Expert Panel Examines Obesity Crisis in U.S

NOVEMBER 13 • 2009 TheWeekly PUBLISHED FOR THE USC HEALTH SCIENCES CAMPUS COMMUNITY VOLUME 15 • NUMBER 35

“I’ve been studying [obesity] for 20 years, and if you put French fries in front of me, I’ll eat them... We are wired to Jon Nalick eat. Reversing the cues and training Expert panel examines obesity crisis in U.S. people [to eat By Leslie Ridgeway cans would make better food well] is hard.” Lifestyle, environment and choices if the options were evolutionary cues to pack on more readily available and calories even when food is faulted poor urban planning — Michael Goran, plentiful were among the fac- and the fact that healthy food founding director of tors blamed for sharp increases is more expensive than fast the USC Childhood in obesity and obesity-related food. But unconscious inner problems in Americans when urgings to eat more in prepara- Obesity Research the Southern California Lead- tion for possible famine may Center ership Panel discussion “The also play a role. Obesity Crisis in America” King, commenting on a took place Friday, Nov. 6, at question about why it’s hard to the Health Sciences Campus. stay on a diet, noted that even CNN talk show host Larry he, a heart attack survivor, King moderated the annual couldn’t say no to two pieces discussion in front of a full of carrot cake at his wife’s house at the Aresty Confer- birthday party. Goran noted Jon Nalick ence Center. The panel of that King isn’t alone. Top photo, from left: talk show host and moderator Larry King; author and television healthcare experts included “I’ve been studying [obe- chef Devin Alexander; Prediman K. (PK) Shah, director of Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute’s Michael Goran, founding di- sity] for 20 years, and if you division of cardiology; Karol Watson, co-director of the UCLA Center for Cholesterol rector of the USC Childhood put French fries in front of and Lipid Management; Michael Goran, founding director of the USC Childhood Obesity Research Center; and nutrition specialist Melina Jampolis. Bottom photo: King Obesity Research Center. me, I’ll eat them,” said Goran. asks a question about obesity and its impact on individuals and society. Panelists agreed that Ameri- See OBESITY, page 3 Pollution’s impact may be underestimated USC study shows cost-effectiveness of sheltering Los Angeles homeless By Meghan Lewit complex contributed to the and deputy director of the By Meghan Lewit Heavy traffic corridors in exacerbation of asthma. For Children’s Environmental Placing four chronically portive housing environment. the cities of Long Beach and example, about 1,400 yearly Health Center at USC. homeless people into per- Investigators found that the Riverside are responsible episodes of asthma-related “The traditional approach manent supportive housing total cost of public services for a significant proportion bronchitis episodes in Long to estimating the burden of in Los Angeles resulted in spent on the four individuals of preventable childhood Beach (21 percent of the air pollution-related disease more than $80,000 per year during two years living on the asthma, and the true impact total) were caused by the has markedly underesti- in savings to taxpayers and street was $187,288. The cost of air pollution and ship contribution of ship emis- mated the true effect,” improved quality of life for of public services dropped by emissions on the disease has sions to nitrogen dioxide McConnell said. “Our the individuals, according to more than $20,000 per person likely been underestimated, levels in the city. results indicate that there is a recent study led by Michael during two subsequent years according to researchers at Although there has been a substantial proportion of R. Cousineau, associate pro- spent in stable, permanent USC. extensive research on the childhood asthma that may fessor of preventive medicine housing. The study, which appears effects of traffic proximity be caused by living within at the Keck School of Medi- “By looking at the indi- in an online edition of the on asthma risk, this study 75 meters (81 yards) of a cine, and Heather Lander, vidual stories behind these American Journal of Public is one of the few that has major road in Long Beach Project Specialist at the USC numbers, we were able to Health, estimated that nine estimated the number and Riverside. This results Center for Community Health understand the real social, percent of all childhood of cases—or “burden of in a much larger impact Studies. financial and health factors asthma cases in Long Beach disease”—associated with of air pollution on asthma The Homeless Cost impacting the homeless,” and six percent in Riverside traffic in specific high risk symptoms and health care Study—a collaboration be- Cousineau said. “There were attributable to traffic communities, said principal use than previously appreci- tween the Center for Commu- are more homeless in Los proximity. investigator Rob McCon- ated. This is also one of the nity Health Studies and the Angeles than in any other The study also found that nell, professor of preven- first studies to quantify the United Way of Greater Los city in the nation, and there ship emissions from the Los tive medicine at the Keck contribution of ship emis- Angeles—profiled four previ- is compelling evidence that Angeles-Long Beach port School of Medicine of USC See POLLUTION, page 2 ously homeless individuals getting people off the street who had been placed in a sup- See HOMELESS, page 3 NOVEMBER 13 • 2009 Six physician assistant students named NHSC scholars By Steve Arbuckle The U.S. Bureau of Health Professions recently named six USC Primary Care Physician Assistant Program students Na- tional Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholars. The competitive federal program, which awards scholarships to students pursuing primary care health professions training, attracted 2,000 applicants this year. Only 200 students were named as scholars, with 24 enrolled in studies leading to physician assistant practice. Second-year students Tina Carbajal, Rachel Newgard, Anoosheh Nikkar and first-year students Jessica Jimenez, Ernest Oriz Jr. and Susanne Valenti earned the distinction because of their diverse skills and experiences, and their commitments to serving the health care needs of medically underserved communities. NHSC Scholars receive support for 100 percent of their tuition, fees, other educational costs and a monthly stipend. In return, scholars agree to provide one year of service in health Steve Arbuckle professional shortage areas of greatest need for each school year NHSC Scholars: Back row, (from left) Ernest Ortiz Jr., Jessica Jimenez, Susanne Val- or partial school year of scholarship support received. enti. Front row (from left) Rachel Newgard, Tina Carbajal and Anoosheh Nikkar.

