MedWorm: University of Pennsylvania

Gene Therapy Proves Effective In Treating Blindness

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have conducted a recent study, published in Science Translational Medicine which focuses on gene therapy for congenital blindness. The scientists were able to improve sight in 3 adult patients who had previously been treated in one eye. The researchers used the same treatment on the second eye of the patients, and they were able to see in low-light situations and also find their way around. There were no conflicting effects reported... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Molecular path from internal clock to cells controlling rest and activity

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) The molecular pathway that carries time-of-day signals from the body's internal clock to ultimately guide daily behavior is like a black box, says Amita Sehgal, Ph.D. Now, new research from the Sehgal lab is taking a peek inside, describing a molecular pathway and its inner parts that connect the well-known clock neurons to cells governing rhythms of rest and activity in fruit flies. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Cancer Center, in Suit, Claims Ex-Official Took Research

NYT Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:55:00 +0100

The president of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Craig B. Thompson, is in a billion-dollar dispute with his former workplace over accusations that he walked away with research. (Source: NYT Health)

Utility of preoperative examination and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of anterior vaginal wall masses

International Urogynecology Journal — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:15:41 +0100

Conclusions Preoperative diagnosis using exam, MRI, and cystourethroscopy have a high diagnostic accuracy for anterior vaginal wall masses. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00192-012-1666-6Authors Tirsit S. Asfaw, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 East 68th Street, J-130, New York, NY 10065, USAJoy A. Greer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3339, USAParvati Ramchandani, Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine at t...

TDP-43 pathology in a case of hereditary spastic paraplegia with a NIPA1/SPG6 mutation

Acta Neuropathologica — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:15:30 +0100

We present the first neuropathological description of a patient with a NIPA1 mutation, and clinical phenotype of complicated HSP with motor neuron disease-like syndrome and cognitive decline. Postmortem examination revealed degeneration of lateral corticospinal tracts and dorsal columns with motor neuron loss. TDP-43 immunostaining showed widespread spinal cord and cerebral skein-like and round neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions. We ruled out NIPA1 mutations in 419 additional cases of motor neuron disease. These findings suggest that hereditary spastic paraplegia due to NIPA1 mutations could represent a TDP-43 proteinopathy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportsPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00401-012-0947-yAuthors Maria Martinez-Lage, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medi...

Development of the Healthy Pathways Parent-Report Scales

Quality of Life Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:09:30 +0100

Conclusions The Healthy Pathways Parent-Report Scales may be used to reliably, accurately, and efficiently assess unidimensional aspects of health, illness, well-being, and achievement in clinical and population-based research studies involving youth in middle childhood and adolescence. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-16DOI 10.1007/s11136-012-0111-0Authors Katherine B. Bevans, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USAAnne W. Riley, Department of Population Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USAChristopher B. Forrest, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Children’...

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Gene therapy: An eye for gene repair

Nature — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 482, 7383 (2012). doi:10.1038/482008e Gene therapy in dogs can reverse retinal defects that lead to blindness in humans.William Beltran and Gustavo Aguirre at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and their group targeted a form of retinitis pigmentosa. This is a common cause of blindness in which mutations (Source: Nature)

A Review of the Relationships Between Extreme Obesity, Quality of Life, and Sexual Function

Obesity Surgery — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:47:32 +0100

Abstract Extreme obesity is associated with significant health issues as well as substantial psychosocial burden for many individuals. Numerous studies have documented the impairments in quality of life associated with extreme obesity. Sexual behavior and functioning is an important aspect of quality of life but is frequently overlooked in research studies as well as clinical care. This paper focuses on the quality of life and sexual functioning of obese individuals with specific focus on the changes in these domains following the substantial weight losses seen after bariatric surgery. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11695-012-0588-1Authors David B. Sarwer, Department of Psychiatry, Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Perelman Scho...

African American Adolescents Meeting Sex Partners Online: Closing the Digital Research Divide in STI/HIV Prevention

The Journal of Primary Prevention — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:31 +0100

In this study, data from 1,045 African American youth found that 6% met sex partners online and in chat rooms. Odds ratios, adjusting for gender, found this behavior was associated with alcohol (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI [1.1, 4.7]) and drug use (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI [1.9, 6.1]), unprotected vaginal (AOR = 4.71, 95% CI [1.9, 8.4]) and anal sex (AOR = 4.77, 95% CI [1.3,17.1]) in the last 90 days, more lifetime vaginal (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI [2.0, 6.8]) and anal sex (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI [1.5, 4.8]), greater sexual sensation seeking (AOR = 2.92, 95% CI [1.5, 5.7]) and greater depression (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.2, 3.6]. A final multiple logistic regression analyses found that male gender (AOR = 3.13, 95% CI [1.7...

The Risks of Blood Transfusion in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Response to Dr. Paul E. Marik

Neurocritical Care — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:11:09 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Response to Letter to the EditorPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s12028-012-9674-4Authors Peter Le Roux, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USAMichael Diringer, Neurology/Neurosurgery ICU, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA Journal Neurocritical CareOnline ISSN 1556-0961Print ISSN 1541-6933 (Source: Neurocritical Care)

Pharmacogenetics of smoking cessation: role of nicotine target and metabolism genes

Human Genetics — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:06:58 +0100

Abstract Many smokers attempt to quit smoking but few are successful in the long term. The heritability of nicotine addiction and smoking relapse have been documented, and research is focused on identifying specific genetic influences on the ability to quit smoking and response to specific medications. Research in genetically modified cell lines and mice has identified nicotine acetylcholine receptor subtypes that mediate the pharmacological and behavioral effects of nicotine sensitivity and withdrawal. Human genetic association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding nicotine acetylcholine receptor subunits and nicotine metabolizing enzymes that influence smoking cessation phenotypes. There is initial promising evidence for a role ...

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4-week vaccination regimen knocks out early breast cancer tumors, Penn researchers report

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania report that a short course of vaccination with an anti-HER2 dendritic cell vaccine made partly from the patient's own cells triggers a complete tumor eradication in nearly 20 percent of women with ductal carcinoma in situ, an early breast cancer. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Fabrication and evaluation of biomimetic-synthetic nanofibrous composites for soft tissue regeneration

Cell and Tissue Research — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:54:30 +0100

Abstract Electrospun scaffolds hold promise for the regeneration of dense connective tissues, given their nanoscale topographies, provision of directional cues for infiltrating cells and versatile composition. Synthetic slow-degrading scaffolds provide long-term mechanical support and nanoscale instructional cues; however, these scaffolds suffer from a poor infiltration rate. Alternatively, nanofibrous constructs formed from natural biomimetic materials (such as collagen) rapidly infiltrate but provide little mechanical support. To take advantage of the positive features of these constructs, we have developed a composite scaffold consisting in both a biomimetic fiber fraction (i.e., Type I collagen nanofibers) together with a traditional synthetic (i.e., poly-[ε-caprolacto...

Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in Children and Adolescents

Current Psychiatry Reports — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:14:43 +0100

Abstract In this review, we discuss the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) in children and adolescents, highlighting inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment. AN is an illness that involves medical and psychological issues; hence, treatment often requires the seamless integration of several medical professionals. It is important that the treatment model be unified and consistent as patients transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment. We briefly describe the therapeutic principles involved in treatment of AN and then give examples of how we employ these principles across treatment settings and with multiple medical professionals. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DISORDERS (TD BENTON, SECTION EDITOR)Pages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s11920-012-02...

Assessing global cardiovascular molecular calcification with 18F-fluoride PET/CT: will this become a clinical reality and a challenge to CT calcification scoring?

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:09:41 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory EditorialPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00259-011-2048-xAuthors Sandip Basu, Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Tata Memorial Hospital Annexe, Jerbai Wadia Road, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 IndiaPoul F. Høilund-Carlsen, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, DenmarkAbass Alavi, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Journal European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular ImagingOnline ISSN 1619-7089Print ISSN 1619-7070 (Source: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging)

Implementing an E-Prescribing System in Outpatient Mental Health Programs

Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:09:18 +0100

This study describes the implementation and evaluation of an electronic prescription ordering system and feedback report in three community-based mental health outpatient agencies and the usefulness of the system in improving psychiatrists’ prescribing behavior. Using the e-prescribing system as a data collection tool, feedback on evidence based prescribing practices for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder or major affective disorder was provided to agency directors and prescribers via a monthly report. The results of the project were that e-prescribing tools can be installed at a reasonable cost with a short start up period. Although the feedback intervention did not show a significant reduction in questionable prescribing patterns, we should continue to invest...

