Michelle Tucci - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Michelle Tucci
The FASEB Journal
Sex steroid hormones appear to be a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Prolifera... more Sex steroid hormones appear to be a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) was documented to be a mediator in atherosclerotic plaque formation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sustained delivery of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the growth of cultured aortic endothelial cells (EC) and SMC incubated individually, or in combination. The SMC were explanted from the media and intima of the abdominal and thoracic aorta of adult male rabbits, and EC were prepared by trypsinization of the vessel. Cells were seeded and grown undisturbed for up to 6 weeks in culture. A total of four equal (n=4 wells) groups was used in Phase I. Groups 1–3 were plated with EC, SMC, and EC+SMC, respectively. Group IV served as control. Half of the wells (n=4 per group) in each group were exposed to tricalcium phosphates capsules loaded with 40 mg DHT (release profile: 3–5 ng/ml/day) and second half was exposed to sham c...
PubMed, 2015
Macrophages and blood vessels are critical components in the biocompatibility and functionality o... more Macrophages and blood vessels are critical components in the biocompatibility and functionality of implantable ceramic materials used in drug delivery applications. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of macrophage and neovascularization by further defining their presence, relationship, and correlation in the fibrous tissue capsule of calcium phosphate (TCP) ceramic drug delivery systems. Sixteen animals in four experimental groups were implanted with one TCP bioceramic each. Group I animals were implanted with a TCP ceramic not containing a biologic (control group). Group II animals received the testosterone loaded TCP ceramic. Group III animals were implanted with the dihydrotestosterone loaded ceramic. Group IV animals received the androstenedione ceramic. At 90 days post-implantation, the animals were euthanized. Implants and fibrous tissue capsules were collected. Determination of macrophage populations and neovascularity was conducted microscopically following H&E staining and aided by ImagePro digital analysis software. Androgens have varying effects on vascularity and macrophage populations. Overall, macrophage counts were highly and significantly correlated with vascularity (p<0.05), particularly in Groups II, III, and IV. Correlations for Group I was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that presence of macrophages is be directly related to neovascularity, especially in the presence of exogenous androgens.
BMC Microbiology, Oct 27, 2020
Background: The msaABCR operon regulates several staphylococcal phenotypes such as biofilm format... more Background: The msaABCR operon regulates several staphylococcal phenotypes such as biofilm formation, capsule production, protease production, pigmentation, antibiotic resistance, and persister cells formation. The msaABCR operon is required for maintaining the cell wall integrity via affecting peptidoglycan cross-linking. The msaABCR operon also plays a role in oxidative stress defense mechanism, which is required to facilitate persistent and recurrent staphylococcal infections. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent cause of chronic implant-associated osteomyelitis (OM). The CA-MRSA USA300 strains are predominant in the United States and cause severe infections, including bone and joint infections. Results: The USA300 LAC strain caused significant bone damage, as evidenced by the presence of severe bone necrosis with multiple foci of sequestra and large numbers of multinucleated osteoclasts. Intraosseous survival and biofilm formation on the K-wires by USA300 LAC strains was pronounced. However, the msaABCR deletion mutant was attenuated. We observed minimal bone necrosis, with no evidence of intramedullary abscess and/or fibrosis, along reduced intraosseous bacterial population and significantly less biofilm formation on the K-wires by the msaABCR mutant. microCT analysis of infected bone showed significant bone loss and damage in the USA300 LAC and complemented strain, whereas the msaABCR mutant's effect was reduced. In addition, we observed increased osteoblasts response and new bone formation around the K-wires in the bone infected by the msaABCR mutant. Whole-cell proteomics analysis of msaABCR mutant cells showed significant downregulation of proteins, cell adhesion factors, and virulence factors that interact with osteoblasts and are associated with chronic OM caused by S. aureus. Conclusion: This study showed that deletion of msaABCR operon in USA300 LAC strain lead to defective biofilm in Kwire implants, decreased intraosseous survival, and reduced cortical bone destruction. Thus, msaABCR plays a role in implant-associated chronic osteomyelitis by regulating extracellular proteases, cell adhesions factors and virulence factors. However additional studies are required to further define the contribution of msaABCR-regulated molecules in osteomyelitis pathogenesis.
