Medical Specialties Commons^™

Dear Mabel (Please Allow Me To Inhabit Your Pain Awhile), Jack C. Lewis

Akesis

This started as a note that I would have sent a patient I treated while working as a paramedic in Central Maine. Despite best intentions in caring for patients, we don't always walk away having "won." The practice of medicine is difficult for everyone, but it is necessarily a process and life-long endeavor.

Data Correlations Between Gender, Cytomegalovirus Infection And T Cells, Nk Cells, And Soluble Immune Mediators In Elderly Humans, Ahmad Al-Attar, Steven R. Presnell, Charlotte A. Peterson, D. Travis Thomas, Charles T. Lutz

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Faculty Publications

We describe a cohort of 50 elderly subjects, age at least 70 years. We present gender-specific findings in T lymphocyte markers and soluble immune mediators. We show the correlation between cytomegalovirus infection status with CD56^dim NK cell responses to a variety of stimuli and with CD56^bright/CD56^dim NK cell ratio. We also present the correlation of retinol binding protein (RBP)−4 plasma levels with NK cell responses and we explore the relationship between gender and adiponectin, 25(OH)D (vitamin D), and RBP4 in affecting CD56^dim NK cell responses. These data are discussed in Al-Attar et al. (2016)

Medicare Reimbursement For Total Joint Arthroplasty: The Driving Forces., Eric M. Padegimas, Kushagra Verma, Benjamin Zmistowski, Richard H. Rothman, James J. Purtill, Michael Howley

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Total joint arthroplasty is a large and growing part of the U.S. Medicare budget, drawing attention to how much providers are paid for their services. The purpose of this study was to examine the variables that affect total joint arthroplasty reimbursement. Along with standard economic variables, we include unique health-care variables. Given the focus on value in the Affordable Care Act, the model examines the relationship of the quality of care to total joint arthroplasty reimbursement. We hoped to find that reimbursement patterns reward quality and reflect standard economic principles.

METHODS: Multivariable regression was performed to identify variables that …

Outcomes And National Trends For The Surgical Treatment Of Lumbar Spine Trauma., Doniel Drazin, Miriam Nuno, Faris Shweikeh, Alex R. Vaccaro, Eli Baron, Terrence T. Kim, J. Patrick Johnson

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction. Operative treatment of lumbar spine compression fractures includes fusion and/or cement augmentation. Our aim was to evaluate postoperative differences in patients treated surgically with fusion, vertebroplasty, or kyphoplasty. Methods. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database search for adult vertebral compression fracture patients treated 2004-2011 identified 102,316 surgical patients: 30.6% underwent spinal fusion, 17.1% underwent kyphoplasty, and 49.9% underwent vertebroplasty. Univariate analysis of patient and hospital characteristics, by treatment, was performed. Multivariable analysis was used to determine factors associated with mortality, nonroutine discharge, complications, and patient safety. Results. Average patient age: fusion (46.2), kyphoplasty (78.5), vertebroplasty (76.7) (p < .0001). Gender, race, household income, hospital-specific characteristics, and insurance differences were found (p ≤ .001). Leading comorbidities were hypertension, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Risks for higher mortality (OR 2.0: CI: 1.6-2.5), nonroutine discharge (OR 1.6, CI: 1.6-1.7), complications (OR 1.1, CI: 1.0-1.1), and safety related events (OR 1.1, CI: 1.0-1.1) rose consistently with increasing age, particularly among fusion patients. Preexisting comorbidities and longer in-hospital length of stay were associated with increased odds of nonroutine discharge, complications, and patient safety. Conclusions. Fusion patients had higher rates of poorer outcomes compared to vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty cohorts. Mortality, nonroutine discharge, complications, and adverse events increased consistently with older age.

