AnnualReport2021

EXAMPLES OF SHRINERS HOSPITALS’ INNOVATIVE RESEARCH INITIATIVES Shriners Hospitals for Children

a consortium at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Dr. Richard Peltier at the University of Massachusetts, to identify and test filter materials for the mask. Our corporate research department provided funding for the sophisticated 3D printer necessary for this project. As the techniques and principles used in the mask design are directly applicable to designing and printing ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) and patient specific surgical jigs, Dr. Taylor is submitting a developmental grant proposal for 3D printing AFOs, along with Todd DeWees, and another grant proposal for 3D printing surgical jigs with Krister Freese, M.D., pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at the Portland Shriners Hospital. HOPE FOR IMPROVING MUSCLE ATROPHY Recent research conducted at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Boston and published in the New England Journal of Medicine has highlighted the important role of specific proteins called sestrins in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and strength. This new understanding may lead to new possibilities for the treatment of muscle weakness and atrophy.

is committed to conducting research that impacts and improves lives, as well as increases the worldwide body of medical and scientific knowledge. Here are just a few examples of current, and ongoing, efforts. MASKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Our Portland hospital is developing a new mask, made especially for medical use. Lee Taylor, M.D., anesthesiologist, and Todd DeWees, pediatric orthotics and prosthetics (POPS) manager, have designed a 3D-printed, hard-shell N95 mask using face-scanning technology. The mask has two parts: a hard outer shell and an inner medical-grade silicone liner, which provides the fit and comfort. The mask’s personalized fit is an important feature when wearing a mask during long medical procedures. Dr. Taylor and Robert Bernstein, M.D., chief of staff of the Portland Shriners Hospital, collaborated with

Masao Kaneki, M.D., Ph.D.

been researching the causes of muscle weakness and atrophy, a common result of burn injuries. While it will take time, we are hopeful that activators of sestrins will be developed as a new drug to prevent and/or treat muscle atrophy. Currently, there is no specific treatment for muscle atrophy other than exercise, which is not a viable option for many patients. Muscle atrophy can have mental, social and physical health consequences that diminish quality of life and increase the risk of additional diseases, and possibly even death. For example, muscle weakness decreases the ability to independently perform activities of daily living, such as feeding and bathing. In addition, during a critical illness, such as severe burn injury, muscle weakness can result in difficulty breathing. This can lead to dependence on mechanical ventilators, increasing the risk of lung damage and infection. Muscle mass loss also impairs physical development in children. Unfortunately, no specific treatment is currently available for correction of muscle atrophy and weakness. Discovering sestrins is the first step. Further research is necessary and important to develop new preventive and/or therapeutic strategies to reverse muscle loss and to improve clinical outcomes of patients with burn injuries.

J.A. Jeevendra Martyn, M.D.

J.A. Jeevendra Martyn, M.D., chief of anesthesiology, and Masao Kaneki, M.D., Ph.D., scientific investigator at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Boston, have

Robert Bernstein, M.D.

2020-2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

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