UK HealthCare hosts 'Women, It's About You' conference June 1

On June 1 UK HealthCare will present its fifth annual "Women, It’s About You" conference, which is designed to educate women with the most up-to-date information about health topics ranging from mammograms to nutrition to financial abuse.

This year's conference will feature 15 presentations on the following women's health topics:

Menopause, presented by Dr. Kathy Dillon 

Memory and aging, presented by Dr. Gregory Jicha 

Women's heart health, presented by Dr. Susan Smyth 

Eye health, presented by Dr. Eric Higgins 

Physical fitness, presented by Richard Watson 

Gynecologic cancer, presented by Dr. Lauren Baldwin 

Financial abuse of women, presented by Susan Lawrence 

Weight loss, presented by Dr. Stephanie Rose 

Skin care and cosmetic procedures, presented by Dr. Amit Patel 

Stroke, presented by Lisa Bellamy 

Diabetes, presented by Sheri Legg and Beth Holden 

Nutrition, presented by Rachel Miller 

Mammography, presented by Dr. Margaret Szabunio

Pelvic Prolapse, presented by Drs. Rudy Tovar and Mark Hoffman.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of health screenings, including blood pressure and stroke-risk assessment, says a UK HealthCare press release. The event, which will take place at the Embassy Suites hotel on Newtown Pike in north Lexington, costs $10 and also includes a continental breakfast, a luncheon with entertainment, giveaways and an exhibitor fair. Click here for more information or to register by the Friday, May 17 deadline.

On June 1 UK HealthCare will present its fifth annual "Women, It’s About You" conference, which is designed to educate women with the most up-to-date information about health topics ranging from mammograms to nutrition to financial abuse.

This year's conference will feature 15 presentations on the following women's health topics:

Menopause, presented by Dr. Kathy Dillon 

Memory and aging, presented by Dr. Gregory Jicha 

Women's heart health, presented by Dr. Susan Smyth 

Eye health, presented by Dr. Eric Higgins 

Physical fitness, presented by Richard Watson 

Gynecologic cancer, presented by Dr. Lauren Baldwin 

Financial abuse of women, presented by Susan Lawrence 

Weight loss, presented by Dr. Stephanie Rose 

Skin care and cosmetic procedures, presented by Dr. Amit Patel 

Stroke, presented by Lisa Bellamy 

Diabetes, presented by Sheri Legg and Beth Holden 

Nutrition, presented by Rachel Miller 

Mammography, presented by Dr. Margaret Szabunio

Pelvic Prolapse, presented by Drs. Rudy Tovar and Mark Hoffman.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of health screenings, including blood pressure and stroke-risk assessment, says a UK HealthCare press release. The event, which will take place at the Embassy Suites hotel on Newtown Pike in north Lexington, costs $10 and also includes a continental breakfast, a luncheon with entertainment, giveaways and an exhibitor fair. Click here for more information or to register by the Friday, May 17 deadline.

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Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky gives UK $1 million for endowed co-chairs in rural health policy

Tyrone "Ty" Borders in the University of Kentucky College of Public Health's Department of Health Services Management, and Brady Reynolds in the UK College of Medicine's Department of Behavioral Science, have been named the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky endowed co-chairs in rural health policy.

A $1 million gift from the foundation to the College of Medicine was matched by the state Research Challenge Trust Fund, better known as "Bucks for Brains." The gift has the goal of enriching Kentucky's research capabilities in regards to rural health issues and rural health policy.

Reynolds earned doctoral and master's degrees in life-span developmental psychology from West Virginia University. He also holds a master's degree in general/experimental psychology and a bachelor's degree (magna cum laude and with distinction) from James Madison University. His research has focused on nicotine use by adolescents, drug use, gambling and other addictive behaviors. In recent years Reynolds has begun research to promote smoking cessation among pregnant smokers in rural Appalachia.

Borders earned doctoral and master's degrees in health administration, as well as a master's degree in epidemiology from the University of Iowa, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Kansas. His research focuses on the conduct and analysis of population-based studies to identify subgroups of persons at risk for poor health and problems obtaining health services, with an emphasis on rural populations.

“Drs. Reynolds and Borders have skills in intervention research and rural health policy expertise that can help the University remain at the forefront of rural health policy work in today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment,” said Susan Zepeda, president and CEO of the foundation.

