Friday, March 24, 2023 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Joseph B. Martin Conference Center The Rotunda
Agenda
Moderator: Finnian Mc Causland, Co-Director, Master of Medical Sciences in Clinical Investigation
Welcome – 10:00am - 10:10am
• Rosalind A. Segal, Dean for Graduate Education
• Kimberly Lincoln, Director of Administration and Student Affairs
Oral presentations (In-person) – 10:10am - 11:00am
• Thomas Smits – Biomedical Informatics (MBI)
• Noah Jacobs – Immunology (MMSc-IMM)
• Anahí Venzor Strader – Global Health Delivery (MMSc-GHD)
• Gabriele Kembuan – Immunology (MMSc-IMM)
• Alina Shen – Immunology (MMSc-IMM)
Break – 11:00am - 11:20am
Oral presentations (remote via Zoom) – 11:20am - 12:30pm
• Sarah M.E. Gabriele – Bioethics (MBE)
• Rigo Azanwi – Bioethics (MBE)
• Erum Azhar – Healthcare Quality and Safety (MHQS)
• Eric Bortnick – Medical Education (MMSc-MedEd)
• Marie Do – Medical Education (MMSc-MedEd)
Lunch – 12:30pm - 1:30pm - 2nd Floor Lounge
Poster session (remote via Zoom) – 1:30pm - 2:30pm
• Iman A. F. Aboelsaad – Clinical Investigation (MMSc-CI)
• Maryam Ebrahim Al Nuaimi – Medical Education (MMSc-MedEd)
• Ramya Chunduri – Media, Medicine and Health (MMH)
• Darcé Costello – Biomedical Informatics (MBI)
• Helena Franco – Global Health Delivery (MMSc-GHD)
• Oluchi I. Ndulue – Global Health Delivery (MMSc-GHD)
• Waleed Seddiq – Clinical Investigation (MMSc-CI)
• Erin Sharoni – Bioethics (MBE)
• Yanyi Sun – Immunology (MMSc-IMM)
• Zachary Whaley – Medical Education (MMSc-MedEd)
• Jingyao Zhu – Immunology (MMSc-IMM)
Oral presentations (In-person) – 2:30pm - 3:30pm
• Rasha Farag – Clinical Investigation (MMSc-CI)
• Sanya Thomas – Clinical Investigation (MMSc-CI)
• Christoph Wippel – Global Health Delivery (MMSc-GHD)
• Sahana Narayan – Media, Medicine and Health (MMH)
• Bowei Zhang – Clinical Investigation (MMSc-CI)
Closing remarks
Johanna L. Gutlerner, Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education
Reception – 3:30pm - 4:30pm - 2nd Floor Lounge
Abstracts
Oral Presentations
(in alphabetical order)
Rigobel (Rigo) Azanwi (MBE) Characterizing Moral Distress and Moral Injury among Healthcare Chaplains
Moral distress and moral Injury (MD/MI) are common among health care professionals. Recent studies, centered primarily on nurses and physicians, have identified a correlation between several mental health concerns and MD/MI and underscored the prevalence and severity of MD/MI among these healthcare clinicians. While healthcare chaplains play a significant role in healthcare teams, by providing pastoral care to patients and staff in times of trauma, serious illness and death, there is a paucity of data measuring MD/MI among chaplains. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency and predictors of MD/MI among chaplains in the US. Understanding MD/MI among chaplains can guide future intervention to mitigate their impact among chaplains and reduce burnout and improve their ability to address spiritual needs in clinical setting. A quantitative and qualitative survey-based study of 360 chaplains across the US was conducted. The Measure for Moral Distress (MMD-HP) Scale and Expression of Moral Injury scale military version (EMIS-M) scales were used to assess MD/MI. Additionally, chaplains were asked open-ended questions regarding their experiences of MD/MI. Descriptive statistics were employed to characterize MD/MI among chaplains, and linear regression was used to assess predictors of increasing MD/MI. A qualitative analysis was used to examine themes regarding chaplain MI/MD. The results show most of the surveyed population experienced frequencies of MD/MI. Other predictors of MD/MI were influenced by demographic factors age, race, religious affiliation, and professional factors years in practice and practice location. MD/MI exist among chaplains and there is a need to identify mitigating measures to avoid burnout.
