Author: Elizabethe Holland Durando

Women plagued by repeated urinary tract infections may be able to prevent them with help from over-the-counter painkillers, new research in mice shows. School of Medicine scientists found that inhibiting an immune protein that causes inflammation eliminated recurrent urinary tract infections in mice.

Project ARK, with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s new media project, will mark National Prevention Week with a screening of the documentary “You Are Not Alone” at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., in Forest Park.

Four School of Medicine nurses recently received the 2014 Excellence in Nursing Award from St. Louis Magazine, honoring local nurses who have made a difference in the lives of their patients and colleagues. Several others were honored as finalists.

When Andrea D’Angelo learned that her father, John D’Angelo, needed a new kidney, she decided she would donate one of hers. The surgeries were performed by Washington University transplant surgeons at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and were successful. Now, the family shares its story to educate and encourage others.

The School of Medicine is home to an internationally renowned center for multidisciplinary research of neurofibromatosis and comprehensive care of patients affected by it. The university’s Neurofibromatosis Center will host a symposium May 16 that will bring together patients, their family members and researchers to discuss the latest insight into the diagnosis and treatment of NF.

Students at the School of Medicine will perform “Young Frankenstein” April 24-26 in Whelpley Auditorium at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, which abuts the Medical Campus. The performance is the school’s ninth annual completely student-run musical.

Scientists researching pediatric lung disease, childhood cancer, malaria and short bowel syndrome will share $3.1 million in new grants from the Children’s Discovery Institute (CDI). The grants, announced earlier this year, will fund 10 research initiatives at the School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Andrew J. White, MD, the Philip R. Dodge, MD, Scholar in Pediatrics, took an unorthodox, even explosive, route to medicine. As director of the Pediatric Residency Program, his breadth of knowledge, exuberance and quick wit help him recruit, train and inspire future pediatricians.

In recognition of National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day, a youth leadership program of Project ARK and The SPOT will host an open-mic event to encourage young people to talk about HIV/AIDS and sexual health. The Youth Advocacy Committee will host the event from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Blank Space, 2847 Cherokee St., St. Louis.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will close the ramp from westbound Interstate 64/Highway 40 to Boyle Avenue in St. Louis at 9 a.m. Monday, April 7. The ramp is expected to reopen by mid-May.