April 30, 1991 Vol. XLHI No. 9 "Still U.S. Deparcmenc of Health The Second and Human Set-vices Best Thing About Payday" Natiorud lnstirures of Heahh e Recori New Recommendations on Cholesterol and Children Released A ll healthy children above the age of 2 should eat in a heart-healthy way to lower blood cholesterol and help prevent coronary heart disease in adulthood, according to new recommendations released by che National Cholesterol Education Program, which is sponsored by the National Heare, Lung, and Blood Institute. The recommendations emphasize lowering the average blood cholesterol of all American children and adolescents through population wide changes in earing patterns. "Our review of the· scientific evidence has convinced us that atherosclerosis begins in childhood and that chis process is related to nutrition practices which affect blood cho lesterol levels both in children and in adu.lcs," said Dr. Claude Lenfanc, NHLBI direcror. "Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in che United Scates," he added. "If we could delay the onset of heart disease, we could extend che years of healchy life for many Americans." The new recommendations are contained in NHLBJ director Dt·. Cla11.de Lenfant Jpeak.J at the National Cholesterol Education Program prm conference a report written by a panel of experts con Apr. 8 at the Sheraton WaJhington Hotel. The program recommendJ fqwering the average blood choleJtet•ol vened by the instirute's National Cholesterol level of all Americ,m children ove,· age 2 . (See CHOL£ST£ROL, Page 4 ) Immunologist Max D. Cooper Gene Blocks Cancer Spread To Deliver 1991 Dyer Lecture In Mice, Say NCI Scientists By Elaine Blume l ncernacionally renowned immunologist Dr. Max D. Cooper, of the University of Alabama N acional Cancer Institute scientists have at Birmingham, will deliver the 199 L honor demonstrated that a gene called 1111123 can ary R.E. Dyer Lecture on T uesday, May 7 at block the formation and spread of certain skin 3 p.m. in Masur Auditorium, Bldg. 10. T he cancers in mice. The study was carried out by tide of his lecture is "A Comparative Analysis Ors. Patricia S. Steeg, Alvaro Leone and their ofT Cell Development." Each year, the NIH coworkers at NCI, along with researchers ac director chooses a leading expert in the area of Molecular Oncology, Inc., and Program infectious diseases co be rhe speaker for the Resources, Inc. le is reported in the Apr. 5 Dyer Lecture series. T he leeture is named after issue of the journal Cell. Rolla Eugene Dyer, an infectious disease Scientists suspect that a number of genes researcher and NIH director from 1942 to act ro control eel I g rowth and prevent 1950. development of human and animal cancers. Cooper's lecture will focus on rhe ways the Bue until now, only cwo-RB and p5J-had T cell develops in three species: mammal, been proven to have chis capability. In addi bird, and amphibian. He will use man, tion, mn23 has been shown to interfere chickens, and frogs as his models for individ specifically with rumor metastasis, the spread ual cellular developmenr. of rumor cells throughout the body that is Cooper studied medicine at the University responsible for most cancer deaths. of Mississippi Medical School and T ulane Uni "Surgeons take care of most primary tumors versity Medical School, specializing in Dr. Max D. Coopet· very nicely," Steeg said. "But almost half of pediatrics. This work in pediatric immune cancer patients already have observable or deficiencies Jed co his identification of a new process governing the development of lym occult (invisible) metastases at the time of type of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia phoid neoplasms. Cooper received a cop award diagnosis and surgery. " called pre-B cell leukemia. from the Society for Experimental Biology and In these patiencs, the disease is likely to One of Cooper's most recognized srndies, Medicine for chis discovery and lacer won the recur. By understanding the factors involved conducred in che 1960's, established chat the inaugural Sandoz Prize for Immunology with in metastasis, scientists hope ro learn how co human immune system can be divided his collaborator on T cell function, Dr. interfere with the process and improve patient developmentally and functionally into B cell Jacques Miller of the Walter and Eliza Hall survival. and T cell populations. This work led to bet Institute in Melbourne. Steeg and her associates originally identified ter understanding of the mechanisms and ln 1988, Cooper was awarded a 7-year 1111123 in mouse melanoma cell lines. rreacments of immunodeficiencies and the (See COOPER, Page 2 ) (See GENE, Page 6 ) page 2 The Record April 30, 1991
COOPER
(Continued from Page J )
investigator's grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute co continue his work in immunology. Despite offers at several promi nent universities, Cooper decided co use his granr at UAB, where he has been conducring research and teaching for the past 24 years. UAB is one of only 26 universities with a H oward H ughes researcher on its staff. Cooper became the first Alabamian co be indueted into the N ational Academy of Sci ences when he was named co the prestigious society in 1990. As the Howard Hughes investigator at UAB, Cooper direccs a ream of faculty mem bers, graduate scudenrs and poscdoccoral students from around the world who are studying the immunology of AJDS, cancer and leukemia. In addition, Cooper serves as direc tor of UAB's division of developmencal/clinical immunology as well as director of the Center for Inrcrdisciplinary Research in Immunologi cal Diseases and of the Cell Identification Ac1ress Mary Tyler Moore signs a joint NIDDK/juvenile Diabetes Fo1111dation UDF) request for Laboratory. He is also a professor in the applications fr,r the Diabetes lnterdisripli11ary Research Pt·ogram with Dr. Phillip Go,-den ( second from ,-), departments of medicine, microbiology and NIDDK director. Also rep,·esenting the JDF are j. Richard Munro (/), JDF presidem and chairman and pediatrics. co-CEO of TIME, Inc. , and Robert \'(loodjohnJOn IV (r), Robert \'(/oodj ohnson Foundation. The NIDDK Cooper serves as senior scientist at the Cys tvi!I make one 01· two a1uards and JDF tvil! make 11110 to four awards for program projecl grants to study tic Fibrosis Research Center, the Multipurpose insuli11-depe11de11t diabetes and its long-term complications. Arthritis Center and the Comprehensive Can cer Center, all ac the University of Alabama ac Birmingham.- Margo Warren D
Cruise to Bermuda with R&W The NllI Record Published biweekly at Bethesda, Md ., by the Editorial G ive yourself something co look forward co: Operations Branch, Division of Public Information, for the informacion of employees of che National Institutes of cake a luxury cruise vacation chis fall! R&W Health, Department of Health and Human Services, and has secured special group races for its members circulated to nonemployecs by subscripcion only through for a 7-nighr cruise co Bermuda aboard rhe the Government Printing Office. The coatenr is reprinrable beautiful Meridian, sailing from Baltimore on without permission. Pictures may be avai lable on request. 0cc. 13. Use of funds for printing this periodical has been approved Enjoy swimming, golf, tennis, cycl ing, jog by ,he dire
