Jennifer L. Bailit, M.D., MPH
Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology
Women's Reproductive Health Research Program Scholar
TEL: 216-778-7341
FAX: 216-778-8847
Jbailit@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Dr. Bailit's research focuses on how to assess and improve the quality of obstetrical care. She is interested in using risk-adjusted primary cesarean rates as a marker of quality and in examining factors that are associated with higher quality 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 References
BAILIT JL, Garrett JM, Miller WC, McMahon MJ, Cefalo RC. Do primary cesarean delivery rates correlate with rates of poor neonatal outcomes. Am J of Obstet Gynecol, 3:721-727,2002.

Kaufman KE, BAILIT JL, Grobman W. Elective induction: An analysis of economic and health consequences. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 4:858-863. 2002.

BAILIT JL, Downs SM, Thorp JM. Reducing the cesarean delivery risk in elective inductions of labor: a decision analysis. Paediatic Perinatal Epidemiology, 1:90-96, 2002.

Research Interest
Ion channels are pores in cell membranes that transport ions at high rates. Ion channels are widespread and comprise about 15% of all known drug targets. We study their structure-function relationships, processing, regulation, genetics, and relation to disease (channelopathies). Modifier genes for hereditary and acquired (drug-induced) long QT syndrome are presently being pursued. The lab has also developed a reversible model of heart failure to study arrhythmias in this disease.

Selected References
Ficker E, Taglialatela M, Wible BA, Henley CM, Brown AM. Spermine and spermidine as gating molecules for inward rectifier K+ channels. Science. 1994 Nov 11;266(5187):1068-1072.

Wible BA, Yang Q, Kuryshev YA, Accili EA, Brown AM. Cloning and expression of a noval K+ channel regulatory protein, KChAP. J Biol Chem. 1998 May 8;273(19):11745-11751.

Kuryshev YA, Wible BA, Gudz Ti, Ramirez AN, Brown AM. KChAP/Kvb1.2 interactions and their effects on cardiac Kv channel expression. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2001 Jul;281(1):C290-C299.

Research Interest
Transcriptional mechanisms of eukaryotic gene regulation. Areas of interest include; role of bHLH and Hox genes in organogenesis and cell fate specification in the kidney; role of NF-kB in regulating renal epithelial cells proliferation and apoptosis in HIV-associated nephropathy; regulation of basement membrane gene expression in sclerosing renal diseases.

Selected References
Bruggeman, L. A., S. H. Adler, and P. E. Klotman. NF-kB binding to the HIV-1 LTR in kidney: Implications for HIV-associated nephropathy. Kidney Int. 59:2174-2181 (2001).

Bruggeman, L. A., M. D. Ross, N. Tanji, A. Cara, V. D. D’Agati, G. C. Burns, S. Dikman, R. E. Gordon, J. A. Winston, M. E. Klotman, and P. E. Klotman. Renal epithelium is a previously unrecognized site for HIV-1 infection. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 11:2079-2087 (2000).

Bruggeman, L. A., S. Dikman, C. Meng, S. E. Quaggin, T. M. Coffman, and P. E. Klotman. Nephropathy in HIV-1 transgenic mice is due to renal transgene expression. J. Clin. Invest. 100, 84-92 (1997).

Patrick Catalano, M.D.
Professor
Schwartz Center for Metabolism and Nutrition
TEL: (216) 778-7341
FAX: (216) 778-1574
pcatalano@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Dr. Catalano's research consists of the study of the women with diabetes in pregnancy. Patient populations range from those who were insulin dependent before becoming pregnant to those who developed gestational diabetes. Dr. Catalano evaluates mothers throughout pregnancy to see what effects diabetes has on both the mother and the fetus.

Selected References
Catalano PM, Nizielski SE, Shao J, Presley L, Friedman JE. Down regulation of IRS-1 and PPAR in obese women with gestational diabetes: Relationships for free fatty acids during pregnancy. Am J Perinatology, 2002 (In Press).

Catalano PM, Huston L, Amini SB, Kalhan SC. Longitudinal changes in glucose metabolism during pregnancy in obese women with normal glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes mellitus. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1999;180:903-916.

Catalano PM, Roman-Drago NM, Amini SB, Sims EAH. Longitudinal changes in body composition and energy balance in lean women with normal and abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1998;179:156-165.

Selected References
Cebul RD, Solti I, Gordon NH, Singer ME, Payne SMC, Gharrity KA. Managed care for the Medicaid disabled: Effect on utilization and costs. J Urban Health 2000;77:603-623

Payne SMC, Cebul RD, Singer ME, et al. Comparison of risk-adjustment systems for the Medicaid-eligible disabled population. Med Care 2000;38:422-432

Cebul RD, Snow R, Pine R, Norris D, Hertzer N. Carotid endarterectomy: indications, volume, and outcomes. JAMA. 1998; 279: 861-865

John Chae, M.D., M.E.
Assistant Professor
Functional Electrical Stimulation Center
TEL: (216) 778-3472
FAX: (216) 778-4499
jchae@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Dr. Chae's research focuses on the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to restore upper extremity motor function in hemiplegia. The specific areas of focus include 1) treatment of shoulder subluxation and pain, 2) facilitation of motor recovery and 3) development and implementation of hand neuroprosthesis.

Selected References
Chae J, Fang Z-P, Walker M, Pourmehdi S. Intramuscular electromyographically controlled neuromuscular electrical stimulation for upper limb recovery in chronic hemiplegia. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2001;80:935-941.

