GH, Grill JH, Korsten M, Betz R, Anderson R, Walter J. An implantable neuroprosthesis for restoring bladder and bowel control to patients with spinal cord injuries: a multicenter trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2001 Nov;82(11):1512-1519. Go to Publication

Gustafson KJ, Creasey GH & Grill WM. A catheter-based method to activate urethral sensory nerve fibers. Journal of Urology 170(1):126-129, 2003 Go to Publication

Creasey GH, Kilgore KL, Brown-Triolo DL, Dahlberg JE, Peckham PH, Keith MW. Reduction of costs of disability using neuroprostheses.Assist Technol. 2000;12(1):67-75. Go to Publication

Pamela B. Davis, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics,
and Molecular Biology & Microbiology
Department of Medicine,
Veterans Administration Medical Center
Arline H. and Curtis F. Garvin, M.D., Research Professor
Senior Associate Dean for Research
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 368-4370
FAX: (216) 368-4223

Web Page
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
The goal of our laboratory is to understand the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis (CF), a common fatal genetic disease, and to ultimately to ameliorate or cure it. CF is caused by defects in a gene that encodes a chloride channel, CFTR, but the patients succumb to pulmonary infection and inflammation. One line of work in our lab investigates how dysfunction of CFTR leads to infection and particularly the excess inflammatory response that characterizes the CF lung disease. In cell and animal models, CF cells and CF mice have excessive cytokine responses to bacterial stimulation, which contributes to lung damage. We study the mechanism of this excessive response and how to prevent it without impairing host defenses. We have shown previously that high dose ibuprofen ameliorates the excessive inflammation, and it is our current working hypothesis that the mechanism of this effect is by binding to PPAR *, a nuclear receptor which can interact with the pro inflammatory transcription factor NF *B, in reciprocal fashion. Ultimately, we will build upon our findings in cell and animal models for design of a clinical trial.

A second line of work is to devise means of delivering the corrective CFTR gene to the airways of patients with CF. We have constructed DNA nanoparticles that consist of plasmid DNA compacted with polylysine and stabilized with polyethylene glycol, in which the smallest diameter is less than that of the nuclear pore. This small size allows nuclear access in nondividing cells. These nanoparticles can transfect airway epithelium in vivo in CF mice to a sufficient extent to correct not only the CF chloride transport defect but also some of its downstream consequences. In addition, these nanoparticles seem to be quite nontoxic, and they can be dosed repeatedly without decrement in effect. A single dose Phase I clinical trial in the nose of human patients with CF was completed, with the result that 8 of 12 subjects had improvement in chloride transport, with no adverse effects attributable to the drug. Current work is investigating potential improvements in the DNA nanoparticles (including targeting and improvement of the plasmid construct), aerosolization of the particles for pulmonary treatment, and extension of the molecular targets to delivery of siRNA directed against respiratory viruses.

Selected Publications
Ziady, AG, Gedeon, CR. Miller, T, Quan, W. Payne JM, Hyatt SL, Fink TL, Muhammed O, Oette S, Kowalczyk,T. Pasumarthy M, Moen, RC, Cooper MC, and Davis, P.B. Transfection of Airway Epithelium by Stable PEGylated Poly L lysine DNA Nanoparticles In Vivo, Mol Ther. 8(6):936 47, 2003.

Ziady AG, Gideon CR, Muhammad O, Stillwell V, Oette SM, Fink TL, Quan W, Kowalczyk TH, Hyatt SL, Peischl A, Seng JE, Moen RC, Cooper MJ, and Davis PB. Minimal Toxicity of Stabilized compacted DNA nanoparticles in the murine lung. Mol Ther. 8(6):948 56, 2003.

van Heeckeren AM Schluchter, MD Davis, PB Role of Cftr Genotype in the Response to Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lung Infection in Mice Am J. Physiology:Lung Cell and Molecular Physiology 2004 ;287(5):L944 52.

Neal V. Dawson, M.D.
Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
MetroHealth Medical Center Staff Since 1982
Center for Health Care Research and Policy
TEL: (216) 778-3901
FAX: (216) 778-3945


Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Dawson is a specialist in general internal medicine and works in the MetroHealth Primary Care Internal Medicine Clinic (Firms). He has published on the use of Firms for research, especially in health services. He recently completed a Firm trial on alcohol screening and management in a primary care setting. He is currently looking at predictors of alcohol use among nonaddicted Hepatitis C patients. In addition he has considerable experience in the conduct of large studies and in multvariable analyses of large databases.

Selected Publications
Stoller EP, Webster NJ, Blixen CE, McCormick RA, Hund AJ, Perzynski AT, Kanuch SW, Thomas CL, Kercher K, Dawson NV. Alcohol consumption decisions among nonabusing drinkers diagnosed with hepatitis C: An exploratory sequential mixed methods study. J Mixed Methods Res 2009;3:65-86.

Stoller EP, Webster NJ, Blixen CE, McCormick RA, Perzynski AT, Kanuch SW, Dawson NV. Lay management of chronic disease: living with hepatitis C infection. Am J Health Behav 2009;33:376-90.

Dawson NV, Gregory F. Correspondence and coherence in science: A brief historical perspective. Judgment Decis Making 2009;4(special issue):126-33.

Marrie RA, Dawson NV, Garland A. Quantile regression and restricted cubic splines are useful for exploring relationships between continuous variables. J Clin Epidemiol 2009; 62:511-17.

Rose JH, Kypriotakis G, Bowman KF, Einstadter D, O’Toole EE, Machekano R, Dawson NV. Patterns of adaptation in patients living longer with advanced cancer. Cancer 2009; (in press).

Dorr G. Dearborn, Ph.D., M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics
Mary Ann Swetland Professor of
Environmental Health Sciences
Case Western Reserve University


Research Interest(s)
Primary Research Interest-
Extensive Mold Exposure: Health Effects for Infants and Children
Acute Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Infants:
Over the past ten years, there have been 38 infants with acute pulmonary hemorrhage cared for at our pediatric hospital; five infants have died. The initial case-control study of the first 10 infants, led by the CDC, found an association with exposure to moldy home environments. Additional experience supports the association since 88% of the total 38 infants have come from water-damaged home environments containing Stachybotrys chartarum and other fungi. Removing these infants from their original home environments resulted in a 17-fold decrease in re-bleeding (Dearborn, et al., Pediatrics, 110:627,2002). The association is further supported by infant animal studies. Additional factors of environmental tobacco smoke and bacterial endotoxin are being considered.

Related Research Projects-
1. Continued collection and analysis of acute respiratory tract samples from infants presenting with acute pulmonary hemorrhage.
2. Further development of quantitative PCR and immunological biomarkers to document acute fungal exposure in infants and children.
3. Extension of our acute fungal exposure model in infant rats to a more chronic, low level exposure.
4. Kinetics of mycotoxin and proteinase release from fungal spores.

Mold-related Health Effects in Children:
A. Children of families who have left their homes because of adverse health effects apparently due to extensive mold contamination have been seen for clinical and psychometric evaluation. Initial, uncontrolled observations note that most laboratory tests including IgG fungal serologies are seldom abnormal. Symptom profiles obtained by retrospective questionnaire reflect significant reductions of most general health and respiratory symptoms after the children are out of the moldy environments. Children exposed prior to six years of age appear to have an increased incidence of language deficits.

Related Research Projects-
1. Case-control study of infants and siblings of mold exposure and possible neurotoxicity as seen by Visual Contrast Sensitivity and language psychometric evaluation.

B. Children living in damp, moldy home environments are at-risk of developing respiratory illness, both acutely and longer term. In a recently completed study supported by US HUD and US EPA (Cuyahoga County Urban Mold and Moisture Project, UMMP), explored the relationship between mold, moisture, asthma triggers and the respiratory health of children living in inner city neighborhoods throughout Greater Cleveland. Clinical and environmental assessments before and after targeted remediation found significant improvement in moderately severe asthmatic children compared to randomized controls whose homes were not remediated (decrease in symptom score (Am Acad Ped Asthma Health Survey) p<0.006 and symptom days p<0.003). The home intervention group also had a lower rate of exacerbations requiring hospitalization or an emergency room visit compared to control asthmatics (1/29 vs. 11/33, respectively, p=.003). Environmental assessments found a significant decrease in the visual mold (p=0.0035) and the ratio of indoor/outdoor mold species (p=0.049) in remediated versus control homes. The large data base generated by the extensive semi-quantitative culturing of fungi and the quantitative PCR measurements of 33 fungal species continues to be analyzed. While the significance of the UMMP study is limited due to the small number of families and homes investigated, the observed clinical improvements are very encouraging and underline the need to expand on these observations in larger studies in cooperation with other pulmonary centers.

Selected Publications
Dearborn, DG, Smith, PG, Dahms, BB, Allan, TM, Sorenson, WG, Montana, E, Etzel, RA, Clinical profile of thirty infants with acute pulmonary hemorrhage in Cleveland. Pediatrics, 110:627-637, 2002.

Yike, I, and Dearborn, D.G. Pulmonary effects of Stachybotrys chartarum in animal studies. In: Advances in Applied Microbiology, Sick Building Syndrome, D. Strauss (ed), Elsevier Inc, 2004, p.241-273.

Vesper, SJ, Varma, M, Wymer, LJ, Dearborn, DG, Sobolewski, J, Haugland, RA. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of fungi in dust from homes of infants who developed idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhaging, J Occup Environ Med, 46:596-601, 2004

Katherine MacRae Dell, M.D.
Senior Staff Scientist
The MetroHealth System
Associate Professor & Pediatric Nephrology Division Chief
Department of Pediatrics
Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-1156, (216) 844-1389

Adrienne T. Dennis, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist
Rammelkamp Center for Education & Research
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-8667
FAX: (216) 778-8282


Research Interest(s)
Molecular mechanisms involved in the processing of the cardiac potassium channel HERG within the cell and how this changes in hereditary or acquired (drug-induced) long QT syndrome (LQT2).

Selected Publications
Ficker E., Kuryshev Y.A., Dennis A.T., Obejero-Paz C., Wang L., Hawryluk P., Wible B.A., Brown A.M. Mechanisms of Arsenic-Induced Prolongation of Cardiac Repolarization. Mol. Pharmacol. 66:33-44, 2004. Go to Publication

Ficker E., Dennis A.T., Wang L., Brown A.M. Role of the cytosolic chaperones Hsp70 and Hsp90 in maturation of the cardiac potassium channel HERG. Circ. Res. 92:e87-100, 2003. Go to Publication

Ficker E, Dennis AT, Obejero-Paz CA, Castaldo P, Taglialatela M, Brown AM. Retention in the endoplasmic reticulum as a mechanism of dominant-negative current suppression in human long QT syndrome. J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 2000;32:2327-2337. Go to Publication

Ficker E, Thomas D, Viswanathan PC, Dennis AT, Priori SG, Napolitano C, Memmi M, Wible B A, Kaufman ES, Iyengar S, Schwartz PJ, Rudy Y, Brown AM. Novel characteristics of a misprocessed mutant HERG channel linked to hereditary long QT syndrome. Am. J. Physiol. 2000;279:H1748-H1756 Go to Publication

Anthony DiMarco, M.D.
Professor
Functional Electrical Stimulation Center
TEL: (216) 778-3906
FAX: (216) 778-4321



Research Interest(s)
The purpose of Dr. DiMarco`s studies is to restore respiratory muscle function in patients with spinal cord injury. FES is developing systems for electrical activation of the inspiratory muscles to maintain full-time ventilatory support in patients with ventilator-dependent tetraplegia and electrical activation of the expiratory muscles to provide an effective cough mechanism in patients with expiratory muscles paralysis.

Selected Publications
DiMarco AF. Neural prostheses in the respiratory system. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2001 Nov-Dec;38(6):601-607.

DiMarco AF, Romaniuk JR, Supinski G, Kowalski KE. Effects of lung volume on parasternal pressure-generating capacity in dogs. Exp Physiol. 2000 May;85(3):331-337.

