Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Real-World Impact Of Acupuncture On Analgesics And Healthcare Resource Utilization In Breast Cancer Survivors With Pain, Dina Quan Ng, Sanghoon Lee, Richard T. Lee, Yun Wang, Alexandre Chan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

This study evaluated the real-world impact of acupuncture on analgesics and healthcare resource utilization among breast cancer survivors.

Methods

From a United States (US) commercial claims database (25% random sample of IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus for Academics), we selected 18–63 years old malignant breast cancer survivors experiencing pain and ≥ 1 year removed from cancer diagnosis. Using the difference-in-difference technique, annualized changes in analgesics [prevalence, rates of short-term (< 30-day supply) and long-term (≥ 30-day supply) prescription fills] and healthcare resource utilization (healthcare costs, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits) were compared between acupuncture-treated and non-treated patients.

Results

Among 495 (3%) acupuncture-treated patients (median age: 55 years, stage 4: 12%, average 2.5 years post cancer diagnosis), most had commercial health insurance (92%) and experiencing musculoskeletal pain (98%). Twenty-seven …

Safety And Efficacy Of Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Fusion: A Single Center, Single Surgeon Retrospective Review, George A. Crabill, Kaleb Derouen, Kierany B. Shelvin, John M. Wilson, Gabriel C. Tender

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Standard posterior cervical fusion is a common surgical technique that utilizes lateral mass screws and rods for fixation. A relatively new, minimally invasive technique involving interfacet decortication and placement of spacers has shown promise in terms of outcomes. We sought to determine fusion rates and complications of this new technique at our institution to bolster current literature. We retrospectively reviewed all patients that underwent a 3-level or less minimally invasive posterior cervical fusions by a single surgeon. Patients were evaluated to determine fusion rates and postoperative complications. Twenty-eight patients underwent minimally invasive posterior cervical fusion. Twenty-seven demonstrated fusion (96%). One …

Acne And The Cutaneous Microbiome: A Systematic Review Of Mechanisms And Implications For Treatments, Alicia Podwojniak, Isabella J Tan, John Sauer, Zachary Neubauer, Hanna Rothenberg, Hira Ghani, Aarushi K Parikh, Bernard Cohen

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Acne vulgaris is a pervasive skin disease characterized by inflammation of sebaceous units surrounding hair follicles. It results from the complex interplay between skin physiology and the intricate cutaneous microbiome. Current acne treatments, while effective, have major limitations, prompting a shift towards microbiome-based therapeutic approaches. This study aims to determine the relationship between acne and the cutaneous microbiome, assess the effects of current treatments on the cutaneous microbiome and explore the implications for developing new therapies. A systematic review was performed using PubMed and SCOPUS databases within the last 10 years. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two authors. The …

Effect Of Cemented Vs Uncemented On Outcomes For Hemiarthroplasty In The Elderly: A Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Clinical Trials, Yuning Feng, Jun Wan, Haidong Deng, Lvlin Chen, Yangchun Xiao, Tiangui Li, Jialing He, Peng Wang, Weelic Chong, Yang Hai, Lu Jia, Yu Zhang

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: In patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty in the elderly, the choice of the cemented method remains controversial. This meta-analysis was undertaken to compare the impact of cemented vs uncemented on outcomes for hemiarthroplasty in the elderly.

METHODS: This study included randomized controlled trials comparing the postoperative effects of cemented vs uncemented in patients with hemiarthroplasty. With no language restrictions, we searched Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Collaboration), Clinical Trials.gov, the ISRCTN registry, as well as gray literature with no language restrictions from January 1966 to April 2023. Data were quantitatively summarized using a random-effects model. …

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Is Ready For Most Low-Risk Patients: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Ahmad Jabri, Anas Alameh, Gennaro Giustino, Pedro Engel Gonzalez, Brian O'Neill, Rodrigo Bagur, Pedro Cox, Tiberio Frisoli, James Lee, Dee Dee Wang, William W. O'Neill, Pedro Villablanca