The mission of the foundation is to addresses the unmet health care needs of Kentuckians. Mission objectives are advanced through two initiative areas: promoting responsive health policy and a new children’s initiative named “Investing in Kentucky’s Future.” Foundation work aims to improve access to health care, reduce risks and disparities, promote health equity and healthy lifestyles. Since 2001, over $22 million has been invested in health policy research and demonstration grant projects across Kentucky

Tyrone "Ty" Borders in the University of Kentucky College of Public Health's Department of Health Services Management, and Brady Reynolds in the UK College of Medicine's Department of Behavioral Science, have been named the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky endowed co-chairs in rural health policy.

A $1 million gift from the foundation to the College of Medicine was matched by the state Research Challenge Trust Fund, better known as "Bucks for Brains." The gift has the goal of enriching Kentucky's research capabilities in regards to rural health issues and rural health policy.

Reynolds earned doctoral and master's degrees in life-span developmental psychology from West Virginia University. He also holds a master's degree in general/experimental psychology and a bachelor's degree (magna cum laude and with distinction) from James Madison University. His research has focused on nicotine use by adolescents, drug use, gambling and other addictive behaviors. In recent years Reynolds has begun research to promote smoking cessation among pregnant smokers in rural Appalachia.

Borders earned doctoral and master's degrees in health administration, as well as a master's degree in epidemiology from the University of Iowa, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Kansas. His research focuses on the conduct and analysis of population-based studies to identify subgroups of persons at risk for poor health and problems obtaining health services, with an emphasis on rural populations.

“Drs. Reynolds and Borders have skills in intervention research and rural health policy expertise that can help the University remain at the forefront of rural health policy work in today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment,” said Susan Zepeda, president and CEO of the foundation.

The mission of the foundation is to addresses the unmet health care needs of Kentuckians. Mission objectives are advanced through two initiative areas: promoting responsive health policy and a new children’s initiative named “Investing in Kentucky’s Future.” Foundation work aims to improve access to health care, reduce risks and disparities, promote health equity and healthy lifestyles. Since 2001, over $22 million has been invested in health policy research and demonstration grant projects across Kentucky

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UK quickens drumbeat of tobacco-free policy through report line

The University of Kentucky promotes compliance and enforcement of its tobacco-free policy through a community report line, among many other measures.  Although the report line was established last spring, its mention in recent campus communications suggests a hightened emphasis on compliance measures. 

The line to report violations of the smoking ban engages the community in developing an environment in which compliance is expected, said Dr. Ellen Hahn, a nursing professor and co-chair of UK's Tobacco-free Taskforce and director of its Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy.

"Since these policies are self-enforcing, we need a mechanism by which everyone on campus can easily report violations," Hahn said. "Most people do not feel comfortable approaching a violator, so this is a way to encourage everyone to be involved in promoting compliance." She said the report line was a suggested "best practice" from other campuses with similar policies.

Implementation of the policy, the ultimate goal of the policy is to promote a healthy place to live, work and learn, has been a success, Hahn said: The air is healthier, and exposure to secondhand smoke has decreased. Also, since the policy was established in the fall of 2009, there has been a four-fold increase in the use of nicotine replacement to quit using tobacco, and UK has many low- or no-cost options to help students and employees do so.

Click here to report a violation of the tobacco-free policy, here for a tobacco-free brochure. 

The University of Kentucky promotes compliance and enforcement of its tobacco-free policy through a community report line, among many other measures.  Although the report line was established last spring, its mention in recent campus communications suggests a hightened emphasis on compliance measures. 

The line to report violations of the smoking ban engages the community in developing an environment in which compliance is expected, said Dr. Ellen Hahn, a nursing professor and co-chair of UK's Tobacco-free Taskforce and director of its Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy.

"Since these policies are self-enforcing, we need a mechanism by which everyone on campus can easily report violations," Hahn said. "Most people do not feel comfortable approaching a violator, so this is a way to encourage everyone to be involved in promoting compliance." She said the report line was a suggested "best practice" from other campuses with similar policies.

Implementation of the policy, the ultimate goal of the policy is to promote a healthy place to live, work and learn, has been a success, Hahn said: The air is healthier, and exposure to secondhand smoke has decreased. Also, since the policy was established in the fall of 2009, there has been a four-fold increase in the use of nicotine replacement to quit using tobacco, and UK has many low- or no-cost options to help students and employees do so.

Click here to report a violation of the tobacco-free policy, here for a tobacco-free brochure. 

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Participating in a clinical trial can give patients access to advanced health care

Access to advanced care does not require big bucks or Cadillac insurance; it is offered on a limited basis through trials of new medical procedures at the University of Kentucky.  People in the university's health-service region can access cutting-edge health care through participation in clinical trials, according to a UK press release. The University of Louisville also does clinical trials.

