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The Prospects Of Car T-Cell Therapies In Changing The Therapeutic Algorithm Of Neurologic Autoimmunities, Marinos C. Dalakas

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

T cells, genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR T), successfully used in hemato-oncologic malignancies, are showing promising and sustained benefits in refractory autoimmune neurological diseases, including Myasthenia Gravis, stiff-person syndrome, neuromyelitis optica, myositis, autoimmune neuropathies, and multiple sclerosis. Several reported patients with a steadily progressive disease and evolving disability unresponsive to available therapies, including rituximab and new biologics, after 2-3 months of treatment with CARs targeting CD19-positive, antibody-secreting, long-lived plasma cells, and plasmablasts exhibit impressive, long-lasting, and drug-free clinical improvements with the potential for immune reset shifting immunity to a healthy state without the need for continuing more …

Ifnγ-Induced Antigen Loss In Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Cell Therapy, Miao Cao, Jasmine Alvarez, Ramkrishna Mitra, Michael Xu, Trevor R. Baybutt, Zhengyang Sun, Oluwatobiloba Taylor, Allison Doermann, Ross E Staudt, Scott A. Waldman, Adam E. Snook

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: FDA-approved chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cell therapies (CARTs) have revolutionized the treatment of blood cancers. Yet none have been successful for "solid" tumors, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths. Guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) has emerged as a clinical-stage target for CART and bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) therapies in CRC. IFNγ has been canonically recognized as beneficial for the effector functions of T cells by enhancing antigen processing and HLA presentation and is essential for CART targeting of solid malignancies by inducing adhesion molecule expression for synapse stabilization.

METHODS: Using

RESULTS: We identified …

Advancements In Extracellular Vesicle Research, Lucia R. Languino

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The AAEV (American Association of Extracellular Vesicles) Annual Meeting at the John P. McGovern Commons in Houston, TX convened over 300 leading re- searchers, clinicians, and industry experts from around the world to advance the rapidly evolving field of extracellular vesicle (EV) science. EVs, nanoscale lipid- bound particles released by all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, have emerged as crucial mediators of intercellular communication, trans- porting proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that influence a wide spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. Their involvement in immune modulation, tissue regeneration, cancer progression, metabolic regulation, and other complex biological functions positions EVs as promising …

Persistent Microglial Activation Following Neonatal Cmv Infection Mediates Neurodegeneration, Jessica L. Mccord, Debotri Chatterjee, John Y.S. Han, Drew Scoles, Richard J. Smeyne, Nancy J. Philp, Christopher M. Snyder

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes the most common congenital viral infection in the United States, with well-known acute and late-onset neurological pathologies. Moreover, HCMV, like multiple herpesviruses, has been associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Using a well-established neonatal murine (M)CMV infection model, we found that early-life infection drove adult-onset neuron loss and neuropathology in the retina and brain, without evident viral reactivation. Pathology was associated with the persistence of highly activated and inflammatory damage-associated microglia. Transient depletion of these microglia before the development of pathology resulted in repopulation of the tissue by microglia with a more reparative profile, which was then …

Cost-Effectiveness Of Blood-Based Fibrosis Screening In High-Risk Metabolic Liver Diseases With Emerging Therapies, Wanyi Chen, Stephanie T. Chang, Ramsey C. Cheung, Donald B. Chalfin, Kinpritma Sangha, Szu-Yu Zoe Kao, Artem T. Boltyenkov

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains a global public health threat. With emerging effective pharmacologic therapies, early identification of significant fibrosis in primary care is critical. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of blood-based noninvasive tests incorporating real-world diagnostic performance in the contemporary MASLD treatment era.

METHODS: We developed a decision-analytic model for MASLD natural history and treatment to compare 6 noninvasive test strategies using Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and/or enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) tests at varying cutoffs. Patients identified with significant fibrosis were referred for hepatology staging (biopsy and/or imaging-based), and eligible individuals were considered for Resmetirom ($47,400/y; mean …

Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Sport-Related Concussion In Irish Athletes, Emma Finnegan, Ed Daly, Katherine Hunzinger, Lisa Ryan