Inhibiting The Interaction Between Grp94 And Myocilin To Treat Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, Andrew Stothert

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative protein misfolding disorder classified by increases in IOP, damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), optic nerve (ON) head damage, and progressive irreversible blindness. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma, constituting over 90% of clinical cases. POAG is observed in patients where normal outflow channels, mainly the trabecular meshwork (TM), are exposed at the angle formed by the iris and cornea. However, due to TM cellular dysfunction, aqueous outflow resistance is increased preventing normal circulation of aqueous humor. Recent studies have shown that in 2-4% of POAG cases, increased intracellular levels of …

Total Versus Partial Splenectomy In Pediatric Hereditary Spherocytosis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Leonardo Guizzetti

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Publications

To compare the clinical effectiveness of total (TS) or partial (PS) splenectomy in pediatric hereditary spherocytosis, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed (PROSPERO registration CRD42015030056). There were 14 observational studies comparing pre- and post- operative hematologic parameters. Secondary outcomes include in-hospital infections, surgical complications, symptomatic recurrence and biliary disease. TS is more effective than PS to increase hemoglobin (3.6 g/dL vs 2.2 g/dL) and reduce reticulocytes (12.5% vs 6.5%) after one year; outcomes following PS are stable for at least 6 years. There were no cases of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis. A population-based patient registry is needed for long-term follow-up.

Histological And Molecular Analysis Of A Progressive Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma And Synchronous Metastatic Lesions: A Case Report., Javad Nazarian, Gary E Mason, Cheng Ying Ho, Eshini Panditharatna, Madhuri Kambhampati, Louis Gilbert Vezina, Roger J. Packer, Eugene I Hwang

Genomics and Precision Medicine Faculty Publications

There is no curative treatment for patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). However, with the recent availability of biopsy and autopsy tissue, new data regarding the biologic behavior of this tumor have emerged, allowing greater molecular characterization and leading to investigations which may result in improved therapeutic options. Treatment strategies must address both primary disease sites as well as any metastatic deposits, which may be variably sensitive to a particular approach.In this case report, we present a patient with DIPG treated with irradiation and serial investigational agents. The clinical, pathological and molecular phenotypes of both the progressive primary tumor …

Hexavalent Chromium Induces Malignant Transformation Of Human Lung Bronchial Epithelial Cells Via Ros-Dependent Activation Of Mir-21-Pdcd4 Signaling, Poyil Pratheeshkumar, Young-Ok Son, Sasidharan Padmaja Divya, Lilia Turcios, Ram Vinod Roy, John Andrew Hitron, Lei Wang, Donghern Kim, Jin Dai, Padmaja Asha, Zhuo Zhang, Xianglin Shi

Center for Research on Environmental Disease Faculty Publications

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a well-known human carcinogen associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis remain unclear. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is a key regulator of oncogenic processes. Studies have shown that miR-21 exerts its oncogenic activity by targeting the tumor suppressor gene programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4). The present study examined the role of miR-21-PDCD4 signaling in Cr(VI)-induced cell transformation and tumorigenesis. Results showed that Cr(VI) induces ROS generation in human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. Chronic exposure to Cr(VI) is able to cause malignant transformation in BEAS-2B cells. Cr(VI) caused a significant increase of …

Fh535, A Β-Catenin Pathway Inhibitor, Represses Pancreatic Cancer Xenograft Growth And Angiogenesis, Lu Liu, Qiaoming Zhi, Meng Shen, Fei-Ran Gong, Binhua P. Zhou, Lian Lian, Bairong Shen, Kai Chen, Weiming Duan, Meng-Yao Wu, Min Tao, Wei Li

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The WNT/β-catenin pathway plays an important role in pancreatic cancer carcinogenesis. We evaluated the correlation between aberrant β-catenin pathway activation and the prognosis pancreatic cancer, and the potential of applying the β-catenin pathway inhibitor FH535 to pancreatic cancer treatment. Meta-analysis and immunohistochemistry showed that abnormal β-catenin pathway activation was associated with unfavorable outcome. FH535 repressed pancreatic cancer xenograft growth in vivo. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of microarray data indicated that target genes responding to FH535 participated in stemness maintenance. Real-time PCR and flow cytometry confirmed that FH535 downregulated CD24 and CD44, pancreatic cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, suggesting FH535 …

Lack Of An Association Or An Inverse Association Between Low-Density-Lipoprotein Cholesterol And Mortality In The Elderly: A Systematic Review, Uffe Ravnskov, Rokura Hama, Tomohito Hamazaki, Paul J. Rosch, Tore Schersten, Ralf Sundberg

NYMC Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: It is well known that total cholesterol becomes less of a risk factor or not at all for all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality with increasing age, but as little is known as to whether low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), one component of total cholesterol, is associated with mortality in the elderly, we decided to investigate this issue.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES: We sought PubMed for cohort studies, where LDL-C had been investigated as a risk factor for all-cause and/or CV mortality in individuals ≥60 years from the general population.

