Promoting Cardiovascular Education, Research and Patient Care

THE OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCES

Editorial Team VOL. 3 · NO. 2 · Pages 13-24, 2004 Editor: Ivan Berkowitz MBA The Physician-Scientist: Assistant Editors: Ian Dixon PhD An Endangered Species Lorrie Kirshenbaum PhD by Burton E. Sobel, Burlington, Vermont Editorial Board: fessional responsibility of a physician-scientist is per- Lois DeBakey PhD forming research, most physician-scientists play piv- Otoni Gomes MD otal roles in teaching. Suresh Gupta PhD Keld Kjeldsen MD Physicians of diverse types fulfill valuable responsibil- Tom Kottke MD ities in our academic medical centers. Master clini- Ricky Man PhD cians provide optimal care. Physician administrators Dennis McNamara PhD provide leadership and implement strategic plans. Bohuslav Ostadal MUDr, DrSc Clinician educators and scholars teach clinical skills Damaris Osunkwo MD and enhance clinical decision making. Clinical trial- Arie Pinson PhD ists help to validate advances in diagnosis and treat- Grant Pierce PhD ment. Nevertheless, the physician-scientist is an Pawan Singal PhD important element. Because of their immersion in sci- Rajendar Suri PhD entific pursuits and its impact on their own thinking, Nobuakira Takeda MD physician-scientists are, perhaps, uniquely able to Burton E. Sobel hone hypothesis generation and refinement, healthy In This Issue scepticism, and critical thinking in their students at all levels (2). 13 The Physician-Scientist an Endagered Species Almost a century ago, Flexner revolutionized medical hat Is a Physician-Scientist? 16 Cardiac Research - Past, education. He differentiated academic medical cen- Present and Future WSeveral characteristics define a physician-sci- ters from institutes about which he noted the follow- ing: “The creation of such institutes does not relieve 17 Bruce McManus wins entist. Being a physician is but one. Some physician- Nagano Award scientists are Ph.D.’s as well as M.D.’s. All spend most the university of its research function; for if it be true that higher teaching cannot be efficiently prosecuted 18 International Symposium of their time performing fundamental laboratory research, disease oriented research, or patient orient- except in the atmosphere of scientific inquiry, then the 19 Current list of Academy existence of research institutes does not alter the edu- Fellows ed research (1). The physician-scientists who are the focus of this commentary perform investigator initiat- cational situation.” He indicated that medical facul- 20 A Revolutionary Initiative ties continue to be charged with the responsibility to for Young Investigators ed research frequently reflected by acquisition of peer- reviewed, competitive grant support from agencies advance, disseminate, and apply medical science. His 21 Academy Journal Expands such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the analysis transformed the nature of medical schools in 22 German Physiological National Science Foundation, the American Heart the United States and Canada and led to the integra- Society Meeting Association, the American Diabetes Association among tion of research and education on the one hand and 23 Heart Failure Reviews is numerous others. They publish their work in peer- the development of a contingent of physician-scien- an Official Academy reviewed journals and, if successful, produce a corpus tists on the other (3). Journal of work that moves a field. Although the primary pro- 23 A Book Review continued on pg. 14 24 Special Announcements EDITORIAL OFFICE: Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba 3006 - 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6 Canada · Tel: (204) 228-3193 · Fax: (204) 233-6723 e-mail the Editor: [email protected] · Academy web site: www.heartacademy.org The International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences gratefully acknowledges the generous support of THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION towards the publication of CV NETWORK Growth and Decline of the Contingent of Throughout a nearly 30 year interval, physician- thinking through hypothesis generation and Physician-Scientists scientists have become a progressively smaller refinement predicated on acquisition of data minority of scientists seeking and obtaining rather than resort to authority or dogma. Skills A robust core of physician-scientists was support from the NIH (5). More disturbing is conveyed through such teaching enhance the spawned by the aftermath of WWII and the the decline in the number of first time physi- capacity of “students” including medical stu- explosive evolution of the NIH. Various “great cian applicants for NIH support. It has plum- dents, house officers, clinical and research fel- society” programs undertaken by President meted recently, by 31% between 1994 and 1997, lows, as well as graduate students, postdoctoral Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration fueled a without a compensatory increase in applica- fellows, and faculty to embrace critical think- continual accretion of highly trained, profes- tions from MD/PhD’s. Since 1992 a 51% ing. The quality of the diagnostic assessments sional scientists. Their expertise, support and decrease has occurred in the total number of and therapeutic decision making of such stu- facilities, and commitment made research MD postdoctoral trainees being supported by dents who care for patients is augmented. careers competitive and progressively less the NIH (5). The number of MD‚s applying for Physician-scientists are valuable mentors not available to part-time investigators (4). A par- the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical only because of the thought processes they uti- adigm evolved in which clinician scholars and Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships declined by lize in their investigational pursuits but also physician-scientists in academic medical cen- 57% between 1996 and 1998 (5). because the scientific questions they attack fre- ters traveled parallel paths. However, threats quently derive from their experience in taking The Role of the Physician-Scientist to the physician-scientist contingent emerged care of patients. beginning about 20 years ago (5). They reflect- Physician-scientists are dedicated to discovery, ed a social transformation of American medi- A Prescription for Preservation of the but paradoxically, discovery may not be their cine (6) driven by profound political and eco- Physician-Scientist most important contribution. Examples of pro- nomic forces. found discovery abound. In the late 18th cen- The financial pressures on academic medical No society has been able consistently to sustain tury Jenner‚s research on cow pox and docu- centers are unprecedented. As pointed out by total health care costs in excess of 12% of its mentation of its efficacy led to its widespread Barker (10), “Typically, even public state-sup- gross domestic product (7). The accelerating use and established vaccination (vacca means ported centers must now generate 85% to 95% costs of biomedical research in our society cow in Latin) as the preferred means to prevent of their annual operating funds through patient could not be sustained either. The notion that smallpox and led to the discontinuation of vari- care revenues, research grants, tuition, and “we must make sure that no life-saving discov- olation, an earlier and more toxic approach. In philanthropy...Patient care revenue from hospi- ery is locked up in the laboratory” (8) led to a the late 19th century Koch identified the bac- tal and physician services typically makes up proliferation of expensive systems such as those terial cause of tuberculosis, discovered most of a center’s total operating revenue.” used in electron beam computed tomography, anthrax, and formulated his powerful postu- Such sources of revenue are stringently con- magnetic resonance imaging, and positron lates. Development of cardiac catheterization trolled by third-party payers including public emission tomography. Expensive procedures by Forssmann, Cournand, and Richardson; the and private insurers. Not only the academic evolved including percutaneous coronary inter- discovery of oncogenes by Varmus and Bishop; medical centers and the physician-scientist ventions, dialysis, interventional radiology, and elucidation of causes and consequences of that populate them but also physicians who do endoscopy. Economic competition led virtually hypercholesterolemia by Brown and Goldstein; not participate in them but who might other- every community hospital to acquire and development of vaccines for polio by Salk and wise have been attracted to careers as physi- employ these technologies. Thus, expense Sabin; and development of artificial organs and cian-scientists face unprecedented financial mounted. Political pressure became a threat as development of kidney dialysis by Kolff are pressures. The debt incurred by medical stu- well. It led to portrayal of the pharmaceutical more recent cogent examples. These and innu- dents has skyrocketed, now frequently exceed- industry as “public enemy number one.” The merable other examples illustrate the diverse ing $100,000 by the time of graduation. Careers industry provided a juicy target for candidates disciplines in basic and clinical science in in research provide considerably less remuner- who implied that a vote for them was a vote to which physician-scientists engage and the ation compared with those in clinical disci- curtail pharmaceutical expense thereby saving diverse medical and surgical specialties in plines, particularly procedurally based disci- the voter money. which they participate. plines. The competitive nature of the research environment is often viewed as a discouraging The most salient impact of physician-scientists The promulgation of phrases such as “evidence one by young physicians. based medicine” and the adoption of the ran- is, perhaps, on the nature of the educational domized controlled clinical trial as the gold environment in which they participate and the Accordingly, our academic medical centers standard for assessing the value of diagnostic nature of the educational experience to which need to allocate funds to support young physi- and therapeutic interventions have subtly erod- they contribute for medical students, house cian-scientists and to provide them with an ed the perceived value of the physician-scien- staff, clinical specialty fellows, graduate stu- infrastructure needed for effective research so tist who performs investigator initiated dents, postdoctoral fellows, and colleagues on that they can germinate without having to research focusing on mechanisms underlying faculties. Teaching in academic medical cen- penalize their families and themselves unduly. disease and its modification (9). These threats ters requires clinical acumen. However, it can They need and deserve a platform enabling have, in fact, contributed to a substantial be strengthened by experience in investigative them to be successful in an increasingly com- decline in the ranks of physician-scientists. pursuits that continually sharpen independent petitive research environment. Our academic