Stofan DA, Callahan LA, DiMarco AF, Nethery DE, Supinski GS. Modulation of release of reactive oxygen species by the contracting diaphragm. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2000 Mar;161(3 Pt 1):891-898.

Clark W. Distelhorst, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
Professor of Pharmacology
Charles S. Britton II Professor of Hematology/Oncology
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 368-4546
FAX: (216) 368-8919


Research Interest(s)
Research in the laboratory of Dr. Clark Distelhorst has two fundamental goals. One is to understand how glucocorticosteroid hormones (dexamethasone, prednisone) induce apoptosis in lymphocytes and the other is to understand how Bcl-2 inhibits apoptosis, emphasizing the role of Bcl-2 on the endoplasmic reticulum. Because glucocorticosteroid hormones induce apoptosis in young lymphocytes, glucocorticoid hormones have an important role in the treatment of a wide variety of lymphoid cancers. Understanding the mechanism of apoptosis induction by glucocorticoids will enable us to develop novel therapies and overcome resistance to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis, while providing novel insight into a fundamentally important mechanism of apoptosis induction. Conversely, the primary action of Bcl-2 is to inhibit apoptosis. In this way Bcl-2 promotes cancer cell survival and inhibits cell killing by chemotherapeutic agents. The laboratory has many accomplishments. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we have profiled the gene changes induced by dexamethasone in lymphoma cell lines and in primary murine thymocytes. This profile has uncovered many interesting genes and has set the stage for a number of projects in our lab. For example, we have recently discovered that the proapoptotic BH3-only protein Bim is induced by dexamethasone in normal primary thymocytes and in lymphoma cells. Thus, Bim is a glucocorticoid-induced “death gene”. As revealed by our microarray findings, a number of other interesting genes are induced by dexamethasone that may contribute to the life-death decision of cells treated with dexamethasone. On another front, our laboratory was the first, over ten years ago, to indicate that Bcl-2 works at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum to regulate calcium signals involved in mediating apoptosis.

Determining the effect of Bcl-2 on calcium signals is one of the highest priorities in our laboratory today. In addition, we are interested in the role of ER-localized Bcl-2 in regulating protein-protein interactions with other family members. Recently we have employed targeting sequences to direct Bcl-2 to either ER or mitochondria. Paradoxically we discovered that Bcl-2 targeted to the outer mitochondrial membrane induces apoptosis, whereas Bcl-2 targeted selectively to the ER is antiapoptotic.

Selected Publications
Thomenius MJ, Wang NS, Reineks EZ, Wang Z, and Distelhorst CW. Bcl-2 on the endoplasmic reticulum regulates Bax activity by binding to BH3 only proteins. J. Biol. Chem. 278:6243-6250, 2003

Wang Z, Malone MH, He H, McColl KS, Distelhorst CW. Microarray analysis uncovers the induction of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein Bim in multiple models of glucocorticoid induced apoptosis. J. Biol. Chem. 278:23861-23867, 2003

Wang Z, Malone MH, Thomenius MJ, Zhong F, Xu F, Distelhorst CW. Dexamethasone-induced gene 2 (dig2) is a novel prosurvival stress gene induced rapidly by diverse apoptotic signals. J Biol Chem 278:27053-27058, 2003

Chen R, Valencia I, Zhong F, McColl KS, Roderick HL, Bootman MD, Berridge MJ, Conway SJ, Holmes AB, Mignery GA, Velez P, Distelhorst CW. Bcl-2 functionally interacts with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors to regulate calcium release from the ER in response to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. J Cell Biol 166:193-203, 2004

Malone M, Wang Z, Distelhorst CW. The glucocorticoid-induced gene tdag8 encodes a pro-apoptotic G protein-coupled receptor whose activation promotes glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis. J Biol Chem 279:52850-52859, 2004

Kevin Donahue, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-5998
FAX: (216) 778-1261

Curriculum Vitae

Selected Publications
Donahue JK, Bauer A, Kikuchi K, Sasano T. Modification of cellular communication by gene transfer. Annals of the New York Acad Sci 1047:157-165 2005.

Donahue JK, Kikuchi K, Sasano T. Gene Therapy for Cardiac Arrhythmias. Trends in Cardiovascular Med 15:219-224 2005.

Donahue JK. Gene Therapy for Cardiac Arrhythmias. Annals of the New York Acad Sci 1015:332-338 2004.

Douglas Einstadter, M.D, M.P.H.
Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Member, Center for Health Care Research and Policy
Staff Physician, Department of Medicine
TEL: (216) 778-3901
FAX: (216) 778-3945

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Use of large databases in health services research; Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to health services research; Use of informatics to improve quality of care.

Selected Publications
Baker DW, Einstadter D, Husak SS, and Cebul RD. Trends in postdischarge mortality and readmissions: has length of stay declined too far? Arch Intern Med. 2004 Mar 8;164(5):538-44

Baker DW, Einstadter D, Thomas C, Cebul RD Mortality trends for 23,505 Medicare patients hospitalized with heart failure in Northeast Ohio, 1991 to 1997. Am Heart J. 2003 Aug;146(2):258-64.

9.Love TE, Cebul RD, Einstadter D, Jain AK, Miller H, Harris CM, Greco PJ, Husak SS, Dawson NV, and for the DIG-IT Investigators. Electronic Medical Record-Assisted Design of a Cluster-Randomized Trial to Improve Diabetes Care and Outcomes. J Gen Intern Med 2008; 23(4):383–91.

Rose JH, O’Toole EE, Einstadter D, Love TE, Shenko CA, and. Dawson NV. Patient Age, Well-being, Perspectives, and Care Practices in the Early Treatment Phase for Late-Stage Cancer. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2008 Sep;63(9):960-8.

Rose JH, Kypriotakis G, Bowman KF, Einstadter D, O’Toole EE, Machekano R, and Dawson NV. Patterns of Adaptation in Patients Living Long Term With Advanced Cancer. Cancer 2009 (in press).

Eckhard Ficker, Ph.D.
Jr. Staff Scientist
TEL: (216) 778-8977
FAX: (216) 778-8282

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Cellular pathophysiology of LQT2/HERG K+ channels

Selected Publications
FICKER, E., DENNIS, A.T., OBEJERO-PAZ, C.A., CASTALDO, P., TAGLIALATELA, M., BROWN, A.M. Retention in the endoplasmic reticulum as a mechanism of dominant-negative current suppression in human long QT syndrome. J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol., 32, 2327-2337, 2000

FICKER, E., JAROLIMEK, W., KIEHN, J., BAUMANN, A., BROWN, A.M. Molecular determinants of dofetilide block of HERG potassium channels. Circ. Res., 82, 386-395, 1998

FICKER, E., TAGLIALATELA, M., WIBLE, B.A., HENLEY, C.M., BROWN, A.M. Spermine and Spermidine as gating molecules for inward rectifier K+ channels. Science, 266, 1068-1072, 1994

Robert S. Finkelhor, M.D.
Director, Non-Invasive Cardiology
Associate Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-5270


Research Interest(s)
General Cardiology,
Non-Invasive Cardiology,
Cardiac Imaging

James Finley, M.D., Ph.D.
Physician, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
MetroHealth Medical Center
Associate Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-2927
FAX: (216) 778-3240


Research Interest(s)
COPD
Critical Care Medicine

Sharon Groh-Wargo, PhD, RD, LD
Assistant Professor
Departments of Pediatrics and Nutrition
Case Western Reserve University
Neonatal Nutritionist
Department of Pediatrics
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-5902, (216) 778-5909
FAX: (216) 778-3252


Research Interest(s)
Neonatal nutrition, growth and body composition

Selected Publications
Ryan AS, Montalto MB, Groh-Wargo S, Mimouni F, Sentipal-Walerius J, Doyle J, Siegman JS, Thomas AJ. Effect of DHA-containing formula on growth of preterm infants to 59 weeks postmenstrual age. Am J Hum Biol 11: 457-467, 1999.

Groh-Wargo S, Cox JH, Thompson M (eds). Nutritional Care for High Risk Newborns, 3rd Revised Edition. Precept Press, Chicago, 2000.

O`Connor DL, Hall R, Adamkin D, Auestad N, Castillo M, Connor WE, Connor SL, Fitzgerald K, Groh-Wargo S, et al. Growth and development in preterm infants fed long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: A prospective randomized control trial. Pediatrics 108: 359-371, 2001.

O`Connor DL, Jacobs J, Hall R, Adamkin D, et al, Groh-Wargo S, et al. Growth and development of premature infants fed predominantly human milk, predominantly premature infant formula, or a combination of human milk and premature formula. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 37:437-46,2003.

Diyana R. Gunawardena, M.D.
Geriatrics Physician
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-2431


Research Interest(s)
Heart Failure, Geriatrics

Douglas Gunzler, Ph.D.
Senior Instructor of Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-2764
FAX: (216) 778-3945


Research Interest(s)
Structural equation modeling, longitudinal data analysis, mediation analysis, missing data, statistics in health services research.

Selected Publications
Zhang H Xia Y Chen R Gunzler D Tang W Tu XM On Modeling Longitudinal Binomial Responses—Implications from Two Dueling Paradigms. Journal of Applied Statistics 2011, In press.

Choudhary E Gunzler D Tu XM Bossarte R Epidemiological Characteristics of Male Sexual Assualt in a Criminological Database. Journal of Interpersonal Violence 2011, In press.

Conner KR Gunzler D Tang W Tu XM Maisto SA Test of a Clinical Model of Drinking and Suicidal Risk. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 2011, 35: 60-68.

Fleming FJ Francone TD Kim MJ Gunzler D Messing S Monson JRT. A Laparoscopic Approach Does Reduce Short-Term Complications in Patients Undergoing Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis. Diseasesof the Colon & Rectum 2011, 54: 176-182.

Joseph Hanna, M.D.
Director, Department of Neurology
MetroHealth Medical Center
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-3922


Research Interest(s)
GAINS Stroke Study
Citicoline Stroke Study
Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention

Tariq Haqqi, Ph.D.
Researcher
Rheumatology
TEL: (216) 778-5154

Michael Harrington, M.D.
Director of Palliative Care Clinical Services
Staff Physician, Division of General Medicine
Staff Physician, Jennings Center for Older Adults
TEL: (216) 778-5048


Research Interest(s)
End-of-life care
Advance Directives
Pain Management

Sylvie Hauguel-de Mouzon, Ph.D.
Professor of Reproductive Biology
Director, Molecular Biology Laboratory
OB/GYN
Schwartz Center for Metabolism and Nutriton
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-3148
FAX: (216) 778-1574

Biosketch

Research Interest(s)
My primary research interest is in the area of mechanisms that regulate the growth of the fetus in utero. Our previous studies have shown that the placenta controls fetal growth by producing hormones and cytokines that regulate fetal energy balance. In pregnancies associated with metabolic dysfunction such as obesity and diabetes the fetus receives too many energy nutrients from maternal circulation and this results in accelerated growth and results in increased fetal adiposity. Our research focuses on the mechanisms which are set up in utero to modify fetal growth. Obesity and diabetes in pregnant women contribute to enhance inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface, with adverse outcomes for placental function (transfer, metabolism and hormone production). Our most recent challenge is to characterize molecular mechanisms which link modifications of maternal metabolic environment and abnormal fetal growth. Analysis of the immunological pathways recruited or developed in both the placenta and maternal adipose tissue is a primary focus of the on-going studies in our group. At a time of nutrient plethora in the population of pregnant women another major direction of our research is to determine the interaction between sugar and lipids as energy substrates for accretion of adipose tissue during fetal development. Our studies have important implications as they relate to our understanding of the fetal origin of adult diseases and ultimately its prevention.

Selected Publications
Radaelli T, Lepercq J, Varastehpour A, Basu S, Catalano PM, Hauguel-de Mouzon S. Differential regulation of genes for feto-placental lipid pathways in pregnancy with gestational and type 1 diabetes. Am JOG (2009) 201:e201-209.

