CTSI awards 13 new Translational Pilot Studies grants for 2024

Principal Investigator: Anthony Dakwar, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-Investigators: Gal Shafirstein, DSc, MSc, BSc, Professor of Oncology, Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; Alan Hutson, PhD, MA, Chair of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics and Professor of Oncology, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

Locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer poses a significant challenge in patient care as the recurrence rate can vary from 10 to 50% across the population. Current modalities for potential cure include radical surgery in addition to radiation therapy. Despite current efforts, recurrence rates are still significantly high and are associated with a substantial clinical burden of symptoms such as chronic pain, neuropathy, obstruction, pelvic floor, and sexual dysfunction. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and benefit of fluorescence-guided surgery followed by photodynamic therapy in patients with loco-regionally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer undergoing surgery.

Principal Investigator: Scott T. Doyle, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-Investigator: Margaret Brandwein-Weber, MD, Professor and Chief of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai West, Mount Sinai Health System

This project seeks to establish a research hub at UB to undertake the design and implementation of secure, private, and collaborative artificial intelligence (AI) training and research. With an initial focus on computational pathology and biomedical imaging, the goal is to develop the tools for state-of-the-art AI algorithm training while respecting the sensitive nature of the data used in developing such algorithms. Among these tools is a focus on Federated Learning, an AI training strategy that does not involve data collection (which may violate data usage agreements). This strategy helps to keep patient data within the local healthcare systems, while still contributing to the development of AI tools.

Principal Investigator: Ciprian N. Ionita, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-investigators: Albert H. Titus, PhD, Professor and Chair of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Jason M. Davies, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Filip Stefanovic, PhD, Teaching Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Jihnhee Yu, PhD, Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions

Each year in the US, approximately 2.8 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries, while strokes affect about 795,000. To address this critical health challenge, this project will employ advanced biomedical engineering techniques in developing a unique wearable system, Acoustic Hemodynamic Examination through Artificial Intelligence Diagnosis (AHEAD). Currently in the development phase, AHEAD will integrate state-of-the-art sound recording technologies for non-invasive monitoring of the brain's hemodynamics and leverages AI to discern normal from abnormal neurovascular states. AHEAD will interface with a smartphone for analysis and results transmission. As a passive system, it will not transmit signals into the head or brain, ensuring complete safety, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness.

Principal Investigator: Amy Jacobs, PhD, Research Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-investigator: Brahm Segal, MD, Chair, Department of Internal Medicine, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, and Professor of Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

While drugs have been developed that can effectively eliminate cancer cells, the challenge now is to find the most efficient way to target and deliver drugs to cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue. Liposomes, which are small, circular cargo vessels composed of the same materials as human cells, offer a solution by encapsulating drugs and protecting them from degradation and elimination, allowing for a prolonged drug lifespan in the body and decreased dosage over time. This project explores the development of mechanisms for direct payload delivery into the cell cytoplasm and conveyance of toxins throughout a tumor interior using a novel nanoparticle created by the study team’s lab.

Principal Investigator: Dejan Jakimovski, MD, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Research Unit Director, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center

Co-principal Investigators: Robert Zivadinov, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Professor of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Director, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center; Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, MD, Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-investigators: Ralph H. Benedict, PhD, Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Ferdinand Schweser, PhD, Associate Professor, Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Radiology and Technical Director, Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Michael G. Dwyer III, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Biomedical Informatics, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Director of IT and Neuroinformatics Development, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center; Niels P. Bergsland, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Director of Integration, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center; Penny L. Pennington, MAS, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Western New York has one of the highest rates of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). While MS is traditionally thought to disproportionately affect whites of European background, recent studies suggest that MS prevalence in the Black and Latinx population may be as equally large, and that Black/Latinx people with MS have worse clinical outcomes. This study aims to utilize novel MRI techniques in an attempt to characterize the potential pathological differences in underserved people with MS. Researchers hope the study could lead to better patient risk stratification and help determine whether cortical lesions are a key driver for the potential discrepancy in disability.