The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2015
Global Spine Journal, Apr 1, 2016
Introduction Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter... more Introduction Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and in the autonomic nervous system of humans. In the autonomic system it is produced mainly by neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and serves as a strong vasoconstrictor. Recently, NPY has been shown to increase during stress and in patients with chronic back pain. NPY has the potential to innervate 5 subtypes of receptors Y1-Y5. The Y1 receptor has been shown to play a role in cell survival and contribute to pain hypersensitivity. In addition, Y1 receptors are also thought to contribute to bone loss leading to disc degeneration in osteoporosis. The goal of our study was identify the location of the Y1 receptor in the disc of osteoporotic animals and to compare those to ovary intact control. Methods Eight OVX animals and eight ovary intact control animals were followed weekly for 8 weeks. Four animals in each group were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks and blood and spines were harvested. Spines were decalcified and processed for histological analysis. Routine hematoxylin and eosin staining along with immunhistochemical analysis of the spine Y1 receptors. Results The results showed the intervertebral discs in the control group appeared normal. The nucleus pulposus contained abundant notochordal cells, surrounded by large zones of extracellular matrix, and the cartilage endplates were hyaline cartilage composed of chondrocytes. In the OVX animals, the discs showed degenerative changes, where the nucleus pulposus appeared reduced in size and comprised relatively few, chondrocyte-like cells. Mucoid degeneration could also be seen. An increased number of small chondrocytes appeared in the inner layer of the annulus. Bony tissues that contained bone marrow, hematopoietic lineage cells and mineralized bone, became more obvious in the deep zone of middle cartilage endplate. Immunohistochemical analysis for Y1 receptors showed positive staining in the outer annulus in the control with defined staining of chondrocyte cells. Y1 receptor staining was diminished in the OVX animals. Higher levels of circulating NPY was found in the plasma of OVX animals and may contribute to internalization of the Y1 receptor as a compensatory mechanism. Conclusions Y1 receptors are located in the outer portion of the annulus of rats. The portion of cellular staining differed between the OVX and intact ovary control animals. More experiments are needed to clarify the role of NPY in the normal and osteoporotic spine.
This study investigates conventional delivery of thymoquinone (TQ) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate... more This study investigates conventional delivery of thymoquinone (TQ) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) when applied to Caov-3 and SK-OV-3 ovarian like cell lines. Culturing the cells and assessment of functional activities were conducted following standard lab protocols. The results revealed: (1) an increase in the SK-OV-3 cell protein levels following treatment with TQ+EGCG which was statistically different (p<;0.05) at 24 and 48 hours; (2) nitric oxide levels were statistically different (p<;0.05) following the administration of EGCG and TQ+EGCG at 24 and 48 hours for Caov-3 and TQ at 72 hours for SK-OV-3; and (3) glutathione levels were statistically different (p<;0.05) following the administration of TQ and EGCG to the SK-OV-3 cell line at 72 hours. Overall conclusion of this study demonstrates that exposure of potent herbal based anti-oxidant extracts may potentially interfere with the functional and mitotic activity of ovarian cancer cells.
Microgravity significantly reduces transmission of ground-reaction forces to bones, promoting atr... more Microgravity significantly reduces transmission of ground-reaction forces to bones, promoting atrophy. There is little information available concerning the effects of microgravity on bones at sites where anti-gravity muscles are attached (tendon-bone junctions). This study evaluates the effects of microgravity on the origin and insertion sites of anti-gravity muscles on the rat tibia, fibula and calcaneus. Changes in the strength of those tendon-bone junctions could predispose the animal to injury following spaceflight.