Catalano PM, Presley L, Minium J, Hauguel-de Mouzon S. Fetuses of obese mothers develop insulin resistance in utero. Diabetes Care (2009) 32:1076-1080.

Pinar H, Basu S, Hotmire K, Laffineuse L, Presley L, Carpenter M, Catalano PM, Hauguel-de Mouzon S. High molecular weight multimer complexes and vascular expression contribute to high adiponectin in the fetus. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2008) 93:2885-90.

Challier JC, Bintein T, Basu S, Hotmire K, Minium J, Catalano PM, Hauguel-de Mouzon S. Obesity in Pregnancy stimulates macrophage accumulation and inflammation in the placenta. Placenta (2008) 29(3):274-81.

Lepercq J, Catalano P, Hauguel de Mouzon S. Leptin in pregnancy: facts, questions and future. Gynecol Obstet Fertil (2007) 35(2):89-95.

Christina S. Hirsch, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 368-0441


Research Interest(s)
Primary: T-cell apoptosis and its mediators and mechanisms; with a focus on the contribution of both T-cell and macrophage apoptosis on host immune reactivity in HIV-infected and –uninfected persons with M. tuberculosis infection/disease.Secondary: Study of the immune response during human tuberculosis; particularly cytokine responses to M. tuberculosis and its components, and the role of blood monocytes in depressed anti-tuberculous defense mechanisms.

Selected Publications
Hirsch CS, Toossi Z, Vanham G, Johnson JL, Peters P, Okwera A, Mugerwa R, Mugeyenyi P, and Ellner JJ. Apoptosis and T-cell hyporesponsiveness in pulmonary tuberculosis. J Inf Dis 179:945-53. 1999.

Hirsch CS, Toossi Z, Johnson JL, Luzze H, Ntambi E, Peters P, McHugh M, Okwera A, Joloba M, Mugeyenyi P, Mugerwa RD, Terebuh P, and Ellner JJ. Augmentation of apoptosis and IFN-production at sites of active MTB infection in human tuberculosis. J Inf Dis, 183:779-88, 2001.

Ribeiro-Rodrigues R, Resende Co T, Ribeiro F, Palaci M, Johnson JL, Sá RT, Maciel EL, Pereira Lima FL, Dettoni V, Toossi Z, Boom WH, Dietze R, Ellner JJ, and Hirsch CS. Sputum cytokine levels in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis as markers of response to treatment. Clin Diag Lab Immunol, 9:818-23, 2002

Sudha Iyengar, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-8484



Research Interest(s)
Dr. Iyengar’s laboratory is involved in mapping disease genes utilizing state-of-the-art genetic technology with the ultimate goal of developing new therapies

Selected Publications
Schelling JR, El-Meanawy MA, Barathan S, Dodig T, Iyengar SK, Sedor JR. Generation of kidney transcriptomes using serial analysis of gene expression. Exp Nephrol. 2002;10(2):82-92.

Iyengar SK, Schelling JR, Sedor JR. Approaches to understanding susceptibility to nephropathy: From genetics to genomics. Kidney Int. 2002 Jan;61 Suppl 1:61-67.

Iyengar SK, Jacobs KB, Palmer LJ. Improved evidence for linkage on 6p and 5p with retrospective pooling of data from three asthma genome screens. Genet Epidemiol. 2001;21 Suppl 1:S130-135

David C. Kaelber, MD, PhD, MPH, FAAP, FACP
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine,
Pediatrics, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Case Western Reserve University
Director, Center for Clinical Informatics Research & Education
Chief Medical Informatics Officer
The MetroHealth System
TEL: (216) 778-2704
FAX: (216) 778-1384


Biosketch

Research Interest(s)
Medical Informatics, Medical Education, Med-Peds, Chronic Diseases in Children and Adolescents (hypertension and obesity).

Selected Publications
Benson LJ, Cohn R, Kaelber DC. The association of continuity of care on the diagnosis of hypertension in children and adolescents. J Child Health Care. 2009 Dec;13(4):361-9. Epub 2009 Oct 15. PMID: 19833670.

Kaelber DC, Pickett F. Simple table to identify children and adolescents needing further evaluation of blood pressure. Pediatrics. 2009 Jun;123(6):e972-4. Epub 2009 May 4. PMID: 19414519.

Fortuna RJ, Ting DY, Kaelber DC, Simon SR. Characteristics of medicine-pediatrics practices: results from the national ambulatory medical care survey. Acad Med. 2009 Mar;84(3):396-401. PMID: 19240455.

Benson L, Baer HJ, Kaelber DC. Trends in the diagnosis of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents: 1999-2007. Pediatrics. 2009 Jan;123(1):e153-8. PMID: 19117837.

Kaelber DC, Jha AK, Johnston D, Middleton B, Bates DW. A research agenda for personal health records (PHRs). J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2008 Nov-Dec;15(6):729-36. Epub 2008 Aug 28. PMID: 18756002.

Robert C. Kalayjian, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine,
Case Western Reserve University
Director,
Infectious Diseases Clinic,
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-5136


Research Interest(s)
"I am interested in clinical research that might translate to insights in pathogensis and basic disease mechanisms. I am currently the protocol chair of an Adult AIDS Clinic Trials Group, multi-center, prospective cohort study of age-differentiated HIV-infected subjects, to examine the immune and virologic basis of age-related accelerated HIV-disease progression. In this 192 wk study we are examining immune and responses to highly active antiretroviral therapy including advanced flow cytometry, responses to vaccination and skin testing, lymphoproliferative assays, and changes in markers of thymic activity.

I have received an institutional initiative grant to perform microarray analyses on some of these patients, in an effort to identify gene expression that may be associated with homeostatic proliferation of naïve T cells.

The CRSP program has allowed me to better understand issues in study design and analysis and has been a tremendous resource towards my development as a clinical researcher."

Selected Publications
Burke DG, Leonard DGB, Imperiale TF, Karaman B, Shick E, Kalayjian RC. The utility of clinical and radiographic features in the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus central nervous system disease in AIDS patients. Molec Diag 1999; 4:37-43.

Jayasekara D, Aweeka FT, Rodriguez R, Kalayjian RC, Humphreys MH, Gambertoglio JG. Antivirals in renal failure. J Acquir Immun Def Synd and Retroviruses 1999;21:384-95.

Barditch-Crovo P, Noe D, Skowran G, Lederman M, Kalayjian RC, Borum P, Buir R, Towe WB, Goldberg D, Lietman P. A phase I/II evaluation of oral L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid in asymptomatic patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. J Clin Pharmacol 1998;38:357-363.

Burke DG, Kalayjian RC, Vann VR, Medreperla SA, Shick He, Leonard DGB. Polymerase chain reactiondetection and clinical significance of varicella zoster virus in the cerebrospinal fluid from HIV-infected patients. J Infect Dis 1997;176:1080-64.

Smith MC, Austen JL, Carey JT, Emancipator SN, Herbener T, Gripshover B, Mbanefo C, Phinney M, Rahman M, Salata RA, Weigel K, Kalayjian RC. Prednisone improves renal function and proteinuria in human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy. Am J Med 1996;101:41-48.

Irene L. Katzan, M.D., M.S.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Senior Researcher
Center for Health Care Research and Policy
Director, Strokes Outcomes Research Program
TEL: (216) 778-7498
FAX: (216) 778-3945

Biosketch

Research Interest(s)
Outcomes of Stroke and other Neurologic Diseases. Special areas of interest include: effectiveness of stroke therapies in community setting, effect of medical complications on outcomes after stroke, healthcare utilization for stroke.

Selected Publications
Katzan IL, Cebul RD, Husak SH, Dawson NV, Baker DW. The Effect of Pneumonia on Mortality Among Patients Hospitalized for Acute Stroke. Neurology 2003;60:620-625.

Katzan IL, Graber TM, Furlan AJ, Sundararajan S, Sila CA, Houser G, Landis DM Cuyahoga County Operation Stroke: Speed of Emergency Department Evaluation and Compliance with NINDS Time Targets. Stroke 2003;34:994-998.

Katzan IL, Hammer MD, Furlan AJ, Hixson ED, Nadzam DM. Quality Improvement and Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Cleveland Update. Stroke 2003;34:799-800.

Katzan IL, Hammer MD, Furlan AJ, Hixson ED, Abou-Chebl A, Nadzam DM. Utilization of Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Acute Ischemic Stroke. Arch Neurol 2004;61:346-350.

Elizabeth Kaufman, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Cardiac Electrophysiologist
TEL: (216) 778-2249
FAX: (216) 778-3927

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Long QT syndrome, T wave alternans, cardiac arrhythmias, autonomic control of the heart, prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Selected Publications
Kaufman ES, Priori SG, Napolitano C, Schwartz PJ, Iyengar S, Elston RC, Schnell AH, Gorodeski EZ, Rammohan G, Bahhur NO, Connuck D, Verrilli L, Rosenbaum DS, Brown AM. Electrocardiographic prediction of abnormal genotype in congenital long QT syndrome: experience in 101 related family members. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2001;12:455-461

Kaufman ES, Mackall JA, Julka B, Drabek C, Rosenbaum DS. Influence of heart rate and sympathetic stimulation on arrhythmogenic T-wave alternans. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2000;279(3):H1248-H1255.

Moss AJ, Zareba W, Kaufman ES, Gartman E, Peterson DR, Benhorin J, Towbin JA, Keating MT, Priori SG, Schwartz PJ, Vincent GM, Robinson JL, Andrews ML, Feng C, Hall WJ, Medina A, Zhang L, Wang Z. Increased risk of arrhythmic events in long QT syndrome with mutations in the pore region of the human ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium channel. Circulation 2002;105:794-799.

Michael W. Keith, M.D.
Director, Division of Hand Surgery
Department of Orthopaedics
MetroHealth Medical Center
Professor of Orthopaedics and BioMedical Engineering
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-4399
FAX: (216) 778-4690



Research Interest(s)
Spinal Cord Injury

Kevin Kilgore, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist, Dept. of Orthopaedics
MetroHealth Medical Center
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-3801


Web Page

Research Interest(s)
Functional Electrical Stimulation, with a focus on providing hand function for individuals with spinal cord injury.

Selected Publications
Kilgore KL, Peckham PH, Keith MW, Montague FW, Hart RL, Gazdik MM, Bryden AM, Snyder SA, Stage TG. The durability of implanted electrodes and leads in upper extremity neuroprostheses. J. Rehab Research and Development 40(6):457-468, 2003.

Peckham PH, Keith MW, Kilgore KL, Grill JH, Wuolle KS, Thrope GB, Gorman P, Hobby J, Mulcahey MJ, Carroll S, Hentz V, Wiegner A., Efficacy of an Implanted Neuroprosthesis for Restoring Hand Grasp in Tetraplegia: A Multicenter Study, Arch. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 82:1380-8, 2001.

Kilgore KL, Scherer M, Bobblitt R, Dettloff J, Dombrowski DM, Godbold N, Jatich JW, Morris R, Penko JS, Schremp ES, Cash LA, Neuroprosthesis consumers` forum: consumer priorities for research directions, J Rehabilitation Research and Development, 38:655-660, 2001

Diana Kunze, Ph.D.
Professor of Neurosciences
Senior Staff Scientist Rammelkamp
TEL: (216) 778-8967
FAX: (216) 778-2090

Curriculum Vitae
Web Page

Research Interest(s)
Mechanisms of cardio-respiratory control. Areas of interest include (a) contributions of ion channels to the plasticity of blood pressure and heart rate control (b) role of ion channels in adaptions to intermittent hypoxia as a model for sleep apnea. Techniques include patch clamp electrophysiological analysis of cultured neurons and brain slice preparations, immunohistochemistry, calcium imaging, neuronal modeling, molecular biology including single cell RT-PCR and analysis of knockout mice with ion channel defects.

