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N-Glycosylation Status Of E-Cadherin Controls Cytoskeletal Dynamics Through The Organization Of Distinct Β-Catenin- And Γ-Catenin-Containing Ajs., Basem T Jamal, Mihai Nita-Lazar, Zhennan Gao, Bakr Amin, Janice Walker, Maria A Kukuruzinska

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

N-glycosylation of E-cadherin has been shown to inhibit cell-cell adhesion. Specifically, our recent studies have provided evidence that the reduction of E-cadherin N-glycosylation promoted the recruitment of stabilizing components, vinculin and serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), to adherens junctions (AJs) and enhanced the association of AJs with the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we examined the details of how N-glycosylation of E-cadherin affected the molecular organization of AJs and their cytoskeletal interactions. Using the hypoglycosylated E-cadherin variant, V13, we show that V13/β-catenin complexes preferentially interacted with PP2A and with the microtubule motor protein dynein. This correlated with dephosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein …

The Otto Aufranc Award Identification Of A 4 Mb Region On Chromosome 17q21 Linked To Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip In One 18-Member, Multigeneration Family, George Feldman, Chelsea Dalsey, Kasia Fertala, David Azimi, Paolo Fortina, Marcella Devoto, Maurizio Pacifici, Javad Parvizi

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a disabling condition of the hip that, depending on geography, can afflict between 20-80% of patients with end-stage arthritis of the hip. Despite its prevalence, the etiology of this disease remains unknown. DDH is a complex disorder with both environmental and genetic causes.. Based on the literature, the candidate genes for the disease are HOXB9, collagen type I α1, and DLX 3. The purpose of our study was to map and characterize the gene or genes responsible for this disorder by family linkage analysis. We recruited one 18-member, multigeneration affected family to provide …

Utilization Of Dantrolene In Stiff-Person Syndrome: A Case Report, John M. Vasudevan, Md, S. Kamal Fetouh, Md,, Nethra S. Ankam, Md, Adam L. Schreiber, Do, Ma

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty Papers

Setting: University hospital-based acute rehabilitation.

Patient: 75-year-old woman with Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS) with a recent fall and Colles fracture.

Case Description: Four months prior to admission, the patient was diagnosed with SPS, negative for anti-GAD antibodies. Diagnosis was based on a 3-year history of progressive rigidity leading to frequent falls and fractures. Anxiety and fear of falling limited her mobility, and she sustained a sacral pressure ulcer during acute hospitalization. On admission, history was remarkable for unsteady gait and muscle cramps exacerbated when startled or excited. Examination was remarkable for rigidity in her axial and limb muscles. She presented …

Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Do Not Differentiate Into Dopamine Neurons In Vitro Or After Transplantation In Vivo., Angela E Donaldson, Jingli Cai, Ming Yang, Lorraine Iacovitti

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Although embryonic stem (ES) cells can generate dopamine (DA) neurons that are potentially useful as a cell replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD), associated ethical and practical concerns remain major stumbling blocks to their eventual use in humans. In this study, we examined human amniotic fluid stem (hAFS) cells derived from routine amniocenteses for their potential to give rise to DA neurons in vitro and following transplantation into the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat brain. We show that undifferentiated hAFS cells constitutively expressed mRNAs and proteins typical of stem cells but also cell derivatives of all three germ layers, including neural progenitors/neurons (nestin, …

The Early History Of Yellow Fever, Pedro Nogueira

Yellow fever, a symposium in commemoration of Carlos Juan Finlay, 1955

No abstract provided.

Early And Late Treatment Of Migraine With Dhe Ns (Migranal®), Meryl Latsko, Md, Mph, Stephen D. Silberstein, Md

Department of Jefferson Headache Center Papers and Presentations

To examine the use of DHE NS (Migranal®) in the early and late treatment of migraine in subjects with a history of cutaneous allodynia.