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Retinitis Pigmentosa In Dogs Cured By Gene Therapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Members of a University of Pennsylvania research team have shown that they can prevent, or even reverse, a blinding retinal disease, X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa, or XLRP, in dogs. The disease in humans and dogs is caused by defects in the RPGR gene and results in early, severe and progressive vision loss. It is one of the most common inherited forms of retinal degeneration in man... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Small Changes In The Genome Account For Gender Differences In Liver Cancer Risk

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Men are four times more likely to develop liver cancer compared to women, a difference attributed to the sex hormones androgen and estrogen. Although this gender difference has been known for a long time, the molecular mechanisms by which estrogens prevent - and androgens promote - liver cancer remain unclear. Now, new research, published in Cell from the lab of Klaus Kaestner, PhD, professor of Genetics in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has found that the difference depends on which proteins the sex hormones bind next to... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mousel Model Reveals Metastasis Of Pancreatic Cancer In Action

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Ben Stanger, MD, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Andrew Rhim, MD, a Gastroenterology Fellow in the Stanger lab, discovered that pancreatic cancer cells in an animal model begin to spread before clinically obvious tumor tissue is detected. What's more, they showed that inflammation enhances cancer progression in part by facilitating a cellular transformation that leads to entry of cancer cells into the circulation. They report their findings in Cell... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Penn researchers help solve questions about Ethiopians' high-altitude adaptations

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania) Over many generations, people living in the high-altitude regions of the Andes or on the Tibetan Plateau have adapted to life in low-oxygen conditions, but exactly how their genes convey a survival advantage remains an open question. Now, a University of Pennsylvania team has made new inroads to answering this question with the first genome-wide study of high-altitude adaptations within the third major population to possess them: the Amhara people of the Ethiopian Highlands. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

The RN And The EHR – Better Together

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:06:16 +0100

Source: Medical News Today Content: “With the prodding of new federal legislation, electronic health records (EHRs) are rapidly becoming part of the daily practice of hospital nurses – the frontline providers of care. In the first large study of its kind, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing determined that nurses working with [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

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New Clinical Trial Confirms the Activity of Tesetaxel in Patients With Advanced Gastric Cancer

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:05:00 +0100

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., Jan. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genta Incorporated (OTCBB:GNTA.OB) today announced results from the Company's Phase 2b, confirmatory clinical trial of tesetaxel in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The trial is lead by investigators from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, in collaboration with Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, and the Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The data are being presented this week at the GI Cancer Symposium in San Francisco, CA, sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

The RN And The EHR - Better Together

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

With the prodding of new federal legislation, electronic health records (EHRs) are rapidly becoming part of the daily practice of hospital nurses - the frontline providers of care. In the first large study of its kind, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing determined that nurses working with EHRs consistently reported more improvements to nursing care and better health outcomes for patients than nurses working in hospitals without this technology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Meta-analysis of Histopathological Features of Primary Colorectal Cancers that Predict Lymph Node Metastases

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:48:04 +0100

Conclusions No single histopathological feature of colorectal cancer reliably predicted lymph node metastases. Several risk factors that correlate highly with nodal disease are not routine components of standard pathology reports. Until further research establishes histopathological or molecular patterns for predicting lymph node spread, caution should be exercised when basing treatment decisions solely on these factors. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s11605-012-1827-4Authors Sean C. Glasgow, Department of Surgery, San Antonio Military Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234-6200, USAJoshua I. S. Bleier, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USALawrenc...

Gender differences in liver cancer risk explained by small changes in genome

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) Men are four times more likely to develop liver cancer compared to women, a difference attributed to the sex hormones androgen and estrogen. Although this gender difference has been known for a long time, the molecular mechanisms by which estrogens prevent -- and androgens promote -- liver cancer remain unclear. Now, new research, has found that the difference depends on which proteins the sex hormones bind next to. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Metastasis of pancreatic cancer in action

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) Penn researchers have discovered that pancreatic cancer cells in an animal model begin to spread before clinically obvious tumor tissue is detected. What's more, they showed that inflammation enhances cancer progression in part by facilitating a cellular transformation that leads to entry of cancer cells into the circulation. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Carnegie's BioEYES honored twofold

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Carnegie Institution) Carnegie's educational outreach program, BioEYES, will be the recipient of the 2012 Viktor Hamburger Outstanding Educator Prize from the Society for Developmental Biology. BioEYES founders Steve Farber and Jamie Shuda (University of Pennsylvania), will accept the award at the upcoming annual meeting of the society in Montreal in July. BioEYES, with program manager Valerie Butler, is also currently featured in a video on the front page of the Baltimore City Schools' website. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Distinct DNA binding and transcriptional repression characteristics related to different ARX mutations

Neurogenetics — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:59:18 +0100

Abstract Mutations in the Aristaless-related homeobox gene (ARX) are associated with a wide variety of neurologic disorders including lissencephaly, hydrocephaly, West syndrome, Partington syndrome, and X-linked intellectual disability with or without epilepsy. A genotype–phenotype correlation exists for ARX mutations; however, the molecular basis for this association has not been investigated. To begin understanding the molecular basis for ARX mutations, we tested the DNA binding sequence preference and transcriptional repression activity for Arx, deletion mutants and mutants associated with various neurologic disorders. We found DNA binding preferences of Arx are influenced by the amino acid sequences adjacent to the homeodomain. Mutations in the homeodomain show a loss ...

Internationalization of pediatric sleep apnea research

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:16:09 +0100

Conclusions: The newly created data-base with the researchers’ names, addresses and publications could be used by scientists from smaller countries for further improvement of their international collaboration. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

The B-cell superantigen Finegoldia magna protein L causes pulmonary inflammation by a mechanism dependent on MyD88 but not B cells or immunoglobulins

Inflammation Research — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:18:01 +0100

Conclusions These results strongly suggest that PL-induced lung inflammation is dependent on an innate MyD88-dependent pathway rather than the Ig-binding properties of this microbial B cell superantigen. We propose that this pulmonary inflammatory reaction is caused by the interaction of PL with a Toll-like receptor expressed on alveolar macrophages. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original Research PaperPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00011-012-0436-8Authors Amy L. Anderson, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USAYi Zheng, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USADecheng Song, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division,...

Better together - The RN and the EHR

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing) With the prodding of new federal legislation, electronic health records (EHRs) are rapidly becoming part of the daily practice of hospital nurses - the frontline providers of care. In the first large study of its kind, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing determined that nurses working with EHRs consistently reported more improvements to nursing care and better health outcomes for patients than nurses working in hospitals without this technology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Adjunctive cognitive behavioural therapy improves response in children with OCD and partial response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Evidence-Based Mental Health — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

QuestionQuestion What are the effects of adding cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), brief CBT or instructions in CBT in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a partial response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI)? Patients 124 paediatric outpatients between the ages of 7 and 17 with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of OCD, and residual symptoms (Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) score of ≥16), and were defined as having a partial response to an adequate SRI trial by a study psychiatrist. Setting Three US academic medical centres (University of Pennsylvania, Duke University and Brown University); from 2004 to 2009. Intervention Adjunctive CBT or instructions in CBT or no adjunctive treatment over 12 weeks. All participants received medication manage...

Alcoholics Respond to Zoloft

About.com Eating Disorders — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine research finds that Type A alcoholics had a better treatment response to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) called sertraline than did Type B alcoholics. (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)

A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of an HIV Risk-Reduction Intervention for Sub-Saharan African University Students

AIDS and Behavior — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:55:39 +0100

Abstract This pilot study used a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of an HIV risk-reduction intervention for university students in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Randomly selected second-year students were randomized to one of two interventions based on social cognitive theory and qualitative research: HIV risk-reduction, targeting sexual-risk behaviors; health-promotion control, targeting health behaviors unrelated to sexual risks. Participants completed behavioral assessments via audio computer-assisted self-interviewing pre-intervention, 6, and 12 months post intervention, with 97.2% retained at 12-month follow-up. Averaged over the 2 follow-ups, HIV risk-reduction intervention participants reported less unprotected vaginal intercourse and more...

Pelvic floor muscle training for urgency urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review

International Urogynecology Journal — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:50:23 +0100

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of existing physiotherapy modalities for the treatment of urge urinary incontinence (UUI). A systematic review was performed for primary studies of physiotherapy techniques for UUI published in English between 1996 and August 2010 in major electronic databases. Only randomized clinical trials that reported outcomes separately for women with UUI were included. Outcomes assessed were reduction in UUI, urinary frequency, and nocturia. Data from 13 full-text trials including the modalities of pelvic floor muscles exercises with or without biofeedback, vaginal electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and vaginal cones were analyzed. The methodologic quality of these trials was fair. Significant improvement in UUI was report...

