ASSET

Olfaction and Alzheimer’s Disease

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:24:58 +0000

Olfactory dysfunction, such as difficulty in detecting, identifying, or remembering odors, often precedes cognitive symptoms of AD by several years. This makes it a valuable early indicator for the disease. Patterns of olfactory impairment are linked to the atrophy of specific brain regions which can be detected using imaging and artificial intelligence much earlier than identified by the radiologist. ‎

Authors List :

Arham Aziz

Presenting Author :

Arham Aziz

Affiliations :

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, London, ON, Canada

Email :

arham-aziz@outlook.com

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

Olfactory bulb, Alzheimer's disease, cognition, brain atrophy. artificial intelligence

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Medical Ethics: A New Age Healthcare Challenges

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:48:40 +0000

The moral standards by which a doctor should behave are referred to as medical ethics. When applying to medical school, you must have a basic understanding of medical ethics; nevertheless, you are not expected to be an expert. It’s important to remember that medical ethics is a dynamic concept. Medical ethical policies serve as rules that regulate the moral behavior of medical personnel and guarantee that they adhere to moral principles in their work. These guidelines cover informed consent, patient confidentiality, autonomy, and research ethics. The four main ethical principles are beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice. The principles of autonomy and informed consent, truth-telling, and confidentiality are discussed.
The definition of beneficence is an act of kindness, charity, and mercy that strongly implies moral obligation and doing good to others. Nonmaleficence is the principle, one must refrain from causing harm to other people. Autonomy is the ability to behave according to one’s own principles and interests. The phrase, which comes from ancient Greek, implies “self-legislation” or “self-governance.” According to contemporary political philosophy and bioethics, individual autonomy should be valued and encouraged. Giving each person what they deserve, or more conventionally, their due, is what is meant by justice. Justice and fairness are frequently used interchangeably because they are closely similar concepts. The World Medical Association (WMA) adopted the International Code of Medical Ethics (ICoME) in 1949 as a set of moral guidelines for doctors. The ICoME outlines doctors’ responsibilities to their patients, peers, and society. As the worldwide voice of the medical community, the WMA advises governments, international organizations, and doctors on ethics. In addition to providing care based on the patient’s health needs without bias or engaging in discriminatory behavior based on age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, culture, sexual orientation, or social standing, the doctor must practice medicine in a fair and just manner.

Authors List :

Prof Mohammad Masood Ahmed

Presenting Author :

Prof Mohammad Masood Ahmed

Affiliations :

Renova Bibi Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad, India

Email :

masooddeccan@gmail.com

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

Medical Ethics Healthcare

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Role of Curcumin in Metabolic Syndrome

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 04:18:43 +0000

Risk factors (dietary or environmental) that galvanize, risks for heart disease and related health problems are known as metabolic syndromes. Obesity and Diabetes are one of the main risks known. The over growth of adipose tissues is one of the major reasons to obesity and insulin resistant diabetes as they are known as fuel storage and fundamentally involved in energy expenditure and regulation. Obesity is abnormal accumulation of these tissues that results in diabetes and related health risks. Dietary polyphenols are reported as growth suppressers of adipose tissues through their antiangiogenic activity and by modulating adipocyte metabolism. We examined the effect of curcumin on angiogenesis and adipocyte development in a cell culture system and in mice fed a high fat diet. Curcumin in a dose-dependent manner suppressed adipocyte differentiation and caused apoptosis. Curcumin increased AMPK phosphorylation, reduced GPAT, and increased CPT-1 expression, which lead to increased oxidation and decreased fatty acid esterification. The in vivo effect of curcumin on the expression of these enzymes was also confirmed by RT-PCR in subcutaneous adipose tissue. In addition, dietary curcumin significantly lowered blood cholesterol and triglycerides levels and the expression of PPAR- and C/EBP- two key transcription factors involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. The curcumin suppression of angiogenesis in adipose tissue together with its effect on lipid metabolism in adipocytes may contribute to the total body fat reduction. Our findings suggest that dietary curcumin supplementation may have potential benefit in preventing obesity and associated complications.

Authors List :

Asma Ejaz

Presenting Author :

Asma Ejaz

Affiliations :

Tufts University

Email :

ejaz.asma1@gmail.com

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

Curcumin, Obesity, Metabolic, Syndrome

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AI-driven Fast and Accurate Cell Phenotyping in Multiplex Images

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:50:55 +0000

Highly multiplexed protein imaging is emerging as a potent technique for analyzing protein distribution within cells and tissues in their native context. However, existing cell annotation methods utilizing high-plex spatial proteomics data are resource intensive and necessitate iterative expert input, thereby constraining their scalability and practicality for extensive datasets. We introduce MAPS (Machine learning for Analysis of Proteomics in Spatial biology), a machine learning approach facilitating rapid and precise cell type identification with human-level accuracy from spatial proteomics data. Validated on multiple in-house and publicly available MIBI and CODEX datasets, MAPS outperforms current annotation techniques in terms of speed and accuracy, achieving pathologist-level precision even for typically challenging cell types, including tumor cells of immune origin. By democratizing rapidly deployable and scalable machine learning annotation, MAPS holds significant potential to expedite advances in tissue biology and disease comprehension.

