Dr. Gelber's research spans several areas, including the impact of genetic disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome and muscular dystrophy, as well as the consequences of suicidal behavior in psychiatric patients. He also investigates the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education in Chile, particularly for marginalized children. His studies aim to improve understanding of these conditions and seek better treatment options while addressing wider social issues related to education and health.
Key findings
In a study on educational inequalities, Dr. Gelber found that while economic improvements in the 2000s increased school attendance among teenagers in Latin America, significant gaps in educational quality remained, particularly in private schools.
In his research involving sleep-disordered breathing in stroke patients, it was revealed that 32% experienced significant sleep issues, which correlated with poorer functional outcomes and higher mortality rates in a year.
Dr. Gelber identified a unique genetic mutation in a family with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and hearing loss, pinpointing a specific change in the PMP22 gene crucial for understanding this condition.
His study on bulimia nervosa showed that patients taking inositol experienced significant improvements in their eating habits, suggesting it could be as effective as some medications for treating this disorder.
In examining familial cases of Paget disease and muscular dystrophy, he found that symptoms often begin around age 35, leading to severe health issues and indicating the importance of genetic markers linked to these diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Gelber study mental health conditions?
Yes, Dr. Gelber conducts research on suicide risk and evaluations in psychiatric patients, focusing on improving care for those at risk.
What educational issues does Dr. Gelber address?
He studies educational inequalities, particularly how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted vulnerable children in Chile.
Has Dr. Gelber done research on genetic disorders?
Yes, he has investigated various genetic conditions, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and its associated complications in families.
What treatments has Dr. Gelber researched?
He has researched the effects of inositol on bulimia nervosa and binge eating, finding significant improvements in patients' conditions.
Is Dr. Gelber's work relevant to patients with muscular dystrophy?
Absolutely, his research on muscular dystrophy and its relationship with other conditions like Paget disease provides valuable insights for affected patients.
Publications in plain English
COVID-19 and the right to education in Chile: An opportunity to revisit our social contract.
2021
International review of education. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Erziehungswissenschaft. Revue internationale de pedagogie
Gelber D, Castillo C, Alarcón L, Treviño E, Escribano R
Plain English This research paper examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected children's education in Chile, especially focusing on vulnerable groups. The authors found that government measures during the pandemic may not be enough to ensure equal access to education, potentially worsening existing inequalities. They argue that to protect the right to education for all children, Chile needs a new approach that addresses these deep-rooted disparities.
Who this helps: This helps vulnerable children and teenagers in Chile.
Educational Inequalities among Latin American Adolescents: Continuities and Changes over the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
2012
Research in social stratification and mobility
Marteleto L, Gelber D, Hubert C, Salinas V
Plain English This study looked at how education levels for teenagers in Latin America changed during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. It found that while better economic conditions in the 2000s led to more students attending school, there were still big gaps in the quality of education, especially in private schools. Importantly, it showed that just getting kids into school isn’t enough; the type of education they receive also matters greatly for their future.
Who this helps: This helps educators and policymakers aiming to improve educational quality for adolescents.
Heterogeneity in familial dominant Paget disease of bone and muscular dystrophy.
2002
American journal of medical genetics
Waggoner B, Kovach MJ, Winkelman M, Cai D, Khardori R +2 more
Plain English This study examined a rare condition where people have both Paget disease of bone and a type of muscular dystrophy in a family of ten. Researchers found that these individuals begin showing muscle weakness around the age of 41, especially in the legs, and their bone disease starts affecting long bones before spreading to the spine and pelvis. By analyzing genetic information, they discovered that this family has a different genetic cause compared to other families with similar conditions, suggesting that there are multiple genetic pathways involved in this disorder.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with these muscle and bone diseases as well as their doctors by improving understanding of their condition.
Anticipation in a unique family with Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome and deafness: delineation of the clinical features and review of the literature.
