Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Dental Students’ Psychological Stress: A Comprehensive Investigation Of Stress Inducing Factors At Mohammed Vi University Of Sciences And Health, Latifa El Mouden, Elmehdi Fettach

Health Sciences

Dental students are significantly confronted with mental health problems. We conducted a prospective recruitment of students at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health to investigate the determinants of stress specific to this population in order to find solutions to improve their quality of life. In our study, 410 students responded to the survey, the average age of the students was 21.51 ± 2.102 years, 70% were female, 30% were in their 6th year, and 60% of the students were from Casablanca. The average MSP-25B score was 101.94 ± 33.035. In our study, there …

Non-Invasive Monitoring Device For Early Detection Of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema, Amy Prendergast

Honors Theses and Capstones

Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema (BCRL) is a common co-morbidity in cancer survivors following neoadjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. It is brought about by the disruption in the lymphatic system (think lymph node biopsy) that leads to a buildup of lymphatic fluid in the arm. Current diagnostic strategies for this condition are merely retroactive, and fairly limited in the parameters that are examined to ensure patient well-being long term. We hypothesize that with an approach that mimics bioimpedance spectroscopy analysis, we will be able to provide a clinical support tool that would better determine early stages of lymphedema …

Instantaneous Generation Of Subject-Specific Finite Element Models Of The Hip Capsule, Ahilan Anantha-Krishnan, Casey A. Myers, Clare K. Fitzpatrick, Chadd W. Clary

Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Subject-specific hip capsule models could offer insights into impingement and dislocation risk when coupled with computer-aided surgery, but model calibration is time-consuming using traditional techniques. This study developed a framework for instantaneously generating subject-specific finite element (FE) capsule representations from regression models trained with a probabilistic approach. A validated FE model of the implanted hip capsule was evaluated probabilistically to generate a training dataset relating capsule geometry and material properties to hip laxity. Multivariate regression models were trained using 90% of trials to predict capsule properties based on hip laxity and attachment site information. The regression models were validated using …

Engineering Mussel Foot Protein 5 (Mfp5) For Enhanced Adhesive Performance In Tendon And Bone Repair, Ziyue Zhu

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the development of Mussel Foot Protein 5 (MFP5) bioadhesives to improve tendon-to-tendon and tendon-to-bone adhesive outcomes. MFP5, known for its underwater adhesive properties, was synthesized using recombinant techniques and optimized through coacervation and cross-linking. Adhesion tests demonstrated the superior performance of the optimized MFP5 adhesive on the tendon and bone samples. Improved protein concentration testing and purification methods enhanced MFP5 yield and consistency. Future research will focus on further standardization, exploring alternative purification methods, and evaluating the adhesive's performance in animal models. This study lays a foundation for developing robust MFP5-based bioadhesives, potentially revolutionizing surgical repair techniques …

Estimation Of Differential Pathlength Factor From Nirs Measurement In Skeletal Muscle, B. Koirala, A. Concas, A. Cincotti, Yi Sun, A. Hernández, M. L. Goodwin, L. B. Gladden, N. Lai

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The utilization of continuous wave (CW) near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device to measure non-invasively muscle oxygenation in healthy and disease states is limited by the uncertainties related to the differential path length factor (DPF). DPF value is required to quantify oxygenated and deoxygenated heme groups' concentration changes from measurement of optical densities by NIRS. An integrated approach that combines animal and computational models of oxygen transport and utilization was used to estimate the DPF value in situ. The canine model of muscle oxidative metabolism allowed measurement of both venous oxygen content and tissue oxygenation by CW NIRS under different oxygen delivery …

Detection Of Tooth Position By Yolov4 And Various Dental Problems Based On Cnn With Bitewing Radiograph, Kuo Chen Li, Yi-Cheng Mao, Mu-Feng Lin, Yi-Qian Li, Chiung-An Chen, Tsung-Yi Chen, Patricia Angela R. Abu

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

Periodontitis is a high prevalence dental disease caused by bacterial infection of the bone that surrounds the tooth. Early detection and precision treatment can prevent more severe symptoms such as tooth loss. Traditionally, periodontal disease is identified and labeled manually by dental professionals. The task requires expertise and extensive experience, and it is highly repetitive and time-consuming. The aim of this study is to explore the application of AI in the field of dental medicine. With the inherent learning capabilities, AI exhibits remarkable proficiency in processing extensive datasets and effectively managing repetitive tasks. This is particularly advantageous in professions demanding …

Polarizable Amoeba Force Field Predicts Thin And Dense Hydration Layer Around Monosaccharides, Luke A. Newman, Mackenzie G. Patton, Breyanna A. Rodriguez, Ethan W. Summer, Valerie Vaissier Welbourn

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Polarizable force fields crucially enhance the modeling of macromolecules in polar media. Here, we present new parameters to model six common monosaccharides with the polarizable AMOEBA force field. These parameters yield a thinner, but denser, hydration layer than that previously reported. This denser hydration layer results in eliminating non-physical aggregation of glucose in water-an issue that has plagued molecular dynamics simulations of carbohydrates for decades.