Clinical trials are necessary to evaluate a drug, device or mode of therapy for a disease. UK investigators recruit individuals willing to contribute to science to participate in various types of trials; some may require participants with specific conditions, while others require healthy participants.  These participants are able to reap the benefits of advanced medical treatment while gaining access to top clinicians and the latest medical information.

"I would tell anyone who has a condition and is thinking about becoming part of a clinical trial that it is one of the most empowering things that people can do," said Dr. Leslie Crofford, chief of the UK Division of Rheumatology and director of Center for the Advancement of Women's Health. "It allows you to learn about a condition that may afflict you or a family member. It allows access and contact with investigators that are very knowledgeable about the condition. It allows a sense that you are doing something active to help not only yourself, but other people with the condition."

As a research insititution, UK is careful about the safety, privacy and oversight of clinical trials and it's important that participants understand the trial methodology, purpose and procedures. The UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science has compiled a helpful list of questions for clinical-trial participants. There are several ways to connect with clinical-trial opportunties and anyone can view currently available clinical trials at the university. Participants may also connect with clinical trials through their physician, or through national listings. (Read more)

Access to advanced care does not require big bucks or Cadillac insurance; it is offered on a limited basis through trials of new medical procedures at the University of Kentucky.  People in the university's health-service region can access cutting-edge health care through participation in clinical trials, according to a UK press release. The University of Louisville also does clinical trials.

Clinical trials are necessary to evaluate a drug, device or mode of therapy for a disease. UK investigators recruit individuals willing to contribute to science to participate in various types of trials; some may require participants with specific conditions, while others require healthy participants.  These participants are able to reap the benefits of advanced medical treatment while gaining access to top clinicians and the latest medical information.

"I would tell anyone who has a condition and is thinking about becoming part of a clinical trial that it is one of the most empowering things that people can do," said Dr. Leslie Crofford, chief of the UK Division of Rheumatology and director of Center for the Advancement of Women's Health. "It allows you to learn about a condition that may afflict you or a family member. It allows access and contact with investigators that are very knowledgeable about the condition. It allows a sense that you are doing something active to help not only yourself, but other people with the condition."

As a research insititution, UK is careful about the safety, privacy and oversight of clinical trials and it's important that participants understand the trial methodology, purpose and procedures. The UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science has compiled a helpful list of questions for clinical-trial participants. There are several ways to connect with clinical-trial opportunties and anyone can view currently available clinical trials at the university. Participants may also connect with clinical trials through their physician, or through national listings. (Read more)

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UK has its pediatric heart program under review; chief is on leave, and patients are being referred to other hospitals

Kentucky Children's Hospital at the University of Kentucky is reviewing its cardio-thoracic surgery program and referring surgical patients to other hospitals, "but the reasons why are unclear," Brenna Angel reported Dec. 21 for WUKY-FM, the university-owned station.

Angel did identify "the surgeon at the center of the review," Dr. Mark Plunkett, left, who is on a leave of absence but "remains on staff at UK with a $700,000 annual salary," as chief of cardio-thoracic surgery. "UK denied an open-records request for the date of his most recent surgery and his patient mortality rate," citing privacy rules in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It was unclear how release of such statistics, without any personally identifying information, would compromise privacy. Plunkett and officials of the medical center refused to be interviewed.

"It's been pretty hush-hush," Tabitha Rainey of Lexington, the mother of a Plunkett patient, told Angel, who reported: "Plunkett and his assistant Dr. Deborah Kozik operated on Waylon seven days after he was born. Tabitha was later told that Dr. Plunkett was taking a leave of absence." Rainey told Angel, "Months went past and they lost another patient, who was a dear friend of mine, and it was pretty heavy in the unit at the time. Then soon after I guess they decided to stop doing the surgeries and review the entire program."

Angle was able to get some records from UK and reported they showed that "The number of children Dr. Plunkett operated on this year is down around 43 percent from two years ago." UK Trustee Dr. Charles Sachatello, a surgeon who sits on the Board of Trustees' health-care committee, told Angel, "I was not aware of that, and that was never announced at the Board of Trustees meeting." Sachatello told Angel that UK should merge its pediatric heart program with the one at the University of Louisville because of the high operational costs of such programs. (Read more)

Kentucky Children's Hospital at the University of Kentucky is reviewing its cardio-thoracic surgery program and referring surgical patients to other hospitals, "but the reasons why are unclear," Brenna Angel reported Dec. 21 for WUKY-FM, the university-owned station.