Noted Alzheimer's Disease Researcher Raises New Questions About Risk Factors
Long at the forefront of clinical research on brain chemistry, brain function, and Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Robert Katzman is visiting the National Institute on Ag ing ch is spring with some m:w t houghts in mind. Last J uly, Katzman gave up his chairmanship of the department of neurosciences at the Univer sity of California at San Diego co more actively pursue a different brand of investigacion- epidemiological srudies to pin pnint rhc risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease. T oday, Katzman is, as he puts it, " retooling in terms of epidemiology," and N IA scientists are capping the expertise of chis Alzheimer's disease research pioneer as chey evaluate incoming data and design upcoming st udies. Katzman is spending 7 weeks at NIA out of a year-long sabbatical, working wirh scienrisrs in the Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program and in the Epidemiology, Dr. Roher/ Katzman (c), who is tl'orki11?, u•ith NIA d11ring hi.r sahhatiral /mm 1he U11ive1:ri1y of C,difr,rnia Demography and Biometry Program. H is al San Die?,O - reviei1•s epidmuolo?,iml data 1l'ith Dr. Lon \Ylhite ( /J chief. Asia-Parifir Office. ideas about new areas to investigate in Epidemiolof!J'· De1110P,raphy and Biometry I EDB) Pro?,ram. NIA. and Dr. Richard 1-ladik. NIA 's Alzheimer's disease are adding ro rhe excite assoriale direc/or /01· EDB. ment in the Alzheimer's research program. "His and ocher studies g ive us a great deal from a population in Shanghai, China, showed PEF Auction Scheduled for May 14 more insight on how ro identify possible risks chat women with little or no education had for Alzheimer's disease," says Or. T . Franklin significantly higher rates of all types of The seventh annual Pacienr Emergency Williams, NIA director. ··or. Karzman's work dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Per Fune.I Auccion will be held May 14 in rhc Vis is adding more dimensions co research haps, Katzman speculates, individuals with itor Information Center , Clin ical Cenrer. worldwide." lower education levels may develop rewer syn Grear get-aways, good food and fun things co Continuing expansion of Alzheimer's disease apses in the brain. With their brain "reserve" do and see are on this year's auction list . research is critical, Katzman says. "The more already lowered, they could be affected b)' rhc Alread)' donated to the auction are: Sunday we know about the risks associated with disease somewhat earlier than ocher brunch for two at Hogate's Restaurant on the Alzheimer's d isease, the better chance we have Alzheimer's disease victims, he theorizes. waterfront in Washington , D . C., a cwo-nighr of prevenring it or slowing its progress," he "T he question is, do we believe any of these stay at Orlando, Fla., a golf package for two notes. At a recent seminar sponsored by the epidemiological relationshipsi" says Katzman. at Canaan Valley Resort, two box scars ro NIH coordinating committee on Alzheimer's "There is an urgent need co rest these new Phantn111 of !he Opera at the Kennedy C:cnrcr, disease, Karzman suggested chat research fi ndings in special populations ro find out lunch for two at El Caribe, and many more. should move beyond continued examination of what is true and what is not." For instance, if The silent auction, which lase year netted well-known risk faccors such as family history the public is armed with a greater degm: of more than S 11 ,000, begins at 11 a.m. and and generics. certainty about risks for Alzheimer's disease, ends at 2 p.m. The live auction, complete At chat session, Karz man stressed three more attention might be paid to such areas as with auctioneer, begins ac 12:::10 p. m and lases areas of possible risk chat need ro be htad injury prevention. until I p.m. All arc welcome ro attend. D evaluated-head injury, myocardial infarc At NIA, scientists are working with Katz tions, and education. Some studies indicate man on several of these questions. that head injuries early in life, accompanied Epidemiologists arc looking at ways co by brief periods of unconsciousness, may con txamine the head injury-Alzheimer's connec tribute co Alzheimer's disease by being tion further. Neuroscientists arc planning an involved in the formation of plaques. These inrerr,arional meeting on possible environmen NIH History Is Topic of Former prior concussions may account for 5 to 15 per tal factors and ocher risks char could be linked Director Fredrickson's Lecture cent of the cases of Alzheimer's disease chat co Alzheimer's disease. Katzman is also work develop before age 75. Newer research sug ing with scientists on assessing cognitive Former N IH d irector ( 1975-8 l) D r. gests a link between Alzheimcr·s disease and impairments and demcnria in ongoing Donald Fredrickson, now a scholar ac chc heart actacks, wit h one recent study supported epidemiological studies in several areas, N at ional Library of M edicine, will g ive a by N I N DS suggesting t hat women over the including HonolulL1, Hawaii. lecmrc enticled , "NIH: T he Crucible Years age of 80 with a history of myocard ial infarc Katzman, a Harvard Medical School gradu 19.,0- l948," on Monday , May 6 at 2 p.m. tion were five t imes more prone co dementia ate, was recently the recipient of the in Lister Hill Auditorium, Bldg. 38A. The than chose without a history. Alzheimer's Associat ion Distingu ished Service cal k, an expansion of a popular presentation Recent preliminary work by Kat zman indi Award . He has been a mem ber or chairman of Fredrickson recently gave at Clinical Center cates char education cmtld be a risk facrnr as several NIH and N IA comm itcces.- Vicki• Grand Rounds, is sponsored by NLM's wel I. Data collected by Katzman and ochers Cahan D History of Medicine Division . page 4 The Record April JO, 199 I