Chae J, Fang Z-P, Walker M, Pourmehdi S, Knutson J. Intramuscular electromyographically controlled neuromuscular electrical stimulation for ankle dorsiflexion recovery in chronic hemiplegia. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2001;80:842-847.

Yu DT, Chae J, Fang Z-P, Walker ME. Percutaneous intramuscular neuromuscular electrical stimulation for treating shoulder sublaxation and pain in chronic hemiplegia: A pilot study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001;82:20-25.

James F. Clapp, M.D.
Emeritus Professor of Reproductive Biology
TEL: (216) 778-7831
FAX: (216) 778-2109
jclapp@metrohealth.org

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Currently Dr. Clapp is involved in studies examining the effects of supine exercise during pregnancy on uterine blood flow and fetal well-being, the effects of exercise during pregnancy on immune function, and the effects of exercise during pregnancy on long-term growth and development of the offspring. Other ongoing studies involve the effects of diet during pregnancy on maternal metabolism and fetal growth and the fetal effects of cord entanglement.

SELECTED REFERENCES
CLAPP JF. The effects of maternal exercise on fetal oxygenation and feto-placental growth. EJOGRB, 2003 (in press).

CLAPP JF, Little KD, Widness JA. Effect of maternal exercise and feto-placental growth on serum erythropoietin. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2003 (in press).

CLAPP JF, Kim H, Burciu B, Schmidt S, Petry K, Lopez B. Continuing regular exercise during pregnancy: effect of exercise volume on feto-placental growth. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 189:142-147, 2002.

Graham Creasey, M.D.
Associate Professor
Functional Electrical Stimulation Center
TEL: 216) 778-5807
FAX: (216) 778-4499
gcreasey@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
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 References
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.

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.

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.

Otto Costantini, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Director, Arrhythmia Prevention Center
Director, Clinical Trials Unit
TEL: (216) 778-2249
FAX: (216) 778-392
ocostantini@metrohealth.org

Research Interest
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 References
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.

Barbara Cromer, M.D.
Professor
TEL: (216) 778-2643
bcromer@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Dr. Cromer's research currently is on different hormonal forms of birth control and bone density. Her staff is comparing bone thickness in adolescent girls who select either Depo-Provera (an injection ) or the birth control pill. They will also compare bone density of girls not using birth control. Preliminary findings suggest that bones may thin with the use of Depo-Provera.

Selected References
Cromer BA, Stager MM. Research articles published in Journal of Adolescent Health: a two-decade comparison. J Adolesc Health. 2000 Nov;27(5):306-313.

Stager MM, Cromer BA. Management of clinical side effects of DMPA. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2000 Aug;13(3):147-149.

Valencia LS, Cromer BA. Sexual activity and other high-risk behaviors in adolescents with chronic illness: a review. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2000 May;13(2):53-64.

Neal Dawson, M.D.
Professor
Center for Health Care Research & Policy
TEL: (216) 778-3901
FAX: (216) 778-3945
ndawson@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
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 is currently completing a Firm trial on alcohol screening and management in a primary care setting. In addition he has considerable experience in the conduct of large studies and in multivariable analyses of large databases.

Selected References
Sandhaus LM, Singer ME, Dawson NV, Wiesner GL. Reporting BRCA test results to primary care physicians. Genet Med. 2001 Sep-Oct;3(5):327-334.

Yuan Z, Dawson N, Cooper GS, Einstadter D, Cebul R, Rimm AA. Effects of alcohol-related disease on hip fracture and mortality: a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries. Am J Public Health. 2001 Jul;91(7):1089-1093.

Wolfe SA, Dawson NV, Cebul RD. An automated screening strategy to identify patients with alcohol problems in a primary care setting. Arch Intern Med. 2001 Mar 26;161(6):895-896.

Research Interest
The molecular mechanisms of protein processing within the cell of the potassium channels HERG and KvLQT1/minK.

Selected References
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.

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.

Bianchi L, Shen Z, Dennis AT, Priori SG, Napolitano C, Ronchetti E, Bryskin R, Schwartz PJ, Brown AM. Cellular dysfunction of LQT5-minK mutants: abnormalities of IKs, IKr and trafficking in long QT syndrome. Human Mol. Gen. 1999;8:1499-1507.

Anthony DiMarco, M.D.
Professor
Functional Electrical Stimulation Center
TEL: (216) 778-3906
FAX: (216) 778-4321
afd3@po.cwru.edu

Research Interest
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 References
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.

Douglas Einstadter, M.D, M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Member, Center for Health Care Research and Policy
Staff Physician, Department of Medicine
TEL: (216) 778-3902
FAX: (216) 778-3945
deinstadter@metrohealth.org

Research Interest
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 References
Yuan Z, Cooper GS, Einstadter D, Cebul RD, Rimm AA. The Association Between Hospital Type and Mortality and Length of Stay. Medical Care 2000;38:231-245

Yuan Z, Dawson N, Cooper GS, Einstadter D, Cebul R, Rimm AA. Effect of Alcohol-related Disease on Hip Fracture and Mortality: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 876,337 Hospitalized Medicare Beneficiaries. Am J Public Health 2001;91:1089-1093

Hoffman RM, Einstadter D, Kroenke K. Evaluating Dizziness. Am J. Med. 1999;107:468-478.