Angel did identify "the surgeon at the center of the review," Dr. Mark Plunkett, left, who is on a leave of absence but "remains on staff at UK with a $700,000 annual salary," as chief of cardio-thoracic surgery. "UK denied an open-records request for the date of his most recent surgery and his patient mortality rate," citing privacy rules in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It was unclear how release of such statistics, without any personally identifying information, would compromise privacy. Plunkett and officials of the medical center refused to be interviewed.

"It's been pretty hush-hush," Tabitha Rainey of Lexington, the mother of a Plunkett patient, told Angel, who reported: "Plunkett and his assistant Dr. Deborah Kozik operated on Waylon seven days after he was born. Tabitha was later told that Dr. Plunkett was taking a leave of absence." Rainey told Angel, "Months went past and they lost another patient, who was a dear friend of mine, and it was pretty heavy in the unit at the time. Then soon after I guess they decided to stop doing the surgeries and review the entire program."

Angle was able to get some records from UK and reported they showed that "The number of children Dr. Plunkett operated on this year is down around 43 percent from two years ago." UK Trustee Dr. Charles Sachatello, a surgeon who sits on the Board of Trustees' health-care committee, told Angel, "I was not aware of that, and that was never announced at the Board of Trustees meeting." Sachatello told Angel that UK should merge its pediatric heart program with the one at the University of Louisville because of the high operational costs of such programs. (Read more)

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UK study: Old, perhaps obsolete heart drug increases deaths in patients with atrial fibrillation

A drug widely used against heart disease can increase the possibility of death when used by patients with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem, according to a study by University of Kentucky researchers. Digoxin, a derivative of the foxglove plant, is an old yet controversial heart drug. Though considered obsolete by some, it is still widely used.

The study, published in European Heart Journal, analyzed data from 4,060 atrial-fibrillation patients. It was led by Dr. Samy Claude Elayi, associate professor of medicine at UK HealthCare's Gill Heart Institute. The results of the study indicate that further review by the Food and Drug Administration is warranted to determine if stronger warnings about its use should be required. (Read more)

A drug widely used against heart disease can increase the possibility of death when used by patients with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem, according to a study by University of Kentucky researchers. Digoxin, a derivative of the foxglove plant, is an old yet controversial heart drug. Though considered obsolete by some, it is still widely used.

The study, published in European Heart Journal, analyzed data from 4,060 atrial-fibrillation patients. It was led by Dr. Samy Claude Elayi, associate professor of medicine at UK HealthCare's Gill Heart Institute. The results of the study indicate that further review by the Food and Drug Administration is warranted to determine if stronger warnings about its use should be required. (Read more)

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Soon-to-be published UK study begins to unravel why prescription pain-killing drug Tramadol is habit-forming

In an attempt to get closer to understanding the plague of prescription pain-killer abuse, a study by a team of University of Kentucky researchers has shed new light on the potential habit-forming properties of the popular pain medication Tramadol. The research was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The paper is slated to appear in an upcoming edition of the academic journal Psychopharmacology.

"The important thing about this is I think we all assumed that any abuse of Tramadol or any abuse potential Tramadol had was because of the way it activated the opioid receptors in the brain and that may not be the case," said lead study author William W. Stoops of the UK College of Medicine Department of Behavioral Science, the UK Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR) and the UK College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology. "It's pretty well accepted that with opioid drugs like oxycodone, hydromorphone and hydrocodone, when you block the opioid receptors in the brain, folks aren't going to abuse the drug. That is not the case for Tramadol. Opioid receptors are important in Tramadol use and abuse, but they appear to not be the entire story."

Other University of Kentucky researchers involved in the study are Michelle R. Lofwall, Paul A. Nuzzo, Lori B. Craig, Anthony J. Siegel and Sharon L. Walsh.

In an attempt to get closer to understanding the plague of prescription pain-killer abuse, a study by a team of University of Kentucky researchers has shed new light on the potential habit-forming properties of the popular pain medication Tramadol. The research was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The paper is slated to appear in an upcoming edition of the academic journal Psychopharmacology.

"The important thing about this is I think we all assumed that any abuse of Tramadol or any abuse potential Tramadol had was because of the way it activated the opioid receptors in the brain and that may not be the case," said lead study author William W. Stoops of the UK College of Medicine Department of Behavioral Science, the UK Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR) and the UK College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology. "It's pretty well accepted that with opioid drugs like oxycodone, hydromorphone and hydrocodone, when you block the opioid receptors in the brain, folks aren't going to abuse the drug. That is not the case for Tramadol. Opioid receptors are important in Tramadol use and abuse, but they appear to not be the entire story."