Hypertension in the US Black Population: Risk Factors, Complications, and Potential Impact of Central Aortic Pressure on Effective Treatment

Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:48:36 +0100

Conclusions There is an urgent need to successfully control hypertension in the black population. Although data are limited in blacks, evidence suggests that central blood pressure warrants more continued assessment in future clinical studies. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s10557-011-6367-8Authors Keith C. Ferdinand, Division of Cardiology, Tulane University School of Medicine and Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc., 1430 Tulane Ave, SL-48, New Orleans, LA 70112, USARaymond R. Townsend, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Journal Cardiovascular Drugs and TherapyOnline ISSN 1573-7241Print ISSN 0920-3206 (Source: Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy)

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Penn's Cancer Institute Is Suing A Former Top Aide and His Firm in the Theft of Intellectual Property

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:05:49 +0100

Jan. 13--The University of Pennsylvania's cancer research institute is suing its former scientific director and a biotechnology company he founded for more than $1 billion, accusing him of stealing intellectual property and trying to profit... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

Volar perilunate dislocations: possible association with prior wrist injuries

Hand — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:42:27 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportsPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s11552-011-9387-8Authors Min Jung Park, Hand Surgery Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 2 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USADavid R. Steinberg, Hand Surgery Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 2 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Journal HandOnline ISSN 1558-9455Print ISSN 1558-9447 (Source: Hand)

Treatment For Diabetes And Depression Improves Both

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Patients simultaneously treated for both Type 2 diabetes and depression improve medication compliance and significantly improve blood sugar and depression levels compared to patients receiving usual care, according to a new study by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Impaired olfaction and other prodromal features in the Parkinson At‐Risk Syndrome study

Movement Disorders — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractTo test the association between impaired olfaction and other prodromal features of PD in the Parkinson At‐Risk Syndrome Study. The onset of olfactory dysfunction in PD typically precedes motor features, suggesting that olfactory testing could be used as a screening test. A combined strategy that uses other prodromal nonmotor features, along with olfactory testing, may be more efficient than hyposmia alone for detecting the risk of PD. Individuals with no neurological diagnosis completed a mail survey, including the 40‐item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, and questions on prodromal features of PD. The frequency of reported nonmotor features was compared across individuals with and without hyposmia. A total of 4,999 subjects completed and returned the survey...

Electronic health records improve nursing

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:10:26 +0100

Source: UPI.com Content: “U.S. nurses working with electronic health records consistently reported improvements tin nursing care and better health outcomes, researchers say. Lead author Ann Kutney-Lee and co-author Deena Kelly, both of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, said the study involved more than 16,000 nurses working at 316 hospitals in four states.” Article UPI.com, 10 January [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

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Scope of symptoms and self-management strategies for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients

Supportive Care in Cancer — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:41:56 +0100

Conclusions CIPN affects breast cancer patients’ routine activities, functions, and behaviors, but they develop management strategies to reduce the impact. The management strategies reported in this study suggest breast cancer patients may adopt interventions that focus on exercise, mindfulness, occupational therapy, and environmental planning toward the goal of reducing the impact of CIPN symptoms on their lives. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00520-011-1365-8Authors Rebecca M. Speck, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USAAngela DeMichele, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USAJohn T. Farrar, Department of ...

Penn researchers find treatment for diabetes and depression improves both

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) Patients simultaneously treated for both Type 2 diabetes and depression improve medication compliance and significantly improve blood sugar and depression levels compared to patients receiving usual care, according to a new study by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Oocyte cryopreservation in a patient with sickle cell disease prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: first report

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:59:39 +0100

Conclusions Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and oocyte banking for fertility preservation is feasible in young women with sickle cell disease requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplant and deserves further investigation. Given the elevated risk of thrombosis and predisposition to painful vaso-occlusive events, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in patients with sickle cell disease is not straightforward and requires a multi-disciplinary team approach to adequately address and minimize the risks in this unique patient population. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Fertility PreservationPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s10815-011-9698-2Authors Serena Dovey, Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center/Magee-Women...

What is the Duct of Luschka?—A Systematic Review

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:01:52 +0100

Conclusions The term “ducts of Luschka” should be abandoned and should be replaced by the correct term of “subvesical bile duct”. The variability in anatomic location of subvesical bile ducts puts them at risk during hepato-biliary operations. A better understanding of ductal anatomy is elemental in preventing and managing operative injury to the subvesical ducts. This review debunks common myths about the so-called “duct of Luschka” and offers a systematic overview of the anatomy of the subvesical bile duct. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s11605-011-1802-5Authors Thomas Schnelldorfer, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 4 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, ...

Cost-Effectiveness of Long-Term Outpatient Buprenorphine-Naloxone Treatment for Opioid Dependence in Primary Care

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:56:40 +0100

CONCLUSIONS Office-based bup/nx for clinically stable patients may be a cost-effective alternative to no treatment at a threshold of $100,000/QALY depending on assumptions about quality-of-life weights. Additional research about quality-of-life benefits and broader health system and societal cost savings of bup/nx therapy is needed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1962-8Authors Bruce R. Schackman, Department of Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, 402 East 67th Street, New York, NY 10065, USAJared A. Leff, Department of Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, 402 East 67th Street, New York, NY 10065, USADaniel Polsky, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Phi...

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The KL-VS sequence variant of Klotho and cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:49:44 +0100

Abstract Klotho (KL) is a putative tumor suppressor gene in breast and pancreatic cancers located at chromosome 13q12. A functional sequence variant of Klotho (KL-VS) was previously reported to modify breast cancer risk in Jewish BRCA1 mutation carriers. The effect of this variant on breast and ovarian cancer risks in non-Jewish BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers has not been reported. The KL-VS variant was genotyped in women of European ancestry carrying a BRCA mutation: 5,741 BRCA1 mutation carriers (2,997 with breast cancer, 705 with ovarian cancer, and 2,039 cancer free women) and 3,339 BRCA2 mutation carriers (1,846 with breast cancer, 207 with ovarian cancer, and 1,286 cancer free women) from 16 centers. Genotyping was accomplished using TaqMan® allelic discrimination or m...

Effectiveness of FESS in Smell Improvement of Sinusitis Patients

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:47:31 +0100

Abstract The aim of this research was to verify the effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on olfactory dysfunction in patients who suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis. We enrolled prospective consecutive patients at a tertiary institution who were undergoing FESS; for these patients prolonged medical therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis had failed. Patients were asked to grade their olfactory dysfunction from 1 to 5 with 1 representing lack of any smell function and 5 representing a completely normal sense of smell. Moreover, the pre- and postoperative smell identification test of the University of Pennsylvania was performed for all participating patients. In addition, data including computed tomography scores, nasal endoscopy, and the presence or absence of as...

Microglial activation and TDP-43 pathology correlate with executive dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Acta Neuropathologica — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:37:13 +0100

Abstract While cognitive deficits are increasingly recognized as common symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the underlying histopathologic basis for this is not known, nor has the relevance of neuroinflammatory mechanisms and microglial activation to cognitive impairment (CI) in ALS been systematically analyzed. Staining for neurodegenerative disease pathology, TDP-43, and microglial activation markers (CD68, Iba1) was performed in 102 autopsy cases of ALS, and neuropathology data were related to clinical and neuropsychological measures. ALS with dementia (ALS-D) and ALS with impaired executive function (ALS-Ex) patients showed significant microglial activation in middle frontal and superior or middle temporal (SMT) gyrus regions, as well as significant neuron...

Ovarian stimulation and embryo banking for fertility preservation in a woman with severe mixed connective tissue disease: is it safe?

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:43:47 +0100

Conclusion(s) Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for embryo banking in women with MCTD, PH and APS may pose a risk for potentially catastrophic complications. A multidisciplinary approach to these patients is necessary to optimize the outcomes of such procedures. More data are needed regarding the safety of fertility preservation technologies in patients with complex medical diseases. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Fertility PreservationPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s10815-011-9697-3Authors Vasileios D. Sioulas, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USAClarisa R. Gracia, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Medical Cent...

Swallowing dysfunction in cancer patients

Supportive Care in Cancer — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:42:55 +0100

Conclusions Swallowing impairment is a clinically relevant acute and long-term complication in patients with a wide variety of cancers. More prospective studies on the course of dysphagia and impact on quality of life from baseline to long-term follow-up after various treatment modalities, including targeted therapies, are needed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00520-011-1342-2Authors Dysphagia Section, Oral Care Study Group, Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)/International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO)Judith E. Raber-Durlacher, Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the NetherlandsMike T. Brennan, Department of Oral Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC...

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Nikhil N. Verma, M.D., Associate Editor

Arthroscopy — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:44:11 +0100

On January 1, 2012, Nikhil N. Verma, M.D., joined us to fill the position of Associate Editor, replacing the retiring Tassos Georgoulis. Dr. Verma graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan with a bachelor of science in cellular and molecular biology and went on from Ann Arbor to Philadelphia where he earned his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. This was followed by his residency in Chicago at Rush and his fellowship in the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service program at The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. He is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and has a specialty certificate in orthopaedic sports medicine. (Source: Arthroscopy)

Methylphenidate modulates sustained attention and cortical activation in survivors of traumatic brain injury: a perfusion fMRI study

Psychopharmacology — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:53:41 +0100

Conclusion Suppression of activity in this area during task performance may reflect a compensatory mechanism by which MPH ameliorates attention impairments in TBI. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original InvestigationPages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00213-011-2622-8Authors Junghoon Kim, Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, 50 Township Line Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027, USAJohn Whyte, Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, 50 Township Line Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027, USASunil Patel, Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, 50 Township Line Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027, USAEduardo Europa, Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, 50 T...