14 medical centers must provide substantial that a stable financial environment can support REFERENCES amounts of protected time for physician-scien- the nurturing of young physician-scientists. In 1. Kaushansky K. Physician-Scientists: tists without demanding that they become our institution the untimely death of Dean Preparation, opportunities, and national employees slavishly responsible for clinical Joseph B. Warshaw in December of 2003 was fol- need. Exp Biol Med 228:1258-1260, 2003. throughput to enhance the financial well being lowed by such a commitment. Dr. Warshaw was 2. Sobel BE. Saving the physician/scientist, an of their institutions. Boards of trustees of such a passionate advocate for establishing an endangered species. Coron Artery Dis institutions, presidents, provosts, deans, and M.D./Ph.D. program at the University of 13:131-3, 2002. chairs must avoid bestowing second class citi- Vermont that was formalized in 2001. He envis- zenship on physician-scientists compared with aged attracting a small cadre of superbly talent- 3. Flexner A. Medical Education in the United “productive clinicians” whose merit is often ed M.D./Ph.D. students and supporting them States. Carnegie Foundation for the judged to be proportional to the RVU’s of clini- while they undertook their lengthy and expen- Advancement of Teaching, New York, NY, cal service they provide. Such leaders must sive training. At the request of the Warshaw 1910. exhibit an unambiguous commitment to nurtur- family, a scholarship fund in memory of Dr. 4. Schrader WT. Career choices in the bio- ing young faculty and physician-scientists in Warshaw was established to reify his vision. sciences: What companies are looking for general in addition to an unambiguous commit- when they are filling a position. Exp Biol Signs of Recovery of the Contingent of ment to clinical excellence and clinical educa- Med 228:1261-5, 2003. Physician-Scientists tion. The latter are ultimately contingent in 5. Rosenberg L. Physician-scientists-endan- part upon the positive impact of robust pro- There are many criteria with which we will be gered and essential. Science 283:331-8, grams undertaken by physician-scientists on able to judge the success of preserving the 1999. education throughout the academic medical physician-scientist. Tracking the number of 6. Starr P. The Social Transformation of center and beyond. Leaders in academic med- first time physician applicants for independent American Medicine. Basic Books, Inc., New ical centers must nourish the development of research support from the NIH and other agen- York, NY, 1982. multidisciplinary programs, multidepartmental cies will provide an obvious index of the intel- 7. Ginzberg E. From Physician Shortage to activities, research centers, all of which, if suc- lectual and numerical health or lack thereof of Patient Shortage. Westview Press, Boulder, cessful, will enhance success in acquisition of the physician-scientist contingent. The quali- CO, 1986. support through program project grants, ty and quantity of publications by American 8. Johnson J B. Comments made in an address Specialized Centers of Research (SCORs), physician-scientists in peer-reviewed journals at the National Institutes of Health, research training grants, and other external will provide another. The extent to which Bethesda, MD, 1968. sources of funding. physician-scientists assume and are elected to 9. Sobel BE, Levine MA. Medical education, leadership positions in scientific societies will Our political climate must be changed as well. evidence-based medicine, and the disquali- provide a third. Population of study sections It is, after all, the obligation of the leaders of fication of physician-scientists. Exp Biol including those in basic science by physician- our universities and academic medical centers Med 226:713-6, 2001. scientists will be indicative of resuscitation of to communicate with our political leaders and the endangered species. The quality of educa- 10.Barker KL. Building and supporting effective the public. The message must be disseminated tion in our academic medical centers, reflected academic clinical research programs in (11). The value of the physician-scientist must by the performance of medical students, house today‚s market-driven health care environ- be more broadly recognized by the public (12). staff, and fellows on objective examinations ment: Is research valued and how much and Agencies such as the NIH must not become con- and in clinical practice should be indicative of by whom? Exp Biol Med 228:1269-71, 2003. sumed with investments in massive clinical tri- the educational benefits conferred by a grow- 11.Naftolin F, Lockwood CJ, Sobel BE. Keeping als at the expense of supporting and sustaining ing contingent of physician-scientists. We do medicine and science together. Exp Biol the development of physician-scientists who know how to keep score. We must be commit- Med, in press. perform independent, investigator initiated ted to implementing the changes needed to research. 12.Bowles MB, Dawson VP. Academic medicine reverse the decline of the physician-scientist. and the public. In: With One Voice, All of this takes money. Academic medical cen- We must remove the physician-scientist from Association of American Medical Colleges, ters must commit to expanding endowment so the endangered species list. Washington, DC, 2003, pp. 186-191. ❤

Buoyed by the extraordinary success of the International Conference held in Lucknow, India, Jan. 9 - 11, 2004, the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences and the International Society for Heart Research (Indian Section) have announced plans for a second Joint International Conference - "BENCH to BEDSIDE in GHANDI's GUJARAT", December 31, 2004 - January 2, 2005. Grand Bhagwati, Grandhinagar - Sarkhej Highway, AHMEDABAD, INDIA. For details, please visit the web site: http://www.indianheart.com/conference/index.html Or contact the Conference Co-ordinator: Dr. Ramesh K. Goyal, Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology, L.M. College of Pharmacy. P.O.Box 4011 Navarangpura, Ahmedabad, 380 009, India. E-mail: [email protected]

