Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Case Report: Cold Urticaria Diagnosed In The Emergency Department, Philip Carhart, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cold urticaria can be primary (idiopathic) or can be due to underlying hematologic or infectious diseases. Here we present the case of a young female patient with no past medical history who was diagnosed with cold urticaria in the emergency department setting, using a cold stimulation test. Most cases are idiopathic. The reaction can be triggered in individual cases by exposure to cold objects or to generalized cold ambient temperatures, as was the case in the patient presented here. The physical response is most commonly pruritic wheals (urticaria). However, more severe symptoms may occur up to angioedema with hoarseness and …

Cardiovascular Effects Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Non-Diabetic Adults With Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review, Mariam Abdeen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with obesity. GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially developed for glycemic control in diabetes, are now approved for weight loss in non-diabetic populations. Recent clinical trials suggest these agents may also offer direct cardiovascular benefits.

Objective: This literature review aims to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, in non-diabetic adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in January 2025 using PubMed as the primary database, supplemented by Google Scholar and Embase. Clinical trials were selected based on …

The Ancient Remedy For Modern Ailments: Analysis Of Manual, Laser, And Electro-Acupuncture Therapy Usage On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Yue Chen, Austin J. Wong, Alexander King

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In the United States, while acupuncture is still primarily used as a complementary therapy, consumer interest and usage are steadily increasing. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist, can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness in fingers, and thus impaired hand function, possessing significant burdens to patients suffering from this chronic disease. Multiple acupuncture applications exist such as electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure; very few comprehensive studies have been done in comparing their effectiveness in treating CTS.

In this study, we aim to conduct a literature review with the primary …

The Effectiveness Of Ras Treatment In Improving Gait Patterns In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Literature Review, Vivian Huang, Andrea Hunt, Alicia Chopyk

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving the loss of dopaminergic neurons leading to symptoms such as tremor and gait disturbance. This results in the classic shuffling gait: stooped posture, variation in stride length, variation in cadence, reduced gait velocity, inability to maintain a steady rhythm, and an increased fear of falling. This study’s objective is to review the current literature on the use of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS)Ⓡ as a treatment option for PD. Previous research has looked at RASⓇ as a potential non-pharmacologic treatment because researchers hypothesize that listening to music produces an external rhythm that the …

Ultrasound-Guided Vs. Fluoroscopy Guided Steroid Injection For Lumbar Spine Pain On Functional And Pain Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Yashas Sattur, Akash Patel, Alec Birnbaum, Athena Nomula

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Fluoroscopy-guided steroid injections are standard for lumbar spine pain but involve radiation. Ultrasound offers a safer, radiation-free alternative. Ultrasound-guided injections are non-inferior in improving pain and function. A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Studies in adults comparing ultrasound and fluoroscopy-guided injections reporting VAS, NRS, or ODI were included. Fifteen studies showed both techniques significantly improved pain and function, with no consistent superiority. Ultrasound-guided injections are effective and safe, providing comparable outcomes to fluoroscopy while eliminating radiation exposure.

Case Report: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension With Venous Sinus Stenosis In A Young Female, Zain Raza

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 19-year-old female who presented with transient, painless left eye vision loss and left-sided headache for 2 weeks. The patient, a known carrier of TTN mutation, which is a gene code for titin (mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern). The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension secondary to bilateral transverse sigmoid venous sinus stenosis. The differential diagnosis included ocular migraine, transient ischemic attack) and optic neuritis, but subsequent imaging and lumbar puncture revealed elevated intracranial pressure and significant venous stenosis. This case highlights the importance of an early identification and intervention to …

Case Report: When Confusion Signals A Crisis: Rethinking The Diagnosis Of Meningitis In Geriatric Sepsis, Asma Zahid

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of an 88-year-old female who presented with altered mental status, initially suspected to have urosepsis but ultimately diagnosed with streptococcal meningitis. The patient had a history of lethargy and anorexia over the past few days and was found to have sepsis. Despite initial focus on urosepsis, blood cultures revealed Streptococcus, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed bacterial meningitis. This case highlights the potential for meningitis to be overlooked in elderly patients with suspected sepsis, underscoring the importance of broad diagnostic considerations and early intervention. This case highlights the importance of considering meningitis in elderly patients presenting with …

