In the News

May 2005

Bush Administration Changing Anti-Terrorism Strategy
WTOP Radio ― May 30

Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor in the School of Law, participated in a live interview about the Bush administration's re-examination of their anti-terrorism strategy in light of changes in strategies by al-Qaida and other organized terrorism groups.
www.wtopnews.com

Experts Disagree on Effects of Vitamin E in Fighting Parkinson's Disease
Rednova.com - May 28

Leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and other foods rich in vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson's disease, according to a review of eight studies. The researchers stressed that the finding needs to be verified in clinical trials before vitamin E could be recommended as a means of warding off the condition. William J. Weiner, MD, professor of neurology at the School of Medicine, comments on the study.
www.rednova.com

Garden-variety Vaccines may be Edible Alternative
Naples Daily News - May 31

Someday, getting inoculated against diseases may be as easy as munching on tomatoes and lettuce or swallowing capsules stuffed with genetically-altered vegetables. "This is exciting research because the vaccine survived in the digestive tract, and the body was able to pluck out the protein that stimulated an immune response," says Carol Tacket, MD, a professor in the School of Medicine, who has studied plant-derived vaccines.
www.naplesnews.com

Leaders: Biotech Needs a Strategy
The Business Gazette - May 26

Before the state's biotechnology industry can reach "the next level," its leaders must acknowledge that they have a problem, says David Mott, president and CEO of Gaithersburg's MedImmune Inc. He says that Maryland has been stuck at being the third- or fourth-ranked state in biotech for many years and there is no strategy in place to move up. He spoke at a conference sponsored by, among others, the Tech Council of Maryland, Maryland Chamber of Commerce, state Department of Business and Economic Development, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland.
www.gazette.net

Modesty is a Hurdle for Health
Akron Beacon Journal - May 31

Caryn Andrews had been in search of a dissertation topic when a member of her synagogue happened to pose a question: "Do you think religious Jews would be less likely to go for a mammogram?" Andrews, a doctoral candidate at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, pondered the question with her rabbi, Susan Grossman, at Beth Shalom in Columbia, Md. "She suggested that I couldn't look at religion; I had to look at modesty," Andrews says.
www.ohio.com

Sports Drinks May Weaken Teeth
Chicago Tribune - May 29

Certain sports drinks can, over a long period of time, weaken tooth enamel, according to a new study. J. Anthony von Fraunhofer, PhD, a professor at the School of Dentistry, was the researcher on the study, which investigated how organic acids and additives can lead to the erosion of enamel.
www.chicagotribune.com

U.S. Case in Teen's Death is Unlikely
Baltimore Sun - May 30

Those demanding justice for Noah Jamahl Jones, the black Pasadena teenager who died in a brawl last summer, said they are pinning their hopes on a federal civil rights probe now that local prosecutions have ended. But experts, including University of Maryland law professor Abraham Dash, JD, say that hope may be in vain.
www.baltimoresun.com

UMMC Plans $400 Million Expansion
Baltimore Business Journal ý May 27
MSNBC.com ý May 29
Baltimore Sun ý May 28

The University of Maryland Medical System has filed a request with state regulators for an outpatient center downtown. Geoffrey Greif, DSW, associate dean and professor, School of Social Work, and Paul Drehoff, assistant vice president, Office of External Affairs, are quoted.
www.baltimore.bizjournals.com
msnbc.msn.com
www.baltimoresun.com

Able Laboratories Recall Drugs
WBAL-TV Ch 11 - 5 p.m. May 25

In an unprecedented move, New Jersey-based Able Laboratories, Inc., recalled its entire product line of generic drugs after an internal investigation revealed improper lab practices and noncompliance with standard operation procedures. Sheila Weiss Smith, PhD, an associate professor in the School of Pharmacy and the School of Medicine, said, "I think people should be very happy that this was caught, that the (Food and Drug Administration) is working. It is critical. This is how we make sure that the drugs are safe, that they're not contaminated."
www.thewbalchannel.com

Breast Cancer Survival Linked to Exercise
Baltimore Sun - May 25

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that women who exercise even a minimal amount after being treated for breast cancer are more likely to survive the disease than those who don't. Walking for as little as one hour a week can help. Katherine H. Tkaczuk, MD, associate professor of oncology at the School of Medicine, comments on the study.
www.baltimoresun.com

Gluten-Free Diet Leads to New Business Opportunity
Albany Times-Union - May 25

At first, Julie Swintkowski was relieved when she finally received a diagnosis of celiac disease. Soon, her allergic reaction to gluten posed a problem. There were few traditional foods she could eat without suffering severe intestinal problems. According to the Center for Celiac Research at the School of Medicine, an estimated 10 to 15 percent of Americans are sensitive to gluten, and about 1 in 133 has extreme cases like Swintkowski.

