Medical Biotechnology Commons^™

Advances In Biomedical Research And Treatments: What Is Acceptable?, Michael L. Clancy, Khalid M. Iskandarani, Mitchell C. Mccrea

Journal of Health Ethics

This study investigated the technology acceptance (TA) of twenty-first century biomedical treatments by adults in the United States. A new TA instrument was created, using five distinct levels: (1) Healing and Prevention, (2) Replacement Organs, (3) Enhancements-Medical, (4) Enhancements-Discretionary, and (5) Transhumans. An on-line survey produced 353 usable responses, which showed distinct patterns for each of five biomedical treatment levels. There was clear support for Levels 1–3, but very strong opposition to Levels 4–5. The TA finding draws the line between which human interventions are acceptable versus others that should be prohibited through public policies and medical guidelines.

Management Targeted Genetic Evaluation Of An Idiopathic Neuropathy Cohort Through Attrv Amyloidosis Screening, Kristy A. Fisher, Santiago Diaz, Jeffrey Gelblum, Charles Brock, Niraja Suresh, Meghan Towne

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

While the reported prevalence of polyneuropathies is 1%-3%, the incidence of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis in the United States is estimated to be 1 in 100 000 individuals. Polyneuropathies are known to be difficult to treat and lead to significant morbidity. The aim of pain management is symptomatic treatment, with varying approaches to progression prevention being based on the causative pathophysiology.

We assessed the prevalence of hereditary amyloid transthyretin variant (ATTRv) amyloidosis, a progressive autosomal dominant multisystem disease caused by the abnormal formation and extracellular deposition of transthyretin protein fibrils in various tissues, in an idiopathic polyneuropathy population by using …

The Role Of Kinases Signaling In Organogenesis, Fatemeh Nasehi

All Dissertations

Kinases are crucial regulators of organ development and differentiation. This thesis investi- gates the roles of TAK1, TGFbeta-Activate Kinase 1 (TAK1/Map3K7), and Akt3 kinases in skeletal, cardiac muscle, and cartilage. TAK1 is pivotal for the differentiation of various organ systems, including sinoatrial node and cartilage, and is responsible for phosphorylat- ing a diverse array of downstream kinases. We identified several novel proteins, including phospho-Akts, that are upregulated in response to TAK1 activation. We discovered severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and cartilage defects in Akt3 mutant mice. Although this mouse mutant has been studied for over two decades, we are the first …

Successful Management Of Chromoblastomycosis Utilizing Conventional Antifungal Agents And Imiquimod Therapy, Jinjin Zheng, Shougang Liu, Zhenmou Xie, Yangxia Chen, Liyan Xi, Hongfang Liu, Yinghui Liu

Student and Faculty Publications

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), a chronic fungal infection affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, is predominantly caused by dematiaceous fungi in tropical and subtropical areas. Characteristically, CBM presents as plaques and nodules, often leading to scarring post-healing. Besides traditional diagnostic methods such as fungal microscopy, culture, and histopathology, dermatoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy can aid in diagnosis. The treatment of CBM is an extended and protracted process. Imiquimod, acting as an immune response modifier, boosts the host's immune response against CBM, and controls scar hyperplasia, thereby reducing the treatment duration. We present a case of CBM in Guangdong with characteristic reflectance confocal …

Assessing The Impact Of Storage Conditions On Rna From Human Saliva And Its Application To The Identification Of Mrna Biomarkers For Asthma, Poorna Manasa Bhamidimarri, David Fuentes, Laila Salameh, Bassam Mahboub, Rifat Hamoudi

Student and Faculty Publications

Introduction: Human saliva was used to develop non-invasive liquid biopsy biomarkers to establish saliva as an alternate to blood and plasma in translational research. The present study focused on understanding the impact of sample storage conditions on the extraction of RNA from saliva and the RNA yield, to be applied in clinical diagnosis. In this study, genes related to asthma were used to test the method developed.

Methods: Salivary RNA was extracted from three subjects using the Qiazol® based method and quantified by both spectrophotometric (NanoDrop) and fluorometric (Qubit®) methods. RNA integrity was measured using a bioanalyzer. Quantitative PCR was …

Ethical, Legal, And Policy Challenges In Field-Based Neuroimaging Research Using Emerging Portable Mri Technologies: Guidance For Investigators And For Oversight, Francis X. Shen, Susan M. Wolf, Frances P. Lawrenz, Donnella S. Comeau, Kafui Dzirasa, Barbara J. Evans, Damien A. Fair, Martha J. Farah, Duke Han, Judy Illes, Jonathan D. Jackson, Eran Klein, Karen S. Rommelfanger, Matthew S. Rosen, Efraín Torres, Paul Tuite, J. Thomas Vaughan, Michael Garwood

UF Law Faculty Publications

Researchers are rapidly developing and deploying highly portable MRI technology to conduct field-based research. The new technology will widen access to include new investigators in remote and unconventional settings and will facilitate greater inclusion of rural, economically disadvantaged, and historically underrepresented populations. To address the ethical, legal, and societal issues raised by highly accessible and portable MRI, an interdisciplinary Working Group (WG) engaged in a multi-year structured process of analysis and consensus building, informed by empirical research on the perspectives of experts and the general public. This article presents the WG’s consensus recommendations. These recommendations address technology quality control, design …