CHOLESTEROL New Clinic Hours for OMS (Continued from Page 1 ) Education Program (NCEP). The report was The Occupational Medical Service (OMS) of approved by rhe coordinating commirree of rhe Division of Safety will change its operat rhe NCEP- represenrarives of 42 major U.S. ing hours in the Bldg. LO and 13 health units scientific, professional, governmental, and vol beginning Monday, May 13. Before making unrary organizations concerned abom this decision, rhe OMS reviewed dara about cholesterol. rhe utilization patterns of irs clinics and "This report represents a consensus of views observed changing rour of duty practices from a broad range of disciplines, including among employees. The intent of the change is pediatricians, pediatric cardiologists, pediacric to better meet rhe needs of employees who nurritionisrs, and epi Allen Spiegel Named NIDDK Scientific Director Asthma and Allergy Awareness Week Observed, May 5-11 Dr. Allen Spiegel, chief of NJDDK's Molecular Pathophysiology Branch, has been Asthma and Allergy Awareness \Xleek is named dircccor of NJDDK's Division of Intra May 5- 11. The National lnscitute of Allergy mural Research. Speigel, 44, is a board and I nfectious Diseases is joining th<:: Allergy certified endocrinologist known for his Foundation of America in focusing public research on che structure and function of G acrenrion on the scope and nature of aschrna proteins. and allergic diseases, the progress"Of research "Dr. Spiegel has made outsranding and and clinical care, and future directions of broad-ranging sciencific concribucio[ls," said research. Dr. Phillip Gorden, d irector of NIDDK. "J Allergies and asthma are among che nation's believe he will provide excellent leadership co most common and expensive health problems, the intramural division." accounting for one out of every nine visics ro Spiegel's investigations of pseudohypopara physicians. More than 40 million Americans chyroidism, a disorder so named because it about one our of every five--suffer from mimics a parathyroid hormone deficiency allergies co one or more substances_ Hay fever, state, have helped establish chat inherited dis or allergic rhinitis, affecrs an estimated 22. 3 eases can be caused by defects in G proteins. million people_ More than 33.2 million per G proteins serve as intermediaries between sons in th is country suffer from chronic hormone receptors and effectors. Several types D,·. Allen Spiegel s1nus1Cis. of G proteins are found in all cells. After hay fever, chronic sinusitis, and Spiegel traced the cause of pseudohypopara as the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabo chronic bronchi tis, aschrna is the most fre rhyroidism co a defect in a particular G lism, and Digestive Diseases). After training, he became a senior investigator in the Meta quent chronic condition in persons under the protein afrer noting chac several common fea age of 18, affecting between 10 and 15 mil tures of the disorder---0besity, short stature bolic Diseases Branch and chief of the section of molecular pathophysiology 8 years later_ lion Americans. Asthma is the most frequent and mental dcficicncy--could not be explained cause of hospital admissions for children, and by resistance co parathyroid hormone alone. \Xlhen his section became a branch in 1988, it also leads the list of childhood diseas<::s chat Pseudohypoparachyroid patients also had ocher he was promoted co branch chief. He has cause a significant loss of time from schooL hormonal disorders such as abnormal thyroid received numerous awards in recognition of his accomplishmencs. including the Outstanding The problem is compounded in the inner cicy _ and gonadal funcrion, which led Spiegel co Each )'Car 4,000 deaths in the United States look foe a point of convergence early in che Service and t he Meritorious Service medals from the Public Health Service. arc caused by asthma. cellular pathway of hormone action. He "Continuous monitoring anJ therapy, rather hypochesized chat G,, the G protein mediating As scientific director, Spiegel hopes to con than episodic care, can improve the health of stimulation of rhe ubiquitous second mes tinue his research, spending several hours each week with members of his laboracory.-Ka,hy people with asthma or allergic d iseases," said senger cyclic AMP, could represent such a Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, N lAJD director. "Vir point of convergence, and soon obtained evi Kran~feldcr D tually all asthma-related deaths are dence for a deficiency in G, function in cells preventable. Researchers-many funded by from pseudohypoparachyroid individuals. N IAID-are continuing their investigations Recently, members of his laboratory identified aimed at finding rhe most effective way co mucacions in the gene encoding the G, protein manage asthma and allerg ies." in patients with pseudohypoparachyroidism. After a decade of steady declines, asthma Spiegel's laboratory was also rhe first co pro morcaliry races have been increasing, and chil duce antibodies against G proteins, which dren who live in the inner city are particularly have proven exrremely useful as probes of G affected. Because of the urgency of this prob protein distribution, scructure and function. lem, N lAID is funding a $2.5 million Spiegel has provided these antibodies co inves National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study tigators around the world who study G co design, implement, and evaluate a com proteins in diverse organisms and cell types. prehensive intervention program co achieve (Because G proteins have been highly con long-term reduction of recurrenc asthmatic serveJ during evolution, the same antibodies episodes and asthma-related deaths among used ro study fruit flies can also be useJ co African-American and Hispanic children living study humans.) in the inner city. A ncrwork of centers at Spiegel has also pub Iished extensively with eight institutions in seven cities will identify Dr. Gerald Aurbach, who recruited Spiegel to factors contri buting co the increased incidence che Metabolic Diseases Branch of lDDK in of asthma in these children. N JAID also sup 1973. Spiegel, Aurbach and Dr. Stephen ports research at six Centers for Marx, also of the Metabolic Diseases Branch, Mary Ann Wi/Jon, NZNDS Nettroepidemiolor,y lnterdisciplinar)' Research on Immunologic have collaborated on investigations of inherited B,·anch se,retary and Ne,,,.ofibromatosis , Inc. board Diseases and 10 Asthma and Allerg ic Disease and acquired forms of hypcrparachyroidism_ member, u1as awarded the 1990 DHHS P11blic Centers throughour che United Scates. After grJ.duacing cum laude from Harvard Health Service Award for Exceptional Achievement In fiscal year l990, NIAID spent Medical School in 197 1, Spiegel completed an in O,phan Prod11as DeveL0Jm1ent. Wilson was cmm11ended ftw her contrib11tio11s to the passar,e of the $4,'> 12.258 on asthma-related research and internship and residency ac Massachusecrs $22,682,369 on studies in rhe field of allergic General Hospital in Boston. He came co 01phan Dmg Ad and her efforts 10 encolfrage diseases. D NIDDK's Endocrinology Research Training vol11ntary ht✓tlth organiUttiom to work together to Program in 1973 (when NIDDK was known fi11d a mre for orphan diseases. page 6 The Record April 30, 1991 GENE BLOCKS CANCER SPREAD IN MICE (Continued from Page 1 ) to insert the 1111123 gene into highly metastatic Melanoma is an often fatal type of skin cancer K- 1735 TK mouse melanoma cells, which with a strong tendency to mecastasize. normally express this gene at very low levels. ln their early experiments, the scientists Some of the celis integrated mn23 into their found that in cell lines with a limited tend genetic material