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has undergone rapid expansion, emerging as a viable therapeutic option for low-risk patients in lieu of surgical aortic valve replacement. This paper aims to provide a review of the scientific evidence concerning TAVR in low-risk patients, encompassing both observational and clinical trial data. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of low-risk patients possesses a bicuspid aortic valve, necessitating careful examination of the pertinent anatomic and clinical considerations to TAVR that is highlighted in this review. Additionally, the review expands upon some of the unique challenges associated with alternate access in low-risk patients evaluated for TAVR. Last, this …

Shining Light On The Invisible: Fluorescent Detection Of Reactive Oxygen Species, Alex Zuo

Research Colloquium

Background

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in cell signaling and homeostasis. However, overproduction of ROS leads to oxidative stress, as well as other related diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. Conventional ROS detection methods are limited by their low sensitivity and low specificity in real-time measurements. Fluorescent probes can offer valuable tools to detect ROS in biological systems. This study is focused on the detection of ROS formation during hypoxia and reoxygenation.

Methods

We used fluorescence detection techniques to study ROS in isolated rodent skeletal muscle models, which were exposed to alternating hyperoxia and hypoxia. …

Unmasking Atrial Flutter In An Elderly Patient With Complex Cardiac History: A Case Report On Diagnostic Challenges And Effective Management, Cesar F. Ortega, Roy Kondapavuluru, Nida Asif, Johanne Chaglasian, Fatimah Bello

Research Colloquium

Introduction: About 200,000 new patients each year are affected by atrial flutter. It is an abnormal cardiac rhythm characterized by rapid regular atrial depolarizations at a rate of approximately 300 beats/minute and a regular ventricle rate of about 150 beats/minute. It can go undiagnosed because it is often asymptomatic and usually diagnosed when patients are being evaluated for other health issues. This case report emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation of symptoms suggestive of arrhythmia even if they occur intermittently.

Case Presentation: An 81-year-old lady with history of coronary artery disease, status post coronary artery bypass graft, valvular heart disease …

Comprehensive Diagnosis And Management Of Renal Tubular Acidosis Type 1: A Case Report, Cesar F. Ortega, Roy Kondapavuluru, Johanne Chaglasian, Nida Asif, Fatimah Bello

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Renal tubular acidosis type 1 (RTA type 1), also known as distal renal tubular acidosis, is a disorder characterized by the inability of the distal nephron to secrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the presence of metabolic acidosis, leading to a chronic state of metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap. This disorder has an estimated prevalence of 0.46- 1.60 per 10,000 people. RTA type 1 can often go undiagnosed in hospital settings due to its nonspecific presentation, such as weakness, fatigue or cramps, causing physicians to focus on empirically correcting low electrolyte levels rather than investigating …

Efficacy Of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Versus Medical Therapy For Treatment Of Type B Aortic Dissection, Karam Motawea, Samah Rouzan, Rowan Elhalag, Abdelrhaman Abdelwahab, Hussam Al Hennawi, Salem Elshenawy, Mai Saad Mohamed, Pensée Chébl, Mohamed Salem Madian, Mostafa Elsayed Elsayed Hewalla, Sarya Swed, Wael Hafez, Bisher Sawaf, Samer Kaspo, Naim Battikh, Mohammed Najdat Seijari, Amr Farwati, Amine Rakab

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

BACKGROUND: Techniques in endovascular therapy have evolved to offer a promising alternative to medical therapy alone for Type B aortic dissections (TBADs).

AIM: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare mortality and overall complications between thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and best medical therapy (BMT) in patients with TBADs.

METHODS: We included randomized control trials and prospective or retrospective cohort studies that compared TEVAR and BMT for the treatment of type B aortic dissection. Multiple electronic databases were searched.

RESULTS: Thirty-two cohort studies including 150,836 patients were included. TEVAR was associated with a significantly lower 30-day mortality rate than …

Autonomic Nervous System And Viscera-Related Responses To Manual Therapy: A Narrative Overview, Murdi Alanazi, Brian Degenhardt Do, Gwyn Kelley-Franklin, Eric Jacobson, Sandy Fritz, Norman Kettner, Vaclav Kremen, Laura Lipke, William Reed

Library Scholarship

Background: Manual therapy (MT) has long-held that it physiologically impacts autonomic nervous system (ANS)and viscera-related function. This narrative review is intended to serve as a consolidated interdisciplinary resource of original studies related to physiological effects of MT as it relates to the ANS for MT clinicians and researchers new to this MT-related topic.