Ashraf El-Meanawy, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Renal Research Center
TEL: (216) 778-1087
FAX: (216) 778-4321
aelmeanawy@metrohealth.org

Research Interest
Dr. El-Meanawy investigates the genetics of end stage renal disease (ESRD).  He applies molecular genetics techniques to identify genes that are involved in the development or conferring susceptibility to end stage renal disease.  This laboratory uses a genetically susceptible animal model that develops spontaneous progressive renal failure.  Dissecting the gene expression patterns in the diseased and comparing that to the healthy control animals should allow the lab staff to identify genes involved in the development of ESRD.  Further study of these genes can lead to development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

Selected Refereces
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.

El-Meanawy MA, Schelling JR, Pozuelo F, Churpek MM, Ficker EK, Iyengar S, Sedor JR. Use of serial analysis of gene expression to generate kidney expression libraries. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2000 Aug;279(2):F383-392

Robert C. Elston, Ph.D.
Professor of Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology,
Case Western Reserve University
TEL: (216) 778-3863
FAX: (216) 778-3280
rce@hal.cwru.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Web site


Research Interest
Research consists of developing statistical methods of family and pedigree analysis, implementing them in computer programs, and applying them in many areas, including cancer, cardiovascular diseaes, mental diseases, neurological diseases, allergy/atopy, and end-stage renal disease.

Selected References
Elston RC, Buxbaum S, Jacobs KB, Olson JM. (2000) Haseman and Elston revisited. Genet Epidemiol, 19: 369-372.

Zhu X, Elston RC (2001) Transmission/disequilibrium tests for quantitative traits. Genet Epidemiol; 19: 464-467.

Elston RC (1998) Linkage and association. Genet Epidemiol; 15:565-576.

Research Interest
Cellular pathophysiology of LQT2/HERG K+ channels

Selected References
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

Selected References
Goddard KAB, Witte JS, Suarez BK, Catalona WJ, Olson JM, Model-free Linkage Analysis with Covariates Confirms Linkage of Prostate Cancer to Chromosomes 1 and 4. Am J Hum Genet. 68:1197-1206, 2001.

Goddard KAB, Hall JM, Hopkins PJ, Witte JS, Linkage Disequilibrium and Allele Frequency Distributions for 114 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Five Populations, Am J Hum Genet, 66:216-234, 2000.

Chak A, Lee T, Brock W, Kinnard M, Faulx A, WillisJ, Cooper GS, Sivak, Jr, MV, Goddard KAB, Familial Aggregation of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

Frank Gonzalez, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-7467
FAX: (216) 778-7101
fgonzalez@metrohealth.org
fxg19@po.cwru.edu
Curriculum Vitae

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Dr. Gonzalez's research consists of the study of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The goal is to understand the role of inflammation in the development of insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia in women with PCOS. A study protocol is in place to determine whether the inflammation pathway within mononuclear cells (MNC) of women with PCOS is overly upregulated culminating in excessive TNF release from MNC in response to in vitro and in vivo glucose stimulation, and whether there is a relationship between excessive TNF release from MNC and insulin secretion in women with PCOS. The study approach will also permit better discrimination between the effects of PCOS and those of obesity on the association between TNF and insulin secretion in this disorder.

SELECTED REFERENCES
GONZALEZ F, Thusu K, Abdel-Rahman E, Prahbala A, Tomani M, Dandona P: Elevated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor a in normal weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Metabolism 48:437-441, 1999.

Subrata Haldar, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist
TEL: (216) 778-1167
FAX: (216) 778-3945
shaldar@metrohealth.org

Research Interest
The long-term goal of Dr. Haldar’s research is apoptosis  (cell suicide) inducing therapy that can be targeted for prevention of cancer.  Cancer cells have growth advantage and it is becoming clear that they also have a death advantage.  In tumors, cells that have adapted the ability to escape apoptosis (high resistance to cancer therapy) contribute to the net accumulation of tumor mass.

Selected References
Basu A, Das M, Qanungo S, Fax X-U, Dubois G, Haldar S. Proteasomal degradation of human peptidyl prolyl isomerase pin 1-pointing phospho Bvl2 towards dephosphorylation. Neoplasia 2002 (In Press).

Qanungo S, Basu A, Das M, Haldar S. 2-methoxyestradiol elicits mitochondria dependent apoptotic signaling in pancreatic cancer cells. Oncogene 2002 (In Press).

Huaiyu Hu, Ph.D.

Research Interest
During brain development, neurons born in proliferative zones migrate long distances to reach their final locations.  This process is essential for normal development of the nervous system.  Dr. Hu studies molecular mechanisms of how migrating neurons are guided to their final destinations and the roles of cell-cell interactions during migration.

Selected References
Hu H. Cell surface heparan sulfate is involved in repulsive guidance activities of Slit2 protein. Nature Neurosci. 2001 4(7):695-701.

Hu H. Polysialic acid regulates chain formation by migrating olfactory interneuron presursors. J. Neurosci Res. 2000 61(5):480-492.

Hu H. Chemorepulsion of neuronal migration by Slit2 in the developing forebrain. Neuron. 1999 23(4):703-711.

Sudha Iyengar, Ph.D.

Research Interest
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 References
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.

Perry Kannan, Ph.D.

Research Interest
Dr. Kannan’s studies reveal that abundance of transcription factor AP-2 induces mammary carcinoma and teratocarcinoma in humans.  Many accessory proteins are necessary for the normal functioning of transcription factor AP-2.  The laboratory identifies and investigates these proteins and their role in tumorigenesis.