The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2013
The major objective of this study was to investigate the effectivenees of Tricalcium phosphate dr... more The major objective of this study was to investigate the effectivenees of Tricalcium phosphate drug delivery system (TCP) to release steroid and protein hormones at sustained levels for long duration. A total of 70 TCP capsules were fabricated following standard lab protocols. The capsules were randomely divided into seven groups of 10 each. Each capsule in groups 1–6 were loaded with Testosterone (40mg), Estrogen (40mg), Progesterone (40mg), insulin (40mh), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (40mg), and Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐1 (40mg); repecrively. Group 7 capsules were left empty and served as a control group. The capsules were sealed and suspended in serum bottles filled with 100 mls of human plasma. Samples were collected every three hours for first 24 hours and daily thereafter. Data collected from this study demonstrated that TCP capsules were cabable of releasing steroid and protein hormones for 26 days at different sustained levels. The results suggest that physiochemical characteristics of hormones have to be taken in consideration in developing ceramic drug delivery system.
The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2018
The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2012
Key Engineering Materials, Nov 1, 2016
The specific objective of this investigation is to study the effect of tetracalcium phosphate (Te... more The specific objective of this investigation is to study the effect of tetracalcium phosphate (TeCP) delivery system fabricated from three different particle sizes…
The purpose of this investigation was to determine fibroblast behavior after implantation of ultr... more The purpose of this investigation was to determine fibroblast behavior after implantation of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) rinsed with saline (control) or coated with poly-L-lysine (PLL), arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD), or arginine-glycine-glutamic acid (RGE) into 16 adult male rats subcutaneously. At 90 days post-implantation, fibroblast counts were highest in the saline rinsed group (34±2 cells/HPF) and significantly reduced in RGD (19±10), RGE (2±3), and PLL (0) treated groups. These findings indicate fibroblast migration in surrounding fibrous tissue can be strongly influenced using various amino acid combination coatings in subcutaneous applications.
Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation, Apr 1, 2021
Introduction: The federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2018, the number of deat... more Introduction: The federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2018, the number of deaths on motorcycles was nearly 27 times the number in cars. In the United States there is no universal helmet law. In twenty-two states, motorcycle helmets are entirely optional, while in nineteen states and the District of Columbia universal motorcycle helmets laws requiring helmets for all riders regardless of age are implemented and nine states only require younger motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, with varying age limits. Objectives: The overall objectives of this study were to evaluate the following: (1) number of fatalities (with and without helmet use), (2) fatality rate per motorcycle registration, (3) fatality percentage with age, (4) percent fatality due to alcohol impairment, and (5) location of collision impact to the rider in two southern states (Mississippi and Alabama) where helmet laws are established compared with a southern state (Florida) that only requires riders less than 20 years of age to be helmeted. Methods: Data from 2015-2018 were obtained from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Reporting System (FARS) and supplemented with state related and CDC data. Results: In all three states, the most common collision was a front-end impact. Mississippi had the highest percentage of motorcycle fatalities even with >80% of riders helmeted when the fatal accident occurred, followed by Florida motorcyclist who are only 50% of the time helmeted. In all three southern states similar percentage of fatalities were seen in each age group with higher fatalities associated with age range of 30-39 years. Conclusions: Variables such as helmet type, distance from a level 1 trauma center, poor roads, weather conditions, and visibility of the rider may also be factors that contribute to a higher incidence of fatality and need to be further investigated to improve motorcycle safety.
Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation, Apr 1, 2021
Dental implants have been utilized in the last several decades to replace missing teeth. Various ... more Dental implants have been utilized in the last several decades to replace missing teeth. Various factors may result in the loss of teeth. The most common causes of tooth loss are often caries or periodontal disease. The use of a dental implant restored with a porcelain fused to metal crown is often the standard. The purpose of this study was to assess the architectural integrity of gingival fibroblasts at the cellular level when exposed to universally utilized restorative dental material; porcelain, in the presence of a periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS-PG). Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to Porcelain (.1 g) in combination with LPS-PG (10 μL), at 24, 48, and 72 hour durations. When assessing for cellular metabolic activity and viability, no significant differences were noted between the control and experimental groups. Contrastingly, when assessing for oxidative stress, the experimental groups were statistically significantly different from the control at the 48 and 72 hour phases (P<0.001). H&E staining of the experimental groups showed irregular shaped cells with loss of density, vacuolization, coarse cytoplasm, and hyperchromatic nuclei.
The FASEB Journal, 2006
Glucocorticoids such as cortisol are potent immunosuppressive agents that act on many cells of th... more Glucocorticoids such as cortisol are potent immunosuppressive agents that act on many cells of the body, including macrophages. Macrophages express CD14 in response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) extracted from bacterial coats. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine if pretreatment of macrophages with cortisol for 30 minutes prior to challenging the cells with endotoxin results in increased cell loss, cell damage (MDA), and suppression of CD14 receptors; and (2) to determine if CD14 receptor expression is able to recover with time. An experimental design incorporating RAW 264.7 cells (RAW) was used in order to evaluate our objectives. The cells were plated on 24 well plates and subsequently divided into four groups. The first group was untreated and served as the control. Group two was treated with LPS, group three with 10 uL of cortisol and a combination of LPS and cortisol was used in the treatment of the fourth group. The cells were recovered at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in the proliferation rate in RAW cells exposed to cortisol and LPS either alone of in combination when compared to the untreated cells. Cell damage was also increased in treated cells. LPS caused receptor expression at all time points. CD14 expression was down regulated at 48 hours in cells pretreated with cortisol, however, this suppression was no longer evident at 72 hours.
International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 2017
INTRODUCTION: Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane is making advancements towards medical applica... more INTRODUCTION: Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane is making advancements towards medical application as an effective material for drug delivery. POSS is a unique molecule because of its structure. It is a class of organosiliconthree-dimensional compounds with cage frameworks and different degrees of symmetry. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to introduce a biomedical application for POSS in area of drug delivery. For large open wounds it should have a capability to reduce bleeding and as well as provide the release of an antibiotics to reach minimal inhibitory concentrations at the site for infection coverage. If the treatment is successful, POSS can be applied in the field as a protective dressing that is capable of enhancing clot formation, prevent infection, and ultimately enhance tissue repair. METHODS: Two formulations of POSS were prepared and tested in vitro to release inhibitory concentration of Clindamycin. Clindamycin release was determined spectrophotometrically, and the MIC...
is published in January (annual meeting abstracts), April, July, and October, by the Mississippi ... more is published in January (annual meeting abstracts), April, July, and October, by the Mississippi Academy of Sciences. Members of the Academy receive the journal as part of their regular (nonstudent) membership. Inquiries regarding subscriptions, availability of back issues, and address changes should be addressed to The Mississippi
Biomedical sciences instrumentation, 2019
The specific aim of this investigation was to investigate the effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) sint... more The specific aim of this investigation was to investigate the effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) sintered at different temperatures on the proliferation, morphology, and cellular alterations of Embryonal Lung Fibroblasts (MRC-5) cells in culture. Microcrystals of HA were prepared by following standard laboratory protocols. The calcined HA was then placed on an automatic Tyler sieve stack to select for particles between 1-40 μm in size. The calcined material was sintered at 700, 1000, 1200 and 1300 °c for 24 hours. The sintered material (1.0 grams of HA) was added to a total of 20 mg of L-lysine as a binder. Finally, this combination was cold-pressed into cylindrical form using a 3/8 inch die set at a compression load of 5000 kg to form a disk of HA. Calculated density of the devices was directly proportional to temperature of sintering. MRC-5 fibroblasts were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Proliferation Assessment, morphological evaluations were conducted fol...
