Thomas Jefferson University
News Articles
Current Releases
Study Finds Lifestyle Changes Delay Onset of Diabetes by Four Years
(Published 11-28-2009) An ongoing research study has found that patients who adopted a healthier lifestyle have a 34 percent lower risk of developing diabetes. Those patients who embraced the lifestyle changes also experienced drops in heart disease risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. The study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Indian Health Service, and the American Diabetes Association, was conducted in 27 centers nationwide and included over 3,800 patients who were at a high risk of acquiring the disease. The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) is a continuation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) which began in 1996. DPPOS will continue through 2013. Jefferson trial site Principal Investigator Serge Jabbour, M.D., Interim Director, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University and his co-authors report their findings in the October 29th online edition of the The Lancet.
(Published 11-28-2009) An ongoing research study has found that patients who adopted a healthier lifestyle have a 34 percent lower risk of developing diabetes. Those patients who embraced the lifestyle changes also experienced drops in heart disease risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. The study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Indian Health Service, and the American Diabetes Association, was conducted in 27 centers nationwide and included over 3,800 patients who were at a high risk of acquiring the disease. The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) is a continuation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) which began in 1996. DPPOS will continue through 2013. Jefferson trial site Principal Investigator Serge Jabbour, M.D., Interim Director, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University and his co-authors report their findings in the October 29th online edition of the The Lancet.
Jefferson First Hospital in Pennsylvania to Offer New Device Allowing Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries to Breathe Without
a Ventilator
(Published 10-26-2009) Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) in Philadelphia is the first hospital in Pennsylvania to offer a FDA-approved device that helps individuals with certain types of spinal cord injuries breathe on their own again. Michael Weinstein, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at Jefferson, is among the first surgeons in the United States to implant the NeuRx DPS™ in patients with spinal cord injuries who lack voluntary control of their diaphragms. The device provides electrical stimulation to muscle and nerves in the diaphragm. When the muscle is stimulated, the diaphragm contracts and creates a vacuum-like effect in the chest cavity that allows air to fill the upper and lower parts of the lungs. When this contraction eases, the air is expelled from the lungs – essentially the same as regular breathing.
(Published 10-26-2009) Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) in Philadelphia is the first hospital in Pennsylvania to offer a FDA-approved device that helps individuals with certain types of spinal cord injuries breathe on their own again. Michael Weinstein, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at Jefferson, is among the first surgeons in the United States to implant the NeuRx DPS™ in patients with spinal cord injuries who lack voluntary control of their diaphragms. The device provides electrical stimulation to muscle and nerves in the diaphragm. When the muscle is stimulated, the diaphragm contracts and creates a vacuum-like effect in the chest cavity that allows air to fill the upper and lower parts of the lungs. When this contraction eases, the air is expelled from the lungs – essentially the same as regular breathing.
Jefferson Receives Chest Pain Center Accreditation
(Published 10-20-2009) The Chest Pain Center in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) recently received full Cycle II accreditation with PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) from the Accreditation Review Committee of the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC). With the rise of chest pain centers came the need to establish standards designed to improve the consistency and quality of care provided to patients. SCPC’s accreditation process insures centers meet or exceed quality-of-care measures in acute cardiac medicine.
(Published 10-20-2009) The Chest Pain Center in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) recently received full Cycle II accreditation with PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) from the Accreditation Review Committee of the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC). With the rise of chest pain centers came the need to establish standards designed to improve the consistency and quality of care provided to patients. SCPC’s accreditation process insures centers meet or exceed quality-of-care measures in acute cardiac medicine.
Researchers Identify Mechanism that Helps Bacteria Avoid Destruction in Cells
(Published 10-9-2009) Infectious diseases currently cause about one-third of all human deaths worldwide, more than all forms of cancer combined. Advances in cell biology and microbial genetics have greatly enhanced understanding of the cause and mechanisms of infectious diseases. Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University, the Pasteur Institute in Paris, and Yale University reported in PLoS ONE, a way in which intracellular pathogens exploit the biological attributes of their hosts in order to escape destruction.
(Published 10-9-2009) Infectious diseases currently cause about one-third of all human deaths worldwide, more than all forms of cancer combined. Advances in cell biology and microbial genetics have greatly enhanced understanding of the cause and mechanisms of infectious diseases. Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University, the Pasteur Institute in Paris, and Yale University reported in PLoS ONE, a way in which intracellular pathogens exploit the biological attributes of their hosts in order to escape destruction.