RESULTS: We identified 19 cohort studies including 30 cohorts with …

The (R)- Isomer Of Isometheptene Decreases Trigeminal Sensitivity In A Rat Model Of Primary Headache, Jessica Perino, Ms, Nathan T. Fried, Phd, Michael L. Oshinsky, Phd, Bruce Daugherty, Phd, Mba, Seth Lederman, Md, Melanie B Elliott, Phd

Department of Neurosurgery Posters

Introduction

Isometheptene is thought to be the active ingredient of the commonly known headache medication, Midrin. Previously, we found only the (R) enantiomer to be effective in alleviating headache behavior in two models of headache compared to the (S) enantiomer.

Experiments using electrical and mechanical stimulation of the dura in animals with no history of head pain have been used to elucidate the mechanisms of the trigeminovascular system at the level of the trigeminal ganglion, trigeminal nucleus caudalis, periaqueductal gray, and the thalamus. The limitation of these acute models is that electrical and mechanical stimulation of the dural blood vessels …

A Survey Of Tuberculosis Infection Control Practices At The Nih/Niaid/Daids-Supported Clinical Trial Sites In Low And Middle Income Countries., Catherine Godfrey, Gail Tauscher, Sally Hunsberger, Melissa Austin, Lesley Scott, Jeffrey T. Schouten, Anne F. Luetkemeyer, Constance Benson, Robert Coombs, Susan Swindells

Journal Articles: Infectious Diseases

BACKGROUND: Health care associated transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is well described. A previous survey of infection control (IC) practices at clinical research sites in low and middle income countries (LMIC) funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) conducting HIV research identified issues with respiratory IC practices. A guideline for TB IC based on international recommendations was developed and promulgated. This paper reports on adherence to the guideline at sites conducting or planning to conduct TB studies with the intention of supporting improvement.

METHODS: A survey was developed that assessed IC activities in three domains: facility …

Medical Student And Resident Foley Catheterization Training Program To Decrease Post-Operative Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections, Peter J. Altshuler, Adam P. Johnson, Md, Mph, Danica Giugliano, Md, Gerald A. Isenberg, Md, Scott W. Cowan, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Objective:

Determine whether a more comprehensive medical student urinary catherer training curriculum can be successful in decreasing post-operative CAUTI rates in general and vascular surgery patient populations.

Primary target:

Reduce post-operative UTI rates by 0.5% over 6 months

Secondary targets:

Achieve 100% medical student confidence in Foley catheter placement, understanding indications and contraindications to urinary catheterization.

Improve objective performance of urinary catheterization skills as determined by objective clinical skills exam (OSCE) scores.

Screening For Venous Thromboembolism In Asymptomatic Trauma Patients: Effective In High Risk Patients, Seth Stake, Bs, Adam Wallace, Bs, Deepika Koganti, Md, Pgy-4, Adam P. Johnson, Md, Mph, Joshua A. Marks, Md, Scott W. Cowan, Md, Murray Cohen, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Hypothesis:

Through data analysis of a large cohort of trauma patients, a clinically applicable protocol can be developed based on various predisposing factors for VTE in asymptomatic patients. By isolating the factors that make these patients high risk for VTE, we can effectively lower the incidence of PE in hospitalized trauma patients.

Intensity Of Left Atrial Spontaneous Echo Contrast As A Correlate For Stroke Risk Stratification In Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation., Yuanping Zhao, Lijing Ji, Jian Liu, Juefei Wu, Yan Wang, Shuxin Shen, Shengcun Guo, Rong Jian, Gangbin Chen, Xuan Wei, Wangjun Liao, Shelby Kutty, Yulin Liao, Jianping Bin

Journal Articles: Cardiology

The intensity of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been proposed as an important variable in the stratification of thromboembolic risk, particularly in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). We hypothesized that the quantification of LASEC by ultrasound will improve its utility in predicting subsequent stroke events in patients with NVAF. Patients (n = 206) with definite NVAF receiving TEE were included for this prospective cohort study. Baseline clinical risk factors of stroke, CHADS2 score and CHA2DS2-Vasc, left atrial thrombus (LAT), the five-grades of LASEC and video intensity (VI) value of LASEC were measured. During …

Preventing Sports Injuries, Chris Fagerness

Staff Work

"It may be beneficial to participate in a variety of athletic activities during the year, however it is important to take rest periods between athletic seasons."