POLLUTION: Air pollution shown to be greater contributor to childhood asthma than generally recognized

Continued from page 1 corridors, as well as truck Researchers estimated the burden of childhood asthma in Spain and the University sions to the childhood asthma traffic and regional pollu- number of asthma cases and than is generally recognized, of Basel in Switzerland, was burden.” tion originating in the port related complications that especially to more severe supported by the National Such specific data about complex, which is the largest occurred because of air pollu- episodes requiring visits to a Institute of Environmental the local health burden of air in the United States. tion, using information from clinic or emergency room.” Health Sciences, the U.S. pollution is useful for evaluat- The study drew upon data epidemiological studies that Unlike regional air pollut- Environmental Protection ing proposals to expand port from the Children’s Health they then applied to current ants, the local traffic-related Agency, the South Coast Air facilities or transportation Study, a longitudinal study exposure to air pollution and pollutants around homes and Quality Management District, infrastructure in the L.A. area, of respiratory health among traffic in Southern California. their effects are not currently the Hastings Foundation, McConnell noted. Both Long children in 12 Southern Cali- The results showed that regulated, he noted. the Center for Research in Beach and Riverside already fornia communities, including approximately 1,600 cases of “This is a challenge to Environmental Epidemiol- have heavy automobile traffic Riverside and Long Beach. childhood asthma in Long communities, to regula- ogy (Switzerland) and the Beach and 690 in Riverside tory agencies and to public Fundacion Insitut Municipal could be linked to living health,” McConnell said. d’Investigacio Medica (Bar- within 81 yards of a major “Traffic-related health effects celona). road. should have a central role on The authors acknowledged “The impact of roadway the transportation planning the insights of the staff and proximity on the overall bur- agenda.” members of the Long Beach den of asthma-related illness The study, an international Alliance for Children with is remarkable,” McConnell collaboration between USC, Asthma and the Center for said. “Air pollution is a more the Center for Research in Community Action and important contributor to the Environmental Epidemiology Environmental Justice.

