Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Study Of Micrornas In Silico And In Vivo: Diagnostic And Therapeutic Applications In Cancer., Scott A Waldman, Andre Terzic

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

There is emerging evidence of the production in human tumors of abnormal levels of microRNAs (miRNAs), which have been assigned oncogenic and/or tumor-suppressor functions. While some miRNAs commonly exhibit altered amounts across tumors, more often, different tumor types produce unique patterns of miRNAs, related to their tissue of origin. The role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis underscores their value as mechanism-based therapeutic targets in cancer. Similarly, unique patterns of altered levels of miRNA production provide fingerprints that may serve as molecular biomarkers for tumor diagnosis, classification, prognosis of disease-specific outcomes and prediction of therapeutic responses.

Transperitoneal Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy After Prosthetic Mesh Herniorrhaphy., Costas D. Lallas, Mark L. Pe, Jitesh V. Patel, Pranav Sharma, Leonard G. Gomella, Edouard J. Trabulsi

Department of Urology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We report our institutional experience performing transperitoneal robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) in patients with prior prosthetic mesh herniorrhaphy to assess the feasibility of this procedure in this patient population. METHODS: From October 2005 to January 2008, transperitoneal robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies were performed and prospectively recorded. We retrospectively reviewed 309 patients. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (8.7%) were found to have a history of prior hernia repair with prosthetic mesh placement. The mean age was 55.7, estimated blood loss (EBL) was 228 mL, operative (console) time was 197 minutes, and length of hospital stay (LOS) was 1.62 days. In contrast, …

The Significance Of Gata3 Expression In Breast Cancer: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study., Vincenzo Ciocca, Constantine Daskalakis, Robin M. Ciocca, Alejandra Ruiz-Orrico, Juan P. Palazzo

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

GATA3 is a transcription factor closely associated with estrogen receptor alpha in breast carcinoma, with a potential prognostic utility. This study investigated the immunohistochemical expression of GATA3 in estrogen receptor alpha-positive and estrogen receptor alpha-negative breast carcinomas. One hundred sixty-six cases of invasive breast carcinomas with 10-year follow-up information were analyzed. Positive GATA3 and estrogen receptor alpha cases were defined as greater than 20% of cells staining. Time to cancer recurrence and time to death were analyzed with survival methods. Of 166 patients, 40 were estrogen receptor alpha negative and 121 estrogen receptor alpha positive. Thirty-eight (23%) recurrences and 51 …

Dosimetric Evaluation Of Heterogeneity Corrections For Rtog 0236: Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Of Inoperable Stage I-Ii Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer., Ying Xiao, Lech Papiez, Rebecca Paulus, Robert Timmerman, William L. Straube, Walter R. Bosch, Jeff Michalski, James M. Galvin

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Using a retrospective analysis of treatment plans submitted from multiple institutions accruing patients to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0236 non-small-cell stereotactic body radiotherapy protocol, the present study determined the dose prescription and critical structure constraints for future stereotactic body radiotherapy lung protocols that mandate density-corrected dose calculations.

METHOD AND MATERIALS: A subset of 20 patients from four institutions participating in the RTOG 0236 protocol and using superposition/convolution algorithms were compared. The RTOG 0236 protocol required a prescription dose of 60 Gy delivered in three fractions to cover 95% of the planning target volume. Additional requirements were specified …

Recent Trends In Soft-Tissue Infection Imaging., Nicholas Petruzzi, Md, Nylla Shanthly, Mbbs, Drm, Mathew L. Thakur, Phd

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

This article discusses the current techniques and future directions of infection imaging with particular attention to respiratory, central nervous system, abdominal, and postoperative infections. The agents currently in use localize to areas of infection and inflammation. An infection-specific imaging agent would greatly improve the utility of scintigraphy in imaging occult infections. The superior spatial resolution of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) and its lack of reliance on a functional immune system, gives this agent certain advantages over the other radiopharmaceuticals. In respiratory tract infection imaging, an important advancement would be the ability to quantitatively delineate lung inflammation, allowing one to …