Exploring Men's Ability To Manage Fear In Ways That Allow Them To Exhibit Confidence

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

An Indiana University of Pennsylvania sociologist's study of mixed martial arts competitors found that these men have unique ways of managing fear that actually allow them to exhibit confidence. This ability, which Dr. Christian A. Vaccaro and colleagues call "managing emotional manhood," is both an interactional strategy for managing emotion and a means for conveying a social identity to others. The study finds that successful management of fear by men in contact sports such as mixed martial arts may "create an emotional orientation that primes men to subordinate and harm others... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Spiral Assisted ERCP Is Equivalent to Single Balloon Assisted ERCP in Patients with Roux-en-Y Anatomy

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:42:21 +0100

Conclusion Diagnostic and therapeutic yields are similar with SBE-ERCP and SE-ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy with no significant difference in procedure time or complication rates. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s10620-011-2000-8Authors Anne Marie Lennon, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USASumit Kapoor, Sinai Hospital Program in Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USAMouen Khashab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USAErin Corless, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Sch...

Outcomes of a weight loss intervention among rural breast cancer survivors

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:42:11 +0100

In conclusion, the intervention produced >10% weight loss as well as significant improvements across multiple endpoints. The group phone-based treatment delivery approach may help disseminate effective weight control intervention to hard-to-reach breast cancer survivors. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical trialPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s10549-011-1922-3Authors Christie A. Befort, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 1008, Kansas City, KS 66160, USAJennifer R. Klemp, Medical Oncology, Breast Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USAHeather L. Austin, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, 39...

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Chemotherapy response and recurrence-free survival in neoadjuvant breast cancer depends on biomarker profiles: results from the I-SPY 1 TRIAL (CALGB 150007/150012; ACRIN 6657)

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:42:11 +0100

Abstract Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer allows individual tumor response to be assessed depending on molecular subtype, and to judge the impact of response to therapy on recurrence-free survival (RFS). The multicenter I-SPY 1 TRIAL evaluated patients with ≥3 cm tumors by using early imaging and molecular signatures, with outcomes of pathologic complete response (pCR) and RFS. The current analysis was performed using data from patients who had molecular profiles and did not receive trastuzumab. The various molecular classifiers tested were highly correlated. Categorization of breast cancer by molecular signatures enhanced the ability of pCR to predict improvement in RFS compared to the population as a whole. In multivariate analysis, the molecular signatu...

Does brain size predict Alzheimer's?

NHS News Feed — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:30:00 +0100

Conclusion The main limitations of this study are the relatively small numbers of participants and its short follow-up period. Also, only 21% - or three out of 14 - of those classified as high risk by the MRI biomarker being tested went on to develop symptoms of cognitive decline. Although this is a higher proportion than those in the average or low risk groups, it seems to indicate that this particular biomarker is not a sensitive measure of the development of cognitive problems, although as the researchers point out, this may be related to the short follow-up period. It should also be noted that symptoms of cognitive decline are not the same as, and do not necessarily predict, Alzheimer’s disease. Many people experience some decline in mental function as they get older but this does ...

New Mendeley Workshop Offered

What's New on JEFFLINE — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:52:25 +0100

AISR Education Services is pleased to announce the addition of a new workshop to their January schedule: Introduction to Mendeley. Mendeley is a free reference manager and academic social network that can help you organize your research, collaborate with others online, and discover the latest research. Once limited to the Mac operating system, it now works in Mac, Windows and Linux environments, including mobile. Mendeley is a free and elegant alternative to RefWorks. Introduction to Mendeley Date: 1/18/2012 Time: noon – 1:30 p.m. Location: Scott Computer Lab, Room 307 (Register for this workshop) Workshop Content Join us in the Scott Memorial computer lab as Shane A. Heiney, PhD, demonstrates how he uses Mendeley. He will cover: Creating an account and installi...

Early Alzheimer's Disease - Brain's Cortex Size May Predict Risk

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0100

People with no Alzheimer's disease signs whose brain cortex regions are smaller than normal probably have a higher risk of developing early symptoms of the disease, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts General Hospital reported in the peer-reviewed journal Neurology this week... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Predictors of early mortality in systemic sclerosis: a case–control study comparing early versus late mortality in systemic sclerosis

Rheumatology International — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:47:24 +0100

Abstract To compare the characteristics of patients with systemic sclerosis who died within 2 years of diagnosis to those who died after 2 years of diagnosis. A retrospective chart review of all medical records of deceased systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients who had been followed at our institution from 1985 to 2007 was performed. We identified 87 deceased SSc patients within this period. From the 87 deceased individuals, 20 had died within 2 years after they were diagnosed, and 67 had died after 2 years of their diagnosis. Patients who died within 2 years of diagnosis were more likely to be anticentromere antibody negative when compared to the patients who died after 2 years (17/20 vs. 48/67, P = 0.03). The time from the first appearan...

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Resident Handoffs: Appreciating Them as a Critical Competency

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:44:32 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory EditorialsPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1942-zAuthors Jennifer S. Myers, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Patient Safety Officer, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Director of Quality and Safety Education, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USALisa M. Bellini, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Professor of Medicine, Vice Chair for Education and Inpatient Services, Philadelphia, USA Journal Journal of General Internal MedicineOnline ISSN 1525-1497Print ISSN 0884-8734 (Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine)

Penn engineers develop more effective MRI contrast agent for cancer detection

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania) Many imaging technologies and their contrast agents -- chemicals used during scans to help detect tumors and other problems -- involve exposure to radiation or heavy metals, which present potential health risks to patients and limit the ways they can be applied. In an effort to mitigate these drawbacks, new research from University of Pennsylvania engineers shows a way to coat an iron-based contrast agent so that it only interacts with the acidic environment of tumors, making it safer, cheaper and more effective than existing alternatives. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Penn scientists pioneer new method for watching proteins fold

EurekAlert! - Biology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania) A protein's function depends on both the chains of molecules it is made of and the way those chains are folded. And while figuring out the former is relatively easy, the latter represents a huge challenge with serious implications because many diseases are the result of misfolded proteins. Now, a team of chemists at the University of Pennsylvania has devised a way to watch proteins fold in "real-time," which could lead to a better understanding of protein folding and misfolding in general. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

The more things change the more they stay the same: a case report of neurology residency experiences

Journal of Neurology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:43:13 +0100

This study compared the neurology residency training experience for a single neurology resident at the University of Pennsylvania from the years 2002–2005. The prevalence of encounters seen during this residency was compared to the prevalence of neurological disorders typically observed by ambulatory neurologists in the United States (US). A total of 1,333 patients were evaluated during this residency. Ischemic stroke/transient ischemic accident, epilepsy, metabolic encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis were the most common neurological disorders observed. The four most common reasons for an outpatient visit to a neurologist (i.e., headache/migraine, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral neuropathy) typically account for approximately 49–55% of...

Tissue Structure Delays Cancer Development

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Cancer growth normally follows a lengthy period of development. Over the course of time, genetic mutations often accumulate in cells, leading first to pre-cancerous conditions and ultimately to tumour growth. Using a mathematical model, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in GÃ¶ttingen, University of Pennsylvania and University of California San Francisco, have now shown that spatial tissue structure, such as that found in the colon, slows down the accumulation of genetic mutations, thereby delaying the onset of cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Fewer clean needles, more communicable disease

Health Facts and Fears — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Protecting IV drug users from dangerous diseases by allowing them access to clean needles is a cost effective and sound public health policy that we should not abandon, writes ACSH friend Dr. Art Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, in a piece for MSNBC. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

University of Pennsylvania medical school gets big anonymous gift

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:48:15 +0100

The Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania said Monday it received an anonymous $16.3 million gift it will use for an initiative focused on the “neuroscience of behavior.” The initiative will be led by Dr. Brian Strom, director of Penn’s Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics and vice dean for institutional affairs. The funds will be used to strengthen Penn programs in basic, translational, clinical and population research into the areas of addiction, depressive disorders and neurodegenerative disease... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

Study Shows How B Cells May Generate Antibodies After Vaccination

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Steve Reiner, MD, professor of Medicine, and Burton Barnett, a doctoral student in the Reiner lab at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, have shown how immune cells, called B lymphocytes, are able to produce daughter cells that are not equal, a finding that might explain how lifelong antibodies are made after vaccination. How do immune cells make daughter cells that are different form one another, rather than splitting into identical daughter cells? The team's paper, published online in Science, shows how one cell type can reliably produce cell diversity... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

High Clinical Response Rate of Sezary Syndrome to Immunomodulatory Therapies: Prognostic Markers of Response [Study]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions In this large cohort study of patients with SS, a high clinical response rate was achieved using multiple immunomodulatory therapies. A lower CD4/CD8 ratio, a higher percentage of monocytes, and lower numbers of circulating abnormal T cells at baseline were the strongest predictive factors for complete response compared with nonresponse and warrant further examination in a larger cohort. (Source: Archives of Dermatology)

Tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of a sunitinib powder formulation in pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors: a Children’s Oncology Group study

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:43:43 +0100

Conclusions The pharmacokinetic profile of sunitinib appears similar between a powder formulation and published data using capsules. The powder formulation allows patients unable to swallow capsules to receive sunitinib. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00280-011-1798-2Authors Steven G. DuBois, Department of Pediatrics, UCSF School of Medicine, 505 Parnassus Avenue, M646, San Francisco, CA 94143-0106, USASuzanne Shusterman, Department of Pediatrics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USAJoel M. Reid, Department of Pharmacology, Mayo College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USAAshish M. Ingle, Children’s Oncology Group Operations Center, Arcadia, CA, USACharlotte H. Ahe...