Keck School bolsters clinical curriculum, student experience

Students completing their III and IV clinical curriculum. interviewing and physical clinical rotations at LAC+USC To bolster students’ exam skills.” Medical Center have a lot to learning experiences, the According to the 2009 talk about. Internal Medicine rotation for Independent Student SUPPORTING CANCER RESEARCH—Run 4 Her Life, a run/walk held Oct. 18 in Glendale, raised funds to support the Harold E. and Henrietta C. Lee To ensure that Keck medical students transitioned Assessment conducted by Breast Center, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and the research School of Medicine students from three weeks of inpatient Keck medical students, of Michael Press, Harold E. Lee Chair in Cancer Research and professor of receive excellent clinical and three weeks of outpatient students agree that these pathology. From left are event participants: Stefanie Marquez, pathology education and acquire the medicine to six weeks of changes will greatly enhance doctoral candidate; Ivonne Villalobos, administrative services coordinator necessary skills to flourish inpatient medicine. the learning experience. for the Keck School Department of Pathology, with baby Michaela; Michael in postgraduate residency The change, implemented Students document their Press; and Tonya Strom, assistant director of development for the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. training, significant changes in July 2009, was accompanied clinical experiences with the have been made to the years by the addition of new call new Clinical Experience rooms in the new LAC+USC Portfolio, which facilitates Medical Center, making it tracking and evaluation of The possible for medical students students’ clinical experiences, Weekly Next Issue: Nov. 20 to take overnight call during and allows clerkship directors the rotation. These changes to review and respond quickly should significantly improve to any issues that may arise the students’ experience during the overall clinical The Weekly is published for the faculty, staff, students, volunteers and visitors in the Univer- sity of Southern California’s Health Sciences Campus community. It is written and produced during one of the most experiences of students. by the Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing staff. Comments, suggestions and important clinical rotations in One factor helping improve story ideas are welcome. Permission to reprint articles with attribution is freely given. medical school. those experiences is the new Pamela Schaff, assistant medical student lounge in Associate Senior Vice President, Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing: Jane Brust dean for curriculum, said the the County Hospital, which new changes should help includes a sitting area with a Executive Director of Communications and Marketing: Ina Fried improve the clinical education flat screen television, a room Editor: Jon Nalick of medical students. with computer stations and Contributors: Steve Arbuckle, Eva Blaauw, Cheryl Bruyninckx, Wendy Chang, Meghan Lewit, “Clerkship faculty have a printer, and an adjoining Carol Matthieu, Katie Neith, Sara Reeve, Leslie Ridgeway and Bryan Schneider placed renewed emphasis room with chairs, tables and on clinical skills instruction. lockers for storage. Brand Senior Vice President, University Relations: Martha Harris At the bedside and in new furniture completes the workshops and skills labs, space, and the walls will soon Phone: 323-442-2830 Fax: 323-442-2832 students are observed and display artwork from medical E-mail: [email protected] Web: theweekly.usc.edu RSS: http://www.usc.edu/hscw receive feedback on their students. HOMELESS: Housing homeless proves cheaper than not

Continued from page 1 housing—were analyzed manent housing, which mental health, which is a posi- and into permanent housing in order to determine the included access to mental and tive fi nding because people has signifi cant individual and total taxpayer cost to provide physical health and education who use community mental community benefi ts.” social services. During their classes, investigators ob- health resources are less likely The qualitative study time living on the street, the served increased stability and to use the hospital emergency profi led a 52-year-old white individuals regularly used improved quality of life for all room, Cousineau noted. female, a 58-year-old white emergency services for health four participants. “Government fi nancing of male, a 32-year-old Hispanic and alcohol issues. All four During the study time supportive housing is a wise male and a 61-year-old African had been arrested at least period, only one individual public investment. It saves American male. Five prin- once and spent time in jail, visited the emergency room taxpayer dollars and makes cipal cost areas—substance and two of the four had been and none entered the criminal important contributions to abuse, physical health, mental hospitalized. justice system. The only area solving homelessness,” he health, criminal justice and After two years in per- where costs increased was said. Jon Nalick CONGRATULATIONS, RESEARCHERS!—Keck School of Medicine Dean Carmen A. Puliaﬁ to (left, center) hosted a luncheon Nov. 3 to celebrate the $34 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds received by Keck School researchers. Hundreds attended the event at Harry and Celesta Pappas Quad, which featured barbecue foods and music.