Selected References
Wankhade S, Yu Y, Weinberg J, Tainsky MA, Kannan P. 2000. Characterization of the activation domains of AP-2 family transcription factors. J Biol Chem. 275:29701-29708.

Kannan P, Yu Y, Wankhade S, Tainsky MA. 1999. PolyADP-ribose polymerase is a coactivator for AP-2-mediated transcriptional activation. Nucleic Acids Res. 27:866-874.

Kannan P, Tainsky MA. 1999. Coactivator PC4 mediates AP-2 transcriptional activity and suppresses ras-induced transformation dependent on AP-2 transcriptional interference. Mol Cell Biol. 19:899-908.

Irene Katzan, M.D., M.S.c.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Senior Researcher
TEL: (216) 778-7498
FAX: (216) 778-3945
ikatzan@metrohealth.org

Research Interest
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 References
Katzan IL, Furlan AJ, Lloyd LE, Frank JI, Harper DL, Hinchey JA, Sila CA. Use of Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Acute Ischemic Stroke - The Cleveland Area Experience. JAMA, 2000; 283:1151-1158

Katzan IL, Sila CA, Furlan AJ. Community Use of IV tPA for Acute Stroke: Results of the Brain Matters Stroke Management Workshops Survey. Stroke 2001;32:861-5

Katzan IL, Masaryk TJ, Furlan AJ, Sila CA, et al. Intra-arterial Thrombolysis for Perioperative Stroke After Open Heart Surgery. Neurology, 1999; 52:1081-1084

Elizabeth Kaufman M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Cardiac Electrophysiologist
TEL: (216) 778-2249
FAX: (216) 778-3927
ekaufman@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

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

Selected References
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.

Kaufman ES, Bosner MS, Bigger JT Jr, Stein PK, Kleiger RE, Rolnitzky LM, Steinman RC, Fleiss JL. Effects of digoxin and enalapril on heart period variability and response to head-up tilt in normal subjects. Am J Cardiol 1993;72:95-99.

John Kirwan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
TEL: (216) 778-8848
FAX: (216) 778-2770
jkirwan@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Dr. Kirwan’s research expertise is in bench and human clinical investigation regarding nutrient metabolism, insulin action, body composition, and physical activity.  He is currently performing research on the effects of age, exercise, and diet on glucose-lipid metabolism and growth regulation in pregnancy.  Additional areas of focus are: to evaluate maternal metabolic, hormonal, genetic, and environmental determinants of fetal growth and body composition and to examine the mechanism(s) underlying improved insulin sensitivity in human skeletal muscle after an exercise-training program

Selected References
Krishnan RK, Evans WJ, KIRWAN JP. Impaired substrate oxidation in healthy elderly men after eccentric exercise. J. Appl. Physiol. 94:716-723, 2003.

KIRWAN JP, Hauguel-de Mouzon S, LePercq J, Challier J-C, Huston-Presley L, Friedman JE, Kalhan SC, Catalano PM. TNF-a is a predictor of insulin resistance in human pregnancy. Diabetes. 51:2207-2213, 2002.

KIRWAN JP, Krishnan RK, Weaver JA, del Aguila LF, Evans WJ. Human aging is associated with altered TNF-a production during hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 281:E1137-E1143, 2001.

Diana Kunze Ph.D.
Professor of Neurosciences
Senior Staff Scientist Rammelkamp
TEL: (216) 778-8967
FAX: (216) 778-2090
dkunze@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae
Web site
CWRU web site

Research Interest
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 References
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

Yuri Kuryshev Ph.D.
Research Associate
TEL: (216) 778-8976
FAX: (216) 778-8282
yxk16@po.cwru.edu

Research Interest
Iron-overloading and cardiac current abnormalities. Iron-induced myocardial disease is the most frequent cause of death in talassemia major and is a major life-limiting complication of transfusion-dependent refractory anemias hereditary hemochromatosis and other forms of iron overload. Our studies performed on isolated cardiomyocytes have identified iron-induced abnormalities both in overall cardiac action potential (CAP) and in specific membrane currents. In particular, we showed that iron-loaded cardiomyocytes had decreased overshoot and duration of the CAP, the Na+ current was deacreased, but K+ transient outward current was increased. The goals of our current research are to: 1) characterize the molecular basis of iron-induced abnormalities of ion currents in cardiac myocytes in culture and in a new animal model of the cardiomyopathy of iron overload, Mongolian gerbils, and 2) to determine the potential role of this abnormalities in pathophysiology of iron-overloaded heart.

Selected References
Kuryshev Ya, Wible BA, Gudz TI, Ramirez AN, Brown AM. KChAP/Kvbeta1.2 interactions and their effects on cardiac Kv channel expression. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2001 Jul;281(1):C290-9.

Mattera R, Stone GP, Bahhur N, Kuryshev YA. Increased release of arachidonic acid and eicosanoids in iron-overloaded cardiomyocytes. Circulation. 2001 May 15;103(19):2395-401.

Kuryshev YA, Brown AM, Wang L, Benedict CR, Rampe D. Interactions of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 antagonist class of antiemetic drugs with human cardiac ion channels. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2000 Nov;295(2):614-20.

Irving Kushner, M.D.
Professor
TEL: (216) 778-4765
FAX: (216) 778-2770
ikushner@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
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 References
Kushner I C-reactive protein elevation can be caused by conditions other than inflammation and may reflect biologic aging. Cleve Clin J Med. 2001 Jun;68(6):535-7.

