2. Improving CRISPR/Cas9 Editing Efficiency to Generate a GBA1 KO due to Pseudogene-induced Homology Directed Repair

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Improving CRISPR/Cas9 Editing Efficiency to Generate a GBA1 KO due to Pseudogene-induced Homology Directed Repair

Introduction: The capability to translate research to the clinic is contingent upon the ability to study disease-causing mutations from patients in a cell type specific manner. This is most commonly accomplished through the introduction of these disease-causing mutations in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their subsequent differentiation. However, in certain cases, editing these genes […]

3. Epigenetic Therapy Activates TE-chimeric Transcripts to Provide an Additional Source of Glioblastoma HLA-I Antigens

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Epigenetic Therapy Activates TE-chimeric Transcripts to Provide an Additional Source of Glioblastoma HLA-I Antigens

Introduction: Inhibiting epigenetic modulators can transcriptionally reactivate transposable elements (TEs). These TE transcripts often generate unique peptides that can serve as novel antigens for immunotherapy. Here, we asked if TEs activated by epigenetic therapy could appreciably increase the antigen repertoire in glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with low mutation and neoantigen burden. Methods: We treated […]

4. Digital Light 4D Printing of Bioresorbable Shape Memory Elastomers for Personalized Aneurysm Occlusion

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Digital Light 4D Printing of Bioresorbable Shape Memory Elastomers for Personalized Aneurysm Occlusion

Introduction: Globally, aneurysms affect 2-5% and afflict millions in the U.S., presenting significant health threats due to their high rupture rate that can lead to death. Conventional aneurysm coil treatments grapple with problems such as adverse bodily reactions, biocompatibility issues, and a recurrence risk of about 20%, with complete occlusion failures in 10-15% of patients […]

5. Evaluating the Effect of an Ovine Acellular Dermal Matrix on Breast Implant Capsule Formation Using a Rodent Model

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Evaluating the Effect of an Ovine Acellular Dermal Matrix on Breast Implant Capsule Formation Using a Rodent Model

Introduction: Implant-based breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries with over one million procedures performed to date using silicone implants. In 2022, 78% of breast reconstruction surgeries after mastectomy were also implant-based. Despite this popularity, over 10% of patients experience postoperative capsular contracture, potentially resulting in pain and distorted appearance. Current literature […]

6. Next Generation of Tissue Adhesive for Obliteration of Surgical Dead Space

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Next Generation of Tissue Adhesive for Obliteration of Surgical Dead Space

Introduction: Many surgical procedures create large dead spaces prone to fluid accumulation, leading to hematomas and seromas. Drains are used to prevent these complications, but they often cause patient discomfort and have potential for infection. Our objective is to develop a biodegradable tissue adhesive with strong adhesion and biocompatibility to obliterate surgical dead space. Methods: […]

7. Botulinum Toxin Improves Quality of Life and Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Defecation Disorders

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Botulinum Toxin Improves Quality of Life and Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Defecation Disorders

Introduction: While internal anal sphincter (IAS) Botox has been increasingly utilized in children with disordered defecation (DD), no literature regarding clinical efficacy or quality of life (QoL) influence exists. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the effect of IAS Botox as an adjunct to standard treatment for DD on patient/caregiver QoL metrics in association with corresponding […]

8. COVID-19 Vaccination Rates and Hesitancy Among Postpartum Individuals with Substance Use Disorders

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COVID-19 Vaccination Rates and Hesitancy Among Postpartum Individuals with Substance Use Disorders

Introduction: Pregnant individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) are at higher risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19. Infants < 6 months are also at significant risk. Vaccination in perinatal individuals can help protect both mother and infant from severe outcomes; however, vaccine hesitancy is high. We evaluated COVID-19 vaccination rates among postpartum patients with […]

9. Pathophysiology of Voluntary Motor Commands in People with Multiple Sclerosis Identified Using Reverse Engineering of Motor Unit Population Discharge

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Pathophysiology of Voluntary Motor Commands in People with Multiple Sclerosis Identified Using Reverse Engineering of Motor Unit Population Discharge

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes central nervous system lesions that alter neural communication between the brain and the spinal motoneurons that activate muscles. These voluntary motor commands consist of three components that must be appropriately balanced for skilled motor control: excitation, inhibition, and neuromodulation. Disruption of this balance has harmful effects, evidenced by work in […]

10. Cardiovascular Medications and Overall Survival in Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer

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Cardiovascular Medications and Overall Survival in Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer

Introduction: Assessment of comorbid cardiovascular disease can predict health outcomes and may risk-stratify patients for adverse events and death. Current methods used to estimate patient risk, such as the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), are based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, which are a poor indicator of severity and complexity of comorbid disease. In […]

11. Optimizing the Work of Learning for Burnout Prevention: A Randomized Pilot Study of an Online CBT-based Intervention in Medical Students

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Optimizing the Work of Learning for Burnout Prevention: A Randomized Pilot Study of an Online CBT-based Intervention in Medical Students

Introduction: Burnout in medical trainees significantly increases their risk of suicidal ideation, and trainees are often reluctant to seek mental health care. Digital mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles are evidence-based preventative strategies for reducing burnout and increasing professional satisfaction. We are conducting a randomized pilot study to assess whether digital interventions for CBT-based […]