Revolutionizing Type 1 Diabetes Management: Exploring Oral Insulin And Adjunctive Treatments, Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi, Samane Ostadhadi, Mahsa Liaghat, Ajay Prakash Pasupulla, Sajjad Masoumi, Fatemeh Aziziyan, Hamidreza Zalpoor, Leila Abkhooie, Vahideh Tarhriz

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Insulin pumps or injections are the standard treatment options for this condition. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the several type 1 diabetes treatment options, focusing on oral insulin. The article is divided into parts that include immune-focused treatments, antigen vaccination, cell-directed interventions, cytokine-directed interventions, and non-immunomodulatory adjuvant therapy. Under the section on non-immunomodulatory adjunctive treatment, the benefits and drawbacks of medications such as metformin, amylin, sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 Ras), and verapamil are discussed. The article also discusses the …

Changes In Walking Function And Neural Control Following Pelvic Cancer Surgery With Reconstruction, Geng Li, Di Ao, Marleny M Vega, Payam Zandiyeh, Shuo-Hsiu Chang, Alexander N Penny, Valerae O Lewis, Benjamin J Fregly

Student and Faculty Publications

Introduction: Surgical planning and custom prosthesis design for pelvic cancer patients are challenging due to the unique clinical characteristics of each patient and the significant amount of pelvic bone and hip musculature often removed. Limb-sparing internal hemipelvectomy surgery with custom prosthesis reconstruction has become a viable option for this patient population. However, little is known about how post-surgery walking function and neural control change from pre-surgery conditions.

Methods: This case study combined comprehensive walking data (video motion capture, ground reaction, and electromyography) with personalized neuromusculoskeletal computer models to provide a thorough assessment of pre- to post-surgery changes in walking function …

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 …

The Role Of Myocardin And Its Effector Proteins In Tgf-Β Induced Cytoskeletal Remodeling Of Ipf Fibroblasts, Khadijat Abolore Olawuyi

Biotechnology Theses

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by thickening and stiffness around the air sacs. Approved treatments like nintedanib and pirfenidone slow disease progression in IPF and often have tolerability issues. More research is needed to fully grasp the mechanisms behind abnormal cytoskeletal changes in lung cells, notably fibroblasts and epithelial cells, and their role in fibrosis progression. Previous studies suggest that myocardin expression and function, traditionally limited to smooth/cardiac development in physiology, become active in pathophysiological conditions like pleural fibrosis. Myocardin's role in liver and kidney fibrosis is known, but its involvement in IPF is unclear. To get more insights, …

Synthetic Cationic Helical Polypeptides For The Stimulation Of Antitumour Innate Immune Pathways In Antigen-Presenting Cells, Daeyong Lee, Kristin Huntoon, Yifan Wang, Minjeong Kang, Yifei Lu, Seong Dong Jeong, Todd M Link, Thomas D Gallup, Yaqing Qie, Xuefeng Li, Shiyan Dong, Benjamin R Schrank, Adam J Grippin, Abin Antony, Jonghoon Ha, Mengyu Chang, Yi An, Liang Wang, Dadi Jiang, Jing Li, Albert C Koong, John A Tainer, Wen Jiang, Betty Y S Kim

Student and Faculty Publications

Intracellular DNA sensors regulate innate immunity and can provide a bridge to adaptive immunogenicity. However, the activation of the sensors in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by natural agonists such as double-stranded DNAs or cyclic nucleotides is impeded by poor intracellular delivery, serum stability, enzymatic degradation and rapid systemic clearance. Here we show that the hydrophobicity, electrostatic charge and secondary conformation of helical polypeptides can be optimized to stimulate innate immune pathways via endoplasmic reticulum stress in APCs. One of the three polypeptides that we engineered activated two major intracellular DNA-sensing pathways (cGAS-STING (for cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes) …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Six-Month Report Assessing The Feasibility And Effectiveness Of Amniotic Membrane Injections In Patients With Short, Anterior, Urethral Strictures, Nicholas Pryde, Jack Vernocke, Aron Liaw, Michael Sessine, Nivedita Dhar

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction: Urethral stricture treatment has high recurrence rates and adjunct injectable agents have been explored. Amniotic membranes (AM) promote apoptosis of pro-inflammatory cells, prevent differentiation of pro-fibrotic cells, and decrease scar formation. These tissues generated interest in reconstructive urethral surgery. Thus, we performed urethral dilation combined with micronized AM injection in urethral scar tissue for treatment of urethral stricture.

Materials and Methods: Adult males with strictures ≤12Fr in diameter and ≤2 cm in length, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥11 and maximum flowrate <15 ml/s. Reconstituted 100mg micronized AM was injected at the time of urethral dilation. Primary study end point was anatomical success (≥14Fr by cystoscopy) at 6 months. Secondary end points were questionnaires, flow rate, and post void residual. Outcomes assessed at baseline, 5 days, 14 days, 3 months, and 6 months post-injection. Safety was analyzed.

Results: Ten men, mean age of 52 ± 15 years, were included. There were 7 patients with …