Model illustrating activation of PPAR-gamma by agonists that in turn blocks the IL-12-induced activation of JAK-STAT pathway and inhibits Th1 differentiation, CNS inflammation, and demyelination.
Name the VCH mascot and win
The deadline for casting your ballot to name the new Children’s Hospital mascot is Monday, June 17.
This large, lovable dog will be used for patients and community events. Everyone is encouraged to participate, especially Children’s Hospital faculty and staff. Ballot boxes are located throughout the Medical Center.
The name will be announced at the “We Care for Kids Day,” on Sunday, June 23, at Greer Stadium. The winner will receive a family four-pack to Tampa’s Busch Gardens and a $500 Southwest Airline gift certificate.
CMN telethon sets record
The 20th Annual Children’s Miracle Network telethon held June 1-2 raised a record $1,045,519, a 26 percent increase from last year and the first year to exceed $1 million. The telethon represents a yearlong fund-raising effort that culminates in the televised event on WTVF NewsChannel 5.
A significant percentage of the money raised comes directly from the miracle balloon and canister donations at local establishments. Although corporate sponsors make larger contributions, the extra dollars used to purchase miracle balloons and the loose change dropped in canisters by store patrons add up throughout the year.
Participating stores such as Wal-Mart, Daily’s Convenience Stores, Goody’s, and Carmike Cinemas compete with other stores, encouraging associates to raise the most money.
Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital is a founding member of the Children’s Miracle Network. Originally comprised of only 22 hospitals, CMN now includes more than 170 hospitals across the United States and Canada. The telethon is the only such event in which all money raised locally goes directly to local member hospitals. The funds raised support equipment, programs, research, and education.
Burnett receives ACOG service award
Dr. Lonnie S. Burnett, Frances and John C. Burch Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was one of six American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) fellows recently honored with the Outstanding District Service Award.
The awards, presented at the ACOG annual clinical meeting in Los Angeles, are given to individuals who have made significant contribution to their district.
Burnett was recognized for his dedication to teaching. Representing District VII, which serves Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mexico, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Panama, Tennessee, and Texas, Burnett was honored with an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics in 2001. He has served as vice chair and chair of the Tennessee section and also chaired ACOG’s Committee on Education. He is currently the District VII Junior Fellow Advisor.
Mental health forum held at Vanderbilt
A Mental Health Policy Forum on the challenges and opportunities at the forefront of research and treatment of depression was held on May 28 at the Freedom Forum First Amendment Center. Various aspects of clinical depression, from the biological processes underlying it to the relative effectiveness of the pharmaceutical and psychological therapies used to treat it were discussed.
An introduction by Leonard Bickman, Ph.D., professor of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Public Policy and director of the Center for Mental Health Policy, preceded the panelists’ presentations. Panelists included Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., Allan D. Bass Professor of Pharmacology and director of the Center for Molecular Neuroscience; Dr. Richard C. Shelton, professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology and director of the Adult Outpatient Center; Steven D. Hollon, Ph.D., professor of Psychology and associate professor of Psychiatry; and Pamela T. Fishel-Ingram, Ph.D., assistant professor of Psychiatry and director of Program Development for the department of Psychiatry. A question-answer session was held after the panel discussion.
The event was presented by the Vanderbilt Brain Institute and the Center for Mental Health Policy at Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies in cooperation with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee, and the Psychiatric Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Nutrition pilot project funding now available
The Clinical Nutrition Research Unit is accepting applications for nutrition-related pilot project funding. Successful applicants receive up to $25,000 for one year with the possibility of second-year funding.
For more information visit www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/nutrition/cnrupilot.html or call 343-7740.