Selected Publications
Doan T.N.; Kunze, D.L. Contribution of the hyperpolarization-activated current (IH) to the resting membrane potential of neonatal rat nodose sensory neurons, J. Physiol. 514:125-138 1999

Balkowiec, A,. Kunze, D.L.; Katz, D Brain-derived neurotrophic factor acutely inhibits AMPA-mediated currents in developing sensory relay neurons. J Neurosci. 20:1904-11. 2000

Andrews, E. M., Kunze,D.L. Voltage-gated potassium channels in chemoreceptor sensory neurons of rat petrosal ganglion Br Research, 897:199-203 2001

Irving Kushner, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University at
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-5874, (216) 778-4765
FAX: (216) 778-8376


Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Kushner is studying the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation causes the liver to increase production of an important plasma protein, C-reactive protein (CRP). Two messenger molecules, produced at the site of inflammation, bind to receptors on the surface of liver cells, with consequent activation of several families of proteins (called transcription factors). They move to the nucleus and cause increased CRP transaction. The lab is defining the interactions between the transcription factors and the CRP gene.

Selected Publications
Kushner I, Samols D, Magrey M. A Unifying Biologic Explanation for High Sensitivity” C-Reactive Protein and “Low Grade” Inflammation. Arthr Care & Res. In press.

Gulati D, Kushner I, File E, Magrey M . Primary Sjogren`s syndrome with anticentromere antibodies-a clinically distinct subset. Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Jan 19. [Epub ahead of print]

Kushner I, Greco PJ, Saha PK, Gaitonde S. The Trivialization of Diagnosis. J Hosp Med. 2010, 5:116-119

Magrey M, Husni ME, Kushner I, Calabrese LH. Do acute phase reactants predict response to treatment in retroperitoneal fibrosis?. Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Apr 29; 61(5):674-679.

Gaitonde S, Samols D, Kushner I. C-reactive protein and systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Dec 15; 59 (12):1814-20

Karen Kutoloski, D.O.
Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-2431


Research Interest(s)
Preventative Cardiology, Cardiac imaging, Outcomes research, Clinical Trials

Kenneth Laurita, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering
Senior Scientist
TEL: (216) 778-7340
FAX: (216) 778-1261

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Cellular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias using fluorescent imaging of transmembrane potential and intracellular calcium in the intact heart. Cardiac repolarization and its influence on arrhythmia vulnerability. Intracellular calcium homeostasis and its role in arrhythmogenesis. Mechanisms of cardiac impulse propagation and block. Instrumentation and software design for imaging the electrical activity of the heart.

Selected Publications
Laurita KR, Singal A. Mapping action potentials and calcium transients simultaneously from the intact heart. American Journal of Physiology. 2001;280:H2053-H2060.

Laurita KR, Rosenbaum DS. The interdependence of modulated dispersion and tissue structure in the mechanism of unidirectional block. Circulation Research. 2000;87:922-928.

Laurita KR, Girouard SD, Akar FG, Rosenbaum, DS. Modulated dispersion explains changes in arrhythmia vulnerability during premature stimulation of the heart. Circulation. 1998;98:2774-2780.

Michael M. Lederman, M.D.
Scott R. Inkley Professor of Medicine
Professor of Biomedical Ethics, Pathology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Director, Center for AIDS Research
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 844-8786
FAX: (216) 844-5523


Research Interest(s)
Identifying mechanisms of immune deficiency and host defenses in HIV disease, and in exploring methods to enhance them.

Selected Publications
Sieg, S.F., Bazdar, D.A., Lederman, M.D. Impaired T cell receptor-mediated induction of Ki67 by naïve CD4+ T cells is only occasionally corrected by exogenous interleukin-2 in HIV-1 infection. J. Immunology 171:5208-14, 2003.

Salkowitz, J.R., Sieg, S.F., Harding, C.V., Lederman, M.M. In vitro human memory CD8 T cell expansion in response to cytomegalovirus requires CD4+ T cell help. J. Inf. Dis. 204:971-83, 2004.

Martin, M.P., Lederman, M.M., Hutcheson, H., Nelson, G.W., Goedert, J.J., Detels, R., Buchbinder, S., Hoots, K., Vlahov, D., Obrien, D.J., Carrington, M., Association of DC-SIGN promoter polymorphisms with increased risk for parenteral but not mucosal acquisition of HIV-1 infection. J. Virol. 78:14053-56, 2004.

Lederman, M.M., Veazey, R., Hartley, O., Mosier, D., Dufour, J., Mefford, M., Piatak, M., Jr., Salkowitz, J.R., Rodriguez, B., Blauvelt, A., Offord, R. Prevention of vaginal SHIV transmission in rhesus macaques through inhibition of CCR5. Science 306:485-7, 2004.

William Lewis, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Director, Clinical Electrophysiology Section
TEL: (216) 778-2249
FAX: (216) 778-3927


Research Interest(s)
Cardiac Repolarization, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Cardiac Autonomic Control.

Selected Publications
Lewis, W., Carlson, M. Systolic Blood Pressure at Rest, Not the Degree of Beta Blockade, Predicts the Result of Follow-Up Tilt Table Testing for Vasovagal Syncope. Am J Cardiol 80:351-353, 1997.

Harrington MD, Luebke DL, Lewis WR, Auliso MP, Johnson NJ. Fast Facts and Concepts #112. IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR (ICD) AT END OF LIFE. April 2004. End-of-Life Physician Education Resource Center www.eperc.mcw.edu Go to Publication

Harrington MD, Luebke DL, Lewis WR, Auliso MP, Johnson NJ. Fast Facts and Concepts #111. Cardiac Pacemakers at End-of-life. April 2004. End-of-Life Physician Education Resource Center www.eperc.mcw.edu Go to Publication

Lewis W and Kaufman E. ECG monitoring. In Webb A, Shapiro M, Singer M and Suter P (Eds) Oxford Textbook of Critical Care, Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York, Tokyo, 1999, pp1083-1085

Lewis W. Protrusion of an Active Fixation Pacing Lead into the Abdominal Cavity. J Cardiovas Electrophysiology 11:944, 2000.

Thomas E. Love, Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
CWRU School of Medicine
Director, Biostatistics and Evaluation Unit
Center for Health Care Research and Policy
TEL: (216) 778-1265
FAX: (216) 778-3945

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae
Web Site for Dr. Love

Research Interest(s)
Biostatistics, Observational Studies and Propensity Methods, Risk Adjustment, Health Information Technology, Education

Selected Publications
Cebul RD Love TE Jain AK Hebert CJ Electronic health records and quality of diabetes care. New Engl J Med 2011; 365: 825-833. Go to Publication

Love TE, Cebul RD, Einstadter D, Jain AK, Miller H, Harris CM, Greco PJ, Husak SS, Dawson NV. Electronic medical record-assisted design of a cluster-randomized trial to improve diabetes care and outcomes J Gen Internal Med 2008; 23(4): 383-391. Go to Publication

Sudano JJ Perzynski A Love TE Lewis SA Murray PM Huber G Ruo B Baker DW Measuring disparities: Bias in the Short Form 36 v2 among Spanish-speaking medical patients. Medical Care 2011; 49: 480-488. Go to Publication

Love TE O`Malley AJ Introduction to the Special Issue: Recap of Ninth International Conference on Health Policy Statitsics. Health Services & Outcomes Research Methodology 2012; 12(2-3): 81-83. Go to Publication

Ahmed A Young JB Love TE Levesque R Pitt B A propensity-matched study of the effects of chronic diuretic therapy on mortality and hospitalization in older adults with heart failure. Int J Cardiology 2008; 125: 246-253. Go to Publication

Sanford Markowitz, M.D., Ph.D.
Markowitz-Ingalls Professor of Cancer Genetics
Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Laboratories
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 368-1976
FAX: (216) 368-8928


Research Interest(s)
My laboratory studies the genetics of human colon cancer. Among our achievements was the discovery that TGF-beta receptors are colon cancer tumor suppressor genes that are mutated in human colon cancers, the discovery that methylation of the hMLH1 repair gene promoter is the pathogenetic event that induces sporadic colon cancers that have microsatellite instability, and the finding that methylation of the E-Cadherin gene is the obligate "second hit" leading to gastric cancers in families with the hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome. Recent discoveries include finding evidence for a novel familial colon cancer gene on chromosome 9q, and discovering a "celebrex like" anti-cancer activit of the TGF-beta pathway. Current research interests in the laboratory include finding the actual new familial colon cancer gene on chromsome 9q, developing new molecular diagnostic tests for early detection of colon cancer, and elucidating genes that play a role in metastatic colon cancers.

Selected Publications
Recent citations from the laboratory are:Yan M, Rerko R, Platzer P, Dawson D, Willis J, Tong M, et al. 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase, a COX-2 oncogene antagonist, is a TGF-ß induced suppressor of human gastrointestinal cancers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004;101:17468-17473. (selected for a cover citation)

Wiesner G, Daley D, Lewis S, Ticknor C, Platzer P, Lutterbaugh J, et al. A subset of familial colorectal neoplasia kindreds linked to chromosome 9q22.2-31.2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003;100:12961-12965.

Li H, Myeroff L, Smiraglia D, Romero MF, Pretlow TP, Lakshmi Kasturi L, et al. SLC5A8: A novel sodium transporter, is a tumor suppressor gene silenced by methylation in human colonic aberrant crypt foci and colon cancers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003;100:8412-17.

E. Regis McFadden Jr., M.D.
Argyl J. Beams Professor of Medicine
MetroHealth Medical Center
Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-4848



Research Interest(s)
Pulmonary Medicine / Asthma Airway Diseases

Christopher McHenry, M.D.
Professor of Surgery
Vice Chairman Department of Surgery Metrohealth Medical Center
Director, Division of General Surgery MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-4753
FAX: (216) 778-3774


Research Interest(s)
Nodular thyroid disease, thyroid cancer,hyperparathyroidism, functioning and nonfunctioning tumors of the adrenal gland, islet cell tumors of the pancreas and surgical infections

Selected Publications
Mittendorf EA, McHenry CR. Thyroid Cancer. In: Current Surgical Therapy, Eight Edition, Cameron JL (ed), Elsevier Science, Philadelphia,PA;2004:584-591.

Mittendorf E, Merlino J., McHenry CR. Post-parathyroidectomy hypocalcemia: incidence, risk factors and management. Am Surg 70(2):114-120, 2004.

Merlino JL, Ko K, Minotti A, McHenry CR. The false negative technetium-99m-sestamibi scan in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: correlation with clinical factors and operative findings. Am Surg 69(3):225-230, 2003.

Mittendorf EA, Tamarkin S, McHenry CR. The results of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy for evaluation of nodular thyroid disease. Surgery 132:648-654, 2002.

McHenry CR. Patient volumes and complications in thyroid surgery. Br J Surg 89:821-823, 2002.

Brian M. Mercer, M.D.
Professor of Reproductive Biology
Case Western Reserve University
Director, Obstetrics & Maternal-Fetal Medicine
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-8446
FAX: (216) 778-8847


Biosketch

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Mercer conducts research related to clinical complications of pregnancy, with a focus on prediction and prevention of preterm birth and its complications. He has extensive experience in the conduct and analysis of clinical studies and multicenter randomized trials related to prematurity prevention. These studies involve women with prior obstetric complications and also those at risk for preterm birth in the current pregnancy.

Selected Publications
Rouse DJ, Hirtz DG, Thom E, Varner MW, Spong CY, Mercer BM, Iams JD, Wapner RJ, Sorokin Y, Alexander JM, Harper M, Thorp JM Jr, Ramin SM, Malone FD, Carpenter M, Miodovnik M, Moawad A, O`Sullivan MJ, Peaceman AM, Hankins GD, Langer O, Caritis SN, Roberts JM; Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. A randomized, controlled trial of magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy. N Engl J Med 2008;359:895-905.