15 ADVANCES IN HEART HEALTH Cardiac Research – Past, Present, and Future by Richard J. Bing, Pasadena, California

and I remember him as a very attractive man, This trend to disdain the work of the past and whose scientific interest was mainly cardiomy- store it in the dusty attic of memory is aided by opathy. Unfortunately Dr. Baijusz died young the computer whose memory is also short-lived, from coronary heart disease. Scientific soci- not more than ten years. I would love to avenge eties like biological creations are subject to nat- myself by reading the contents of our Journal ural selection. What is useful survives. The soci- 50 years from now. I am sure I would find much ety had a rough beginning, finances were tight, of the research today either forgotten or worse, and one of the early meetings in Italy almost looked upon with a high degree of condescen- had to be cancelled because the sponsor sion. This amnesia is paralleled by a total lack defaulted. The society survived its early infancy of recall of political and social events. Each because of the interest of men like Opie, generation has to start again from the begin- Dhalla, Naylor, Rona, Fleckenstein, ning and is forced to learn the hard way. Wollenberger, Harris, and others. It was at that The present generation should be proud of the time that I was asked to take over the job as advances in molecular biology of the heart. But president of the society and as editor of The while this fruit ripens on the tree of science, Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. the greatest advances in cardiology that befit But the society, like the Academy of Cardiology, Dr. Richard J. Bing the patient during the last 40 years have been survived and flourished because the idea to technical discoveries by physicians. To mention organize and support fundamental research I am grateful to my friends from the but a few: coronary angioplasty, initiated by a was a timely one. International Academy of Cardiovascular cardiologist; coronary arteriography, by a radi- Sciences for asking me to relate some of the When I compare an early issue of the Journal of ologist; coronary bypass surgery, by a surgeon; impressions of a 94-year-old physician and sci- Molecular and Cellular Cardiology with a recent and cardiac pet scan, by a radiologist. entist to look back at the development in car- publication, I notice the tremendous difference What advice to give to young investigators in diac research that have taken place during his in approach to cardiac research. Ninety-five the field of investigative cardiology? My sponta- long lifetime. The other great society con- percent of articles deal with the molecular biol- neous answer would be "none" because advice cerned with cardiovascular research, the ogy. In historical articles one reads sometimes is never heeded unless it is paralleled by per- International Society for Heart Research, with statements of disdain about the bad old times sonal experience. But, nonetheless I would which I am also connected, was the brain child in which the heart was considered just a pump advise the young investigators to have fun with of Dr. Baijusz who, frustrated with the lack of and the blood vessels were elastic tubes. their work, maintain confidence in themselves, interest in fundamental research, founded the Clinicians used to argue for hours on the origin and shun by all means the deadly poison of Society to give members an opportunity to of the second heart sound. The subsequent local politics. Science and medicine by them- exchange scientific ideas on fundamental car- phase of research, describing that the heart selves offer glorious experiences. The combina- diovascular problems. Dr. Baijusz was a man was also a metabolic organ which used fatty tion of science with other interests – the arts, with a mission, a true pioneer. He was a acids, carbohydrates, amino acids and ketones human relationships, history – makes for an Hungarian working in Canada and in Boston according to their availability, is also forgotten. even richer and more rewarding life. ❤

Visit Us At: Nominations for Fellows Invited! Nominations are invited for the election of Fellows of the Academy for the year 2004. Nominees should be individuals with outstanding achievements in cardiovascular research and education, who will be elected by the Fellows. The number of Fellows will not exceed 250 at any given time. Please submit a letter highlighting the distinguished accomplishments of the individual along with his/her curricu- lum vitae. It is understood that the nominee has given consent for letting his/her name stand for election. PLEASE FORWARD: c/o Ivan Berkowitz, Director of Development International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences 3006 – 351 Taché Ave. Winnipeg MB R2H 2A6 Canada or - E-mail: [email protected] www.heartacademy.org

16 PEOPLE AND PLACES Bruce McManus Wins Nagano Award by Ivan Berkowitz, Winnipeg, Canada

Laboratory Medicine in July 1993.

Dr. McManus’ investigative program is focused on injury and repair involved in inflammatory diseases of the heart and blood vessels, with particular emphasis on enteroviral infections of the heart and transplant vascular disease. He has co-authored 250 full-length publica- tions, as well as many chapters. He has edited three books, and has been recognized for his scientific contributions by numerous institu- tions through visiting professorships and lec- tureships. He has served as Councillor for the International Society for Heart Research and for the American Society for Investigative Pathology. He is currently on the editorial board of several professional and scientific journals. He is past-president of the Society for Cardiovascular Pathology. He has convened many public and private sector partnerships in Dr. Bruce McManus (R) at work as an educator research. He has long been committed to training and mentoring scientist trainees across a range of disciplines. He was co-recip- The International Academy of Cardiovascular Health, sponsored by the CIHR Institute of ient of the prestigious Max Planck Research Sciences was delighted to recognize Dr. Bruce Circulatory and Respiratory Health and its Award with Dr. Reinhard Kandolf, and he was McManus as the 2004 winner of the Makoto many partners, reflects Dr. McManus’ commit- recently elected to the Royal Society of Canada Nagano Award for Achievements in ment to a national environment for circulatory as a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences. He Cardiovascular Education. The Award was pre- and respiratory trainees and young stars which received the UBC Killam Research Prize Senior sented at the recent Ignacio Chavez Rivera is second to none. Scientist Category, and was elected as Fellow Symposium on Cardiovascular Disease in of the International Academy of Cardiovascular Mexico City, April 30, 2004. Dr. McManus received BA and MD degrees at the University of Saskatchewan, an MSc in Sciences in 2003. ❤ Dr. Bruce McManus was appointed Scientific Applied Physiology from Pennsylvania State Director of the CIHR Institute of Circulatory University, and a PhD in Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Health in 2000. In this capaci- and Biochemistry from University of Toledo. He IACS Japan Section Meeting ty, he leads the development and implementa- pursued post-doctoral fellowships in tion of a national research strategy for address- Environmental Physiology at the University of July 17-18, 2004 ing outstanding questions related to cardiac, California - Santa Barbara and in Osaka-Senri, Japan respiratory, vascular, brain (stroke), blood, crit- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Pathology at the ical care, and sleep disorders and diseases. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in The 4th Annual Meeting of Over the past 4 years, he has inaugurated sever- Bethesda, MD. Residency training at the Peter al strategic initiatives in research and knowl- Bent Brigham Hospital - Harvard University in IACS Japan Section edge translation. He has established interna- Internal Medicine and Pathology led to board (The 27th Japanese Working Group on tional linkages and program development with certification in Anatomic Pathology, with sub- Cardiac Structure and Metabolism). such health research funding agencies as the sequent specialization in Cardiovascular National Health, Lung, and Blood Institute of Pathology. Following 11 years as a faculty mem- Chairman: Ryoji Matoba, MD, PhD. the National Institutes of Health, USA and the ber at the University of Nebraska Medical National Institutes of Health, Mexico. The Centre, Dr. McManus joined the Faculty of Osaka University. recent National Research Forum for Young Medicine of the University of British Columbia Email: matoba@legal. med.osaka-u.ac.jp Investigators in Circulatory and Respiratory as Department Head of Pathology and

The International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences extends sincere gratitude for a commitment of support from:

17 ADVANCES IN HEART HEALTH International Symposium on Cardiovascular Diseases in honour of Dr. Ignacio Chávez by Angel Zarain-Herzberg, Mexico City, Mexico