Jefferson to form Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
(Published 10-9-2009) Thomas Jefferson University is expanding and empowering its stem cell research program with a new academic department at Jefferson Medical College: Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.
(Published 10-9-2009) Thomas Jefferson University is expanding and empowering its stem cell research program with a new academic department at Jefferson Medical College: Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.
Gordon Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A., to Lead Jefferson Breast Care Center
(Published 10-8-2009) Gordon Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A., has been appointed director of the Jefferson Breast Care Center at the Kimmel Cancer Center (KCC), and will also return to the full-time faculty as a professor in Jefferson’s Department of Surgery. With more than 40 years of clinical and educational experience, Dr. Schwartz is an internationally renowned expert in breast diseases.
(Published 10-8-2009) Gordon Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A., has been appointed director of the Jefferson Breast Care Center at the Kimmel Cancer Center (KCC), and will also return to the full-time faculty as a professor in Jefferson’s Department of Surgery. With more than 40 years of clinical and educational experience, Dr. Schwartz is an internationally renowned expert in breast diseases.
Jefferson and Delaware Research Team to Create Three-Dimensional Touch-and-Feel Genetic Images of Cancer
(Published 9-24-2009) A team of researchers from Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Delaware have received a grant from the Department of Defense to create a three-dimensional patient imaging system that will allow surgeons to view and touch selected organs and tissues prior to surgery.
(Published 9-24-2009) A team of researchers from Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Delaware have received a grant from the Department of Defense to create a three-dimensional patient imaging system that will allow surgeons to view and touch selected organs and tissues prior to surgery.
New Study Finds Way to Stop Excessive Bone Growth Following Trauma or Surgery
(Published 9-23-2009) A recent United States Army study found that excessive bone growth, also known as heterotopic ossificiation (HO), affects up to 70 percent of soldiers who are severely wounded during combat. A much smaller percentage of the civilian population also suffers from HO following trauma or invasive surgery. The excessive bone forms within muscles and other tissues causing severe pain, reduced mobility and even local paralysis if untreated. A new study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found a way to prevent HO in animal models by shutting the process off in its early stages. The study, reported in September’s Journal of Orthopaedic Research, is expected to lead to clinical trials and may hopefully provide a new, effective and safe treatment for HO.
(Published 9-23-2009) A recent United States Army study found that excessive bone growth, also known as heterotopic ossificiation (HO), affects up to 70 percent of soldiers who are severely wounded during combat. A much smaller percentage of the civilian population also suffers from HO following trauma or invasive surgery. The excessive bone forms within muscles and other tissues causing severe pain, reduced mobility and even local paralysis if untreated. A new study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found a way to prevent HO in animal models by shutting the process off in its early stages. The study, reported in September’s Journal of Orthopaedic Research, is expected to lead to clinical trials and may hopefully provide a new, effective and safe treatment for HO.
New Rabies Vaccine May Require Only a Single Shot…Not Six
(Published 9-21-2009) A person, usually a child, dies of rabies every 20 minutes. However, only one inoculation may be all it takes for rabies vaccination, according to new research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases by researchers at the Jefferson Vaccine Center.
(Published 9-21-2009) A person, usually a child, dies of rabies every 20 minutes. However, only one inoculation may be all it takes for rabies vaccination, according to new research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases by researchers at the Jefferson Vaccine Center.
Jefferson First Hospital in City to Offer New, Non-Invasive Tinnitus Treatment
(Published 9-18-2009) The Jefferson Balance and Hearing Center of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is the first hospital in Philadelphia to offer the FDA-cleared Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment. This therapy is proven to interact, interrupt and desensitize tinnitus by delivering a customized neural stimulus, embedded in clinically modified music.
(Published 9-18-2009) The Jefferson Balance and Hearing Center of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is the first hospital in Philadelphia to offer the FDA-cleared Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment. This therapy is proven to interact, interrupt and desensitize tinnitus by delivering a customized neural stimulus, embedded in clinically modified music.
Warren R. Maley, M.D., Joins the Department of Surgery at Jefferson
(Published 9-16-2009) Warren R. Maley, M.D., recently joined the Department of Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH), and will serve as the director of the Live Donor Liver Transplant Program. He has also been named an associate professor of Surgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Maley has performed extensive research in the fields of Liver Transplantation and Surgical Therapy to improve patient safety and care.
(Published 9-16-2009) Warren R. Maley, M.D., recently joined the Department of Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH), and will serve as the director of the Live Donor Liver Transplant Program. He has also been named an associate professor of Surgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Maley has performed extensive research in the fields of Liver Transplantation and Surgical Therapy to improve patient safety and care.
