Uncategorized

Arthritis can hit harder in African- Americans.A pilot study comparing the results of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in African-Americans and Caucasians has revealed that African-Americans are more likely to suffer pain and disability from the disorder. Researchers at the School of Medicine found that both disease activity and the resulting disabilities were worse in African-Americans. Further analysis showed this was linked primarily to socio-economic status rather than race.

Abnormal heart rate variability increases the risk of death for depressed heart patients.Scientists have known for years that depression increases the risk of dying in the months after a heart attack, but they haven’t understood how depression raises that risk. Now, behavioral medicine specialists at the School of Medicine are reporting in the Archives of Internal Medicine that abnormal heart rate variability is partially responsible for depression’s effects in heart patients.

Summertime marks the height of ATV season.Most parents would never consider letting their 6-year-old child ride on the back of a motorcycle, yet many adults don’t think twice about letting kids ride all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Injuries and death caused by ATVs are a serious and increasing problem in the United States, and it is critical that all riders understand the importance of safe and responsible ATV use, says Dee Hodge, pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra will continue its 42nd annual season of free summer performances with a concert entitled “The French Connection” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 17, in Washington University’s Brookings Quadrangle.

Diane D. Jacobsen, Ph.D., a resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., was one of five alumni of Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis to receive the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award during a ceremony May 20 on campus. Edward S. Macias, Ph.D., executive vice chancellor, dean of Arts & Sciences and the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences, presented the awards to five individuals who have attained distinction in their academic or professional careers and have demonstrated service to their communities and to the university. Jacobsen received a master of liberal arts in 1995, a master of arts in 2000 and a doctorate in international affairs in 2003 from Washington University.

Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis recognized the achievements of six alumni during a May 20 ceremony on campus. Edward S. Macias, Ph.D., executive vice chancellor, dean of Arts & Sciences and the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences, presented Distinguished Alumni Awards to five individuals who have attained distinction in their academic or professional careers and have demonstrated service to their communities and to the university. The five alumni who received the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award are: John P. Dubinsky (A.B. ’65, M.B.A. ’67); Flint W. Fowler, Ph.D. (A.B. ’80, M.A.’81); Henrietta W. Freedman (A.B. ’75); Diane D. Jacobsen, Ph.D. (M.L.A. ’95, M.A. ’00, Ph.D. ’03); and William B. Pollard III, J.D. (A.B. ’70). Macias also presented the Dean’s Medal to John H. Biggs (Ph.D. ’83), former chairman and chief executive officer of TIAA-CREF, one of the world’s largest pension systems, for his support and dedication to Arts & Sciences.

Diane D. Jacobsen, Ph.D., a 1965 graduate of Queens College, was one of five alumni of Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis to receive the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award during a ceremony May 20 on campus. Edward S. Macias, Ph.D., executive vice chancellor, dean of Arts & Sciences and the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences, presented the awards to five individuals who have attained distinction in their academic or professional careers and have demonstrated service to their communities and to the university. Jacobsen received a master of liberal arts in 1995, a master of arts in 2000 and a doctorate in international affairs in 2003 from Washington University.

William B. Pollard III, J.D., a resident of Chappaqua, N.Y. (10514), was one of five alumni of Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis to receive the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award during a ceremony May 20 on campus. Edward S. Macias, Ph.D., executive vice chancellor, dean of Arts & Sciences and the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences, presented the awards to five individuals who have attained distinction in their academic or professional careers and have demonstrated service to their communities and to the university. Pollard received a bachelor of arts degree from Washington University in 1970.

Medical experts suggest leaving fireworks to professionals.Fireworks can be beautiful against the night sky on July 4th, but a Washington University emergency medicine specialist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital says, for safety’s sake, parents and children should leave the fireworks to professionals. All fireworks are dangerous, especially to children. Typically, about two-thirds of all fireworks injuries occur in the days around the July 4th holiday.

He was one of only 45 physicians nationwide elected to mastership in 2005 at the college’s annual meeting in San Francisco.