He graduated as a doctor from the University of Brazil, where he also received the Internal Medicine Degree. In México, he was graduated as a cardiologist at the INC. Ignacio Chávez. He is recognized as a promoter of the cardiovascular activities throughout this continent. Dr. Daniel Villarreal, professor and head of the Division of Cardiology of the Medical Upstate University, Syracuse, New York, also was recognized by the Academy. He was presented with a Distinguished Service Award by William Weglicki. Dr. José Narro presented the Makoto Nagano Award for Achievements in Cardiovascular Education to Dr. Bruce McManus, director of the (left to right) - Naranjan Dhalla, Alberto Guevara Rojas, José Narro Robles, Pawan Singal, Angel Zarain-Herzberg Institute of Circulatory Health and Respiratory, CIHR Canada. His investigation has concentrat- The Faculty of Medicine (FM), the International Mexican medicine. He is one of the great sym- ed on the injury and repair in the inflammatory Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences and the bols of Mexican medicine. The relation of cardi- diseases of the heart and the blood vessels. National Institute of Cardiology Dr. Ignacio Chávez ology with the FM happened first in the General (INCIC) organized the Symposium on April 30, Hospital of Mexico and thereafter with the Pawan K. Singal, Director of Education of the 2004 in Mexico City, on Cardiovascular Diseases in INCIC. Dr. Narro added "I thank the INCIC for International of Academy Cardiovascular honour of his founder Dr. Ignacio Chávez. their support, by this common and shared histo- Sciences emphasized the Academy anywhere in the world promotes investigation and education "Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of ry with the Faculty, for these 60 years and we in cardiovascular sciences. "Within this mandate death in Mexico and one of the factors that along must celebrate one of the great medical institu- it is our desire to reunite different participants. with other problems of health represent an tions of 20th Century. Similarly, the FM has the An example of it is the relationship that exists important percentage of the morbidity in the commitment to work to maintain and to increase between INCIC and the FM of the UNAM". Mexican society", indicated Dr. José Narro the relation between these two great medical Robles, Dean of the FM, when welcoming the institutions of the country". The main topics of the symposium were ischemic guests in the auditorium Dr. Alberto Guevara On the other hand, Naranjan S. Dhalla, cardiomyopathy and cardiac hypertrophy. Rojas, of the Faculty of Medicine, National Executive Director of the Academy located at Symposium participants included distinguished University of México (UNAM). the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences of St. cardiologists from the INCIC, Dr. Eulo Lupi The importance of the symposium was that the Boniface General Hospital, University of Herrera, Dr. Carlos Martinez Sánchez and Dr. adult population having begun the aging process Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada, emphasized that José Guadalajara Boo; from the Faculty of and the great number of adults over 65 years is the dynamic Mexican infrastructure was wisely Medicine, UNAM, Dr. Erick Alexanderon, chief of affected by myocardial infarction, stroke, hyper- created to stimulate educational work and the PET unit and Dr. Angel Zarain-Herzberg from tension and other types of cardiomyopathies. research in the cardiovascular field. He men- the Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Smoking, obesity, sedentary life and an inade- tioned that for this Symposium, the best special- and Fellows from the Academy, Dr. Karl Weber quate diet are risk factors for cardiovascular dis- ists of the field participate representing subspe- from the University of Tennessee, Dr. William eases. This type of sufferings, abounded, both by cialty in cardiac failure and cardiomyopathies. Weglicki from the George Washington University its direct hit in the health of the person as well On behalf of the Academy Dr. Dhalla offered 50 Medical Center, Dr. Bruce McManus from the for the economic impact that represents in the memberships, which should be given free to Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health, use of medical services, is one of the great chal- Mexican doctors for the next three years. He also Vancouver, and Dr. Pawan Singal and Dr. lenges to win. "The cardiovascular diseases in donated 11 books published by the Institute to Naranjan Dhalla from the Institute of this country and many other parts of the world the INCIC and the same number to the Faculty Cardiovascular Sciences in Winnipeg. represent great challenges for the health system of Medicine, UNAM. After the Symposium, there was a closing dinner of our societies", asserted Dr. Narro. "This sympo- During the Opening Ceremony, Dr. Fause Attié where the participants in the Symposium and sium is an opportunity to discuss with the experts Cury, director of the National Institute of their spouses had the opportunity to strengthen the development of the knowledge in the basic Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, was presented by the personal friendship and the links between and clinical aspects of cardiovascular diseases." Karl T. Weber, Fellow of Academy, with the the institutions. During dinner Dr. Fause Attié He stressed that there is an indissoluble rela- "Distinguished Service Award" of the gave recognition medals to Drs. Dhalla, Singal, tionship between the INC. Ignacio Chávez and International Academy of Cardiovascular Weglicki, Weber, McMannus, Villarreal and the UNAM. It is a bond because the founder Sciences, in the category of Cardiovascular Zarain-Herzberg for their effort organizing and Ignacio Chávez was an extraordinary colleague Sciences, Medicine and Surgery. Fause Attié was participating in a successful Symposium in for the doctors of the FM and the professionals of born in Brazil and acquired Mexican nationality. México City. ❤