Researchers characterize risk factors for heart condition in pregnant women

By Meleeneh Kazarian at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Louisiana State almost half of the women, 50 percent of whom devel- Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine have University. oped major adverse events including death, cardiac and defi ned the clinical characteristics and risk factors in Researchers reviewed the medical records of 182 respiratory arrest, strokes and lasting brain damage. women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)— a patients diagnosed with PPCM for major adverse The most powerful predictor of major adverse events condition with still an unknown cause leading to dete- events, including death or complications that were life- was the degree of initial myocardial insult caused by rioration of cardiac function during or after pregnancy. threatening or resulted in long-term morbidity. depression of the left ventricular function at the time The observations were published in the Journal of Twenty-fi ve percent of patients had at least one of diagnosis, as well as delayed recognition of the Cardiac Failure on Nov. 8. major adverse event, and 84 percent of the events disease. Uri Elkayam, professor of medicine and obstetrics occurred during the fi rst year after diagnosis of PPCM. The fi ndings suggest the need for increased aware- and gynecology and director of the Heart Failure Patients experiencing major adverse event were more ness of this condition among health professionals caring Program at LAC+USC Medical Center, as well as often younger and non-Caucasian. Because symptoms for women during pregnancy and after the delivery in physician in charge of the cardiology high risk preg- of this condition are often attributed to normal changes order to assure timely diagnosis and early therapy to nancy service, headed the study, along with researchers of pregnancy, diagnosis was delayed or missed in prevent further complications.

OBESITY: Expert panel examines causes, potential remedies of epidemic

Continued from page 1 “We are trained to look at evidence-based medicine “If we continue on the current trajectory, all of the “We are wired to eat. Reversing the cues and training and outcomes,” said Melina Jampolis, a board certifi ed gains against heart disease will be erased in the next people [to eat well] is hard.” internist and CNNHealth.com diet and fi tness expert. generation,” said P.K. Shah, director of cardiology at “People are getting the message [about healthy food “It’s more complicated than that.” Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Larry King’s cardi- choices],” said Karol Watson, co-director of the UCLA Asked by King if there were anything they would ologist. “This could be the fi rst generation that does Program in Preventative Cardiology. “It’s easier to ban in order to deter obesity, the panelists listed not outlive their parents.” know what’s right than to actually do it.” sweetened beverages and cereals and the marketing of The panel was sponsored by the Keck School of Better education about nutrition in medical school them to children. Panelists also expressed concern that Medicine, Cope Health Solutions, The Larry King might also help physicians pass healthy food messages obesity trends are undoing positive strides made in the Cardiac Foundation and LAC+USC Medical Center, to their patients. fi ght against heart disease and stroke. and presented by Abbott Laboratories.

The Weekly NEWSMAKERS

A Nov. 9 Los Angeles Times article quoted assistant tributor to childhood asthma. KNBC-TV, the Press-En- Pinsky performed CPR until paramedics arrived, and professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioral sciences terprise, the Contra Costa Times, the Desert Sun, the player later received successful surgery to relieve Thomas Hicklin about suicide clusters in communi- Valley News, the Long Beach Report and Medical pressure on the brain, the story reported. ties. News Today also featured the research. On Nov. 1, a special KNBC-TV report featured associ- A Nov. 9 Bloomberg News article quoted professor of On Nov. 4, KABC-TV quoted professor and executive ate professor of research in preventive medicine Mi- psychiatry, neurology and gerontology Lon Schneider director of the University Park Health Center Law- chael Cousineau and associate professor of medicine in an article on pharmaceutical companies that rou- rence Neinstein about a Los Angeles County health and chief, division of geriatric, hospital and general tinely pay fi nes for marketing drugs for unapproved department H1N1 vaccine clinic being hosted at USC. internal medicine David Goldstein discussing health uses. MediaPost also quoted Schneider. care reform. On Nov. 2, KTLA-TV reported that assistant clinical A Nov. 4 Press-Telegram article featured research led professor of psychiatry Drew Pinsky performed car- An Oct. 30 widely carried Associated Press article by professor of preventive medicine Rob McConnell diopulmonary resuscitation on a high school football reported that actor Dennis Hopper is being treated which found that traffi c corridors and goods move- player who suffered a head injury and stopped breath- for prostate cancer through a special program at USC. ment in Long Beach and Riverside are a major con- ing during a game in which Pinsky’s son was playing. The news was also covered by The New York Times. NOVEMBER 13 • 2009