Leon JB, Majerle AD, Soinski JA, Kushner I, Ohri-Vachaspati P, Sehgal AR. Can a nutrition intervention improve albumin levels among hemodialysis patients? A pilot study. J Ren Nutr. 2001 Jan;11(1):9-15.

Agrawal A, Cha-Molstad H, Samols D, Kushner I. Transactivation of C-reactive protein by IL-6 requires synergistic interaction of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBP beta) and Rel p50. J Immunol. 2001 Feb 15;166(4):2378-84. PMID: 11160296 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Interest
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 References
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.

Sana Loue, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
TEL: (216) 778-8475
FAX: (216) 778-2770
sxl54@po.cwru.edu

Research Interest
Dr. Loue’s research focuses primarily on behavioral epidemiology among underserved populations including Latino communities, immigrant populations, and HIV-infected individuals.  Much of the research tests new approaches to HIV prevention.  Her research has also focused on domestic violence and on forensic epidemiology (findings in the legal context).

Selected References
Loue S. Elder abuse and neglect in medicine and law. The need to reform. J Leg Med. 2001 Jun;22(2):159-209.

Cooper M, Loue S, Lloyd LS. Perceived susceptibility to HIV infection among Asian and Pacific Islander women in San Diego. J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2001 May;12(2):208-223.

Loue S, Faust M, O'Shea D. Determining needs and setting priorities for HIV-affected and HIV-infected persons: northeast Ohio and San Diego. J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2000 Feb;11(1):77-86.

Thomas Love, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine, CWRU School of Medicine
Assistant Professor of Operations, Weatherhead School of Management
Director, Biostatistics and Evaluation Unit, Center for Health Care Research and Policy
TEL (216) 778-1265
FAX (216) 778-3945
tel3@po.cwru.edu
Curriculum Vitae
http://www.chrp.org/love

Research Interest
Statistics, Observational Studies, Quality Improvement, Psychometrics, Statistics Education

Selected References
Linderman, Kevin and Love, Thomas E. (2000) Economic and economic-statistical designs for multivariate exponentially weighted moving average control charts. Journal of Quality Technology, 32, 410-417

Love, Thomas E. (1997) Distractor selection ratios. Psychometrika, 62, 51-62.

Love, Thomas E. (2000) A different approach to project assessment. Journal of Statistics Education, 8(1). Online at: www.amstat.org/publications/jse/v8n1_abstracts.html

Arthur McCullough, M.D.
Professor
TEL: (216) 778-5736
FAX: (216) 778-4873
amccullough@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Dr. McCullough has two primary areas of research interests.  The first is to study the normal response of protein and energy metabolism during feeding and how the presence of cirrhosis will affect that response.  The second is to further delineate the causes of abnormal energy and protein metabolism in cirrhosis, while evaluating new nutritional and pharmacologic strategies in vivo to correct these abnormalities.

Selected References
McCullough AJ. Update on nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2002 Mar;34(3):255-62.

Falck-Ytter Y, Kale H, Mullen KD, Sarbah SA, Sorescu L, McCullough AJ. Suprisingly small effect on antiviral treatment in patients with hepatitis C. Ann Intern Med. 2002 Feb 19;136(4):288-292.

Marchesini G, Brizi M, Bianchi G, Tomassetti S, Bugianesi E, Lenzi M, McCullough AJ, Natale S, Forlani G, Melchionda N. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a feature of the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes 2001 Aug;50(8):1844-1850.

Elizabeth D. McKinley, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Biomedical Ethics
Member, Center for Health Care Research and Policy,
staff physician, Department of Medicine
TEL: 216-778-1263
FAX: 216-778-5935
exm20@po.cwru.edu

Research interest
Improving the process and outcomes of breast cancer care, uncertainty in breast cancer, breast cancer survivorship

Selected References
McKinley ED, Thompson JW, Briefer-French J. Performance Indicators in Women’s Health: Incorporating Women’s Health in the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS). Women’s Health Issues, 11/01.ley ED, Thompson JT, Briefer-Frien

Tierney WM, McKinley ED. When the Researcher Gets Cancer: Understanding Cancer, Its Treatment, and Quality of Life from the Patient’s Perspective. Medical Care, In Press

McKinley ED, Headrick LA, Stange KC. Using Process Diagrams with Patients to Improve Breast Cancer Care. Under review, The Joint Commission Journal on Quality Improvement, 10/01.

Sudhir Ken Mehta, M.D., M.B.A.

Research Interest
Infants born to cocaine abusing mothers have 3-8 fold increase in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  Dr. Mehta’s team has studied 73 apparently healthy newborns who were exposed to cocaine in fetal life.  His staff has found that these infants (in the first 48 hours of life) have filling abnormalities when the left pumping chamber is getting filled with blood.  The infants also have heart rate abnormalities, a marker for early death after heart attack in adults.

Selected References
Mehta SK, Super DM, Salvator A, Singer L, Connuck D, Fradley LG, Harcar-Sevik RA, Kaufman ES. Heart rate variability in cocaine-exposed newborn infants. American Heart Journal 2001;142:828-832.

Mehta SK, Super DM, Connuck D, Salvator A, Singer L, Fradley LG, Harcar-Sevik RA, Kirchner HL, Kaufman ES. Heart rate variability in newborn infants. American Journal of Cardiology 2002;89:50-53.