and formed clones, or colonies ency co metastasize, the nm23 gene was of descendants, that continued co express mn23 expresseJ co about a tenfold greater degree (i.e., made nm23 messenger RNA and protein) (i.e., about IO rimes more of ics protein prod at high levels. uce was made) than in cell lines with a high The researchers compared these clones with merascacic potential. These and other results controls--other K-1735 TK clones that had suggested that nm23 might be a cancer sup not received a new nm23 gene. When iojecced pressor gene with specific antimetastacic inco mice, the clones with added nm23 pro effects. duced fewer tumors than control clones. In Human cells also contain the mn23 gene. addition, the nm23-engineered clones produced The human gene contains the blueprint for a 90 percent fewer metastases in the mice. protein that is 90 percent identical to the The researchers ·did not see any significant Dr. Benoit Mandelbrot of the !BM Thomas]. mouse mn23 protein. effect of the added m1123 gene on tumor Watson Laborat()')' delivered a l«ture at NIH Several studies in humans have found that growth. This distinguishes 1111123 from the pre r«entiy 011 "The Fractal Cos111os," with emphasis cells from metastatic breast cancers contain viously identified p53 suppressor gene, which on biomedical applicatirtm offractal geometry . The less nrn23 messenger RNA than cells from inhibits rumor cell multiplication. lecture was sponsored by the NIH lnterimtitute breast cancers that do not metastasize. (Mes Ultimately, gene therapy could be used to Chao, Council and the lectu,·e serieJ of the senger RNA acts as an intermediate between treat patients by inserting mn23 into cancer Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences, the gene blueprint and the final protein cells, but Steeg does noc expect that to be fea product.) sible for many years. However, it should now Inc. "In breast cancer, both my lab and other be possible, she said, co select for drugs that Seminar on UNIX Workstations labs around the world have seen reduced increase expression of 1111123, or mimic its expression of nm2 3 correlate with metastases co effect, in cancer cells. This could lead co High-performance UNIX workstations have the lymph nodes, with reduced disease-free development of a new class of anticancer become extremely popular and affordable for survival, and with reduced overall survival," agents. demanding laboratory computing applications Steeg said. "I don't chink mn23 will prove to In addition co planning other experiments such as molecular graphics and modeling, have a suppressor role in every type of cancer, with mn23, Steeg's group intends to insert image processing, gel analysis, DNA and pro but it looks like it will be important in breast human 1111123 into human breast cancer and tein sequence analysis, and statistical analysis. cancer. ovarian cancer cells co see whether the gene DCRT's Advanced Laboracory Workscation In the present study, Steeg and her inhibits spread of these cancers in laboratory Project has developed ways co overcome some coworkers used genetic engineering techniques systems. 0 of the complexities of workstacion use and to provide NIH researchers who have UNIX workscacions wich access to tens of gigabytes of managed, shareable disk storage, system administration services, graphics conneccions tO computer servers, and electronic mail and news services. On May 14, DCRT will offer a seminar entitled "UNIX Workstation Support at NIH" in Bldg. 12A, Rm. B51 from 1:30 co 3:30 p.m. The seminar will describe and demonstrate these resources and che technol ogy behind them. This seminar is particularly timely because DCRT recently awarded a multiyear contract for the UNIX file servers needed to imple ment the services the semina.r will describe. The first shipment of Sun Microsystems SP ARCserver 490 file servers should arrive by June. At chat time, NIH researchers with Sun, DEC, IBM, or SGI UNIX workstations connected co either the RESnet or NUnec campus networks will be able to ucil ize these services. DCRT also has a limited number of demonstracion workstacions for loan to A 36-inch Peterson gas fireplace log set was recently donated to the Children's Inn at NIH by Washing ton researchers who are considering the purchase of Gas Light Co. , through its dist1·ib11tor, )?etter Distributio11 Co. David B. Zabetakis, coordi11al/Jr of saleJ their own UNIX workstations. Call 496-2339 planning for \Y/ashing ton Gas, was on hand for the donation. which he cortrdinated, as ·was Margo Brad to register for the seminar, or 496- l 11 L for ford, day manager of the inn. Washington Gas 111ay also donate gas lights to the exterior playground and further information about the loan picnic area of the i1111, so that patients and families may enjoy more attractive surroundings. program. 0 page 7 ~Record April 30, 1991 New NCI/NIA Cancer Education Initiative Targets Americans 65 and Older NCI, in collaboration with NlA, is launch chose 65 and over, are 10 rimes more likely co ing a major cancer education initiative develop cancer than chose under 65- 1,983. 3 targeting Americans 65 years of age and older per 100,000 compared to 189.8 per 100,000. and rhe health professionals who serve them. The population of older Americans is grow "The same diagnosis and treatment ing at a rapid pace. According co U.S. Census approaches that reduce suffering and death in cscimaces, chis age group is expected to double younger groups also help older Americans," in size from just under 32 million in 1990 co said NCI director Dr. Samuel Broder. "Breast more than 64 million persons by 2030. cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and other For persons under age 65, the cancer death cancers common in the later years can yield co rate declined 4. 5 percent in the period l973 better prevention, diagnosis and treatment. ro 1987. In contrast, the overall cancer mor "We need to redouble our efforts co see char tality for persons age 6 5 or older has increased all Americans have the benefit of the best l3 percent during the same 15-year period. knowledge," Broder said. "Then each of us, Despite these statistics, a number of studies D,-. Karin Nelson, NINDS Neuroepidemiology no matter what our age, can make the deci have found chat many older Americans are Branch 1nedical officer, recently received the Child sions chat help promote health and prevent unaware or uninformed about cancer risk and Ne11rology Society I 991 Hower Award in recogni disease." what they can do about it. For example, an tion of her creative contributiom to the study of "We as a nation cannot afford co be bound NCI survey showed that people age 65 or child neurology. A pediatric neurologist, she investi by the myth that disease is an inevitable part older were much less likely to think they were }l,ates the causes of cerebral palsy, seizu,-e disorders, of old age," said Dr. T . Franklin Williams, at risk of getting cancer than were people age and