2002
American journal of medical genetics
Kovach MJ, Campbell KC, Herman K, Waggoner B, Gelber D +2 more
Plain English Researchers examined a large family in Illinois with a genetic condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome (CMT) combined with hearing loss. They found that as each generation progressed, individuals tended to show more severe symptoms and develop them at a younger age, with statistical significance noted (P < 0.05). While they identified a specific genetic mutation linked to CMT in this family, it did not fully explain the hearing loss or the worsening symptoms over generations, indicating a complex interplay of genetics and clinical features.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with CMT and their families by providing insights into their condition.
Clinical evaluation of prior suicide attempts and suicide risk in psychiatric inpatients.
2002
Crisis
Modai I, Hirschmann S, Hadjez J, Bernat C, Gelber D +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how psychiatrists evaluate the risk of suicide in patients by focusing on their past attempts. Researchers tested four different models and found that the "all or none" approach, which considers the number of previous attempts as either a serious indicator or not, was the best at identifying patients who were at high risk of making serious suicide attempts. This is important because better decision-making can lead to improved care and support for individuals at risk of suicide.
Who this helps: Patients with a history of suicide attempts and their healthcare providers.
Effect of inositol on bulimia nervosa and binge eating.
2001
The International journal of eating disorders
Gelber D, Levine J, Belmaker RH
Plain English This study looked at whether inositol, a natural substance, could help people with bulimia nervosa and binge eating. In a trial with 12 patients, those taking inositol showed significant improvement in their eating habits and emotional well-being compared to those on a placebo. These findings suggest that inositol could be as effective for treating bulimia as certain medications commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety.
Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with bulimia nervosa and binge eating.
Clinical delineation and localization to chromosome 9p13.3-p12 of a unique dominant disorder in four families: hereditary inclusion body myopathy, Paget disease of bone, and frontotemporal dementia.
2001
Molecular genetics and metabolism
Kovach MJ, Waggoner B, Leal SM, Gelber D, Khardori R +14 more
Plain English This study looked at a rare genetic condition affecting four families in the United States, which includes symptoms like muscle weakness (myopathy), bone changes (Paget disease), and early-onset dementia. Among the 49 affected individuals, 90% had myopathy, 43% experienced Paget disease, and 37% developed dementia. Researchers found that these conditions are linked to a specific area on chromosome 9, which helps clarify the genetic cause of the disorder.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with these conditions and their families by improving understanding and potential future treatment options.
Clinical and molecular studies in a unique family with autosomal dominant limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and Paget disease of bone.
2000
Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics
Kimonis VE, Kovach MJ, Waggoner B, Leal S, Salam A +4 more
Plain English This study examined a large family in Illinois where multiple members suffer from two specific conditions: limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and Paget disease of bone (PDB). The researchers found that individuals with PDB in this family typically start experiencing symptoms around age 35 and often face progressive muscle weakness and other serious health issues, leading to death in their 40s to 60s. Importantly, they discovered a unique genetic marker linked to these conditions, suggesting that this family's case is different from previously recognized types of LGMD and PDB.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with these conditions and their families by providing insights into their specific genetic issues.
A unique point mutation in the PMP22 gene is associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and deafness.
1999
American journal of human genetics
Kovach MJ, Lin JP, Boyadjiev S, Campbell K, Mazzeo L +7 more
Plain English This study focused on a family with a specific type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) that also involves hearing loss. Researchers found a unique change (mutation) in the PMP22 gene that is linked to both CMT and deafness in all affected family members. This new understanding of the genetic causes of this disease can help in developing better diagnostic and treatment options for those affected.
Who this helps: Patients and families dealing with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and related hearing loss.
Sleep-disordered breathing and poor functional outcome after stroke.
1996
Stroke
Good DC, Henkle JQ, Gelber D, Welsh J, Verhulst S
Plain English This study looked at patients who recently had a stroke to check how common sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is and how it affects recovery. They found that 32% of patients had significant sleep issues that correlated with worse ability to function and a higher chance of dying within a year. Specifically, the more SDB they had, the lower their scores were on the Barthel Index, a measure of how well they could perform daily activities, both at discharge and in follow-ups.
Who this helps: This information is useful for patients recovering from stroke and their doctors, as it highlights the importance of identifying and treating sleep issues early to improve outcomes.