Mehta SK, Super DM, Salvator A, Singer L, Connuck D, Fradley LG, Harcar-Sevik RA, Thomas JD, Sun JP. Diastolic abnormalities by Color Kinesis in newborns exposed to intrauterine cocaine. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002; (to be published).

Brian M. Mercer, M.D.
Professor of Reproductive Biology
Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Director of The General Clinical Research Center
TEL: (216) 778-7341
FAX: (216) 778-8847
bmercer@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Dr. Mercer conducts research related to clinical complications of pregnancy, with a focus on prematurity. He has extensive experience in the conduct and analysis of clinical studies and randomized trials related to prediction and prevention of preterm birth as well as prevention of infant morbidity and mortality related to prematurity. These studies involve women with prior obstetric complications and also those at risk for preterm birth in the current pregnancy.

SELECTED REFERENCES
MERCER BM. Premature Rupture of the membranes. An expert's view. Obstet Gynecol, 101:178-193, 2003.

Ehrenberg HM, Dierker L, Milluzzi C, MERCER BM. Prevalance of maternal obesity in an urban center. AM J Obstet Gynecol, 187:1189-93, 2002.

Ramsey PS, Tamura T, Goldenberg RL, MERCER BM, Iams JD, Meis PJ, Moawad AH, Das A, Dorsten JP, Caritis SN, Thurnau G, Dombrowski MP, Miodovnik M. The preterm prediction study: Elevated cervical ferritin levels at 22 to 24 weeks of gestation are associated with spontaneous preterm delivery in asymptomatic women. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 186(3):458-63, 2002.

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: 778-8529
FAX: 778-3945
pkmurray@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Outcomes of rehabilitation services in stroke and spinal cord injury. Preferences for health status in persons with spinal cord injury. Shared decision making in chronic disability settings.

Selected References
Jain N, Layton BS, Murray PK. Are aphasic patients who fail the GOAT in PTA? A modified Galveston orientation and amnesia test for persons with aphasia. Clinical Neuropsychologist 14:13-17 (2000)

Murray PK, Singer ME, Fortinsky R, Russo L, Cebul RD: Rapid Growth of Rehabilitation Services in Traditional Nursing Homes, Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 90:372-378, (1999).

Jane Olson, Ph.D.

Research Interest
Dr. Olson’s research involves searching for genes that underlie complex human diseases, including lupus, fibromyalgia, intracranial aneurysms, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and renal disease.  She also developed new mathematical-statistical methods for analyzing genetic data

Selected References
Howard JP, Hutton JL, Olson JM, Payne GS. Sla 1p serves as the targeting signal recognition factor for NPFX (1,2) D-mediated endocytosis. J Cell Biol. 2002 Apr 8

Guo X, Olson JM, Elston RC, Niu T. The linkage information content value of polymorphism genetic markers in model-free linkage analysis. Hum Hered. 2002;53(1):45-48.

Rasley A, Bost KL, Olson JM, Miller SD, Marriott I. Expression of functional NK-1 receptors in murine microglia. Glia. 2002 Mar;37(3):258-267.

P. Hunter Peckham, Ph.D.
Professor
TEL: (216) 778-3480
FAX: (216) 778-4259
pxp2@po.cwru.edu
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
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 References
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.

Kara Quan M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Director, Electrophysiologic Laboratory
TEL: (216)778-2249
FAX: (216)778-3927
kquan@metrohealth.org

Research Interest
mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias: areas of special interest include autonomic control, autonomic mechanisms of arrhythmias, influence of electrical alternans on arrhythmogenesis, and the prediction and prevention of sudden cardiac death

Selected References
Quan KJ, VanHare GF, Biblo LA, Mackall JA, Carlson MD. Human endocardial parasympathetic nerve stimulation: optimal atrial sites and the effect of digoxin. J Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 5, 145-152, 2001.

Biblo LA, Yuan Z, Quan KJ, Mackall JA, Rimm AA. The risk of stroke in patients with atrial flutter. Am J Cardiology 87, 346-349, 2001.

Quan KJ, Lee JH, Geha AS, Biblo LA, VanHare GF, Mackall JA, Carlson MD. Characterizaion of sinoatrial parasympathetic innervation in humans. J Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 10, 1060-1065, 1999.

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

RESEARCH INTERESTS
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 REFERENCES
Wang N, Emancipator SN, ROSE P, Rodriguez M, Abdul-Karim FW. Histologic follow-up of atypical endocervical cells: ThinPrep Pap test vs. conventional Pap smear. ACTA Cytol, 46:453-457, 2002.

Green AE, McCrae K, ROSE PG. Arterial thrombosis in gynecologic oncology patient: Evaluation and management. Gynecol Oncol, 87:228-230, 2002.

Seiden MV, Swenerton KD, Matulonis U, Campos S, ROSE P, Batist G, Ette E, Garg V, Fuller A, Harding MW, Charpentier D. A Phase II study of the MDR inhibitor biricodar (INCEL, VX-710) and paclitaxel in women with advanced ovarian cancer refractory to paclitaxel therapy. Gynecol Oncol, 86:302-310, 2002.