other neu,-o/ogical diseases affecting yo1mg director, NIA. "An aggressive education effort 45 to 54 . Ocher surveys show that·otder children. will let older people and their families know adults arc less likely than younger adults to chat it is never too lace to cackle cancer have tests that can detect cancer in early, often Mini-Lectures Offered on Caring through prevention, early detection, and treat more treatable stages. For Terminally Ill Patients ment. The chances of surviving cancer are NCI and NIA will work with mass media better now than ever before." and through agencies and organizations such The Clinical Center's educational services John Burklow, NCI's coordinator of the as che American Association of Retired Per office is sponsoring a series of mini-lectures on education initiative, said that education efforts sons. Messages about cancer will be delivered the care of terminally ill patients entitled are needed to bring the latest information through print media, radio, television, and "Challenges and Difficult Issues in the about cancer co older people; increase early through organizational channels. Caregiver-Patient Relationship." The programs detection and ocher health promotion practices The institutes will also reach health profes will be held in Lipsett Amphitheater, Bldg. in this age group; and increase the proportion sionals with information concerning the special 10 on Thursdays from noon to L p. m. of older patients who receive optimal cancer issues and needs of older patients and how to Topics and daces are listed below: treatment. The initiative will use an inter prevent against age bias in diagnosis and treat May lo-Bereavement Issues: Grief work: generational approach, which will include ment. They will work with key medical how many tears and for how long? children and caregivers of older Americans. organizations co inform their memberships. June 13-lssues Around Value Judgments: Cancer affects persons age 65 or older more Burklow said a special effort will be made Stereotyping, prejudices and lifescyle dif frequently than any other age group. Nearly co reach professionals in community hospitals, ferences: Do these get in your way as a 60 percent of all cancers occur in persons 65 which treat more than 80 percent of all cancer caregiver? or older, although they represent only 12 per patients. D Sept. 5- Demanding Families: What are cent of the population. Older Americans, they really saying' Oct. 10-Ethical Dilemmas: When the caregivers' philosophies and the patient's phi Ihde Is New NCI Deputy losophy are on a collision course. For more information call 496-1618. D Dr. Daniel C. Ihde has been appointed the new National Cancer Institute deputy director. Bus Trips to O's Games In 1973, fhde scarred his NCI career as a clinical associate in the Clinical Oncology Pro Do you love baseball bur dread the drive to gram, lacer becoming section head and then Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, If so, then deputy chief of the NCI-Navy Medical Oncol you'll want to join us on one or more of our ogy Branch. During his years as a researcher motorcoach trips co see the Orioles play. and clinician, Ihde specialized in the treat We've got trips planned co see three games: ment of lung cancer, publishing many articles rhc O's vs. New York on May 24; vs. Boscon on the natural history and therapy of lung, on June 28; and vs. Oakland on July 26. All prostate, liver, and other cancers. three games are on Friday nights, and the In addition to his branch activities, Ihde mororcoaches leave from NlH Bldg. 3 IC at has had academic appointments with George 5:30 p.m. Cost for each game is $20 per per cown University School of Medicine and the son and includes transportation and game Uniformed Services University of the Health ticket. Sign up for more than one crip and Sciences. He also serves as ediror-in-chief of cost is reduced co $19 per game. For more the ]01tmal of the Nfltional Cflncer lmtitttte. Dr. Daniel Ihde information call 496-4600. D page 8 The Record April 30, 199 I Stephen Straus Named Head of LCI Coulter Elected AAAS Fellow Dr. Stephen E. Straus, chief of NIAID's Dr. Charles L. Coulter, director of NCRR's medical virology section, has been appointed Research Facilities Improvement Program and chief of the Laboratory of Clinical Investiga acting director of its Biomedical Research tion (LCI), a major component of the Technology Program, has been elected to the instiruce's intramural clinical program. rank of fellow of rhe American Association for "Dr. Straus has shown an outstanding abil the Advancement of Science (AAAS). A fellow ity to use his creative 'bench' research and of AAAS is defined as "a member whose develop it into solid clinical studies-it's the efforts on behalf of the advancement of science kind of background needed co fuse the cross or irs applications are scientifically or socially disciplines that define LCJ's role. He has also distinguished." Coulter was nominated "for been particularly active as a member of the work in guiding many NIH programs in clinical and reaching staff," said Intramural biophysics, cell biology and medical research." Research Division direcror Dr. John I. Gallin In addition co his current positions, Coulter in announcing the selection. was formerly head of the biological struccure "If my work has been especially meaning section of the Biotechnology Resources Pro ful," says Straus, "it's probably because l gram and director of the Analytical found myself applying potent laboratory cools Biochemistry Program at NCRR's predecessor to the scudy of some very common viruses chat Dr. Stephen E. Straus organizations. He was also a staff fellow in the affect considerable numbers of people." Some Laboracory of Molecular Biology, NIAMD. virology, mucosa) immunity, mast cell phys of the virology lab's most productive work, for Coulter spent several )'Cars on the faculty at iology, and mycology, along with the bacterial example, has involved viruses that cause very pathogenesis unit. Straus will continue ro head familiar diseases, namely, diarrhea, chicken the virology section. In looking forward to the pox, shingles, genital herpes, and challenges of his new LCJ position, Straus mononucleosis. From the time he joined NIH as head of foresees greater interaction among the sections, LCl's virology section in 1979, Straus began with the aim of gaining new insig hts as the expanding his virologic horizons. Building on collaborarors examine different facets of related the knowledge of molecular virology he gained ·clinical problems. during his early work on adenoviruses, Straus· Straus' scientific training began at Massa work is now focused on che molecular biology, chusetts Institute of Technology, where in pathophysiology, natural history, treatment, 1968 he obtained his B.S. in life sciences. In and prevention of human herpesvirus 1972, he received his M.D. from Columbia infections. University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Using