Medical Biotechnology Commons^™

Developing Antibodies Against Galectin-3 And Galectin-9 To Target Endometriosis, Ashleigh Burger, Noah Farnsworth, Jared J. Reisnouer, Cheyenne Vue

2026 Symposium

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by pelvic pain and the formation of endometrial-like tissue on the outside of the uterine lining. This condition affects nearly 10% of women across the globe and confirming whether someone has endometriosis requires visualization in surgery. While the specific causes of this disease remain unclear, the over-expression of the Galectins 3 and 9 in ectopic endometrial tissues suggests a role in the development and maintenance of the condition. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific proteins with potential as diagnostic or treatment tools. The goal of this study is to generate antibodies against Gal3 and Gal9. …

Corticobasal Syndrome With Mixed Pathology In The Absence Of Grn Mutation: A Clinico-Pathological Case Of Ftld-Tdp With Coexisting Alzheimer’S And Lewy Body Pathology, Hugo Zamarron, David Irwin, Jeffery Phillips, Edward Lee, Matthew Tisdall, Corey Mcmillan

Research Colloquium

Background: Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by often asymmetric fronto-pariteal and extra-pyramidal features that is traditionally associated with tauopathy, but pathological findings are heterogenous, including other forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and mixed pathologies of aging. We present clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of asymmetry in a unique patient with CBS and underlying FTLD with TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP), co-occurring with other age-related pathologies.

Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man presented with progressive cognitive and motor dysfunction including asymmetric parkinsonism, left-sided dystonia and rigidity, apraxia, visuospatial impairment, and a subtle social disorder including apathy and social withdrawal. The …

Using Atrial Pacing Trials After Tavr To Assess Conduction Abnormalities And Predict Need For Pacemaker Implantation, Hemish M. Philip, Matthew R. Summers, Shirish R. Yasa, Hasani Amir, Daiwik P. Munjwani, Thomas A. Cook, Matthew G. Jackson

Cardiovascular Research Symposium

Abstract:

Background: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is the standard of care for many patients with severe aortic stenosis who cannot undergo surgical intervention. However, conduction disturbances remain a frequent complication, particularly with self-expanding valves. This often leads to permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). At Sentara Heart Hospital, atrial pacing at 140 bpm is standard practice during TAVR to assess AV conduction.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate whether preserved 1:1 atrioventricular (AV) conduction during routine atrial pacing at 140 bpm after self-expanding TAVR predicts a low likelihood of requiring PPI, thus yielding a high negative predictive value (NPV).

Methods: We …

Development Of Overt Hypo-Attenuated Leaflet Thickening Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, Stephonda Lewis, Hemish M. Philip, Matthew Summers

Cardiovascular Research Symposium

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a cornerstone therapy for severe aortic stenosis. Up to one-third of patients develop hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) within the first year post-TAVR. HALT, a form of leaflet thrombosis, can progress to leaflet immobility and structural deterioration. Despite its significance, no unified approach exists for screening or management of HALT after TAVR.

Case Presentation: A 64-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath on exertion. Exam revealed a 3/6 systolic murmur, and echocardiogram confirmed severe aortic stenosis. She underwent TAVR with resolution of symptoms and was discharged on clopidogrel (Plavix) as single antiplatelet therapy. Two …

Neuromodulation Techniques For Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Effects On Seizures And Quality Of Life, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Megan W. Szobody, Blake C. Martin, Kory D. Punch, Tori Sayers, Tirath Patel, Nina Mourao, Sriya Gullapalli, Nikhilesh Anand, Bharathi S. Gadad

Research Symposium

Introduction: Although there are over twenty antiseizure drugs currently available, around one third of patients with epilepsy do not benefit from these medications. Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) experience higher rates of hospitalization, notable decline in cognitive and physical abilities, diminished quality of life, and sudden unexpected death. Neuromodulation techniques such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS), and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are quickly emerging as alternative and adjunct therapies for epilepsy, offering patients and physicians a new avenue of treatment. Despite their promise, a notable gap exists in comprehensive, comparative data assessing the efficacy and suitability of …

A Systematic Review Of Persisting Tissue Health Challenges Amid Insulin Delivery System Advancements: Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (Csii) And Lipohypertrophy In Diabetic Patients, Marlena Muszynska, Emily Awdish

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Physician Modified Stent Grafts Created Using 3-Dimensional Printing In The Management Of Aortic Disease: A Systematic Review, Gregory Alfieri, Jack Stensland, Sydney Elness, Khavir Sharieff Do,Mba

