Summary.Several recent studies have demonstrated Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV), also known as putative human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8), DNA in various epidemiologic forms of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), including AIDS-associated, classic, and endemic types. Risk of developing KS in non-HIV-infected immunosuppressed hosts, such as patients following solid organ transplantation, is also significantly higher compared to normal individuals. We have retrospectively evaluated 28 organ transplant patients with KS (23 cutaneous and five visceral) for the presence of KSHV genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded archival tissue samples. 27/28 KS patients were positive for the presence of KSHV. In four KS patients, tissue samples with no histologic evidence of KS were also analysed for KSHV. No evidence of positivity in three samples was noted, but one patient had weak positive amplification products on DNA samples isolated from a gastric biopsy with chronic gastritis and lymph node with sinus histiocytosis. These data support the association of KSHV with KS developing in non-HIV-infected immunosuppressed patients, similar to other forms of KS, and suggest that KSHV may play a significant role in the development of all forms of KS.

We investigated the feasibility of using the "Microzone" electrophoresis system to produce 16 instead of eight electrophorograms on a single cellulose—acetate membrane by placing eight specimens at the left of center, rotating the cellulose—acetate membrane and supporting bridge 180° horizontally, and again applying eight samples to the left of center. The membrane, now with eight samples each on anodic and cathodic sides, is electrophoresed according to the usual recommended procedure. There was a statistically demonstrated association between sample application position and results (for 96 samples). This technique is nevertheless useful for determining albumin/globulin ratios and for screening large numbers of samples. Sera with borderline or abnormal results should be rerun by the usual technique.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Scholarly achievement metrics are essential for academic researchers since they are used for promotion and funding opportunities. Our objective was to create awareness among pilot project PIs about how these scholarly activities are evaluated and about the need for continuous auto-evaluation. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: NIH-sponsored Clinical & Translational Research (CTR) infrastructure grants are a critical mechanism to increase scholarly activity. The Pilot Project Program Core (PPP) of The Alliance IDeA-CTR created a weighted metrics system to evaluate activities including presentations, publications, promotion, honors, & community service. We used the revised evidence-based medicine pyramid to develop the metric instrument. Pilot project PIs received the metric table and met quarterly with a PPP member to discuss progress. The top PIs were acknowledged during the Alliance Research Day with a platform presentation and a monetary award for research expenses or travel to scientific meetings. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: During our first 2 pilot project calls (2020-2022) the PPP funded 7 one-year pilot projects for ($50,000 each). We had a total of 10 PIs, 2 of the projects were MPI. Seven PIs were early or new stage investigators (ESI/NSI). Using the productivity award metric we had a total of 33 presentations, 10 publications, 12 events of community service, and 2 external grant funding. These are significant outcomes considering the pandemics impact on clinical & translational research. A total of 3 awards were given, one award per year for funding and an overall award. The activity was well received by the PIs who actively participated in the tracking of their scholarly activities using the metric. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Productivity metrics are crucial for the career development of ESI and NSI by raising awareness regarding the importance of scholarly activities in their career. This activity will help them track their productivity in an ongoing manner while becoming independent researchers.