Case Report: Todd’S Paralysis In A Patient With An Extensive Stroke History, Thuc Vu, Kishan B. Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Here we present the case of a 70-year-old patient who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status, left-sided gaze preference, left-sided hemineglect, and inability to follow commands. He had a past medical history of seizure activity and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with residual dysarthria and was on apixaban. His symptoms began after seizure activity and improved gradually. He was ultimately diagnosed by stroke neurology as having had an episode of Todd’s Paralysis. The differential diagnosis for patients for altered mental status with neurological deficits can be vast, but, in general, Todd’s Paralysis can be an ischemic stroke mimic upon …

Out Of The Blue: A Case Of Acute Limb Ischemia In A Healthy Young Woman, Julian Coz, Melanie Angelo

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a critical condition caused by arterial occlusion, often due to thrombotic or embolic events in atherosclerotic vessels. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent limb loss and complications. While typically seen in patients with known vascular risk factors, ALI can also affect individuals without them.

We present a case of a 49-year-old female with sudden-onset left foot pain and paresthesia, highlighting the importance of recognizing ALI in seemingly healthy patients. Despite the absence of typical risk factors, imaging revealed significant atherosclerosis and arterial occlusion, leading to the diagnosis of ALI. This case emphasizes the …

Case Report: Spontaneous Aortic Dissection In A 63-Year Old Male Presenting As Left Abdominal, Flank And Back Pain, Dean Austin Esma

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition in which the inner walls of the aorta tears, compromising its ability to supply blood to organs. The classic presentation involves sudden, severe, “tearing” chest pain, but subtle presentations are often overlooked as symptoms of another condition, leading to missed diagnoses. This report presents a case of spontaneous aortic dissection who presented with sudden onset of left upper abdominal pain, left flank and upper back pain while brushing his teeth.

Miller Fisher Variant Of Guillain- Barré Syndrome, Peter Killian, Kishan B. Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We present a case of a man in his 50s who was evaluated in the emergency department for right facial droop, myalgias, and right lower extremity weakness. The patient required multiple interdisciplinary specialists for treatment and diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The differential for weakness and facial droop is primarily aimed at ruling out an irreversible neurological cause while investigating a potential infectious etiology. Multiple variants of GBS exist and clinical presentations can vary, including the Miller Fisher Variant. This variant features a unique presentation, affecting the corticobulbar tract, evident with the ptosis commonly seen following a gastrointestinal infection.

Case Report: Pulmonary Infarction Following Recent Pulmonary Embolism, David Marconi, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

A 57-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea, and a recent pulmonary embolism (PE) on anticoagulation presented with acute pleuritic chest pain and worsening dyspnea. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the chest revealed a small distal segmental PE in the left lower lobe and an adjacent irregular consolidation, raising concern for pulmonary infarction versus pneumonia. The patient was empirically started on antibiotics for possible pneumonia and admitted for anticoagulation and supportive care. He left the hospital against medical advice (AMA) before completing treatment, but returned days later with exacerbated symptoms. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge …

The Role Of Ucp2 In Pancreatic Cancer Metabolism And Its Potential As A Radiosensitizer, Emily Rieff

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a mitochondrial protein that regulates the flow of protons down the gradient established by the electron transport chain (ETC) without generating ATP, thus uncoupling the proton gradient from ATP generation. In tumors, specifically pancreatic cancer (PDAC), the ETC is highly stimulated to generate the copious ATP needed by the tumor to grow. However, extended ETC use increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), and if left unchecked, results in cell death. To evade this, PDAC employs antioxidant strategies, including upregulating UCP2 in tumor cells. In addition to its uncoupling function, UCP2 indirectly controls ROS levels by maintaining …

Normative Variability In Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness: Does It Matter Where The Peaks Are?, Sowjanya Gowrisankaran, Ashkan Abbasi, Xubo Song, Joel Schuman, Gadi Wollstein, Bhavna Antony, Hiroshi Ishikawa

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

PURPOSE: Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), a glaucoma biomarker, has a wide normative range affecting its sensitivity and specificity for abnormality detection. The interindividual RNFLT peak location variability contribution to this wide normative range has not been directly evaluated. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of RNFLT peak normalization (PN) on normative variability.

