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Houston Methodist Academic Institute
NEWSLETTER
January 2023
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Physician-scientist Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD, is the new chair of medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital
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Mylonakis, an infectious disease expert, succeeds Richard Robbins, MD, who served as chair for more than 15 years. Mylonakis most recently served as the Charles C.J. Carpenter Professor of Infectious Disease, professor of molecular microbiology and immunology and director of the COBRE Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Therapeutic Discovery at Brown University.
Mylonakis, who is originally from Greece, also served as assistant dean for outpatient investigations and director of the Center for Outpatient and Longitudinal Medical Research at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. For the past 10 years, he has served as chief of infectious diseases at Brown University and Brown-affiliated hospitals, including Rhode Island Hospital and the Miriam Hospital. He previously served at Massachusetts General Hospital and as an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. Mylonakis’ research has an interdisciplinary and translational focus, centered on microbial pathogenesis and drug discovery. He is listed among the world’s top 2% of the most-cited scientists in various disciplines by Stanford University. Mylonakis will begin the position March 1.
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Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD
Digital Methodology
Designer Nanoparticles Deliver Drug to Dial Down Inflammation
Houston Methodist researchers have designed nanoparticles that can be guided to the site of a spinal cord injury and reduce inflammation. Read more in digital Methodology.
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Announcements
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Nasir Lab webpage launches
The Nasir Lab website has launched. The mission of the lab, which is led by Khurram Nasir, MD, is to improve the understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its prevention. Using a holistic approach, the lab focuses on predicting the CVD risk of individuals, assessing the risk in minority groups and those at a social disadvantage, characterizing the cardiometabolic burden, and examining both medical and financial outcomes of CVD. The lab seeks to advance the identification of at-risk individuals and groups and inform guidelines to reduce their risk of CVD and its progression.
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Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium Scientific Symposium
The Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium Scientific Symposium will be on Jan. 26. For details, please visit https://www.txalzresearch.org/research/symposia/.
Praying for each other
Every week, the Prayer Connect Team at Houston Methodist Hospital sends an email with prayer requests. About 160 Methodist employees have committed to pray for requests from our colleagues and community. We believe that staying connected is vital to our well-being, so please consider joining the chaplains in this initiative. If you would like to join us in praying for the requests of our employees and community, please reply to this email or contact Michela deTranaltes, Project Specialist for Grace Ministries, so we can add you to our confidential online community. If you would like to submit a prayer, either text PRAYER to 45991 or email HMHPrayerRequest@houstonmethodist.org.
Hang Ten: Employee Support Group
Hang Ten provides a safe and confidential environment for mutual support. A chaplain will facilitate the group and introduce life tools such as mindfulness, intentionality and reframing. Each session will stand alone, so feel free to log on any week for as long as your time permits. The group meets every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. Click here to join the recurring meeting.
Accolades
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R. Mark Ghobrial has been named President-Elect for the International Liver Transplantation Society.
The Endowed Position and Awards Committee has made the following appointments effective Dec. 1, 2022:
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Jun Li, MD, PhD, appointed to the John M. O’Quinn Foundation Presidential Distinguished Chair in Neurology
Dimitry Sayenko, MD, PhD, appointed to the Paula and Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter, III Associate Professor in Neuromodulation
Kevin E. Varner, MD, appointed to the C. James and Carole Walter Looke Presidential Distinguished Centennial Chair in Orthopedics
Ming You, MD, PhD, appointed to the Daniel E. Lehane, M.D. Distinguished Chair in Cancer Excellence
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Alan Lumsden, MD, was awarded an honorary doctorate from Semmelweis University. Through a collaboration with Városmajor Heart and Vascular Centre, he established a research fellowship for Semmelweis University’s trainees at Houston Methodist.