Memorial Day Holiday Ignites Age-Old Debate: Charcoal or Gas?
Baltimore Sun - May 25

As Americans get ready to fire up the grill for Memorial Day, the battle lines are drawn between using live-fire or gas on the barbecue. What produces better flavor―food cooked over hot coals or wood, or food cooked over gas heat? Regardless of your preference, concerns have been raised about the health risk of grilled food. J. Glenn Morris Jr., MD, MPH, TM, professor and chairman of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the School of Medicine, says the benefits of eating grilled, low-fat fare outweigh the potential risks.
www.baltimoresun.com

Billick's Commencement Address
WBAL Radio. 7:45 a.m. - May 24

Approximately 60 seconds of Brian Billick's commencement address, featuring a Billick anecdote about empathy training for University of Maryland nurses and doctors, was aired. He mentioned University President David J. Ramsay, DM, DPhil.

Crowd Multiplies Difficulties of a Trial
Baltimore Sun - May 25

Legal experts say that the case of Noah Jamahl Jones is an almost textbook example of how challenging prosecutions can be when they involve crowds and chaos. Abraham Dash, JD, a former prosecutor and a professor at the School of Law, discusses the difficulty of charging one or two people involved in a melee with murder.
www.baltimoresun.com

Start-Up Company Profiled
Washington Post - May 23

Alessio Fasano, MD, a professor at the School of Medicine and director of Pediatric Gastroenterology, discovered the role of zonulin in celiac disease and Type 1 diabetes. Alba Therapeutics, a company developing celiac treatment based on Fassano's work, hopes to have space in the UMB BioPark.
www.washingtonpost.com

Study Suggests Laughter is Good for the Heart
Voice of America Radio - May 25

Research has already shown that mental stress can restrict blood flow to the heart. Now, a study led by Michael Miller, MD, a professor at the School of Medicine has linked laughter to increased blood flow. Laughter appears to cause the tissue inside blood vessels to expand. As a result, laughing may be important to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Acupuncture Helps Children
Calgary Sun (Alberta, Canada) - May 24

Kids and acupuncture? It's true. Few patients realize the ancient Chinese treatment can help kids with a wide variety of problems ranging from asthma to pain. Lixing Lao, MD, PhD, and associate professor at the University of Maryland's Center for Integrative Medicine, says the response to acupuncture is dramatic among children. One Canadian professor says young children actually have more success with acupuncture than adults.

Gluten-Free Diet Helps Minnesota Woman
Knight Ridder Newspapers - May 24

At first, Julie Swintkowski was relieved when she was diagnosed with celiac disease. Then, the Minnesota woman realized there were very few foods she could eat without becoming ill. According to the Center of Celiac Research at the School of Medicine, University of Maryland, an estimated 10 to 15 percent of Americans are sensitive to gluten, and about 1 in 133 has extreme cases like Swintkowski. Swintkowski and her husband eventually formed their own company to sell gluten-free foods for people like Julie, who is now well-informed about celiac disease.
www.freep.com

Billick Delivers UMB Commencement Address
WBAL Radio - 6 - 9 p.m. May 20
WBAL-TV Ch 11 - 11 p.m. May 20
WJZ-TV.com - May 20

Graduating students from the University of Maryland, Baltimore heard Baltimore Ravens' head football coach Brian Billick deliver his first college commencement address at 1st Mariner Arena May 20. Billick told several anecdotes and called on the students to stay focused on what he called "the big picture" and to remember the people and the school that had given them their education. Billick's address can be viewed using Real Player by clicking http://media.umaryland.edu:8080/ramgen/oea/commencement2005.rm .
wjz.com

Congress Investigates Drugs Tested on HIV-Positive Foster Children
Washington Post - May 19
Washingtonpost.com - May 19

A congressional subcommittee heard testimony about the testing of the first wave of AIDS drugs, about 15 years ago, on HIV-infected children, including some foster children in Maryland. Researchers were at sites across the country, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. "Those trials involved both hope and risk," said U.S. Rep. Wally Herger (R-Calif.), who chaired the House Ways and Means subcommittee hearing. "Concerns have been raised about the right balance between hope and risk, and who gets to make that critical decision."
www.washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com