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness and applicability of PMSGs created from 3D-printed models in managing aortic disease. Background: Endovascular treatment of aortic disease can be challenging, especially with complex anatomy. Three-dimensional (3D) printed models, derived from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, have been used to create physician-modified stent grafts (PMSGs) for vascular procedures involving the aorta. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in July 2024 across Embase, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science using PRISMA guidelines. Keywords included “aorta”, “3-dimensional printing”, and “implant”. Only studies reporting use of 3D printing-assisted PMSGs in aortic disease repair, …

Use Of Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators In High-Risk Patients Following Spinal Fusion, Soumya Malhotra, Khavir Sharieff

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Title: Use of Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators in High-Risk Patients Following Spinal Fusion Authors: Soumya Malhotra, BA., MS1 & Khavir Sharieff, DO, MBA2 1Class of 2027, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2Assistant Professor of Surgery, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tampa Bay, FLNova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the advantages of EBGSs following high-risk spinal fusions. Background: Pseudarthrosis is a condition where bones fail to fuse after an injury or surgery. It causes significant …

Advancing Risk Stratification In Hfpef: Unveiling The Potential Of Cardiac Fibrosis Markers For Early Diagnosis And Enhanced Patient Outcomes, Mariam Abdeen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) challenges clinicians due to its diverse presentation and limitations in traditional diagnostic criteria. This study delves into the potential of cardiac fibrosis markers like galectin-3, NT-proBNP, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) to enhance diagnostic precision and patient outcomes in HFpEF. A systematic review of sixteen relevant studies revealed that these biomarkers offer promise for early detection and improved risk assessment. For instance, TMAO indicates systemic implications of HFpEF, while galectin-3 shows predictive value across heart failure types. Additionally, machine-learning models incorporating multiple biomarkers predict significant risk of adverse outcomes. Despite these advances, challenges like …

Endocannabinoids And Their Role In Renal Health Of African Americans, William L. Doss Iii, Md, Mba, Abpmr

JCHP Collaborative Capstone and Research Exchange

Abstract

The current biomarkers used for detecting renal disease Creatinine has long been seen to be inadequate in identifying the extent of renal disease in African and African American populations. CB1 and CB2 receptors are ubiquitous in the human body and their expression is increased with inflammation in the body. In response to the increased expression, the hypothalamus produces endocannabinoids in response. As a result, endocannabinoids can be a biomarker in detecting renal disease where inflammation is a significant factor in renal injury.

Evaluating Bone Fracture Healing Utilizing Doppler Imaging Modes, Shear Wave Elastography, X-Ray And Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry In A Rabbit Model, Priscilla Machado, Rachel Blackman, Ji-Bin Liu, Flemming Forsberg, Traci Fox

JCHP Collaborative Capstone and Research Exchange

Abstract

The healing of a bone fracture is a complex, multistage process consisting of inflammation in the local tissue, angiogenesis, callus formation, and eventually, remodeling and restoration of the bone to its original morphology. It is estimated that 5-10% of fractures do not heal properly and exhibit non-union of the fractured bone segments, with long-term complications compared to properly healed fractures. There is great clinical benefit in the ability to have early detection of impending non-union fractures, and diagnostic ultrasound can be used to image formation of the callus in a healing fracture through the use of different imaging modes. …

Localization Of The Multidrug Efflux Pump, Cdr1, In The Fluconazole-Resistant Ent2 Mutant Candida Albicans Strain, Ty Moyer, Sean Chadwick, Scott Gygax, Paula Mccourt

JCHP Collaborative Capstone and Research Exchange

Abstract

Deletion of the ENT2 gene in Candida albicans causes the mutant strain to exhibit fluconazole resistance despite having susceptibility prior to this mutation. It was hypothesized that the gain of resistance was sourced by the disruption in endocytic functions, specifically the inability to properly recycle the drug efflux pump, Cdr1. To fully analyze this mutation's effects on the endocytic functions of C. albicans, the Cdr1 protein was tagged in a wild type strain with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its localization was examined via fluorescence microscopy. To examine Cdr1 protein localization in the ent2 mutant strain, tagging of …

Design And Validation Of A Multiplex Qpcr Assay For The Diagnosis Of Bacterial Vaginosis, Morgan G. Shriver, Richard Sunday, Zi-Xuan Wang, Scott Gygax

JCHP Collaborative Capstone and Research Exchange

Abstract

Current diagnostic criteria and treatment options for bacterial vaginosis (BV) commonly result in the misdiagnosis and/or mistreatment of the active infection, as well as subsequent reinfection with BV. This project aims to design and validate a multiplex qPCR assay as a means to accurately detect and quantify populations of dysbiotic Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera Type 1 & Type 2, Bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterium 2 (BVAB2), as well as the commensal Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus gasseri in vaginal specimen for the accurate diagnosis of BV. As these bacterial species are generally unable to be …

