Medical Biotechnology Commons^™

Accelerating Wound Healing Rates With Cucurbita Pepo Leaf Extract Loaded Electrospun Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)/Halloysite/Chitosan/ Caco₃ Composite Nanofibers Through In Vitro And In Vivo Assessments, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Cucurbita pepo leaf extract (CPE) was incorporated into electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate)/ halloysite/chitosan/ CaCO₃ (PMMA/Hal/CS/CaCO₃) composite nanofibers to develop a novel biomaterial for accelerating wound healing rates. The different nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated and characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM analysis revealed uniform, smooth nanofibers, while FTIR and XRD confirmed the integration of CPE into nanofiber matrix, indicating an amorphous structure and effective dispersion of the extract. In vitro agar well-diffusion and antibiofilm assays revealed that the optimized formulation exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against wound-associated pathogens. The nanofibers composite based on …

Identification Of Proteins With Immune Stimulatory Activities From The Culture Filtrates Of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, Christian Albert Agyei Acheampong

Biotechnology Theses

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are the mycobacterial species other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis, and Mycobacterium leprae, which causes leprosy. Diseases caused by NTM are on the rise in the United States and are steadily becoming a significant public health problem globally, particularly in developed countries. Despite the ability of NTM pathogens to interact with the host immune system, the proteins responsible for eliciting host immune responses remain unidentified, making the accurate and timely diagnosis of the disease a challenge. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that NTM strains secrete proteins that stimulate immune responses. Our study …

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. …

Knowledge Of Parents And Guardians Of Computed Tomography Examinations And Radiation Risks In Children In Malaysia, Nur Maisarah Ali Wahab, Nur Hamizah Mohd Zainudin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Early exposure to computed tomography (CT) imaging during childhood increases cancer risk, emphasizing the critical need to minimize unnecessary imaging in pediatric patients. This study aimed to assess parents and guardians’ knowledge about CT examinations and their associated risk following pediatric CT.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents and guardians who accompanied their children to a private hospital radiology department for CT examinations. The survey enquired about their socio-demographic, knowledge of CT examinations, and their radiation risks. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: A total of 144 responses were …

Comparative Analysis Of Mlp And Cnn Models For Cardiac Arrhythmia Classification, Veltman Okey-Ejowhor, Vahid Emamian

Posters - 2026

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a record of the electric activity of the heart over time. ECG analysis plays a pivotal role in diagnosing critical heart conditions. Significant developments have been made in the realm of deep learning and applied artificial intelligence. These deep learning models have been utilized heavily because of their ability to analyze deep morphological features of each signal. The model architecture used in this study is a convolutional neural network (CNN) combined with a multi-layered perceptron (MLP). The MLP acts as an input filter that classifies normal heartbeat signals from abnormal. The CNN is the second filter in …

Human Osteosarcoma Cell Line That Overexpresses Cd4/Ccr5 Or Cd4/Cxcr4 To Study Hiv-Host Interactions, Harry Baffour Awuah

Biotechnology Theses

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry into host cells occurs through interactions between the viral surface envelope glycoprotein (Env) and the host receptor CD4, and co-receptors CCR5 or CXCR4. However, understanding these interactions in membrane contexts remains limited due to low receptor and coreceptor densities in commonly used cell models. To address this, we developed cellular systems with elevated CD4 expression and either CCR5 or CXCR4. Human osteosarcoma cells (HOS), which lack endogenous surface expression of HIV receptor (CD4) and co-receptors (CCR5 or CXCR4), were engineered via lentiviral transduction to overexpress CD4 and either CCR5 or CXCR4. Cells were …

The Effects Of Body Mass Index On Fertility And In Vitro Fertilization, Morgan R. Kidd

Honors College Theses

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most widely used type of assisted reproductive technology for treating infertility arising from a number of conditions. As obesity rates continue to climb in the United States, infertility has been discovered to have a direct correlation. Individuals that fall below or above the healthy body mass index range are found to have disrupted regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in diminished reproductive health. Those that are diagnosed as infertile due to conditions caused by the effects of low body mass index or high body mass index may seek assisted reproductive technologies to intervene in achieving …

Detecting Cancer Genes Using Graph Neural Networks, Marvin Masabo Nkaka

Posters - 2026

• Cancer survival prediction is challenging due to the complexity of genomic data and limited samples especially for rarer cancer types. • To address this challenge, we developed an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for survival analysis using RNA-sequencing gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). • Moreover, a key concept we investigate was how transfer learning enhanced our model’s performance especially for rarer cancer types difficult to perform accurate survival analysis due to their limited samples.