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MRI Contrast Agent Prototype Targets Cancers

Diagnostic Imaging — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:30:01 +0100

University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed an experimental MRI contrast agent capable of targeting tumors, according to a report in the journal ACS Nano. Its coating, instead of targeting particular cancer receptors — which can be hit-or-miss and depend on the cancer — is attracted to the acidic environments in which tumors generally thrive. (Source: Diagnostic Imaging)

Overactive Bladder Prevalence after Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:54:33 +0100

Abstract In this review, we set out to address the clinically complex question of how patients with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) fare with respect to symptomatic improvement after surgical treatment of POP. Our objectives are to use the current literature to define appropriate patient expectations for improvement and cure and to look for factors predicting divergent outcomes, with the goal of offering realistic preoperative patient counseling. Secondary aims include highlighting areas of needed research, defining outcome measures, and examining theories regarding the relationship between OAB and POP. Relevant original papers and review articles were identified by conducting a literature search using PubMed and Medline. The cause of OAB ...

Re: Asymmetric Spermatic Cord Vessel Enhancement and Enlargement on Contrast-Enhanced MDCT as Indicators of Ipsilateral Scrotal Pathology

The Journal of Urology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

P. Lakhani, N. Papanicolaou, P. Ramchandani and D. A. Torigian Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Source: The Journal of Urology)

New Approach To Stem Cell Transplants Redirects Lymphocytes From Harming Vital Organs, Without Dangers Of Immunosuppression

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

An HIV drug that redirects immune cell traffic appears to significantly reduce the dangerous complication graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in blood cancer patients following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania that was presented at the 53rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. Standard GvHD treatments suppress the immune system, reducing - but not eliminating - the risk of developing the common problem... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Influence of left ventricular hypertrophy on scar identification during bipolar voltage mapping

Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:41:58 +0100

Conclusions Patients with and without LVH with normal systolic function show similar LV endocardial bipolar signal characteristics. Modifying the bipolar amplitude cutoff at the infarct border zone did not increase overall scar size in patients with versus those without LVH. A 1.5 mV-bipolar voltage cutoff used for scar definition seems appropriate even in patients with marked LVH. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s10840-011-9642-5Authors Robert E. Park, Electrophysiology Section, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USALaszlo Saghy, Electrophysiology Section, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the Un...

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Blocking the Benefit of Group-Based HIV-Prevention Efforts during Adolescence: The Problem of HIV-Related Stigma

AIDS and Behavior — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:40:21 +0100

This study examined the longitudinal relationships between HIV-stigma and HIV-knowledge following completion of a validated group-based intervention. Data were provided by 1,654 African-American adolescents who participated in a large multi-city prevention trial (Project iMPACCS). Participants were randomly assigned to an empirically-validated skill-based intervention or a general health promotion control group. Both stigma and knowledge were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results suggested that adolescents participating in the intervention showed improvements in knowledge and decreases in stigma when compared to controls. Improvements in stigma appeared to be partly driven by improvements in knowledge. Higher baseline stigma was shown to reduce gains in knowledge in bot...

Neurobiology and Neuropathophysiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

NeuroMolecular Medicine — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:30:43 +0100

Abstract Significant advancements have been made over the past three decades to better understand the disease entity of obstructive sleep apnea and the mechanisms by which this prevalent disorder imparts injury. Once considered a disorder of reversible sleepiness and insignificant arterial oxygen desaturations because of their intermittency, obstructive sleep apnea is now considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and an important contributor to neurocognitive impairment and neural injury as well as metabolic dysfunction. The rapidly fluctuating oxygen patterns are now believed to be central to oxidative injury in the brain and peripheral organs. Recent studies in both humans with sleep apnea and animal models of the disorder have incr...

Test For Alzheimer's Disease Predicts Cognitive Decline In Parkinson's Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

A method of classifying brain atrophy patterns in Alzheimer's disease patients using MRIs can also detect cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease, according to a new study by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers also found that higher baseline Alzheimer's patterns of atrophy predicted long-term cognitive decline in cognitively normal Parkinson's patients. The study is published online in Brain... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Structural Pattern Uncovers Brain Atrophy In Parkinson's

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Atrophy in the hippocampus, the region of the brain known for memory formation and storage, is evident in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with cognitive impairment, including early decline known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a study by researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The study is published in the December issue of the Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Immune System Repaired In Leukemia Patients Following Chemotherapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

A new treatment using leukemia patients' own infection-fighting cells appears to protect them from infections and cancer recurrence following treatment with fludarabine-based chemotherapy, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Study Points To Novel Way To Improve Outcomes From Umbilical Cord Blood Transplants

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

A new method to boost the number of immune cells in umbilical cord blood prior to cord blood transplants for cancer patients appears to lead to a quicker rebuilding of a new immune system in the patient's body than with a conventional cord blood transplant procedure, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania that will be presented today at the 53rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A Follow-Up Report Card on Computer-Assisted Diagnosis—the Grade: C+

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:57:17 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory EditorialsPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1944-xAuthors Craig A. Umscheid, Center for Evidence-based Practice, University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3535 Market Street, Mezzanine, Suite 50, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USAC. William Hanson, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Journal Journal of General Internal MedicineOnline ISSN 1525-1497Print ISSN 0884-8734 (Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine)

Study explores men's ability to manage fear in ways that allow them to exhibit confidence

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(American Sociological Association) An Indiana University of Pennsylvania sociologist's study of mixed martial arts competitors found that these men have unique ways of managing fear that actually allow them to exhibit confidence. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

HIV drug reduces graft-versus-host disease in stem cell transplant patients, Penn study shows

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) An HIV drug that redirects immune cell traffic appears to significantly reduce the dangerous complication graft-versus-host disease in blood cancer patients following allogeneic stem cell transplantation, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania that will be presented today at the 53rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Reprogramming brain cells important first step for new Parkinson's therapy

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) In efforts to find new treatments for Parkinson's Disease (PD), researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have directly reprogrammed astrocytes, the most plentiful cell type in the central nervous system, into dopamine-producing neurons. PD is marked by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Test for Alzheimer's disease predicts cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) A method of classifying brain atrophy patterns in Alzheimer's disease patients using MRIs can also detect cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease, according to a new study by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers also found that higher baseline Alzheimer's patterns of atrophy predicted long-term cognitive decline in cognitively normal Parkinson's patients. The study is published online in Brain. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Neurodegeneration Across Stages of Cognitive Decline in Parkinson Disease [Original Contribution]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Hippocampal atrophy is a biomarker of initial cognitive decline in PD, including impaired memory encoding and storage, suggesting heterogeneity in the neural substrate of memory impairment. Use of a pattern classification approach may allow identification of diffuse regions of cortical gray and white matter atrophy early in the course of cognitive decline. (Source: Archives of Neurology)

Effects of the val(158)met catechol-o-methyltransferase gene polymorphism on olfactory processing in schizophrenia.

Behavioral Neuroscience — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism has received attention in schizophrenia due to its role in prefrontal dopamine catabolism. Given the rich dopaminergic innervations of the olfactory bulb and the influence of dopamine on the transmission of olfactory signals, the authors examined the influence of COMT genotype status on the olfactory processing impairment observed in schizophrenia. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test was administered unirhinally to individuals with schizophrenia (n = 42) and a demographically matched sample of healthy controls (n = 30). Individuals were genotyped for the COMT val158met polymorphism. A statistically significant interaction of diagnosis and COMT genotype was observed, such that schizophrenia heterozygotes and...

Penn study points to novel way to improve outcomes from umbilical cord blood transplants

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) A new method to boost the number of immune cells in umbilical cord blood prior to cord blood transplants for cancer patients appears to lead to a quicker rebuilding of a new immune system in the patient's body than with a conventional cord blood transplant procedure, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania that will be presented today at the 53rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Penn researchers repair immune system in leukemia patients following chemotherapy

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) A new treatment using leukemia patients' own infection-fighting cells appears to protect them from infections and cancer recurrence following treatment with fludarabine-based chemotherapy, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania that will be presented today at the 53rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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To Keep Nurses, Improve Their Work Environments

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Nurses working in hospitals around the world are reporting they are burned out and dissatisfied with their jobs, reported researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research in a study of 100,000 nurses in nine countries. Between 20 to 60 percent of nurses reported symptoms of burnout according to the study, published in the International Journal for Quality in Health Care, which collected data from nurses in more than 1,400 hospitals to determine the effect of hospital work environments on hospital outcomes... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Hematologic outcomes and blood utilization in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) pre- and post-national coverage determination (NCD): results from a multicenter chart review

Supportive Care in Cancer — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:42:31 +0100

Conclusions Decreased frequency and duration of ESA administration were reported in the post-NCD vs. pre-NCD period. Findings were accompanied by a modest but statistically significant increase in transfusions and a decrease in Hb values. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00520-011-1318-2Authors David H. Henry, Joan Karnell Cancer Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, 230 W. Washington Sq., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USACorey J. Langer, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USAR. Scott McKenzie, Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Horsham, PA, USACatherine Tak Piech, Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Horsham, PA, USAMekré Senbetta, Health Economi...