Other University of Kentucky researchers involved in the study are Michelle R. Lofwall, Paul A. Nuzzo, Lori B. Craig, Anthony J. Siegel and Sharon L. Walsh.

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UK researcher part of team that has identified Usher Syndrome gene, responsible for genetic loss of sight and hearing in babies

A University of Kentucky physiologist has teamed with researchers from several institutions to report a novel type of gene associated with Usher Syndrome, a hereditary disease that causes individuals to lose both hearing and sight. The work of Gregory Frolenkov, associate professor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and others led by Zubair M. Ahmed from the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, is being published in the November 2012 issue of Nature Genetics.

 In the United States, approximately six of every 100,000 babies have Usher Syndrome. About 3 to 6 percent of all children who are deaf and another 3 to 6 percent of children who are hard of hearing have Usher Syndrome. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, parents who have normal hearing and vision usually do not know if they are carriers of an Usher gene mutation. It is not yet possible to determine whether a person who does not have a family history of Usher syndrome is a carrier. Several genes associated with different types of Usher Syndrome have been identified.

A University of Kentucky physiologist has teamed with researchers from several institutions to report a novel type of gene associated with Usher Syndrome, a hereditary disease that causes individuals to lose both hearing and sight. The work of Gregory Frolenkov, associate professor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and others led by Zubair M. Ahmed from the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, is being published in the November 2012 issue of Nature Genetics.

 In the United States, approximately six of every 100,000 babies have Usher Syndrome. About 3 to 6 percent of all children who are deaf and another 3 to 6 percent of children who are hard of hearing have Usher Syndrome. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, parents who have normal hearing and vision usually do not know if they are carriers of an Usher gene mutation. It is not yet possible to determine whether a person who does not have a family history of Usher syndrome is a carrier. Several genes associated with different types of Usher Syndrome have been identified.

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Eastern Kentucky native wants to alert Appalachian women about their high rate of cervical cancer and how to prevent it

University of Kentucky physician and Pike County native Baretta Casey, right, has spent most of her career providing health care and education throughout the state, with a focus on Appalachian Kentucky. The health disparities between Eastern Kentucky and the rest of the state, especially high rates of cancer, are of "special concern" to Casey, reports Ann Blackford of UKNow.

Cancer is prevalent in her Casey's own family, and this is why she "has taken on the challenge of helping reduce cancer rates in Kentucky, especially cervical cancer and other Human papillomavirus cancers," Blackford reports. Cervical cancer rates are highest in rural and Appalachian Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Cancer Registry from 2005 to 2009, the cervical cancer rate in the region was 9.85 per 100,000 people. The state rate was 8.6. The average of deaths per year in the region from cervical cancer was 258.

"We have the tools to change these high rates and make a real difference in people's lives," Casey said. "I feel the best thing I can do for the people of Eastern Kentucky is to educate about prevention and screening of cervical cancer." Casey became the director of the Cervical Cancer-free Kentucky Initiative at UK's College of Public Health's Rural Cancer Prevention Center in 2010. Through this position, she makes connections with county health departments, community organizations and health advocacy groups that provide education and funding for cervical cancer prevention projects.

"Casey is passionate about educating people on the importance of vaccinating their children against HPV," Blackford writes. She said she wants people to look past the controversy of vaccinating their children and realize the importance of the vaccine. "The vaccine given for the appropriate reason can save a life," Casey said. (Read more)

University of Kentucky physician and Pike County native Baretta Casey, right, has spent most of her career providing health care and education throughout the state, with a focus on Appalachian Kentucky. The health disparities between Eastern Kentucky and the rest of the state, especially high rates of cancer, are of "special concern" to Casey, reports Ann Blackford of UKNow.

Cancer is prevalent in her Casey's own family, and this is why she "has taken on the challenge of helping reduce cancer rates in Kentucky, especially cervical cancer and other Human papillomavirus cancers," Blackford reports. Cervical cancer rates are highest in rural and Appalachian Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Cancer Registry from 2005 to 2009, the cervical cancer rate in the region was 9.85 per 100,000 people. The state rate was 8.6. The average of deaths per year in the region from cervical cancer was 258.

