Dr. Thomas Klein, left center, and Dr. Arie Dosoretz, right center, prepare to cut the ribbon celebrating the grand opening of Advocate Radiation Oncology’s new cancer treatment center in Tamarac.
 
April 16, 2021 – Advocate Radiation Oncology held an open house for South Florida physicians on April 8 to celebrate the debut of its new cancer treatment center in Tamarac.
 
Located at 7850 N. University Drive, the Tamarac center features state-of-the-art radiation oncology treatment in conjunction with the top-tier expertise and compassionate care that defines Advocate Radiation Oncology. Heading the Tamarac practice is Dr. Thomas J. Klein, who has practiced in South Florida for nearly a decade. Klein treats patients who have breast, prostate, lung, head, neck and other types of cancers.
 
Guests at the pre-sunset open house were treated to live music, hors d’oeuvres and guided tours of the facility, which offers Varian’s TrueBeam linear accelerator, a cancer-fighting machine that precisely targets and destroys tumor cells using external-beam radiation.
 
For more information, please visit AdvocateRO.com or call 754-205-0099.
About Advocate Radiation Oncology
 
Advocate Radiation Oncology is a locally owned practice with five convenient locations in southern Florida. The practice’s mission is to provide compassionate health care expertise to cancer patients. Advocate is directed by a team of world-class, board-certified radiation oncologists: Drs. Alan Brown, Arie Dosoretz, Daniel Dosoretz, Amy Fox, Graciela Garton, Michael Katin, Thomas J. Klein, Kevin R. Kozak, David Rice and James Rubenstein. For more information, please visit AdvocateRO.com.
 
 


 
lllustration – Making memories: Synaptic activation promotes a signaling cascade that results in the expression of long noncoding RNA, ADEPTR. It’s quickly transported along dendrites to synapses, where it acts on proteins involved in remodeling. Credit: Jenna Wingfield and Yibo Zhao of the Puthanveettil lab at Scripps Research in Jupiter, Florida.  
 
April 16, 2021 – Making memories involves more than seeing friends or taking photos. The brain constantly adapts to new information and stores memories by building connections among neurons, called synapses. How neurons do this—reaching out arm-like dendrites to communicate with other neurons—requires a ballet of genes, signaling molecules, cellular scaffolding and protein-building machinery. 
 
A new study from scientists at Scripps Research and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience finds a central role for one signaling molecule, a long, noncoding RNA that the scientists named ADEPTR. 
Using a variety of technologies, including confocal and two-photon microscopy, they track ADEPTR’s moves, watching as it forms, travels, amasses at the synapse and activates other proteins upon a neuron’s stimulation. 
 
Its journey to the far reaches of a brain cell is made possible by a cellular carrier that that tiptoes along a dendrite’s microtubule scaffolding. Called a kinesin motor, it deposits ADEPTR near the synapse junction, where it activates other proteins. 
 
The team also found that if ADEPTR is silenced, new synapses don’t form during stimulation. 
 
The study, “Activity regulated synaptic targeting of lncRNA ADEPTR mediates structural plasticity by localizing Sptn1 and AnkB in dendrites,”  is published online April 16 in the journal Science Advances.  
Long noncoding RNAs have often been described as “genomic dark matter,” because their role in cells has yet to be fully characterized, especially in neurons, says the study’s lead author, Scripps Research neuroscientist Sathyanarayanan Puthanveettil, PhD. Puthanveettil’s team is finding that they play a signaling role in neural plasticity—how neurons adapt and change with experience. 
 
“Here we report activity-dependent dendritic targeting of a newly transcribed long noncoding RNA for modulating synapse function, and describe its underlying mechanisms,” Puthanveettil says. “These studies bring novel insights into the functions of long noncoding RNAs at the synapse.”
 
The first author is Eddie Grinman, a graduate student in Puthanveettil’s lab. 
 
A long noncoding RNA is a type of RNA that exceeds 200 nucleotides, and does not get translated into protein. There are thousands of these long noncoding RNA in our cells, but in most cases, their function isn’t yet known. What is known is that usually, they tend to stay within the cell nucleus. Some regulate the transcription of genes. 
 
“It was surprising to see a long noncoding RNA move from nucleus to the synapse so rapidly and robustly,” Grinman says. 
 
The hippocampus is the part of the brain where learning, memory and emotions reside. Working in hippocampal neurons from mice, the team stimulated the neurons with pharmacological activators of learning-related signaling. They found through molecular and high-resolution imaging techniques that the ADEPTR long noncoding RNA was rapidly expressed and transported to the outer arms of the cell. There, the ADEPTR molecules interact with proteins that play a role in structural organization of synapses, proteins called spectrin 1 and ankyrin B. 
 
They found that ADEPTR became downregulated if exposed to an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA.
 
“These findings add another layer of complexity in synapse modulation and plasticity,” Puthanveettil says. “Synaptically localized long noncoding RNA are important regulators of adaptive neuronal function.” 
Going forward, the team intends to continue characterizing how stimulation affects neuronal plasticity. Also, the authors hope to learn more about the role of ADEPTR in vivo. 
 