Mercer BM, Merlino AA, Milluzzi CJ, Moore JJ. Small fetal size before 20 weeks` gestation: associations with maternal tobacco use, early preterm birth, and low birthweight. Am J Ob Gyn 2008;198:673-5.

Mercer BM, Gilbert S, Landon MB, Spong CY, Leveno KJ, Rouse DJ, Varner MW, Moawad AH, Simhan HN, Harper M, Wapner RJ, Sorokin Y, Miodovnik M, Carpenter M, Peaceman A, O`Sullivan MJ, Sibai BM, Langer O, Thorp JM, Ramin SM; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. Labor outcomes with increasing number of prior vaginal births after cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol 2008;111:285-91.

Wapner RJ, Sorokin Y, Mele L, Johnson F, Dudley DJ, Spong CY, Peaceman AM, Leveno KJ, Malone F, Caritis SN, Mercer B, Harper M, Rouse DJ, Thorp JM, Ramin S, Carpenter MW, Gabbe SG; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. Long-term outcomes after repeat doses of antenatal corticosteroids. N Engl J Med 2007;357:1190-8.

Rouse DJ, Caritis SN, Peaceman AM, Sciscione A, Thom EA, Spong CY, Varner M, Malone F, Iams JD, Mercer BM, Thorp J, Sorokin Y, Carpenter M, Lo J, Ramin S, Harper M, Anderson G; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. A trial of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate to prevent prematurity in twins. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:454-61.

R. Tyler Miller, M.D.
Professor of Medicine and Physiology
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 791-3800 x5180
FAX: (216) 231-3470

Biosketch

Research Interest(s)
My laboratory studies two areas, G protein signaling and responses of epithelial cells to mechanical force. In the area of G protein signaling, we focus on the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR), a receptor that is expressed in the parathyroid where it controls PTH secretion, in the kidney where it contributes to regulation of Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg, and H2O balance, and in many other epithelial tissues where its function is not well defined. Our current studies are designed to define the molecular mechanisms that determine the signaling specificity for this receptor by identifying interacting and scaffolding proteins. We are currently working with the inwardly-rectifying K channel family, Kir4.x along with the lipid signaling pathways that regulate it, and filamin, a cytoskeletal protein that also acts as a scaffold. These two proteins appear to be responsible for some of the unique biologic effects of the CaR. The Kir4.x channels may be responsible for the profound effects of the CaR on fluid and electrolyte balance. We are preparing to study the role of this receptor in regulating salt and water balance in humans in a GCRC setting. Filamin appears to be responsible for CaR trafficking and the organization of additional proteins in its neighborhood. These issues are being addressed in cultured cell and genetic systems. We are also studying the effects of mechanical force on glomerular podocytes, cells that are exposed increased mechanical force due to increased glomerular pressure and flow following renal injury. In this work, we are evaluating the responses of cells to growth on substrates with a range of mechanical properties reflecting exposure of the cells to different levels of tension. We are measuring cell structure (cytoskeleton focusing on filamin, the most important protein for determination of cytoskeletal strength and rigidity) growth, migration, and metabolic function including production of second messengers and oxygen radicals. This work is designed to address the reasons why glomerular injury is a progressive process.

Selected Publications
Awata H, Huang C, Handlogten M.E., Miller R.T. Interaction of the Calcium-sensing Receptor and Filamin, a Potential Scaffolding Protein. J Biol Chem 276 (37): 34871-9, 2001.

Huang C, Handlogten ME, Miller RT. Parallel Activation of Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase and Phospholipase C by the Extracellular Calcium-sensing Receptor. J Biol Chem. 277 (23):20293-300, 2002.

Huang C, Hujer K, Zhenzhen W, Miller RT. Am J Physiol cell Physiol 286: C22-C30, 2004.

John J. Moore, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Reproductive Biology
Case Western Reserve University
Director, Division of Neonatology
MetroHealth Medical Center
Program Director, CWRU-CCF-MetroHealth Neonatology Fellowship Training Program
TEL: (216) 778-5909, (216) 778-5946
FAX: (216) 778-3252


MetroHealth Neonatology

Research Interest(s)
The general area of my research interest is the determination of the control system for the onset of human parturition. This problem in physiology has direct clinical importance because premature and dysfunctional labors result in significant neonatal mortality and morbidity. Early rupture of the fetal membranes results in approximately one third of preterm births. Our research focus is the determination of the mechanisms of the developmental process of fetal membrane weakening, leading to rupture. This weakening appears to be a tissue remodeling process involving apoptosis and activation of matrix metalloproteinases. We have developed technology to measure the physical strength properties of fetal membranes (in vitro) and to correlate these with biochemical and histological characteristics. This has allowed us to determine, for the first time, that a zone of weakness with unique biochemical and histological characteristics develops in the membrane region overlying the cervix in late gestation. We are exploring the gestational timing of this event, its physiological control, and the potential to therapeutically reverse this process. Our hope is to be able to provide some therapeutic help for the 40% of preterm births in which the initiating event is preterm rupture of the fetal membranes.

Selected Publications
Moore RM, Redline RW, Kumar D, Mercer BM, Mansour JM, Yohannes E, Novak JB, Chance MR, Moore JJ. Differential expression of fibulin family proteins in the para-cervical weak zone and other areas of human fetal membranes. Placenta 30: 335–341, 2009.

Moore RM, Novak JB, Kumar D, Mansour JM, Mercer BM, Moore JJ. Alpha-lipoic acid inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor-induced remodeling and weakening of human fetal membranes. Biol Reprod 80: 781–787, 2009. Published online before print 23 December 2008. DOI 10.1095/biolreprod.108.073205rint].

Pandey V, Jaremko K, Moore RM, Mercer B, Stetzer B, Kumar D, Fox J, Mansour J, Moore JJ. The force required to rupture fetal membranes paradoxically increases with acute in vitro repeated stretching. Am J OB Gynecol 196:165.e1-165.e7, 2007.

Moore RM, Mansour JM, Redline R, Mercer BM, Moore JM. The physiology of fetal membrane rupture: insight gained from the determination of physical properties. Placenta 27:1037-1051, 2006.

Kumar D, Fung W, Moore RM, Pandey V, Fox J, Stetzer B, Mansour JM, Mercer BM, Redline RW, Moore JJ. Inflammatory mediators found in amniotic fluid induce collagen remodeling, apoptosis, and biophysical weakening of cultured fetal membranes. Biol Reprod 74:29-34, 2006.

Kevin Mullen, M.D.
Physician, Gastroenterology
MetroHealth Medical Center
Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-5736


Research Interest(s)
Hepatic encephalopathy, intermediary metabolism in liver disease, nutritional support in liver disease and viral hepatitis.

Patrick K. Murray, M.D., M.S.
Associate Professor, Division of General Medical Sciences
Center for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
TEL: (216) 778-8529
FAX: (216) 778-3945

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Outcomes of rehabilitation services in nursing homes; improving quality of life in long term care.

Selected Publications
Murray PK, Singer ME, Dawson NV, Thomas CL, Cebul RD: Outcomes of Rehabilitation Services in Nursing Home Residents, Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 84: 1129-36 (2003)

Murray PK, Dawson NV, Thomas CL, Cebul RD: Are We Selecting the Right Patients for Stroke Rehabilitation in Nursing Homes. Arch Phys Med Rehabil.; May;86:876-880 (2005)

Wilson RD, Murray PK. Cost-Effectiveness of Screening for Deep Vein Thrombosis by Ultrasound at Admission to Stroke Rehabilitation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 86: 1941-1948 (2005)

Murray PK, Love TE, Dawson NV, Thomas CL, Cebul RD. Rehabilitation services following the implementation of the nursing home prospective payment system: Differences related to patient and nursing home characteristics. Medical Care 43:1109-1115 (2005)

Del Rio RA, Goldman M, Kapella BK, Sulit L, Murray PK. The accuracy of minimum data set diagnoses in describing recent hospitalization at acute care facilities. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2006 May;7(4):212-8.

Duncan vB. Neuhauser, Ph.D.
The Charles Elton Blanchard, M.D.
Professor of Health Management and
Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 368-3725
FAX: (216) 368-3970

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
- Ongoing patient randomization and research using firm systems
- Clinical decision analysis
- Continuous quality improvement methods
- Medical care delivery research
- Hospital organization and hospital management
- Medical technology assessment

Selected Publications
Neuhauser, D (2007) Quality Improvement Research: Are Randomized Trials Necessary?, Quality and Safety in Health Care, 16 (1), 77-80

Diaz, M. (2005) Pasteur and Parachutes:When Statistical Process Control is better than a Randomized Clinical Trial, Quality and Safety in Health Care, 14 (2), 140-143

Caron A, Neuhauser DV, Health care organization improvement reports using control charts for key quality characteristics: ORYX measures as examples, Quality Management in Health Care, 9(3), 28-39, Spring 2001

Neuhauser DV, Jean-Baptiste R, Solodky C, Neighborhood care partners (NCP): a teaching case, Quality Management in Health Care, 9(3), 66-70, Spring 2001

Timothy O`Brien, M.D.
Physician, Hematology & Oncology
MetroHealth Medical Center
Asssistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-5802

John F. O`Toole, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-7141

Elizabeth O`Toole, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine, Bioethics, and Family Medicine
Case Western Reserve University,
Director, Section of Geriatrics and Palliative Care
Division of General Internal Medicine
TEL: (216) 778-2777
FAX: (216) 778-5935



Selected Publications
Rose JH, O’Toole EE, Dawson NV, Thomas C, Hamel MB, Cohen HJ (manuscript under review). Care perspectives and patterns of association with outcomes for hospitalized middle-aged and older cancer patients. Am J Med.

Hershkovitz A, Rothschild BM, Rose JH, Hornick T, & O’Toole EE. Medical care perceptions in elderly patients with musculoskeletal complaints. The Israel Medical Association Journal, 2001 Nov; (3):822-27.

Norris R, O’Toole E Whitehouse PJ. Ethical Issues in Special Care Units. Research and Practice in Alzheimer’s Disease, 2000 4:261-271.

P. Hunter Peckham, Ph.D.
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Case Western Reserve University
Director of Orthopaedic Research
Member Bioscientific Staff
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-3480
FAX: (216) 778-4259


Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
The major area of Dr. Peckham’s research is in rehabilitation engineering and neuroprostheses. He focuses on functional restoration of the paralyzed upper extremity in individuals with spinal cord injury. He and collaborators have developed implantable neural prostheses that utilize electrical stimulation to control neuromuscular activation, and implemented procedures to provide control of grasp-release in individuals with tetraplegia. This function enables individuals with central nervous system disability to regain the ability to perform essential activities of daily living. His present efforts concern the integration of technological rehabilitation and surgical approaches to restore functional capabilities.

Selected Publications
Peckham PH, Kilgore KL, Keith MW, Bryden AM, Bhadra N, Montague FW. An advanced neuroprosthesis for restoration of hand and upper arm control using an implantable controller. J Hand Surg [Am]. 2002 Mar;27(2):265-276.

Grill WM, McDonald JW, Peckham PH, Heetderks W, Kocsis J, Weinrich M. At the interface: convergence of neural regeneration and neural prostheses for restoration function. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2001 Nov-Dec.;38(6):633-639.

Peckham PH, Keith MW, Kilgore KL, Grill JH, Wuolle KS, Thrope GB, Gorman P, Hobby J, Mulcahey MJ, Carroll S, Hentz VR, Wiegner A. Efficacy of an implanted neuroprosthesis for restoring hand grasp in tetraplegia: a multicenter study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2001 Oct;82(10):1380-1388.

Adam T. Perzynski, M.A., Ph.D.
Senior Instructor of Medicine
Center for Health Care Research and Policy
Case Western Reserve University at MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-2850
FAX: (216) 778-3945

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Perzynski specializes in medical sociology, gerontology and research methods. He is interested in mixed methods research designs that combine diverse approaches from multiple disciplines. Dr. Perzynski also has an interest in social informatics and social theory. His current research includes studies of lay people’s illness knowledge and of the connection between the social environment and health over the life course.