What Is The Cost Of Maintaining A Kidney In Upper-Tract Transitional-Cell Carcinoma? An Objective Analysis Of Cost And Survival., Raymond W Pak, Eric J Moskowitz, Demetrius H Bagley

Department of Urology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For many years, the gold standard in upper urinary tract transitional-cell carcinoma (UT-TCC) management has been nephroureterectomy with excision of the bladder cuff. Advances in endourologic instrumentation have allowed urologists to manage this malignancy. The feasibility and success of conservative measures for UT-TCC have been widely published, but there has not been an objective cost analysis performed to date. Our goal was to examine the direct costs of renal-sparing conservative measures v nephroureterectomy and subsequent chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Secondary analysis includes a discussion of survival and quality-of-life issues for both treatment …

Association Of Gucy2c Expression In Lymph Nodes With Time To Recurrence And Disease-Free Survival In Pn0 Colorectal Cancer., Scott A Waldman, Terry Hyslop, Stephanie Schulz, Alan Barkun, Karl Nielsen, Janis Haaf, Christine Bonaccorso, Yanyan Li, David S Weinberg

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

CONTEXT: The established relationship between lymph node metastasis and prognosis in colorectal cancer suggests that recurrence in 25% of patients with lymph nodes free of tumor cells by histopathology (pN0) reflects the presence of occult metastases. Guanylyl cyclase 2C (GUCY2C) is a marker expressed by colorectal tumors that could reveal occult metastases in lymph nodes and better estimate recurrence risk.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of occult lymph node metastases detected by quantifying GUCY2C messenger RNA, using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, with recurrence and survival in patients with colorectal cancer.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective study of 257 patients …

Cryptococcosis Of The Upper Genital Tract., Manish Gopal, Stacy Mccrosson, Pamela Edmonds, Thomas Klein

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Upper genital tract infection by Cryptococcus neoformans has not previously been reported. We describe such a case, in order to alert clinicians to the existence of this rare infection. A 34-year-old woman with AIDS presented with chronic menorrhagia, fever, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Despite blood transfusions and hormonal therapy, her vaginal bleeding could not be controlled and she became hemodynamically unstable. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed, at which time granulomatous peritonitis and prominent myometrial blood vessels were found. Histologic examination revealed cryptococcal infection of all upper genital organs. This case demonstrates that disseminated cryptococcosis may involve the upper …

Multimodality Education For Airway Endoscopy Skill Development., Ellen S. Deutsch, Thomas Christenson, Joseph Curry, Jobayer Hossain, Karen Zur, Ian Jacobs

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: Airway endoscopy is a difficult skill to master. A unique practicum was designed to help otolaryngology residents develop endoscopy skills. The learning modalities included lectures, an animal laboratory, high-fidelity manikins, virtual bronchoscopy simulation, and standardized patients. This study compares the relative subjective value of these learning modalities for skill development and realism. METHODS: Participants used a Likert scale (1=disagree to 5=agree) and open responses to anonymously rate the efficacy of 5 learning modalities for teaching airway management, endoscopy skills, and clinical leadership and for providing a realistic experience. RESULTS: The results in 2007 were uniformly positive, with mean scores …

Systems-Level Interactions Between Insulin-Egf Networks Amplify Mitogenic Signaling., Nikolay Borisov, Edita Aksamitiene, Anatoly Kiyatkin, Stefan Legewie, Jan Berkhout, Thomas Maiwald, Nikolai P Kaimachnikov, Jens Timmer, Jan B Hoek, Boris N Kholodenko

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Crosstalk mechanisms have not been studied as thoroughly as individual signaling pathways. We exploit experimental and computational approaches to reveal how a concordant interplay between the insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling networks can potentiate mitogenic signaling. In HEK293 cells, insulin is a poor activator of the Ras/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) cascade, yet it enhances ERK activation by low EGF doses. We find that major crosstalk mechanisms that amplify ERK signaling are localized upstream of Ras and at the Ras/Raf level. Computational modeling unveils how critical network nodes, the adaptor proteins GAB1 and insulin receptor substrate (IRS), Src kinase, …