Engineered Car19 T-Cells To Demonstrate In Vitro Antileukemia Activity, Khushi Shah, Gian Zhang, Michael Milone

JCHP Collaborative Capstone and Research Exchange

Abstract

The Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells, also known as CAR T-cells, are a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment. They are engineered Tlymphocytes and recombinant receptors for specific antigens. They are mainly responsible for redirecting specificity, activation, and function of T lymphocytes and other immune cells in a single molecule. It attaches to the cancer cells, thereby leading to the destruction of the tumor. The CAR Tcells are made up of different domains, which include Antigen Binding Domain (CD19), Hinge, and Transmembrane Region, followed by Co- Stimulatory Domain (CD28) and T-cell Activation Domain (CD3). The Antigen Binding Domain recognizes the specific …

Capa: Quality Control Testing Of Laboratory Plates, Div Galdi, Bryn Mallon

JCHP Collaborative Capstone and Research Exchange

Abstract

The purpose of a Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) investigation is to identify and address errors, deviations, and compliance issues to ensure the integrity, reliability, and quality of research and biomanufacturing. In the biotech industry, where identifying and rectifying root causes of errors is key to ensuring quality data and preventing future errors, CAPA plays a crucial role. The Jefferson Biotechnology (JBT) lab was asked to investigate the sterility of a biotech supplier’s microbiological agar plates, when a client reported contamination in their agar plates, suspecting contamination prior to sleeve opening. By attempting to reproduce our client's results through …

Empowering Students With 5s Organizational Skills For Research Laboratory Optimization, Paula Mccourt, Phd

JCHP Collaborative Capstone and Research Exchange

Abstract

5S (Sort, Set-in-order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain) is a cost-effective organizational methodology frequently employed by biotech research labs and biomanufacturing to streamline optimization of production. Educational research labs offer experiential learning opportunities and serve as ideal environments for implementing 5S principles within undergraduate and graduate biotechnology curricula. In the Jefferson Biotechnology Program, the newly updated “Lab Design and Stewardship (BT303/503)” lecture and laboratory course, now integrates the 5S methodology into biotech student skill development. Participants in the BT303/503 course are instructed to improve workspaces within the biotechnology laboratory to bolster safety, efficiency, and inventory and equipment management. Through a …

Retention Of Respiratory Therapists: A Systems Thinking Approach, Jerin G. Juby, Dmgt, Rrt

JCHP Collaborative Capstone and Research Exchange

Abstract

Respiratory therapists are an integral part of the healthcare workforce in the United States. The healthcare workforce shortage accelerated by the COVID global pandemic has impacted respiratory therapy departments across the nation, with organizations struggling to hire and retain staff. The prevailing approaches in combating this are linear in nature and do not consider the complexity of the system. This mode of thinking does not adequately consider the characteristics and influences of the containing system, the many elements within the problematic organizational system, or their interdependencies and interactions. This study frames retention as a complex system problem wherein organizations …

Liposome Synthesis And Evaluation In The Hek-293 Cell Line, Christine Skibinski

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

Liposomes were synthesized using the thin film method. A lyophilized power of egg-derived phosphatidylcholine, stearylamine, and cholesterol were added to ethanol and dried under argon to form a lipid cake. The lipid cake was rehydrated with dPBS and sonicated at 60°C forming a heterogenous batch of liposomes. Our results revealed the average size of the liposomes, determined by Dynamic Light Scattering, was approximately 223.1nm, while demonstrating a weakly positive zeta-potential of 1.9± 8.07mv. Next, we tested the antitumor action of the liposomes in the HEK-293 cell line via an MTT assay. We observed that the liposomes were able to inhibit …

Healing Cancer: Potential Of Medical Biotechnology Within Cancer Research, Esther Popoola

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

No abstract provided.

Novel Therapy Targeting Mutant-Krasg12d And Galectin-1 In Pancreatic Cancer, Ana I. Martinez Bulnes, Nirnoy Dan, Poornima Devi Shaji, Swathi Holla, Murali M. Yallapu, Sheema Khan

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Although, surgical resection and chemotherapy are the gold standard for treating Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), low patient survival rate remains the problem. The activating point mutation of the KRAS on codon-12 is present in 70–95% of PDAC cases and so far, no success has been achieved to inhibit KRAS. KRASG12D regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis. Recent preliminary and published studies show high Galectin-1 (Gal-1) levels in both pancreatic cancer and stromal cells, which modulate tumor microenvironment and metastasis. Additionally, genetic deletion of gal1 inhibits metastasis and improves survival in KRAS mouse model of PDAC (1). Therefore, our objective is …

Natural Remedies To Combat Aberrant Hallmark Signatures Including Altered Glycosylation In Oral Carcinoma, Kruti A. Mehta, Jayendra B. Patel, Prabhudas S. Patel

Research Symposium

Background: Tobacco associated oral cancers remain a major concern in India with higher incidence and mortality making it an Indian-centric burning issue. To combat this dreadful disease, we investigated effects of certain natural compounds on the hallmark signatures including glycosylation transcripts levels in oral carcinoma.