Objective: This review seeks to identify ANS and viscera-related physiological responses to MT interventions using search terms commonly used by chiropractic, massage, osteopathic, physical therapy, and structural integration clinicians and to provide a quick reference resource of original MT-related studies investigating ANS effects.

Methods: For this interdisciplinary …

Immunoactive Signatures Of Circulating Trna- And Rrna-Derived Rnas In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Megumi Shigematsu, Takuya Kawamura, Deepak Deshpande, Yohei Kirino

Computational Medicine Center Faculty Papers

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent lung disease, and macrophages play a central role in the inflammatory response in COPD. We here report a comprehensive characterization of circulating short non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in plasma from patients with COPD. While circulating sncRNAs are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles and biomarker potential in various diseases, the conventional RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) method cannot fully capture these circulating sncRNAs due to their heterogeneous terminal structures. By pre-treating the plasma RNAs with T4 polynucleotide kinase, which converts all RNAs to those with RNA-seq susceptible ends (5′-phosphate and 3′-hydroxyl), we comprehensively sequenced …

The Effectiveness Of The Gnana Laryngeal Mask Airway Ii (Gla-Ii) With Novel Suction Tubing In Gastrointestinal (Gi) Cases, Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Landyn D. Johnson, William T. Barham, James Ilochi, Matthew Fredericks, Giustino Varrassi, Sahar Shekoohi, Alan D. Kaye

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: The Gnana laryngeal mask airway II (GLA-II) is a supraglottic airway device similar to the classic laryngeal mask airway, except it has an additional suction port. This suction port allows for the removal of secretions and saliva. A previous version of the Gnana laryngeal airway 4 was made of silicone, while this newer version is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is more affordable. This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness and tolerability of this PVC-designed GLA-II and evaluate its ability to suction secretions. METHODS: The prospective cohort study included 100 gastrointestinal (GI) cases to determine the effectiveness and …

Preferences For Attributes Of Oral Antipsychotic Treatments: Results From A Discrete-Choice Experiment In Respondents With Schizophrenia Or Bipolar I Disorder, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Antipsychotic medications are effective treatments for schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar I disorder (BD-I), but when presented with different treatment options, there are tradeoffs that individuals make between clinical improvement and adverse effects. As new options become available, understanding the attributes of antipsychotic medications that are valued and the tradeoffs that individuals consider when choosing among them is important. Methods: A discrete-choice experiment (DCE) was administered online to elicit preferences across 5 attributes of oral antipsychotics: treatment efficacy (i.e., improvement in symptom severity), weight gain over 6 months, sexual dysfunction, sedation, and akathisia. Eligible respondents were aged 18–64 years with …

A Presentation Of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Associated Disease (Mogad) As Optic Neuritis, Kirhyn A. Stein, Laura Garcia, Sobia Memon, Hernan Guanajuato, Johanna Mora

Research Colloquium

Background: Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Associated Disease (MOGAD) is a relatively new and rare autoimmune disease that causes demyelination of the central nervous system. The pathogenicity of this disease is characterized by an immune reaction against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein: a component of the myelin sheath that is also expressed on the surface of oligodendrocytes. The purpose of this glycoprotein is thought to be for construction and maintenance of myelin and cell to cell communication. The destruction of oligodendrocytes and myelin in the central nervous system affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, and can cause symptoms such as acute …

A Case Of Rheumatoid Arthritis On Newly Initiated Tnf- Inhibitor Developing Gpa Vasculitis- Conundrum About An Overlap Or Drug-Induced Vasculitis, Jessica Marcela Daza, Joud Enabi, Cristine Arcilla, Myint Thway, Gurjit Kaeley

Research Colloquium

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a necrotizing vasculitides subset of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAVs) that involves small-sized arteries affecting multisystemic organs. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory polyarthritis involving the small joints. GPA and RA can have overlapping clinical presentations, including vasculitis, ocular inflammation, interstitial lung disease, and arthritis, but existing evidence indicates they are distinct conditions. Vasculitis-induced biologic TNF inhibitors have been reported (1-3), particularly cutaneous vasculitis and lupus-like syndromes. We retrospectively review a case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis with a newly diagnosed GPA with RA on anti-TNF therapy. The coexistence of RA …

