Translational Medical Research Commons^™

Patient And Renal Outcomes Of Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Following Solid Organ Transplantations - A Single Center Experience, Kashka Mallari, Goni Katz-Greenberg, Maria Martinez Cantarin

Phase 1

Introduction: Post-transplant Proliferative Disorder (PTLD) is a significant complication after solid organ transplantation (SOT). Major risk factors that contribute to the development of PTLD include Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection and degree of immunosuppression. Despite novel therapies, the 5-year survival rate of PTLD only improved from 40% to 50% over the years. The reported 5-year survival rate of PTLD also remains significantly lower compared to around 90% in other malignancies such as breast and colon cancer. In our center, we hypothesize better transplant outcomes compared to those reported in preceding literatures.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of …

In Vivo T Cell Genetic Engineering With Melanoma-Specific Tcr And Car, Toby Mathew, Vitali Alexeev

Phase 1

Introduction: Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) using T cells genetically engineered to express tumor-specific T cell receptors (TCR) and Chimeric Antigen receptors (CAR) have demonstrated high remission rates in patients with advanced cancers. Targeting of metastatic melanoma with TCR-modified recombinant T cells showed clinically significant response in the majority of patients. However, due to certain drawbacks, this powerful strategy is not yet available for broad clinical application. We propose that in vivo genetic engineering approach may allow overcoming several drawbacks associated ACT and could convert it into generic and cost-effective modality to bring recombinant T cell therapies to general patient …

Outcomes And Indications For Thoracofemoral Bypass In The Endovascular Age: A Case Series And Literature Review, Andrea Mcsweeney, Babak Abai, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Endovascular revascularization is commonplace in vascular surgery; however, thoracofemoral bypass (TFB) is optimal in particular patients. Little research focuses on TFB outcomes. This case series and literature review investigated indications, efficacy, and safety of TFB.

Methods: Cases at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) included one male and four females (average age 57.2) from 2015-2019. Literature review yielded 124 cases from other institutions. PubMed and Scopus search using the term “thoraco femoral bypass” yielded 39 articles. Articles published before 2000 and case studies published in any year were excluded. Seven articles were selected. Primary outcomes included 30-day mortality and …

The Presence Of Gc-C In Extracellular Vesicles Secreted By Colorectal Cancer Cells, Alexandre Martinez, Adam E. Snook

Phase 1

Background: Guanylyl Cyclase C (GC-C) is a membrane-bound protein found on intestinal epithelial cells involved in the activation of CFTR. This protein has previously been involved in the development of colorectal cancer.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are bilayered vesicles of varying size (30 to 1,000 + nm in diameter) that believed to be secreted by all cells in the human body. In the past decade, EVs have garnered attention due to their impact in the field of oncology, where they have been shown to potentially serve as biomarkers for various cancers.

In this study, we looked at the EVs secreted …

Ahmed Vs Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Device In Uveitic Glaucoma, Zoe Mcwatters, Sapna Sinha, Md, Allen Ganjei, Marlene Moster, Md, Michael Pro, Md, Elizabeth Dale, Md, Daniel Lee, Md, Jonathan S. Myers, Md, L. J. Katz, Md, Scott Fudemberg, Md, Anand Mantravadi, Md, Natasha Kolomeyer, Md, Reza Razeghniejad, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Uveitis is an inflammatory eye disorder which may elevate intraocular pressure (IOP), causing sight-threatening glaucoma. Treatment of refractory uveitic glaucoma involves implantation of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD). Uveitic glaucoma has been a minority diagnosis in prior studies comparing the valved Ahmed GDD and non-valved Baerveldt GDD. Here we compare the safety and efficacy of the Ahmed and Baerveldt GDD in uveitic glaucoma.

Methods: This retrospective comparative study was conducted on patients with uveitic glaucoma (≥14 years old) who underwent Ahmed or Baerveldt GDD implantation between 2006–2018 with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Success was defined as …

Down Regulation With Luteal Gnrh Agonist Therapy In Euploid Embryo Transfers Does Not Impact Pregnancy Rates, Isabelle Levin, Keri Bergin, Md, Dmitry Gounko, Joseph Lee, Alan Copperman, Md

Phase 1

Introduction : Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists have been used during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment for pituitary suppression and stimulation. Currently, clinical opinion is divided about whether GnRH agonist therapy improves pregnancy rates when used for luteal down-regulation in a frozen euploid embryo transfer (FET). This study evaluated the clinical utility of GnRH agonist down-regulation in single, euploid FET cycles.

Methods : A retrospective analysis was performed, using data from patients who underwent a single, euploid FET cycle from 2012 to 2019. Patients were segregated into two cohorts: Group A: single, euploid FET with down-regulation using GnRH agonist; Group B: …

Statistics Of Tumor Micro-Environment, Brenton Maisel, Inna Chervoneva

Phase 1

Introduction: Immune cells play a prominent role in keeping tumors suppressed, but how the distribution of these immune cells within a tumor’s microenvironment remains poorly understood. The long-term goal of this project is to study how statistical spatial distributions of different immune cells is associated with clinical outcome. The first objective is developing an algorithm for identifying different types of immune cells.

