On the Fabrication and Development of Tissue on a Chip Devices with Included Perfused Vasculatures

The advent of Tissue-on-a-Chip (TiOC) devices has provided a novel way for researchers to approach biological study and drug development. As a platform that enables human in vivo conditions to be accurately replicated ex vivo, TiOC can accelerate both fundamental biological research to answer basic questions regarding tissue behavior and function (e.g., cell-cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME)) and translational research that includes testing of standard and novel therapeutics. The reported work focuses on development of processes and technologies common to two classes of TiOC. The first device is a single-layer, multi-compartment microfluidic device for investigation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor behavior in a comprehensive TME that includes cancer and non-cancer cell types. The second is a multi-layer, multi-compartment (chamber-over-chamber) device for human gut research. Both systems are designed to support a perfused vascular network in communication with the tissue of interest (tumor or gut epithelial cells). It was found that the devices can be made by utilizing conventional microfabrication methods and can be constructed in such a way that experiments are repeatable and customizable for different cell types and environmental conditions. One-step soft lithography and a straightforward assembly process were used to mold the single-layer elastomeric (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) Tumor-on-a-Chip (TOC). Soft lithography was also used to mold components (two channels and a porous PDMS membrane) of the Gut-on-a-Chip (GOC); however, the small size of the mold pillars, corresponding to pores of the PDMS membrane, necessitated a more sophisticated fabrication approach. Further, the chamber-over-chamber design of the GOC required development of an alignment jig for device assembly. Challenges, pitfalls, and successes are discussed

Tissue Stretching Device

This tissue loading project consists of designing an apparatus that has two main functions. The first, and most obvious of these, being creating a device that will deform a band or disk of tissue with cells pre-seeded on them uniaxially while recording the stress and strain, specifically strain rate, that is applied to the tissue. While the deformation aspect of this device will be key, an equally important part of this project will be designing a part of our tissue loader that mimics the environmental chamber that the lab already uses or is compatible with the environmental chamber that is already in use. This is key when dealing with cells as the slightest disturbance in environment can lead to cell death and therefore inconclusive research results

EFFICACY OF EXTRACTS OF SOME PLANTS IN AVOIDING FUNGAL DISEASES OF STORED CEREALS

ABSTRACT   Objective: Plant metabolites and plant-based pesticides appear to be one of the better alternatives to the synthetic pesticides. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the antifungal properties of the aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic and chloroform extracts of the leaves and stems of five wild plants (Astrachantha echinus; Seriphidium herba-album; Peganum harmala; Diplotaxis acris and Tamarix aphylla) collected from Tabuk deserts of KSA, against seed-born mycoflora isolated from stored corn, wheat and barley grains.Methods: In vitro antifungal activities of the 5 extracts were tested using the poisoned food technique.  Separation  of    the different    fractions    from selected extracts were carried out using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to characterize the separated fractions and estimate the in vivo reduction in mycotoxins levels due to plants extracts.Results: Most of these extracts significantly suppressed radial growth of the tested fungi in vitro with varying levels and/or caused their complete inhibition (100%, P ≤ 0.01). Results of separation of selected extracts using TLC, and then their characterization by HPLC analysis revealed that these promising extracts  were rich in p-Coumaric acid, Catechin, Caffeic acid, Cinnamic acid, Ferulic acid, Vanillic acid and Gallic acid in concentrations ranging from 97.0 µg mL-1 (Vanillic acid) to 471.1 µg mL-1 (Gallic acid).  In addition, methanolic, ethanolic extracts of Astrachantha echinus and Seriphidium herba-album plants showed potent in vivo antimycotoxigenic activity (P ≤ 0.01) against toxigenic isolates of Apergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides in comparison with the synthetic fungicide.Conclusion: These novel methanolic, ethanolic extracts of Astrachantha echinus and Seriphidium herba-album plants could be commercially used as worldwide ecofriendly phytofungicides to prevent fungal biodeterioration of cereals; prevent mycotoxins production and/ or decreasing them to an acceptable level; displace the use of synthetic fungicides and high cost refrigeration of cereals during storage

