David W. Nauen -- Cellular Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity & Clinical Salmagundi

Images Links to movies of experiments in cultured primary hippocampal neurons and tests of the stability of the local perfusion system. A more thorough description of my thesis project will be available when I post my dissertation. Also, if you would like to analyze the electrophysiological recordings please email me.

Code A modular system to coordinate data handling. The aim is to increase the accessibility, stability and interoperability of data.

Protocols Providing a good environment for the healthy growth and development of neurons.

Comprehensive exam The exam is the development of a grant application on a topic outside of one's area of expertise. My proposal was on dendritic trafficking of mRNA, specifically of transcripts containing the A2RE motif.

Dual degree? Thoughts on dual-degree training.

"Risk factor" polymorphisms The RET proto-oncogene is involved with some forms of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), a familial cancer syndrome. Recently evidence has emerged that mutations other than those that directly cause MEN may increase the severity of disease. These modifier mutations are referred to as risk factors. On a Molecular Diagnostics elective I put together this presentation assessing the significance of these polymorphisms, which leads into some interesting fundamental questions surrounding the links between genes and disease.

Mechanisms of neuropathic pain On my (amazing) Family Medicine clerkship outside Indiana, PA we had a patient with neuropathic pain that was not responsive to a number of pharmacological treatments. This brief document on mechanisms of neuropathic pain was made for the team to keep in mind as we tried to find the right therapy.

Rehabilitation for dysphagia For most of us the ability to swallow is something we take for granted, like breathing. However for many patients with congenital damage to the brain stem, trauma victims, and older adults with degenerative disease, this ability can be compromised. When secretions aren't routed to the esophagus they can aspirated into the lungs, causing repeated pneumonia that can be fatal. At present our treatments are for symptoms; we use drugs or even surgical procedures to reduce secretions from the main salivary glands. While on ENT I compiled this sheet to look at possible ways to rehabilitate swallowing disorders. It's very speculative but it points in what seem to me good directions.

Polycythemia vera leaflet On Anatomic Pathology we were attempting to find the cause of death for a patient who passed away suddenly after being admitted for unexplained fatigue. We discovered that she had ruptured her spleen and bled to death internally. Her spleen had become very large due to polycythemia vera. Polycythemia vera presentation