increasingly refined molecular cools, After his internship at Barnes Hospital in Sr. he and his coworkers were among rhe first ro Louis, Mo., Straus' first NIH experience dissect the DN A of rhe varicella zoster virus. began in 1973, when he accepted a research In so doing, they identified many of its major associate position in NIAID's Laboratory of properties. The group was also the first to the Biology of Viruses. Returning co Barnes demonstrate where in human neuronal tissue for his residency, he earned a fellowship in both varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex infectious diseases ar St. Louis' Washington virus establish themselves and also rhe fact University, which he completed before he Dr. Charles L. Co,dter that these viruses persist throughout the returned co NIAID as a senior investigator. infected person's life. In his clinical studies, In 1983, the PHS recognized his scientific the University of Chicago, where his research Srraus esrablished the efficacy of the antiviral contributions with the presentation of the program was in structural and molecular biol drug acyclovir in the treatment and suppres PHS Commendation Medal. He has since ogy. He was trained in crysrallography and sion of genital herpes, severe Epstein-Barr received the PHS Outstanding Service and the physical chemistry at UCLA, and spent 2 virus (EBY) infections, and shingles. His Meritorious Service medals. "Recognition years as a PHS research fellow ac MRC Labora knowledge of EBV also led him co examine aside," says Straus, "I like the benefits that rory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, possible laboratory correlates between the virus come with the job. There is no better place co England. D and the chronic fatigue syndrome. do the kind of research I'm interested in, and Straus is particularly excited about his new I now have my own office . . with a real door Disney Trip Planned Oct. 9-14 est clinical undertaking. His group is . . . that closes. Now, a parking space-chat investigating a generically engineered vaccine would be an achievement!"-Karen Leighty D R&W invites you co join its annual trip co char shows promise in preventing genital Walt Disney World over rhc Columbus Day herpes infeccion--and even in creating patients R&W Has Tickets to Murder holiday weekend. This 5-night, 6-day package already infected. He sees chis scudy as the per You are cordially invited co a dinner, a includes: round trip air transportation and fect marriage between practical clinical clue, and a murder or rwo. R&W invites you transfers to the resort; baggage handling ; 5 research and powerful new molecular to help solve che crime on Saturday, June 8 at nights accommodations at Disney's new Port technologies. the Georgetown Holiday lnn, as "Mystery on Orleans Resort; 6 days unlimited uansporta In rhe same way char Straus' virology labo the Menu" presents a murder mystery dinner tion within the W air Disney World Resort. ratory covers a wide range of research rhearre. The fun starts at 7 p.m. The murder Price per adult (double occupancy) is $824. expertise, LCI represents a broad sampling of mystery dinner package is only $39 and Children's prices range from $502 to $536. NlAID's clinical interests. Jr will now com includes dinner, the show, tax, gratuity, park For· more information, contact the R&W prise six sections: allergic diseases, medical ing, and a glass of champagne. D Activities Desk, 496-4600. D page 9 The Record April 30, 1991 NIAID Sponsors Scientific Summit on Organ Transplantation Organ transplant scientists who convened at almost totally eliminate chronic GVHD. The first multicenter cooperative clinical trials in NIH last month for "Tmnsplantation: 1990's trial also showed decrea:;ed risk of graft failure kidney transplantation. A group of researchers and Beyond," discussed new research develop char occurs with some other methods of T cell at several transplant centers will be carrying ments such as monoclonal antibodies and depletion, according co Dr. Jerome Ritz of the out common protocols with new immunosup existing therapies including immunosuppres Dana-Farber Cancer Insriture in Bosron. pressive agents, using kidney transplantation sive drugs. Ac the meeting, sponsored by Finding better ways to evaluate new agents a5 the model system. Dr. Robert Goldstein, NIAID's Division of Allergy, Immunology and new regimens was a subtext of the meet DAIT director, said the trials "will provide and Transplanracion (DAin, chey discussed ing. FK506, a new antibiotic for NlAID with a method of studying the next future efforts aimed at encoumging che body immunosuppression, has garnered a Joe of generation of immunosuppressive agents, co tolerate foreign antigens. They also dis public icy. le appears co be a worthy successor whether they are drugs or monoclonal cussed the continuing problems of organ co cyclosporine, the drug that made it possible antibody-based agents, in a meaningful cransplancacion: how to improve the long-term co expand solid organ transplantation beyond way." D survival race of transplant patients, and how to the kidneys ro the heart and liver, and which evaluate new ideas without massive, lengthy, continues as a therapeutic cornerstone, usually NLM's Senior Photographer Retires and costly clinical studies. in combination with other drugs such as Doug Jones of the Audiovisual Program The researchers agreed on their goal: to gee steroids. FK506 is ac least as good as Development Branch, NLM, retired recently the body to accept transplanted organs so chat cyclosporine against graft rejection, according from government service. As NLM's senior the organs and the patients survive and func ro the University of Pittsburgh's Dr. Richard photographer for the lase l O years, he was tion well without long-term use of drugs chat L. Simmons, and may even be better. Liver known by many. affect the entire immune system, often for the transplant patients on FK506, for example, Jones joined che library in 1980 when worse. Monoclonal antibodies, which are pure, survive somewhat longer than those on NLM's photo department was being formed. highly specific antibodies produced in the lab cyclosporine, although the differences are nor Over the years he photographed just about oratory, offer hope for a more precise way co statistically significant. Organ transplantation every part of NLM and was present at many zero in on particular elements of the immune has goccen so successful, Simmons said, that "momentous moments," capturing them for system because they can be targeted co a sin the big, easy-to-decect gains are behind us. posterity. He was called upon co do just about gle antigen. From now on, he added, even a splendid new every form of photography for NLM- he pho Researchers are using monoclonal anti regimen will lead at best to a 5 or 10 percent tographed books, computer terminals and bodies, for example, co attack rhe T cells improvement 10 