Erum Azhar (MHQS) Improving the Training in Core Outpatient Procedures by the Family Medicine (FM) Residents at a Community Hospital with a Multifaceted Intervention: A Quality Initiative (QI) Project
Authors: Erum Azhar, MD, MS
PHS,
CPPS, FACOG, Sobia Zareen MD, Trajan Barrera DO, Feroza Patel DO1, Nicholas Buck Walter MD, Syed M Atif MD, Abdul Waheed, MD, MS, CPE, FAAFP
Purpose: To investigate a bundled intervention to improve FM residents’ outpatient procedures training. Methods: A quasi-experimental interrupted time series (ITS) with multifaceted Intervention establishing a dedicated procedure clinic, simulations, patient awareness campaign, and resident education. The primary outcome was the number of resident procedures per month. Statistical Process Control (SPC) and linear regression were performed with JMP Pro 16. Results: The average number of procedures by residents nearly tripled post-intervention. ITS showed an increase in the average number of procedures immediately after the Intervention (p<0.001) with sustainability. Future: FM residents’ outpatient procedure training could be improved with a bundled intervention.
Eric M. Bortnick (MMSc-MedEd) The Effects of a Combined Flipped Classroom and Simulation-Based Education on Pediatrician Physical Exam and Management of Undescended Testis
Authors: Eric M. Bortnick, Caleb P. Nelson
Purpose: Pediatricians provide initial assessment of boys with undescended testis (UDT) but receive little training in the pediatric genitourinary physical exam (GUPE) or management guidelines.
Methods: We developed a novel manikin that permits realistic simulated GUPE. Pediatricians (trainees/attendings) participated in an educational series of an asynchronous video on guidelines and GUPE technique followed by in-person simulation experience.
Results: At baseline, few participants were comfortable in any aspect of GUPE and management. Participants achieved GUPE mastery in median two attempts. After training, over 90% were more confident in all areas. Participant management knowledge improved significantly.
Conclusions: Standardized education with simulation for UDT improved pediatrician confidence, performance, and knowledge. Future studies are ongoing to assess long-term effects.
Marie C. Do (MMSc-MedEd) Evaluation of Gamified and non-Gamified Online Clinical Laboratory educational modules for medical students
Gamification is the use of game components for non-game activities (e.g., classroom learning). Gamification’s ability to enhance learning in diverse medical education settings is unclear. This project aims to explore the value of gamification in teaching Laboratory Medicine to preclinical medical students at VCU School of Medicine. Students reviewed either a gamified or non-gamified online module (171 completed a post-module assessment and 81 completed a post-module survey). Students completing the gamified module scored higher on the assessment (p < 0.05, effect size = 0.4) and perceived that game elements added value to the experience. These students also tended to report higher levels of confidence with the module content (p < 0.1). Additionally, the calculated instructional efficiency was higher for the gamified module, supporting a role for gamification in this specific setting.
Sarah M.E. Gabriele (MBE) Using Exceptions in the International Intellectual Property Regime to Achieve Distributive Justice
Intellectual property rights (IPRs) covering essential prescription drugs have been justified on the basis of distributive justice, but this theory does not explain the unavailability of innovative medicines in low- and middleincome countries. Using patent waivers and other exceptions to international IPR is a promising solution, most recently proposed in the case of Covid-19 vaccines. However, the adoption of such mechanisms has been challenged by the opposition of the pharmaceutical industry and its allies in developed country governments. This project evaluates whether IPR exceptions can achieve distributive justice and proposes methods for better-implementing flexibilities in cases such as Covid-19.
Rasha Samir Farag (MMSc-CI) Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis Associated Bradycardia During Dexmedetomidine Administration in Children Under Two Years Old: 14 years' Single Center Experience.