Obesity And Cancer, Rickie Brawer, Phd, Mph, Nancy Brisbon, Md, James Plumb, Md

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

Obesity has become the second leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States, trailing only tobacco use. Weight control, dietary choices, and levels of physical activity are important modifiable determinants of cancer risk. If multi-factorial approaches to prevention and management are not implemented, obesity will likely become the leading modifiable cause of death in the coming years. Physicians have a key role in integrating these approaches into clinical care and advocating for systemic prevention efforts. This article provides: 1) an introduction to the epidemiology and magnitude of childhood and adult obesity; 2) the relationship of overweight/obesity to …

Transverse Myelitis In Pregnancy: A Case Report, Brian P. Mcdonald, Do, Nethra S. Ankam, Md

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty Papers

Objective: Describe the clinical course and treatment of a patient with paraplegia secondary to transverse myelitis during her pregnancy.

Setting: Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, University Hospital.

Participant: 36 year old Caucasian woman at 18 weeks gestation.

Interventions: Provided education and training on basic childcare tasks at a wheelchair level, and on how to obtain wheelchair accessible baby furniture. Provided availability of a peer who sustained a spinal cord injury prior to pregnancy. Maintained a close working relationship with maternal fetal health department regarding management of nausea and pain management, and educated team members about the possibility of autonomic …

Delirium Screening: From Research To Point Of Care, Beth Ann Swan, Phd, Crnp, Faan, Sheena Ahlawat, Mph, Christopher N. Sciamanna, Md, Phd

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Delirium is a serious public health problem among older adults and is one of the most common cognitive disorders affecting postoperative older adults. Delirium is a treatable illness that disproportionately places postoperative older adults at increased risk for functional and cognitive decline, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. More than 50 percent of postoperative patients develop delirium during hospitalization. Epidemiologic and clinical studies over the past two decades have provided ample evidence that delirium in hospitalized older adults is under-recognized by nurses and physicians, often leading to untoward events that the safety and well-being of hospitalized older adults.

The Devil Is In The Third Year: A Longitudinal Study Of Erosion Of Empathy In Medical School., Mohammadreza Hojat, Michael J. Vergare, Kaye Maxwell, George Brainard, Steven K. Herrine, Gerald A. Isenberg, John Veloski, Joseph S. Gonnella

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: This longitudinal study was designed to examine changes in medical students' empathy during medical school and to determine when the most significant changes occur.

METHOD: Four hundred fifty-six students who entered Jefferson Medical College in 2002 (n = 227) and 2004 (n = 229) completed the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy at five different times: at entry into medical school on orientation day and subsequently at the end of each academic year. Statistical analyses were performed for the entire cohort, as well as for the "matched" cohort (participants who identified themselves at all five test administrations) and the "unmatched" …

Thyroid Lymphosonography: A Novel Method For Evaluating Lymphatic Drainage., Joseph M. Curry, Waleed H. Ezzat, Daniel A. Merton, Barry B. Goldberg, David M. Cognetti, David Rosen, Edmund A. Pribitkin

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated lymphosonography, or contrast-enhanced, ultrasonography (US)-guided sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection, as a technique for demonstrating the lymphatic drainage of the thyroid gland. METHODS: In this prospective animal study, four 50-kg Yorkshire swine underwent transcutaneous injection of a US contrast agent and methylene blue dye into the thyroid gland. Contrast-enhanced US was used to identify draining lymphatic channels and SLNs. Sentinel node biopsy was conducted. Subsequently, bilateral neck and upper mediastinal dissection was carried out. RESULTS: In 3 of 4 cases, a blue dye-positive and US contrast-positive SLN was identified. We identified SLNs in level IV in 2 …

Frovatriptan As Preemptive Treatment For Fasting-Induced Migraine, Meryl Latsko, Md, Mph, Stephen D. Silberstein, Md

Department of Jefferson Headache Center Papers and Presentations

To examine frovatriptan's efficacy as preemptive treatment for fasting-induced migraine.

In Reply To Dr. Hurkmans Et Al., Ying Xiao, Phd, Lech S. Papiez, Phd, James M. Galvin, Dsc

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Cd34 And Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin Distinguish Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia From Secondary Bronchiolitis Obliterans-Organizing Pneumonia, Karen N. Wu, Md, Tajender S. Vasu, Md, John L. Farber, Md

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Secondary bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a reaction to injury, forming granulation tissue with airspaces. Idiopathic cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) and secondary BOOP are histologically similar. COP has been reported to show increased collagen in the granulation plugs and fewer myofibroblasts and capillaries. Using CD34 for capillaries and alpha-smooth muscle actin for myofibroblasts, we assessed these statins to differentiate COP from secondary BOOP.

