Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Poly(Pro-Curcumin) Materials Exhibit Dual Release Rates And Prolonged Antioxidant Activity As Thin Films And Self-Assembled Particles, Ruiwen Chen, Jessica L. Funnell, Geraldine B. Quinones, Marvin Bentley, Jeffrey R. Capadona, Ryan J. Gilbert, Edmund F. Palermo

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol that exhibits remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its clinical application is limited in part by its physiological instability. Here, we report the synthesis of curcumin-derived polyesters that release curcumin upon hydrolytic degradation to improve curcumin stability and solubility in physiological conditions. Curcumin was incorporated in the polymer backbone by a one-pot condensation polymerization in the presence of sebacoyl chloride and polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mn = 1 kDa). The thermal and mechanical properties, surface wettability, self-assembly behavior, and drug-release kinetics all depend sensitively on the mole percentage of curcumin incorporated in these statistical copolymers. Curcumin …

Concurrent Validity Study Of 3d Motion Measurement Systems: Vicon Vs. Xsens, Pias Das

Masters Theses

As the Inertial Measurement System (IMS) being a potential alternative to the Optoelectronic Measurement System (OMS) in terms of capturing comprehensive and objective musculoskeletal data, they need to be verified concurrently with the OMS before we start using the IMS in clinical motion analysis. To achieve this, a concurrent validity experiment of the Xsens system (IMS) in comparison to the Vicon system (OMS) was conducted for both upper and lower extremity movements during walk, squat, and lateral lunge (left and right) to quantify the degree of similarity of kinematic data between the two systems by direct comparison, root mean square …

Gesture-Based American Sign Language (Asl) Translation System, Kayleigh Moore, Stefano Pecile, Mahdi Yazdanpour

Posters-at-the-Capitol

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 5% of the world's population experiences severe hearing loss. Approximately 9 million people in the U.S. are either functionally deaf or have mild-to-severe hearing loss. In this research, we designed and implemented a translation interface which turns American Sign Language (ASL) gestures captured from a pair of soft robotic gloves into text and speech instantaneously.

We used a combination of flex sensors, tactile sensors, and accelerometers to recognize hand gestures and to record hand and fingers positions, movements, and orientations. The digitized captured gestures were then sent to our proposed translation interface …

Comparison Of In-Vitro 3d Human Embryoids With Current Models For Gastrulation, Jin Park

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Gastrulation is an early morphogenetic process that is conserved across most metazoans and lays out the future body plan through the formation and shaping of the three germ layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. Despite its importance, not much is known about the events surrounding human gastrulation that occurs in utero due to ethical and technical limitations on studying human embryos. Therefore, many researchers have devised protocols for creating in vitro models of gastrulation using embryonic stem cells. Initially starting with mouse embryonic stem cells, the field of in vitro embryo models has advanced rapidly, with protocols using human embryonic stem …

Relationships Among Shoulder Rotational Strength, Range Of Motion, Pitching Kinetics, And Pitch Velocity In Collegiate Baseball Pitchers, Janelle A. Cross, Austin William Higgins, Cody C. Dziuk, Gerald F. Harris, William G. Raasch

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Relationships among shoulder rotational strength, range of motion, pitching kinetics, and pitch velocity in collegiate baseball pitchers. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 129–135, 2023—Throwing shoulder injuries are the most common type of injury experienced by baseball pitchers. Weakness in the shoulder musculature and insufficient throwing arm range of motion are both risk factors for developing a shoulder injury. The goal of this study was to determine correlations among shoulder rotational strength, range of motion, pitching kinetics, and pitch velocity in collegiate pitchers. Thirteen uninjured male college pitchers were evaluated. Clinical measures included shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion, …

Management Of Patients Treated With Antithrombotic Drugs In Dentistry: Comparison Of Sfco And Baos Recommendations, Meryem Lahlou, Yousef Naji, Ossama Nabih, Ihsane Ben Yahya

Health Sciences

Background Patients on antithrombotic drugs are at risk of thrombosis; when prescribed these medications they develop a risk of haemorrhage. To our knowledge, there is no published global consensus on the management of these patients and only expert panels guidelines exist. Objectives The aims of this study were to (1) compare the clinical guidelines issued by the French Society of Oral Surgery (SFCO) and the clinical guidelines issued by the British Association of Oral Surgery (BAOS), and (2) to summarize the guidelines recommendations. Methods This article is a descriptive comparative review based on published clinical guidelines issued by the French …

Friend Or Foe? The Role Of Transforming Growth Factor-Β (Tgfβ) Signaling In Calcineurin Inhibitor-Induced Renal Damage, Adaku Uwe