Bioprinting: Revolutionizing Biology With 3d Innovation, Gopalarethinam Janani Ms, Naven Kumar Rk, Agnishwar Girigoswami Prof, Koyeli Girigoswami Prof

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

3D bioprinting is an innovative technology that enables the creation of bioengineered structures through computer-guided processes. This technique has been in use for more than 35 years and has made a huge contribution in the biomedical field. Utilizing biomaterials with regenerative properties has significantly impacted tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and pharmaceutical research. Various bioprinting techniques, including inkjet, extrusion, laser-assisted, and stereolithography, offer unique advantages for precise tissue construction. Bioinks used for printing, can be derived from natural and synthetic sources. It ensures biocompatibility, mechanical integrity, and controlled degradation. Advanced bioinks—such as nanoengineered, biomolecular, multimaterial, self-assembling, and stimuli-responsive variants—enhance applications in …

Novel Repurposing Of Empagliflozin-Loaded Buccal Composite (Chitosan/Silk Fibroin/Poly(Lactic Acid)) Nanofibers For Alzheimer’S Disease Management Via Modulation Of Aβ–Ager–P-Tau Pathway, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Background/Objectives: Empagliflozin (EMPA) was repurposed for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment via buccal delivery, exploiting novel nanofibers (NFs) integrating chitosan (Cs), silk fibroin (Fb), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Methods: EMPA-loaded Cs/Fb/PLA NFs were electrospun in different formulations to optimize the formulation parameters. The optimized formulation was then investigated for its enhanced in vivo effect. Results: Optimized nanofiber diameters ranged from 459 ± 173 to 668 ± 148 nm, possessing bead-free morphology confirmed by SEM and satisfactory mechanical properties. EMPA was successfully well-dispersed in the polymer matrix as evidenced by FTIR, XRD, and drug content. The optimized NFs displayed a hydrophilic surface …

Evaluating The Efficacy And Safety Of Inactivated Dengue Vaccines In Vulnerable Populations, Alaa Daghash

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus responsible for over 390 million annual cases worldwide. While there are live-attenuated vaccines available to prevent dengue, none are currently approved for use in the United States, and existing platforms pose significant risks of viral reactivation and antibody-dependent enhancement in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, children under the age of nine, and the immunocompromised. This widespread exclusion of vulnerable populations exposes a significant vaccine equity gap in dengue prevention, as the populations most at risk for severe dengue are the same ones who are currently excluded from vaccination. In this study, I conducted …

Hyperglycemia Detection From Sigle - Lead Ecg Using A Hybrid Cnn & Transformer Model, Adam Ayomikun Ogunjembola

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract
Hyperglycemia Detection from Single-Lead ECG using a Hybrid CNN & Transformer Model
Adam Ogunjembola

Diabetes Mellitus is known as high blood glucose. This high blood glucose level happens when the body has a problem with producing or using insulin. Insulin is a very important hormone that the pancreas makes to control how much glucose gets into the bloodstream and cells. Diabetes Mellitus has an effect on the body if it is not treated, such as damaging the blood vessels and nerves which can lead to stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and permanent loss of vision. Since people with diabetes …

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 …

Enhancing Cataract Surgery Outcomes: Optimal Use Of Pre- And Post-Operative Eye Drops, Keith Skolnick M.D., Anu Valiaveedu

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Many preoperative and postoperative cataract patients struggle with comprehending the use of prescription medication as directed. Language barriers and low health literacy levels are major factors contributing to improper use of prescriptions. To increase patients comprehension, the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute employed an educational intervention consisting of a live presentation and an instructional video. Results found that 44% of patients were hesitant to ask questions to clinical staff, 32% felt overwhelmed, and nearly 70% lacked confidence in using their prescribed eye drops. Following the intervention, 91% of patients reported increased confidence in their medications, and most indicated that the video …

Pcsk9–Dyslipidemia Interplay In Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Potential Modulator Of Vasculopathy, Eman Ramadan