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Sport-related concussion (SRC) elicits multi-systemic symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and cognitive changes. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are not well captured in current concussion assessments and may be under-recognised in clinical follow-up. GI disturbances may influence intake tolerance and day-to-day fuelling during post-SRC recovery. This study investigated the prevalence and severity of self-reported GI symptoms in Irish athletes after their most recent SRC, examined sex-based patterns, and evaluated the rationale for integrating GI symptom checks into standard concussion tools (e.g., SCAT6) and post-injury monitoring. Methods: An online survey was completed by recreational, competitive, and elite athletes who retrospectively self-reported concussion history, …

Breaking Into Hiv-1'S Epigenetic Vault: Cure Strategies To Eliminate The Viral Reservoir, Joanna Jones, Chelsea Gunderson, Brian Wigdahl, Michael Nonnemacher

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus that integrates into the host cell's DNA as a provirus. Transcription from the provirus is regulated in large part by cellular proteins and epigenetic factors. These may be repressive or permissive to productive infection. The host factors that regulate this balance are therefore attractive targets for HIV-1 therapeutics. Indeed, proviral chromatin is the focus of two of the current HIV-1 cure strategies. "Shock and Kill" uses latency reversal agents to open the provirus's chromatin, promoting high levels of gene expression that induce the killing of infected cells. "Block and Lock" uses …

A Survey-Based Exploratory Study Of Factors Influencing Women's Intentions To Utilise Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis In The Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Sociodemographic Characteristics, Hiv Risk Behaviours And Transactional Sex, Rosemary Kalenga, Gary Sharp, Anne M. Teitelman, Monde Makiwane, Larry D. Icard, John B. Jemmott

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND: South Africa has the third-highest adult prevalence rate globally, with women comprising 64% of cases. Despite the accessibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), its adoption among women, particularly young women, remains alarmingly low.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this initial investigation is to explore factors influencing the intentions of South African women to use PrEP, focusing on sociodemographic factors, HIV sexual risk behaviours and involvement in transactional sex.

DESIGN: The research utilised an exploratory design employing surveys.

METHODS: Surveys were conducted in 2015 with 64 women aged 19-49 residing in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The data were analysed …

Cannabis Stigma And Symptom Management Considerations In Cancer Survivors: A Mixed-Methods Exploration Of Patient Perspectives, Sera Levy, Salimah Meghani, Brooke Worster, Colleen Kilanowski, Danielle Smith, Amy A. Case, Rebecca L. Ashare

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess for indications of stigma and attitudes toward cannabis among cancer survivors (CS) who use or consider the use of cannabis.

METHODS: This study employed a convergent, parallel mixed methods design utilizing focus group and questionnaire data to assess the presence of stigma among a sample of CS (n = 23) who use (n = 10) and do not use (n = 13) cannabis to manage symptoms. CS were recruited from a multi-site observational study in the Northeast U.S. region that assesses cannabis use among oncology patients.

RESULTS: A total of 23 CS participated in …

Authors’ Response To Letter To The Editor From Aphale, P, Et Al., Resident Autonomy In Pathology: Bridging Gaps Between Training And Practice, Bronwyn H. Bryant, Balaram Puligandla, Hailey L. Gosnell, Kristen Johnson, Stephanie Barak, Mary P. Berg, Julie Karp, Amanda Lofgreen, Cindy B. Mccloskey, Barbara E. C. Knollmann-Ritschel, Kristie L. White, W. Stephen Black-Schaffer

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Glycative Stress Disrupts The Mitochondrial-Lysosome Axis And Promotes Geroconversion In Aging Cardiomyocytes, Diana Bou-Teen, Simonas Valiuska, Elisabet Miro-Casas, Chiara Rubeo, Elena Bonzon-Kulichenko, Zuzana Nichtova, Celia Fernandez-Sanz, Javier Inserte, Antonio Rodriguez-Sinovas, Begoña Benito, Eduard Ródenas-Alesina, Jesús Vázquez, Ignacio Ferreira-González, Marisol Ruiz-Meana

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Aging is a major risk factor for heart failure, yet the molecular mechanisms linking cardiac aging to the inflammatory pathophysiology of heart failure remain elusive. Mitochondrial dysfunction and defective organelle quality control are emerging hallmarks of the aging heart, but their biochemical underpinnings are poorly defined. Using comprehensive glycomics, we found that cardiac mitochondria from physiologically aged mice (≥ 20 months) are the major intracellular reservoirs of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), derived primarily from the chemical attack of some α-oxoaldehydes on proteins. This was associated with mild mitochondrial dysfunction and structural remodeling. Lysosomes in aged hearts were enlarged, more …