Detection Of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Polyomavirus In Mucosal Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Karen N. Wu, Md, Peter A. Mccue, Md, Zi-Xuan Wang, Phd, Agnieszka K. Witkiewicz, Md

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Case Report: A 61-year-old-woman with a past medical history significant for hypertension, bipolar disorder, obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with diffusive lymphadenopathy suspicious for lymphoma. A lymph node in her right groin was biopsied by fine needle aspiration and showed atypical cells, but was not diagnostic. An excisional biopsy of the 2 x 2 cm lymph node demonstrated metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). No skin lesions were detected. A CT scan revealed the presence of a large nasopharyngeal mass that following surgical removal was diagnosed as MCC. Treatment with etoposide and cisplatin and radiation were instituted. …

The Elucidation Of Metabolic Pathways And Their Improvements Using Stable Optimization Of Large-Scale Kinetic Models Of Cellular Systems, Evgeni V. Nikolaev

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Metabolic engineering of cellular systems to maximize reaction fluxes or metabolite concentrations still presents a significant challenge by encountering unpredictable instabilities that can be caused by simultaneous or consecutive enhancements of many reaction steps. It can therefore be important to select carefully small subsets of key enzymes for their subsequent stable modification compatible with cell physiology. To address this important problem, we introduce a general mixed integer non-linear problem (MINLP) formulation to compute automatically which enzyme levels should be modulated and which enzyme regulatory structures should be altered to achieve the given optimization goal using non-linear kinetic models of relevant …

Mechanisms Of Primary Axonal Damage In A Viral Model Of Multiple Sclerosis., Jayasri Das Sarma, Lawrence C. Kenyon, Susan T. Hingley, Kenneth S. Shindler

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. Recent studies have demonstrated that significant axonal injury also occurs in MS patients and correlates with neurological dysfunction, but it is not known whether this neuronal damage is a primary disease process, or occurs only secondary to demyelination. In the current studies, neurotropic strains of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) that induce meningitis, encephalitis, and demyelination in the CNS, an animal model of MS, were used to evaluate mechanisms of axonal injury. The pathogenic properties of genetically engineered isogenic spike protein recombinant demyelinating and nondemyelinating strains of MHV were compared. …

Dronedarone., Chinmay Patel, Gan-Xin Yan, Peter R Kowey

Department of Medical Genetics Faculty Papers

Amiodarone is the most effective antiarrhythmic drug for maintaining sinus rhythm for patients with atrial fibrillation. Extra-cardiac side effects have been a limiting factor, especially during chronic use, and may offset its benefits. Dronedarone is a noniodinated benzofuran derivative of amiodarone that has been developed for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Similar to amiodarone, dronedarone is a potent blocker of multiple ion currents, including the rapidly activating delayed-rectifier potassium current, the slowly activating delayed-rectifier potassium current, the inward rectifier potassium current, the acetylcholine activated potassium current, peak sodium current, and L-type calcium current, and exhibits antiadrenergic effects. …

Inaugural Target Discovery World Congress 2009: Interactive Cardiovascular And Thoracic Surgery, Michael Holinstat, Ph.D.

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Dr. Michael Holinstat advocated a preferred therapeutic approach to treatment of platelet clot formation: to target signaling components downstream of receptor activation.

Development And Evaluation Of Health And Wellness Exhibits At The Jefferson Occupational Therapy Education Center In Second Life, Susan Toth-Cohen, Therese Gallagher

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Virtual worlds such as Second Life are increasingly used for consumer health and higher education. The present paper will describe the development and evaluation of public exhibits on health and wellness at the Jefferson occupational therapy education center in Second Life.