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

With its incorporation into clinical practice in the early 1980s, the class of pharmacological agents known as calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) quickly became the cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy post-organ transplantation. However, its use is limited by irreversible kidney damage in the form of renal fibrosis. The molecular mechanism by which CNIs induce renal fibrosis remains to be better understood, and to date, there are no specific therapeutic strategies to mitigate this damage. This dilemma presents a critical need to explain mechanisms by which CNIs cause renal damage. Kidneys of patients on chronic CNI therapy show increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine …

Simulating The Effect Of Gut Microbiome On Cancer Cell Growth Using A Microfluidic Device, Ekansh Mittal, Grace Cupp, Youngbok (Abraham) Kang

Faculty Publications - Biomedical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering

The imbalance in the gut microbiome plays a vital role in the progression of many diseases, including cancer, due to increased inflammation in the body. Since gut microbiome-induced inflammation can serve as a novel therapeutic strategy, there is an increasing need to identify novel approaches to investigate the effect of inflammation instigated by gut microbiome on cancer cells. However, there are limited biomimetic co-culture systems that allow testing of the causal relationship of the microbiome on cancer cells. Here we developed a microfluidic chip that can simulate the interaction of the gut microbiome and cancer cells to investigate the effects …

Advanced Microstructural Characterization Of Functionally Graded Dental Ceramic Material For Materials-Informed Finishing, Angani Vigneswaran

Theses and Dissertations--Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) has gained popularity as the choice of material for dental prosthetics. Ivoclar Vivadent’s IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime dental ceramic incorporates a unique gradient technology that varies the yttria content over the thickness of the material. The top layer is composed of 5Y-TZP which is desired for its optical properties while the bottom layer is composed of a much stronger 3Y-TZP. In between the two layers, 5Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP are mixed to form a transition layer. Varying the amount of yttria allows for more esthetically pleasing translucency in the visible areas of the restoration without compromising …

High-Sensitivity Vector Bend Sensor Based On A Fiber Directional Coupler Inscribed By A Femtosecond Laser, Ke Tian, Mingyuan Zhang, Chuanzhein Zhao, Huibin Li, Shilong Li, Yuxuan Jiang, Gerald Farrell, Pengfei Wang

Articles

In this Letter, we demonstrate a high-sensitivity vector bend sensor based on a fiber directional coupler. The fiber directional coupler is composed of two parallel waveguides inscribed within a no-core fiber (NCF) by a femtosecond laser. Since the two written waveguides have closely matched refractive indices and geometries, the transmission spectrum of the fiber directional coupler possesses periodic resonant dips. Such a fiber directional coupler exhibits a good bending-dependent spectral shift response due to its asymmetric structure. Experimental results show that bending sensitivities of -97.11 nm/m-1 and 58.22 nm/m-1 are achieved for the 0° and 180° orientations in the curvature …

Expression Optimization Of The Gst-Gfp Fusion Protein Through The Alteration Of Induction Conditions, Matthew J. Vaccaro

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This research sought to determine which induction condition resulted in the greatest GST-GFP fusion protein expression. It will hopefully serve as a guide for future researchers trying to produce their own recombinant protein containing GST and GFP-tags. The CDNB Enzyme Assay was used to determine the quantity of GST-GFP fusion protein present and tested three variables: IPTG concentration, duration, and temperature of induction. The findings showed that IPTG concentration, temperature, and induction duration all had a significant impact on protein expression. Induction temperatures of 20 °C and 25 °C showed better protein expression at IPTG concentrations of 1.0 mM IPTG …

Artificial Intelligence In Dentistry : Knowledge And Perceptions Of Moroccan Students, Manal Elhijazi, Ihsane Benyahya

Health Sciences

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a revolution in education, research and health. The aim of this study is to assess the views and perceptions of dental students regarding artificial intelligence and its impact on their future professional practice. Methods: A voluntary anonymous e-questionnaire was sent to all 4th and 5th year dental students of the Faculty of Dentistry after receiving a course on artificial intelligence. The questionnaire consisted of sections to assess students' knowledge of artificial intelligence and its possible applications in dentistry as well as ethical considerations. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using SPSS version 23 …

Prepubertal Periodontitis In Children: For An Adequate Diagnosis And Optimal Care, F.Z. El Mouatarif, S. Chemlali, M. Hamza, J. Kissa, S. El Arabi

Health Sciences

Prepubertal periodontitis (PP) is a rare and rapid progressive condition found a young cohort of patients that results in destruction of the periodontal support of the primary dentition. Its generalized form, prepubertal periodontitis is often associated with a significant gingival tissue inflammation and fast bone loss with attachment loss leading to the tooth loss. The localized form of PP is characterized by a much more discreet inflammation and slow evolution. It can be associated with a known underlying systemic disease or may occur as part of a recognized syndrome or as an isolated finding. Different treatment modalities can be used …