Quality Of Robotic Segmentectomy Vs. Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Sneha S. Alaparthi, Anurag Ishwar, Isheeta Madeka, Annie Ho, Tyler Grenda, Nathaniel R. Evans Iii, Olugbenga T. Okusanya

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

Background & Methods

• Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Sub lobar resection (segmentectomy) has proved to be a safe and effective alternative to lobectomy in recent literature.
• Our objective is to compare quality of resection between robotic assisted (RVATS) and video assisted (VATS) thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Our hypothesis is that robotic segmentectomy will allow for an improved oncologic resection.
• Retrospective cohort study of National Cancer Database (NCDB). Patients >18 undergoing RVATS or VATS segmentectomy for clinical N0M0, ≤ 2 cm between 2010-2020.
• Quality of oncologic resection assessed with presence and number of nodes examined, margin positivity, upstaging, …

Publication Productivity Among International Medical Graduates And U.S. Medical Graduates In Neurosurgery: A Comparative Assessment Using The Arms Race Control Score, Joanna M. Roy, Omar M. M. Mansoor, Samit Sen, Aaron C. Segura, Rithvik Naga Ganti, Basel Musmar, Gilberto Perez Rodriguez Garcia, Brett Henshey, Saarang Patel, Sruthi Ranganathan, Victor Gabriel El-Hajj, Stavropoula I. Tjoumakaris, M. Reid Gooch, Robert H. Rosenwasswer, Christian Bowers, Pascal Jabbour

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Arms Race Control Score (ARCS) was developed to provide a quantitative assessment of publications among residency applicants. International medical graduates (IMGs) often have higher numbers of publications compared to U.S medical graduates (US MDs). However, there is limited knowledge of publication quality and effort among IMGs and US MDs. Our study analyzes publication productivity among IMGs and US MDs using the ARCS.

METHODS: Applicants were selected from ACGME-accredited training programs that enrolled both IMG and US MD residents over the 2018-2024 match cycle. Programs without IMG residents in a given year were excluded from the analysis. …

Social Determinants Of Health And Quality Of Life Among Korean Americans With Chronic Hepatitis B, Cindy Xin Fang, Yoonjin Nam, Ann C. Klassen, Hee-Soon Juon

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection disproportionately affects Korean Americans, who often experience persistent social and structural challenges that may influence quality of life. Recent community studies showed most Korean Americans with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were disengaged from clinical care, emphasizing the need to better understand factors affecting their well-being. This study examined associations between social determinants of health (SDOH) and physical and mental health related quality of life (HRQoL) among Korean Americans with CHB.

METHODS: A total of 365 CHB patients completed the enrollment survey. SF-12 was used to measure quality of life, calculating physical and mental components …

Comparative Outcomes And Costs Of Robotic Assisted, Laparoscopic, And Open Partial Nephrectomy: A Contemporary Analysis Of National Inpatient Sample Data., Manisha Lin, Elizabeth Sottung, Vietbao H. Phan, Mumbi E. Kimani, Costas D. Lallas, Raegan M Davis, Scott W. Keith, Patrick Moeller, Vittorio Maio

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy is increasingly favored for small renal masses due to its renal function-preserving benefits. This study compared contemporary utilization patterns, perioperative outcomes, and hospital costs of robotic-assisted (RAPN), laparoscopic (LAPN), and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) among U.S. patients with renal cancer.

METHODS: Using the 2016–2019 National Inpatient Sample, renal cancer patients undergoing RAPN, LAPN, or OPN based on ICD-10-CM/PCS codes were identified. Patient demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, length of stay (LOS), perioperative complications, and hospital costs, were summarized by surgical approach. Regression analyses adjusted for patient- and hospital-level covariates were used to compare perioperative outcomes, LOS, and costs …

Defining A Multi-Omic, Ai-Enabled Stool Screening Paradigm For Colorectal Cancer: A Consensus Framework For Clinical Translation, Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, Yan Leyfman, Viviana Cortiana, Rhys Crawford, Shivani Modi

