Digital Commons Network^™

Potentials And Limitations Of Real-Time Elastography For Prostate Cancer Detection: A Whole-Mount Step Section Analysis., Daniel Junker, Georg Schäfer, Friedrich Aigner, Peter Schullian, Leo Pallwein-Prettner, Jasmin Bektic, Wolfgang Horninger, Ethan J Halpern, Ferdinand Frauscher

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate prostate cancer (PCa) detection rates of real-time elastography (RTE) in dependence of tumor size, tumor volume, localization and histological type.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirdy-nine patients with biopsy proven PCa underwent RTE before radical prostatectomy (RPE) to assess prostate tissue elasticity, and hard lesions were considered suspicious for PCa. After RPE, the prostates were prepared as whole-mount step sections and were compared with imaging findings for analyzing PCa detection rates.

RESULTS: RTE detected 6/62 cancer lesions with a maximum diameter of 0-5 mm (9.7%), 10/37 with a maximum diameter of 6-10 mm (27%), 24/34 with a maximum diameter …

Hyperosmolar Therapy For Raised Intracranial Pressure., Ethan A Benardete

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Changes In Radiation Treatment Volumes From Post-Operative To Same-Day Planning Mri In High-Grade Gliomas., Colin E Champ, Joshua Siglin, Mark V Mishra, Xinglei Shen, Maria Werner-Wasik, David W Andrews, Sonal U Mayekar, Haisong Liu, Wenyin Shi

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) with temozolomide (TMZ) is standard of care for high grade gliomas (HGG) patients. RT is commonly started 3 to 5 weeks after surgery. The deformation of the tumor bed and brain from surgery to RT is poorly studied. This study examined the magnitude of volume change in the postoperative tumor bed and the potential impact of RT planning.

METHOD AND MATERIALS: This study includes 24 patients with HGG who underwent craniotomy and adjuvant RT with TMZ at our institution. All patients had immediate postoperative MRI and repeat MRI during the day of RT simulation. Gross …

Successful Identification Of Pathogens By Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr)-Based Electron Spray Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (Esi-Tof-Ms) In Culture-Negative Periprosthetic Joint Infection., Christina L Jacovides, Rachael Kreft, Bahar Adeli, Bryan Hozack, Garth D Ehrlich, Javad Parvizi

Rothman Institute Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection poses many challenges, one of which is the difficulty of isolating the infecting organism. Recently, a sophisticated modality (the Ibis Biosciences T5000 biosensor system) has been introduced that uses pan-domain primers in a series of polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) to identify and speciate essentially all bacteria and fungi as well as to identify key antibiotic resistance genes. We investigated the role of the Ibis in identifying infecting organisms in cases of known and suspected periprosthetic joint infection.

METHODS: Synovial fluid specimens were collected prospectively from eighty-two patients undergoing eighty-seven arthroplasty procedures (sixty-five knee …

Multidisciplinary Approach To Reduce Ventilator Associated Pneumonia, James Gibson, Bs, Rrt, Brian Glynn, Bs, Rrt, Raymond Malloy, Linda Earle, Md, Michael Weinstein, Md, Roberta Glenn, Ying Lee, Patricia Nichols, Dennis Delisle, Mhsa, Pmp

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Faculty Papers

Presented at: Institute for Healthcare Improvement

Context

As part of a quality improvement effort to reduce hospital acquired infections (HAI) at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH), a multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, staff nurses, clinical nurse specialists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, infection control practitioners and administrators representing all special care units was charged with reducing ventilator associated pneumonia rates to zero.

Degeneration Of Phrenic Motor Neurons Induces Long-Term Diaphragm Deficits Following Mid-Cervical Spinal Contusion In Mice., Charles Nicaise, Rajarshi Putatunda, Tamara J Hala, Kathleen A Regan, David M Frank, Jean-Pierre Brion, Karelle Leroy, Roland Pochet, Megan C Wright, Angelo C Lepore

Department of Neuroscience Faculty Papers

A primary cause of morbidity and mortality following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) is respiratory compromise, regardless of the level of trauma. In particular, SCI at mid-cervical regions targets degeneration of both descending bulbospinal respiratory axons and cell bodies of phrenic motor neurons, resulting in deficits in the function of the diaphragm, the primary muscle of inspiration. Contusion-type trauma to the cervical spinal cord is one of the most common forms of human SCI; however, few studies have evaluated mid-cervical contusion in animal models or characterized consequent histopathological and functional effects of degeneration of phrenic motor neuron-diaphragm circuitry. We have …