METHODS: Circumpapillary RNFLT profiles at 1.7 mm radius from the optic nerve head (ONH) were re-sampled from optical coherence tomography (OCT) volumes (Cirrus HD-OCT, 200 × 200) obtained from one eye of 83 healthy individuals. Fovea-ONH axis (FOA) was calculated from corresponding …

Advancing Research On Retinitis Pigmentosa: An Investigation Of Natural History, Visual System Plasticity, And Mutation-Independent Treatment., Cecilia A. Attaway

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disease characterized by rod and then cone photoreceptor degeneration. ~25% of cases are caused by a genetic mutation that results in autosomal dominant RP (adRP). There has been a lack of exploration of the progression of degeneration in adRP models. In Chapter Two, I examined visual acuity (VA) changes, retinal structure, and function from early to late-stage disease in a murine P23H Rho ‘knock-in’ mouse model (Rho^P23H/+), the most common form of adRP in North America. To establish a natural history, I evaluated behavioral VA, using the visual water task, …

Comparison Of Outcomes Among Neurovascular Patients Managed In Dedicated Neurological Intensive Care Units Vs. General Intensive Care Units, Joanna Roy, Basel Musmar, Nassos Tziviskos, Saarang Patel, Roberto Deleon, Ashley Thommana, Shady Mina, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Michael Gooch, Robert Rosenwasswer, Pascal Jabbour

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Patients with neurovascular conditions often require multidisciplinary management to optimize recovery. Our systematic review identifies literature comparing outcomes among neurovascular patients managed at dedicated neurological intensive care units (ICUs) compared to general ICUs. Methods: PubMed was searched to identify articles that reported outcomes among patients managed at dedicated neurological ICUs versus general ICUs. Articles that reported outcomes among patients with neurovascular conditions were included. Articles that reported outcomes among patients managed at stroke units were excluded. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess for risk of bias across individual studies. Results: After a title and abstract screen …

Effectiveness Of The Use Of An Opt-Out Script To Increase Hiv Screening In Adolescent Clients In Pediatric Primary Care Clinics In West Tennessee: A Scoping Review, Julie Cupples Msn, Rn, Allison Johnson Ms, Bsn, Rn, Sally Humphrey Dnp, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend one-time human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening for all adolescents. Pediatric primary care providers are on the front lines of adolescent healthcare and can provide testing that is adolescent-friendly, confidential, and easily accessible. This scoping review aims to synthesize the evidence and assess the literature on the efficacy of using an opt-out script to increase HIV testing in adolescent well-child checks.

Methods

A literature review was conducted between October 2022 and August 2024 to collect studies assessing adolescents aged 12-18, provider-led sex education, and …

Autoradai: A Versatile Artificial Intelligence Framework Validated For Detecting Extracapsular Extension In Prostate Cancer, Pegah Khosravi, Shady Saikali, Abolfazl Alipour, Saber Mohammadi, Maxwell Boger, Dalanda M. Diallo, Christopher J. Smith, Marcio C. Moschovas, Iman Hajirasouliha, Andrew J. Hung, Srirama S. Venkataraman, Vipul Patel

Publications and Research

Preoperative identification of extracapsular extension (ECE) in prostate cancer (PCa) is crucial for effective treatment planning, as ECE presence significantly increases the risk of positive surgical margins and early biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy. AutoRadAI, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) framework, was developed to address this clinical challenge while demonstrating broader potential for diverse medical imaging applications. The framework integrates T2-weighted MRI data with histopathology annotations, leveraging a dual convolutional neural network (multi-CNN) architecture. AutoRadAI comprises two key components: ProSliceFinder, which isolates prostate-relevant MRI slices, and ExCapNet, which evaluates ECE likelihood at the patient level. The system was trained and …

Leveraging Lower Body Negative Pressure For Enhanced Outcomes In Orthopedic Arthroplasty—Insights From Nasa’S Bone Health Research, Phani Paladugu, Rahul Kumar, Tamer Hage, Swapna Vaja, Tejas Sekhar, Samuel Weisberg, Kyle Sporn, Ethan Waisberg, Joshua Ong, Amar S. Vadhera, Mouayad Masalkhi, Ryung Lee, Chirag Gowda, Ram Jagadeesan, Nasif Zaman, Alireza Tavakkoli

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Exposure to microgravity causes rapid bone loss and muscle atrophy, posing serious challenges for long-duration spaceflight. In response, NASA developed countermeasures such as Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) to simulate gravitational loading on astronauts’ lower extremities. LBNP, often combined with exercise, has proven effective in mitigating musculoskeletal degradation during bed rest analogs. This opinion paper argues that LBNP’s success in preserving bone mass and muscle function in microgravity can be translated to improve re- covery after orthopedic arthroplasty on Earth. We draw physiological parallels between microgravity-induced musculoskeletal disuse and the postoperative period following total joint replacement, during which reduced weight-bearing …