Sherif Nagueh, MD, was selected as Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging’s Reviewer of the Year for 2021-2022. The Top Ten Reviewers and Reviewer of the Year are selected by a journal subcommittee using a number of criteria, including: a) total number of reviews completed, b) quality of reviews, and c) timeliness of review completion. Based on these review criteria, a numerical score was derived, with the Top Ten Reviewers and the Reviewer of the Year selected based on the highest scores.
Mouaz Al-Mallah, MD, was elected as the 2023 president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. ASNC is the international leader in education, advocacy and quality in cardiovascular imaging, with more than 4,900 members worldwide. ASNC’s members represent the top experts in the field and, as a result, ASNC consistently serves as a leading voice in education, research, quality standards and guidelines, and advocacy in cardiovascular imaging.
NIH News
NIH All About Grants Podcast – Application Preparation Timelines This NIH All About Grants podcast episode walks through the timelines you should keep in mind when preparing an NIH grant application. Data on Researchers’ Self-Reported Disability Status Ensuring a strong and diverse workforce is a top priority for NIH. To this end, we regularly assess the sex/gender, race and ethnicity of NIH-supported researchers to better understand the composition of our workforce and participation in our programs. Investigators may self-report their disability status along with these other demographic characteristics on their eRA personal profile. This allows us to learn more about researchers with disabilities in the NIH-supported scientific workforce. OMB Expiration Dates on Application Forms To Be Updated Soon Grants.gov and NIH are working hard to complete preparations for our transition to FORMS-H application packages. Although we’ll be all set well before our January 25, 2023, due dates, you may see some forms in FORMS-H application packages that still show old expiration dates. Free Crash Course in NIH Funding: 2023 NIH Grants Conference on Feb. 1-2 Are you new to NIH grants and looking to better understand the processes and policies behind NIH funding? Or are you experienced and want to brush up on the latest policies and information? Consider this your personal invitation to the 2023 NIH Grants Conference, a free and virtual event on Feb. 1-2. International Collaborations: Advice from Experts Whether you’re from a foreign organization looking to secure NIH funding, or a domestic researcher or institution partnering with a foreign collaborator, you’ll find helpful information to get started in the International Collaborations: Policies, Processes, & Partnerships video. NIH experts walk you through the process of working with foreign entities through engaging case studies, panel discussions, and live Q&A.
Watch
Videos on Watch
7th Annual Houston Heart Failure Summit 4th Annual Houston Methodist Critical Care Symposium First Annual Colorectal Cancer Updates for Primary Care Treating and Preventing Chronic Metabolic Disease 11th Annual Nantz National Alzheimer Center Symposium
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In the Media
Wesley Long, MD, PhD, was interviewed for a story in the Houston Chronicle about the status of COVID-19, influenza and RSV and the chances for a “tripledemic” in Houston. Long also spoke with the Associated Press about hospitalizations signaling a rising COVID-19 risk for U.S. seniors.
Eamonn Quigley, MD, was interviewed by Lifehacker.com for a story about flatulence.
Kenny Lin, MD, is one of two experts who contributed to a Forbes Health article on sensorineural hearing loss.
Sonia Villapol, PhD, was interviewed by Fox26 health reporter Melissa Wilson for a story on research about the connection between the gut microbiome and the brain leading to potential new ways to diagnose concussions.
Ricardo Gonzalez, MD, spoke with Telemundo for the story on reduced sperm counts worldwide.
Alessandro Grattoni, PhD, and a team of Houston Methodist researchers and clinicians recently published a Nature Communications manuscript on the implantable NICHE device for islet cell transplantation in Type 1 diabetes.
DEI Spotlight
Young Professionals ERG Launches
The Office of DEI is excited to announce the creation of the Young Professionals employee resource group (ERG)! The 10th Houston Methodist ERG, Young Professionals’ mission is to “support the development of personal and professional skills and reinforce HM standards and values among our young professionals by increasing networking opportunities between peers and leaders and investing in current employees that seek to grow within the organization.” A “young professional” is a talented and enthusiastic individual in the early stages of their career (within two years of beginning their role/title) who is seeking resources, tools and a network for professional development. The ERG seeks to provide opportunities to apply leadership skills, as well as a platform to access the resources and mentors available at Houston Methodist and support the growth and education of all health care professionals. As with all our ERGs, any employee may join an ERG they identify with or would like to learn more about or support. Please email YoungProfessionals@houstonmethodist.org to join or learn more.