Pharmacy

BACKGROUND: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) has recently emerged as an important vasculopathy modulator. However, limited data exist on its level and expression in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). AIM: To assess serum PCSK9 and gene expression among children and adolescents with T1D and correlate them with glycemia, dyslipidemia, and microvascular complications. METHODS: Fifty children and adolescents with T1D were compared to 50 matched healthy controls. Serum PCSK9 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) gene expression, glycated-hemoglobin, fundus, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) and fasting lipids were assessed with calculation of the estimated-glucose …

The Influence Of Myocardin Effector Genes On The Tgf-Beta Smad3 Signaling Pathway In Human Pleural Mesothelial Cells, Hema Chandra Hrushi Dusharla

Biotechnology Theses

Pleural Fibrosis (PF) involves excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, mainly by myofibroblasts, leading to pleural thickening and impaired lung function. Pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) contribute via mesothelial and mesenchymal transition (MesoMT), triggered by cytokines like TGF-β. Our lab identified Myocardin (MyoCD), a transcriptional co-activator of cardiac and smooth muscle, is a master regulator of pleural fibrosis through interactions with serum response factor (SRF) and Smad2/3 transcription factors which initiate fibrosis signaling. RNA sequencing and qPCR analysis revealed that silencing MyoCD decreased the expression of CTNNB1, MDFI, and Tspan2. MDFI emerged as a potent candidate, as this gene affecting the expression …

Digitally Fabricated Interocclusal Wafer Versus Wafer-Less Distal Segment Repositioning For Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (Bsso) In Skeletal Mandibular Deformities (Randomized Controlled Trial), Hesham Osama Morsi Ass.Lect., Mohammed Abdelsalam Omara Ass.Prof., Mostafa Ibrahim Shindy Prof, Galal Gamal El Behairy Prof.

Dentistry

Objective: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of condylar positioning between 2 computer-guided orthognathic surgical protocols: a waferless screw hole plate locating (WSL CPD) technique versus an occlusal splint with distal extending arms (OWDA-CPD) approach. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients requiring mandibular orthognathic surgery (class II or III deformities) were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n=12 each). Group I underwent a waferless protocol utilizing 3D-printed osteotomy and screw hole locating guides, while group II received an occlusal splint with distal extensions for condylar positioning. Preoperative and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were used to assess condylar displacement in …

Correlation Between Clinical Classification And Genetic Analysis Of Familial Hypercholesterolemia In Premature Coronary Artery Disease In A Cohort Of Egyptian Patients, Eman Ramadan

Pharmacy

Background: Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a major risk factor for premature Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Genetic testing is the gold standard for FH diagnosis. The purpose of this Observational Analytical Cross-sectional study was to estimate the proportion of genetically confirmed Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Patients with premature Coronary Artery Disease in a cohort of Egyptian patients.

Methods: Next generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted for 7 genes (LDLR, PCSK9, APOB, APOE, ABCG5, ABCG8 and LDLRAP1) commonly associated with FH in 94 patients with Premature CAD from 2 tertiary hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt. Individuals were clinically assessed using the Dutch Lipid …

Circrna-Based Antimir Therapy: A Novel Approach To Hypertension Treatment, Vahideh Tarhriz, Kamran Hosseini, Leila Abkhooie, Eric Lazartigues

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The increasing recognition of the types and functions of non-coding RNAs has opened new avenues for their use as novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension. While most preclinical and clinical studies on hypertension focus on prognosis and treatment, there are still no specific therapeutic approaches for primary and essential hypertension. Modest efficacy and reduced long-term adherence to treatment underscore the need for novel, mechanism-based strategies to address the underlying molecular mechanisms. AntimiRs, as synthetic RNA molecules, and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as naturally occurring RNA species that function as microRNA sponges, could play a crucial …

From Relapse To Restoration: Insights Into The Immunopathology Of Bacterial Vaginosis (Bv) In Women Of Reproductive Age, Nhi To, Ms

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been a subject of study for decades, yet its complex pathogenesis remains poorly understood. BV affects most women of reproductive age, with significant associations to gynecological and obstetric complications. A deeper understanding of the complicated host-microbiota dynamic is crucial for advancing treatment options, as BV continues to pose challenges in effective management. This review aims to explore the current research on vaginal microbiota as well as potential mechanisms of BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) and their interaction with the host immune system, altogether sheds light on the complex interplay within the human reproductive tract. While Lactobacillus-dominant communities support …