Mitostatin, A Putative Tumor Suppressor On Chromosome 12q24.1, Is Downregulated In Human Bladder And Breast Cancer., A Vecchione, M Fassan, V Anesti, A Morrione, S Goldoni, G Baldassarre, D Byrne, D D'Arca, J P Palazzo, J Lloyd, L Scorrano, L G Gomella, R V Iozzo, R Baffa

Department of Urology Faculty Papers

Allelic deletions on human chromosome 12q24 are frequently reported in a variety of malignant neoplasms, indicating the presence of a tumor suppressor gene(s) in this chromosomal region. However, no reasonable candidate has been identified so far. In this study, we report the cloning and functional characterization of a novel mitochondrial protein with tumor suppressor activity, henceforth designated MITOSTATIN. Human MITOSTATIN was found within a 3.2-kb transcript, which encoded a approximately 62 kDa, ubiquitously expressed protein with little homology to any known protein. We found homozygous deletions and mutations of MITOSTATIN gene in approximately 5 and approximately 11% of various cancer-derived …

Mitochondrial Mislocalization Underlies Abeta42-Induced Neuronal Dysfunction In A Drosophila Model Of Alzheimer's Disease., Kanae Iijima-Ando, Stephen A Hearn, Christopher Shenton, Anthony Gatt, Lijuan Zhao, Koichi Iijima

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

The amyloid-beta 42 (Abeta42) is thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms by which Abeta42 induces neuronal dysfunction and degeneration remain elusive. Mitochondrial dysfunctions are implicated in AD brains. Whether mitochondrial dysfunctions are merely a consequence of AD pathology, or are early seminal events in AD pathogenesis remains to be determined. Here, we show that Abeta42 induces mitochondrial mislocalization, which contributes to Abeta42-induced neuronal dysfunction in a transgenic Drosophila model. In the Abeta42 fly brain, mitochondria were reduced in axons and dendrites, and accumulated in the somata without severe mitochondrial …

Quality Improvement In Small Office Settings: An Examination Of Successful Practices., Daniel Wolfson, Elizabeth Bernabeo, Brian Leas, Shoshanna Sofaer, Gregory Pawlson, Donna Pillittere

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Physicians in small to moderate primary care practices in the United States (U.S.) (<25>physicians) face unique challenges in implementing quality improvement (QI) initiatives, including limited resources, small staffs, and inadequate information technology systems 23,36. This qualitative study sought to identify and understand the characteristics and organizational cultures of physicians working in smaller practices who are actively engaged in measurement and quality improvement initiatives.

METHODS: We undertook a qualitative study, based on semi-structured, open-ended interviews conducted with practices (N = 39) that used performance data to drive quality improvement activities.

RESULTS: Physicians indicated that benefits to performing measurement and …

High-Resolution Analysis Of Dna Copy Number Alterations In Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma., Khaled K Abu-Amero, Ali Hellani, Patrick Bender, George L. Spaeth, Jonathan Myers, L Jay Katz, Marlene Moster, Thomas M Bosley

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

PURPOSE: To determine whether patients with isolated primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) have evidence of chromosomal copy number alterations.

METHODS: Twenty-seven Caucasian and African-American POAG patients and 12 ethnically matched controls were carefully screened for possible glaucoma and tested for chromosomal copy number alterations using high resolution array comparative genomic hybridization.

RESULTS: No POAG patient had evidence of chromosomal copy number alterations when compared to normal ethnically matched controls. Additionally, there was no evidence of somatic mosaicism in any tested POAG patient.

CONCLUSIONS: Chromosomal deletions and/or duplications were not detected in POAG patients as compared to controls. Other chromosomal imbalances such …

Osteoarthritis Associated With Estrogen Deficiency., Jorge A Roman-Blas, Santos Castañeda, Raquel Largo, Gabriel Herrero-Beaumont

Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine Papers and Presentations

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects all articular tissues and finally leads to joint failure. Although articular tissues have long been considered unresponsive to estrogens or their deficiency, there is now increasing evidence that estrogens influence the activity of joint tissues through complex molecular pathways that act at multiple levels. Indeed, we are only just beginning to understand the effects of estrogen deficiency on articular tissues during OA development and progression, as well as on the association between OA and osteoporosis. Estrogen replacement therapy and current selective estrogen receptor modulators have mixed effectiveness in preserving and/or restoring joint tissue in OA. Thus, a …