Einstein Health Papers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops through both conventional adenoma-carcinoma and serrated neoplasia pathways, yet noninvasive screening still under-detects the advanced precursor lesions that enable true cancer prevention. Stool-based screening reduces CRC mortality, but its preventive impact remains constrained by limited detection of advanced precancerous lesions (APLs), including advanced adenomas and sessile serrated lesions. Next-generation multitarget stool DNA assays (mt-sDNA; e.g., Cologuard Plus) have established high sensitivity for CRC and specificity approaching 94%, leaving improved APL detection as the principal opportunity for innovation. This review presents a consensus framework for a multi-omic stool screening paradigm that integrates host epigenetic markers (DNA methylation) …

Empirical Evaluation Of A Cnn-Resnet-Rf Hybrid Model For Occupancy Rate Prediction In Passive Ultra-Low-Energy Buildings, Yiwen Liu, Yibing Xue, Chunlu Liu, Runyu Wang

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Accurate occupancy information is critical for optimizing energy efficiency in buildings. Hybrid machine learning models have demonstrated great potential in previous studies; however, their application in passive ultra-low-energy buildings remains underexplored. This study conducts an empirical evaluation of real-time occupancy rate prediction using a CNN-ResNet-RF hybrid model based on multi-source environmental and behavioral data from a passive ultra-low-energy educational building. The model integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for local feature extraction, Residual Networks (ResNet) to enhance deep feature representation, and Random Forests (RF) for ensemble-based generalization. Indoor CO₂ concentration exhibits the strongest linear correlation with occupancy rate (r = …

Undergraduate Science Writing Performance And Perceptions Following An Online Guided Writing Module, Amanda Gunlefinger, Hannah Smith, Jeffrey Klemens, Nanette Tomicek

College of Life Sciences Faculty Papers

Undergraduate students often struggle with scientific communication, particularly in writing clear and concise lab reports. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a multi-section Anatomy and Physiology laboratory course to examine patterns in student writing performance and perceptions of science writing following the implementation of an online guided writing module. The module, developed in Nearpod integrated with Canvas, provided task-specific instruction and embedded questions with immediate feedback focused on authoring a results section for a lab report assignment. Student enrolled during the 2024 implementation term who completed the module (n = 278) demonstrated higher lab report writing scores compared to …

The Association Of P27 With Prostate Cancer Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis Of Nrg/Rtog 8610 And 9202, Krishnan Patel, Stephanie Pugh, Jeffry Simko, Anthony Zietman, Michelangelo Fiorentino, David Paul D'Souza, Seth Rosenthal, Adam Currey, Adam Dicker, Bradley Stish, Eric Horwitz, Tyler Robin, Michael Dominello, Christopher Peters, Kwang Choi, Jason Efstathiou, Samir Narayan, George Daniel Grass, Zaker Rana, Phuoc Tran, Massimo Loda, Paul Nguyen

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 is a well-profiled modulator of cell cycle progression. Low nuclear p27 levels have been demonstrated to have a negative prognostic impact on outcomes in patients undergoing prostatectomy. The prognostic value of p27 after radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer is unknown.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Levels of p27 were evaluated in pre-RT prostate biopsy samples from 2 randomized, phase 3 trials, NRG/RTOG 8610 and 9202, which treated patients with RT with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Nuclear p27 was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and quantified using automated imaging analysis. The association of p27 as both …

Endometriosis Knowledge Among Emergency Medicine Providers: Diagnostic Skills And Symptom Recognition, Caidon Iwuagwu, Laurel X. Chen, Ellen Slattery, Pranjal Srivastava, Hamsitha Karra, Sheyenne Tung, Adrienne Burton, Camila Bomtempo, Jamie Aranda

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Objective: Endometriosis is associated with significant diagnostic delays, averaging 6.7 years, largely due to nonspecific symptoms and inadequate diagnostic approaches. Over 15,000 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States annually involve patients with endometriosis, highlighting the need for knowledge of endometriosis. This study surveys emergency medicine (EM) attendings, residents, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and fellows to assess knowledge and practice in managing endometriosis-related ED complaints. Methods: A questionnaire from a prior endometriosis survey was modified for EM providers and administered anonymously via email (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) in monthly newsletters to providers at an academic and six associated community EDs. …

Virtual Reality For The Management Of Postoperative Pain And Anxiety In Children And Adolescents Undergoing Nuss Repair Of Pectus Excavatum: Randomized Controlled Trial, Charlotte M. Walter, Dillon Froass, Nora Bell, Lauren Haack, Chloe Boehmer, Claudia Bruguera Torres, Rachel Spivak, Max Chou, Kristie Geisler, Keith O'Conor, Sara E. Williams, Lili Ding, Christopher D. King, Vanessa A. Olbrecht

