Antony Reports Effect of Low Dose of Cadmium Exposure on Airway Epithelial Cells
Veena Antony, M.D., (Professor, PACCM) led a study published in Scientific Reports, detailing the effect of low dose cadmium — a highly toxic metal and environmental pollutant found in cigarette smoke — on lung epithelial cells. Investigators focused on the interaction of microRNA-381 and AN01 in lung epithelial cells by comparing lung tissue samples from participants who never smoked and individuals with COPD who previously smoked a minimum of 15 pack years. Participants with a smoke history presented increased AN01 expression in their airway epithelial cells, which could exacerbate COPD.
Singh, Chatham Launch Free MyLupus App
Co-principal investigators in the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Jasvinder Singh, M.D., MPH, and Emeritus Professor Winn Chatham, M.D., have launched the MyLupus app — a free mobile application designed to inform patients with lupus about their disease and improve their ability to partner with medical professionals when making critical health care decisions. This innovation is the result of a multicenter initiative funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute which aims to implement computerized decision-aid processes. UAB partnered with twenty-two institutions to increase feedback for the app and diversify its professional knowledge base.
COERE Kicks Off New Year with its Annual Methods Symposium
Last week, the Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education hosted its 2024 Methods Symposium, "Scientific Methods to Support Implementation Science" at the Edge of Chaos in the UAB Lister Hill Center. The symposium featured four dynamic presenters from UAB and across the country. Participants were invited to partake in discussions surrounding common challenges in implementation science, novel methods and ways to leverage social networks.
Brito, Turnipseed Serve as UAB Medicine Department Value Officers
General Internal Medicine faculty Amanda Brito, M.D., (Assistant Professor) and Elizabeth Turnipseed, M.D., (Associate Professor) have been appointed Department Value Officers for UAB Medicine. In this role, they will leverage partnerships with nursing and administrative peers to advance quality outcomes and efficiency in operations, reporting jointly to the Chief Medical Officer and DOM Chair. Congratulations, Drs. Brito and Turnipseed on your appointments!
Frank Retires as Executive Vice Chair of the DOM
Stu Frank, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Cell Biology, and Physiology.Stu Frank, M.D., has retired from his role as Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Medicine, effective October 31. He joined UAB's faculty over 30 years ago and rose to Professor of Medicine, Cell Biology, and Physiology. Frank has served as the Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Chief of the Endocrinology Service at the Birmingham VAMC, Interim Director of the Comprehensive Diabetes Center, Director of the Basic Science Section in the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, and Vice Chair for Research. He will maintain his role in the Division of Endocrinology as a mentor and emeritus Professor. Additionally, he will care for patients in his clinic at Birmingham VAMC as he has for over 30 years. Please join us in thanking Dr. Frank for all he has done and wishing him the very best.