Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Investigating Gαs Pepducin’S Effect On Β2ar Signaling For Chf Pharmacology, Nida Bajwa, Nathan Hopfinger, Charles Scott

Phase 1

Introduction: Congestive heart failure affects nearly six million Americans and significantly impairs their quality of life. New and better interventions are needed to improve HF patients’ survival and outcomes. Pharmacologics that bias β2AR signaling towards arrestin, which promotes cardiomyocyte survival and contractility, may offer advantages over traditional β-blockers.

Objective: It has been demonstrated that peptides mimicking the C-terminus of the Gα_s subunit block downstream signaling of GPCRs. The study’s objective is to determine if a pepducin derived from the C-terminus of the Gα_s subunit of the β2AR could block G_s signaling but maintain arrestin-recruitment, thereby producing a …

Efficacy Of Combination Of Immunotherapies In A Murine In A Murine Squamous Cell Carcinoma Model, E. Correia, C. Portocarrero, U. Rodeck

Phase 1

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are a type of neoplasm found in the epithelium of the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx. Recent evidence has demonstrated that 70-90% of HNSCC are associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly strain 16 producing oncogenic proteins E6/E7. Currently, HNSCCs are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, however immunotherapy with immune checkpoint (PD-1) blocking agents promises to improve outcomes in HNSCC.

Objective: This study examined the therapeutic effects of dual and triple combination immunotherapies in a mouse model of HPV-associated HNSCC.

Methods: Treatment modalities included a tumor vaccine (attenuated Listeria monocytogenes …

Association Of Cyp2c19*17 Allele And Choice Of P2y12 Inhibitor On Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Yash Varma, Bs, Craig R. Lee, Phd, Pharmd, Joseph S. Rossi, Md, George A. Stouffer, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: The CYP2C19*17 allele variant is a gain-of-function polymorphism which increases levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel.

Objective: *17 is associated with increased bleeding risk during clopidogrel therapy, but it is unclear whether alternative P2Y12 inhibitors, prasugrel and ticagrelor, produce better clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: A single-center observational study was conducted in 928 PCI patients who received CYP2C19 testing and dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT). Risk of major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and clinically significant bleeding over 12 months were compared across genotype and DAPT groups by proportional hazards regression.

Results: 584 …

Predictors Of Ventriculostomy Infection In A Large Cohort, Christine Wamsley, Ba, Ahmad Sweid, Md, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Md, Erica J. Mann, Ba, Christopher Neely, Bs, Jeffrey Head, Ba, Michael R. Gooch, Md, Nabeel Herial, Md, Robert Rosenwasswer, Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: External ventricular drains (EVDs) are neurosurgical devices used to treat hydrocephalus and monitor intracranial pressure. Ventriculostomy-associated infections (VAIs) are a complication of EVD placement associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as cost. A previous study at Jefferson reported a decrease in VAI’s with the use of antibiotic-coated catheters.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the current rate of VAI’s and determine risk factors associated with infections.

Methods: Using Epic, the electronic medical records software, we conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent EVD placement at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Hospital for …

Selection Criteria For Posterior Circulation Stroke And Functional Outcome Following Mechanical Thrombectomy, Vivian Xu, Ahmad Sweid, Md, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Md, Kavya Shivashankar, Ba, Karim Hafazalla, Bs, Michael R. Gooch, Md, Nabeel Herial, Md, Robert H. Rosenwasswer Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md

Phase 1

Objective: 20% of all acute ischemic strokes (AIS) are caused by posterior circulation strokes, which carry an intensified mortality touching 95%. Early recanalization improves outcome as shown by several reports; however, safety, patient selection, and prognostic factors remain lacking. An investigation of the safety and prognostic factors for posterior circulation mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was performed.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients presenting with posterior circulation AIS, who underwent MT between 2010 and 2018.

Results: Of 443 patients who underwent MT for AIS, 83 patients had posterior circulation strokes. 95% of procedures were conducted under general anesthesia. The median NIHSS upon …

Pharmacokinetics Of Midazolam And Ketamine In Critically Ill Adults On Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo) Therapy, Julian Tanjuakio, Edwin Lam, Walter K. Kraft, Hitoshi Hirose, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi

Phase 1

Introduction: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of life support for temporary mechanical cardiopulmonary support. Critically ill adults receiving ECMO support are often sedated using ketamine and benzodiazepines. Previous studies have showed altered connects of benzodiazepines and ketamine in ECMO patients compared to non-ECMO patients. However, no studies have shown prospective data regarding the pharmacokinetics of these drugs in vivo.

Objective: The primary purpose of this study is to characterize the pharmacokinetic parameters of Ketamine and Midazolam in adult patients on ECMO. As a secondary objective, we will develop a pharmacokinetic model of these drugs using various clinical endpoints. …