18 PEOPLE AND PLACES Current List of Academy Fellows

Osama Abdel Aziz ...... Cairo Egypt Joseph S. Janicki ...... Auburn USA B. Soma Raju ...... Hyderabad India Norman Alpert ...... Burlington USA Michiel J. Janse ...... Amsterdam The Netherlands Karel J. Rakusan ...... Ottawa Canada Giuseppe Ambrosio ...... Perugia Italy Robert B. Jennings ...... Durham USA Jose Antonio F. Ramires ...... Sao Paulo Brazil Inder Anand ...... Minneapolis USA Jasbir S. Juggi ...... Safat Kuwait Robert Roberts ...... Ottawa Canada Aubie Angel ...... Winnipeg Canada Hanjõrg Just ...... Freiburg Germany Janet D. Robishaw ...... Danville USA James A. Angus ...... Victoria Australia Philip J. Kadowitz ...... New Orleans USA Peter Rösen ...... Dusseldorf Germany Piero Anversa ...... Valhalla USA Sérgio E. Kaiser ...... Rio de Janeiro Brazil Leonid V. Rosenshtraukh ...... Moscow Russia Paul W. Armstrong ...... Edmonton Canada Hideo Kanaide ...... Fukuoka Japan Elizabeth Roth ...... Baranya Hungary Domingo M. Braile ...... Sao Jose do Rio Preto Brazil Sjukri Karim ...... Jakarta Barat Indonesia Heinz Rupp ...... Marburg Germany Richard J. Bing ...... Pasadena USA Arnold Katz ...... Norwich USA Edson A. Saad ...... Rio de Janeiro Brazil Sanford P. Bishop ...... Birmingham USA Hideaki Kawaguchi ...... Sapporo Japan Hani N. Sabbah ...... Detroit USA Wilbert J. Keon ...... Ottawa Canada Colin M. Bloor ...... La Jolla USA Valdur A. Saks ...... Grenoble France Roberto Bolli ...... Louisville USA Gania Kessler-Icekson ...... Tikva Israel Tomas A. Salerno ...... Miami USA David P. Brasil ...... Belo Horizonte Brazil Keld Kjeldsen ...... Copenhagen Denmark Ismail Sallam ...... Cairo Egypt Eugene Braunwald ...... Boston USA Robert A. Kloner ...... Los Angeles USA Pavel Braveny ...... Brno Czech Republic Frantisek Kolbel ...... Prague Czech Republic Nizal Sarraf-Zadegan ...... Isfahan Iran Dirk L.E. Brutsaert ...... Edegum Belgium Borivoj Korecky ...... Ottawa Canada Shigetake Sasayama ...... Hamamatsu City Japan L. Maximilian Buja ...... Houston USA Evangelia G. Kranias ...... Cincinnati USA Jutta Schaper ...... Bad Nauheim Germany John A. Cairns ...... Vancouver Canada Ernst-Georg Krause ...... Berlin Germany Wolfgang Schaper ...... Bad Nauheim Germany Claudio M. Calderera ...... Bologna Italy Satoshi Kurihara ...... Tokyo Japan Ernesto L. Schiffrin ...... Montreal Canada Ernesto Carafoli ...... Padova Italy Antonio L'Abbate ...... Pisa Italy Arnold Schwartz ...... Cincinnati USA Edward E. Carmeliet ...... Leuven Belgium Edward G. Lakatta ...... Baltimore USA Ketty Schwartz ...... Paris France James B. Caulfield ...... Birmingham USA Jos M.J. Lamers ...... Rotterdam The Netherlands Peter J. Schwartz ...... Pavia Italy Suphachai Chaithiraphan ...... Bangkok Thailand Glenn A. Langer ...... Little River USA Enn Seppet ...... Tartu Estonia Kanu Chatterjee ...... San Francisco USA Frans H.H. Leenen ...... Ottawa USA Ajay M. Shah ...... London England Eugene I. Chazov ...... Moscow Russia Robert J. Lefkowitz ...... Durham USA Bal K. Sharma ...... Haryana India Patrick Choy ...... Winnipeg Canada Claude Lenfant ...... Gaithersburg USA Shahryar A. Sheikh ...... Lahore Pakistan Horacio Cingolani ...... La Plata Argentina Bernard Lévy ...... Paris France Nobuhiko Shibata ...... Osaka Japan Richard A. Cohen ...... San Francisco USA Bohdan Lewartowski ...... Warsaw Poland Mohammed A.Q. Siddiqui ...... Brooklyn USA Jay N. Cohn ...... Minneapolis USA Martin M. LeWinter ...... Burlington USA Manfred Siess ...... Tubingen Germany Jean Davignon ...... Montreal Canada Depei Liu ...... Beijing China Pawan K. Singal ...... Winnipeg Canada Adolfo J. de Bold ...... Ottawa Canada Guoquing Liu ...... Beijing China Bramah N. Singh ...... Los Angeles USA Jacques de Champlain ...... Montreal Canada Peter P. Liu ...... Toronto Canada Manjeet Singh ...... Patiala India Sergio Dalla Volta ...... Padova Italy Amanda Lochner ...... Tygerberg South Africa Jan D. Slezak ...... Bratislava Slovak Republic Depak K. Das ...... Farmington USA Benedict R. Lucchesi ...... Ann Arbor USA Vladimir N. Smirnov ...... Moscow Russia Walmor C. De Mello ...... San Juan Puerto Rico Thomas F. Lüscher ...... Zurich Switzerland Eldon R. Smith ...... Calgary Canada Michael E. DeBakey ...... Houston USA Bernard Maisch ...... Marburg Germany Hugh C. Smith ...... Rochester USA Naoki Makino ...... Beppu Japan Prakash C. Deedwania ...... Fresno USA R. John Solaro ...... Chicago USA Ricky Y.K. Man ...... Hong Kong Naranjan S. Dhalla ...... Winnipeg Canada Michael J. Sole ...... Toronto Canada Paolo Di Nardo ...... Rome Italy Douglas L. Mann ...... Houston USA Andrew P. Somlyo ...... Charlottesville USA Wolfgang H. Dillmann ...... La Jolla USA Mordechai Manoach ...... Tel Aviv Israel Avril V. Somlyo ...... Charlottesville USA Raul Domenech ...... Casilla Chile Mario F. De Carmargo Maranhão ...... Curitiba Brazil James M. Downey ...... Mobile USA Bruce McManus ...... Vancouver Canada Edmund H. Sonnenblick ...... Bronx USA Setsuro Ebashi ...... Okazaki Japan Dennis B. McNamara ...... New Orleans USA Nicholas Sperelakis ...... Cincinnati USA David A. Eisner ...... Manchester England John H. McNeill ...... Vancouver Canada Hiroyuki Suga ...... Osaka Japan Masao Endoh ...... Yamagata-shi Japan Jawahar L. Mehta ...... Little Rock USA Tsuneaki Sugimoto ...... Tokyo Japan Mark L. Entman ...... Houston USA Nazir A. Memon ...... Hyderabad Pakistan Rajendar K. Suri ...... Chandigarh India Edgardo Escobar ...... Santiago Chile Jean-Jacques Mercadier ...... Paris France Bernard Swynghedauw ...... Paris France Wafia Eteiba ...... Cairo Egypt Seibu Mochizuki ...... Tokyo Japan Laszlo Szekeres ...... Szeged Hungary Alexandre Fabiato ...... Richmond USA Terrence Montague ...... Dorval Canada Heinrich Taegtmeyer ...... Houston USA Carlos M. Ferrario ...... Winston-Salem USA Josef Moravec ...... Lyon France Nobuakira Takeda ...... Tokyo Japan Wagner C.Pádua Filho ...... Belo Horizonte Brazil Howard Morgan ...... Winfield USA Kewal K. Talwar ...... Chandigarh India Alfredo Inacio Fiorelli ...... Sao Paulo Brazil Tofy Mussivand ...... Ottawa Canada Chaoshu Tang ...... Beijing China Luis E. Folle ...... Montevideo Uruguay Réginald Nadeau ...... Montreal Canada Sadagopan Thanikachalam ...... Chennai India Gary S. Francis ...... Cleveland USA Ryozo Nagai ...... Tokyo Japan Paulo J.F. Tucci ...... Sao Paulo Brazil Jean-Charles Fruchart ...... Calmette Lille France Makoto Nagano ...... Tokyo Japan M. Sankaran Valiathan ...... Manipal India Nirmal K. Ganguly ...... New Delhi India K. Gopal Nair ...... Bombay India Paul M. Vanhoutte ...... Hong Kong Pallab K. Ganguly ...... Manama Bahrain Navin C. Nanda ...... Birmingham USA Guy Vassort ...... Montpelier France Detlev Ganten ...... Berlin-Buch Germany Raimundo M. Nascimento ...... Belo Horizonte Brazil Stephen F. Vatner ...... Newark USA Keith D. Garlid ...... Beaverton USA Akinori Noma ...... Kyoto Japan Agnes Vegh ...... Szeged Hungary Junbo Ge ...... Shanghai China Eric N. Olson ...... Dallas USA Panangipalli Venugopal ...... New Delhi India Ricardo J. Gelpi ...... Buenos Aires Argentina Robert E. Olson ...... Tampa USA Daniel Villarreal ...... Syracuse USA Sidney Goldstein ...... Detroit USA Shunzo Onishi ...... Amagasakishi Japan Richard A. Walsh ...... Cleveland USA Otoni M. Gomes ...... Belo Horizonte Brazil Juarez Ortiz ...... Sao Paulo Brazil Xian Wang ...... Beijing China Bohuslav Ostadal ...... Prague Czech Republic Ramesh K. Goyal ...... Ahmedabad India Karl T. Weber ...... Memphis USA Takayuki Ozawa ...... Shimadashi Japan Sigmundur Gudbjarnason ...... Reykjavik Iceland William B. Weglicki ...... Washington USA Suresh K. Gupta ...... New Delhi India Rodolfo Paoletti ...... Milan Italy Myron L. Weisfeldt ...... Baltimore USA Pavel Hamet ...... Montreal Canada Julius Gy. Papp ...... Szeged Hungary Karl Werdan ...... Halle Germany Qi-de Han ...... Beijing China William W. Parmley ...... Salt Lake City USA Gerd Hasenfuss ...... Gottingen Germany James R. Parratt ...... Glasgow Scotland Kern Wildenthal ...... Dallas USA Neils Haugaard ...... Philadelphia USA Grant N. Pierce ...... Winnipeg Canada James T. Willerson ...... Houston USA Michael L. Hess ...... Richmond USA Arie Pinson ...... Jerusalem Israel Ruiping Xiao ...... Baltimore USA Thomas H. Hintze ...... Valhalla USA Bertram Pitt ...... Ann Arbor USA Sir Magdi Yacoub ...... London England Masayasu Hiraoka ...... Tokyo Japan Philip A. Poole-Wilson ...... London England Norboru Yamazaki ...... Hamamatsu-shi Japan Norman K. Hollenberg ...... Boston USA Laurentiu M. Popescu ...... Bucharest Romania Yoshio Yazaki ...... Tokyo Japan Bruce J. Holub ...... Guelph Canada Kailash Prasad ...... Saskatoon Canada Salim Yusuf ...... Hamilton Canada Rutai Hui ...... Beijing China Vijay K. Puri ...... Lucknow India Youyi Zhang ...... Beijing China M. Mohsen Ibrahim ...... Cairo Egypt Shahbudin H. Rahimtoola ...... Los Angeles USA Ding-Liang Zhu ...... Shanghai China Issei Imanaga ...... Fukuoka Japan Babeth Rabinowitz ...... Tel Aviv Israel Attila Ziegelhoffer ...... Bratislava Slovak Republic Ruthard Jacob ...... Tubingen Germany Sir George K. Radda ...... London England Heinz-Gerd Zimmer ...... Leipzig Germany