The FASEB Journal
Sex steroid hormones appear to be a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Prolifera... more Sex steroid hormones appear to be a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) was documented to be a mediator in atherosclerotic plaque formation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sustained delivery of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the growth of cultured aortic endothelial cells (EC) and SMC incubated individually, or in combination. The SMC were explanted from the media and intima of the abdominal and thoracic aorta of adult male rabbits, and EC were prepared by trypsinization of the vessel. Cells were seeded and grown undisturbed for up to 6 weeks in culture. A total of four equal (n=4 wells) groups was used in Phase I. Groups 1–3 were plated with EC, SMC, and EC+SMC, respectively. Group IV served as control. Half of the wells (n=4 per group) in each group were exposed to tricalcium phosphates capsules loaded with 40 mg DHT (release profile: 3–5 ng/ml/day) and second half was exposed to sham c...
PubMed, 2015
Macrophages and blood vessels are critical components in the biocompatibility and functionality o... more Macrophages and blood vessels are critical components in the biocompatibility and functionality of implantable ceramic materials used in drug delivery applications. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of macrophage and neovascularization by further defining their presence, relationship, and correlation in the fibrous tissue capsule of calcium phosphate (TCP) ceramic drug delivery systems. Sixteen animals in four experimental groups were implanted with one TCP bioceramic each. Group I animals were implanted with a TCP ceramic not containing a biologic (control group). Group II animals received the testosterone loaded TCP ceramic. Group III animals were implanted with the dihydrotestosterone loaded ceramic. Group IV animals received the androstenedione ceramic. At 90 days post-implantation, the animals were euthanized. Implants and fibrous tissue capsules were collected. Determination of macrophage populations and neovascularity was conducted microscopically following H&E staining and aided by ImagePro digital analysis software. Androgens have varying effects on vascularity and macrophage populations. Overall, macrophage counts were highly and significantly correlated with vascularity (p<0.05), particularly in Groups II, III, and IV. Correlations for Group I was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that presence of macrophages is be directly related to neovascularity, especially in the presence of exogenous androgens.
BMC Microbiology, Oct 27, 2020
Background: The msaABCR operon regulates several staphylococcal phenotypes such as biofilm format... more Background: The msaABCR operon regulates several staphylococcal phenotypes such as biofilm formation, capsule production, protease production, pigmentation, antibiotic resistance, and persister cells formation. The msaABCR operon is required for maintaining the cell wall integrity via affecting peptidoglycan cross-linking. The msaABCR operon also plays a role in oxidative stress defense mechanism, which is required to facilitate persistent and recurrent staphylococcal infections. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent cause of chronic implant-associated osteomyelitis (OM). The CA-MRSA USA300 strains are predominant in the United States and cause severe infections, including bone and joint infections. Results: The USA300 LAC strain caused significant bone damage, as evidenced by the presence of severe bone necrosis with multiple foci of sequestra and large numbers of multinucleated osteoclasts. Intraosseous survival and biofilm formation on the K-wires by USA300 LAC strains was pronounced. However, the msaABCR deletion mutant was attenuated. We observed minimal bone necrosis, with no evidence of intramedullary abscess and/or fibrosis, along reduced intraosseous bacterial population and significantly less biofilm formation on the K-wires by the msaABCR mutant. microCT analysis of infected bone showed significant bone loss and damage in the USA300 LAC and complemented strain, whereas the msaABCR mutant's effect was reduced. In addition, we observed increased osteoblasts response and new bone formation around the K-wires in the bone infected by the msaABCR mutant. Whole-cell proteomics analysis of msaABCR mutant cells showed significant downregulation of proteins, cell adhesion factors, and virulence factors that interact with osteoblasts and are associated with chronic OM caused by S. aureus. Conclusion: This study showed that deletion of msaABCR operon in USA300 LAC strain lead to defective biofilm in Kwire implants, decreased intraosseous survival, and reduced cortical bone destruction. Thus, msaABCR plays a role in implant-associated chronic osteomyelitis by regulating extracellular proteases, cell adhesions factors and virulence factors. However additional studies are required to further define the contribution of msaABCR-regulated molecules in osteomyelitis pathogenesis.