Importance: There is limited evidence regarding the association of use of dexmedetomidine (DMED) to sedate children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and additive clinically significant bradycardia.
Objective: The primary objective was to determine whether children under two years old diagnosed with RSV bronchiolitis are more likely to experience clinically significant bradycardia upon sedation with DMED than those with non-RSV bronchiolitis. The secondary objective was to evaluate the change in the heart rate after DMED administration in this population. Design, setting, and participants: This retrospective cohort study reviewed the medical records of children under two years old admitted to neonatal, medical-surgical, and medical intensive care units at Boston Children’s Hospital with severe bronchiolitis and sedated with DMED from January 2009 to December 2022.
Exposure: Laboratory confirmed RSV bronchiolitis compared to non-RSV bronchiolitis.
Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was a binary composite outcome of clinically significant bradycardia, defined as a minimum heart rate of less than 60 bpm, or need for intervention including administration of epinephrine or atropine, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The secondary outcome was the lowest heart rate after DMED administration.
Results: A total of 273 children met our inclusion criteria with a median (Q1, Q3) age of 8.0 (4.0, 13.7) months, comprising 157 (57.5%) male, and 170 (62.3%) children on invasive mechanical ventilation at DMED administration. Of this population, 71 (26.0%) experienced clinically significant bradycardia. Multivariable logistic regression showed no statistically significant associatio n between RSV bronchiolitis and clinically significant bradycardia during DMED administration (Odds Ratio=1.80; 95% CI: 0.95-3.39; P = 0.07). Multivariable linear regression showed a statistically significant decline in the minimum post -DMED heart rate by 8 bpm in those with RSV bronchiolitis (β coefficient: = -8.07; 95% CI: -13.71-2.43; P = 0.005).
Conclusions and Relevance: DMED can be used for sedating children under two years old who have been diagnosed with RSV bronchiolitis.
However, a significant decline in heart rate in this population requires potential caution and close monitoring.
Key words: Respiratory Syncytial Virus, RSV, dexmedetomidine, DMED, bradycardia, bronchiolitis, children under 2 years old.
Noah Jacobs (MMSc-IMM) Defining the regulatory landscape of the C4A/C4B immune risk locus with long-read sequencing
The complement component 4 gene (C4) is highly associated with autoimmune risk and schizophrenia. Structural variation, specifically copy number variation and an endogenous retrovirus integration (HERV-K(C4)), are two genetic factors conferring schizophrenia risk. We will apply Oxford Nanopore Technologies long read sequencing, and a GpC methyltransferase to mark accessible chromatin and define the regulatory landscape of these genes. These methods can enhance the understanding of the transcriptional regulation of genes highly associated with disease risk and will enable future work to link structural variation to gene regulation, with broad implications for the understanding of immune-mediated diseases.
Gabriele Kembuan (MMSc-IMM) Utilizing Targeted Protein Degradation to Enhance CAR T-Cell Therapy
Authors: Gabriele Kembuan, Isabel C Lane, Jeannie Carreiro, Michael C Kann, William Lin, Amanda A Bouffard, Johannes Kreuzer, Robert Morris, Emili Schneider, Joanna Kim, Charles Zou, Diego Salas-Benito, Jessica A Gasser, Mark B Leick, Mikolaj Slabicki, Wilhelm Haas, Benjamin Haas, Benjamin L Ebert, Marcela V Maus, Max Jan
Purpose: Targeting genes that limit T cell potency while mitigating toxicity, accessibility, and cost concerns.
Methods: Novel, more refined synthetic biology technologies allow for targeted degradation of proteins that limit cellular immunotherapy function without targeting the genetic loci. These proteins include SMAD, which mediates T-cell suppression by TGF-B; as well as Shp1 & Shp2 domains common among many T-cell inhibitory receptors.
Results: We successfully developed a protein degradation platform targeting SMAD that enhance CAR T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. We are in the process of developing multi-inhibitory receptor degraders.