High School Dropout Graduates From Medical School
Baltimore Sun -- May 23

It was easy to spot John Carty, 45, among the 142 graduates at the School of Medicine's commencement on Friday: With his weathered, stoic look and a beard that covers much of his face, Carty was the one who could easily be mistaken for a member of faculty. Faculty members, including Robert D. Pugatch, MD, and Jack Gladstein, MD, praised Carty.
www.baltimoresun.com

Lack of Vaccine Raises Fear of Bird Flu Pandemic
Knight Ridder Newspapers - May 23
NorthJerseyNews.com - May 23
HOI-TV.com - May 23
CBS2.com - May 20

James D. Campbell, MD, specialist in infectious and tropical diseases and faculty member at the School of Medicine, comments on speculation that the lack of a vaccine for avian flu could cause a global health crisis. So far, humans have caught the flu from birds only. If human-to-human transmission occurs, Campbell says it "could be the next pandemic."
www.northjersey.com
www.hoinews.com
cbs2chicago.com

Older Americans Returning to College in Droves
Daily Record -- May 20

John Carty, a former farmer who graduated from the School of Medicine, and Thomas Doer, a 55-year-old economist who is attending the School of Social Work, are cited as examples of older students returning to higher education. (Several pictures of Carty). With employers demanding more advanced skills and colleges customizing programs for older and working adults, more people in the middle of their working lives are finding themselves in the classroom.
www.mddailyrecord.com

Ten New JD's Tell Their Stories
Daily Record - May 20

Sandwiched between final exams and the onset of the bar review, the state's newest crop of law graduates from the School of Law will have a brief respite in which the only strains around will be those of "Pomp and Circumstance." "It's an exceptional class," Dean Karen H. Rothenberg, JD, MPA, said of the UM students. The school was even more selective than usual when choosing this class of approximately 200 because of prior over-enrollment.
www.mddailyrecord.com

Billick to Deliver UMB Commencement Address
Baltimoresun.com - May 20
Associated Press - May 20
WBAL-AM Radio - May 20

About 1,500 students, primarily professionals finishing post-graduate studies, will hear from Baltimore Ravens' head football coach Brian Billick today when he delivers his first college commencement address to the University of Maryland, Baltimore graduates at 1rst Mariner Arena at 3 p.m.
www.baltimoresun.com

Congress Investigates Drugs Tested on HIV-Positive Foster Children
Washington Post - May 19

A congressional subcommittee heard testimony about the testing of the first wave of AIDS drugs, about 15 years ago, on HIV-infected childrenm, including some foster children in Maryland. Researchers were at sites across the country, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. "Those trials involved both hope and risk," said U.S. Rep. Wally Herger (R-Calif.), who chaired the House Ways and Means subcommittee hearing. "Concerns have been raised about the right balance between hope and risk and who gets to make that critical decision."
www.washingtonpost.com

FBI Investigation of Inmate Death at Central Booking
WBFF-TV Ch 45 - 10 p.m. May 19
WJZ-TV Ch 13 - 11 p.m. May 19

The FBI is investigating the death of a 51-year old inmate at the Central Booking and Intake Center in Baltimore. Doug Colbert, JD, professor in the School of Law, says there is definitely a connection between overcrowding at the facility and the inmate's death, even though a spokesman for the state Division of Correction denied it.

UM Cancer Researcher Honored
Baltimore Sun -- May 20

University of Maryland School of Medicine researcher Angela Brodie, PhD, was chosen by an international panel of scientists, including Nobel laureates, to receive the Charles F. Kettering Prize, an honor that recognizes "the most outstanding recent contribution to the diagnosis or treatment of cancer." Brodie, the first woman to receive this prize, will receive a medal and a $250,000 award next month for her pivotal role in the development of a group of compounds referred to as aromatase inhibitors.
www.baltimoresun.com

Vitamin E Effectiveness Against Parkinsonýs Questioned
Forbes.com -- May 19

A new Canadian review of eight studies has concluded that leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and other foods rich in vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson's disease. The conclusion is questioned by William Weiner, MD, a professor of neurology and chair of the department of neurology and director of the Maryland Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the University of Maryland.
www.forbes.com