Nano-Pulse Treatment Overcomes The Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment To Elicit In Situ Vaccination Protection Against Breast Cancer, Anthony Nanajian, Megan Scott, Niculina I. Burcus, Brittney L. Ruedlinger, Edwin A. Oshin, Stephen J. Beebe, Siqi Guo

Bioelectrics Publications

We previously reported that nano-pulse treatment (NPT), a pulsed power technology, resulted in 4T1-luc mammary tumor elimination and a strong in situ vaccination, thereby completely protecting tumor-free animals against a second live tumor challenge. The mechanism whereby NPT mounts effective antitumor immune responses in the 4T1 breast cancer predominantly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unanswered. In this study, orthotopic 4T1 mouse breast tumors were treated with NPT (100 ns, 50 kV/cm, 1000 pulses, 3 Hz). Blood, spleen, draining lymph nodes, and tumors were harvested at 4-h, 8-h, 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, and 3-month post-treatment intervals for the analysis of frequencies, death, …

Gamma Amplitude-Envelope Correlations Are Strongly Elevated Within Hyperexcitable Networks In Focal Epilepsy, Manoj Raghavan, Jared Pilet, Chad Carlson, Christopher T. Anderson, Wade Mueller, Sean Lew, Candida Ustine, Priyanka Shah-Basak, Vahab Youssofzadeh, Scott A. Beardsley

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Methods to quantify cortical hyperexcitability are of enormous interest for mapping epileptic networks in patients with focal epilepsy. We hypothesize that, in the resting state, cortical hyperexcitability increases firing-rate correlations between neuronal populations within seizure onset zones (SOZs). This hypothesis predicts that in the gamma frequency band (40–200 Hz), amplitude envelope correlations (AECs), a relatively straightforward measure of functional connectivity, should be elevated within SOZs compared to other areas. To test this prediction, we analyzed archived samples of interictal electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals recorded from patients who became seizure-free after surgery targeting SOZs identified by multiday intracranial recordings. We show that …

Modernizing And Harmonizing Regulatory Data Requirements For Genetically Modified Crops-Perspectives From A Workshop, Nicholas P Storer, Abigail R Simmons, Jordan Sottosanto, Jennifer A Anderson, Ming Hua Huang, Debbie Mahadeo, Carey A Mathesius, Mitscheli Sanches Da Rocha, Shuang Song, Ewa Urbanczyk-Wochniak

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Genetically modified (GM) crops that have been engineered to express transgenes have been in commercial use since 1995 and are annually grown on 200 million hectares globally. These crops have provided documented benefits to food security, rural economies, and the environment, with no substantiated case of food, feed, or environmental harm attributable to cultivation or consumption. Despite this extensive history of advantages and safety, the level of regulatory scrutiny has continually increased, placing undue burdens on regulators, developers, and society, while reinforcing consumer distrust of the technology. CropLife International held a workshop at the 16th International Society of Biosafety Research …

Infant Molds For Cleft Deformities, Hannah Brunow, Drew Reinbolt, Rhonda Troyer, Christian Miller

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Cleft lip and palate are very common birth defects where the roof of a baby's mouth and lip do not form properly while in the womb. Babies born with cleft lip or palate can undergo surgery after going through a process to make the initial gap smaller through incrementally smaller, retainer-like appliances. We will be trying to find a way to improve the pre-surgery process by implementing 3D printing. We will be performing this research for a craniofacial orthodontist at Akron Children's Hospital. We hope that our success will lead to a decrease in the amount of time spent making …

Degradable Staples And Delivery Device, Meha Elango, Jessica Cabrera, Makayla Scarpitti, Kareemat Melaiye

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The scope of this project is to design a method to secure skin grafts to healthy tissue. The ultimate goal for the proposed method is to be dissolvable in some form. Currently, skin grafts procedures utilize staples in most cases to hold a skin graft in place, but there are disadvantages that come with it. Staples are easy to place, but time consuming during the removal procedure. They also cause a lot of pain and discomfort for the patient. The goal of this project is to determine a way a secure skin grafts to healthy skin in order to reduce …

Custom Mobility Aid - Exoskeleton, Jenna Rentsch, Mackenzie Yu, Perry Antalek, Joseph Wisniewski

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Injuries to the spinal cord can cause major mobility deficits, paralysis, and even death. Our client is an adult male who has suffered fractures to the C4 and C5 vertebrae resulting in partial nerve damage and loss of mobility in the lower extremities, primarily on the left side. He complains of significant loss of function and frequent falls due to an inability to fully pick-up his left foot and hold his hip in flexion during swing phase of gait. He describes his walking as a "stuttered walk" and frequently complains that his left foot drags and drops during steps. The …

Aggregation-Induced Emission Probe For Alzheimer's Detection And Treatment Screening, Gemini Ramlo

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The proposed project is to research if ROF-2, an aggregation-induced emitter, can be used to screen medications for Alzheimer's Disease and to accurately detect this disease, along with its progression. This will be done through multiple incubation periods using different identifiers that have already been solidified within Alzheimer's research to prove its ability and accuracy within screening and detection regarding this disease.