Selected Publications
Perzynski, A. T., Terchek, J. J., Blixen, C. E., & Dawson, N. V. (2012). Playing the numbers: how hepatitis C patients create meaning and make healthcare decisions from medical test results. Sociology of Health & Illness. Go to Publication

Perzynski, A. T., Mccormick, R., Webster, N. J., Blixen, C. E., Kanuch, S., Thomas, C. L., ... & Dawson, N. V. (2011). Psychosocial Correlates of Alcohol Use and Reduction for Individuals With Hepatitis C. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 72(5), 787. Go to Publication

Sudano, J.J., Perzynski, A.T., Love, T., Lewis, S.A., Murray, P., Huber, G., Ruo, B., Baker, D. (2011). Measuring Disparities: Bias in the SF-36v2 among Spanish-speaking Medical Patients. Medical Care, vol.49, no. 5, 480-488. Go to Publication

Perzynski, A. T. (2010). Multidisciplinary Approaches to Biomedical Research. JAMA, vol. 304, no. 20, pp. 2243-2244. Go to Publication

Blixen, C.E., Webster, N.J., Hund, A.J., Perzynski, A.T., Kanuch, S., Stoller, E.P., McCormick, R. & Dawson, N.V. (2008). Communicating about Alcohol Consumption to Nondependent Drinkers with Hepatitis C: Patient and Provider Perspectives.” Journal of General Internal Medicine, vol. 23, no. 3, 242-247. Go to Publication

Kathleen Quealy, M.D.
Cardiologist, Invasive
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-5253
FAX: (216) 778-3927


Research Interest(s)
Invasive Cardiology, Critical Care Cardiology, Get with the Guidelines

James B. Rebitzer, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Business Policy and Law Department
Boston University School of Management
CHRP Senior Scholar
Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research
TEL: (617) 353-4605

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
The economics of organizations and incentive systems, with special emphasison physician incentives; Economics of Labor Markets, with special emphasis on human resource issues in professional and managerial labor markets; Behavioral Economics; Health Economics.

Selected Publications
Gaynor, M., Rebitzer, J and Taylor L. "Incentives in HMOs" Journal of Political Economy, 2004.

Nagan, D., Rebitzer J., Taylor, L., Sanders, S. "Monitoring, Motivation and Management: The Determinants of Opportunistic Behavior in a Field Experiment," The American Economic Review (September 2002)

Landers, R., Rebitzer J., and Taylor, L. "Rat Race Redux: Adverse Selectionin The Determination of Work Hours in Law Firms," The American Economic Review (June 1996).

Mary Jo Roach, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Case Western Reserve University
Center for Health Care Research and Policy
Spinal Cord Injury Program Manager, Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-8781
FAX: (216) 778-3945

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Spinal cord injury; community integration; quality of life; medical decision making.

Selected Publications
GA Nemunaitis , MM Mejia, JA Nagy, T Johnson, J Chae, and MJ Roach. Vitamin D Deficiency in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Admitted to a Rehabilitation Service. Journal of PM&R. in press.

EM Hannold, JM Hanjian, MM Jordan, MJ Roach, and CA Velozo. Using veterans’ perspectives to enhance rehabilitation outcome measures: Value of qualitative methods. Guest Editorial JRRD. 2007:vii-ix

Frost F., Roach M.J., Kushner I., Schreiber P.Inflammatory C-reactive protein and cytokine levels in asymptomatic people with chronic spinal cord injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2005 Feb; 86(2):312-7

Snoek GJ, Ejzerman MJ, Post MW, Stiggelbout AM, Roach MJ, Zilvod G. Choice-based evaluation for the improvement of upper-extremity function compared with other impairments in tetraplegia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2005 Aug;86(8):1623-30

D.L. Brown-Triolo, M.J. Roach, K. Nelson and RJ Triolo. Consumer perspectives on mobility: Implications fro neuroprosthesis design. J. Rehabilitation Research Development, 2002; Nov/Dec; 39(6); pp. 659-670.

Julia H. Rose, Ph.D., M.A.
Professor of Medicine, Geriatrics and Bioethics
Director, Western Reserve Geriatric Education Center
Center for Health Care Research and Policy (CHRP)
Case Western Reserve University
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-1749
FAX: (216) 368-3118 (VA), (216) 778-5935 (CHRP)


Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Selected Publications
Rose, J. H., Bowman, K. F., & Kresevic, D. (2000) Nurse versus family caregiver perspectives on hospitalized older patients: An exploratory study of agreement at admission and discharge. Health Communication, 12 (1). 63-80.

Rose, J. H., O`Toole, E. E., Dawson, N. V., Thomas, C. Connors, A. F., Wenger, N., Phillips, R. S., Hamel, M. B.,Cohen, H. J., & Lynn, J. (2000). Age differences in care practices and outcomes for hospitalized patients with cancer. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 48, S25-S32.

Rose, J. H., O`Toole, E. E., Dawson, N. V., Thomas, C., Conners, A. F., Wenger, N., Phillips, R. S., Hamel, M. B., Reding, D. T., Cohen, H. J., Lynn, J. (2000). Generalists and oncologists show similar care practices and outcomes with hospitalized late stage adult cancer patients. Medical Care, 28, 1103-1118.

Peter R. Rose, M.D.
Professor of Reproductive Biology and Oncology
Director of Gynecologic Oncology
TEL: (216) 778-5695
FAX: (216) 778-4741


Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Rose`s clinical activity involves the care of women with Gynecologic Cancer. In an effort to improve patient outcome and provide the most recent and promising treatments Dr. Rose is involved in numerous National Cancer Institute, Gynecologic Oncology Group, and industry sponsored trials.

Selected Publications
ROSE PG. Fallopian tube cancer. In: Textbook of Uncommon Cancer, Second Ed. Raghavan D, Brecher ML, Johnson DH, Meropol NJ, Moots PL, Thigpen JT (eds), John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Sussex England 1999, pp 689-700.

ROSE PG. Uterine Sarcoma. In: Textbook of Uncommon Cancer, Second Ed. Raghavan D, Brecher ML, Johnson DH, Meropol NJ, Moots PL, Thigpen JT (eds), John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Sussex, England 1999, pp 689-700.

ROSE PG, Blessing JA, Gershenson DM, McGhee R. Paclitaxel and cisplatin as first line therapy in recurrent or advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix: A Gynecologic Oncology Group study. J Clin Oncol 17:2676-2680, 1999.

Stephen Ruedrich, M.D.
Physician, Psychiatry
MetroHealth Medical Center
Associate Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-4626
FAX: 216 778 8412


Research Interest(s)
Diagnostic assessment of persons with MR/DDPsychopharmacology in persons with MR/DDTreatment of cognitive decline in persons with MR/DDDetermination of competence in persons with MR/DD

Martha Sajatovic, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry
and Epidemiology and Biostatistics
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Department of Psychiatry
University Hospitals of Cleveland
TEL: (216) 844-2808
FAX: (216) 844-2742

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Sajatovic’s research interests have focused on illness outcomes in serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and in the areas of treatment adherence and late-life mental illnesses. She also has research interests in psychopharmacology, women`s mental health. immigrant/minority health, and in mental health rating scales.

Selected Publications
Sajatovic M, Bauer MS, Kilbourne AM, Vertrees JE, Williford W. Self-reported medication treatment adherence among veterans with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric Services, 57(1): 56-62, 2006.

Sajatovic M, Blow FC, Ignacio RV. Psychiatric comorbidity in older adults with bipolar disorder. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 21(6):582-587, 2006.

Sajatovic M, Valenstein M, Blow FC, Ganoczy D, Ignacio RV. Treatment adherence with antipsychotic medications in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorders, 8(3): 232-41, 2006.

jatovic M, Jenkins JH. Is antipsychotic medication stigmatizing for people with mental illness? International Review of Psychiatry 19(2) 107-12, 2007.

Sajatovic M, Valenstein M, Blow F, Ganozcy D, Ignacio R. Treatment adherence with lithium and anticonvulsant medications among patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric Services, 58(6): 855-863, June 2007.

Jeffrey Schelling, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Director, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-4993, (216) 778-4159
FAX: (216) 778-4321, (216) 778-8248


Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae
Laboratory Web Page

Research Interest(s)
The primary interest of my lab is investigation of cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating chronic renal diseases. Much of the laboratory effort is devoted toward understanding the pathogenesis of tubular atrophy, which predicts chronic kidney disease progression. Approaches to these studies focus on apoptosis and cell survival pathways. We have determined that activation of the renal tubular epithelial cell NHE1 Na+/H+ exchanger promotes cell survival, in part by functioning as a scaffold for assembly of signaling complexes. Additional interests of the lab include interrogation of αvß8 integrin function in mesangial cells. Using in vitro and animal model systems, we are investigating the possibility that αvß8 directs small molecular weight G-protein pathways, which may regulate mesangial cell differentiation and/or glomerular capillary function. Finally, we are engaged in collaborative projects, which employ high throughput screening methods to identify diabetic nephropathy susceptibility genes.

Selected Publications
Abu Jawdeh BG, Khan S, Goel M, Babcock G, Lock JT, Lakhe-Reddy S, DeCaro G, Yadav SP, Deschênes I, Hoshi M, Shinlapawittayatorn K, Schilling WP, Ficker E, Schelling JR. Phosphoinositide binding differentially regulates NHE1 Na+/H+ exchanger-dependent proximal tubule cell survival. J Biol Chem 286:42435-42445, 2011. Go to Publication

Khan S, Lakhe-Reddy S, McCarty JH, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N, Kim JH, Reichardt LF, Wang B, Sedor JR, Schelling JR. Mesangial cell αvß8 integrin provides glomerular endothelial cell cytoprotection by sequestering TGF-ß and regulating PECAM-1. Am J Pathol 178:609-620, 2011. Go to Publication

Schelling JR, Abu Jawdeh BG. Regulation of cell survival by Na+/H+ exchanger-1 (NHE1). Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 295:F625-F632, 2008. Go to Publication

Schelling JR, Abboud HE, Nicholas SB, Pahl MV, Sedor JR, et al, on behalf of the Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes Research Group. Genome-wide scans for estimated GFR in multi-ethnic diabetic populations: The Family Investigation of Diabetes and Nephropathy. Diabetes 57:235-243, 2008. Go to Publication

Lakhe-Reddy S, Khan S, Konieczkowski M, Jarad G, Wu KL, Reichardt LF, Takai Y, Bruggeman LA, Wang B, Sedor JR, Schelling JR. ß8 integrin binds RhoGDI-1 and activates Rac1 to inhibit mesangial cell myofibroblast differentiation. J Biol Chem 281:19688-19699, 2006. Go to Publication

William P. Schilling, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Physiology and Biophysics, CWRU
Bioscientific Staff
TEL: (216) 778-8965
FAX: (216) 778-8997

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Calcium signaling in vascular endothelial cells and the role of ion channels in cell death.

Selected Publications
Estacion, M., Sinkins, W.G., and Schilling, W.P. Regulation of Drosophila TrpL channels by phospholipase C-dependent mechanisms. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 2001, 530.1: 1-19.

Estacion, M. and Schilling, W.P. Maitotoxin-induced cell death and membrane blebbing in vascular endothelial cells. BMC:Physiology, 2001, 1:2.

Goel, M., Garcia, R. Estacion, M. and Schilling, W.P. Regulation of Drosophila TRPL channels by immunophilin dFKBP59. J. Biol. Chem. 2001, In Press.