Billick to Deliver UMB Commencement Address
USA Today ý May 19

About 1,500 students, primarily professionals finishing post-graduate studies, will get an earful from the energetic keynote speaker when he delivers his first college commencement address Friday at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. "They've been so immersed in law school and medical school," Billick said Wednesday, "I'm wondering, 'Do they even know who the hell I am?'"
www.usatoday.com

Group Urges More People to Check Their Vascular Health
Washington Post ý May 19
Associated Press ý May 19

The American Vascular Association (AVA) recommends that more Americans check on the health of their arteries and veins. "We think stroke deaths can be significantly reduced in this country and stroke expenditures can be significantly reduced with a well thought-out screening program," said William Flinn, MD, vice chairman of the AVA and the head of vascular surgery at the School of Medicine.
www.washingtonpost.com

How Safe is Your Fish Dinner?
WMAR-TV Ch 2 - 11 p.m. May 18

Fish caught at five locations around the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries were found to have very high levels of heavy metals and other toxins. School of Nursing environmental experts Barbara Sattler, PhD, and Robyn Gilden, MS, (mis-identified in the story) were interviewed for the story.
media.umaryland.edu:8080

Juries Must Be Integrated to Be Respected
Baltimore Sun - May 19

In a letter to the editor, Doug Colbert, JD, professor in the School of Law, comments on the recent trial in Anne Arundel County in which a white teenager charged with killing a black classmate was acquitted by an all-white jury. Colbert argues that while the verdict may have been correct, a jury must be racially integrated in order for the verdict to be respected by the community.
www.baltimoresun.com

Billick to Deliver UMB Commencement Address
WBAL Radio "Sportsline" Show ý 7:25 p.m., May 17

Brian Billick, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League, will deliver the keynote address at the 2005 Commencement for the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Billick discussed with sports talk-show host Steve Davis his address, which is scheduled for the ceremony at 1st Mariner Arena on May 20. Billick said he is "humbled" by the opportunity and that his message will include themes of opportunity and accountability.

Combo Pill Works for Hypertension
WFIE-TV.com - May 17
Medical News Today.com - May 17

The School of Medicine and 118 other sites have conducted a study of a pill that combines two drugs for hypertension that shows significant benefit for people with hard-to-control high blood pressure. "The percentage of patients whose blood pressure was controlled in this study was much higher compared to other combination therapy trials," says one of the study's two principal investigators, Elijah Saunders, MD, professor of medicine.
www.medicalnewstoday.com
www.14wfie.com

Editorial: Hearings Begin on Foster Children in AIDS trials
DC Examiner ý May 17

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Human Resources will begin holding hearings today on the use of hundreds of foster children in National Institutes of Health-funded clinical AIDS trials during the past two decades. The editorial criticizes researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical School.
www.dcexaminer.com

How Safe is Your Shrimp Dinner?
WBAL-TV Ch 11 ý 11 p.m. May 16

Bacteria are getting into the water where the shrimp is farmed. That water is treated with antibiotics. Eventually the bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics and Glen Morris, MD, a specialist in infectious diseases at the School of Medicine says, "If you happen to get a salmonella strain, which also happens to be carrying a resistance gene, then your doctor may not be able to use certain antibiotics in terms of treating you."

Is Washington, DC Prepared for a Terrorist Attack?
WUSA-TV, Ch. 9, 9 a.m. ý May 17

When a light plane mistakenly flew within three miles of the White House, it demonstrated gaps in the communications system between federal and local authorities, according to Michael Greenberger, JD, director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor in the School of Law. He called for annual bioterrorism drills in Washington, DC similar to those that already are being conducted in Baltimore.

Mayor Says He'll Back Easing Way for Drug Treatment Center
Baltimore Sun ý May 17

Mayor Martin O'Malley has renewed his support for legislation that would make it easier for drug treatment programs to open, partly allaying the concerns of treatment advocates who worried he was wavering. Some drug treatment advocates had been told that the mayor would not reintroduce the bills and might sign only one of them if it passed anyway, said Ellen M. Weber, an assistant professor at the School of Law and a drug policy activist.
www.baltimoresun.com

Bird Flu Vaccine Tested
WISTV.com ý May 16

An experimental bird flu vaccine is being tested at the University of Maryland Medical Center and two other sites. Researchers could know if the vaccine is effective by next February.
www.wistv.com

Get Fit Maryland Joins National Trend
National Public Radio (Morning Edition) ý May 16