Future Plans: We aim to develop additional technologies at the interface of targeted protein drug development to allow for space and time-limited genetic perturbation, and to alleviate risks of toxicity and help safely deploy cell therapies in a routine, outpatient setting.
Sahana S. Narayan (MMH) Iatrogenesis: Harm by Healer — A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis Approach to Understanding the Standardization of Obstetric Violence in US Medicalized Childbirth Practices
Childbirth is a social event with social ramifications. To examine it as only a natural biological process is reductive in nature and overlooks the biopsychosocial complexity of pregnancy and childbirth. Medicalized childbirth often takes on a conflict -driven orientation where potentially competing motives and goals are split between the mother, the child, and the physician. It stands to reason then that obstetric violence, the unique gendered harm that leads to abuse, neglect, and disrespect for birthing subjects in medicalized settings, is deeply embedded in modern obstetric practices, driven by the role of the physician, and implicit in the maternalfetal conflict that has contemporarily been defined by diagnostic technology. To understand how obstetric violence has become normalized, and propose interdisciplinary solutions, this research will apply Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) methods in a novel way.
Our group engineered small-molecule specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T and Natural Killer (NK) cells. By conjugating small molecules to antibodies that target tumors, single specificity CARs can be redirected to multiple tumor antigens. Here we describe in vitro modeling of binary activated T cells and NK cells for multiple myeloma (MM) therapy. We characterize targeting of CD138 on MM cells with fluorescein (FL)
Alina Shen (MMSc-IMM) Small Molecule Specific CAR-T/CAR-NK Cell Therapy for Refractory and Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
conjugated anti(α)-CD138 antibody and our small molecule-specific CAR T and CAR NK system, and demonstrate multiple layers of control over its activity. We also present for the first time the differential killing kinetics between the small molecule specific CAR T and CAR NK cells. These findings will accelerate the development of a new universal, redirectable, multiplexable CAR system to treat advanced and refractory MM.
Visually impaired people can use screen readers to access online content. For figures, text descriptions are necessary. Automatic generation of descriptions is beneficial because many images lack meaningful descriptions due to unawareness, time, and difficulty in writing descriptions. Gosling is a grammar-based genomics visualization tool. To increase accessibility in Gosling, we developed a feature extraction tool. We relay features to an intermediary and create a text and tree view of the description. Current implementation covers features like mark types, visual channels, and figure compositions, with annotations for data trends. Further work could focus on automatic analysis of data trends and review with visually impaired users.
Anahí Venzor Strader (MMSc-GHD) A Biosocial Analysis of Neonatal Mortality among Maya Kaqchikel people in Guatemala
Guatemala has one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in Latin America. Newborns of Indigenous mothers are disproportionately affected. We aim to provide a biosocial analysis of neonatal demise among predominantly Maya communities in Guatemala using explanatory sequential mixed methods. We analyzed quantitative data from the Global Maternal and Newborn Health Registry. Through multivariate logistic regression models, we identified factors associated with neonatal deaths. The newfound themes were further explored in the qualitative phase, which involved semistructured interviews with affected mothers, traditional Maya midwives, and other healthcare professionals at the local hospital. Next steps include qualitative data analysis and merging results.
Thomas Smits (MBI) Accessibility in Grammar-Based Genomics Visualization Language Gosling through Automatic Generation of Text Descriptions
Sanya Thomas (MMSc-CI) Human in vitro modeling unravels mechanistic understanding of vaccine formulations for global open access
Authors: Sanya Thomas1,2, Simon Doss-Gollin1, Yamile Lugo-Rodriguez1 , Guzman Sanchez-Schmitz1,2, Ofer Levy1,2,3, Simon D. van Haren1,2
1Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital
2Harvard Medical School
3Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Adjuvants enhance vaccine immunogenicity, but their mechanism of action is often incompletely understood. Using four human in vitro platforms, we characterized cellular and molecular activities of adjuvants in soluble, oil -inwater and liposomal formulations available for pre-clinical evaluation, including several developed for global open access. Liposomal coformulation of MPL and QS-21 was most potent in promoting dendritic cell maturation, producing Th1-polarizing cytokines, and activating SARS-CoV2 spike antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This insight into the mechanism of action of adjuvanted vaccine formulations through human in vitro modeling may advance public health by accelerating development of affordable and scalable vaccines tailored to vulnerable populations.