Posting about strength and conditioning for athletes­­­­­­­­ from In All Things - an online hub committed to the claim that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has implications for the entire world.

http://inallthings.org/preventing-sports-injuries/

Klf4 Deletion Alters Gastric Cell Lineage And Induces Muc2 Expression, Tianxin Yu, Xi Chen, T. Lin, J. Liu, M. Li, W. Zhang, X. Xu, W. Zhao, M. Liu, Dana L. Napier, Chi Wang, B. Mark Evers, Chunming Liu

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world, particularly in underdeveloped countries. The mechanism of gastric cancer is less understood compared with other types of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a zinc-finger transcription factor and is a potential tumor suppressor in GI cancers. In this study, we have generated two mouse models, Rosa-Cre;Klf4^fl/fl and Lgr5-Cre;Klf4^fl/fl. KLF4 was deleted by Rosa-Cre in the gastric epithelia cells or by Lgr5-Cre in the antral stem cells in the adult mice. KLF4 deletion resulted in increased proliferating cells and decreased pit mucous …

The Calgets Story: The Impact Of 5 Years Of State-Funded Treatment, Timothy W. Fong, Terri Sue Canale-Dalman, Michael Campos, Richard Rosenthal, Rory Reid, Brett Abarbanel

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

This presentation will review the history, development and current state-funded treatment programs offered in California. Treatment outcome data from 5 years of operations will be reviewed highlighting the impact that treatment has had on gambling disorder and affected individuals. Clinical characteristics and predictors of treatment success and treatment failures from both residential treatment and outpatient treatment settings will be presented. This presentation will also describe the pitfalls, successes and lessons learned in creating a statewide treatment program that will help in inform and educate any policy maker, administrator, healthcare provider or legislator who is responsible for creating and delivering government-sponsored …

Barriers To Anticoagulation In Atrial Fibrillation Among Cardiologists, Internists And Family Physicians, Jad Al Danaf, Md, Mph, Mitul Kanzaria, Md, John U. Doherty, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Current Performance:

The rates of AC in patients 18 years or older who visited general internists & family physicians not seen by cardiologists from 4/30/2013 to 4/30/2015, cardiologists from 11/29/2012 to 11/29/2014 and all 3 specialties from 1/30/2014 to 1/30/2016 were derived from the EHR.

A 12-question survey was shared using RedCap with these physicians to examine potential reasons for not prescribing AC.

Exploring Body Mass Index Changes In Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients, Raquel E. Thomas, Corrine Hanson, Glenda Woscyna, Brian D. Lowes

The VAD Journal

Background: Current treatment options for end-stage heart failure, such as transplantation, can be limited by obesity guidelines. Mechanical devices such as Left Ventricular Assistive Devices (LVAD) can bridge heart failure patients to transplantation, however, after implantation; some patients may experience weight gain that precludes them from transplantation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate weight changes after the implantation of an LVAD.

Methods: A retrospective review of 130 patients receiving an LVAD were divided into two groups based on BMI at the time of implantation: obese (>30 kg/m²) and non-obese (/m²). Patients were …

Health Care Seeking Behaviours In Pregnancy In Rural Sindh, Pakistan: A Qualitative Study, Rahat Najam Qureshi, Sana Sheikh, Asif Raza Khowaja, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Shujaat Zaidi, Diane Sawchuck, Marianne Vidler, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Peter Von Dadeslzen

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Pakistan has alarmingly high numbers of maternal mortality along with suboptimal care-seeking behaviour. It is essential to identify the barriers and facilitators that women and families encounter, when deciding to seek maternal care services. This study aimed to understand health-seeking patterns of pregnant women in rural Sindh, Pakistan.
Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken in rural Sindh, Pakistan as part of a large multi-country study in 2012. Thirty three focus group discussions and 26 in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers [n=173], male decision-makers [n=64], Lady Health Workers [n=64], Lady Health Supervisors [n=10], Women Medical Officers [n=9] and Traditional Birth …

Safety Of Lobar Hepatic Arterial Embolization In Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Patients With Underlying Gilbert's Disease, David C. Feldstein, Md, Robert D. Adamo, Md, Carin F. Gonsalves, Md, Fsir, David J. Eschelman, Ms, Fsir, Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa, Takami Sato, Md, Phd

Department of Medical Oncology Posters

Introduction

❖ Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults.