Physical Activity Measurement Reactivity Among Midlife Adults With Elevated Risk For Cardiovascular Disease: Protocol For Coordinated Analyses Across Six Studies., Kiri Baga, Gabrielle M Salvatore, Iris Bercovitz, Amanda L Folk, Ria Singh, Laura M König, Meghan L Butryn, Jacqueline A Mogle, Danielle Arigo

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and adults aged 40-60 years with specific health conditions are at particularly elevated risk for developing CVD. Physical activity (PA) is a key cardioprotective behavior and many interventions exist to promote PA in this group. Effective promotion requires accurate assessment of PA behavior; as PA is often estimated by averaging across multiple days, a threat to accurate assessment is measurement reactivity, or an atypical increase in PA behavior at the start of measurement periods that may bias conclusions. Evidence for PA measurement reactivity is equivocal, though …

Central-Line Dressing Protocols: The Effectiveness Of A Standardized Dressing Change Protocol In Reducing Central-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (Clabsi) In Critically Ill Patients Requiring Central Lines, Cody Jones, Melissa Marino, Ryan Mcfarland, Asia White, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Fhrs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

In the Intensive Care Units (ICU), central lines are an essential way of life. However, central lines have risks such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), which increase hospital stays and mortality. CLABSI significantly impacts patient outcomes in critical care, increases mortality and morbidity, increases medical costs, increases hospital-acquired infections, and reduces hospital reimbursements. Typically, antimicrobial dressing has been associated with decreased mortality and improved CLABSI rates. The scoping review will evaluate the literature and examine the effectiveness of various antimicrobial dressing strategies on CLABSI rates. This study aims to synthesize these findings to develop improved CLABSI prevention protocols …

Use Of Procalcitonin In Therapeutic Decisions In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pierre Tissières, Elisabeth Esteban Torné, Johannes Hübner, Adrienne Randolph, Corsino Rey Galán, Scott Weiss

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Procalcitonin (PCT) is frequently used by clinicians in children with suspected bacterial infections and sepsis. However interpretation in the critically ill child may be challenging due to the complexity of underlying conditions and its impact on PCT values. Herein, we propose a guidance for the use of procalcitonin in critically ill children, supported by a comprehensive analysis of the literature, to help the clinician for interpreting PCT in the various clinical conditions encountered in pediatric intensive care units. We describe the importance of the clinical context, timing of measurement and evidence on PCT values in diagnosing sepsis and to guide …

4-Strand Hamstring Versus Single-Bundle Quadriceps Tendon Grafts In Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction At 2 Years: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomised Controlled Trials, Jonathan Elias, Mitchell Kaplan, Kunal Shah, Michael Bickford, Chelsea Mcnamara, Elizabeth Ford, Sean Mcmillan

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

PURPOSE: To compare the 2-year postoperative outcomes of hamstring tendon (HT) grafts to quadriceps tendon (QT) grafts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesised no significant differences between the two methods.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Five online databases (Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were screened for prospective randomised controlled trials (RCT). IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner, side-to-side KT-1000 scores and ages were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS v29. Between the two groups, a test of between-subgroup homogeneity

RESULTS: Five RCTs were included in the final analysis. The …

Characterizing Radiation-Related Laryngotracheal Stenosis, Natalia Queenan, Jay Trivedi, Dylan Bertoni, Sana Siddiqui, Austin Yap, Kathleen Tibbetts

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Radiation-related laryngotracheal stenosis (RLTS) develops due to fibrosis of the airway after radiotherapy. We aim to characterize the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with RLTS and compare these to patients with iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (ILTS).

METHODS: In a single-center retrospective cohort study, patients diagnosed with RLTS between 2017 and 2022 were identified. Demographic data, risk factors, cancer history and treatment, presentation of stenosis, primary stenosis intervention, and outcomes were extracted. Patients were compared to a cohort of patients with ILTS and no history of radiation therapy. Data were analyzed using Fisher's Exact Tests and paired t-tests.

RESULTS: Seven …

Evaluation Of The Adjunctive Effect Of Photodynamic Therapy For The Treatment Of Residual Periodontal Pockets: A Systematic Review, Shankargouda Patil, Charles Miller, Ryan Moffat, Kade Janes, Brooklyn Janes, Peter M. Loomer, Frank W. Licari

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Adjunctive use of photodynamic therapy in combination with scaling and root planing for periodontal maintenance offers an alternative to antibiotic therapy, potentially mitigating the risk of antibiotic resistance and its genotoxic or mutagenic effects. This systematic review analyzed studies, as of January 2023, that included the effects of a single application of photodynamic therapy in residual periodontal pockets with the probing depth and clinical attachment level as the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as the US National Institutes of Health and WHO Clinical Trials Registry, were searched for eligible …

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: An Update Of Current Management Practices, Ahmed Gawash, Alexa Simonetti, Brandon J Goodwin, Alissa Brotman O'Neill

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) poses a diagnostic challenge, initiating with imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT, MRI, and PET scans, with CT being the primary choice for abdominal tumor visualization. Despite advances, the absence of a standardized staging system complicates the diagnostic process.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature review and search strategy, encompassing databases like PubMed and Cochrane was performed.