Potential Role Of Ttt Complex In Regulating Dna Replication Checkpoint In The Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces Pombe, Sankhadip Bhadra

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

DNA replication can be perturbed by various agents that slow or stall the replication forks, causing replication stress. If undetected, stressed forks may collapse, causing mutagenic DNA damage or cell death. In response to replication stress and DNA damage, the eukaryotic cell activates the DNA replication checkpoint (DRC) and DNA damage checkpoint (DDC) pathways to promote DNA synthesis, repair, and cell survival. The two cell cycle checkpoint pathways are controlled by the protein sensor kinases Rad3 (hATR/scMec1) and Tel1 (hATM/scTel1) in fission yeast, although Tel1 plays a minimal role in checkpoint functions. Rad3 and Tel1 belong to a family of …

Tympanostomy Tube Efficiency Study, Reem Ghumrawi, Kristi Weir

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The ventilation of the middle ear, crucial for maintaining optimal ear health, is often impeded by factors such as swelling, inflammation, and mucus in the eustachian tubes, particularly during upper respiratory infections or allergies. This issue, prevalent in children due to their narrow and horizontal eustachian tubes, prompts the insertion of tympanostomy tubes by ENT surgeons to establish an alternative airway for pressure equalization and fluid drainage. Despite the common belief in the effectiveness of these tubes, there is a notable dearth of research validating their optimal functionality. This study aims to address this gap by systematically comparing the efficiency …

The Impact Of Modern Buildings On Traditional Urban Environments And Urban Identity, Ann S. Ibrahim

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Contemporary cities face significant challenges in integrating modern buildings into traditional urban environments while preserving urban identity. This study focuses on the relationship between modern architecture and urban heritage. The research problem revolves around how modern buildings affect urban identity in traditional areas, and whether they can interact positively with the urban context without distorting its traditional character.

The study aims to analyze this impact by examining a range of global examples using architectural indicators such as visual integration, spatial integration, material harmony, urban scale, accessibility, and environmental impact. A three-point scale (weak, partial, excellent) was applied to assess each …

The Effects Of Various Nanoplastics On The Inflammatory Response In Primary Alveolar Epithelial Cells, Eunice J. Pak

Theses and Dissertations

As plastic pollution begins to multiply in the environment and the workplace, gradual degradation of these plastics creates an unseen threat to biological health: nanoplastics. These nanoplastics are common in day-to-day life, and have been found in various internal organs of the human body. The biological and health effects of these nanoplastics are still widely unknown, and only recently has research focused on the impacts of these particles on human health at the cellular level.

In this thesis, poly(methyl methacrylate) and three forms of polystyrene (carboxyl-modified, amine-modified, and neutral surface charge) have been tested on submerged primary C57BL/6 mouse alveolar …

The Effect Of 17Β Estradiol On Local Production Of Active Vitamin D3 Metabolites In Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Tillat Batool

Theses and Dissertations

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has garnered attention as a sex-hormone-dependent cancer with notable responsiveness to 17β-estradiol (E₂), in which it’s tumorigenesis can be mediated through estrogen receptors (ER). The ESR1 gene encodes for the classical full-length ERα66, as well as splice variants ERα36 and ERα46. Previous studies have shown that an active vitamin D₃metabolite, 24R,25(OH)₂D_3. has pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic responses in LSCC cells with different ER profiles, and that the tumor cells have the capability of localized production of vitamin D metabolites at the cellular level when treated with 25(OH)D₃-d6 …

Novel Approaches To Treatment Of Hyperexcitability In Skeletal Muscle, Phillip Vance Walker Ii

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Myotonia Congenita (MC) is a rare, inherited ion channelopathy caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the CLCN1 gene. The resulting downregulation of the skeletal muscle chloride channel (ClC-1) results in hyperexcitable skeletal muscle fibers that fire action potentials involuntarily. Patients with MC suffer from debilitating stiffness due to myotonia, described clinically as delayed muscle relaxation following voluntary contraction. Skeletal muscle is a unique system we use in this study to advance our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying MC, and other channelopathies characterized by hyperexcitable cells (i.e., forms of epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmia). Furthermore, re-assessing what makes anti-myotonic drugs such as …