The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2015
Global Spine Journal, Apr 1, 2016
Introduction Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter... more Introduction Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and in the autonomic nervous system of humans. In the autonomic system it is produced mainly by neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and serves as a strong vasoconstrictor. Recently, NPY has been shown to increase during stress and in patients with chronic back pain. NPY has the potential to innervate 5 subtypes of receptors Y1-Y5. The Y1 receptor has been shown to play a role in cell survival and contribute to pain hypersensitivity. In addition, Y1 receptors are also thought to contribute to bone loss leading to disc degeneration in osteoporosis. The goal of our study was identify the location of the Y1 receptor in the disc of osteoporotic animals and to compare those to ovary intact control. Methods Eight OVX animals and eight ovary intact control animals were followed weekly for 8 weeks. Four animals in each group were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks and blood and spines were harvested. Spines were decalcified and processed for histological analysis. Routine hematoxylin and eosin staining along with immunhistochemical analysis of the spine Y1 receptors. Results The results showed the intervertebral discs in the control group appeared normal. The nucleus pulposus contained abundant notochordal cells, surrounded by large zones of extracellular matrix, and the cartilage endplates were hyaline cartilage composed of chondrocytes. In the OVX animals, the discs showed degenerative changes, where the nucleus pulposus appeared reduced in size and comprised relatively few, chondrocyte-like cells. Mucoid degeneration could also be seen. An increased number of small chondrocytes appeared in the inner layer of the annulus. Bony tissues that contained bone marrow, hematopoietic lineage cells and mineralized bone, became more obvious in the deep zone of middle cartilage endplate. Immunohistochemical analysis for Y1 receptors showed positive staining in the outer annulus in the control with defined staining of chondrocyte cells. Y1 receptor staining was diminished in the OVX animals. Higher levels of circulating NPY was found in the plasma of OVX animals and may contribute to internalization of the Y1 receptor as a compensatory mechanism. Conclusions Y1 receptors are located in the outer portion of the annulus of rats. The portion of cellular staining differed between the OVX and intact ovary control animals. More experiments are needed to clarify the role of NPY in the normal and osteoporotic spine.
This study investigates conventional delivery of thymoquinone (TQ) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate... more This study investigates conventional delivery of thymoquinone (TQ) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) when applied to Caov-3 and SK-OV-3 ovarian like cell lines. Culturing the cells and assessment of functional activities were conducted following standard lab protocols. The results revealed: (1) an increase in the SK-OV-3 cell protein levels following treatment with TQ+EGCG which was statistically different (p<;0.05) at 24 and 48 hours; (2) nitric oxide levels were statistically different (p<;0.05) following the administration of EGCG and TQ+EGCG at 24 and 48 hours for Caov-3 and TQ at 72 hours for SK-OV-3; and (3) glutathione levels were statistically different (p<;0.05) following the administration of TQ and EGCG to the SK-OV-3 cell line at 72 hours. Overall conclusion of this study demonstrates that exposure of potent herbal based anti-oxidant extracts may potentially interfere with the functional and mitotic activity of ovarian cancer cells.
Microgravity significantly reduces transmission of ground-reaction forces to bones, promoting atr... more Microgravity significantly reduces transmission of ground-reaction forces to bones, promoting atrophy. There is little information available concerning the effects of microgravity on bones at sites where anti-gravity muscles are attached (tendon-bone junctions). This study evaluates the effects of microgravity on the origin and insertion sites of anti-gravity muscles on the rat tibia, fibula and calcaneus. Changes in the strength of those tendon-bone junctions could predispose the animal to injury following spaceflight.