Christoph Wippel (MMSc-GHD) Patient pathway analysis and assessment of private sector TB services in Lima, Peru
Background: Peru has the second highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the Americas. TB treatment is under the sole responsibility of the public sector. However, studies have shown that many patients who are ultimately treated in the public sector first seek care in the private sector. Little is known as to what happens to people with TB who initially seek care in private sector facilities and whether they are correctly diagnosed and referred.
Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in the Carabayllo district of Lima, Peru. The TB Patient Pathway Analysis methodology was used to assess TB care-seeking behavior and resource availability. In addition, 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted with private healthcare
providers and key informants to explore the role of the private sector in TB care and analyzed using a conventional inductive approach.
Results: 41% of TB patients initially sought care in private facilities. Access to smear microscopy and radiography was more limited in private facilities, with 46% offering smear microscopy and 17% offering radiography, compared to the public sector where these services were available in most facilities. Overall, 59% of patients had access to treatment services at their initial point of care. The qualitative findings revealed that private providers understand their role in early detection and referral to the public sector for treatment, but there is a lack of standardized communication and follow-up between private and public sectors.
Conclusion: The private sector plays a significant role in early detection and referral of TB patients in Carabayllo, but more needs to be d one to ensure correct diagnosis and referral. Improved communication and oversight between the private and public sectors could lead to better outcomes for TB patients in Peru.
Bowei Zhang (MMSc-CI) Prediction of clinically useful 24h routine CT for stroke patients after reperfusion therapy
Bowei Zhang, MD1,2,3, Scott Silverman, MD1,2 , Lee Schwammn, MD 1,2 , Aneesh Singhal, MD1,2
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
2Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
3Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Background: Computed tomography (CT) is routinely obtained 24 hours after thrombolysis and thrombectomy. Predicting complications that change management would help reduce unnecessary imaging.
Objectives: (1) To evaluate the frequency of clinically meaningful abnormalities on routine 24-hour per-protocol CT scans in patients who have had thrombolysis or thrombectomy
(2) Predict clinically meaningful 24 -hour CT findings
Methods: In this IRB-approved retrospective study, we analyzed the MGH Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center dataset (n=8943, 2012 -2022). Radiology reports of all neuroimaging (CT or MRI) performed during the first 36h of hospitalization were reviewed for the presence of edema, mass effect, herniation, and hemorrhage. The primary outcome is that CT abnormalities leading to change in management (antiplatelet or anticoagulation treatment, additional monitoring, emergent procedure, administration of mannitol, or alteration in blood pressure goal).
Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictors of clinically meaningful CT abnormalities. The scoring system was generated based on the β-coefficients of each independent risk factor. Cross-validation was used to confirm the accuracy of the predictive model.
Results: The MGH dataset included 1588 patients of whom 1460 patients (mean age 69 years, 47% women) underwent intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular therapy and 24-hour follow-up head CT scans as per standard acute stroke care guidelines. The Median NIHSS score was 12 (6-18) on admission. CT abnormalities were present in 314 (21.5%), of which 179 (12.3%) had CT abnormalities leading to changes in management. The final model C statistics was 0.71(confidence interval: 0.68-0.75) in this derivation cohort and 0.71 (confidence interval: 0.66-0.73) in the bootstrapping validation sample. The 24h-CT score was developed using the following independent predictors: NIHSS:5-15(+3); NIHSS ≥16（ +5）; age<75(=+1); glucose≥140(+1). Patients were classified into low (24h-CT score≤3), medium (24h-CT score=4 or 5), and high (24h-CT score≥6) risks levels of having a clinically meaningful change of 24h -CT.