Design And Implementation Of An Opioid Scorecard For Hospital System-Wide Peer Comparison Of Opioid Prescribing Habits: Observational Study, Benjamin Slovis, Soonyip Huang, Melanie Mcarthur, Cara Martino, Tasia Beers, Meghan Labella, Jeffrey Riggio, Edmund Pribitkin

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

BACKGROUND: Reductions in opioid prescribing by health care providers can lead to a decreased risk of opioid dependence in patients. Peer comparison has been demonstrated to impact providers' prescribing habits, though its effect on opioid prescribing has predominantly been studied in the emergency department setting.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the development of an enterprise-wide opioid scorecard, the architecture of its implementation, and plans for future research on its effects.

METHODS: Using data generated by the author's enterprise vendor-based electronic health record, the enterprise analytics software, and expertise from a dedicated group of informaticists, physicians, and …

Novel Computed Tomography Angiography Parameter Is Associated With Low Cardiac Index In Patients With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Retrospective Analysis, Estefania Oliveros, Michel Ibrahim, Carlos Manuel Romero, Paul Navo, Patricia Otero Valdes, Yevgeniy Brailovsky, Amir Darki, Riyaz Bashir, Anjali Vaidya, Paul Forfia, Chandra Dass

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

UNLABELLED: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a complication of incomplete resolution of acute pulmonary embolism. We hypothesize changes in CT Hounsfield Unit gradient (HU-Δ) created by the dispersion of IV contrast through the downstream blood pool correlate with cardiac index (CI). We sought to compare HU-Δ with invasively obtained CI.

METHODS: We completed a retrospective analysis of CTEPH patients in which individuals with low CI (<2.2-L/min/m²) were identified. Both absolute and fractional HU-Δ were derived from pulmonary CTA by subtracting the HU value of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) from the main pulmonary artery …

Barriers To Health Care Among Adults With Disabilities In Connecticut, Mary Beth Bruder Phd, Tara M. Lutz Phd, Kelly E. Ferreira Phd

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

It is estimated that 25% of adults in the US are living with one or more disabilities. Persons with disabilities (PWD) have unmet health care needs, experience health disparities compared to those without disabilities. Barriers to quality health care include structural barriers such as access to transportation, physical access to facilities, and lack of accessible medical equipment. Other barriers include the knowledge, skills, beliefs, and attitudes of health care providers to meet the needs of PWD. To examine the barriers to health care experienced by adults with disabilities in Connecticut, the University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities …

Building And Sustaining Flu Vaccine Acceptance And Trust In The Black Community Through Partnerships With Churches, Salons, And Barbershops, Henry Nuss, Lois Privor-Dumm, Chinonso Ukachukwu, Laura Lee Hall

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Despite the benefits of flu vaccines, Black adults continue to experience lower vaccination rates in the United States. Contributing factors include lack of access to health care and trusted information about vaccines. The National Minority Quality Forum's Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity collaborated with church pastors, barbers, and hair stylists to disseminate a survey to their communities to assess barriers/facilitators to flu vaccine uptake. The population (n = 262) was mostly Black (93%), female (77%), between the age of 50-64 (39%) and vaccinated (73%). The most common reasons cited by respondents for being vaccinated were personal health, …

Multimodal Mixing Convolutional Neural Network And Transformer For Alzheimer’S Disease Recognition, Junde Chen, Yun Wang, Adnan Zeb, M. D. Suzauddola, Yuxin Wen

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Early recognition of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its precursor state, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), is pivotal in interrupting the progression of the disease and providing suitable treatment. Recent development in deep learning techniques has drawn great research attention for improving the efficacy of AD recognition. However, numerous current methods solely utilize data from a single auxiliary domain, limiting their ability to harness valuable intrinsic insights from multiple domains. To cope with the challenge, this paper is devoted to establishing an innovative multimodal medical data fusion model, termed as MMDF, to perform Alzheimer’s disease recognition. Multimodal data including clinical records and …