Flanked by UMB President David J. Ramsay, DM, DPhil, and Donald Wilson, MD, MACP, vice president for medical affairs for the University and dean of the School of Medicine, Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr. cast his footprint in concrete at the kickoff to the Get Fit Maryland program. The event took place at a plaza outside the University of Maryland Medical Center on April 29. NPR reports this is part of a national trend. (Audio is available at this Web site.)
www.npr.org

Sports Drinks Pose Risk to Tooth Enamel
KUSA-TV.com ý May 16

A study done at the University of Maryland Dental School showed that energy drinks, bottled lemonades, even iced teas, did far more harm to tooth enamel than colas did. The problem is acid, specifically citric acid and phosphoric acid, along with other organic acids that break down the calcium component of tooth enamel. Calcium is also needed to prevent gum disease.
www.9news.com

Get Fit Maryland
WMAR-TV Ch 2 5 p.m. - May 11
WMAR 2 6 a.m. - May 12

Flanked by UMB President David J. Ramsay, DM, DPhil, and Donald Wilson, MD, MACP, vice president for medical affairs for the University and dean, School of Medicine, Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr. cast his footprint in concrete at the kickoff to the Get Fit Maryland program. The event took place at a plaza outside the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) on April 29. The 12-week walking program is sponsored by the School of Medicine, UMMC, Merritt Athletic Clubs, and the state of Maryland.

Jewish Tradition Offers Guidance for Bioethical Decisions
Cleveland Jewish News - April 14

Rabbi Yitzchok Breitowitz, JD, professor, School of Law, discussed bioethical questions within the context of Jewish law. His remarks were offered in Cleveland at a conference on medical ethics and the Jewish tradition. "In many ways, the allocation of scarce resources is the most complicated problem in our society. Not everyone will get everything," Breitowitz said.

Laughter's Link to Health May Be in the Blood
Nashua Telegraph (registration required) ý May 15
Orange County Register - May 15

Laughter really is the best medicine, at least for one's blood flow. Researchers in the School of Medicine have released a study showing that daily doses of laughter help shrink blood vessels and therefore reduce the threat of heart disease and infection. "We believe laughing is good for your health," says Michael Miller, MD, professor, School of Medicine, who led the research. "And we think we have evidence to show why that's the case."
passport.ocregister.com

Reeducating Doctors on Celiac Disease
Shelton News (Conn.) - May 15

The Greater New Haven Celiac Group is doing everything they can to educate the public and the medical community community about how common celiac disease actually is. They group cites recent studies, like the one conducted by the University of Maryland's Center for Celiac Research that show many Americans are affected by the disease.
www.zwire.com

Sammy Sosa Staph Infection
WBAL-TV Ch 11 5 p.m. - May 13
WJZ-TV Ch 13 5 p.m. - May 13

Harold Standiford, MD, the medical director of infection control and a professor in the School of Medicine, explained the dangers and treatment for a staph infection. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Sammy Sosa is undergoing treatment for an infection in his foot.

Shock Trauma Gala and Awards
WBFF-TV Ch 45 10 p.m. - May 14
WBAL-TV Ch 11 11 p.m. - May 14
WJZ-TV Ch 13 11 p.m. - May 14

Thomas Scalea, MD, director of Shock Trauma and a professor in the School of Medicine, was interviewed at the annual fundraiser for Shock Trauma concerning the work of the staff and EMT personnel who were honored for their success in the rescue and recovery of two patients.

Heroin Moves In
Attleboro Sun Chronicle ý May 13

A 2004 study by the Center for Substance Abuse Research at the School of Pharmacy found that alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana are the leading drugs of choice among adolescents.
www.thesunchronicle.com

Homeland Defense Preparedness in DC
WTOP Radio ý 2:20 and 5:50 p.m. May 12

Michael Greenberger, JD, professor, School of Law, and director of its Center for Health and Homeland Security, said the response to the Cessna that flew within two miles of the Capitol revealed several details of the Washington, D.C., response plan that still need to be worked out including notification of city authorities and notification of President Bush.