19 PEOPLE AND PLACES A Revolutionary Initiative for Young Researchers by Ivan Berkowitz, Winnipeg, Canada

• Landmark Lectures – renowned speakers from various disciplines stimulated the sci- entists. David Naylor, Dean of the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine’s topic was "Generating and Using Research Evidence"; Peter Macklem, Professor-Emeritus from McGill talked on "Life, Health and the Second Law of Thermodynamics"; Barbara Alving, Acting Director, NIH Heart. Lung and Blood Institute projected the future on "Reinventing Clinical Research: A Roadmap to the Future"; and Victor Dzau came home to Canada from his posts as Hersey Professor at Harvard and Chairman of Dept. of Medicine, Physician-inChief and Director of Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital to excite our imagination with "Predicting the Future of Coronary Heart Disease Therapy in 2010 and Beyond: The Potentials of Gene and Cell Based Therapies". • Presentations by young investigators and Winnipeg’s Mayor Glen Murray presents Dr. Bernstein with Honourary Citizenship in Winnipeg trainees – to illustrate areas of common sci- entific and approaches that bridge the gap between disciplines and themes of research From the most negative situations, exceptional based on their research programs, to learn and to explore novel management and care concepts can lead to wonderful, positive results. about current circulatory and respiratory strategies (such as telehealth/telemedicine International Academy of Cardiovascular research activity in Canada and elsewhere, and and physician/pharmacist/nurse team-based Sciences Executive Director Naranjan Dhalla to interact and share ideas with colleagues and care) that take advantage of new technolog- and our Fellow, Bruce McManus, Scientific mentors spanning disciplines and themes. ical tools and human resources. Director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Faculty assisted trainees and young investiga- • Meet the Experts Breakfasts and Lunch & Research (CIHR) Institute of Circulatory and tors in moderation and facilitation of scientific Learn Workshops – there was no time wast- Respiratory Health, were marooned in sessions and in contributions to workshops on a ed even for food. Washington DC for five days after 9/11. Their diverse range of topics. The Forum will become creativity turned to ideas to stimulate the edu- the meeting place for young people interested • Poster sessions and mentoring – there were cation and networking among young people in in the circulatory and respiratory sciences in more than 300 posters at which the presen- Canada’s research community. They agreed to Canada and for stimulating research collabora- ters discussed the specifics of the work with pursue the idea which took three years to build tions and personal development. delegates and a team of specially selected to the NATIONAL RESEARCH FORUM FOR judges who not only selected award winners Program highlights were: YOUNG INVESTIGATORS IN CIRCULATORY but stimulated interactive discussions to AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH, Winnipeg, • Opening Ceremonies and Reception – Alan contribute to future excellence. Manitoba, Canada, May 6-8, 2004. Bernstein, CIHR President challenged del- • Career Development Fair – an outstanding The Young Investigators Forum was inaugurat- gates with his talk "Opportunities and networking opportunity, opening with a wine ed as a unique annual event sponsored by the Challenges Facing Young Investigators". and cheese reception, the Fair hosted the CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Bruce McManus welcomed the delegates. Public and Voluntary Partners as well as the Health and its many partners. 555 young inves- Formal greetings were delivered by Hon. Tim Corporate Partners: Grand Patrons - Aventis, tigators spanning disciplines and themes in cir- Sale, Manitoba’s Minister of Energy, Science, Merck Frosst and Pfizer (with much appre- culatory and respiratory research registered for and Technology and by Winnipeg’s Mayor ciated stations to retrieve E-mails); Patrons this event. Trainees and young investigators Glen Murray who also presented Dr. – Biovail and Glaxo Smith Kline; and Donors were the focus of this meeting and they had Bernstein with Honourary Citizenship in – AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb and opportunities to give scientific presentations Winnipeg. Solvay

20 • Dinner celebration and awards – Winnipeg’s and Claude Lenfant, Bethesda, International ing heart, blood vessel, stroke, lung, blood, reputation as the best venue for internation- Advisor. Alan Bernstein, Ottawa was the sleep, critical and intensive care research al meetings was enhanced by the warmth of Honorary Chair of the ORGANIZING COMMIT- • To facilitate interaction, learning, sharing of the welcome, superb organization, the mag- TEE which also included: André Cantin, knowledge and collaboration among trainees nificent facilities and support of the Sherbrooke; Jacques de Champlain, Montreal; Winnipeg Convention Centre and great Arun Chockalingam, Vancouver; Karen Dewar, and researchers in the circulatory and respi- social opportunities for interaction and Ottawa; Kim Gaudreau, Ottawa; Salima Harji, ratory research community relaxation. Vancouver; Melanie Larson, Vancouver; Stanley • To promote mutual respect and appreciation Friends of CIHR organized a satellite meeting Nattel, Montreal; Elissa Hines Reimer, Munich; among researchers working in diverse disci- and Salim Yusuf, Hamilton. The local hosts "The Economic and Socioeconomic impact of plines and across research themes included over 50 volunteers from the Institute Investments in Heath Research", chaired by • To encourage networking and provide oppor- another Fellow of the Academy, Aubie Angel. of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba and St. tunities for career development The Forum was organized by a team which Boniface General Hospital Research Centre After the presentation of the awards at the clos- included Academy executives: Naranjan S. Undoubtedly the following objectives were Dhalla, Chairman; Pawan K. Singal, Organizing ing banquet, plans were confirmed for the 2nd achieved: Secretary; Grant N. Pierce, Chair, Local Annual Forum in Winnipeg, April 28-30, 2005. To Organizing Committee; and Ivan Berkowitz, • To celebrate and promote Canadian trainees keep posted on plans, evaluate the first Forum Conference Coordinator as well as Fellows and young investigators in the circulatory or just to read from the 95 page program, please Bruce McManus, Vancouver, Special Advisor and respiratory research community includ- visit the web site at www.yiforum.ca ❤