15-year-old maps a path to cleaner air

Calendar of Events By Meghan Lewit This Calendar of events is also online at Fifteen-year-old Otana www.usc.edu/hsccalendar for the Health Jakpor’s essay on how she spent her summer vaca- Sciences Campus community tion would include leading demonstrations on how to Monday, Nov. 16 map demographic data and All Day. KSOM Golf Tournament. Wilshire Country Club. Info: conducting research on www.usc.edu/esvp code: KeckGolf diesel emissions from loco- motives and other railyard Noon. KSOM Research Seminar. “Psychiatric Genetics and the Future of Human Genetics at KSOM,” James Knowles, USC. equipment. NRT Aresty Aud. Info: (323) 442-1144 The high school senior recently interned at the Noon. “Case Presentations,” Mehrdad Saliminejad, USC. IPT Southern California Envi- C2J 101. Info: (323) 409-7995 ronmental Health Sciences Center (SCEHSC), directed Tuesday, Nov. 17 Sara Reeve by Frank Gilliland at the Otana Jakpor leads a training seminar on community demographic mapping for USC Noon. Cancer Center Grand Rounds. “Resistance to HER2- Keck School of Medicine, faculty and staff. targeted Therapy in Breast Cancer: Basic Insights and Clinical where she focused on using Strategies,” Debu Tripathy, USC. NRT Aresty Aud. Info: (323) U.S. Census Bureau infor- tion, they can use it to make a and the National Association for 865-0801 mation to map and study the difference.” the Advancement of Colored Wednesday, Nov. 18 demographics of populations Mentoring such a young People. She was honored by living near rail yards. person with a real passion for the Environmental Protection 8:30 a.m. “Building Pharmaceutical Anti-Counterfeiting Pro- “I started off by reading a environmental health issues Agency with a 2007 President’s grams,” Various speakers. CHP 106. Info: (323) 442-3102 lot. I learned about the Los has been inspiring, said Andrea Environmental Youth Award 8:30 a.m. “H1N1 Updates,” Paul Holtom, USC. GNH 11321. Angeles ports, goods move- Hricko, associate professor of and has also earned recognition Info: (323) 226-7923 ment and how trucks and trains preventive medicine at the from members of Congress and pollute the air,” said Jakpor, Keck School and director of former President George Bush. Noon. ZNI Seminar. “Are Presynaptic NMDA Receptors Post- who woke at 5 a.m. every community outreach at the “At these presentations, I synaptic?” Craig Jahr, Oregon Health & Science Univ. ZNI day to take the train from her SCEHSC. talk about what’s important to 112. Info: (323) 442-2144 home in Riverside to the USC “We have been discussing me as a young person,” Jakpor Noon. “Renal Biopsy,” Michael Koss and Vito Campese, USC. Health Sciences Campus. “I creative methods of career said. “I don’t say anything GNH 4420. Info: (323) 226-7337 didn’t know about all the health development in our center. novel, but people pay atten- effects that could come from How do you get someone to tion when a young person says 4 p.m. “Developing & Submitting a DoD Grant Application,” James Murday, USC. BMT 407. RSVP: [email protected] living near a railyard. It’s really think about becoming a Ph.D. something about these environ- an environmental justice issue.” epidemiologist or an M.D. mental health issues.” Thursday, Nov. 19 By the end of her internship, interested in environmental Rob McConnell, professor Jakpor was leading tutorials for health research? How do you of preventive medicine at the Noon. “Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease,” Sandra Erickson, SCEHSC staff on how to do get young people excited about Keck School and deputy direc- UC San Francisco. HMR 100. Info: (323) 442-1283 the demographic data mapping. this important field?” Hricko tor of the USC/UCLA Chil- Friday, Nov. 20 In September, she received said. “Working with a dynamic, dren’s Environmental Health special recognition from Lisa intelligent student like Otana, Center, approached Jakpor after 8 a.m. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Grand Rounds. Jackson, administrator of the who is only 15, is perfect.” seeing her poster presentation “Teaching and Assessing ACGME Competencies,” Julie Ny- U.S. Environmental Protection Jakpor has become accus- at a May 2009 meeting of the quist, USC. NOR 7409. Info: (323) 442-1180 Agency, during Jackson’s visit tomed to being singled out for American Thoracic Society 8:30 a.m. “Biomedical Nanoscience Retreat,” Sarah Hamm- to Los Angeles. her unusual combination of meeting. Alvarez, USC. Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge. RSVP: At the three-day Governors’ youth and expertise. Her inter- “It was immediately clear to [email protected] Global Climate Summit, in est in environmental health me that Otana was a student front of a crowd of more than began several years ago as she we wanted to know better and 8:30 a.m. USC Dept. of Surgery 11th Annual Leonard and Marie Louise Rosoff Visiting Professor Seminar. “Multidisci- 2,000 international attendees, watched her mother struggle whose interests we wanted to plinary Strategies for the Treatment of Esophageal Cancer,” Jackson praised Jakpor for her with chronic asthma. She began nurture,” said McConnell. “I Wayne Hofstetter, Univ. of Texas. DOH 100. Info: (323) work on behalf of clean air to do research and, at 13 years urged her to pursue a summer 442-2506 initiatives, including volunteer- old, presented the findings of internship at our USC Center, 11 a.m. Hematology Grand Rounds. “Current Trends in MDS ing for the American Lung her homemade experiment on so that she could put her inter- Treatment,” Joseph Tuscano, UC Davis. IPT C2J103. Info: Association. exposure to ozone emitted by ests and skills into practice.” (323) 865-3950 “I’ve learned a lot about air purifiers to the California Air Jakpor said she wants to how science can impact regular Resources Board. attend medical school after . “Case Presentations,” John Kim, USC. OPT A5C129. Noon people and regular communi- Since then, she has been a college and plans to continue Info: (323) 409-7995 ties, and this summer I learned featured speaker at a number of advocating for clean air. Monday, Nov. 23 about importance of com- scientific meetings and confer- Hricko and McConnell munity outreach,” Jakpor said. ences, and has received awards noted that they are hoping she Noon. KSOM Research Seminar. “Cancer Stem Cells and “When people have informa- from the Discovery Channel will become a future Trojan. Microenvironment in Prostate Cancer Progression,” Pradip Roy-Burman, USC. NRT Aresty Aud. Info: (323) 442-7874 Benefits open enrollment ends Nov. 20 Saturday, Nov. 25