“It would be interesting to learn what role ADEPTR plays in forming new memories in living organisms,” says Grinman.
 
The work is revealing one of the most fundamental processes of learning and memory, adaptation to changing information and circumstances. 
“Neural plasticity is what allows us to learn, respond to stimuli, and lay down long-term memories,” Puthanveettil says. “There is still much to learn about the magnificent complexity of this fundamental biological process.”
 
In addition to Puthanveettil and Grinman, the authors of the study include Yosef Avchalumov, Isabel Espadas, and Supriya Swarnkar of Scripps Research, Florida; and Yoshihisa Nakahata and Ryohei Yasuda of the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience.
 
Funding for the work was provided by the National Institutes of Health, 5R01MH094607-05, 1R21DA039417-01A1 and 1R01MH119541-01A1.  
 
 
 


April 15, 2021 – Tanya Miller, Jennifer Thomason and Aaron Tell have joined the Alzheimer’s Association as the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s event co-chairs in Boca Raton.

Miller, a local community advocate, said the Alzheimer’s Association has been an invaluable resource to her and her family since her mother received her life-altering diagnosis.
 
“When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015 at the age of 65, I found tremendous support from my community here in Boca Raton through the Alzheimer’s Association,” Miller said. “I am dedicated to fighting Alzheimer’s and pray every day for a cure. It is an honor to serve as co-chair of the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”
 
As for what inspired Thomason, the development director for Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, to get involved, she said, “After beginning my Alzheimer’s journey with my father in 2008 and losing him 10 years later, I am dedicated to finding a cure and am proud to serve as co-chair in 2021.” 
 
Meanwhile, for Tell – the operations manager at Camp Chen-A-Wanda – it was the loss of his aunt to Alzheimer’s disease that set him on his fundraising journey.
 
“I might not have been able to accept my aunt’s untimely death due to Alzheimer’s disease, but I have learned to cope by becoming involved, raising funds and educating others,” Tell said. “I am encouraging others to join me in our fight so one day there will be a cure for Alzheimer’s.”
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association reports, including 580,000 Floridians. Additionally, more than 11 million Americans provide care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
 
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants walked individually and in small groups throughout their communities rather than at one large gathering. This year, the Association is moving forward with plans to host the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in person. 
“The health and safety of participants, volunteers and staff remain our top priorities as we continue to monitor the pandemic and make decisions about event details in our community,” said Stefanie Mardar, director of the Boca Raton Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “While we’re planning to gather in person, we will continue to offer options to participate in Walk online and in your neighborhood. 
 
“Families facing Alzheimer’s and all other dementia need us now more than ever – and with your support, we can continue to be there for them,” Mardar added. “Every dollar we raise through Walk to End Alzheimer’s allows the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.” 
 
The 2021 Boca Raton Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Sunday, Nov. 14. To join a team or learn more, visit www.alz.org/walk. 
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
 
 
 
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s. 
 
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.
 


Palms West Hospital offers new hand-held robotic assisted surgical option
 
April 15, 2021 – The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates knee replacement surgeries are expected to increase a staggering 180% between now and 2030 in the United States1. In Palm Beach County alone, an estimated 58,000 people are at high risk for osteoarthritis and may need surgical intervention. 
 
To better meet the increased needs of community residents suffering with chronic knee pain, Palms West Hospital has expanded its robotic program to include the next generation of hand-held robotics platform, the CORI robotics-assisted system. Functioning as an extension of a surgeon’s skilled hands, the system provides an enhanced level of accuracy and precision-matched knee replacement to feel more like a patient’s own knee.
 
People often suffer for many years with knee pain, citing procedure fears and recovery time as the biggest concerns with moving forward when surgical treatment becomes necessary.  What’s especially troubling for many doctors is the number of patients who are unaware of robotics-assisted procedures and recent advancements that have been made in the field of orthopedics.  
 
“This is the latest and most Advanced Robotic technology in Joint Replacement Surgery to date. Robotic assisted Knee replacement surgery provides a high level of precision and a more customized surgical experience specific to the individual patient’s need,” said Dr. Mamun AlRashid MD MRCS FRCS FACS, Orthopedic Surgeon and Joint Reconstruction Specialist.  Dr. AlRashid is Director of Adult Reconstruction, at Atlantis Orthopedics, Palm Beach County, Florida.
 
Although there are many varieties of robotic assistance used for knee replacement surgery, Palms West Hospital’s newly acquired CORI Robotic Assisted Surgical System, boasts an innovative approach to knee replacement, that can provide the following patient benefits:
 
•Quicker, smoother recovery2
•Regain function faster and return home sooner3
•A unique plan: through use of 3D digital modeling to get a surgical plan customized to the patients’ unique anatomy. This means our surgeon can perform the procedure more accurately than traditional knee replacement surgery.4,5 
•A natural fit: This technology provides patients a personalized fit as the surgeon customizes the implant based on individual anatomy.  That helps maintain more of a natural rhythm and step.6
 
 
– E N D –
 
 
 
About Palms West Hospital
 
Palms West Hospital is a 204-bed acute care full service facility combining high quality, patient-driven care and state-of-the-art technology to serve residents of Palm Beach County and beyond. The hospital employs over 1,200 employees, has a medical staff of 655 active physicians and a Graduate Medical Education Program. We offer a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient services including: 24/7 Emergency care, stroke center designation, comprehensive surgical services, cardiac catheterization, an orthopedics and spine institute, and maternity services with a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (level II NICU). 
 