The Use Of Infliximab To Control Recurrent Cytokine Storms In Ebv-Associated Angioimmunoblastic Lymphoma And Hemophagocytic Syndrome, Sameh Gaballa, Emmanuel Besa, Onder Alpdogan

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Introduction: Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) has been implicated in several diseases including hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) and lymphomas including Angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma. The exact mechanism by which EBV infection causes these complications is currently not well understood. EBV-HLH is a syndrome in which T-cells, NK cells and macrophages are aberrantly activated. Cytokine storms play a major role in cellular damage and organ dysfunction. In the event that the body is unable to clear the EBV viremia, dysregulated T, NK cells and macrophages continue to release cytokines leading to the accumulation of lymphohistiocytic infiltrates into organs and organ damage. …

Heart Failure Transition Of Care Program: The Pharmacist’S Role In Reducing Readmissions, Joseph Favatella, Pharmd Candidate 2013, Joanne Heil, Pharmd, Bcps

College of Pharmacy Faculty Papers

Presented at: ASHP Mid-Year Clinical Meeting in Las Vegas.

Introduction & Background

Current Trends¹

•Approximately 19.6% of Medicare patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days

•These readmissions accounted for $15 billion of Medicare spending in 2009

Changes Coming

•As part of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare will not be reimbursing hospitals for patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge

•Hospitals have already begun improving discharge protocols to provide a greater continuity of care and minimize the financial loss of future readmissions

A Model²

•Boston University Medical Center's Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) was the first program to improve …

The Use Of Glucarpidase In An Open-Label Treatment Protocol As Adjunctive Treatment For A Patient With Delayed Methotrexate Elimination, Cheryl A. Abbas, Pharmd, Anne Marie Valorie-Oberle, Bs, Pharmd, Bcop

College of Pharmacy Faculty Papers

Presented at: ASHP Clinical MidYear Meeting in Las Vegas.

Background

Methotrexate (MTX)

• Cytotoxic agent that competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), the intracellular enzyme responsible for converting folic acid to reduced folate inhibitors, necessary for DNA synthesis
• Used since 1948 in the treatment of various malignancies and as a disease-modifying agent in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis
• High-dose mexthotrexate (HDMTX) began in 1960s solely or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents

Methotrexate Toxicity

• Almost exclusively cleared through the kidneys
  • Precipitation of drug occurs in the renal tubules
  • Prolonged elevations of systemic MTX concentrations results in potential serious toxicity
• Increased use of HDMTX …

Emil Theodor Kocher, M.D., And His Nobel Prize (1841-1917)., Zhi Ven Fong, B.S., Ernest L. Rosato, Md, Harish Lavu, Md, Charles J. Yeo, Md, Scott W. Cowan, Md

Department of Surgery Gibbon Society Historical Profiles

Major contributions to the advancement of surgery occurred at the turn of the 20th century. Theodor Billroth was in the midst of revolutionizing abdominal surgery, whereas Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister were making landmark strides in antisepsis, forever changing the foundations of surgical thinking. Undoubtedly, Theodor Kocher’s (Fig. 1) exposure to these and other giants had a major influence on his career and contributed to his success and ascent as the first, and one of only 10, surgeons ever to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

On The Cover

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Engineering Division, Pam Enrici, Sara Davis, Susan D. Morley

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Gsk3Β Inhibition Blocks Melanoma Cell/Host Interactions By Downregulating N-Cadherin Expression And Decreasing Fak Phosphorylation., Jobin K John, Kim H T Paraiso, Vito W Rebecca, Liliana P Cantini, Ethan V Abel, Nicholas Pagano, Eric Meggers, Rahel Mathew, Clemens Krepler, Victoria Izumi, Bin Fang, John M Koomen, Jane L Messina, Meenhard Herlyn, Keiran S M Smalley