Expression Of Cpi-17 In Smooth Muscle During Embryonic Development And In Neointimal Lesion Formation., Jee In Kim, Garbo D Young, Li Jin, Avril V Somlyo, Masumi Eto

Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Faculty Papers

Ca(2+) sensitivity of smooth muscle (SM) contraction is determined by CPI-17, an inhibitor protein for myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP). CPI-17 is highly expressed in mature SM cells, but the expression level varies under pathological conditions. Here, we determined the expression of CPI-17 in embryonic SM tissues and arterial neointimal lesions using immunohistochemistry. As seen in adult animals, the predominant expression of CPI-17 was detected at SM tissues on mouse embryonic sections, whereas MLCP was ubiquitously expressed. Compared with SM alpha-actin, CPI-17 expression doubled in arterial SM from embryonic day E10 to E14. Like SM alpha-actin and other SM marker …

2009 Annual Conference Session Reports, Helen Josephine, Hilary Davis, Pamela Enrici

Sci-Tech News

Summaries of selected sessions from SLA's 2009 Annual Conference.

Continuing Education Webinar: Toxnet And Beyond

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Web Reviews: The State Of The Nation’S Science And Technology Web, Lisa Johnston

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Sci-Tech Book News Reviews

Sci-Tech News

This section consists of 100 book reviews selected from Sci-Tech Book News, reprinted with the permission of Book News, Inc.

Full Issue: Vol. 63, Issue 3

Sci-Tech News

No abstract provided.

Dynamic Mechanical (Brush) Allodynia In Cluster Headache: A Prevalence Study In A Tertiary Headache Clinic., Michael J Marmura, Muhammad Abbas, Avi Ashkenazi

Department of Jefferson Headache Center Papers and Presentations

Cutaneous allodynia (CA) has been described in migraine and has been related to treatment failure. There are little data about the incidence of CA in other primary headache syndromes such as cluster headache (CH). The objectives of this study are to evaluate the prevalence of dynamic mechanical (brush) allodynia (BA) in CH patients attending a tertiary headache clinic, and to assess its relation to disease characteristics. Adult patients with episodic or chronic CH were recruited. We obtained demographic data and data on disease characteristics through a structured questionnaire, and tested the patients for brush allodynia BA by applying a 4 …

The Time Has Come For Physicians To Take Notice: The Impact Of Psychosocial Stressors On The Heart., Vincent M. Figueredo, M.D.

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

A rapidly growing body of evidence supports a relationship between psychosocial factors and cardiovascular disease. In this article, a review of the epidemiologic and clinical research investigating this relationship concludes that psychosocial stressors can be both a cause and a consequence of cardiovascular disease events. Furthermore, recent data have shown that stress management might reduce future cardiac events in patients with cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the influence of psychosocial risk factors on cardiovascular disease remains underrecognized compared with traditional cardiac risk factors. Physicians and their associates should screen for psychosocial stressors and recognize potential symptoms. Consideration should be given to developing …

Shoulder Arthroscopy Positioning: Lateral Decubitus Versus Beach Chair., Christina M. Peruto, Md, Michael G. Ciccotti, Md, Steven B. Cohen, Md

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

Since the introduction of the beach chair position for shoulder arthroscopy, orthopaedic surgeons have debated whether the beach chair or lateral decubitus is superior. Most surgeons use the same patient position to perform all of their arthroscopic shoulder procedures, regardless of the pathology. Each position has its advantages and disadvantages. The evidence regarding the efficiency, efficacy, and risks of the lateral decubitus and the beach chair positions for shoulder arthroscopy does not show one position to be superior. This review presents a comparison of these positions with regard to setup, surgical visualization, access, and patient risk.

Optimizing Vitamin D Status To Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk: An Evidentiary Review., Guiyun Zhou, Jill Stoitzfus, Beth A. Swan

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the general public and in patients with cancer. Optimizing vitamin D intake is increasingly recognized in cancer risk reduction, particularly in decreasing colorectal cancer risk. Therefore, summarizing the current evidence to promote best practices related to vitamin D intake and colorectal cancer risk reduction is important. The objectives of this article are to examine the current evidence regarding the impact of vitamin D on colorectal cancer risk reduction and provide practice recommendations for clinicians. Relevant research articles from 2002-2008 were retrieved from multiple electronic databases. Reference lists of relevant articles also were searched manually. …