Methods: The data motivating this project includes spatial localization information (x-y coordinates) and expression levels of immune cell CD markers quantified by immunofluorescence immunohistochemistry (IF-IHC) in ~1,500 cases of invasive breast cancer. Using expression levels of CD markers …

Effects Of Rocking On Attention And Arousal, Jonathan Lubeck, Roseann C. Schaaf, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Rachel L. Dumont, Ms, Ots

Phase 1

Introduction: Difficulties regulating attention and arousal underlie common developmental conditions and impact performance in academic and work tasks. Sensory-based activities such as sitting in a rocker chair may help regulate attention and arousal by providing sensory stimulation. This pilot study assessed autonomic nervous system activity (ANS) while seated in a specially designed rocking chair providing vestibular sensation during a performance task.

Methods: Thirty-four adults (aged 20-35 years) were randomized to either a rocker chair (Virco Zuma, n = 17) or static chair (n =17) while performing cognitive tasks in a counterbalanced design. ANS measures of skin conductance level (SCL) …

Marked Circadian Variation In Number And Type Of Hyperacute Strokes During The 24 Hour Day-Night Cycle, Eeman Khorramian, Sidney Starkman, Nerses Sanossian, David Liebeskind, Gilda Avila, Samuel Stratton, Marc Eckstein, Frank Pratt, Latisha Sharma, Lucas Restrepo, Miguel Valdes-Sueiras, May Kim-Tenser, Pablo Villablanca, Robin Conwit, Scott Hamilton, Jeffrey L. Saver, Fast-Mag Trial Investigators And Coordinators

Phase 1

Introduction: Circadian variations in stroke onset provide critical information for the allocation of pre-hospital and hospital resources in clinical care. Confining analysis to patients with defined onset in waking and clearly distinguished ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke subtypes, would substantial benefit our understanding of stroke etiology.

Methods: We analyzed patients enrolled in the NIH FAST-MAG phase 3 trial of field-initiated neuroprotective agents in patients with hyperacute stroke within 2h of onset. Onset times were analyzed in 1h time blocks throughout the 24h day-night cycle. Patient demographic and clinical features, medical history, imaging characteristics, and stroke deficit severity were correlated with …

Spectrum Of Renal Biopsy Findings In Trident Cohort, Casey Jackson, Shira Blady, Shatakshee Chatarjee, Phd, Matthew Palmer, Md, Phd, Katalin Susztak, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: Diabetic kidney disease is the most common cause of chronic end stage renal failure in the USA. Kidney biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic criteria; however, it is an invasive procedure; not everyone undergoes diagnostic biopsy. The relationship between histological and clinical parameters and prognosis in DKD is incompletely understood. TRIDENT, (Transformative research in diabetic nephropathy) plans to enroll 400 diabetic subjects undergoing clinically indicated renal biopsies and performs multi-omics characterization of subjects to identify pathways associated with kidney function decline. Genetic studies indicated that podocytes influence albuminuria and diabetic kidney disease development. We seek to understand whether …

Evaluating The Migration Rates In Percutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Trials, William Hirsch, Nikolaos Mouchtouris, Md, Ashwini Sharan Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) provides symptom reduction in patients with chronic low back pain. The most common complication in SCS is percutaneous lead migration from initial placement site. It is our goal to determine whether using skin anchors during trial implantation reduces SCS trial lead migration rates compared to historical controls.

Methods: 197 patients who underwent SCS trial placement at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital between 2015 and 2018 were considered for this study. Complete data including device impedance measurements and pre and post trial x-rays was collected on 12 historical control patients and 19 patients with leads secured using …

The Use Of Cementless Components Does Not Significantly Increase Procedural Costs In Total Knee Arthroplasty, Samantha Harrer, Michael Yayac, Md, William J. Hozack, Md, Javad Parvizi, Md, Frcs, P. Maxwell Courtney, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Modern cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs have shown promising early clinical success; however, concerns exist regarding the higher cost of the cementless implants. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the total facility cost of cementless vs traditional cemented TKA along with the effect of cementless fixation on short-term outcomes.

Methods: We reviewed a consecutive series of patients between 2015 and 2017 who underwent either cementless or cemented primary TKA. Itemized facility costs were calculated for every procedure using a time-driven activity-based costing algorithm. Controlling for demographic variables and medical comorbidities, we performed a multivariate analysis …

Nighttime Melatonin Administration And Insulin Sensitivity, Albert Mchugh, Cynthia Cheng, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: Previous studies have shown melatonin effects on insulin sensitivity, but with conflicting results. The inconsistency between these studies may be due to differences in melatonin dosage and subject age. Low melatonin dosages, generally <5 mg, have been used in prior research. We studied the effect of melatonin 9 mg for 6 weeks on insulin resistance, peripheral microvascular function, and sleep in non-diabetic, non-hypertensive middle-aged and geriatric patients.