Noon. “Uric Acid and Renal Disease,” Dalila Corry, UCLA. The time to make changes to your benefits is now. For flexible spending accounts—even if no GNH 4420. Info: (323) 226-7307 changes are needed—employees must re-enroll each year. Changes should be made via eTrac. For questions, contact HSC Personnel Services , Keith Administration Building, Room 409. Walk-in Monday, Nov. 30 hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You may also call to make an appointment outside of walk-in hours. To contact the office, call (323) 442-1010 or e-mail [email protected]. Noon. “Case Presentations,” Mehrdad Saliminejad, USC. IPT C2J101. Info: (323) 409-7995

Noon. KSOM Research Seminar. “Stem Cells and the Liver Microcirculation,” Laurie DeLeve, USC. NRT Aresty Aud. Info: USC Health Sciences Non-Profit Organization (323) 442-7874 Public Relations and Marketing U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1975 Zonal Ave. University of Southern KAM 400 California Notice: Deadline for calendar submission is 4 p.m. Mon- Los Angeles, CA 90033 day to be considered for that week’s issue—although three weeks’ advance notice of events is recommended. Please note that timely submission does not guarantee an item will be printed. Send calendar items to The Weekly, KAM 400 or fax to (323) 442-2832, or e-mail to [email protected]. Entries must include day, date, time, title of talk, first and last name of speaker, affiliation of speaker, location, and a phone number for information.