ADVANCES IN HEART HEALTH NEW EDITORIAL BOARD EXPANDS ACADEMY JOURNAL

Assoc. Prof. A. Lukas, Ph.D. (Canada) PUBLICATION COORDINATOR e-mail: [email protected] I. Berkowitz (Canada) EDITORIAL BOARD FOR DETAILS, PLEASE VISIT: A. Beresewicz (Poland) R. Bolli (USA) P. http://www.pulsus.com/ecc/home2.htm ❤ Braven_ (Czech Republic) S. K. Cheema (Canada) D. K. Das (USA) N. S. Dhalla (Canada) R. Domenech (Chile) R. Ferrari (Italy) R. Fischmeister (France) S.K. Gupta (India) P. Hamet (Canada) H. Hayashi (Japan) J. Herget (Czech Republic) V.I. Kapelko (Russia) M. Karmazyn (Canada) H. Kawaguchi (Japan) G. Kessler-Icekson (Israel) K. Kjeldsen (Denmark) A. Kumar (India) M. M. LeWinter (USA) R. R. Markwald To aggressively encourage growth of "EXPERI- (USA) D. B. McNamara (USA) A. Morris MENTAL & CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY" the (Canada) J. J.Mercadier (France) M. Nagano Editorial Board has been expanded signifi- (Japan) L. Neyses (UK) J.R. Parratt (UK) V. cantly. This Journal represents a most unique Pelouch (Czech Republic) G. N.Pierce NATIONAL RESEARCH opportunity to have articles on wide ranges (Canada) J. Pirk (Czech Republic) K. FORUM FOR YOUNG on heart health to be published for global cir- Rakusan (Canada) E. Roth (Hungary) M. INVESTEGATORS IN culation. E C & C is indexed/abstracted by Samanek (Czech Republic) J.-L. Samuel CIRCULATORY AND EMBASE/Excerpta Medica. Articles or (France) J. Schaper (Germany) K. Schwartz inquires should be forwarded to the editors or (France) E. Seppet (Estonia) M. A. Q.Siddiqui RESPIRATORY HEALTH board members. (USA) P. Singal (Canada) J. Slezák (Slovak A program of the CIHR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Prof. MUDr. B. O__ádal, Republic) B. Swynghedauw (France) N. Institute of Circulatory & DrSc. (Czech Republic) Takeda (Japan) J. Tam (Canada) K. K. Talwar Respiratory Health & partners e-mail: [email protected] (India) R. Tomanek (USA) A. Torbicki ASSOCIATE EDITORS Assoc. Prof. RNDr. F. (Poland) A. Vegh (Hungary) M. Vornanen April 28 - 30 · 2005 Kolá_, Ph.D. (Czech Republic) (Finland) J. Widimsky (Czech Republic) P. Winnipeg, Manitoba, e-mail: [email protected] Widimsky (Czech Republic) J. Zicha (Czech Canada Prof. F.H.H. Leenen, MD (Canada) e-mail: Republic) A. Ziegelhoeffer (Slovak Republic) Web: www.yiforum.ca [email protected] H. G. Zimmer (Germany)

21 PEOPLE AND PLACES Cardiovascular Highlites of the 83rd Meeting of the German Physiological Society in Leipzig, Germany by Wilfried Briest, PhD Leipzig,Germany However, there was no effect of stem cells on cardiac repair. The left and right ventricular function revealed no improvement in any treat- ment group when compared to untreated MI- animals at baseline resting conditions as meas- ured by catheterization. Also, histological analy- sis did not show differences between treated and untreated animals as to scar thinning and remodeling of the remote myocardium. Professor Dr. Wolfgang A. Linke (Heidelberg, Germany) presented new results in the field out of titin research. He found an isoform shift of this biggest protein what we know in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy to the longer form. This shift lowered sarcomeric passive tension. To test whether the isoform switching might be triggered by myocardial hypertrophy, he and his (left to right) Makoto Nagano, Heinz-Gerd Zimmer, Naranjan Dhalla co-workers generated an animal model, the experimental 2K1C rats. The titin-isoform com- The Meeting of the German Physiological vates the RhoA pathway, resulting in increased position in the heart of hypertrophic and sham- Society in Leipzig, March 14-17 2004 was a great Ca2+ sensitivity of vascular smooth muscle, and operated samples was not changed 6-7 weeks success. The sponsorship and assistance of the subsequently, elevated basal tone and myogenic following surgery. Professor Linke concluded, International Academy of Cardiovascular reactivity. Conversely, shear stress stimulates that a lower-than-normal proportion of titin- Sciences was most appreciated. 797 scientists the endothelium to release vasoactive factors based stiffness in end-stage failing hearts may from throughout Germany and guests from all and induces remodeling of vessels as an adapta- be result partly due to the loss of titin and over the world participated. All major topics of tion to chronically altered flow load. The extra- increased fibrosis, and partly due to the titin- physiology were covered. Cardiovascular sub- cellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in isoform shift. This shift may be independent of this process: the ECM-cell connections possess jects were powerfully represented. Two of 6 ple- hypertrophy signaling pathway. nary sessions were dedicated to perspectives of mechanosensor function; and certain matrix this field. Professor Dr. H. Michael Piper components are pivotal for regulating gene Very interesting pictures of beat-to-beat Ca2+ (Giessen, Germany) summarized the knowledge expression and growth factor release. Professor changes in contracting myocardium by confocal about the twist of cellular signaling in the heart Pohl pointed out that the active roles of the microscopy were shown by V. Dyachenkov during ischemia-reperfusion injury which leads ECM and the Ca2+-sensitizing mechanisms in (Halle, Germany). He concluded that mitochon- to protection. He explained the jeopardy by the vascular responses to pressure and flow drial Ca2+ concentrations of mouse ventricular Ca2+ overload of heart cells and the develop- offer new insights into the activation pathways myocytes follow the beat-to-beat changes in the ment of myofibrillar contracture in the first exerted by mechanical forces. Thus providing cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. minutes of reperfusion. Signaling through gap novel potential targets for the therapy of hyper- In addition to the highly interesting scientific junctions plays a major role and is therefore a tension and atherosclerosis. program, the participants had the opportunity target for protective therapy. Several protective Two symposia which presented novel mecha- to share the exciting cultural life of Leipzig, kinase pathways have been identified that, if nisms in cardiac hypertrophy and overviews of famous among other as a home for great musi- activated during reperfusion, reduce necrotic or gap junctions in the cardiovascular system cians like Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix apoptotic cell death. These include PKG, PI 3- were part of the congress. In several oral pre- Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Richard Wagner. K/Akt, and Erk _ which are part of protective sentations the viability of cardiovascular There was enough time and room for discussions approaches that can be used for the treatment research was demonstrated. Special interest in the breaks and during poster sessions since of acute myocardial infarction. Prof. Dr. Ulrich was produced by the presentation of Dr. this congress was a meeting of short distances. Pohl (Munich, Germany) started his lecture Alexander Deten (Leipzig, Germany) in the All activities were concentrated right in the city about signaling pathways of pressure and flow in controversial field of stem cell therapy of center. The Opening Ceremony and the Get blood vessels with the so called myogenic injured heart. He had analyzed the effect of Together on the first day took place in the answer of vessels to elevation of intravasal pres- increased circulating bone marrow derived "Gewandhaus" of Leipzig. One highlight of the sure which was first described by Sir William stem cells on morphological and hemodynamic meeting was the birthday party celebrating the Bayliss 1902. Elevation of transmural pressure parameters of mouse hearts 5 weeks after 100th anniversary of the German Physiological induces endothelial and smooth muscle depo- induction of chronic myocardial infarction Society. The guests and participants will remem- larization yielding elevated oxygen free radical (MI). He tested also the effect of re-injection of ber Leipzig as a most dynamic place concerning production. Moreover, increased pressure acti- isolated bone marrow cells in these mice. science and culture.