Laughter May Be the Best Medicine
ABC News ý May 13

A study of 20 men and women conducted at the School of Medicine found that 95 percent of the volunteers experienced increased blood flow while watching a funny movie.
abcnews.go.com

Reeducating Doctors on Celiac Disease
Valley News ý May 12

University of Maryland's Center for Celiac Research and its studies are mentioned in a story about how doctors often misdiagnose celiac disease because it may not present any symptoms.
www.zwire.com

Acupuncture for Children
Edmonton Sun ý May 12

Traditional acupuncture is being used on children ages 2 and younger to treat ailments such as colds and fever. It is also being used to help these children boost their immune system. Says Lixing Lao, PhD, associate professor and director of traditional Chinese medicine research, Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, "Compared to adults, children's response rate is much higher than adults'."
www.canoe.ca

Can the 'Best Medicine' Help You Lose Weight?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ý May 11

Scientists are examining how much laughter, especially a concept called "purposeful laughter," can contribute to weight loss. A recent study by the School of Medicine showed that daily, hearty laughing increases the flow of blood by expanding vessels constricted by stress. The study was presented in April at the American College of Cardiology's annual conference.
www.post-gazette.com

Billick to Deliver UMB Commencement Address
Greater Baltimore Committee Newsletter ý May

Brian Billick, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League, will deliver the keynote address at the 2005 Commencement for the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
www.gbc.org

Doctor Says Arthritis Killed Columbus
Chicago Tribune ý May 10

Christopher Columbus, who was struck with a mysterious illness while returning from his first voyage to the New World, may have suffered from a severe form of arthritis that eventually crippled him. This assessment was presented by a rheumatologist from the University of Texas Medical School, who spoke at an annual conference sponsored by the School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Medical Health Care System. The annual conference is held in part to teach problem-solving techniques and principles of medicine.
www.chicagotribune.com

Snipers Will Be Tried in Maryland
WBAL Radio - Morning Newscasts, May 11
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11 - 11 p.m., May 10

Convicted snipers John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo will return to stand trial in Maryland, site of six of the 10 sniper killings that paralyzed Washington-area residents with fear during several weeks in the fall of 2002. Michael Greenberger, JD, director, Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor, School of Law, discussed this development.

Give Prosecutors Power to Charge Criminals
WBAL Radio ý 11 a.m., May 10

In a recent newspaper opinion commentary, Doug Colbert, JD, professor, School of Law, argues that in order to fix ongoing problems at the Central Booking and Intake Center in Baltimore, prosecutors should be given the power to charge someone with a crime. Currently, police have the power to charge, whereas prosecutors come into the picture after they review the charges initially filed by police. As a result, suspects often are held longer than 24 hours and prosecutors ultimately drop 30 percent of the charges filed.

World Health Official Optimistic About Halting Polio
Baltimore Sun ý May 10

Dr. David Heymann, head of the World Health Organization's eradication program, said recently that the program might be able to halt all transmission of the disease by next year. Says Myron M. Levine, MD, DTPH, professor, School of Medicine, and director, Center for Vaccine Development, "It's easy to drop incidence by 90 percent, but getting from 90 to 99 percent is equally hard. Then, the final 1 percent is arguably the hardest of all."
www.baltimoresun.com

Doctor Says Arthritis Killed Columbus
Associated Press ý May 6
Washington Post ý May 6

Christopher Columbus, who was struck with a mysterious illness while returning from his first voyage to the New World, may have suffered from a severe form of arthritis that eventually crippled him. This assessment was presented by a rheumatologist from the University of Texas Medical School, who spoke at an annual conference sponsored by the School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Medical Health Care System. The annual conference is held in part to teach problem-solving techniques and principles of medicine.
www.signonsandiego.com

Give Prosecutors Power to Charge Criminals
Baltimore Sun ý May 9

In an opinion commentary, Doug Colbert, JD, professor, School of Law, argues that in order to fix ongoing problems at the Central Booking and Intake Center in Baltimore, prosecutors should be given the power to charge someone with a crime. Currently, police have the power to charge, whereas prosecutors come into the picture after they review the charges initially filed by police. As a result, suspects often are held longer than 24 hours and prosecutors ultimately drop 30 percent of the charges filed.
www.baltimoresun.com

Industry Ties Testing Schools
Baltimore Sun ý May 8

Balancing the interests of private companies that provide a growing amount of income to academic institutions with ethical obligations is making life much more complex for university leaders such as Alessio Fasano, MD, who directs the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research and was profiled in the story. President David J. Ramsay, DM, DPhil; Donald Wilson, MD, MACP, vice president for medical affairs for the University and dean, School of Medicine; Office of Research and Development Vice President Jim Hughes, MBA; and Assistant Vice President J. Joseph Giffels, MAS, also are quoted.
www.baltimoresun.com