The Efficacy Of Surgical Decompression Before 24 Hours Versus 24 To 72 Hours In Patients With Spinal Cord Injury From T1 To L1--With Specific Consideration On Ethics: A Randomized Controlled Trial., Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar, Soheil Saadat, Alexander R Vaccaro, Seyed Mohammad Ghodsi, Mohammad Samadian, Arya Sheykhmozaffari, Seyed Mohammad Safdari, Bahram Keshmirian

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: There is no clear evidence that early decompression following spinal cord injury (SCI) improves neurologic outcome. Such information must be obtained from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). To date no large scale RCT has been performed evaluating the timing of surgical decompression in the setting of thoracolumbar spinal cord injury. A concern for many is the ethical dilemma that a delay in surgery may adversely effect neurologic recovery although this has never been conclusively proven. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of early (before 24 hours) verse late (24-72 hours) surgical decompression in terms of neurological …

A Glycosylated Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor Produced In A Novel Protein Production System (Avi-014) In Healthy Subjects: A First-In Human, Single Dose, Controlled Study., Roslyn Varki, Ed Pequignot, Mark C Leavitt, Andres Ferber, Walter K Kraft

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: AVI-014 is an egg white-derived, recombinant, human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). This healthy volunteer study is the first human investigation of AVI-014. METHODS: 24 male and female subjects received a single subcutaneous injection of AVI-014 at 4 or 8 mcg/kg. 16 control subjects received 4 or 8 mcg/kg of filgrastim (Neupogen, Amgen) in a partially blinded, parallel fashion. RESULTS: The Geometric Mean Ratio (GMR) (90% CI) of 4 mcg/kg AVI-014/filgrastim AUC(0-72 hr) was 1.00 (0.76, 1.31) and Cmax was 0.86 (0.66, 1.13). At the 8 mcg/kg dose, the AUC(0-72) GMR was 0.89 (0.69, 1.14) and Cmax was 0.76 (0.58, …

Microrna Expression Profiling Of Male Breast Cancer., Matteo Fassan, Raffaele Baffa, Juan P Palazzo, Joshua Lloyd, Marco Crosariol, Chang-Gong Liu, Stefano Volinia, Hannes Alder, Massimo Rugge, Carlo M Croce, Anne Rosenberg

Department of Urology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION : MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that control gene expression by targeting mRNAs and triggering either translation repression or RNA degradation. Their aberrant expression may be involved in human diseases, including cancer. To test the hypothesis that there is a specific miRNA expression signature which characterizes male breast cancers, we performed miRNA microarray analysis in a series of male breast cancers and compared them with cases of male gynecomastia and female breast cancers. METHODS : Paraffin blocks were obtained at the Department of Pathology of Thomas Jefferson University from 28 male patients including 23 breast …

Quality Improvement In Small Office Settings: An Examination Of Successful Practices., Daniel Wolfson, Elizabeth Bernabeo, Brian Leas, Shoshanna Sofaer, Gregory Pawlson, Donna Pillittere

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Physicians in small to moderate primary care practices in the United States (U.S.) (<25 >physicians) face unique challenges in implementing quality improvement (QI) initiatives, including limited resources, small staffs, and inadequate information technology systems 23,36. This qualitative study sought to identify and understand the characteristics and organizational cultures of physicians working in smaller practices who are actively engaged in measurement and quality improvement initiatives.

METHODS: We undertook a qualitative study, based on semi-structured, open-ended interviews conducted with practices (N = 39) that used performance data to drive quality improvement activities.

