abstract view of clinic

Clinical Connections: March 13, 2020

Author
VP Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD

In our ongoing effort to work on possible prevention and treatments for COVID-19, I am pleased to share that we are getting ready to launch three new clinical trials to determine if drugs originally used for high blood pressure, Ebola and malaria can help people exposed to COVID-19. We expect to enroll the first patient as early as today.

One trial focuses on people who have been exposed to the virus but who do not have any symptoms. The second trial focuses on people who have tested positive for the virus but have mild symptoms and don’t require hospitalization. The third trial, which was recently approved by the NIH, is for hospitalized patients. You can read more details on these trials in today’s Star Tribune.

We are prepared to deliver care for people we serve with knowledge and willingness to take a stand and lead the national response to COVID-19 infection. The University of Minnesota has been designated by federal officials as the regional isolation and containment center for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.

Lead with calm and confidence, and let us know how we can do better.


01 Developing the Next Generation of Wearable Technologies to Keep Us Healthy

Look around in any group setting and you will see them everywhere—smartwatches and activity trackers on wrists and waistbands. As the wearable device industry grows rapidly, research in the broader field of wearable technologies is looming with possibilities.

Read more on the intersection of design and health here.


02 BOLD Idea: Obesity Mapping with State-Issued Identification Cards

An interdisciplinary group spanning the Water Resources Center in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, U-Spatial, and the Minnesota Department of Health is working to generate obesity maps for fine geographic units in Minnesota, a novel practice to help address socioeconomic disparities in obesity.

Read more on the project here.


03 Genome Engineering Future-Now Therapie

Genome engineering has hit the streets. The plethora of new editing tools is propelling the field into the next genomic revolution. What are the new technologies? What will we make with them? How are the innovations impacting society and our individual lives? The Genome Writers Guild's annual conference highlights the fast pace of genomic engineering. Topics at the 2020 conference focus on recent research, tangible skills for the laboratory, and the challenges of social responsibility we all share.

Attend the Genome Writers Guild Annual Conference from July 23-25 in Rochester, MN.


04 Ethics Grand Rounds

The Center for Bioethics presents “Dual Agency, Population Health and Professional Responsibility in Contemporary Health Care Delivery” on March 20.
In this talk Dr. Jon Tilburt, Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Ethics at Mayo Clinic will explore how different framings of physician professional responsibilities introduce tensions, contradictions, and the need for fresh thinking in how we conceptualize and talk about professional responsibility in contemporary health care delivery.


05 Summer Public Health Institute

The 2020 Summer Public Health Institute (May 18-June 5) offers courses for students and practicing professionals in public health and related fields. Participants can build or expand their professional expertise, learn best practices, broaden career options, network with other professionals, or explore a new area of interest. Courses are intensive, highly interactive and application-based with opportunities for field trips, case studies, hands-on labs, and simulations.


06 Minnesota Partnership Award Recipients

The Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics Infrastructure Awards are awarded to coordinated projects between the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota that build on existing partnership strengths and support research in human health and disease. The Minnesota Partnership Infrastructure Grant program provides support for acquisition of new infrastructure that will enhance the conduct of biomedical and healthcare research initiatives at both institutions.
This year’s recipients include:  
 
Laura Niedernhofer, MD, PhD (UMN PI) and Nathan LeBrasseur, PhD (Mayo PI)
“Innovative Methods to Detect and Characterize Senescent Cells”
Total award amount: $955,233
 
Thomas Pengo, PhD (UMN PI) and Jeffrey Salisbury, PhD (Mayo PI)
“AI Assisted High-content Microscopic Image Analysis for Understanding Human Disease Processes”
Total award amount: $1,169,407
 
George Aslanidi, PhD (UMN PI) and Kah-Whey Peng, PhD (Mayo PI)
“Development of Vector Core for Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors Production and Pre-Clinical Toxicology Evaluation”
Total award amount: $669,452


07 Webinar: What’s the Difference Between Project Management and Agile?

The College of Continuing and Professional Studies presents their next professional development webinar on March 19, which will examine the roles and methodologies of Agile and traditional project management, the Agile Manifesto, and Agile frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming. Webinar presenter Teri Bylander-Pinke has worked with Agile in the legal, financial, manufacturing, and agricultural industries for more than 12 years.

Other News

Golden star with golden on dark blue background with lighting effect and sparkle
The prestigious honor acknowledges their outstanding achievements and recognizes them as leaders in their professions.
Mini Medical School 25th Anniversary
A beacon of health education, bridging the gap between the University health sciences and the broader community.
partnership as ropes shaped as a circle in a group of diverse strings connected
Angela Botiba was initially drawn to the program because of its explicit focus on interprofessional education and collaboration.