David Schnell, M.D.
Physician, Cardiology
Brooklyn Medical Group
MetroHealth Medical Center
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-3875

John Sedor, M.D.
Professor of Medicine and Physiology & Biophysics,
School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
Vice President of Research,
Department of Medicine,
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-4993
FAX: (216) 778-4978


Biosketch
Laboratory Web Page
Research Highlights

Research Interest(s)
We focus on progressive kidney disease mechanisms. The overall goal of the lab is to define the clinical, cellular and genetic bases of kidney disease in order to identify new therapies and diagnostic tests. Current projects include identification of nephropathy susceptibility genes and defining mechanisms of kidney disease progression using in vitro (cell culture) and animal models. Using gene discovery assays, the lab has discovered a protein that appears to critically regulate kidney filtration function (WTIP) and is now characterizing this novel protein’s function and looking for mutations in its DNA sequence in families with multiple cases of kidney disease.Keywords: protein-protein interaction, proteomics, genomics, cell-cell adhesion, podocyte, cytoskeletonTechniques used: Cell Culture, Molecular biology, LC/MS, Protein Chemistry, Phage Display Immunohistochemistry, Protein Expression, DNA library construction, PCR differential display, SAGE, expression profiling, 2-hybrid system, genetic-epidemiological statistical approaches.

Selected Publications
Srichai, M.B., M. Konieczkowski, S. Barathan, P. S. Hayden, S. Khan, P. Mundel, S.B. Lee, L.A. Bruggeman, J.R. Schelling, and J.R. Sedor. A WT1 co-regulator controls podocyte phenotype by shuttling between adhesion structures and nucleus. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 14398-408, 2004. Go to Publication

Liu, J., L. Zhang, D. Wang, H. Shen, M. Jiang, P. Mei, P.S. Hayden, J.R. Sedor and H. Hu. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia, kidney agenesis and cardiac defects associated with Slit3-deficiency in mice. Mech. Dev. 120:1059-70 2003. Go to Publication

Knowler, W.C., J. Coresh, R.C. Elston, B.I. Freedman, S.K. Iyengar, P.L. Kimmel, J. Olson, R. Plaetke, J.R. Sedor, and M.F. Seldin on behalf of the Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes Research Group. The family investigation of diabetes and nephropathy (FIND). Design and Methods. J. Diabetes Complications, in press, 2004.

Hayden, P.S., M.A. El-Meanawy, J.R. Schelling, and J.R. Sedor. DNA expression analysis: SAGE (Serial Analysis of Gene Expression), microarrays and kidney disease. Curr. Opin. Nephrol. Hypertens. 12: 407-414, 2003. Go to Publication

Iyengar, S.K., K.A. Fox, M. Schachere, F. Manzoor, M.E. Slaughter, A.M. Covic, S.M. Orloff, P.S. Hayden, J.M. Olson, J.R. Schelling, and J.R. Sedor. Linkage analysis of candidate loci for end stage renal disease due to diabetic nephropathy. J. Amer. Soc. Neph. 14: S195-S201, 2003. Go to Publication

Eileen L. Seeholzer, M.D., M.S.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Director, Weight Management Center
MetroHealth Medical Center
Center for Health Care Research and Policy
TEL: (216) 778-2363
FAX: (216) 778-2367

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Selected Publications
Seeholzer, E., Cha, W. Your Primary Job After Your Patient’s Gastric Bypass. M.D. News, December/January 2008; 11(1), 17-18.

Seeholzer, E. Helping Healthy Choices Happen: How to do it is the hardest part. Kaleidoscope, Women’s Issue, 2007.

Seeholzer, E., Cha, W. Obesity Surgery – It’s the Start of Lifelong Changes. Kaleidoscope, Winter, 2006.

Toossi Z, Mincek M, Seeholzer E, Fulton SA, Hamilton BD, Hirsch CS. Modulation of IL-12 by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mononuclear phagocytes and in patients with active tuberculosis. J Clin Lab Immunol 1997; 49(2):59-75.

Robert T. Segraves, M.D., Ph.D.
Chairperson, Dept. of Psychiatry
MetroHealth Medical Center
Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-3634
FAX: -(216) 7785907


Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Sexual disordersAffective disordersGeriatric [Psychiatry

Selected Publications
. Segraves R & Woodard T. Female hypoactive sexual desire disorder: history and current status. J Sex Med , 2006, 3 , 408-418.

Segraves R, Lee J, Stevenson R, Walker D, Wang C, Dickson R. Tadalafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men on antidepressants. J Clin Psychopharmacol ( In Press )

Riley A & Segraves R. Treatment of premature ejaculation. Int J Clin Pract , 2006, 60, 694-697

Segraves R, Clayton A, Croft H, Wolf A, Warnock J, Segraves K,. Bupropion for the treatent of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2004, 24, 339-342.

Ashwini R. Sehgal, M.D.
Director, The Center for Reducing Health Disparities
Professor of Medicine, Biomedical Ethics, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Physician, Division of Nephrology
TEL: (216) 778-7728
FAX: (216) 778-8401

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Identifying and overcoming barriers to quality of care, Complex health interventions, Adequacy of hemodialysis, Nutrition in renal failure, Access to kidney transplantation, Medical activism.

Selected Publications
Sehgal AR, Leon JB, Siminoff LA, Singer ME, Bunosky LM, Cebul RD. Improving the quality of hemodialysis treatment: A community-based randomized controlled trial to overcome patient-specific barriers. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;287:1961-1967.

Goyal M, Mehta RL, Schneiderman LJ, Sehgal AR. Economic and health consequences of selling a kidney in India. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;288:1589-1593.

Sehgal AR. Do quality improvement efforts reduce race and gender disparities in health outcomes? Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003;289:996-1000.

Marcia R. Silver, M.D., FACP
Director, Hemodialysis Program
Divison of Nephrology and Hypertension
MetroHealth Medical Center
Associate Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-4159
FAX: (216) 778-8248

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Clinical trials
Clinical Nephrology, Hypertension, Dialysis
Chronic Kidney Disease

Selected Publications
Sehgal AR, Snow RJ, Singer ME, Amini SB, DeOreo PB, Silver MR, and Cebul RD. Barriers to adequate delivery of hemodialysis. Am J Kidney Dis 31: 593-601, 1998.

Sehgal AR, Silver MR, Covinsky KE, Coffin R, and Cain JA, for the Medical Review Board of The Renal Network, Inc. Use of standardized ratios to examine variability in hemodialysis vascular access across facilities. Am J Kidney Dis 35:275-281, 2000.

Silver MR and Cain JA, for the Medical Review Board of The Renal Network, Inc. Managing the lifeline: preemptive access management for better outcomes for hemodialysis patients and programs. Advances in Renal Replacement Therapy 7: S45-S55, 2000.

Jeffrey S. Simske, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist
Assistant Professor
TEL: (216) 778-8968, (216) 778-5845
FAX: (216) 778-4321

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
My lab is interested in the mechanisms that regulate epithelial polarity and morphogenesis using C. elegans and vertebrate tissue culture model systems. The aim is to understand how cell adhesion and cell junction molecules control the development of three-dimensional structures such as tubules in kidneys and lungs from simple sheets of epithelia. Current research is focused on the characterization of the signaling pathways that regulate cell shape under control of the tetraspan adherens junction protein VAB-9/TM4SF10 in C. elegans and in vertebrates. The long-term goal is to discover and characterize new epithelial polarity determinants.

Selected Publications
Simske, J. S., Koppen, M., Sims, P., Hodgkin, J., Yonkof, A. & Hardin, J. The cell junction protein VAB-9 regulates adhesion and epidermal morphology in C. elegans. Nat Cell Biol 5, 619-25 (2003).

Koppen, M., Simske, J. S., Sims, P. A., Firestein, B. L., Hall, D. H., Radice, A. D., Rongo, C. & Hardin, J. D. Cooperative regulation of AJM-1 controls junctional integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans epithelia. Nat Cell Biol 3, 983-91 (2001).

Simske, J. S. & Hardin, J. Getting into shape: epidermal morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. Bioessays 23, 12-23 (2001).

Charles Smith, M.D.
Director, Cardiothoracic Anesthesia
MetroHealth Medical Center
Professor of Anesthesia
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-3616


Research Interest(s)
My research is primarily focused in the areas of hypothermia, intravenous fluid warming, airway management, pharmacology of neuromuscular relaxants and other anesthesia drugs.

Margaret Stager, M.D.
Physician, Dept. of Pediatrics
MetroHealth Medical Center
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-2643

Thomas Steinemann, M.D.
Physician, Dept. of Surgery
MetroHealth Medical Center
Associate Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-4253


Research Interest(s)
Ophthalmologic applications of Protein C
Contact lens regulatory issues
refractive surgery

clinical trials : corneal infection, conjunctivitis, dry eye, blepharitis

Kingman P. Strohl, M.D.
Professor of Anatomy
Professor of Oncology
Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 231-3399
FAX: (216) 231-3475


Research Interest(s)
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common disorder of respiratory control, present in some 2-5% of the population and producing neurocognitive and cardiovascular morbidity. This state-dependent condition has a clear genetic component, with a substantially increased risk for snoring and sleep apnea among relatives of affected individuals. Almost a third of the variance in the severity of sleep apnea in a US population is explained by familial clustering. The pathways by which inheritance could predispose to sleep apnea include anatomic features of the obese condition and of craniofacial form; however, current data suggest that these heritable traits explain only a half of familial cases. Our research focuses on those factors related to respiratory control, namely the control of ventilation and the impact of sleep on ventilatory drive. We are interested in how the elements of ventilatory act and interact to produce repetitive events during sleep, which in turn influence the pathogenesis of illness. Our pre-clinical models suggest genetic risk influences features of dynamic control including the response to changes in chemosensory drive and the response to re-oxygenation, including the appearance of unstable breathing. Thus research has begun to identify a biologic map for causative factors that modulate the physiology of sleep apnea, and provide insight into pathways that could increase (or decrease) the risk of disease progression or that might be pharmacologically influenced to reduce apnea expression.

Selected Publications
Iyengar SK, Stein CM, Russo K, Erokwu BO, Strohl KP. The fa Leptin Receptor Mutation and the Heritability of Respiratory Frequency in a Brown Norway and Zucker Intercross. J Appl Physiol 97(3):811-20, 2004 Epub 2004 Mar 19

Gonsenhauser I, Han F, Wilson CG, Strohl KP, Dick TE. Strain Differences in Murine Ventilatory Behavior Persists after Anesthesia. J Appl Physiol 97(3):888-894, 2004

Friedman L, Haines A, Klann K, Gallaugher L, Salibra L, Han F, Strohl KP. Sleep and Ventilatory Behavior among A/J and C57BL/6J Mouse Strains. J Appl Physiol 97(5):1787-95, 2004.

Mehra R, Strohl KP. Incidence of Serious Adverse Events during Nocturnal Polysomnography. Sleep 27: 1379-83, 2004

Papp KK, Strohl KP. The Effects of an Intervention to Teach Medical Students about Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Sleep Medicine (in press)

Joseph J. Sudano, Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Case School of Medicine
Senior Researcher, Center For Health Care Research and Policy
Associate Director of Education, Center for Reducing Health Disparities
TEL: (216) 778-1399
FAX: (216) 778-3945

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Disparities in health care access, utilization and health outcomes concentrating on minorities and other vulnerable populations; social determinants of health including community/contextual characteristics; measurement equivalence, validity and item-response theory in cross-cultural health status measurement; culturally-specific health beliefs and behaviors; cognition, intelligence, and education in relationship to health status and health behaviors; structural equation modeling/path analysis in health outcomes research; health related survey data collection and analysis.

Selected Publications
Baker DW, Sudano JJ, Borawski EA, Dor A, Albert JA. 2001. "Lack of health insurance and decline in overall health in late middle age." New England Journal of Medicine 345(15):1106-1112.

Sudano JJ, Baker DW. 2003. "Intermittent lack of health insurance and use of preventive services." American Journal of Public Health 93(1):130-137.

Sudano JJ, Baker DW. 2006. “Explaining U. S. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health Declines and Mortality in Late Middle Age: The Roles of Socioeconomic Status, Health Behaviors, and Health Insurance.” Social Science & Medicine 62(4):909-22.

Dor A, Sudano JJ, Baker DW. 2006. “The effect of private insurance on the health of older, working age adults: evidence from the Health and Retirement Study." Health Services Research 41(3 Pt 1): 759-87.