It's Hard to Find a High-Deductible Plan
Syracuse Post-Standard ý May 9

The Medicare prescription drug benefit available next year will cost senior citizens an average of $772 annually. But retirees with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can expect to pay about double that amount and will face gaps in their coverage for as long as five months, according to projections published by the Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy and Aging in the School of Pharmacy. The cited study was led by Bruce Stuart, PhD, professor, School of Pharmacy, and director, Peter Lamy Center.
www.syracuse.com

MD Poison Center Issues Warning About Children's OTC Medication
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11 ý 7:20 a.m., May 8

The Maryland Poison Center, a service of the School of Pharmacy, warns that the packaging of Tylenol Meltaways for children might confuse parents and lead them to accidentally give their youngsters a double dose, risking liver damage if the mistake is repeated over time. Suzanne Doyon, MD, the poison center's medical director, appeared live on the set of the Sunday morning news program to demonstrate the problematic issues with Tylenol's packaging and the potential health risks.

The Boundaries of Justice
Washington Post - May 6

Johnny Kroll, who kidnapped and assaulted a little girl in the Pennsylvania hills 25 years ago, was convicted of those crimes in a Maryland court. Reportedly, many players in the legal system made a monumental mistake, because a Maryland court sentenced him for an assault committed in another state. "I just don't know what to say. When you don't have jurisdiction, you just don't have it," says John Fader II, JD, senior judicial fellow and lecturer, School of Law. A Maryland circuit court judge has vacated Kroll's sentence and dismissed the sex assault charges against him.
www.washingtonpost.com

Get Fit Program Steps Off at UMB
Baltimore Times ý Week of May 6-12

Flanked by UMB President David J. Ramsay, DM, DPhil, and Donald Wilson, MD, MACP, vice president for medical affairs for the University and dean, School of Medicine, Gov. Robert Ehrlich cast his footprint in concrete at the kickoff to the Get Fit Maryland program. The event took place at a plaza outside the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) on April 29. The 12-week walking program is designed to help fight obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. It is sponsored by the School of Medicine, UMMC, Merritt Athletic Clubs, and the state of Maryland.

Proceeding With Caution on Vioxx
WJZ-TV, Ch. 13 ý 11 p.m., May 5

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings is calling for all due caution to be taken before the painkiller Vioxx is returned to shelves and available for use by patients. Sheila Weiss Smith, PhD, FISPE, associate professor, School of Pharmacy, and adjunct professor, School of Medicine, agrees with Cummings' position and discussed the issue.
media.umaryland.edu:8080

AIDS and the Secret of Long-term Surivors
International Herald Tribune - May 5
New York Times - May 5

Some people who contract HIV are able to stay healthy and not contract AIDS. Robert Gallo, MD, director of the Institute of Human Virology and a professor in the School of Medicine, has been searching for the elusive factor that blocks the virus. Gallo and Paolo Lusso, MD, discovered three chemicals, called chemokines, in the blood of long-term nonprogressors that inhibit a certain subset of the virus, "like bouncers at a disco," Gallo says.
www.iht.com

MD. Poison Center Issues Warning About Children's OTC Medication
Baltimore Sun - May 5
Baltimoresun.com - May 4
Associated Press - May 4
WBAL-TV Ch 11 5, 6, & 11 p.m. -- May 4
WUSA-TV Ch 9 5 & 6 p.m. ý May 4
WJZ-TV Ch 13 11 p.m. ý May 4
WBFF-TV Ch 45 10 p.m. ý May 4
WTOP Radio 2:20 p.m. live interview -- May 4
WTOP.com - May 4
WMAR-TV.com - May 4
WUND-TV.com South Bend Indiana -- May 4

The Maryland Poison Center, a service of the School of Pharmacy, warns that the packaging of Tylenol Meltaways for children might confuse parents and lead them to accidentally give their youngsters a double dose, risking liver damage if the mistake is repeated over time. "The parent doesn't know if she should use the one tablet or the two that seem to be made to be given together," said Suzanne Doyon, MD, the poison center's medical director. The maker of Tylenol plans to change the packaging of the tablets and revise the information on the box.
www.baltimoresun.com
www.abc2news.com
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Researchers Find Holes in Safety Net for Uninsured
National Underwriter.com - May 3

Many uninsured American adults are healthy, and many who are uninsured do appear to be getting some kind of medical care. About 20 million uninsured adults under age 65, or 55% of all uninsured, working-age adults, have no chronic illnesses, and 73% of the uninsured adults who are chronically ill say they have seen health professionals in the past 12 months, according to researchers from the Urban Institute, Washington, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
www.nationalunderwriter.com

Is the U.S. Prepared for a Nuclear Attack?
WUSA-TV, Ch. 9, 9 a.m. ý May 4
WTOP Radio, 2:20 p.m. ý May 3

More than 3-1/2 years after the 2001 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has failed to adequately prepare first responders and the public for a nuclear strike, according to federal reports and experts on emergency preparedness. Michael Greenberger, JD, director, Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor, School of Law, discussed this development.