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

This study addresses the role of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β signaling in the tumorigenic behavior of melanoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed GSK3β to be focally expressed in the invasive portions of 12 and 33% of primary and metastatic melanomas, respectively. GSK3 inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of GSK3β were found to inhibit the motile behavior of melanoma cells in scratch wound, three-dimensional collagen-implanted spheroid, and modified Boyden chamber assays. Functionally, inhibition of GSK3β signaling was found to suppress N-cadherin expression at the messenger RNA and protein levels, and was associated with decreased expression of the transcription factor Slug. Pharmacological …

Science Today In Verse, Hope Leman

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Differentiating Lymphovascular Invasion From Retraction Artifact On Histological Specimen Of Breast Carcinoma And Their Implications On Prognosis., Nicholas George Zaorsky, Ninad Patil, Gary Mitchel Freedman, Madalina Tuluc

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

On a pathological specimen of breast cancer cells, retraction artifact during histological processing mimics true lymphovascular invasion (LVI). The accurate determination of the presence or absence of LVI is a factor in determining risk of having a positive sentinel node, or having additional positive axillary nodes after a positive sentinel node biopsy in women with early-stage breast cancer. The determination of nodal risk influences the decision of the treating physicians as to whether a sentinel node biopsy or completion axillary dissection is necessary. On slide preparation, ideal factors favoring true LVI include: a definite endothelial lining, with endothelial nuclei that …

Changes In Serum Interleukin-33 Concentration Before And After Treatment With Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a Plus Ribavirin In Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1b Infection., Bruno Cacopardo, Marilia Rita Pinzone, Filippo Palermo, Giuseppe Nunnari

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: IL-33 is a novel member of the IL-1 family, which has been shown to play an important role in T helper 2 (Th2)-associated immune responses. Recent studies have suggested a possible role for IL-33 in the pathogenesis of liver damage during acute and chronic hepatitis; furthermore, IL-33 may be involved in the development and progression of liver fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate serum IL-33 levels in a group of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) genotype 1b at enrolment and after a course of pegylated (PEG)-IFN plus ribavirin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and 65 …

Beyond The Chemistry Web, Robert A. Buchanan

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Sci-Tech Book News Reviews, Susan Fingerman

Sci-Tech News

The following section consists of 100 book reviews selected from Reference and Research Book News, reprinted with the permission of Book News Inc. This review journal is published six times a year, each issue reviewing thousands of new titles in all disciplines. For a sample issue and subscription information, contact Book News Inc at booknews@booknews.com or (503)281-9230.

Successful Management Of Severe Liver Failure On Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Using Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating Systeme., Shigeki Tabata, Nicholas Cavarocchi, Hitoshi Hirose

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

A 49-year-old female with Adriamycin induced cardiomyopathy presented with decompensated biventricular congestive heart failure. Despite multiple Inotropes, the patient’s hemodynamics deteriorated and she underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) placement as a bridge to decision. Pre-ECMO workup showed liver dysfunction with elevated total bilirubin of 5.9 mg/dl, normal liver enzymes and liver ultrasound image. Tentative diagnosis of “end-stage liver failure” was made without a biopsy.

Shortly after initiation of ECMO, the patient developed massive hemoptysis which was successfully managed with continuation of ECMO and ventilator management. [i] The patient’s total bilirubin continued to increase to peak of 56 mg/dl on …

Limited Sampling Estimates Of Epigallocatechin Gallate Exposures In Cirrhotic And Noncirrhotic Patients With Hepatitis C After Single Oral Doses Of Green Tea Extract., Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, Walter K. Kraft, Constantine Daskalakis, Xie Ying, Roy L Hawke, Victor J. Navarro

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has antiangiogenic, antioxidant, and antifibrotic properties that may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cirrhosis induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, cirrhosis might affect EGCG disposition and augment its reported dose-dependent hepatotoxic potential.

OBJECTIVE: The safety, tolerability, and disposition of a single oral dose of EGCG in cirrhotic patients with HCV were examined in an exploratory fashion.