To Keep Nurses, Improve Their Work Environments

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Attendance at Clinical Visits Predicts Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Obesity Surgery — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:49:27 +0100

Conclusions For optimal weight loss over 24 months after GBP, follow-up is important. Further studies are needed to develop strategies that will optimize follow-up and weight loss, and to evaluate whether a threshold number of clinic visits can be established. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical ResearchPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11695-011-0577-9Authors Charlene W. Compher, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217, USAAlexandra Hanlon, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217, USAYoujeong Kang, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Boulevard, Philadel...

Locally produced insulin-like growth factor-1 by orbital fibroblasts as implicative pathogenic factor rather than systemically circulated IGF-1 for patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:24:57 +0100

Conclusions Local production of IGF-1 by cultured OFs may be positively correlated with CAS, whereas systemically circulating IGF-1 may remain unchanged in TAO patients. Thus, locally produced IGF-1 may develop a role in the pathogenesis of TAO in an autocrine or paracrine fashion. The inhibitory effect of OCT on proliferating and IGF-1 mRNA levels of cultured OFs from TAO patients may be used as the mechanistic explanation for somatostatin analog as a valuable option in the treatment of TAO. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Oculoplastics and OrbitPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00417-011-1876-5Authors Delu Song, The F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USARen...

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Altered patterns of multiple recombinant events are associated with nondisjunction of chromosome 21

Human Genetics — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:10:57 +0100

Abstract We have previously examined characteristics of maternal chromosomes 21 that exhibited a single recombination on 21q and proposed that certain recombination configurations are risk factors for either meiosis I (MI) or meiosis II (MII) nondisjunction. The primary goal of this analysis was to examine characteristics of maternal chromosomes 21 that exhibited multiple recombinant events on 21q to determine whether additional risk factors or mechanisms are suggested. In order to identify the origin (maternal or paternal) and stage (MI or MII) of the meiotic errors, as well as placement of recombination, we genotyped over 1,500 SNPs on 21q. Our analyses included 785 maternal MI errors, 87 of which exhibited two recombinations on 21q, and 283 maternal MII errors, 81 of wh...

To keep nurses, improve their work environments

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing) Nurses working in hospitals around the world are reporting they are burned out and dissatisfied with their jobs, reported researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research in a study of 100,000 nurses in nine countries. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Penn study unlocks origins of blood stem cells

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) A research team led by Nancy Speck, Ph.D., professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has discovered a molecular marker for the immediate precursors of hematopoietic stem cells in the developing embryo, which provides much-needed insights for making these cells from engineered precursors. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

An Amazing September Starts a Fall of Promise

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:57:25 +0100

Dear Friends, As we say goodbye to September and hello to autumn, I wanted to take a moment and thank you. PPMD and the entire Duchenne community are busier than ever. There is so much to do, to push forward, to get done, in our daily lives and in the care of our sons. Every now and then, though, it is important to take a minute to exhale and realize what you’ve done, what’s been accomplished, and what is happening around you. I think it is safe to say that more was happening in September in this community than perhaps at any other time. As the kids headed back to school, we all rolled up our sleeves and we got to work as a community, as a team, as One Voice. In September, alone: We awarded three cardiac-specific exploratory awards for $50,000 each to Ohio State University an...

Middle-class elementary school students ask for help more often than their working-class peers

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(American Sociological Association) Middle-class children ask their teachers for help more often and more assertively than working-class children and, in doing so, receive more support and assistance from teachers according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Penn study: Middle-class elementary students ask for help more than working-class peers

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania) Middle-class children ask their teachers for help more often and more assertively than working-class children and, in doing so, receive more support and assistance from teachers according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Math1/Atoh1 Contributes to Intestinalization of Esophageal Keratinocytes by Inducing the Expression of Muc2 and Keratin-20

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:59:21 +0100

Conclusions We conclude that ectopic Math1/Atoh1 expression makes unique contributions to intestinalization of the esophageal epithelium in Barrett’s esophagus. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-13DOI 10.1007/s10620-011-1998-yAuthors Jianping Kong, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, 650 CRB 415 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USAMary Ann S. Crissey, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, 650 CRB 415 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USAAntonia R. Sepulveda, Department of Pathology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, USAJohn P. Lynch, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Universit...

Penn geneticists help show bitter taste perception is not just about flavors

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania) Long the bane of picky eaters everywhere, broccoli's taste is not just a matter of having a cultured palate; Some people can easily taste a bitter compound in the vegetable that others have difficulty detecting. Now a team of Penn researchers has helped uncover the evolutionary history of one of the genes responsible for this trait. Beyond showing the ancient origins of the gene, the researchers discovered something unexpected: Something other than taste must have driven its evolution. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Cardiac remodeling and function following exercise and angiotensin II receptor antagonism

European Journal of Applied Physiology — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:40:29 +0100

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test the impact of chronic exercise training combined with selective angiotensin II receptor (AT1) antagonism on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the left-ventricular pressure–volume relationship in normotensive, non-infarcted rat hearts. Wistar rats (N = 19) were randomly assigned to either a sedentary control group (N = 8) or an exercise-trained group (N = 11). Losartan was administered to individually caged rats via the drinking water (10 mg/kg/d). Exercise training consisted of running on a motorized driven treadmill for 6 weeks at 30 m/min, 60 min/day, 5 days/week. Tail cuff SBP was measured weekly. Left ventricular performance was assessed in an ex vivo Langendorff isovolumic...

Shear bond strength between an indirect composite layering material and feldspathic porcelain-coated zirconia ceramics

Clinical Oral Investigations — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:33:02 +0100

Conclusion Feldspathic porcelain coating of a Katana zirconia framework enhanced the bond strength of Estenia C&B indirect composite to zirconia independent of surface treatment. The use of a silane coupling agent and opaque material yields durable bond strength between the indirect composite and feldspathic-porcelain-coated zirconia. Clinical relevance The results of the present study suggest that feldspathic porcelain coating of zirconia frameworks is an effective method to obtain clinically acceptable bond strengths of a layering indirect composite material to a zirconia framework. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00784-011-0641-9Authors Ryosuke Fushiki, Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Nihon Univ...

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The food environment and dietary intake: demonstrating a method for GIS-mapping and policy-relevant research

Journal of Public Health — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:50:04 +0100

Conclusion Negative perceptions of the food environment were strongly correlated with less-healthy eating in neighborhoods. Maps showed the geographic areas of greatest concern. Our findings demonstrate a method that might be used prospectively in public health for policy planning (e.g. to identify neighborhoods most in need), or retrospectively for policy assessment (e.g. to identify changes in neighborhoods after policy implementation). Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s10389-011-0470-yAuthors Sean C. Lucan, Department of Family and Social Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Mazer Building, Suite 100, Bronx, NY 10461, USANandita Mitra, Department of Biostatist...

Lack of association between common single nucleotide polymorphisms in the TERT-CLPTM1L locus and breast cancer in women of African ancestry

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:29:06 +0100

Abstract As one of the most common cancers worldwide, breast cancer places an extraordinary burden on the populations of African ancestry. Common SNPs in the TERT-CLPTM1L locus have been reported to be associated with several types of cancer, including breast cancer. We sought to investigate whether the previously reported common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TERT-CLPTM1L locus could also contribute to the breast cancer risk in women of African ancestry. We genotyped eleven SNPs in 2,892 women of African descent but were unable to detect any significant association between TERT-CLPTM1L SNPs and their predispositions for breast cancer risk. Given the differences in linkage disequilibrium patterns across populations, our findings suggest that larger independent...

Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Is There a Need Beyond Statin Therapy?

Current Atherosclerosis Reports — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:28:15 +0100

Abstract Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic lipid disorder that is characterized by severely elevated cholesterol levels and premature cardiovascular disease. Both the heterozygous and homozygous forms of FH require aggressive cholesterol-lowering therapy. Statins alone frequently do not lower these patients’ cholesterol to therapeutic levels, and some patients are intolerant to statins. Combination or monotherapy with other current pharmacotherapies are options, but even with these some FH patients do not meet their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol goals. In the cases of statin intolerance, LDL apheresis may be another treatment option. There are currently several novel therapies in development for LDL lowering that target either production or cata...

RSNA: Strategic plan can drive success

Health Imaging News — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:25:10 +0100

CHICAGO—Although radiologists’ list of responsibilities is more than full, they also are responsible for managing and maintaining relationships with practice stakeholders, said Jason Itri, MD, PhD, of University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, during a session on Dec. 1 at the 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). (Source: Health Imaging News)

Some foundations of contemporary methods for culturing preimplantation embryos; a personal account.

Reproductive Biology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article traces the history of the work on mammalian embryos carried out by the author, his students and related scientists. It traces the work from the initial experiments at the King Ranch Laboratories, University of Pennsylvania in 1966, the set up of an embryo culture laboratory at the Department of Veterinary Physiology, University of Sydney and the work within that laboratory from 1967 to 1974. This is followed by an account of the author's subsequent work at Murdoch University from 1975 till his retirement in 1996. The significant role of some of the author's graduate students in human IVF is also documented. PMID: 22200876 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Reproductive Biology)

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The Cardiorenal Syndrome: Should Change Make Us Uncomfortable?