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) is a novel technology with implications for pain and sensory processing. VR may serve as a novel, scalable method to deliver clinically validated therapy for pain management as an alternative or adjunct to opioids for acute pain. Given that psychological factors and pain perception are both components of postoperative pain, it may also be beneficial to incorporate modalities that decrease anxiety, such as active relaxation and guided meditation with VR. Unfortunately, these therapies are not widely available due to multiple barriers. VR has the potential to deliver pain-reducing, psychologically based therapy to children, thereby enhancing multimodal …

Potency-Related Effects Of Smoked Cannabis On Simulated Driving Performance: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial, Bruna Brands, Adam Zaweel, Madison Wright, Patricia Di Ciano, Christine M. Wickens, Justin Matheson, Andrew Fares, Omer S. M. Hasan, Marcos Sanches, Beth Sproule, Marilyn A. Huestis, Timothy L. Brown, Bernard Le Foll

Institute of Emerging Health Professions Faculty Papers

Given the increasing availability of high-potency Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) products, understanding potency-related effects of Δ9-THC on driving performance is an important public safety issue. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects trial examined the effects of smoked cannabis with varying Δ9-THC concentrations on simulated driving. Adults aged 19–45 who regularly used cannabis and held valid driver’s licenses completed simulated driving tasks after smoking placebo, or cannabis containing low (6.25%/47 mg Δ9-THC), medium (12.5%/94 mg Δ9-THC), or high (22%/165 mg Δ9-THC) Δ9-THC levels. The primary outcome was mean speed (km/h); secondary measures included maximum speed, standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), reaction time (RT), …

Real-World Precision Medicine Data In Metastatic Prostate Cancer - A Retrospective Cohort Study, Awais Paracha, Derek Tran, Margot Noyelle, Jonathan Kapilian, Zohair Siddiqui, Adrian Choppa, Anthony Corsi, Jacob Stone, Xin-Hua Zhu

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer in men in the United States with a 5-year relative survival rate for people with distant metastases of 36%. We conducted a single institution, retrospective cohort study of patients with metastatic PC to investigate whether certain gene mutations can be used as predictive biomarkers.

Methods: 200 patients with metastatic hormone sensitive (mHSPC) and castration resistant (mCRPC) prostate cancer who had a FoundationOne report and were treated from June 2007 to October 2024 were included in the study. Disease progression was evaluated according to RECIST criteria, PCWG3 criteria, and PSA values. Assessed …

Ergonomic Trends In Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgeons: A Survey To The North American Skull Base Society, Shreya Mandloi, Alexander Duffy, Praneet Kaki, Elina Toskala, Marc Rosen, Christopher Farrell, James Evans, Gurston G. Nyquist, Mindy Rabinowitz, Md

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Lack of ergonomic practices in the operating room results in significant musculoskeletal strain. This study obtains a current assessment of self-reported musculoskeletal strain associated with endoscopic endonasal and open skull base surgery as reported by members of the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS).

STUDY DESIGN: Online Survey.

SETTING: Online.

METHODS: A survey assessing current symptoms in endoscopic skull base surgery was distributed to members of the NASBS.

RESULTS: Sixty-six responses were completed and analyzed. 95% of respondents indicated they had musculoskeletal strain at the neck and C-spine. There was no significant difference in average operating time per week …

Ergonomic Trends In Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgeons: A Survey To The North American Skull Base Society, Shreya Mandloi, Alexander Duffy, Praneet C. Kaki, Elina Toskala, Marc Rosen, Christopher Farrell, James J. Evans, Gurston G. Nyquist, Mindy R. Rabinowitz

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Lack of ergonomic practices in the operating room results in significant musculoskeletal strain. This study obtains a current assessment of self-reported musculoskeletal strain associated with endoscopic endonasal and open skull base surgery as reported by members of the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS).

STUDY DESIGN: Online Survey.

SETTING: Online.

METHODS: A survey assessing current symptoms in endoscopic skull base surgery was distributed to members of the NASBS.