❖ Up to half of all patients develop systemic metastases, with liver involvement in >90% of patients.¹

❖ Various liver-directed, locoregional therapies (i.e. chemoembolization, immunoembolization, radioembolization, and ablation) have played a significant role in prolonging the lives of patients with metastatic uveal melanoma.²

❖ Elevated bilirubin levels are typically considered a relative contraindication for lobar hepatic arterial embolization treatment, given mainly the increased risk of precipitating hepatic failure.

❖ Gilbert's syndrome, also known as benign unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, is a hereditary disorder of bilirubin conjugation. …

Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Locoregional Therapy: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings In Falsely Negative Exams., David Becker-Weidman, Jesse M. Civan, Sandeep P. Deshmukh, Christopher G. Roth, Steven K. Herrine, Laurence Parker, Donald G. Mitchell

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

AIM: To elucidate causes for false negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams by identifying imaging characteristics that predict viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in lesions previously treated with locoregional therapy when obvious findings of recurrence are absent.

METHODS: This retrospective institutional review board-approved and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study included patients who underwent liver transplantation at our center between 1/1/2000 and 12/31/2012 after being treated for HCC with locoregional therapy. All selected patients had a contrast-enhanced MRI after locoregional therapy within 90 d of transplant that was prospectively interpreted as without evidence of residual or recurrent tumor. Retrospectively, 2 …

Breast-Cancer-Specific Mortality In Patients Treated Based On The 21-Gene Assay: A Seer Population-Based Study, Valentina I. Petkov, Dave P. Miller, Nadia Howlader, Nathan Gliner, Will Howe, Nicola Schussler, Kathleen Cronin, Frederick L. Baehner, Rosemary Cress, Dennis Deapen, Sally L. Glaser, Brenda Y. Hernandez, Charles F. Lynch, Lloyd Mueller, Ann G. Schwartz, Stephen M. Schwartz, Antoinette Stroup, Carol Sweeney, Thomas C. Tucker, Kevin C. Ward, Charles Wiggins, Xiao-Cheng Wu, Lynne Penberthy, Steven Shak

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The 21-gene Recurrence Score assay is validated to predict recurrence risk and chemotherapy benefit in hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) invasive breast cancer. To determine prospective breast-cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) outcomes by baseline Recurrence Score results and clinical covariates, the National Cancer Institute collaborated with Genomic Health and 14 population-based registries in the the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program to electronically supplement cancer surveillance data with Recurrence Score results. The prespecified primary analysis cohort was 40–84 years of age, and had node-negative, HR+, HER2-negative, nonmetastatic disease diagnosed between January 2004 and December 2011 in the entire SEER population, and Recurrence Score results …

Community's Perceptions Of Pre-Eclampsia And Eclampsia In Sindh Pakistan: A Qualitative Study, Asif Raza Khowaja, Rahat Najam Qureshi, Sana Sheikh, Shujaat Zaidi, Rehana Salam, Diane Sawchuck, Marianne Vidler, Peter Von Dadelszen, Zulfiqar Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Maternal mortality is of global public health concern and >99% of maternal deaths occur in less developed countries. The common causes of direct maternal death are hemorrhage, sepsis and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. In Pakistan, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia deaths represents one-third of maternal deaths reported at the tertiary care hospital settings. This study explored community perceptions, and traditional management practices about pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Sindh Province of Pakistan from February to July 2012. Twenty-six focus groups were conducted, 19 with women of reproductive age/mothers-in-law (N=173); and 7 with husbands/fathers-in-law (N=65). The data were transcribed verbatim in Sindhi and Urdu, …