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New ERG Sets 2023 Meeting Schedule
Fathers in Health Care (FIH), the ninth Houston Methodist employee resource group (ERG), has set its general membership meeting schedule for 2023. Evening FIH meetings will be held on a quarterly basis from 8 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month beginning Jan. 5. The FIH monthly meetings will also be held on the first Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. beginning Feb. 2. As with all our ERGs, any employee may join an ERG they identify with or would like to learn more about or support. Click here for more information on Houston Methodist ERGs.
DEI Training Sessions Offer CME and Ethics Accreditation
The current training sessions offered by the Office of DEI—Together We Grow, Managing Unconscious Bias, Navigating Multigenerational Teams and Recognizing the Impact of Microaggressions—offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ and ethics credit per attended sessions. The trainings help to further your knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion topics that can enhance relationships with co-workers, patients and guests. Sessions are available virtually or in-person. Register for the trainings by visiting the LMS and searching “DEI.” To schedule a session for your group, contact Kamali Archer at Karcher@houstonmethodist.org.
DEI Glossary in DEI Toolkit
A “Glossary of Important DEI Terms” is available in the DEI Toolkit. The glossary provides definitions of more than 100 terms and is intended to provide clarity and context to help encourage the conversation around DEI topics.
Explore the World Through Food
The DEI Around the World Cookbook is available in the DEI Toolkit. The cookbook celebrates the diverse cultural backgrounds of Houston Methodist employees, who submitted recipes that are categorized into four sections: appetizers, entrees, desserts and miscellaneous.
Job Postings
We have several job openings in the Academic Institute. Click here to find one that interests you, or if you know of someone who might be interested.
New Employees
We welcome these new employees who joined the Academic Institute in December 2022.
  • Maria Abu, MITIE Sim Center, Project Specialist
  • Prince Agyapong, HRPO – IRB, RI Human Rsch Protection Coord
  • Rui Cao, Transplant - Xian Li, Postdoctoral Fellow 0
  • Jennifer Castillo, Imaging, Clinical Rsch Spclst
  • Keith Chan, Urology – Kobashi, RI Scientist
  • Ion Codreanu, MRI Core Laboratory, Research Associate III
  • John Ferguson, RSRCH & ED Clinical/Informatic, Application Analyst
  • Claudia Guevara, HRPO – IRB, Human Rsch Protection Anlyst
  • Devony Malone, HRPO – IRB, RI Human Rsch Protection Coord
  • Julie Marlatt, Structural Heart Dis_Interv, Clinical Research Nurse
  • Baranya Murugan, Nanomedicine – Liu, Postdoctoral Fellow 0
  • Fotis Nikolo, Urology – Kobashi, RI Research Scientist
  • Ritu Patel, Executive Administration, Project Director
  • Phanual Roxas, National Reputation, Marketing Specialist
  • Abhiraj Sinha, Imaging, Clinical Rsch Spclst
  • Ethan Subel, Urology – Kobashi, Research Assistant I
  • Tu N Tran, CV Regeneration - Guangyu Wang, Research Assistant I
  • Leslye Venegas, CV Regeneration – Altamirano, Grad Rsch Fellow Stipend
  • Kaitlyn Watson, HCR Clinical Admin, Clinical Rsch Spclst
Policy Reminders
BP in Practice is an educational reminder designed to raise awareness regarding Business Practices hot topics, relevant laws and policies & procedures. Find archives of BP in Practice here. If you have questions, contact the BP EthicsLine at 800.500.0333 or visit tmhs.myethicsline.com.