Heartburn Help: Jefferson First in Philadelphia to Offer New, Incisionless Surgical Treatment for Acid Reflux Disease
(Published 9-15-2009) Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is the first hospital in Philadelphia, and the Delaware Valley, offering endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) – an incisionless surgical treatment option to provide long-term elimination of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases affecting hundreds of thousands of people, in which the esophagus becomes inflamed by digestive acid backing up from the stomach, resulting in heartburn.
(Published 9-15-2009) Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is the first hospital in Philadelphia, and the Delaware Valley, offering endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) – an incisionless surgical treatment option to provide long-term elimination of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases affecting hundreds of thousands of people, in which the esophagus becomes inflamed by digestive acid backing up from the stomach, resulting in heartburn.
Prodrug Could Help Curb Skin Toxicity Related to EGFR Inhibiting Cancer Drugs
(Published 9-2-2009) There may be a way around the harsh skin toxicity associated with a widely used cancer drug, according to a study published online this week in Cancer Biology and Therapy by researchers from City of Hope and the Kimmel Cancer at Jefferson.
(Published 9-2-2009) There may be a way around the harsh skin toxicity associated with a widely used cancer drug, according to a study published online this week in Cancer Biology and Therapy by researchers from City of Hope and the Kimmel Cancer at Jefferson.
Inhibition of NF-kappa B, a Key Inflammatory Protein, Reduced Radiation Toxicity in Zebrafish
(Published 9-2-2009) Directly inhibiting the activity of a key protein mediator of inflammation reduced radiation toxicity in zebrafish embryos, and may ultimately be of help to patients receiving radiation therapy, according to researchers from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson.
(Published 9-2-2009) Directly inhibiting the activity of a key protein mediator of inflammation reduced radiation toxicity in zebrafish embryos, and may ultimately be of help to patients receiving radiation therapy, according to researchers from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson.
Edith Mitchell Receives National Medical Association Council on Concerns of Women Physicians Pfizer Research Award
(Published 8-27-2009) Edith Mitchell, M.D., clinical professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, was honored with the 2009 National Medical Association Council on Concerns of Women Physicians Pfizer Research Award.
(Published 8-27-2009) Edith Mitchell, M.D., clinical professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, was honored with the 2009 National Medical Association Council on Concerns of Women Physicians Pfizer Research Award.
Jefferson and Wills Eye Battling Rare Childhood Cancer Together
(Published 8-18-2009) Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer that develops in the retina of the eye and mostly affects young children. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 300 children are diagnosed with the disease each year in the United States. In fact, the vast majority of cases of retinoblastoma occur among young children, with almost two-thirds of all retinoblastomas occurring before the age of two years and 95 percent occurring before the age of five years. Now, Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience (JHN) and Wills Eye Institute are offering these young patients a new, targeted treatment option that can save their life and help save their sight and eyes.
(Published 8-18-2009) Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer that develops in the retina of the eye and mostly affects young children. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 300 children are diagnosed with the disease each year in the United States. In fact, the vast majority of cases of retinoblastoma occur among young children, with almost two-thirds of all retinoblastomas occurring before the age of two years and 95 percent occurring before the age of five years. Now, Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience (JHN) and Wills Eye Institute are offering these young patients a new, targeted treatment option that can save their life and help save their sight and eyes.
Jefferson Headache Center Study Shows Novel, Orally Inhaled Migraine Therapy Effective
(Published 8-11-2009) A new study conducted at the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania shows an investigational, orally-inhaled therapy is effective in treating migraines. The multi-center, phase three FREEDOM-301 trial for the orally-inhaled migraine therapy, LEVADEX™, shows study participants had significant relief from symptoms such as pain, nausea and light and sound sensitivity when compared to placebo treatment. According to trial results, this therapy provided pain relief in 30 minutes and sustained relief for 48 hours after dosing in patients with moderate or severe migraine attacks. The drug was generally very well tolerated and there were no drug-related, serious adverse events reported.
(Published 8-11-2009) A new study conducted at the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania shows an investigational, orally-inhaled therapy is effective in treating migraines. The multi-center, phase three FREEDOM-301 trial for the orally-inhaled migraine therapy, LEVADEX™, shows study participants had significant relief from symptoms such as pain, nausea and light and sound sensitivity when compared to placebo treatment. According to trial results, this therapy provided pain relief in 30 minutes and sustained relief for 48 hours after dosing in patients with moderate or severe migraine attacks. The drug was generally very well tolerated and there were no drug-related, serious adverse events reported.