METHODS: Eleven patients with hepatitis C and detectable viremia were enrolled. Four had Child-Pugh (CP) class A cirrhosis, 4 had Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis, and 3 were noncirrhotic. After a single oral dose of green tea extract 400 …

The Association Between Acrochorda (Skin Tags), Metabolic Syndrome, And Adenomatous Polyps, Brendan O'Hare, Md, Anastasia Shnitser, Md, Jason Korenblit, Md, Mba, Ali Siddiqui, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND

Acrochorda (skin tags) are benign skin tumors that form primarily at skin creases, generally on the neck, armpit, and groin areas. There have been a small number of published studies in 1980s in patients who were found to have increased number of skin tags and colonic polyps, with a direct correlation described between the two. In addition, metabolic syndrome has been linked to adenomatous polyps, but a link between skin tags and metabolic syndrome has not been established.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Levels Identify Heart Failure Patients With Higher Burden Of Atrial Fibrillation, Toshimasa Okabe, Md, Avinash Chandra, Shaw R. Natan, Suzanne Adams, Jocelyn A. Sendecki, Melissa M. Mccarey, Reginald Ho, Md, Behzad B. Pavri, Md, Arnold J. Greenspon, Md, Daniel Frisch, Md

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Presented at ACC Mid-Atlantic conference in Washington DC.

INTRODUCTION/HYPOTHESIS

•Adverse cardiac remodeling and fibrosis provide an arrhythmic substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF), but the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as a biomarker is not well understood. MMPs are zinc-dependent endopeptidases known to degrade substrates such as elastin, gelatin and collagen.

•In excised human atrial tissue, MMP 2 and 9 levels rise as the AF burden increases from sinus rhythm (“No AF”) to non-permanent AF (“Non-Prm AF”) to permanent AF (“PrmAF”). Higher plasma levels of MMPs are also associated with recurrent AF after cardioversion.

•This study sought to elucidate 1) the …

Root Causes Of Intraoperative Hypoglycemia: A Case Series., Eric S. Schwenk, Boris Mraovic, Ryan P. Maxwell, Gina S. Kim, Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, Richard H. Epstein

Department of Anesthesiology Faculty Papers

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the root causes of intraoperative hypoglycemic events.

DESIGN: Retrospective analysis.

SETTING: Large academic teaching hospital.

MEASUREMENTS: Data from 80,379 ASA physical status 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 surgical patients were reviewed. Blood glucose values, insulin, oral hypoglycemic medication doses, and doses of glucose or other medications for hypoglycemia treatment were recorded.

MAIN RESULTS: Hypoglycemia in many patients had multiple etiologies, with many cases (8 of 17) involving preventable errors. The most common root causes of hypoglycemia were ineffective communication, circulatory shock, failure to monitor, and excessive insulin administration.

CONCLUSION: Intraoperative hypoglycemia was rare, but often …

Influence Of Body Mass Index And Antibiotic Dose On The Risk Of Surgical Site Infections In Pediatric Clean Orthopedic Surgery., Jeffrey J Cies, Shannon Chan, Jobayer Hossain, B Randall Brenn, M Cecilia Di Pentima

Department of Anesthesiology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate body mass index (BMI) and antimicrobial dose as risk factors for surgical site infections in pediatric patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Children between 2 and 19 years of age undergoing clean orthopedic procedures and receiving at least one dose of perioperative antibiotics (cefazolin, vancomycin, or clindamycin) were studied. The retrospective case-controlled study was conducted at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, a 180-bed tertiary-care academic pediatric hospital in Wilmington, DE. Data were collected from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2005.

RESULTS: Underweight children had a higher risk for SSIs than overweight and normal-weight children. American Society …

Effect Of Iron Chelators On Methemoglobin And Thrombin Preconditioning., Jing Chen-Roetling, Jesse Sinanan, Raymond F. Regan

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

Cell loss immediately adjacent to an intracerebral hemorrhage may be mediated in part by the toxicities of extracellular hemoglobin (Hb) and thrombin. However, at low concentrations, these proteins induce tolerance to hemin and iron that may limit further peri-hematomal injury as erythrocyte lysis progresses. The mechanisms mediating these preconditioning effects have not been completely defined, but increased expression of both heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and iron binding proteins likely contributes. In the present study, we hypothesized that iron chelator therapy would attenuate this protective response. Pretreatment of cortical glial cultures (> 90 % GFAP+) with 3 μM methemoglobin (metHb) or 5 …

From The Editor, Abby Thorne

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Call For Articles

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Aerospace Section, Barbara A. Williams

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Science-Technology Division, Cheryl A. Hansen, Sarah K. Oelker

Sci-Tech News

Sci-Tech Division news from the Chair. An overview of 2012.

Division Officers And Boards

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.