Nurses Who Teach
Monster.com ý May 4

The current emphasis on clinical experience as a key element of nursing education means nurses who teach don't have to give up patient contact. "People can have the joys of being an educator while continuing to do their practice," says Janet Allan, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN, dean, School of Nursing.

Study Questions Value of Acupuncture for Migraines
Atlanta-Journal Constitution ý May 3

Findings in a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association seem to leave acupuncture's usefulness for migraine relief open to interpretation. Brian Berman, MD, professor, School of Medicine, and director of the Center for Integrative Medicine, is quoted.

Colleges' Hottest New Major: Terror
Washington Post - April 30

Schools across the country are revamping curricula and research as they try to keep pace with the changes brought on by the 2001 terrorist attacks. The changes are driven by legislation and policy, interest from students and faculty, demands from employers, and billions of dollars in federal support. The Department of Homeland Security plans 3 new national research centers, including one to study "high-consequence event preparedness and response." Michael Greenberger, JD, director, Center for Health and Homeland Security and professor, School of Law, is hoping his bid will be chosen.
www.washingtonpost.com

Nurse-midwives Bring Personal Touch to Births
Newport News Daily Press ý April 18

Capt. Kristi Norcross, RN, was featured in a front-page story, accompanied by several color photos, concerning her work as a nurse-midwife. Norcross is scheduled to receive her master's degree from the School of Nursing later this month.

Get Fit Program Stepped Off at UMB
WMAR-TV, Ch. 2 - 5 p.m., April 29
WBFF-TV, Ch. 45 - 10 p.m., April 29
WMAR-TV, Ch. 2 "To The Point" - April 17
WMAR-TV, Ch. 2 - 6 a.m., April 14
WMAR-TV, Ch. 2 - 5 p.m., April 13
WMAR-TV, Ch. 2 - Noon, April 13
WMMX-FM Radio - April 17

Flanked by UMB President David J. Ramsay, DM, DPhil, and Donald Wilson, MD, MACP, vice president for medical affairs for the University and dean, School of Medicine, Gov. Robert Ehrlich cast his footprint in concrete at the kick-off to the Get Fit Maryland program. The event took place at Plaza Park outside the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) on April 29. The 12-week walking program is designed to help fight obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. It is sponsored by the School of Medicine, UMMC, Merritt Athletic Clubs, and the state of Maryland.
media.umaryland.edu:8080

Laughter's Link to Health May Be in the Blood
USA TODAY WEEKEND - May 1

Laughter really is the best medicine, at least for one's blood flow. Researchers in the School of Medicine have released a study showing that daily doses of laughter help shrink blood vessels and therefore reduce the threat of heart disease and infection. "We believe laughing is good for your health," says Michael Miller, MD, professor, School of Medicine, who led the research. "And we think we have evidence to show why that's the case."

Minimum Sentencing for Convicted Child Molesters
Baltimore Sun - May 1

A Forlida bill that would give anyone convicted of molesting a child younger than 12 a minimum 25-year sentence and a lifetime of wearing a global positioning-system tracking device is moving quickly toward law in that state. Columnist Michael Hill of the "Perspective" section examines the issue. "Overall, the vast majority of child sexual abuse is not perpetrated by strangers but by close family members and caretakers. But it does seem to be the case that those perpetrated by strangers get the most publicity and generate the largest responses," says Jana Singer, JD, professor, School of Law.
www.baltimoresun.com

UM Virology Institute to Start Nigeria AIDS Program
Associated Press - April 28

The Institute of Human Virology will open a research branch in Nigeria to help the country battle AIDS. The center will provide "a platform for partnerships to effectively engage the best minds in solving research problems," says Robert Gallo, MD, director of the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) and professor, School of Medicine. Says Donald Wilson, MD, MACP, vice president for medical affairs for the University and dean, School of Medicine, "Health challenges related to HIV/AIDS in Nigeria mirror those in the city of Baltimore, so there is much to be learned and much to be shared."
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