Journal of Cardiac Failure — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:43:43 +0100

Cardiorenal interaction in heart failure is poorly understood. It is well established that the presence of chronic kidney disease increases mortality in patients with heart failure. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated that worsening renal function (WRF) during the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure leads to inadequate resolution of congestion, recurrent hospitalizations, and increased mortality. Diuretics remain the mainstay of acute heart failure therapy but have been shown to contribute to the development of WRF, especially when administered in high doses. Therefore, the efforts of the heart failure community have focused on finding alternative therapies that allow freedom from congestion without precipitating WRF. Several novel therapies, including nesiritide, vas...

Muscle CARs and TcRs: turbo-charged technologies for the (T cell) masses

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:42:23 +0100

Abstract A central role for T cells in the control of cancer has been supported by both animal models and clinical observations. Accordingly, the development of potent anti-tumor T cell immunity has been a long-standing objective of immunotherapy. Emerging data from clinical trials that test T cell immune-modulatory agents and genetically engineered and re-targeted T cells have begun to realize the profound potential of T cell immunotherapy to target cancer. This review will focus on a description of recent conceptual and technological advances for the genetic engineering of T cells to enhance anti-tumor T cell immunity through the introduction of tumor-specific receptors, both Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR) and T cell receptors (TcR), as well as an overview of emerging ...

The ACGME’s 2011 Changes to Resident Duty Hours: Are They an Unfunded Mandate on Teaching Hospitals?

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:21:28 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory EditorialsPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1936-xAuthors Patrick S. Romano, UC Davis Division of General Medicine and Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, 4150V Street, PSSB Suite 2400, Sacramento, CA 95817, USAKevin Volpp, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Leonard Davis Institute, Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania, 1120 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, USA Journal Journal of General Internal MedicineOnline ISSN 1525-1497Print ISSN 0884-8734 (Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine)

Metabolic Programming, Epigenetics, and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Current Diabetes Reports — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:53:30 +0100

Abstract The link between an adverse intrauterine environment and the development of disease later in life has been observed in offspring of pregnancies complicated by obesity and diabetes, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unknown. In this review, we highlight recent publications exploring the role of gestational diabetes mellitus in the programming of disease in the offspring. We also review recent publications aiming to identify mechanisms responsible for the “programming effect” that results from exposure to diabetes in utero. Finally, we highlight research on the role of epigenetic regulation of gene expression in an animal model of uteroplacental insufficiency where the offspring develop diabetes as a model by which an exposure to the mot...

In vivo estimation of bone stiffness at the distal femur and proximal tibia using ultra-high-field 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and micro-finite element analysis

Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:20:10 +0100

In conclusion, at the distal femur and proximal tibia, trabecular bone contributes 66–74% of whole bone stiffness. 7T MRI and µFEA may be used as a method to provide insight into how structural properties of cortical or trabecular bone affect bone mechanical competence in vivo. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short CommunicationPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00774-011-0333-1Authors Gregory Chang, Quantitative Multinuclear Musculoskeletal Imaging Group, Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, 660 First Avenue, Room 231, New York, NY 10016, USAChamith S. Rajapakse, Laboratory for Structural NMR Imaging, Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USAJames S. Babb, Center f...

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Alendronate in the prevention of collapse of the femoral head in non‐traumatic osteonecrosis (a randomized, multicenter, double‐blind study)

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionAlendronate has no obvious effect on preventing patients from having to undergo THA, reducing disease progression, or improving life quality. © 2011 American College of Rheumatology. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)

Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations for Injuries Among Infants and Children Following Statewide Implementation of a Home Visitation Model

Maternal and Child Health Journal — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:42:36 +0100

Abstract To compare hospital-based utilization for early childhood injuries between program recipients and local-area comparison families following statewide implementation of an evidence-based home visitation program, and to describe site-level program variation. Propensity score matching on baseline characteristics was used to create a retrospective cohort of Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) clients and local area matched comparison women. The main outcome, a count of injury visit episodes, was enumerated from Medicaid claims for injuries examined in an emergency department or hospital setting during the first 2 years of life of children born to included subjects. Generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution examined the association between injury episode cou...

University of Pennsylvania Study Links Vacant-Lot Cleanups, Reduced Gun Crime

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

By clearing trash and planting grass in thousands of vacant lots in Philadelphia, work crews did much more than beautify the landscape. They also struck a big blow against crime, according to first-of-its-kind research from University of Pennsylvania scientists. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors in pediatric focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Pediatric Nephrology — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:44:29 +0100

Conclusions Children treated initially with RIM may have better outcomes than those treated with CT. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00467-011-2056-xAuthors Shreya Kangovi, Robert Wood Johnson VA Clinical Scholars Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, 13th floor Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USAMeredith Edwards, Nephrology Division, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USAStephen Woloszynek, Nephrology Division, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USANandita Mitra, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelp...

Twenty-five year results of the national cancer institute randomized breast conservation trial

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:36:16 +0100

Abstract Breast conservation therapy (BCT) consisting of lumpectomy and postoperative radiation has become an accepted alternative to mastectomy (MRM) for the treatment of early stage breast cancer. We currently report the 25 year outcomes of a single institution, prospective, randomized clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute. 237 women with pathologically confirmed invasive breast tumors 5 cm or less were accrued between 1979 and 1987 and randomized to receive either BCT or MRM. Overall survival was the primary endpoint. Patients with node positive disease were included and treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Both arms received axillary dissection. BCT patients had radiation to the whole breast followed by a boost. At a median follow-up of 25...

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Suicidal Risk and Management in Borderline Personality Disorder

Current Psychiatry Reports — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:34:24 +0100

Abstract This paper reviews recent advances in our understanding of suicidality in borderline personality disorder (BPD), with a focus on suicide risk assessment, guidelines for treatment, and medicolegal concerns. Relevant material on distinctions between suicide completers and suicide attempters, contributions of published American Psychiatric Association Guidelines, the controversial role of hospitalization, and management strategies regarding litigation is addressed. Despite accumulating data on suicidality in BPD, the current state of knowledge offers only partial clues to help identify the BPD patients most at risk of death by suicide, and offers a limited armamentarium of treatment targeted to suicide prevention, creating discomfort in clinicians and fears regarding...

Neuroscience: Stress speeds up brain degeneration

Nature — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 479, 7374 (2011). doi:10.1038/479449e Highly read on www.jneurosci.org in OctoberProlonged stress may accelerate neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease by exacerbating the build-up of damaging proteins in the brain.John Trojanowski at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and his colleagues studied mice that had been engineered to accumulate (Source: Nature)

Acne - Oral Antibiotics Raise Sore Throat Risk

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0100

Patients with acne who are prescribed oral antibiotics have a higher chance of developing pharyngitis (sore throat) symptoms than those who are not, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, reported in Archives of Dermatology today. Pharyngitis means inflammation of the pharynx, causing sore throat. The researchers explained as background information to the article: "Many inconsistent concerns have been voiced about the safety of long-term use of antibiotics... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer’s Association guidelines for the neuropathologic assessment of Alzheimer’s disease: a practical approach

Acta Neuropathologica — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:51:38 +0100

We present a practical guide for the implementation of recently revised National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer’s Association guidelines for the neuropathologic assessment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Major revisions from previous consensus criteria are: (1) recognition that AD neuropathologic changes may occur in the apparent absence of cognitive impairment, (2) an “ABC” score for AD neuropathologic change that incorporates histopathologic assessments of amyloid β deposits (A), staging of neurofibrillary tangles (B), and scoring of neuritic plaques (C), and (3) more detailed approaches for assessing commonly co-morbid conditions such as Lewy body disease, vascular brain injury, hippocampal sclerosis, and TAR DNA binding protein (TDP)-43 immunoreactive inclusions. Recommenda...

[Comment] Offline: Nursing, but not as you know it

LANCET — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Family practitioners in the US are facing extinction. In their place must come nurse-practitioners. Nurses are better educated to navigate and refer patients to specialists. They don't have any illusions about managing complex illness. Their lower threshold for referral means less risk of missing diagnoses or delaying expert care. This is one vision for nursing to be found at the University of Pennsylvania's extraordinary School of Nursing. The Penn health system is astonishing in many ways. It is part of a university—led by its President, Amy Gutmann—that has transformational knowledge, policy, and global ambitions. (Source: LANCET)

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Concepts of Healthy Diet Among Urban, Low-Income, African Americans

Journal of Community Health — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:34:36 +0100

Abstract We sought to explore concepts of healthy diet and to elicit recommendations to support healthier eating among urban, low-income, African Americans. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 33 self-identified African American adults (18–81 years of age, 15 male participants) from a low-income neighborhood in west Philadelphia, PA, during summer and fall 2008. Our qualitative approach was continuous, iterative and thematic considering gender, age category, and participants’ “mentions” of fast-food and fruit-and-vegetable intake from the preceding day. We found that participants shared concepts about broad nutritional principles consistent with national dietary recommendations, but disagreed about the healthfulness of specific foods—e.g. meat. On a...