RESULTS: Physicians indicated that benefits to performing measurement and …

Hematologic Effects Of Placental Pathology On Very Low Birthweight Infants Born To Mothers With Preeclampsia., Kelly J. Zook, Md, Amy B. Mackley, Rnc, Jennifer Kern, David A. Paul. Md

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of placental pathology on neonatal neutrophils, platelets, hematocrit and nucleated red blood cells in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants born to mothers with preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of infants with birthweight < 1500 g born to mothers with preeclampsia from july, 2002 to july, 2006 at a single level III neonatal intensive care unit. Placental pathology was reviewed for the presence of placental infarction and vasculopathy. Hematologic parameters from day of life 0, 1 and 2 were obtained. Statistical analysis included repeated-measures analysis of variance and multivariable analysis using logistic regression. RESULT: The study sample included 203 infants with estimated gestational age of 28+/-3 weeks; 45% had placental infarctions and 26% placental vasculopathy. Infants with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia did not have an increased occurrence of placental infarction or maternal vasculopathy but were more likely to be of small gestational age (SGA) and of lower gestational age compared with infants without neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. After multivariable analysis, gestational age and SGA remained associated with both neutropenia and thrombocytopenia whereas placental infarction and vasculopathy did not remain in the models. CONCLUSION: In our population of VLBW infants born to mothers with preeclampsia, placental pathology was common. There was no association of placental infarction or vasculopathy with neonatal neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The data suggest that neonatal hematologic effects of maternal preeclampsia, if related to the placenta, are associated with factors other than placental histology.

Increased Susceptibility Of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Fibroblasts To Camptothecin Is P53-Independent., Chia-Yen Wu, Ilsa Gómez-Curet, Vicky L Funanage, Mena Scavina, Wenlan Wang

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Deletion or mutation(s) of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene causes spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The SMN protein is known to play a role in RNA metabolism, neurite outgrowth, and cell survival. Yet, it remains unclear how SMN deficiency causes selective motor neuron death and muscle atrophy seen in SMA. Previously, we have shown that skin fibroblasts from SMA patients are more sensitive to the DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin, supporting a role for SMN in cell survival. Here, we examine the potential mechanism of camptothecin sensitivity in SMA fibroblasts.

RESULTS: Camptothecin treatment reduced the DNA relaxation activity …

Stat5 Regulation Of Bcl10 Parallels Constitutive Nfkappab Activation In Lymphoid Tumor Cells., Zsuzsanna S Nagy, Matthew J Lebaron, Jeremy A Ross, Abhisek Mitra, Hallgeir Rui, Robert A Kirken

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 A and B (STAT5) are key survival factors in cells of the lymphoid lineage. Identification of novel, tissue-specific STAT5 regulated genes would advance the ability to combat diseases due to aberrant STAT5 signaling. In the present work a library of human STAT5 bound genomic elements was created and validated. RESULTS: Of several STAT5 responsive genomic regulatory elements identified, one was located within the first intron of the human BCL10 gene. Chromatin immuno-precipitation reactions confirmed constitutive in vivo STAT5 binding to this intronic fragment in various human lymphoid tumor cell lines. Interestingly, non-phosphorylated …

The Interaction Of Hab18g/Cd147 With Integrin Alpha6beta1 And Its Implications For The Invasion Potential Of Human Hepatoma Cells., Jing-Yao Dai, Ke-Feng Dou, Cong-Hua Wang, Pu Zhao, Wayne Bond Lau, Ling Tao, Ya-Mei Wu, Juan Tang, Jian-Li Jiang, Zhi-Nan Chen

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: HAb18G/CD147 plays pivotal roles in invasion by hepatoma cells, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Our previous study demonstrated that overexpression of HAb18G/CD147 promotes invasion by interacting with integrin alpha3beta1. However, it has never been investigated whether alpha3beta1 is solely responsible for this process or if other integrin family members also interact with HAb18G/CD147 in human hepatoma cells. METHODS: Human SMMC-7721 and FHCC98 cells were cultured and transfected with siRNA fragments against HAb18G/CD147. The expression levels of HAb18G/CD147 and integrin alpha6beta1 were determined by immunofluorescent double-staining and confocal imaging analysis. Co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses were performed to examine …

Activity Loss Is Associated With Cognitive Decline In Age-Related Macular Degeneration., Barry W. Rovner, Robin J. Casten, Benjamin E. Leiby, William S. Tasman

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND/METHODS: The objective of this study was to determine whether relinquishing cognitive, physical, and social activities is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We conducted a 3-year longitudinal study of 206 nondemented patients with AMD.