outcome. screens, conferences, presentations, did micro involved in transplant rejection. Early results Side effects of the cwo drugs are similar, phorography, copywork and portraiture. He from a clinical trial of such a monoclonal anti including their detrimental effects on the even ventured up in a hot air balloon to get body, called T10B9, indicate that it is ac lease kidney. Bur FK506 appears to reduce the need needed pictures. His pictures of the library as effective as the current treatment, a mono for long-cerm steroid therapy and the dis were not only published many times, but also clonal antibody known as OKT3 in reversing abilities associated with long-term steroid use. given as lasting mementos to retiring NLM acute rejection of kidney transplants. Accord le also offers the hope, Simmons said, of employees. ing to Dr. John S. Thompson of the therapy for autoimmune disorders like University of Kentucky School of Medicine, psoriasis, and extending transplantation co rhe administration of T IOB9 is followed by fewer lase of the so-called "forbidden" organs: the side effects, a more rapid decrease in serum bowel and pancrea~ic islets. Isler transplants creatinine (indicating better kidney function), could lead to a cure for type I diabetes, and fewer infections. increasingly common in an aging population. Monoclonal antibodies are also finding their In vitro studies are a useful cool for way into designer molecules, which are researchers co assess the potency of new immu developed co perform specific physiological nosuppressant drugs, according co the tasks such as binding co particular cell recep University of Pittsburgh's Dr. Rene tors. Monoclonal antibodies directed against Duquesnoy. In just a week or rwo, he pointed out, it is possible to get an idea about how a recipient T cells and natural killer cells have Doug Jones been coupled with the A chain of ricin, a drug functions at the molecular level and at Jones studied at the New York Institute of plane toxin so potent that a single molecule what stages. The researchers agreed on the Photography and before joining the NLM reportedly can inhibit protein synthesis and utility of animal models and animal studies, staff, worked for the NCI Laboratory of Viral lead to cell death. These immunotoxins, while acknowledging char these studies are Carcinogenesis, where he worked in electron according co Dr. Bruce R. Blazar of the Uni costly and not always informative about the versity of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, effccrs of a regimen in human patients. microscopy, light microscopy and gross animal have been useful in treating human grafc Despite the great advances in organ trans photography. versus-host disease (GVHD) and are being plantation, frusrracions remain. None of the Before coming co NIH, Jones, also an studied in mouse models of bone marrow immunosuppressive agents are free from side accomplished musician who studied at rhe Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore for 4 transplantation to further their effecriveness. effects, and despite big strides in short-term lo GVHD, the donor's immune system, in success, long-term ourcome has stubbornly years, was with the National Symphony the form of cells in transplanted bone marrow, failed co improve. ln kidney transplants, for Orchestra full time as a percussionist until attacks rhe recipient's immune system. Bur a example, between 80 and 90 percent of the 1960. After that time he worked with the trial involving 100 patients has shown that time the graft now survives co 1 year. But syfTlphony as an extra player, until l977, selecrive in vitro T cell depletion of donor mar after 10 years, the success rate drops ro about whe,i he retired from music. row with a monoclonal antibody that cargers 50 percent. Jont~ says he is happily enjoying his retire the cell's CD6 recepmr can prevent acute NIAID will be cackling some of these prob ment and his life with wife Elizabeth and GYHD in about 85 percent of cases, and lems directly next fall when it launches the grandson Mark. D page 10 The Record April 30, 1991 Project Begun To Provide:lnformat.ion on NIH Policies DNAFIT Sizes Acid Fragments The Division of Managemenr Policy (DMP) • Conferences-This portion of che MBB has initiated development of the Manuals Bul allows users co exchange ideas, ask/answer Scientists seeking an efficient, reliable way co estimate nucleic acid fragment size need letin Board (MBB), a pilot project using questions, and make suggestions to the mod look no further than DNAFlT, a new program DCRT's new Bulletin Board System (Enter erator of the bulletin board. BBS). The purpose of this project is co provide The MBB is currently available co any developed by NICHD and NCI collaborators online, up-to-date information on NJH pol WYLBUR user simply by typing the follow for DOS-based personal' computers. Estimating the molecular size of nucleic icies. The MBB, when fully operational, will ing command ar the WYLBUR ' prompt: ? · include the full text of NIH Manual chapters, emer bbs bb = MANUALS acids in acrylamide and agarose gel which can be downloaded by the user as Although DMP is still in the design and electrophoresis is important in identifying and characterizing restriction fragments and in necessary. development phase for the MBB, ic has The MBB consists of bulletins, files, and already received positive feedback from current studying native and denatured DNA and conferences, summarized as follows: users who have indicated they are pleased with RNA. Bur current graphic and visual methods • Bulletins-This portion of the MBB the information chat is now available. Because of size estimation have been subjective and provides current indices of NIH Manual chap of the demand for and interest in chis informa imprecise. DNAFIT is based on an empirical model linking migration distance co molecular ters and I&I memoranda. Information can be tion, DMP is offering a training session/ size using the "four parameter logistic model" retrieved by subject area, issuing office, chap demonstration of the MBB co familiarize (Anal. Biochem. 