Research Interest
Mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias. Areas of special interest include; application of novel imaging technologies (e.g. voltage-sensitive dyes) to investigations of electrical heterogeneities in the heart, cardiac repolarization, electrophysiological characterization of genetically engineered mice, electrophysiology of failing and remodeled myocardium, computer modeling of electrical properties in the heart, mechanisms of electrical alternans and arrhythmogenesis, and prediction and prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Selected References
Akar FG, Roth BJ, Rosenbaum DS: Optical Measurement of Cell-to-Cell Coupling in the Intact Heart Using Subthreshold Electrical Stimulation. American Journal of Physiology 2001;281:H533-H542

Pastore JM, Rosenbaum DS: Role of structural barriers in the mechanism of alternans-induced reentry. Circulation Research 2000;87:1157-1163

Rosenbaum DS, Jackson LE, Smith JM, Garan H, Ruskin JN, Cohen RJ: Electrical alternans and vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias. N Engl J Med 1994;330:235-241

Neal Rote Ph.D.
Professor of Reproductive Biology and Pathology
Director, Research Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
TEL:(216) 778-4466
FAX: (216) 778-8847
nrote@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Reproductive immunology and human trophoblast differentiation. Areas of special interest include pathophysiology of the Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, pathophysiology of recurrent miscarriage, antiphospholipid antibodies as probes of trophoblast differentiation, regulation of plasma membrane phospholipid distribution during differentiation and apoptosis, mechanisms of intercellular fusion, regulation of annexin V distribution, mechanism of trophoblast invasion, expression and physiologic role of endogenous retrovirus expression in trophoblast.

Selected References
Vogt E, Ng AK, Rote NS. Antiphosphatidylserine antibody removes annexin V and facilitates the binding of prothrombin at the surface of a choriocarcinoma model of trophoblast differentiation. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 177:964-972, 1997

Lin L, Xu B, Rote NS. The cellular mechanism by which the human endogenous retrovirus ERV-3 env gene affects proliferation and differentiation in a human placental trophoblast model, BeWo. Placenta, 21:73-78, 2000.

Xu B, Lin L, Shivaswamy V, Rote NS. Distinct mechanisms of phosphatidylserine externalization in human trophoblast differentiation and apoptosis. Placenta, In Press

Jeffrey Schelling, M.D.
Associate Professor
TEL: (216) 778-3079
FAX: (216) 778-8720
jrs15@po.cwru.edu
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Dr. Schelling’s laboratory is primarily interested in identification of mechanisms that regulate chronic renal disease progression.  Recent work has focused on the pathophysiology on tubular atrophy, a pathologic finding that strongly predicts renal failure progression.  They also utilize standard and novel genetic approaches to identify renal disease susceptibility genes in murine models and human populations.

Selected References
Iyengar SK, Schelling JR, Sedor JR. Approaches to understanding susceptibility to nephropathy: From genetics to genomics. Kidney Int. 2002;61(S1):61-67.

Schelling JR. Fatal hypermagnesemia. Clin Nephrol. 2000;53:61-65.

El-Meanawy MA, Schelling JR, Iyengar SK, Sedor JR. Use of serial analysis of gene expression to generate kidney expression libraries. Am J Physiol. 2000;279:F383-F392.

William P. Schilling Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Physiology and Biophysics, CWRU,
and Adjunct Staff, Cell Biology, Cleveland Clinic
Bioscientific Staff
TEL: (216) 778-8965
FAX: (216) 778-8997
wschilling@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

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

Selected References
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.

John Sedor, M.D.
Professor
TEL:(216) 778-8614
FAX: (216) 778-4978
jrs4@po.cwru.edu
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Dr. Sedor’s lab studies mechanisms of tissue injury using progressive kidney disease as a model.  Two projects are ongoing:  1) in vitro and in vivo models are used to define signaling pathways that control mesangial cell assembly and activation, and  2)  human and experimental data indicate that genetic predisposition regulates susceptibility to CRF/ESRD and the lab has initiated studies in both humans and experimental animals to map nephropathy susceptibility and progression genes.

Selected References
Singh, R., B. Wang, A. Shirvaikar, S. Khan, S. Kamat, J.R. Schelling, M. Konieczkowski and J.R. Sedor. Rho family GTPases directly associate with the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) cytosolic domain. Coordinate organization to drive cellular activation. J. Clin. Invest., 103: 1561-1570, 1999.

El-Meanawy, A., J.R. Schelling, S. Iyengar and J.R. Sedor. Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) is a valid tool to search for nephropathy susceptibility genes. Am. J. Physiol. (Renal, Fluid and Electrolyte) 279: F383-F392, 2000.

Covic, A.M.C., S. K. Iyengar, J. Olson, A. R. Sehgal, C. Jedrey, M. Kara, E. Sabbagh, J. R. Sedor, and J.R. Schelling. A family-based strategy to identify genes for diabetic nephropathy. Amer. J. Kidney Dis. 37: 638-647, 2001.

Ashwini Sehgal, M.D.
Associate Professor
Renal Research Center
Center for Health Care Research & Policy
TEL: (216) 778-7728
axs81@po.cwru.edu

Research Interest
Dr. Sehgal’s research has focused on identifying and overcoming barriers to quality of care among hemodialysis patients.  By forming a collaborative study group involving all 40 dialysis facilities in northeast Ohio, Dr. Sehgal has systematically determined the most important barriers to adequate delivery of dialysis and protein nutrition among dialysis patients.  Additional work has focused on identifying barriers to cadaveric renal transplantation among blacks, women, and the poor.

Selected References
Sehgal AR. Improving hemodialysis patient outcomes: a steo-by-step approach. Semin Dial. 2002 Jan-Feb;15(1):35-37.