Role of HRM Practices in Performance of Organization and Employee Retention

This paper analyses the role of Human Resource Management practices on Organizational Performance and Employee Retention. Human Resource Management Practices play an important role in retaining an organization’s employee and also in increasing organizational performance. In this study a conceptual mode is developed and this conceptual model is supported by several researchers. There is a lot of research on HR Practices now-a-days. Though there is little research in HR Practices regarding Pakistan but now it’s emerging also in Pakistan.   Key Words: HR Practices, Employee Retention, organizational performance, Pakista

Multimodal thrombectomy device for treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially deadly medical condition that is costly to treat and impacts thousands of Americans every year. DVT is characterized by the formation of blood clots within the deep venous system of the body. If a DVT dislodges it can lead to venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE), both of which can lead to significant morbidity or death. Current treatment options for DVT are limited in both effectiveness and safety, in part because the treatment of the DVT cannot be confined to a defined sequestered treatment zone. We therefore developed and tested a novel thrombectomy device that enables the sequesteration of a DVT to a defined treatment zone during fragmentation and evacuation. We observed that, compared to a predicate thrombectomy device, the sequestered approach reduced distal DVT embolization during ex vivo thrombectomy. The sequestered approach also facilitated isovolumetric infusion and suction that enabled clearance of the sequestered treatment zone without significantly impacting vein wall diameter. Results suggest that our novel device using sequestered therapy holds promise for the treatment of high risk large-volume DVTs

Role of extent of resection on quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed GBM

Glioblastomas known for their adverse outcomes are most reportedly managed by surgical resection. Studies on the impact of (Extent of Resection) EOR against Quality of Life (QOL) are very limited. We have collected data from recent studies in this review to extract a general consensus among the neurosurgeons regarding the EOR. Key parameters like functional independence, neurocognitive improvements and global health status have been explored in the context of QOL. The currently available data suggests that an increased EOR may help improve QOL in GBM patients. With the help of recent advancements it may be possible to attain a better extent of resection while operating on GBMs

A review of medicinal herbs in the management of male infertility

Male infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurohormonal imbalances, reproductive tissue disturbances, and qualitative and quantitative degradation of semen. There is a global decline in male reproductive health, and modern therapeutic options to tackle male infertility are expensive, less accessible and have extended treatment durations and adverse effects. When it comes to male reproductive health, herbal therapies are in a much better position to provide more holistic approaches. As aphrodisiacs, a unique class of herbs defined in herbal pharmacology, nourish and stimulate the body's sexual tissues. A careful evaluation of the current information on drugs and their probable functions in treating male infertility is the purpose of this paper

Assessment of Sodium Knowledge and Urinary Sodium Excretion among Regions of the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, are increasing worldwide and cause 65% to 78% of deaths in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). A random sample of 477 healthy adults were recruited in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the period March-June 2015. Demographic, lifestyle, medical, anthropometric and sodium excretion data were collected. A questionnaire was used to measure knowledge, attitude and practice regarding salt. Mean sodium and potassium excretion were 2713.4 ± 713 mg/day and 1803 ± 618 mg/day, respectively, significantly higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for sodium (2300 mg/day) and lower for potassium (3150 mg/day). Two-thirds (67.4%) exceeded sodium guidelines, with males 2.6 times more likely to consume excessively. The majority of the participants add salt during cooking (82.5%) and whilst eating (66%), and 75% identified processed food as high source of salt. Most (69.1%) were aware that excessive salt could cause disease. Most of the UAE population consumes excess sodium and insufficient potassium, likely increasing the risk of NCDs. Despite most participants being aware that high salt intake is associated with adverse health outcomes, this did not translate into salt reduction action. Low-sodium, high-potassium dietary interventions such as the Mediterranean diet are vital in reducing the impact of NCDs in the UAE