RESULTS: Systemic chemotherapy, notably the P6 regimen, is the cornerstone of DSRCT treatment, while other options, including CDK4/6 inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and anlotinib present varying efficacy. A novel chemotherapeutic agent, ONC-201, exhibits promise, inhibiting tumor growth in preclinical models. …

Adjuvant Radiotherapy In Pt3-4n0m0 Major Salivary Gland Cancer Without Other Adverse Features, Aman M. Patel, Afash Haleem, Praneet C. Kaki, Jake J. Lee, Russell Maxwell, Jason A. Brant, Robert M. Brody, Ryan M. Carey

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

OBJECTIVE: To investigate adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) utilization and associated differences in overall survival (OS) in pT3-4N0M0 major salivary gland cancer (MSGC) without evidence of other adverse pathologic features.

METHODS: The 2006 to 2018 National Cancer Database was queried for patients with MSGC classified as pT3-4N0M0. Patients with evidence of lymphovascular invasion or positive surgical margins were excluded. Multivariable binary logistic and Cox regression models adjusting for patient demographics, pathologic features including histology, and treatment were implemented.

RESULTS: Of 897 patients satisfying inclusion criteria, 368 (41.0 %) underwent aRT. Compared with those not undergoing aRT, patients undergoing aRT were younger (median …

Plasma Proteomic Biomarkers Of Physical Frailty In Heart Failure: A Propensity Score Matched Discovery-Based Pilot Study, Quin Denfeld, Noelle Pavlovic, Christopher Lee, Jon Jacobs, Mary Roberts Davis, Samantha Powell, Marina Gritsenko, Susan Joseph, Beth Habecker

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Physical frailty is highly prevalent in heart failure (HF), but we lack an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Proteomic evaluation of plasma samples may elucidate potential mechanisms and biomarkers of physical frailty in HF.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify plasma proteomic biomarkers that are differentially expressed between physically frail and non-physically frail adults with HF.

METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a subset of data and plasma samples from a study of frailty among patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification I-IV HF. Physical frailty was measured using the Frailty Phenotype Criteria. Propensity score matching was …

Hexasodium Fytate (Snf472 Or Csl525) Inhibits Ectopic Calcification In Various Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum And Calcinosis Cutis Animal Models, Miguel Ferrer, Maria Pérez-Ferrer, Marc Blasco, Ida Jacobs, Qiaoli Li, Olivier Vanakker, Lisa Dangreau, Andrea López, Gianluca Malagraba, Firas Bassissi, Joan Perelló, Carolina Salcedo

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Ectopic calcification is a pathological condition characterized by the mineralization of soft tissues due to the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals. Hexasodium fytate (CSL525, previously known as SNF472) is a crystallization inhibitor being developed for the treatment of ectopic calcification-related disorders. Our aim was to investigate CSL525 for the treatment of soft-tissue calcification disorders in animal models of pseudoxanthoma elasticum and calcinosis cutis. Methods: In a first study, abcc6^-/- zebrafish larvae were exposed to 1 mM CSL525 for 7 days or kept under the same conditions without CSL525, and spinal mineralization was quantified. In a second study, abcc6 …

Optimizing Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Exploratory Study On The Role Of Electrode Montages And Stimulation Intensity On Reflex Pathway Modulation, Shirin Madarshahian, Michael Trakhtorchuck, Tatiana Guerrero, Kristin Gustafson, James Harrop, Caio Matias, M. J. Mulcahey, Alessandro Naopli, Alex Vaccaro, Mijail Serruya

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a promising non-invasive method to improve motor function in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) by enhancing spinal reflex pathways. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different tSCS electrode placement montages and targeted spinal levels on neurophysiological responses such as spinally evoked motor responses (sEMRs), dorsal root reflex activation, and muscle recruitment in individuals with SCI and healthy controls to optimize stimulation strategies for motor recovery. Five participants (three individuals with SCI and two controls) underwent transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation using various electrode montages, target spinal level stimulation, and single- and paired-pulse …