Conclusions and interpretations: A novel predictive score was developed to predict clinically meaningful CT post-reperfusion therapy.
Poster Presentations
(in alphabetical order)
Iman A. F. Aboelsaad (MMSc-CI) Plasma ferritin, incident heart failure phenotypes and cardiac dysfunction in late life: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Iman A.F. Aboelsaad1, Brian L. Claggett1, Victoria Arthur1, Pranav Dorbala1, Kunihiro Matsushita2, Brandon W. Lennep3, Bing Yu4, Pamela L. Lutsey5, Chiadi E. Ndumele2, Youssef M.K. Farag6, Amil M. Shah1, Leo F. Buckley1
1 Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
2 John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
3 University of Mississippi, Jackson, MS
4 University of Texas, Houston, TX
5 University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MD
Introduction: The relationships between iron deficiency and incident HF, and cardiac dysfunction in late life remain incompletely understood.
Methods: In 3,472 participants without anemia from ARIC study (Visit 5), we estimated the log2-plasma ferritin associations with incident HF, HFrEF, and HFpEF using Cox proportional hazards models, and with echocardiographic measures of cardiac function using linear regression models.
Results: Lower ferritin level was associated with higher risk of overall HF, HFpEF (Figure), and with higher E/e' ratio but not with measures of LV structure or systolic function.
Future directions: Further investigation of the role iron deficiency in HF pathophysiology in late-life.
Maryam Ebrahim Al Nuaimi (MMSc-MedEd) The Impact of a Hybrid Training Program on Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Knowledge
Acquisition among non-ultrasound trained physicians.
Background: Physicians from around the world with a variety of training backgrounds practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the majority have never undergone ultrasound training. Furthermore, no formal ultrasound fellowships or hospital credentialing processes prepare physicians to implement point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in UAE hospitals. This prospective interventional pre/post study investigated the impact of a longitudinal hybrid (online and simulation) POCUS training program in improving the POCUS knowledge of non-ultrasound-trained physicians.
Methods: The POCUS training workshop was spread over four full days to accommodate capacity and physicians' shift schedule limitations (3 hours of didactics and 4 hours of hands-on). The course focused on teaching the following ultrasound modalities: Cardiac, Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST), and Thoracic.
Participants' knowledge was assessed via multiple choice questions preworkshop, postdidactics, and post-hands-on, while scanning skills were evaluated using a validated tool (UCAT Colin et al, 2021).
Ramya Chunduri (MMH) “Survivorship” after victimhood and violence: Collectivism & Coercion
For South Asian Americans living in the United States, the rate of domestic violence (DV) occurrence is over 40%, while the prevalence of DV overall for those living in the U.S. is 20%. Intercommunal shame and stigma contribute to underreporting. Thus, this 40% is merely a conservative estimate. Coupled with this lack of reporting, there is scant service utilization by survivors across the continuum of trauma recovery (from violence occurrence to survivorship). Irrespective of culturally specific resources and organizations, this underutilization persists and urgently needs to be examined. This research will uncover and focus on three original categories as part of a coded taxonomy that perpetuate violence: familial coercion, iatrogenesis, and the political economy’s impacts on the process of legal, victim, and survivorship identities. These categories elucidate various culturally relevant reasons for service underutilization that can be targeted in future health intervention research.
Darcé
Costello
(MBI) The
Power of Connections: Using
Network Analysis to Examine Symptoms of Complicated Grief in Bereaved Dementia Caregivers
Background: Many informal caregivers of people with dementia report “anticipatory grief” while their loved one is still alive. However, less is known about dementia caregivers’ experiences after their loved one dies. Studies of bereaved non-dementia caregivers suggest that 7% develop complicated grief (CG), a prolonged period of marked psychological distress and functional impairment associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The substantial physical and emotional demands of caring for an individual with dementia are well-documented and may leave bereaved dementia caregivers more vulnerable to developing CG.