Methods: The tongue carcinoma cells- SAS cells were treated with tobacco compounds, natural compounds and Cisplatin. RNA was isolated from the cells and converted to cDNA. RT-qPCR was performed to evaluate expression levels of various genes.

Results: The treatment of tobacco compounds resulted in similar pattern of altered makers (ST3GAL1, NEU3, FUT5, FUT6, MMP2, BCL2) …

Maldi-Tof Ms Based Proteomic Fingerprinting Of Total Serum Plasma For Somatic Pain Syndromes, Isaiah Pinkerton, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

There are racial and ethnic disparities regarding pain management within the United States, and that disproportionately affects women of color. There is also a fundamental lack of information regarding the biological mechanism by which pain sensitization and perception occurs, and how it could be affected by both neurologic and somatic pain syndromes.

Methods: Research was performed on principal electronic scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Embase with search terms “MALDI-TOF”, “ESI-MS”, “Pain”, and “Biomarkers”, as well as other modifiers to narrow the literature search.

Results: Studies on comparison between MALDI-TOF and other traditional analysis platforms, including Electrospray Ionization (ESI-MS), …

Novel Technology Enables Diagnostic Ultrasound Machine To Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Mice, Ryan Morrison, Mrigendra B. Karmacharya, Chandra M. Sehgal

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

An off-the-shelf diagnostic transducer (ULTRASONIX C5-2) was modified with custom-built circuitry to enable the transducer to produce therapeutic ultrasound in order to ablate hepatocellular carcinomas grown in immunodeficient athymic nude mice (25-35 g; Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA, USA). The therapeutic antivascular ultrasound (AVUS) produced by the off-the-shelf abdominal transducer was unfocused, continuous 2.8MHz ultrasound targeting contrast-enhancing perflutren lipid microbubbles within tumor vasculature. Previous research with a dedicated physiotherapy ultrasound machine (D150 Plus, Dynatronics Corp., Salt Lake City, UT, USA) targeting similar hepatocellular carcinomas showed disrupted tumor neovasculature and irreparable dilation of tumor capillaries with subsequent intercellular edema and hemorrhage.1-3 …

Remotely Controlled Enzyme Behavior Using Localized Thermal Gradients, Sarah Brown

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

No existing model describes an identified special case of enzyme behavior when directly stimulated with thermal energy via an RF field.

The ability to remotely influence cellular functions and outcomes is a new approach to targeted medicine. Nano-medicine and biotechnology are the future of medical diagnostics and treatment. The ability to remotely influence cellular functions and outcomes is a new approach to targeted medicine. Direct heating of an enzyme vs bulk heating changes the enzyme activity.

I tested how direct transfer of thermal energy changes rates of enzyme reactions. We created samples of enzymes, attached to ferrous (magnetic) nano-particles, and …

The Effect Of Auditory Stimulation On Human Movement Variability And Associated Cortical Involvement, Samuel Maaiah 9051573

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

The Biomechanics Research Building (BRB) is presently using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure and understand brain activity during human movement and exercise. Compared to other brain activity measuring methods, which require subjects to remain very still during recording, fNIRS allows researchers to study brain activity while subjects perform a range of movement tasks. It is consequently a useful tool for studying movements (e.g. walking) that are not conducive to conventional methods of measuring brain activity. Experiments using fNIRS can vary dramatically in duration depending upon the research question. Some experimental methods contain multiple trials for short time intervals, while …

Cartilage Engineering: Optimization Of Media For Chondrogenic Differentiation In Vitro, Evan Surma, Sherry L. Harbin, Hongji Zhang, Stacy Halum

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

Lower back pain from intervertebral disc injury affects around 84% of the population at some point in their life, which at its worst may cause total immobilization. This pain can only be temporarily relieved by spinal fusion or intervertebral disc replacement; however, both of these cause loss of natural motion in patients by removing damaged fibrocartilage discs. While these techniques help mitigate pain briefly, no permanent solution exists currently to both relieve pain and preserve natural motion. My work may be a solution by eventually providing patient-specific implants that resemble native tissue in the regeneration process that could be absorbed …