Outcomes of Infants Undergoing Superior Cavopulmonary Connection in the Presence of Ventricular Dysfunction

Pediatric Cardiology — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:29:29 +0100

Abstract Outcomes in patients with ventricular dysfunction undergoing superior cavopulmonary connection (SCPC) are not well known. We reviewed records of patients undergoing SCPC at our center from December 2005 to October 2009 and studied those whose pre-SCPC echocardiograms demonstrated at least moderate systemic ventricular dysfunction. Of the 213 patients undergoing SCPC, 19 (9%) met inclusion criteria. Diagnoses were hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n = 18) and rightward unbalanced atrioventricular canal with pulmonary stenosis (n = 1). In those surviving >2 months after SCPC, ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography 4.9 (range 3.5 to 9.7) months after SCPC and was improved in ten of 17 (59%), unchanged in six of 17 (35%), and wo...

Acute and chronically increased immunoreactivity to phosphorylation-independent but not pathological TDP-43 after a single traumatic brain injury in humans

Acta Neuropathologica — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:28:28 +0100

Abstract The pathologic phosphorylation and sub-cellular translocation of neuronal transactive response-DNA binding protein (TDP-43) was identified as the major disease protein in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with ubiquitinated inclusions, now termed FTLD-TDP, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). More recently, TDP-43 proteinopathy has been reported in dementia pugilistica or chronic traumatic encephalopathy caused by repetitive traumatic brain injury (TBI). While a single TBI has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and an increased frequency of neurofibrillary tangles, TDP-43 proteinopathy has not been examined with survival following a single TBI. Using immunohistochemistry specific for both pathological phosphorylated TDP-43 (p-TDP-43...

New Diagnostic MRI Technique For Alzheimer's Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

On the quest for safe, reliable and accessible tools to accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found a new way of diagnosing and tracking Alzheimer's disease, using an innovative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called Arterial spin labeling (ASL) to measure changes in brain function... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Research May Provide Clues Into The Molecular Links Between Psoriasis And Heart Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Collaborative research from Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has shown that psoriasis patients have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death, especially if the psoriasis is moderate to severe. Now, Penn researchers have discovered the potential underlying mechanism by which the inflammatory skin disease impacts cardiovascular health... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Clinical impairment in premanifest and early Huntington's disease is associated with regionally specific atrophy

Human Brain Mapping — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractTRACK‐HD is a multicentre longitudinal observational study investigating the use of clinical assessments and 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging as potential biomarkers for future therapeutic trials in Huntington's disease (HD). The cross‐sectional data from this large well‐characterized dataset provide the opportunity to improve our knowledge of how the underlying neuropathology of HD may contribute to the clinical manifestations of the disease across the spectrum of premanifest (PreHD) and early HD. Two hundred and thirty nine gene‐positive subjects (120 PreHD and 119 early HD) from the TRACK‐HD study were included. Using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), grey and white matter volumes were correlated with performance in four domains: quantitative motor (tongue force, me...

New Candidate Gene For Lou Gehrig's Disease Revealed By Genetic Screening In Yeast

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a universally fatal neurodegenerative disease. Mutations in two related proteins, TDP-43 and FUS, cause some forms of ALS. Specifically, these two proteins are RNA-binding proteins that connect to RNA to regulate the translation of proteins and other cellular functions such as RNA splicing and editing. In a new study, researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania discovered additional human genes with properties similar to TDP-43 and FUS that might also contribute to ALS... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Researcher Examines How The Brain Perceives Shades Of Gray

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

How the brain perceives color is one of its more impressive tricks. It is able to keep a stable perception of an object's color as lighting conditions change. Sarah Allred, an assistant professor of psychology at Rutgers-Camden, has teamed up with psychologists from the University of Pennsylvania on groundbreaking research that provides new insight into how this works. Allred conducted the research with Alan L. Gilchrist, a professor of psychology at Rutgers-Newark, and professor David H. Brainard and post-doctoral fellow Ana Radonjic, both of the University of Pennsylvania... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Only A Third Of US State Police Agencies Equip Cars With AEDs

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Just 30 percent the nation's state police agencies reported that they equip their vehicles with automated external defibrillators, and of those, nearly 60 percent of said only a minority of their fleet have the lifesaving devices on board, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania that was presented at the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions (Abstract #10721)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Following Heart Surgery, Pneumonia Is The Most Common Infection

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Pneumonia - not a deep incision surgical site infection - is the most common serious infection after heart surgery, according to new research (Abstract 12247) presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2011. The study also revealed that most infections occur about two weeks after surgery, not one week as physicians previously thought. "It's not what we expected to find," said Michael A. Acker, M.D., the study's lead researcher and professor and chief of cardiovascular surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pa... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Rehabilitating vacant lots improves urban health and safety, Penn study finds

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) Greening of vacant urban land may affect the health and safety of nearby residents. In a decade-long comparison of vacant lots and improved vacant lots, greening was linked to significant reductions in gun assaults across most of Philadelphia and significant reductions in vandalism in one section of the city. Vacant lot greening was also associated with residents in certain sections of the city reporting significantly less stress and more exercise. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Novel, Noninvasive Measurement A Stronger Indicator For Heart Failure Than Hypertension And Other Established Risk Factors

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

A new study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and collaborators at various institutions, presented at the 2011 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, shows that a novel, non-invasive measurement of arterial wave reflections may be able to predict who is most at risk for heart failure. The authors presented data from an ancillary study of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). When the heart contracts it generates a pulse or energy wave that travels through the arteries... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Obese Patients Reduce Weight Via Primary Care-Based Weight Intervention

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Can a visit to your primary care doctor help you lose weight? Primary care physicians, working with medical assistants in their practices, helped one group of their obese patients lose an average of 10.1 lb during a two-year lifestyle intervention, according to a new study by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Their 10 lb weight loss was associated, over the two years, with improvements in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including waist circumference and HDL cholesterol levels... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Microelectronic Device Maps Brain Activity

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

A team of researchers co-led by the University of Pennsylvania has developed and tested a new high-resolution, ultra-thin device capable of recording brain activity from the cortical surface without having to use penetrating electrodes. The device could make possible a whole new generation of brain-computer interfaces for treating neurological and psychiatric illness and research. The work was published in Nature Neuroscience... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Psoriasis is associated with impaired HDL function, Penn study finds

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) In two new studies presented at the 2011 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, Penn researchers show that the systemic inflammatory impact of psoriasis may alter both the makeup of cholesterol particles and numbers, as well as impair the function of high density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Form and function: New MRI technique to diagnose or rule out Alzheimer's disease

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found a new way of diagnosing and tracking Alzheimer's disease, using an innovative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called Arterial spin labeling (ASL) to measure changes in brain function. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Social Media Discussion On Cardiac Arrest Reveals New Avenues For Public Health Education

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Discussion about cardiac arrest on Twitter is common and represents a new opportunity to provide lifesaving information to the public, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The Penn investigators presented two studies (ReSS Abstracts #52 and #53) examining cardiac arrest-information exchange on the social media site today at the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Need For New Training Strategies, Dissemination Of Information About Latest CPR Techniques And Guidelines For The Public

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Even members of the lay public who have received CPR training are confused about how to perform the lifesaving skill and say they don't have confidence in their ability to do it properly, according to a study from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania which was presented at the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions (Abstract #65)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Rutgers-Camden researcher examines how the brain perceives shades of gray

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Rutgers University) Sarah Allred, an assistant professor of psychology at Rutgers-Camden, has teamed up with psychologists from the University of Pennsylvania on groundbreaking research that provides new insight into how the brain perceives color. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Pneumonia the most common serious infection post-heart surgery

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) New research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has shown for the first time that pneumonia is the most common serious infection after heart surgery. The new study, presented at the 2011 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, also revealed that most infections occur about two weeks after surgery, not one week as physicians previously thought. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Only a third of US state police agencies equip cars with AEDs

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) Just 30 percent the nation's state police agencies reported that they equip their vehicles with automated external defibrillators, and of those, nearly 60 percent of said only a minority of their fleet have the lifesaving devices on board, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania that was presented today at the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions (Abstract #10721). (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Twitter can become a lifesaver: Study

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:47:52 +0100

Source: The Economic Times Content: “Twitter has the potential to become a lifesaver by providing important heath-related information to people during emergencies, a new study has found. The University of Pennsylvania researchers, who evaluated health related discussions on Twitter for over a month, found that users of the popular microblogging site frequently share vital information about [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

Novel, noninvasive measurement a strong predictor for heart failure in general population

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) A new study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and collaborators at various institutions, presented at the 2011 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, shows that a novel, noninvasive measurement of arterial wave reflections may be able to predict who is most at risk for heart failure. The authors presented data from an ancillary study of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Withdrawal of care may occur too soon in cardiac arrest patients who receive hypothermia treatment

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) Physicians may be making premature predictions about which patients are not likely to survive following cardiac arrest -- and even withdrawing care -- before the window in which comatose patients who have received therapeutic hypothermia are most likely to wake up, according to two new studies from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The research helps to better define the proper timeframe and manner in which doctors may be able to predict which patients will regain consciousness after the use of therapeutic hypothermia. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)