Publications
Predictors of morbidity in revisional bariatric surgery and bariatric emergencies at an MBSAQIP-accredited community hospital
Tomey, D., Martinino, A., Nguyen-Lee, J., Lopez, A., Shenwai, P., Long, Z., Chai, J., Nayak, T., Wiseman, J., & Oviedo, R. (2022). World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 17(1), [55]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13017-022-00459-3
Obesity and perioperative adverse events in patients undergoing complex revision surgery for the thoracolumbar spine
Zhang, A., Gupte, A. A., Chatterjee, S., Li, S., Ayala, A., Miles, B. J., & Hamilton, D. J. (2022). International journal of molecular sciences, 23(20), [12168]. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232012168
Transplantation of insulin-producing cells derived from human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells into diabetic humanized mice
Ghoneim, M. A., Gabr, M. M., Refaie, A. F., El-Halawani, S. M., Al-issawi, M. M., Elbassiouny, B. L., Kader, M. A. A. E., Ismail, A. M., Zidan, M. F., Karras, M. S., Magar, R. W., Khater, S. M., Ashamallah, S. A., Zakaria, M. M., & Kloc, M. (2022). Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 13(1), [350]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-022-03048-y
Sex differences in machine learning computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve
Al Rifai, M., Ahmed, A. I., Han, Y., Saad, J. M., Alnabelsi, T., Nabi, F., Chang, S. M., Cocker, M., Schwemmer, C., Ramirez-Giraldo, J. C., Zoghbi, W. A., Mahmarian, J. J., & Al-Mallah, M. H. (2022). Scientific Reports, 12(1), [13861]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17875-9
Localization of drug biodistribution in a 3D-bioengineered subcutaneous neovascularized microenvironment
Capuani, S., Hernandez, N., Paez-Mayorga, J., Dogra, P., Wang, Z., Cristini, V., Chua, C. Y. X., Nichols, J. E., & Grattoni, A. (2022). Materials Today Bio, 16, [100390]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100390
If you have a featured publication, for example on a journal cover, please let us know so we can include it in our next issue.
Funding Opportunities
Houston Methodist Academic Institute Translational Research Initiative Request for Applications
Key Dates
Applications Due:
March 31 by noon*
Applications Reviewed:
April 2023 - July 2023
Awards Announced:
August 2023
Estimated Funding Start Date:
Sept. 1, 2023
The Translational Research Initiative (TRI) award supports translational and clinical research-based projects which lead to the development of safe and effective interventions that are ready to advance significantly beyond basic laboratory research and utilize Houston Methodist intellectual property. The TRI mechanism considers innovations that are ready to enter a product development stage including but not limited to analytical and clinical evaluation, GMP production, GLP studies, and/or Phase I or IIa clinical trials. This Request for Applications solicits projects in any area of medicine. Projects of interest include but are not limited to: diagnostics; therapeutics; devices; tools; software; design or development of clinical, surgical, quality, and outcomes processes; and other innovations. Applications must be submitted through the Intramural Portal. Reach out to Academic Affairs or the Intramural Portal with any questions regarding this funding opportunity. Additionally, Academic Affairs has created a webinar for using the portal, which can be viewed here.
Houston Methodist Academic Institute Bridge to Translational Research Initiative Request for Applications
Key Dates
Applications Due:
Rolling
The Bridge to TRI funding (B2TRI) program will bridge the gap in funding to enable promising and clinically relevant research (molecular, cellular or early pre-clinical research) to advance for Translational Research Initiative (TRI) funding consideration. The TRI is a Houston Methodist (HM) program designed to identify and fund the further development of drugs, diagnostics, devices, tools or technology that will comprise HM intellectual property. However, some promising ideas are not yet eligible for TRI funding, and the B2TRI program aims to support investigators in preparing these ideas for future competitive TRI applications. Applications must be submitted through the Intramural Portal. Reach out to Academic Affairs or the Intramural Portal with any questions regarding this funding opportunity. Additionally, Academic Affairs has created a webinar for using the portal, which can be viewed here.