Moanaro Biswas, PhD, is currently an Assistant Professor in the Gene and Cell Therapy Program at the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research at Indiana University, Indianapolis. She was appointed to this position in May 2018. She received her Masters and PhD in Biotechnology from India. She joined the University of Florida in 2013 as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and was subsequently appointed a faculty position in the department of Pediatrics at UF in 2017. She is mentored by Dr. Roland W. Herzog, a distinguished professor with extensive expertise in gene therapy for hemophilia. While at the University of FLorida, she received the Henry A. Kokomoor Award for excellence in Pediatric Research in 2017. Dr. Biswas has been the recipient of an early career investigator award from Bayer in 2016. Dr. Biswas is interested in studying cell and gene therapy-based treatments for combating inhibitor formation in hemophilia, As the 2018 recipient of the NHF/Novo Nordisk Career Development Award, which is made possible by a generous gift from Novo Nordisk, Dr. Biswas will be researching engineered Treg therapy for tolerance induction in hemophilia A. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing Tregs, made specific for FVIII, will be tested in a murine model of hemophilia A. She will explore at the cellular and molecular level, interactions between antigen-specific CAR-Tregs and immune cell types involved in the development of inhibitors to FVIII.
This analysis evaluated relationships between pain limitations and 1) family history of IBD, social determinants, depression/anxiety scores and 2) use of marijuana, opioids and other medications, anxiety, and depression. The majority of CVR participants with an IBD report limitation in life or work activities associated with pain. Several moderating variables beyond pain intensity and medications were identified, suggesting opportunities for future interventional research.
The demographic disparities between WCNHs and other participants in the CVR are critical and emphasize the need to focus on correlations between known social determinants of health and self-reported health outcomes and quality-of-life information.
The American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN) is the steward of extensive hemostasis and thrombosis data and analytic resources. The ATHN Affiliate Network consists of over 145 health care entities providing programs and services to individuals impacted by these conditions. Through its partnership with ATHN Affiliates, ATHN routinely collects demographic, clinical, and genetic data for the ATHNdataset, a de-identified, voluntary data set. The ATHNdataset is a rich source of data available for clinicians and clinical researchers to identify, explore, and advance knowledge around issues affecting the inherited bleeding disorders community with the goal of transforming care. Recently, ATHN received a grant to determine whether data contained in the ATHNdataset could be utilized, in conjunction with machine learning and artificial intelligence, to predict those people with hemophilia (PwH) who may experience a poor outcome. Over the past decade, as therapies for hemophilia have rapidly improved, both in both clinical efficacy and convenience, no consensus as to the definition of “poor outcome” exists.
Rare, chronic diseases such as hemophilia and other congenital coagulation disorders require coordinated delivery of services for optimal outcomes. Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs) are specialized, multidisciplinary healthcare centers providing team-based care to meet the physical, psychosocial, and emotional needs of people with hemophilia (PWH) and may serve as a model for other rare coagulation disorders. Health-care purchasers, as well as the general medical community, may not appreciate the breadth and quality of services provided by HTCs. They exemplify the acculturalization and actualization of integrated care by providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services that reduce morbidity, mortality, avoidable emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and overall costs while promoting a longer lifespan and improved patient functioning and outcomes.
This is accomplished by a team-based approach relying upon a shared decision-making model to effectively prevent complications and manage symptoms in PWH, who are dependent on high-cost treatments. This article provides a concise yet comprehensive description of the core components of an HTC and the regional and national networks in the United States, which together achieve their incomparable value for all stakeholders.
Gene therapy has shown promise in clinical trials for patients with haemophilia, but patient preference studies have focused on factor replacement treatments.
Sara L. Schwartz is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Her research portfolio examines experiences of isolation in diverse settings and communities such as public child welfare, social work academia and communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. In recent years, Dr. Schwartz has explored HIV/AIDS in the hemophilia community and the experiences of men and women aging with bleeding disorders. She serves on the Board of Directors of the National AIDS Memorial in San Francisco, applying her research skills to capture and preserve the histories of individuals and communities lost to the AIDS epidemic.
Dr. Tam E. Perry is an associate professor at Wayne State University School of Social Work. Her research addresses urban aging from a life course perspective, focusing on how underserved older adults navigate their social and built environments in times of instability and change. She conducts translational research projects that address older adults’ well-being in urban communities such as the Flint water crisis, and older adults’ experiences of gentrification in Detroit, particularly examining the relationship of older adults to their homes. She is also co-principal investigator of a project entitled, “Older Adults’ Experiences and Understandings of the Flint Water Crisis,” which focuses on the intersection between housing and health. This project received the Betty J. Cleckley Minority Issues Research Award from the Aging and Public Health Section of American Public Health Association for this research. She also serves as research chair and vice-chair of strategic planning of a multi-agency coalition, Senior Housing Preservation-Detroit. Lastly, she co-directs the Community Liaison and Recruitment Core of the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research (MCUAAAR).
The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between self-reported physical activity, treatment regimen, mental health, and pain in persons with hemophilia (PWH) enrolled in CVR. Despite education to the contrary, PWSH continue to engage in high-risk, aggressive physical activities and would like to be even more physically active. As treatment options progress, offering more opportunity for physical activity, research is required to understand an acceptable balance between benefit and harm in PWH.
(2021). ABSTRACTS. Haemophilia, 27: 3-20. https://doi.org/10.1111/hae.14385
Individuals and families in the bleeding disorders community and those who experience other chronic rare conditions have not typically been engaged in patient reported registries or in clinical studies during the initial study design phase. The more participants enrolled in CVR the stronger the data and the community. CVR will establish an audience to draw in for opportunities to participate in patient-reported outcome research and other efforts as well as providing the opportunity to educate and inform individuals and families in the bleeding disorders community.
(2021), Abstract. Res Pract Thromb Haemost, 5: e12554. https://doi.org/10.1002/rth2.12554
Dr. Andrew Yee is an assistant professor of pediatrics within the Department of Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology Section at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Yee earned his doctorate from Rice University where he studied the biological responses of endothelial cells to mechanical forces in the laboratory of Dr. Larry McIntire. He continued his research training as a Judith Graham Pool postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. David Ginsburg at the University of Michigan where he studied the molecular biology of von Willebrand factor. At Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Yee and his team investigate the mechanisms by which von Willebrand factor controls blood clotting and are developing innovative approaches for diagnosing bleeding disorders.