Principal Investigator: Jessica Martinolich, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-investigators: Ekaterina (Katia) Noyes, PhD, MPH, Associate Dean for Translational and Team Sciences, Director, Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, Professor and Director, Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Research (SOAR) Center, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions; Bonnie M. Vest, PhD, Research Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Ajay Anand Myneni, PhD, Research Scientist, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions; Eylon Arbel, Medical Student, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Steven D. Schwaitzberg, MD, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Consultants: Mark A. Falvo, MD, Colorectal Division Chief, Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Laurene M. Tumiel-Berhalter, PhD, Director of Community Translational Research, Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Gregory Wilding, PhD, Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions

Numerous clinical trials and practice guideline recommendations support the use of a transabdominal approach for repair of rectal prolapse (RP) due to decreased complication and recurrence rates. Despite this, a recent analysis of RP management across New York State reveals a disproportionately high (and increasing) use of alternative repair approach, especially in areas with high availability of ambulatory surgery centers. This is associated with higher operative complications and recurrence rates. This study aims to utilize a mixed-method survey-based analysis to identify the factors that contribute to selection of surgical procedure from both the surgeon and patient perspective, and to identify avenues for care optimization.

Co-principal Investigators: Jacob I. McPherson, PT, DPT, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions; Christopher Stavisky, PhD, OTR/L, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Public Health and Health Professions

Co-investigators: M. Nadir Haider, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Jeffrey Miecznikowski, PhD, Interim Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions; Haley Chizuk, PhD, MS, Department of Orthopedics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; John J. Leddy, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Work-related concussion (WRC) is a common occupational injury that has received far less research attention compared to sport-related concussion (SRC). WRC results in prolonged lost time claims with negative impact on personal/family finances and perceived life roles. WRC also affects workforce capacity in industries that are already facing worker shortages. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of applying targeted heart rate aerobic exercise (THRAE), a proven treatment approach to the management of SRC, to individuals diagnosed with WRC. A secondary aim is to examine demographic and psychosocial factors that may be associated with recovery from WRC.

Co-principal Investigators: Pauline Mendola, PhD, Chair and Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions; Thaddeus P. Waters, MD, Clinical Professor and Chief, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-investigators: Ekaterina (Katia) Noyes, PhD, MPH, Associate Dean for Translational and Team Sciences, Director, Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, Professor and Director, Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Research (SOAR) Center, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions; Laurene M. Tumiel-Berhalter, PhD, Director of Community Translational Research, Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Consultants: Sharon Barron, BSN, RN, CPN, Manager, Regional Perinatal Program, Oishei Children’s Hospital; Frank Cerny, PhD, MDiv, Executive Director, Rural Outreach Center; Lisa Greisler, RN, President, Visiting Nursing Association of WNY, Inc.; Heather Link, MD, Obstetrics Provider and Public Health Expert, Kaleida Health; Pamela Reed, MD, Senior Research Project Director, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Regional Perinatal Center

The US has among the highest maternal mortality rates compared to other high-income countries and rural counties have a greater burden of poor outcomes. Evidence-based interventions to prevent maternal mortality have been developed, but limited evidence and significant barriers remain for implementation and scale-up of interventions in rural communities that lack obstetric providers and have elevated levels of social and economic deprivation. This study aims to engage rural care providers (hospitals, primary care and obstetric providers, visiting nursing services, etc.) patient advocacy groups into a partnership with the Regional Perinatal Center to adapt and assess approaches for reducing maternal mortality in rural obstetric care deserts.

Principal Investigator: Ferdinand Schweser, PhD, Associate Professor, Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Radiology and Technical Director, Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-Principal Investigators: Scott T. Doyle, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Simon Hametner, MD, PhD, Department of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Stuart D. Inglis, PhD, Instructor, Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Director, UB Anatomical Gift Program; Olga Pletnikova, MD, Research Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Suyog Pol, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, MRI Implementation Specialist, Center for Biomedical Imaging and Preclinical Director, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center; Murali Ramanathan, PhD, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Robert Zivadinov, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Professor of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Director, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center

This study takes a multidisciplinary approach to bridging the gap between postmortem histopathological outcomes and clinical (in vivo) manifestations, utilizing post-mortem imaging and biobank specimens specifically focusing on multiple sclerosis (MS). Leveraging the University at Buffalo’s Anatomical Gift Program and biomedical imaging resources, researchers aim to create an integrated, data-rich platform — the Buffalo Bioimaging Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders (B4ND) — that will enhance understanding of MS pathology and address health disparities and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in the Western New York community. The project involves a diverse team of experts from radiology, histopathology, neuroimmunology, genomics, computer science, and neurology.