"We have the tools to change these high rates and make a real difference in people's lives," Casey said. "I feel the best thing I can do for the people of Eastern Kentucky is to educate about prevention and screening of cervical cancer." Casey became the director of the Cervical Cancer-free Kentucky Initiative at UK's College of Public Health's Rural Cancer Prevention Center in 2010. Through this position, she makes connections with county health departments, community organizations and health advocacy groups that provide education and funding for cervical cancer prevention projects.

"Casey is passionate about educating people on the importance of vaccinating their children against HPV," Blackford writes. She said she wants people to look past the controversy of vaccinating their children and realize the importance of the vaccine. "The vaccine given for the appropriate reason can save a life," Casey said. (Read more)

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UK nanotechnology study shows promise for more effective cancer treatment compared to chemotherapy

Dr. Peixuan Guo, one of the three top
nanobiotechnology experts in the world

A new study by University of Kentucky researchers shows promise for developing ultrastable RNA nanoparticles that may help treat cancer and viral infections by regulating cell function and binding to cancers without harming surrounding tissue. The study, published in Nano Today, was carried out in the laboratory of Peixuan Guo, the William S. Farish Endowed Chair in Nanobiotechnology at the UK Markey Cancer Center, in collaboration with Dr. Mark Evers, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center.

 "A major problem with cancer treatments is the ability to more directly and specifically deliver anti-cancer drugs to cancer metastases," Evers said. "Using the nanotechnology approach that Peixuan Guo and his group have devised may allow us to more effectively treat cancer metastasis with fewer side effects compared to current chemotherapy." To read more about the study, read the University of Kentucky press release here. To read study in Nano Today, go here.

Dr. Peixuan Guo, one of the three top
nanobiotechnology experts in the world

A new study by University of Kentucky researchers shows promise for developing ultrastable RNA nanoparticles that may help treat cancer and viral infections by regulating cell function and binding to cancers without harming surrounding tissue. The study, published in Nano Today, was carried out in the laboratory of Peixuan Guo, the William S. Farish Endowed Chair in Nanobiotechnology at the UK Markey Cancer Center, in collaboration with Dr. Mark Evers, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center.

 "A major problem with cancer treatments is the ability to more directly and specifically deliver anti-cancer drugs to cancer metastases," Evers said. "Using the nanotechnology approach that Peixuan Guo and his group have devised may allow us to more effectively treat cancer metastasis with fewer side effects compared to current chemotherapy." To read more about the study, read the University of Kentucky press release here. To read study in Nano Today, go here.

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Work of UK prof was cited in decision on health care

Professor Nicole Huberfeld.
University of Kentucky photo.

The work of a University of Kentucky law professor helped shape the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on the constitutionality of the federal health-care reform law. 

Two of the major issues in question was whether the government could be force people to buy health insurance — often referred to as the individual mandate — and if the federal government could use its fiscal powers top make states expand Medicaid eligibility to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. The mandate was upheld, as was the Medicaid expansion, though the ruling will allow states to choose whether or not they want to expand their programs.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg cited the work of UK professor Nicole Huberfeld "in a portion of her concurring opinion dealing with the expansion of Medicaid," reports Brian Powers for Business Lexington. In her work, Huberfeld has focused on the program for the poor and disabled and had researched "the intersection of constitutional law and health-care law," Powers reports.

When Huberfeld was told her work had been cited she said it was "amazing," as well as "thrilling ... humbling." She added, "We sometimes feel that we perform our research and publish it and get it out there, and to know that someone is actually reading it is really gratifying. When you write, you hope that someone reads your research." (Read more)

Professor Nicole Huberfeld.
University of Kentucky photo.

The work of a University of Kentucky law professor helped shape the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on the constitutionality of the federal health-care reform law. 

Two of the major issues in question was whether the government could be force people to buy health insurance — often referred to as the individual mandate — and if the federal government could use its fiscal powers top make states expand Medicaid eligibility to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. The mandate was upheld, as was the Medicaid expansion, though the ruling will allow states to choose whether or not they want to expand their programs.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg cited the work of UK professor Nicole Huberfeld "in a portion of her concurring opinion dealing with the expansion of Medicaid," reports Brian Powers for Business Lexington. In her work, Huberfeld has focused on the program for the poor and disabled and had researched "the intersection of constitutional law and health-care law," Powers reports.

When Huberfeld was told her work had been cited she said it was "amazing," as well as "thrilling ... humbling." She added, "We sometimes feel that we perform our research and publish it and get it out there, and to know that someone is actually reading it is really gratifying. When you write, you hope that someone reads your research." (Read more)

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