The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2013
The major objective of this study was to investigate the effectivenees of Tricalcium phosphate dr... more The major objective of this study was to investigate the effectivenees of Tricalcium phosphate drug delivery system (TCP) to release steroid and protein hormones at sustained levels for long duration. A total of 70 TCP capsules were fabricated following standard lab protocols. The capsules were randomely divided into seven groups of 10 each. Each capsule in groups 1–6 were loaded with Testosterone (40mg), Estrogen (40mg), Progesterone (40mg), insulin (40mh), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (40mg), and Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐1 (40mg); repecrively. Group 7 capsules were left empty and served as a control group. The capsules were sealed and suspended in serum bottles filled with 100 mls of human plasma. Samples were collected every three hours for first 24 hours and daily thereafter. Data collected from this study demonstrated that TCP capsules were cabable of releasing steroid and protein hormones for 26 days at different sustained levels. The results suggest that physiochemical characteristics of hormones have to be taken in consideration in developing ceramic drug delivery system.
The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2018
The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2012
Key Engineering Materials, Nov 1, 2016
The specific objective of this investigation is to study the effect of tetracalcium phosphate (Te... more The specific objective of this investigation is to study the effect of tetracalcium phosphate (TeCP) delivery system fabricated from three different particle sizes…
The purpose of this investigation was to determine fibroblast behavior after implantation of ultr... more The purpose of this investigation was to determine fibroblast behavior after implantation of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) rinsed with saline (control) or coated with poly-L-lysine (PLL), arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD), or arginine-glycine-glutamic acid (RGE) into 16 adult male rats subcutaneously. At 90 days post-implantation, fibroblast counts were highest in the saline rinsed group (34±2 cells/HPF) and significantly reduced in RGD (19±10), RGE (2±3), and PLL (0) treated groups. These findings indicate fibroblast migration in surrounding fibrous tissue can be strongly influenced using various amino acid combination coatings in subcutaneous applications.
Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation, Apr 1, 2021
Introduction: The federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2018, the number of deat... more Introduction: The federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2018, the number of deaths on motorcycles was nearly 27 times the number in cars. In the United States there is no universal helmet law. In twenty-two states, motorcycle helmets are entirely optional, while in nineteen states and the District of Columbia universal motorcycle helmets laws requiring helmets for all riders regardless of age are implemented and nine states only require younger motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, with varying age limits. Objectives: The overall objectives of this study were to evaluate the following: (1) number of fatalities (with and without helmet use), (2) fatality rate per motorcycle registration, (3) fatality percentage with age, (4) percent fatality due to alcohol impairment, and (5) location of collision impact to the rider in two southern states (Mississippi and Alabama) where helmet laws are established compared with a southern state (Florida) that only requires riders less than 20 years of age to be helmeted. Methods: Data from 2015-2018 were obtained from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Reporting System (FARS) and supplemented with state related and CDC data. Results: In all three states, the most common collision was a front-end impact. Mississippi had the highest percentage of motorcycle fatalities even with >80% of riders helmeted when the fatal accident occurred, followed by Florida motorcyclist who are only 50% of the time helmeted. In all three southern states similar percentage of fatalities were seen in each age group with higher fatalities associated with age range of 30-39 years. Conclusions: Variables such as helmet type, distance from a level 1 trauma center, poor roads, weather conditions, and visibility of the rider may also be factors that contribute to a higher incidence of fatality and need to be further investigated to improve motorcycle safety.
Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation, Apr 1, 2021
Dental implants have been utilized in the last several decades to replace missing teeth. Various ... more Dental implants have been utilized in the last several decades to replace missing teeth. Various factors may result in the loss of teeth. The most common causes of tooth loss are often caries or periodontal disease. The use of a dental implant restored with a porcelain fused to metal crown is often the standard. The purpose of this study was to assess the architectural integrity of gingival fibroblasts at the cellular level when exposed to universally utilized restorative dental material; porcelain, in the presence of a periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS-PG). Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to Porcelain (.1 g) in combination with LPS-PG (10 μL), at 24, 48, and 72 hour durations. When assessing for cellular metabolic activity and viability, no significant differences were noted between the control and experimental groups. Contrastingly, when assessing for oxidative stress, the experimental groups were statistically significantly different from the control at the 48 and 72 hour phases (P<0.001). H&E staining of the experimental groups showed irregular shaped cells with loss of density, vacuolization, coarse cytoplasm, and hyperchromatic nuclei.
The FASEB Journal, 2006
Glucocorticoids such as cortisol are potent immunosuppressive agents that act on many cells of th... more Glucocorticoids such as cortisol are potent immunosuppressive agents that act on many cells of the body, including macrophages. Macrophages express CD14 in response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) extracted from bacterial coats. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine if pretreatment of macrophages with cortisol for 30 minutes prior to challenging the cells with endotoxin results in increased cell loss, cell damage (MDA), and suppression of CD14 receptors; and (2) to determine if CD14 receptor expression is able to recover with time. An experimental design incorporating RAW 264.7 cells (RAW) was used in order to evaluate our objectives. The cells were plated on 24 well plates and subsequently divided into four groups. The first group was untreated and served as the control. Group two was treated with LPS, group three with 10 uL of cortisol and a combination of LPS and cortisol was used in the treatment of the fourth group. The cells were recovered at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in the proliferation rate in RAW cells exposed to cortisol and LPS either alone of in combination when compared to the untreated cells. Cell damage was also increased in treated cells. LPS caused receptor expression at all time points. CD14 expression was down regulated at 48 hours in cells pretreated with cortisol, however, this suppression was no longer evident at 72 hours.
International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 2017
INTRODUCTION: Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane is making advancements towards medical applica... more INTRODUCTION: Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane is making advancements towards medical application as an effective material for drug delivery. POSS is a unique molecule because of its structure. It is a class of organosiliconthree-dimensional compounds with cage frameworks and different degrees of symmetry. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to introduce a biomedical application for POSS in area of drug delivery. For large open wounds it should have a capability to reduce bleeding and as well as provide the release of an antibiotics to reach minimal inhibitory concentrations at the site for infection coverage. If the treatment is successful, POSS can be applied in the field as a protective dressing that is capable of enhancing clot formation, prevent infection, and ultimately enhance tissue repair. METHODS: Two formulations of POSS were prepared and tested in vitro to release inhibitory concentration of Clindamycin. Clindamycin release was determined spectrophotometrically, and the MIC...
is published in January (annual meeting abstracts), April, July, and October, by the Mississippi ... more is published in January (annual meeting abstracts), April, July, and October, by the Mississippi Academy of Sciences. Members of the Academy receive the journal as part of their regular (nonstudent) membership. Inquiries regarding subscriptions, availability of back issues, and address changes should be addressed to The Mississippi
Biomedical sciences instrumentation, 2019
The specific aim of this investigation was to investigate the effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) sint... more The specific aim of this investigation was to investigate the effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) sintered at different temperatures on the proliferation, morphology, and cellular alterations of Embryonal Lung Fibroblasts (MRC-5) cells in culture. Microcrystals of HA were prepared by following standard laboratory protocols. The calcined HA was then placed on an automatic Tyler sieve stack to select for particles between 1-40 μm in size. The calcined material was sintered at 700, 1000, 1200 and 1300 °c for 24 hours. The sintered material (1.0 grams of HA) was added to a total of 20 mg of L-lysine as a binder. Finally, this combination was cold-pressed into cylindrical form using a 3/8 inch die set at a compression load of 5000 kg to form a disk of HA. Calculated density of the devices was directly proportional to temperature of sintering. MRC-5 fibroblasts were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Proliferation Assessment, morphological evaluations were conducted fol...