189: 235-243, 1990). The ter number, or I&J memo number. Bulletins potential users. conrain information which can be easily read Seven training sessions are scheduled in program offers the following advantages: online. There are currently 66 bulletins, each May. Each will last approximately 2 hours and • Accuracy in describing the relationship of which has an individual name and subject can accommodate up co 22 users. DMP rec between electrophoretic mobility and molecu for reference purposes. Users may select the ommends, at a minimum, that administrative lar size; "notification" feature, which will aucomac officers and their staff attend a session. The ically notify chem of any changes co specified following rimes and locations have been bulletins. reserved: • Files-This portion of the MBB contains information which is incen =TRAINING TIPS The NIH Training Center of the Division of Personnel Management offers the following: Co11rses and Programs Starting Dates Management and S1,perviJory 496-63 7 I Efficient Reading for Professionals 5/29 Effecrive Listening and Memory Development 6/1 I Practical Approaches co Stress Management 6/17 Comn"lunication Issues (Phase Jl) 6/18 Federal Budget Process 6/20 '/ Effective Presentation Skills 6/24 Getting Results in Task Oriented Groups 6/26 Managing Behavior in the Work Environment 6126 Of/ice Operatiom and Ad111iniJtrative SyJtems Training 496-6211 Buying from Small and Large Business on rhc Open Marker 5/ I 6 Telep hone Communication 5120 Robert Tumtall, a supervisor for Bldg. ZO'J ho11sekeepi11g depa,-tment, makes the right moves by maintaining Delegated Acquisition Training Program 5/20 his weight and having his blood pressure monitored regularly by Om1p11tio11al Medical Service (OMS) mme Professional Developmenr for Secreraries 5/29 Ann Crawford. During May, Natio11al High Blood Pres111re Ed11cation Mo11th , OMS will exp1111d itJ blood Federal Supply Schedules 5/29 press"re screening and monitori11g ho,m. (See schedule). If you haven't had yo11r blood presmre checked in the Introduction to Working at N IH for Nc>w Support Sraff 6/3 pa.rt year, visit one of the OMS blQl/d press11re screening siteJ during May. Be wre to talk to the 111trSe about Accelerated Reading 6/6 Jtep.r yo11 can take to better control your risk facton for heart disease and the ongoing Jched11/e for blood T ime Maoagemem for Office Support 6/ !0 prmure monitoring. Filing and Mainrenance 6/21 Foreign Travel 6/24 Basic Time and Attendance 6/27 Blood Pressure Screening Schedule for May Special Courses 496-62 I I Bldg. l, Wilson Hall May 3 8:30-11 a.m. Retiremenr Planning Seminar 5/6 Bldg. lO, Health Unit May 2-30 Mon. 1:15-4:15 p.m. Basic Labor Relarions 519 Rm. 6C306 Thurs. 8: 15-11: 15 a.m. Basic Employee Relations 6/3 CareC'r Assessment and Life Planning 6/6 Mon.-Fri. 5-9 p.m. Appropriation Law Seminar 6/24 Bldg. 10 May 8 8:30- 11 a.m. Special Evencs May 13 8:30- 11 a.m. The NJH Training Center, DCRT an NIH Asian/Pacific American Heritage Program To Be Held May 10 Asian/Pacific Islander Cultural Workshop Planned, May 16 NIH will host its 19th annual Asian/Pacific American Heritage celebration on Friday, May On Thursday, May 16, the Division of 10, with a lunchtime program of food and Equal Opp0rcunity will sponsor the fourth in demonstrations and an evening program of a series of cultural workshops. The presenta Asian music and dance. The theme this year is tion, which will highlight the Asian/Pacific "Asian Pacific Americans: Education, Dign.ity, Islander cultures, will be held in Wilson Hall, Distinction anJ Advancement." Bldg. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to l p.m. The lunchtime program will rake place The panel will consist of Finau Mara, between 1 l:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the patio charge d'affaires from the Embassy of Fiji, and of Bldg. 3 lA with demonstrations of the Dr. Joanne S. Yamauchi, professor of com Indian sari, t'ai chi, and Asian food prepara munication at American University. Mara's tion. Delicious foods from China, India, presentation will focus on the culture and Japan, Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines customs of the Fiji Islands. Yamauchi will dis will also be on sale. cuss the various cultures of Asia and the NIH families and patients will enjoy "An Pacific Islands. Evening of Music and Dances from Asia," Yamauchi received her undergraduate beginning at 7 :30 p.m. in Masur Audirnrium, degree in English and theater from Goucher Bldg. 10. The program will feature musical College, her master's in speech communication selections by representatives from China, Cam (with honors) from Columbia University, and bodia, Korea, Hawaii, and che Philippines. A her Ph.D. in communication studies from reception in the NIH Visicor Information Cen Northwestern University. Her research and ter will immediately follow che program. training have focused on managing culturally Everyone is invited ro the reception ro caste Warren Con11()r. visiting t'ai chi teacher, and Pat diverse communication in organizations and on Asian cakes and tea and to meet the artists. Kenny, a medical ilt11strator at NCRR, will once values and communication patterns of Asian The program is sponsored by rhe NIH again demonstrate their r,rt at this year's Asian Asian/Pacific American cultural committee and -!imerican program. the Asian/Pacific Islander American advisory committee, Division of Equal Oppormnity. For information on accommodations for indi viduals wich disabiliries, conracr DEO, 496-630 1. □ Three Join NEI Council Three new members have been named ro the National Advisory Eye Council, the prin cipal advisory body to the National Eye Institute. They are Ors. Wilbur C. Blount, Mary Bech Burnside, and Maurice F. Rabb. A specialist in retinal and vitreous diseases, Blount combines private practice in ophthalmology with reaching at Ohio Stare University College of Medicine in Columbus. As a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force Dr. Joanne S. Yamauchi Reserve, he has a special interest in aerospace ophthalmology. Burnside is a professor of biology at che American professionals. Yamauchi has con University of California, Berkeley; she was Noodlemaking is 0_ne of the traditional skills that d ucted international seminars for major federal dean of biological sciences ac Berkeley from will be demonstrated at a noontime program on government agencies, national Asian-American 1983 co 1990. H er research has concencrared May 10. organizations, and numerous private corpora on rhe funcrion and structure of rhe light tions, nonprofit organizations, and sensitive photoreceptor cells in the rerina. Clinical Center Galleries universities. Currently, she is developing an Rabb, who is an international aurhority on instrument to measure cultural sensitivity retinal djsease, has served as an advisor co a among managers in complex organizations. May 7 to July 2: variety of federal agencies, including the Food All NIH employees are invited co attend and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Gallery I - Jerry Pavey, fabric. chis workshop. Sign language interpretation Control, and several of the NIH institutes. He Gallery II - Deana Hartloff, mixed media. will be provided. For additional information, is currently professor of clinical ophthalmol Gallery Ul - Greg Voth, 'watercolors. please contact Toni Pineau of rhe DEO, ogy, University of Illinois; chief of the Gallery V - Charles Dyker, watercolors. 496-6301 (voice) or 496-9755 (TTY). D division of ophthalmology, Mercy Hospital Lipsett Gallery - The journal of the American and Medical Center, and director of che Medical Association, magazine covers. National Society to Prevent Blindncss--all in Sculpture I and II - Lucrecia Palza, terra Chicago. 0 corra sculpture. 0 U.S. GOVERNMlNT PRINllNG OFFICE 199 1-2l-ll- Hnl200i,