Covinsky KE, Eng C, Lui LY, Sands LP, Sehgal AR, Walter LC, Wieland D, Eleazer GP, Yaffe K. Reduced employment in caregivers of frail elders: impact of ethnicity, patient clinical characteristics, and caregiver characteristics. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001 Nov;56(11):M707-713.

Leon JB, Sehgal AR. Identifying patients at risk for hemodialysis underprescription. Am J Nephrol. 2001 May-Jun;21(3)200-207.

Mendel Singer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University at MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: CWRU office 216-368-1951
TEL: Metro office 216-778-3903
FAX: CWRU office 216-368-3036
FAX: Metro office 216-778-3945
mes12@po.cwru.edu
http://epbiwww.cwru.edu/pages/people/primary/singer.html

Research Interest
Cost effectiveness in health care, antibiotic resistance in respiratory tract infections, Hepatitis C, impact of poor compliance with medication, risk attitude in health, quality of life, decision making of BRCA carriers.

Selected References
Singer ME, Younossi ZM. Cost-Effectiveness of screening for Hepatitis C Virus in Asymptomatic, Average Risk Adults: Has the Time Come? Am J Med. In Press

Singer Me, Applegate KE. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Radiology. Radiology. 2001;219:611-620.

Younossi SM, Singer ME, McHutchison JG, Shermock K. Cost-Effectiveness of interferon-a2b Combined with Ribavirin for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C. Hepatology. 1999;30:1318-1324

Joseph J. Sudano, Jr., Ph.D.

Research Interest
Healthcare Access, Utilization, and Outcomes for Vulnerable Populations (Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups, Uninsured, Low SES); Health Status Measurement Methodology

Selected References
Sudano, JJ, Baker, DW. 2001. "Antihypertensive Medication Use in Hispanic Adults: A Comparison with Blacks Adults and White Adults." Medical Care 39:(575-587).

Baker DW, Sudano JJ, Albert JA, Borawski EA, Dor A,. 2001. “Lack of Insurance and the Risk of a Decline in Self-Reported Health and Physical Functioning." New England Journal of Medicine 345(15):1106-1112.

Baker DW , Gazmararian JA, Sudano JJ, Patterson M. 2000. "The Association Between Age and Health Literacy Among Elderly Persons." Journal of Gerontology, Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. Nov;55(6):S368-74

Ronald Triolo, M.D.
Assistant Professor
TEL: (216) 778-7877
rxt24@po.cwru.edu
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
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 References
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.

Research Interest
Mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias. Areas of special interest include application of patch-clamp technologies and molecular biological methods to investigations of the mechanisms for arrhythmogenesis that involves action potential alternans, Brugada Syndrome, and LQT3.

Selected References
X. Wan, S. Chen, A. Sadeghpour, Q. Wang, G.E. Kirsch, Accelerated inactivation in a mutant Na+ channel associated with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, Am J Physiol 2001;280:H354-H360

X. Wan, Q. Wang, G.E. Kirsch, Functional suppression of sodium channels by b1–subunits as a molecular mechanism of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, J Mol Cell Cardiol 2000;32:1873-1884

X. Wan, S.M. Bryant and G. Hart, The effects of [K+]o on regional differences in electrical characteristics of ventricular myocytes in guinea-pig, Experimental Physiology 2000;85:769-774

Bingcheng Wang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
TEL: (216) 778-4256
FAX: (216) 778-4321
bxw14@po.cwru.edu

Research Interest
Dr. Wang is interested in signaling events governing cell migration and proliferation.  Precise control of the processes is fundamental in development, whereas deregulation is linked to inflammation and tumor metastasis.   The lab has identified signaling pathway linking Eph kinase activation to inhibition of cell migration and proliferation.  Another focus in the lab is development of new therapeutics based on peptides selected from phage display libraries.

Selected Reference
Wang B, Yang H, Liu YC, Jelinek T, Zhang L, Ruoslahti E, Fu H. Isolation of high-affinity peptide antagonists of 14-3-3-proteins by phage display. Biochem. 1999 Sep. 21;38(38):12499-504.

Miao H, Burnett E, Kinch M, Simon E, Wang B. Activation of EphA2 kinase suppresses integrin function and causes focal-adhesion-kinase dephosphorylation. Nat Cell Biol. 2000 Feb;2(2):62-69.

Miao H, Wei BR, Peehl DM, Li Q, Alexandrou T, Schelling JR, Rhim JR, Sedor JR, Burnett E, Wang B. Activation of EphA receptor tyrosine kinase inhibits the Ras/MAPK pathway. Nat Cell Biol. 2001 May;3(5):527-530.

Barbara Wible Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry
Junior Staff Scientist
TEL: 216-778-8984
FAX: 216-778-8282
bwible@metrohealth.org
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interest
Novel mechanisms of ion channel modulation; cloning and characterization of ion channel modulatory proteins using variety of molecular biological and biochemical methods; involvement of potassium channels and associated proteins in apoptosis

Selected References
Wible BA, Yang Q, Kuryshev YA, Accili EA, Brown AM. Cloning and expression of a novel K+ channel regulatory protein, KChAP. J. Biol. Chem. 273:11745-11751, 1998.

Kuryshev YA, Gudz TI, Brown AM, Wible BA. KChAP as a chaperone for specific potassium channels. Am. J. Physiol. 278:C931-C941, 2000.

Kuryshev YA, Wible BA, Gudz, TI, Ramirez, AN, and Brown, AM. KChAPKvb1.2 interactions and their effects on cardiac Kv channel expression. Am. J. Physiol. 281:C290-C299, 2001.