Ruo B, Baker DW, Thompson JA, Murray PK, Huber GM, Sudano JJ. 2008. “Patients with Worse Mental Health Report More Physical Limitations after Adjustment for Physical Performance.” Psychosomatic Medicine 70:417-421.

Dennis M. Super, M.D., M.P.H.
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Case Western Reserve University
Associate Chairman, Pediatric Research
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-1213



Research Interest(s)
As both a pediatrician and an epidemiologist, my research interests range from diagnostic test development to the growth and development of children. For example, our past work in the field of gestational diabetes mellitus has shown that one can accurately diagnose gestational diabetes in the first trimester of pregnancy in a high-risk population. In addition, we have shown that non-obese women with gestational diabetes have a lower risk of gestational diabetes in subsequent pregnancies than their obese counterparts. We are currently in the process of developing normative data for the 50 gram glucose tolerance tests in each trimester of pregnancy.

I am also the co-principal investigator of a study funded by NIDA to evaluate the effect of intrauterine exposure to cocaine on the neonate’s cardiovascular system. As part of this study, we are also evaluating the association of cocaine exposure to intrauterine growth retardation by studying the infant’s body composition, placenta morphology, and various fetal growth hormones.

In addition to the above studies, I also serve as both research methodologist and biostatistician to the General Clinical Research Center as well as the Robert Schwartz, M.D., Center for Metabolism and Nutrition. In this capacity, I assist our investigators in the design and analysis of their studies.

Selected Publications
Raghavan CV, Super DM, Chatburn RL, Savin SM, Fanaroff AA, Kalhan SC: Estimation of total body water in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants using bioelectric impedance and [18O] labeled water. Am J Clin Nutr 68:668-674, 1998.

Super DM, Edelberg SC, Philipson EH, Hertz RH, Kalhan SC: Diagnosis of gestational diabetes in early pregnancy. Diabetes Care 14:288-294, 1991.

Philipson EH, Super DM: Gestational diabetes mellitus: Does it recur in subsequent pregnancies? Am J Obstet Gynecol 160:1324-1331, 1989.

Zahra Toossi, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 368-4844


Research Interest(s)
Primary: Study of the basis for the dysregulation of the immune response during human tuberculosis with specific focus on cytokine responses to M. tuberculosis and its components, and mononuclear phagocytic effector mechanisms.

Secondary: Study of the impact of tuberculosis on HIV disease with specific focus on mechanisms by which activation of mononuclear cells during tuberculosis and by M. tuberculosis and its products enhance expression of HIV by latently – or newly infected cells.

Selected Publications
Ribeiro-Rodrigues R, Resende Co T, Johnson JL, Ribeiro F, Palaci M, Sa RT, Maciel EL, Pereira Lima FE, Dettoni V, Toossi Z, Boom WH, Dietze R, Ellner JJ, Hirsch CS. Sputum cytokine levels in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis as early markers of mycobacterial clearance. Clin diagn Lab Immunol. 9:818-23; 2002.

Collins KR, Qionones-Mateu ME, Wu M, Luzze H, Johnson JL, Hirsch CS, Toossi Z, Arts EJ. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) quasispecies at the sites of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection contribute to systemic HIV-1 heterogeneity. J virol. 76:1697-706, 2002.

Aung H, Sherman J, Tary-Lehman M, Toossi Z. Anaylsis of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) expression in human monocytes infected with Mycobacterium avium at a single cell level by ELISPOT assay. J Immunol Methods. 1;259:25-32, 2002.

Joan Trey, M.D.
Physician, Hematology & Oncology
MetroHealth Medical Center
Associate Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-5802


Research Interest(s)
Clinical research in breast cancer.

Ronald J. Triolo, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Departments of Orthopaedics and Biomedical Engineering
Case Western Reserve University
Principal Investigator,
Cleveland VA Center of Excellence in FES
TEL: (216) 778-7877


Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Dr. Triolo’s research interests include: the development and clinical application of neural prostheses, biomechanics and the control of movement, rehabilitation engineering, and the assessment of assistive technology. His work focuses on the use of functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) to assist persons with spinal cord injuries with basic mobility functions such as standing, transfers, stepping, and balance.

Selected Publications
Triolo R. Introduction to the single-topic issue on functional electrical stimulation. J Rehab Res Dev. 2001 Nov-Dec;38(6):vi-ix.

Davis JA Jr, Triolo RJ, Uhlir J, Bieri C, Rohde L, Lissy D, Kukke S. Preliminary performance of a surgically implanted neurprosthesis for standing and transfers--where do we stand? J Rehabil Res Dev. 2001 Nov-Dev;38(6):609-617.

Triolo RJ, Liu MQ, Kobetic R, Uhlir JP. Selectivity of intramuscular stimulating electrodes in the lower limbs. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2001 Sep-Oct;38(5):533-544.

Heather Vallier, M.D.
Physician, Dept. of Orthopaedics
MetroHealth Medical Center
Asssistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-7434

Mark E. Votruba, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics
Weatherhead School of Management
Associate Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Director, Health Economics Research Unit
Center For Health Care Research and Policy
TEL: (216) 778-2876 (Metro), (216) 368-4296 (CWRU)
FAX: (216) 778-3945 (Metro)

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest(s)
Health Economics: allocation of medical resources, incentives for care, insurance markets. Public Economics: social program participation, social interactions effects.

Selected Publications
Bailit, Jennifer and Mark Votruba (2007), “Medical Cost Savings Associated with 17 Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 196(3): 219.e1-e7.

Katzan, Irene L., Neal V. Dawson, Charles L. Thomas, Mark E. Votruba and Randall D. Cebul (2007), “The cost of pneumonia after acute stroke,” Neurology 68: 1938-1943.

Cebul, Randall D., James B. Rebitzer, Lowell J. Taylor and Mark E. Votruba (2008), “Organizational Fragmentation and Care Quality in the U.S. Health Care System,” Journal of Economic Perspectives 22(4): 93-113.

Rege, Mari, Kjetil Telle and Mark Votruba (2009), “The Effect of Plant Downsizing on Disability Pension Utilization,” Journal of the European Economic Association 7(4): 754-785.

Votruba, Mark E. and Jeffrey R. Kling (2009). “Effects of Neighborhood Characteristics on the Mortality of Male Black Youth: Evidence from Gautreaux, Chicago,” Social Science and Medicine 68(5): 814-823.

Thomas Vrobel, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Director, Coronary Care Unit
TEL: (216) 778-5253
FAX: (216) 778-3927


Research Interest(s)
Acute Coronary Care; Interventional Cardiology.

Selected Publications
Brener SJ, Zeymer U, Adgey AAJ, Vrobel TR, Ellis SG, Neuhaus KL, Juran N, Ivanc TB, Ohman EM, Strony J, Kitt M, Topol EJ, for the INTRO AMI Investigators: Eptifibatide and low-dose tissue plasminogen activator in acute myocardial infarction. The Integrilin and Low-Dose Thrombolysis in Acute Myocardial Infarction (INTRO AMI) Trial. J Am Coll Cardiol 2002; 39:377-386.

The Sympony Investigators. Comparison of Sibrafiban with Aspirin for Prevention of Cardiovascular Events after Acute Coronary Symptoms: a Randomized Trial.Lancet 2000; 355: 337-345.

Chang C, Ip MPm Hsu RM, Vrobel TR: Evaluation of a Proposed Panel of Cardiac Markers for the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Atraumatic Chest Pain. Arch Pathol Lab Med 1998; 110: 320-324.

Bingcheng Wang, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center
Department of Pharmacology and the Ireland Cancer Center
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-4256
FAX: (216) 778-4321


Laboratory Web Page

Research Interest(s)
A primary interest of my laboratory is the molecular mechanism governing development and malignant progression of prostate cancer. Currently we are focusing on the role of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands. Eph kinases constitute 25% of the 60 or so receptor tyrosine kinases in human genome. However, their role in tumor development and progression are only beginning to be investigated. We have found that EphA2 kinase is highly expressed in osseous metastasis of human prostate cancer. In vitro, ligand activation of EphA2 inhibits prostate cancer proliferation and migration, suggesting that it may function as a novel tumor suppressor gene. Indeed, our studies using EphA2 knockout model show disruption of EphA2 predispose them to tumor development.

We are exploiting the intrinsic tumor suppressive function of EphA2 in prostate cancer intervention using multidisciplinary strategies including:
1) Characterize novel signal pathways initiated by EphA kinases to identify new points of therapeutic intervention.
2) Investigate the structural bases of EphA2 ectodomain interaction with its cognitive ligands for structure-based drug discovery.
3) Further characterize and optimize peptide and small compound agonists of EphA2 kinase that we have already identified.
4) Develop and perform preclinical assays to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of EphA2 agonists in athymic mouse xenograft and genetically engineered mouse model systems. A long-term goal is to realize eventual clinical applications of EphA2 agonists in the treatment and prevention of human prostate cancer.

Another interest of my lab is the role of Eph kinases in renal development and physiological function. Several in vitro and in vivo model systems are in use to evaluate how deletion of EphA2 and other Eph kinases may affect branching morphogenesis of renal epithelial cell cultures in vitro and embryonic kidney development in utero. Finally, in the adult kidney, EphA2 is highly expressed in inner medulla and papilla, the most hypertonic site due to urinary concentration. We are currently investigating how EphA2 may contribute to the hypertonic response, which could have important physiological and clinical implications.

Selected Publications
Miao, H., Wei, B.-R., Peehl, D. M., Li, Q., Burnett, E., Alexandrou, T., Sedor, J. R., Schelling, J. R., and Wang, B. (2001). EphA kinase activation inhibits Ras/MAPK pathway. Nature Cell Biology 3:527-530

Miao, H., Nickel, C., Cantley, L. G., Leslie A. Bruggman, 1Laura N. Bennardo and Wang, B. (2003). EphA Kinase Activation Regulates HGF-Induced Epithelial Branching Morphogenesis. Journal of Cell Biology 162:1681-1692.

Miao, H., Guan, J.-L., Shen, T. L., Strebhardt, K., Paquale, E. B., and Wang, B. Inhibition of integrin-mediated cell adhesion and spreading, but not migration requires the catalytic activity of EphB3 kinase. (Published online Nov. 2004). Journal of Biological Chemistry. 280:923-932.

Lance Wilson, M.D.
Physician, Emergency Medicine
MetroHealth Medical Center
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-5293

Marc D. Winkelman, M.D.
Staff Physician, Neurology
Associate Professor
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-3958, (216) 778-3388
FAX: (216) 778-8865


Research Interest(s)
Clinical trials of treatment for stroke.

Charles J. Yowler, M.D.
Associate Professor of Surgery
Program Director, Surgical Critical Care Fellowship
Director, Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns and Metro Life Flight,Department of Surgery
Director, Comprehensive Burn Care Center
TEL: (216) 778-5627
FAX: (216) 778 1350


Research Interest(s)
Surgical infection, sepsis

Selected Publications
Merlino JI, Yowler CJ, Malangoni MA. Nosocomial infections adversely affect the outcomes of patients with serious intra-abdominal infections. Surg Infection 2004;5; 21-21.

McHenry CR, Berguer R, Ortega RA, Yowler CJ. Recognition, management and prevention of specific operating room catastrophes. J Am Coll Surg 2004; 198: 810-821.

Kwon CC, Gill IS, Fallon WF, Yowler CJ, et al. Delayed operative intervention in the management of traumatic descending thoracic aortic rupture. Ann Thoracic Surg 2002; 74: S 1888-1891.

Brandt CP, Yowler CJ, Fratianne RB. Burns with multiple trauma. Am Surg 2002;68:240-243.

Yowler CJ, Patterson BM, Brandt CP,Fratianne RB. Osteocutaneous pedicle flap of the foot for salvage of below knee amputation level following burn injury. J Burn Care Rehabil 2001:22: 21-25.