Principal Investigator: Darryl Somayaji, PhD, MSN, CNS, RN, CCRC, Assistant Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing

Co-investigators: Laurene M. Tumiel-Berhalter, PhD, Director of Community Translational Research, Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Ranjit Singh, MB, BChir, MBA, Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Director, Primary Care Research Institute, Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Patrick Glasgow, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Ekaterina (Katia) Noyes, PhD, MPH, Associate Dean for Translational and Team Sciences, Director, Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, Professor and Director, Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Research (SOAR) Center, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions; Gregory Wilding, PhD, Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality for men and women in the US, especially in underserved and under-resourced communities in Erie County, New York. Timely lung cancer screening can decrease lung cancer mortality through early detection and treatment. Primary care providers present a key entry point to lung cancer screening. The study will allow researchers to identify gaps related to lung cancer knowledge/awareness and screening for patient and provider for a primary care practice in a safety-net hospital community. Researchers will develop a co-designed culturally appropriate educational intervention prototype for future testing that addresses the specific needs of patients and providers in the primary care practice and the neighborhoods they serve.

Principal Investigator: Robert M. Straubinger, PhD, UB Distinguished Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Co-investigators: Michael E. Feigin, PhD, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; Donald E. Mager, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Jun Qu, PhD, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Wen Wee Ma, MD, Director, Novel Cancer Therapeutics and Vice Chair, Translational Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic

Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is rising to become the second leading cause of cancer death. It is refractory to most therapeutic agents, including immune checkpoint monoclonal antibodies that have mediated unprecedented therapeutic benefit in other cancers, but have failed in PDAC. A dense tumor extracellular matrix and sparse microvessels create a barrier that limits tumor delivery and intratumor distribution of therapeutic agents and immune cells. However, fibrosis-targeted therapies can improve drug and antibody delivery to PDAC tumors. This study will investigate targeting of tumor stroma with tumor priming strategies to increase immunotherapy antibody delivery and immune cell abundance in PDAC.

Principal Investigator: Michelle B. Visser, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine

Co-investigators: Jennifer K. Lang, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Patricia I. Diaz, DDS, MS, PhD, Professor of Empire Innovation and Director, UB Microbiome Center, Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine; Barbara Rita Alevriadou, PhD, SUNY Empire Innovation Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Poor oral health allows changes to the microbial community and inflammatory environment in the mouth with damage to the tooth supporting tissue. This may allow vesicles containing both bacterial and host-derived components to reach systemic circulation. Identifying changes in the bacterial and host-derived vesicle cargo during health and disease, along with understanding the biological and immunological mechanisms driving vesicle-mediated interactions to promote vascular endothelial cell changes, will provide information to develop effective treatments to maintain oral and overall health including cardiovascular health. This project will address gaps in knowledge related to clinical associations between extracellular vesicles and periodontal health status.

Principal Investigator: Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, MD, Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-principal Investigators: Robert Zivadinov, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Professor of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Director, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center; Ralph H. Benedict, PhD, Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Murali Ramanathan, PhD, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science

Co-investigators: Michael G. Dwyer III, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Biomedical Informatics, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Director of IT and Neuroinformatics Development, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center; Ferdinand Schweser, PhD, Associate Professor, Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Radiology and Technical Director, Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Niels P. Bergsland, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Director of Integration, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center; Dejan Jakimovski, MD, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Research Unit Director, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center; Svetlana Primma Eckert, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; David W. Hojnacki, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Currently there are no neuroprotective interventions that can specifically slow down the amount of neurodegeneration in aging people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Preclinical studies in mouse models of MS suggest that metformin may have neuroprotective properties and even  potential support for neural repair and remyelination in individuals with this debilitating condition. Few observational studies suggest better clinical outcomes in people with MS treated with metformin as part of their comprehensive care. This study aims to explore the safety and potential efficacy of metformin as a monotherapy or as an  add-on therapy to  an existing MS disease-modifying treatment to reduce the amount of cortical damage in aging people with MS when compared to placebo.