RESULTS: Twenty-three subjects (14.4%) declined cognitively. Age, sex, education, decline in visual acuity, and number of dropped activities were associated with cognitive decline; each additional dropped activity increased the risk by 58%. Subjects who relinquished three activities were 3.87 times (95% confidence interval, 1.95-7.76) more likely to become demented than subjects who relinquished no activities; those …

Unusual Fibrosclerotic Lesion Of The Laryngotracheal Complex Presenting As Subglottic Stenosis., Douglas R. Johnston, Joseph M. Curry, Raphael Rubin, Marc R. Rosen

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

We present a case report that describes the pathology, presentation, and management complexities of an unusual, destructive fibrosclerotic lesion of the laryngotracheal complex. An otherwise healthy 21-year-old man presented with a 1-year history of progressive shortness of breath and stridor. The initial examination revealed a 3-cm, grade III subglottic stenosis. Nodular fibrosis of the strap muscles, laryngotracheal cartilages, and trachea was evident. Biopsies revealed dense peritracheal desmoplastic reaction with focal erosion of cartilage. However, features diagnostic for relapsing polychondritis, desmoid tumor, or orbital pseudotumor were absent. The disease progressed to involve severe stenosis and thickening of the trachea and main …

Malignant Melanoma Metastatic To The Thyroid Gland: A Case Report And Review Of The Literature., Brian Kung, Md, Saba Aftab, Bs, Moira D. Wood, Md, David Rosen, Md

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

The thyroid gland is a relatively uncommon site for a secondary malignancy; even less common is a case of malignant melanoma metastatic to the thyroid. We describe the case of a 68-year-old man who presented with a neck mass in the posterior triangle. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) identified the mass as a malignant melanoma. The patient had had no known primary skin melanoma. He underwent a left modified radical neck dissection, and the mass was discovered to be a positive lymph node. Postoperatively, he declined to undergo radio- and chemotherapy. Eighteen months later, he returned with a diffusely enlarged thyroid. …

Elongation Factor 1 Alpha Interacts With Phospho-Akt In Breast Cancer Cells And Regulates Their Proliferation, Survival And Motility., Luisa Pecorari, Oriano Marin, Chiara Silvestri, Olivia Candini, Elena Rossi, Clara Guerzoni, Sara Cattelani, Samanta A Mariani, Francesca Corradini, Giovanna Ferrari-Amorotti, Laura Cortesi, Rita Bussolari, Giuseppe Raschellà, Massimo R Federico, Bruno Calabretta

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Akt/PKB is a serine/threonine kinase that has attracted much attention because of its central role in regulating cell proliferation, survival, motility and angiogenesis. Activation of Akt in breast cancer portends aggressive tumour behaviour, resistance to hormone-, chemo-, and radiotherapy-induced apoptosis and it is correlated with decreased overall survival. Recent studies have identified novel tumor-specific substrates of Akt that may provide new diagnostic and prognostic markers and serve as therapeutic targets. This study was undertaken to identify pAkt-interacting proteins and to assess their biological roles in breast cancer cells. RESULTS: We confirmed that one of the pAkt interacting proteins is …

Isolated Polyethylene Exchange Versus Acetabular Revision For Polyethylene Wear, Camilo Restrepo, Elie Ghanem, Carrie Houssock, Mathew Austin, Javad Parvizi, William J. Hozack

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

Polyethylene wear and osteolysis are not uncommon in THA mid- and long-term. In asymptomatic patients the dilemma faced by the orthopaedic surgeon is whether to revise the cup and risk damage to the supporting columns and even pelvic discontinuity or to perform isolated polyethylene exchange and risk a high rate of postoperative recurrent instability and dislocation that will necessitate further surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients (67 hips) who underwent revision arthroplasty for polywear and osteolysis. Thirty-six hips had isolated polyethylene exchange, while 31 had full acetabular revision. The minimum followup was 2 years (mean, 2.8 years; range, 2-5 years). …