22 ADVANCES IN HEART HEALTH Heart Failure Reviews is an The Editors Academy Official Journal

The editors of Heart Failure Reviews published

by Kluwer Academic Publishers are delighted Hani Sabbah Sidney Goldstein to announce that the International Academy of [[email protected]] [[email protected]] Cardiovascular Sciences has selected Heart Kluwer Academic Publishers is pleased to Failure Reviews as one of its official journals. announce that Heart Failure Reviews is avail- Heart Failure Reviews is a quarterly journal in able to members of the International Academy its tenth year of publication focused on provid- of Cardiovascular Sciences at the low subscrip- ing up-to-date information to physicians and tion price of $88.00 for four issues. scientists about the evolving heart failure field. Please send your orders to: The Journal has published reviews and sym- Kluwer Academic Publishers posia covering heart failure from epidemiology Order Dept. to molecular biology. Members of the Academy PO Box 322 are welcome to participate in the Journal and 3300 AH Dordrecht, THE NETHERLANDS encouraged to send manuscripts to the editor Fax: 31-78-6576474 • Phone: 31-78-6576050 on topics in heart failure. E-mail: [email protected] ❤

ence seeing the examples given, and many may Book Review: "A Practical benefit by taking up the elegant phrasing dur- ing a rebuttal. I laughed out loud when I read the authors’ phrase: "We thank the Reviewer for Guide to Medical Research" the constructive criticism of our manuscript," having a vision of a humiliating review in mind. by Morten Woejdeman, MD DSc London, England The book consisting of 148 pages of text is well particular the obligations that mutually need illustrated and contains several boxes with to be met. Both parties would spare time and highlights to remember in the best US text book frustrations by having read this book. Very use- tradition. Of course the authors have even ful information, indeed. In good form the read- thought of electronic references to be used for er is lead through the whole process; from the in depth study or merely downloaded for future initial contact with the research community to surfing on the Web. working out research plans, applications for The great surprise is that the three Danish grants and an attractive CV. Even tips regard- authors have opted to write their book in ing computers and software are rendered. This English. This is however natural since English is followed by detailed instructions on how to is the major language for any scientific commu- efficiently write a research paper including nication. The language used is easily read, and interesting examples. Even a whole chapter is easily understood. The potential of the book is dedicated to the art of giving a talk. Everything huge. I can clearly state that the book has my is included from start to finish, the beginner best recommendations. I would also recom- and even the experienced researcher is guided mend it to other biological researchers than through it all, whether it concerns writing the physicians. Enjoy this scoop of a book. If I am to Outstanding book. Nothing less than a scoop. title page of a paper or creating a figure. This is undertake any further mentoring, the first One only wonders why the book hasn’t been efficient pedagogy, something that works. The thing I shall do is to ask the hopeful apprentice written before. This book should be owned by reasons why seemingly endless drafts and cor- to buy and read this book. anyone considering to launch a career in med- rections may be necessary are presented, in a The book was published in 2003 by FADL´s ical research or even only attempt a brief way that should make anyone accept even seri- Forlag, Copenhagen, Denmark encounter with the research community. The ous commenting. (ISBN 87-7749-402-4), book, written by TA Schmidt, J Bech and K The book is concluded with a review of the edi- Web site: www.forlag.fadl.dk Kjeldsen from Copenhagen, focuses on the col- torial process and the peer review system. E-mail: [email protected] ❤ laboration between mentor and apprentice in Many researchers will have a déjà vu experi-

23 1st Joint Symposium Society of Brazilian Cardiologists - Funcor, InterAmerican Heart Foundation & International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences on Sunday Sept. 26 to Wednesday Sep 29, 2004. This part 1 of SBC-Funcor program is intended for healthcare professionals and will be at the Convention Centre, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Also, there will be a CardioForum (Public Forum), which will take place on Sunday Sept. 26. For details, contact – David Brasil, Co-ordinator for International Affairs, Telephone: +55-31-3281-2027, E- mail: [email protected]

Teaching Course – "FAITH AND DISEASE" with the focus on the importance of faith in heart disease. The course is featured by the General County Counsel for Continuous Medical Education, Copenhagen, La Facolta 2 di Medicinia et Chirurgia, Universita degli Studi de Roma and the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences (IACS) in Rome, Italy, 1-5 December 2004. Lectures will be in English. Course fee is 1500 EURO. Accommodation and meals included. For further information contact Deputy Executive Secretary IACS Europe Thomas A Schmidt, MD, DSc: [email protected]. Enrolment on first come first serve basis.

IACS - South America will again be a sponsor of XV Scientific Forum and 1st World Congress on Cardiology for the Family. Dec. 2 - 5, 2004, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. For details, please contact Dr. Otoni M. Gomes, Rua 3 Manoel Lopes Coelho, 365 - Itapoa - 31710-530 Belo Horizonte - MG, Brazil Tel: +55-31-3444-8807 / 3441-2254 (res.) E-mail: [email protected]

The ACADEMY has been accepted as an "associate'" of Amazon.com To make it easy (and even find bagains) to buy the six books recently published from the 2001 World Heart Congress or by 4 many of our Fellows, people can click to Amazon.com from the logo on our home page - http://www.heartacademy.org/

Stress-Induced Biochanges in the Heart: From Genes LIST OF KEY SPEAKERS to Bedside. Antalya, Turkey, February 2 - 7, 2005: ALTAN M. (Turkey), CERBAI E. (Italy), DAS D. K. (USA), DHALLA N. The Nato Advanced Research Workshop, organized by the (Canada), KESSLER G. (Israel), KJELDSEN K. (Denmark), 5 Academy, will focus on the effects of different stresses on: LOPASCHUK G. D. (Canada), McNAMARA D. B. (USA), OSTADAL B. • transport of signals through biological membranes and interpre- (Czech Republic), SEPPET E. (Estonia), SINGAL P. K. (Canada), SLEZAK tation of such signals by cellular systems • calcium signaling in animal cells J. (Slovak Republic), SMIRNOV V. N. (Russia), TURAN B. (Turkey), • mitochondria and their channels in pathological situation and VASSORT G. (France), VEGH A. (Hungary), WERDAN K. (Germany) apoptosis For more information, please visit the website • endogenous myocardial protection against ischemic stress or contact: • the role of plasmalemmal ATPases in signaling and termination of signals Belma Turan Ph. D. • myocardial injury mediated by endocardium Dept. of Biophysics, University of Ankara • calcium handling in the diabetic heart Sihhiye 06100, Ankara, Turkey • endogenous cardioprotection operating in diabetic heart E-mail: [email protected] • oxidative stress and antioxidants in myocardium • nitric oxide signaling and effect of NOSs in cardiac protection Web page: • catecholamine signaling in the heart www.ankara.edu.tr/nato/heart2005

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