Staff Photo Directory Being Updated
LAST CALL! Any person whose photo is not in the most recent staff photo directory (the newest draft was posted today) please contact Tracy Aly (tracy-aly@uiowa.edu) as soon as possible to arrange a time to be photographed. Errors in and corrections to the document should be noted to Trish Duffel (trish-duffel@uiowa.edu or 356-2191).
Team to Study Pathogenesis of Photophobia in Traumatic Brain Injury
Dr. Randy Kardon and collaborators from other UI departments have been granted over $40,000 by the Carver College of Medicine to study photophobia in traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Principle Investigators are Andrew F. Russo, PhD, Professor, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Randy H. Kardon, MD, PhD, Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Ana Recober, MD, Asst Professor, Neurology.
The team plans to explore the role of the neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the pathogenesis of photophobia in TBI. calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is the major neuropeptide of the trigeminal nerve and has been implicated in animal models of photophobia.
There is currently a lack of reliable diagnostic and treatment strategies for photophobia or TBI. The findings of this study should provide the rationale for future clinical tests using CGRP receptor antagonists to treat TBI symptoms in returning veterans.
The collaborators expect this grant to provide the foundation for future NIH, VA, and Department of Defense grant applications focused on translational studies linking CGRP to pathological sensitivity to light. In addition, the results will provide the rationale for future clinical tests using CGRP receptor antagonists to treat TBI symptoms in veterans. also see: webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/dept/News/2010/0205-Kardon.htm.
NIH Access will Aid Glaucoma Genetics Research at UI
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| Dr. John Fingert | Dr. Todd Scheetz |
A University of Iowa research team led by Dr. John Fingert was recently awarded access to the genotyping resources at the Center for Inherited Disease Research, which is supported by 14 institutes of the National Institutes of Health.
The access -- valued at more than $750,000 -- gives a boost to UI research to find genetic factors associated with glaucoma. The access will dramatically accelerate the speed with which the team can achieve its goal of finding new glaucoma genes.
Other participating UI investigators are Todd Scheetz, Ph.D., in Ophthalmology and Visual sciences; Jian Huang, Ph.D., in Statistics and Actuarial Science; and Kai Wang, Ph.D., in Biostatistics. In addition, the project involves the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study and investigators at Washington University.
Armaly Lecture Delivered, Feb. 5
Dr. George Spaeth delivered the 2010 Armaly lecture during the Clinical Conference on February 5th (click on either image for higher resolution image).
The lecture was captured on video and is now in the new Department video gallery. Request an account at this link, once Jessica has enabled your account for viewing the lecture, you may see it at the same link. View the lecture on video at http://eyevideo.ophth.uiowa.edu.
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| (left to right) Dr. Lee Alward, Dr. Emily Greenee, Dr. George Spaeth, Dr. Young Kwon, Dr. Chris Johnson | Drs. Greenlee and Spaeth |
Proud Parent
Meredith Music, daughter of Don and Julie Music (Front Desk) performed her piano audition on February 7th for IMTA (Iowa Music Teachers Association). She won the audition and will now go on to the state level in Waverly, Iowa on March 13th. Meredith memorized four songs this time (normally you do 3) over a 4-month period. The audition required that she learn, not only the songs, but also all the different techniques that go along with it and theory testing. Julie said: "We are so proud of her and wanted to share with you."
Proud Grandparent
Beal-Holden.jpg)
Doug and Laura Warner (Retina, Echography) welcomed their first grandson, Holden Truth Beal, on Friday Feb. 4th in Frisco, Colorado. Laura says; "Nicole and Jeremiah are thrilled! Big sisters Faith and Georgia are also in awe." Holden weighed 6lbs 14oz and was 19.5" long.
Resident Review Coming March 9th
The 5-year RRC review is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9th. Dr. Oetting asks that everyone participate.
Tentative schedule (note time changes):
- 8-9 am faculty meet with RRC
- noon-1:30 pm residents meet with RRC
Bracelet Sale Aids Girl with Osteosarcoma
Doreen Dykhuizen in Retina is selling beaded bracelets for $1 each to help defray the financial needs of, Amanda McDaniel, an 18-year old girl who has been battling osteosarcoma since 2006. Amanda is Doreen's niece. The bracelet sale was an idea of one of Amanda's student peers in Missouri and has so far raised $300. Doreen has a basket of these bracelets in the Retina office. Amanda's prognosis is poor at this time. She and her family need all the thoughts and prayers she can gather.
Doreen says: “The bracelets are $1 each. If you feel inclined to pay more, that is all the more help for this family; it has been a long hard road full of financial and other bumps. If you would like to write a check, please make it out directly to 'Amanda McDaniel'. ALL proceeds go straight to Amanda and her family.”
See Amanda's blog at http://cheersforamanda.blogspot.com | See Doreen's brochure (pdf)
Lions Golf Tournament Date Announced
Iowa City Noon Lions Club's 8th Annual Swing for Sight Golf Tournament to be held Thursday, July 15, 2010 at the Finkbine Golf Course. The official program including details regarding sponsorships, prizes, etc. will be made available as the date gets closer.