Palms West Hospital is a recipient of numerous awards, recognitions and accreditations from a number of organizations, among them, The Joint Commission. Our more recent recognitions include Healthgrades’ 2020 Coronary Intervention Excellence Award, 2019 Gallbladder Surgery Five-Star Recipient, Healthgrades’ 2019 General Surgery Excellence Award, Healthgrades’ Patient Safety Excellence Award, Press Ganey’s 2019 Guardian of Excellence Award, Children’s Oncology Group (COG) accreditation in 2019 and Blue Shield’s Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery.
 
 
 
References
* Robotics-assisted knee replacement surgery using the CORITM Surgical System combined with the features and benefits of Smith+Nephew’s implant portfolio
 
1.American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Projected volume of primary and revision total joint replacement in the U.S. 2030 to 2060. https://aaos-annualmeeting-presskit.org/2018/research-news/sloan_tjr/. Updated March 6,2018.  Accessed August 5, 2020.
2.Based on JOURNEY II family of implants. Mayman DJ, Patel AR, Carroll KM. Hospital related clinical and economic outcomes of a bicruciate knee system in total knee arthroplasty patients. Poster presented at: ISPOR Symposium; May 19-23, 2018; Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
3.Based on UKA surgery. Shearman AD, et al. EKS Arthroplasty Conference. May 2-3, 2019; Valencia, Spain.
4.Batailler C, White N, Ranaldi FM, Neyret P, Servien E, Lustig S. Improved implant position and lower revision rate with robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthros. 2019;27(4):1232-1240
5.Gregori A, Picard F, Lonner JH, Smith JR, Jaramaz B. Accuracy of Imageless Robotically Assisted Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty. International Society for Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery (CAOS) 15th Annual Meeting;2015; Vancover, Canada
6.Pritchett JW. Patients prefer a bicruciate-retaining or the medial pivot total knee prosthesis. J Arthroplasty. 2011;26(2):224-228
00225 V3 JOURNEY II Design Rationale 11/17
06791 V1 JOURNEY II XR Design Rationale 10/17
 
 
 
 
 


 Results from Abbott’s Rapid COVID-19 Molecular Test are ready in as little as 15 minutes
 
April 14 2021 – Fort Lauderdale area residents now have access to Rapid COVID-19 Molecular testing at our Holy Cross Urgent Care locations at 3481 N. University Drive in Coral Springs and 1115 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. The Abbott Rapid COVID-19 Molecular Test not only delivers test results in minutes, the test is also accurate and convenient for the patient. This is a change from prior procedure because swabs collected at the Urgent Care Centers will no longer be sent to the main lab for PCR testing. Anyone that qualifies under CDC guidelines can have the same-day test. 
 
The Rapid COVID-19 Molecular Test from Abbott has been deemed both safe and effective. Test samples are processed with the same innovative technology used to diagnose patients with the flu and strep throat. 
 
Open 7 days a week, walk-ins are always welcome at Holy Cross Urgent Care’s two conveniently located centers at 3481 N. University Drive in Coral Springs and 1115 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. 
 
In addition to Rapid COVID-19 testing, Holy Cross Urgent Care continues to deliver the highest level of care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses including:
•Ear and eye infection
•Minor cuts
•Sprains and strains
•Simple fractures
•Sore throat, fever, aches
•Minor skin infections
•Vomiting and diarrhea 
 
 
Holy Cross Urgent Care is committed to maintaining CDC-recommended COVID-19 protocols. Below is a list of some of the processes in place to keep patients safe at Holy Cross Urgent Care centers: 
• Virtual Care 
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection 
• No-touch sign-in 
• Pre-visit temperature checks 
• Social distancing 
• Masking 
 
Holy Cross Urgent Care locations are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
 
 
 
About Holy Cross Urgent Care 
Holy Cross Urgent Care centers are modern, state-of-the-art facilities providing walk-in care for minor illnesses and injuries seven days a week, including holidays. Licensed providers are available to perform procedures like splinting and suturing, in addition to being equipped with x-ray capabilities, laboratory services, and an electronic medical records (EMR) system. Occupational Health services are also available for the treatment of workplace injuries, DOT/Non-DOT Physicals, Blood Analysis, Return-to-Work Exams and Drug Testing. Holy Cross Urgent Care operates as a seamless extension of Holy Cross Health which is backed by the outstanding resources and reputation of Trinity Health. Holly Cross Urgent Care centers are accredited by the Urgent Care Association demonstrating the urgent care network’s commitment to providing the highest level of treatment available in an on-demand care setting. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.