The Feasibility Of Community Level Interventions For Pre-Eclampsia In South Asia And Sub-Saharan Africa: A Mixed-Methods Design, Asif Raza Khowaja, Rahat Najam Qureshi, Diane Sawchuck, Olufemi T. Oladapo, Olalekan O. Adetoro, Elizabeth A. Orenuga, Mrutyunjaya Bellad, Ashalata Mallapur, Umesh Charantimath, Esperanca Sevene

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Globally, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are major contributors to maternal and perinatal mortality; of which the vast majority of deaths occur in less developed countries. In addition, a disproportionate number of morbidities and mortalities occur due to delayed access to health services. The Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) Trial aims to task-shift to community health workers the identification and emergency management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia to improve access and timely care. Literature revealed paucity of published feasibility assessments prior to initiating large-scale community-based interventions. Arguably, well-conducted feasibility studies can provide valuable information about the potential success of clinical trials …

Mrsa Causing Infections In Hospitals In Greater Metropolitan New York: Major Shift In The Dominant Clonal Type Between 1996 And 2014, Maria Pardos De La Gandara, Judith Berger, David Burstein, Phyllis Della-Latta, Guiqing Wang, Alexander Tomasz

NYMC Faculty Publications

A surveillance study in 1996 identified the USA100 clone (ST5/SCCmecII)-also known as the "New York/Japan" clone-as the most prevalent MRSA causing infections in 12 New York City hospitals. Here we update the epidemiology of MRSA in seven of the same hospitals eighteen years later in 2013/14. Most of the current MRSA isolates (78 of 121) belonged to the MRSA clone USA300 (CC8/SCCmecIV) but the USA100 clone-dominant in the 1996 survey-still remained the second most frequent MRSA (25 of the 121 isolates) causing 32% of blood stream infections. The USA300 clone was most common in skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) …

Genome-Wide Redistribution Of Mecp2 In Dorsal Root Ganglia After Peripheral Nerve Injury., Melissa T. Manners, Adam Ertel, Yuzhen Tian, Seena K. Ajit

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a protein with affinity for methylated cytosines, is crucial for neuronal development and function. MeCP2 regulates gene expression through activation, repression and chromatin remodeling. Mutations in MeCP2 cause Rett syndrome, and these patients display impaired nociception. We observed an increase in MeCP2 expression in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) after peripheral nerve injury. The functional implication of increased MeCP2 is largely unknown. To identify regions of the genome bound by MeCP2 in the DRG and the changes induced by nerve injury, a chromatin immunoprecipitation of MeCP2 followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) was performed 4 weeks after …

Repurposing Atovaquone: Targeting Mitochondrial Complex Iii And Oxphos To Eradicate Cancer Stem Cells., Marco Fiorillo, Rebecca Lamb, Herbert B Tanowitz, Luciano Mutti, Marija Krstic-Demonacos, Anna Rita Cappello, Ubaldo E. Martinez-Outshoorn, Federica Sotgia, Michael P Lisanti

Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds

Atovaquone is an FDA-approved anti-malarial drug, which first became clinically available in the year 2000. Currently, its main usage is for the treatment of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and/or toxoplasmosis in immune-compromised patients. Atovaquone is a hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone analogue of ubiquinone, also known as Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It is a well-tolerated drug that does not cause myelo-suppression. Mechanistically, it is thought to act as a potent and selective OXPHOS inhibitor, by targeting the CoQ10-dependence of mitochondrial complex III. Here, we show for the first time that atovaquone also has anti-cancer activity, directed against Cancer Stem-like Cells (CSCs). More specifically, we demonstrate that …

Multiorgan Chronic Inflammatory Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Murine Model Deficient In Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors 1 And 2, Helieh S. Oz

Physiology Faculty Publications

AIM: To provoke persistent/chronic multiorgan inflammatory response and to contribute to stones formation followed by fibrosis in hepatobiliary and pancreatic tissues.

METHODS: Tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 (TNFR1/R2) deficient mice reared in-house were given dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC) twice within 10 d by oral gavage delivery. Sham control animals received vehicle treatment and naïve animals remained untreated throughout the study. Animals were monitored daily for symptoms of pain and discomfort. The abdominal and hindpaw hypersensitivity were assessed with von Frey microfilaments. Exploratory behaviors were recorded at the baseline, after initiation of treatment, and before study termination. Histopathological …