Traditional approaches to assessing psychopathology in general, and CG in particular, have conceptualized symptoms as observed indicators of underlying latent constructs (e.g., depression, anxiety, or CG). More recent work has challenged the view that symptoms are interchangeable indicators of latent constructs. Instead, this research argues that symptoms interact with each other within a causal system that characterizes the disorder. Developments in network analysis methods have enabled researchers to explore this possibility empirically.
Purpose: This study used network analysis to examine the structure of CG symptoms in a diverse sample of dementia caregivers.
Methods: Data are from 224 bereaved caregivers participating in the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health (REACH) Study. I used network analysis to identify interrelationships among 19 symptoms assessed with the Inventory of Complicated Grief. Results may inform the development of targeted treatment for bereaved dementia caregivers experiencing CG.
Franco (MMSc-GHD)
Socioeconomic
Abstract: Periacetabular osteotomy for acetabular dysplasia is associated with improved quality of life and reduced pain. Despite literature
Helena
factors influencing periacetabular osteotomies in patients with acetabular dysplasia in Boston, Massachusetts
demonstrating need for timely diagnosis and follow-up, there has been no research into socioeconomic factors or barriers to e quitable care.
A retrospective cohort study will be performed on patients who underwent a periacetabular osteotomy at Boston Children’s Hospital. Demographic and socioeconomic factors will be investigated with respect to severity of disease at first review, including pain, clinical and radiological findings. Subsequently, these factors will be investigated against post-operative clinical outcomes and complications. This will inform further studies comparing post-operative clinical outcomes and complications.
Oluchi I. Ndulue (MMSc-GHD) Racial/ethnic disparities in substance use disorder treatment (SUD) completion: Analysis of the 2020 Treatment Episode Dataset-Discharges (TEDS-D), a national dataset.
Purpose: Substance use disorder is a chronic and debilitating condition. Race/ethnicity plays a crucial role in SUD treatment outcomes. The objective of this study is to assess factors associated with treatment completion among different races/ethnicities .
Methods: Retrospective analysis of substance use discharge records across treatment centers in the US as recorded in 2020 Treatment Episode Dataset-Discharges (TEDS-D) will be performed. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical data, and multivariable regression models will be used to examine racial/ethnic disparities in treatment completion.
Preliminary result: Forty-two percent of all admissions completed treatment. Alaskan Natives/American Indians recorded the highest rate of treatment completion.
Future: Understanding the predictors of treatment completion will guide future interventions for reducing racial/ethnic health inequities.
Waleed Seddiq (MMSc-CI) Novel strategy “Viral-entry on/off” improve codelivery of cell-based therapy and virotherapy.
Authors: Waleed Seddiq1,2 Nobuhiko Kanaya1,2, Khalid Shah1,2,3
1 Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
2 Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
3 Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
Virotherapy and cell-based therapy are promising fields in treating cancer. In this study, we engineered "Nectin-" receptor in twin stem cells in order to improve the cell-based delivery and enhance oncolytic viruses (OVs) effects. We created twin stem cell that have human Nectin-1 to increase OVs and reduced tumor size in a brain cancer model, while knockdown Nectin-1 to resist OVs and secrete immunomodulator safely. The novel combined approach of on/off nectin -1 in stem cells improved overall survival and sustained co-delivery of both OVs and immunomodulator. This research suggests that modifying Nectin-1 may be a promising strategy for improving virotherapy and cell-based therapies.
Erin Sharoni (MBE) The Moral Obligation to Bear Witness: A Policy
Proposal Mandating Audio-Visual Documentation of Federally-Funded Animal Use
This project aims to investigate the ethical issues related to animal use in agriculture and scientific research, interrogate the position that humans have a moral obligation to bear witness to animal suffering in these industries, understand existing legislative challenges to actualizing this moral obligation, and examine the connection between witnessing and social change. Methodology includes a review of ethics literature, public sentiment polls, and US policy governing federally -funded animal use. Next steps include interviews with policymakers, whistleblowers, and scholars, culminating in a draft policy proposal mandating that federally -funded animal use facilities capture and disclose audio-visual footage of all animal use operations.