RESULTS: Sixty‐six responses were completed and analyzed. 95% of respondents indicated they had musculoskeletal strain at the neck and C‐spine. There was no significant difference in average operating time per week …

Determining The Optimal Management Of Geriatric Type Ii Odontoid Fractures: A Comparative Network Meta-Analysis, Shaan Patel, Shiva A. Nischal, Kush M. Kale, Stavros Matsoukas, Joshua Heller, Jack Jallo, James S. Harrop, Srinivas K. Prasad

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

UNLABELLED: Type II odontoid fractures are the most common cervical injury in geriatric populations, yet optimal management remains debated. This study compared the safety and effectiveness of non-surgical management (NSM), anterior dens screw (ADS) fixation, and posterior arthrodesis (PA) in these patients. A systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA-NMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to October 2025. Comparative studies including patients ≥ 60 years with Anderson-D’Alonzo type II fractures and reporting at least one primary outcome (mortality, union, stable non-union, unstable non-union) were eligible. Random-effects network models generated pooled odds ratios …

Operative Confidence In Open And Endovascular Procedures Among Vascular Surgery Graduates Reflects Procedural Exposure During Training, Jin Park, Nicola Habash, Dawn Salvatore, Michael Nooromid, Paul J. Dimuzio, Babak Abai

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Objective: The shift toward minimally invasive techniques has transformed vascular surgery practice and training. As endovascular procedures replace many traditional open operations, concerns have emerged about whether current training adequately prepares graduates for independent practice, particularly in complex open procedures.

Methods: A web-based survey was distributed to recent graduates of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited vascular surgery training programs from 2022 and 2024. The survey assessed demographics, program characteristics, estimated case volumes, and confidence in 22 core vascular operations using a five-point Likert scale. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests, as well as multivariable logistic regression, identified factors associated with …

A Novel Laparoscopic Renal Denervation System In A Preclinical Swine Model, Linwei Zhao, Wei Yang, Binbin Zhu, Yahui Liu, Peng Tian, Xinyu Guo, Yang Dong, Zhiqiang Fan, Huiping Li, Yu Feng, Lijie Zhu, Minfu Bai, Qiuping Zhao, Xingkun Zhang, Chenchen Si, Qianqian Cheng, Gan-Xin Yan, Chuanyu Gao

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Laparoscopic renal denervation (RDN) represents a specialized approach for hypertension, particularly when conventional methods face limitations. While catheter-based RDN has demonstrated significant efficacy in recent large-scale clinical trials and has been integrated into international guidelines, its effectiveness can be constrained by complex renal anatomy or incomplete ablation. We developed a novel laparoscopic RDN system, comprising an integrated radiofrequency (RF) clamp, RF generator, and cooling pump, to achieve more controlled adventitial ablation. This study aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and optimal parameters of this new system in a preclinical swine model. Sixteen pigs were divided into an immediate group ( …

Infectious Retinitis Associated With Jak Inhibitors: The Ongoing Duality Of Jak Inhibitors, Jose S. Pulido, Fukutaro Mano, Marcello Casella, Susumu Ishida

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

PURPOSE: To discuss the recent evidence that Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors can cause viral retinitis.

METHODS: A commentary on the case report in this issue and a review of cases in the literature.

RESULTS: A total of 6 cases have now been reported of cytomegalovirus retinitis associated with Jak inhibitors. Additionally, there was a case of bilateral toxoplasma retinitis and a case of herpetic scleritis.

DISCUSSION: It is important to be aware of the potential blinding complications associated with JAK inhibitors and if the patient complains of acute vision loss and/or floaters, the patient should be emergently referred to a …

Patterns Of Recurrent Preterm Birth: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis, Charlotte E. Van Dijk, Annemijn A. De Ruigh, Benjamin Y. Gravesteijn, Brenda M. Kazemier, Vincenzo Berghella, John Owen, Roberto Eduardo Bittar, Rashmi Bagga, Joan M. G. Crane, Andrew H. Shennan, Birgit Arabin, Ben Willem Mol, Eva Pajkrt, C. Emily Kleinrouweler

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Pregnant patients with a previous spontaneous preterm birth are at high risk for recurrent (spontaneous) preterm birth. We investigated whether the number of previous spontaneous preterm births, gestational age of the previous birth and cervical length could stratify patients into different risk groups for recurrence to investigate whether there is a risk group that does not require additional interventions.

DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted from 1995 until April 2025.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies that were included were prospective studies with original individual patient data available that reported on asymptomatic pregnant individuals with ≥1 …