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 …

Mir-125a-3p And Its Targets: Promising Biomarkers For Ovarian, Liver, And Breast Cancers, Offering A Beacon Of Hope For More Effective Diagnosis And Treatment Strategies, Eman Kamaleldien Anwer

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer is a worldwide health problem with various genetic and epigenetic alterations, resulting in disease heterogeneity. Effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring markers have been determined recently; however, new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNA), short non-coding RNAs, have a highlighted role in cancer progression, migration, and programmed cell death. Our study aims to investigate the significance of miR-125a-3p and its downstream targets in breast (BRCA), hepatocellular (HCC), and ovarian (OVCA) malignancies and their possibility as diagnostic biomarkers and targets for therapeutic agents. Bioinformatics and online tools were used to determine the miRNA-predicted downstream targets, analyze GEO datasets, …

Identification Of Novel Genetic Biomarkers Linked To The Prodromal Stage Of Parkinson’S Disease (Pd) Patients, Marwa Tawfik Badawy

Theses and Dissertations

Background and Objective: The early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), is particularly challenging because symptoms appear only after significant neuronal damage has already occurred. This study is utilizing variant call format (VCF) analysis to identify genetic variants and novel genes that could serve as early prognostic markers for prodromal PD. Materials and Methods: Data were sourced from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), focusing on prodromal patients with gVCF data from the 2021 cohort. The study included 304 participants, comprising 100 healthy controls, 146 individuals with prodromal genetic indicators, 21 individuals with prodromal hyposmia, and 37 …

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.

The Application And Innovation Of Casgevy On Sickle Cell Disease, Emily Tackett, Le Thien Truc Pham, Hannah Salamie, Arin Wade, Allison Provenzale, Alexander Defranco, Ashley Jacob, Brianna Lu, Joshua Honaker, Amy Stockert

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Casgevy, sickle cell anemia, SCA, sickle cell disease, SCD, CRISPR/Cas9, hydroxyurea, hemoglobin, Hb, l-glutamine, voxelotor, Crizanlizumab, Lyfgenia, stem cells, genetics, pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics

Genetic Profile Of Premature Coronary Artery Disease Associated With Dyslipidemia: A Preliminary Study In Tertiary Hospitals, Eman Ramadan

Pharmacy

Background Familial Hypercholesteolemia (FH) represents significant risk for premature Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) development. Testing for causative mutations is the gold standard diagnostic test for FH. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of genetically-confirmed Familial Hypercholesterolemia in premature Coronary Artery Disease patients in an Egyptian cohort. Methods: An Observational Analytical Cross-sectional study was conducted at Kobri Alqoba military hospital in Egypt in 2022, including 47 participants. All participants underwent Next generation sequencing for 7 genes linked with FH development in 47 patients with Premature CAD. Results: 9 Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS) were found in LDLR, APOB, and APOE …

Etherealbreathing: A Holographic Biofeedback Game To Support Relaxation In Autistic Children, Arturo Morales Téllez, Isabel López Hurtado, Franceli L. Cibrian, Monica Tentori

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Biofeedback training for box breathing is becoming increasingly accessible due to advancements in consumer-grade breathing sensors. However, there is limited research on their design and applications for specialized populations. This study evaluates a novel biofeedback holographic game, EtherealBreathing, designed to support autistic children. In EtherealBreathing, children practice box breathing to collect virtual elements to maintain the Earth's balance, using a wearable sensor to measure chest expansion for breath detection. A deployment study with 20 autistic children revealed that EtherealBreathing effectively promotes box breathing, leading to better health-related outcomes, such as lowering participants’ heart and respiratory rates than traditional practices. Biofeedback …

Robotics And A.I In Oncological Surgery, Ian Ngo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Throughout the decades, advancements in

technology have been surpassing limits that

were thought impossible. Every day these

breakthroughs are improving modern

surgery whether it be enhancing precision

on surgical sites, increasing accuracy of

procedure, or reducing recovery rates for

patients. Among the newly increasing

innovations, the implementation of robotics

systems and artificial intelligence (AI) into

the surgical field has emerged into

becoming a transformative force, especially

within a context as delicate as tumor removal.

This study explores the numerous benefits

of incorporating robotics and artificial

intelligence (AI) in tumor removal surgeries.

We investigate how these innovations

improve surgical accuracy, reduce …