Biological Parameters And The Histological Response In Rectal Cancer Treated By Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: A Moroccan Cohort, A. Naim, N. Bouanani, F. Safini, S. Mounaime, Soumaya Rafii, L. Lachker, F. Guessous, M. Khaliss, N. Tawfiq, A. Badou

Health Sciences

Introduction: Multimodal management of rectal cancer, combining neoadjuvant Radio chemotherapy followed by total Mesorectal therapy (TME), has been shown to improve locoregional control. However, the histological response is variable independently of the initial tumor stage. Some recent data suggest the usefulness of the lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting the histological response to neoadjuvant therapy. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the complete histological response (pCR) after neoadjuvant radio chemotherapy and biological parameters (LMR, NLR and PLR) in rectal cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in three Moroccan …

Lipin1 Overexpression Ameliorates The Dystrophic Phenotype In Mdx Mice By Enhancing Myofiber Membrane Integrity, Abdullah Alshudukhi

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Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe disease characterized by a progressive muscle fiber loss. DMD affects approximately 1 in 3500 male births worldwide. Patients die at early ages due to failure of respiratory and cardiac functions. DMD is caused by mutations in dystrophin gene. Loss of dystrophin leads to disruption of the membrane integrity and necroptosis in skeletal muscles of DMD patients contributing to muscle fiber loss. Currently, effective therapies for DMD have not been established. The goal of this project is to find mechanisms that may improve muscle function/structure despite dystrophin deficiency. Our data show that the expression …

Unfolding The Link Between The Axon Initial Segment, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, And Cognitive Impairment In Type 2 Diabetes, Jennae Shelby

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Dementia and mild cognitive impairment are well recognized comorbidities of type 2 diabetes, termed diabetic encephalopathy, that lack in course modifying treatment options. The axon initial segment (AIS) is a critical mediator of neuronal output. Shortening of AIS length has been shown to decrease neuronal excitability and is implicated in diabetic encephalopathy. AIS shortening may be reversible, hence investigating the mechanism responsible could address this significant gap in patient care by providing new therapeutic targets. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a cellular condition that activates the unfolded protein response has been implicated in diabetic encephalopathy. Here, using immunocytochemistry in primary mouse …

Cancer Immunotherapy: A Breakthrough In Patient Care, Abdou-Samad Kone, Nour El Imane Issam Salah, Amina Ghouzlani, Abdallah Badou

Health Sciences

Cancer is one of the world's leading causes of death. Conventional therapies, such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have improved patient management and have shown overwhelming progress. However, the incidence and mortality rates among cancer patients are still extremely high, at approximately 20,5 % and 10,6 % for both sexes, respectively. This may be due to the heterogeneity of tumors, their special microenvironment, and the development of resistance to certain conventional therapies. The concept of immunotherapy provided a new perspective on patient treatment. The interaction of tumor cells with their microenvironment depends on different factors and conditions that promote …

Data-Driven Biomedicine Investigation Of Genetic And Infectious-Based Diseases Using Omics Data And Data Science Methodologies., Diing Agany

Dissertations and Theses

The binary model of existence consists of health and disease, with health being complete physical, mental, and social well-being and disease being a pathological process. Humanity has been plagued by genetic and infectious diseases since civilization's dawn. These diseases cause changes in this model at the system biology level. Omics technologies, data science methodologies, and big data are being used to study these changes at the molecular level, leveraging biological processes' interconnectedness. Also, advanced computational methodologies are essential for efficient analytics and actionable discovery. In this dissertation, genetic and infectious-based diseases are investigated using omics data and data science methods …

Radiation Therapy Of Glioblastoma: Experience Of A Moroccan Center, Hassani Wissal, El Ayachi Zineb, Farhane Fatim-Zahra, Alami Zenab, Bouhafa Touria

Health Sciences

Background: Glioblastomas are the most frequent and aggressive primary brain tumors. Their prognosis remains bleak, despite progress in management and understanding of the different biological mechanisms. Our objective is to highlight the impact of radiotherapy in improving the management of glioblastoma through the experience of the radiotherapy department at Hassan II University Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study analyzing the medical records of patients with glioblastoma over the period from August 2012 to January 2020. The data was analyzed using the epi-info software, therapeutic toxicities evaluated according to CTCAE V.4 scale, and overall survival estimated by the …

To Publish Or Not To Publish Phd Parts Before Its Completion Is Also An Ethical Question, Christos Melidis

Health Sciences

No Abstract for this article type.