MLC III Distance Learning - SYR/BING (2008-2009)

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Each online session will feature a timed quiz and short written assignment addressing the course objectives given below. Taped video feeds of the sessions are provided, which should prove useful in completing the discussion questions for each assignment.

Knowledge of the basic science and clinical issues relevant to the readings.
Ability to assess and critique the research presented.
Ability to translate the research into lay language appropriate for communication with patients
Ability to appropriately apply the findings to clinical problems.
Ability to suggest further research questions stemming from the study results.
A scientific attitude and knowledge of the scientific method.
Awareness of ethical issues in scientific investigation.

Distance Learning Schedule (Summer/Fall 2008):

July 20 - Aug 2 Assignment due: July 29 Peer grading due: Aug 2	Topic: Stem Cells; Discussant: Tom Poole, PhD and David Turner, PhD Perspective: Pluripotency redux – advances in stem cell research [NEJM 375(15): 1469, 2007] Commentary: New advances in iPS cell research do not obviate the need for human embryonic stem cells [Cell Stem Cell 1: 367, 2007] News Release: Researchers turn skin cells into stem cells [ScienceNOW, November 20, 2007] News Release: Stem cells show early promise for heart problems [Washington Post, November 7, 2007] Research: Generation of germline-competent induced pluripotent stem cells [Nature 448: 313, 2007]
Aug 3 - Aug 16 Assignment due: Aug 13 Peer grading due: Aug 16	Topic: Sinusitis; Discussant: Steve Blatt, MD Study: Antibiotics and Topical Nasal Steroid for Treatment of Acute Maxillary Sinusitis [JAMA 298(21): 2487, 2007] Case: Mini-case
Aug 17 - Aug 30 Assignment due: Aug 27 Peer grading due: Aug 30	Topic: September 11th Syndromes; Discussant: Sara Grethlein, MD Study: World Trade Center "Sarcoid-Like" Granulomatous Pulmonary Disease in New York City Fire Department Rescue Workers [Chest 131: 1414, 2007] Perspective: The Legacy of World Trade Center Dust [NEJM 356(22): 2233, 2007] News Article: Lawyer killed by lung disease added to 9/11 toll [CNN, May 24, 2007]
Aug 31 - Sept 13 Assignment due: Sept 10 Peer grading due: Sept 13	Topic: Transplantation to Improve Quality of Life; Discussant: Amy Friedman, MD Research: Outcomes 18 Months after the First Human Partial Face Transplantation [NEJM 357(24): 2451, 2007] Editorial: Transplantation of the Larynx – A Case Report that Speaks for Itself [NEJM 344(22): 1712, 2001]
Sept 14 - Sept 27 Assignment due: Sept 24 Peer grading due: Sept 27	Topic: Tissue Engineering & the Bioartificial Heart ; Discussant: Tom Poole, PhD Study: Perfusion-decellularized matrix: using nature’s platform to engineer a bioartificial heart [Nature Med 2008] News Release: Team Creates Rat Heart Using Cells of Baby Rats [New York Times, January 14, 2008]
Sept 28 - Oct 11 Assignment due: Oct 8 Peer grading due: Oct 11	Topic: Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction; Discussant: John Fortune, MD Study: Neostigmine for the Treatment of Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction [NEJM 341(3): 137: 1999] Case #1: Colonic ileus [NEJM 354(7): e6, 2006] Case #2: Post-cesarean section acute colonic pseudo-obstruction with spontaneous perforation [Int J Gynaecol Obstet 89:144, 2005] Editorial: Management of Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction [NEJM 341: 192, 1999]
Oct 12 - Oct 25 Assignment due: Oct 22 Peer grading due: Oct 25	Topic: Diabetic Ketoacidosis in the Pediatric Population; Discussant: Thomas Welch, MD Study: Preventing a Drop in Effective Plasma Osmolality to Minimize the Likelihood of Cerebral Edema During Treatment of Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis [J Pediatr 150: 467, 2007] Editorial: Choosing the Right Fluid and Electrolytes Prescription in Diabetic Ketoacidosis [J Pediatr 150: 455, 2007]
Oct 26 - Nov 8 Assignment due: Nov 5 Peer grading due: Nov 8	Topic: Bariatric Surgery; Discussant: Paul Cunningham, MD Case: Bariatric Surgery for Morbid Obesity [NEJM 356(21): 2176, 2007] Editorial: The Missing Link [NEJM 357(8): 818, 2007] Optional Case #2: Case 31-2006 [NEJM 355: 1593, 2006]
Nov 9 - Nov 22 Assignment due: Nov 19 Peer grading due: Nov 22	Topic: Controversies in Spinal Surgery; Discussant: James Holsapple, MD Perspective: Back Surgery - Who Needs It? [NEJM 356(22): 2239, 2007] Trial: Surgical versus Nonsurgical Treatment for Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis [NEJM 356(22): 2257, 2007] Editorial: Spinal-Fusion Surgery – The Case for Restraint [NEJM 350(7): 722, 2004] News Article: Surgery Better Option for Common Back Conditions [Medical News Today, 5/31/07]
Dec 1 - Dec 13 Assignment due: Dec 10 Peer grading due: Dec 13	Topic: Antimicrobial Resistance ; Discussant: Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH Study: Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the United States [JAMA 298(15): 1763, 2007] Editorial: Antimicrobial Resistance - It’s Not Just for Hospitals [JAMA 298(15): 1803, 2007]