Methods: Subjects with a history of hypertension or diabetes were excluded from the study. The geriatric cohort included 5 subjects 60-80 years old while the younger cohort was comprised of 14 subjects age 27-45 years old. Fifteen subjects were randomized to the melatonin treatment group and took 9 mg of controlled-release melatonin by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime for 6 weeks; the four subjects in …

Investigation Of The Superman Stretch On Posterior Capsule Range Of Motion, Brian Gibbs, Christopher M. Aland, Md, Joshua Hornstein, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Shoulder pain is a common clinical entity affecting all age groups and can frequently be attributed to pathological internal impingement. A primary contributing factor to labrum tears and internal impingement is posterior capsule tightness. In order to improve range of motion (R.O.M.), prior studies have demonstrated that stretching is an important tool for increasing R.O.M. at many joints. We hypothesized that the superman stretch would lead to greater increases in IR than the traditional sleeper stretch.

Methods: A level II, prospective study in collegiate-level athletes from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) was performed. Shoulder internal rotation (IR), shoulder …

Identifying The Prevalence Of Underdiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Osa) In The Primary Care Population Via Targeted Screening Measures, Risa Goldberg, Alyssa Givens, Cynthia Cheng, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition with detrimental health consequences, yet over 75% of OSA cases remain undiagnosed in the United States. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of using targeted screening measures to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed OSA in a primary care population.

Methods: This prospective pilot study utilized a primary care population from Thomas Jefferson University’s family medicine department. Participants were selected using three risk criteria for OSA from STOP-BANG identifiable from their EMR records (BMI >35, age over 50, and hypertension). After screening out patients previously diagnosed with OSA, patients were called and …

Characterizing Patch Test Findings In African American Acd Patients, Vaibhav Garg, Bruce Brod, Anthony Gaspari

Phase 1

Introduction: Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) in African Americans has not been well studied, and there is little information related to differences in patterns of ACD between African Americans and Caucasians. This paper aims to investigate relative differences in patterns of sensitization in African American ACD patients.

Methods: This study is a retrospective descriptive study. Data of ACD patients patch tested from 2009-2019 by Dr. Gaspari and Dr. Brod at TJUH and HUP/UPHS were reviewed. Patch test findings for African American and Caucasian patients were compared. Outcomes such as positive allergens, strength, clinical relevance, patient occupation, and personal product use …

The Effects Of Total Intravenous Versus Inhalational Anesthesia On Fluid Balance For Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Jaime Eberle-Singh, David Maguire, Md, Harish Lavu, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), the most common surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer, is a complex procedure with a morbidity of 45-60%. Recent studies indicate that intraoperative use of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) may reduce post-operative complications for PD patients, when compared to inhalational anesthesia (INHA). We hypothesized that patients who receive TIVA may have a more favorable fluid balance, which is known to reduce postoperative complications in PD patients.

Methods: We carried out a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent PD at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and were administered TIVA or INHA during surgery between April 2017 and January 2019. …

Impact Of In-House Specialty Pharmacy On Access To Novel Androgen Axis Inhibitors In Men With Advanced Prostate Cancer, Anna Driscoll, Nathan Handley, Md, Mba, Adam Binder, Siobhan Henry, W. Kevin Kelly, Do

Phase 1

Introduction: Novel androgen axis inhibitors are standard of care treatments in advanced prostate cancer. The billed amounts for these medications are often very high, which may create significant financial toxicity for patients and lead to delays in treatment. Our institution implemented an in-house specialty pharmacy in 2014, that provides these medications and evaluates copay assistance options for all patients. We evaluated the program’s impact on out of pocket cost (OOP) and turnaround time (TAT).

Methods: We reviewed available internal specialty pharmacy records to identify prescriptions for abiraterone or enzalutamide filled between 1/1/17 and 12/31/18. Payments were stratified by primary payment …

Mechanical Thrombectomy In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Greater Than 90 Years Of Age Experience In 26 Patients In A Large Tertiary Care Center: Outcome Comparison With Younger Patients, Nicholas Elmer, Ahmad Sweid, Md, Joshua H. Weinberg, Vivian Xu, Kavya Shivashankar, Tyler D. Alexander, Ms, Jane Khalife, Md, Michael R. Gooch, Md, Nabeel Herial, Md, Nohra Chalouhi, Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md, Robert H. Rosenwasswer Md, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Several independent randomized control trials have shown the superior efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the elderly has been underrepresented or excluded in these trials. In this study, we investigated the feasibility and safety of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with AIS aged 90 years or greater.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients age 90 years or older presenting with AIS who underwent mechanical thrombectomy between 2010 and 2018.

Results: Of total 453 patients with AIS, 5.74 % (26) were aged 90 or older, and 69.32 % (314) ranged from 60-89 years of age. Of …

Motivational Interviewing For Cpap Adherence, Grayton Downing, Caitlin Green, Cynthia Cheng, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) leads to negative health outcomes. Yet, compliance rates for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the gold standard of treatment, range from 30-60%. This study examines how motivational interviewing (MI), a goal-oriented form of psychotherapy, increases CPAP adherence. We hypothesize that MI increases CPAP compliance when incorporated into CPAP follow-up care.

Methods: We developed and trained our staff with a novel MI training protocol consisting of MI background readings and videos, CPAP technician shadowing, and MI role-play for certification. For the clinical trial, newly diagnosed OSA patients from Jefferson’s sleep center will be randomized …