Inflammation May Cause Preterm Labor and Fetal Deaths
Inflammation from bacterial infections is linked to preterm births and deaths, according to researchers from Case Western Reserve University's School of Dental Medicine and the School of Medicine. They found if receptors responding to the presence of dead or living bacteria in the placentas of mice can be blocked, the number of preterm deaths will decline by nearly half.
Yiping Han, along with Hongqi Lui from the dental school and Raymond Redline from the medical school, report results from their investigation, "TLR4 promotes F. nucleatum-induced fetal death in mice," in the Journal of Immunology.
New findings from the mouse study holds potential to develop ways to curb the emotional and economic toll on families that lose babies to preterm labor and fetal death, said Han, a member of the periodontics department. Read more.
Campus News
The Task Force on Sexual Conduct announces the launch of the Sexual Conduct at Case Web site, and encourages feedback from the campus community. The task force was formed in May 2005, and members represent a variety of campus organizations with responsibilities that touch on some aspect of sexual conduct. It advocates for a safe campus, where ethical relationships and mutual respect among students, faculty, and staff are expected and encouraged. Contact the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women via e-mail for feedback or questions.
The 1-2-1 Fitness Center offers several programs for getting into shape and overall wellness, including the "Tips for Packing a Healthy Lunch" program August 22 and 24, and the Metabolic Testing with the MedGem service. For complete details about these and other programs, call 368-1121 or visit the center's Web site.
For Faculty & Staff
The Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC) at the School of Medicine welcomes university and area investigators to learn more about the array of shared-use services offered within the center. The MMPC works to advance medical and biological research by providing the scientific community with standardized, high quality metabolic and physiologic phenotyping services for mouse models of diabetes, diabetic complications, obesity and related disorders.
For Students
Wonder how the men's basketball team is doing on its athletic and community service trip to Brazil? Check out blog entries from team members.
Events
Looking for a way to give back to the community and have fun at the same time? Come to the University Circle Volunteer Opportunities Fair from 4-7:30 p.m. August 21 at Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Ave. Learn ways to help the museums, churches, schools and hospitals in University Circle. Free admission, parking, refreshments and guided tours of the church. Musical selections by Cleveland Institute of Music students. Register by calling or sending e-mail to Charolette Harris at 216-707-5027.
Refer to the Web event calendar for a list of events and activities on campus and in the community today and in the days ahead.