Authors List :

Muhammad Shaban

Presenting Author :

Muhammad Shaban

Affiliations :

Mass General Brigham

Email :

mshaban@bwh.harvard.edu

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Medical Image Analysis, Multiplex Images

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Integrating Shellfish Biology with Technology: Applications in Marine Conservation, Water Quality, and Longevity Research

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:14:20 +0000

Shellfish are celebrated for their remarkable longevity and ecological importance, yet their growth, respiratory, and water filtration mechanisms remain underexplored in terms of technological and engineering applications. This study investigates these aspects, inspired by the discovery of an unusually large shellfish at Winger Seek Beach, to bridge marine biology with innovative solutions in environmental sustainability and bio-inspired engineering. Through a combination of advanced methodologies and experimental observations, this research uncovers original findings about shellfish physiology and highlights their potential for applications in water purification, respiratory device design, and environmental monitoring. To analyze the shellfish’s age and growth rate, growth rings on its shell were examined using adaptations of dendrochronological methods. These approaches provided precise age estimates of 23–27 years and refined existing techniques for interpreting growth patterns in long-lived marine organisms. This methodological advancement offers a valuable tool for studying other bivalves and contributes to understanding the slow-growth strategies associated with exceptional longevity in marine species. The findings highlight the role of shellfish as long-term recorders of environmental changes, opening pathways for their use in studying historical oceanic conditions. The respiratory mechanisms of the shellfish were analyzed by focusing on the structure and function of its gills. High-resolution imaging and computational modeling revealed how the extensive folding and microstructural organization of gill surfaces maximize gas exchange efficiency while minimizing energy expenditure. This study provided fresh insights into the biomechanics of shellfish respiration, identifying features that are not only evolutionarily optimized but also relevant to bioengineering. These findings have direct implications for the development of artificial respiratory systems and gas-exchange materials for medical and industrial use.
The study of water expulsion processes involved controlled experiments to observe siphon activity and filtration rates. Shellfish demonstrated the ability to filter significant volumes of water efficiently, maintaining homeostasis through precise regulation of siphon movements. This adaptive capability ensures functionality under varying environmental conditions such as salinity and temperature changes. These findings underscore the potential for shellfish-inspired filtration systems in water treatment technologies, particularly in regions facing challenges like pollution or seasonal water scarcity. By mimicking the efficiency and adaptability of shellfish filtration, engineers can design dynamic systems that process water effectively in diverse conditions.
These findings highlight the broader ecological and technological significance of shellfish. As natural bioindicators, shellfish can provide real-time data on water quality, pollution levels, and the impacts of climate change. Integrating shellfish physiology into IoT-enabled environmental monitoring systems could enhance efforts to safeguard aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, their longevity and resilience offer valuable insights for understanding the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying aging, with potential applications in regenerative medicine and aging research. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of shellfish biology through original findings in growth analysis, gill efficiency, and water expulsion mechanisms. By linking these insights to engineering and environmental technologies, this research demonstrates how shellfish-inspired innovations can address pressing societal challenges, including clean water access, pollution control, and medical device development. Future studies will focus on scaling these applications, exploring genetic adaptations in shellfish, and integrating their functions into bio-inspired designs for sustainable solutions.

Authors List :

Erica Yasuhara

Presenting Author :

Erica Yasuhara

Affiliations :

Wellesley College

Email :

ericayasuhara@gmail.com

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

environment, water quality, engineering, longevity

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Preventing Aggregation of SOD1-D90A ALS-causing Mutant Using No-Mo-Aggregate-81 (NMA81)

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:10:31 +0000

Single mutations in the SOD1 protein, such as A4V and D90A, are known to induce aggregation of Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) proteins, which is often universal for an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. The D90A mutation is the most common of the ALS-causing point mutations and is known to show significant aggregation potential. This in silico inquiry was conducted on the D90A variant of the SOD1 protein, to create a molecule that could potentially inhibit aggregation. Through qualitative examination of the structures, it was determined that the residue Tryptophan 32 is an ideal target for the proposed small molecule. It differs sterically from the D90A mutant to the wild-type and is also distant from the dimerization and allosteric sites. These properties make it unlikely that the small molecule will interfere with the enzyme’s regular function when bound. No-Mo-Aggregate-81 (NMA81), a novel small molecule that specifically targets the Trp 32 residue, is proposed as potential treatment to prevent aggregation of the SOD1 proteins. Reduced aggregation of SOD1 is expected to be associated with decreased severity of ALS.

Authors List :

Ahad Asghar, Jasmine Jacobs, Karen Sabu Jose, Carrie (Roanna) Lu, Devnand Nambiar, Arjun Stenger, Hannah Zemans-Ronthal

Presenting Author :

Ahad Asghar, Arjun Stenger

Affiliations :

University of Western Ontario

Email :

ahadasghar2004@gmail.com

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

ALS, protein aggregation, in-silico, drug design

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Red Queen’s Muscle: Mitophagy and Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Sarcopenia, Muscle Wasting, and Critical Illness

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:07:43 +0000

Mitophagy, the selective autophagic degradation of mitochondria, is a conserved quality control mechanism essential for cellular and mitochondrial homeostasis. Its dysfunction contributes to various human diseases, but the precise role of microtubule (MT) network dynamics in regulating mitophagy under stress remains poorly understood. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s concept of the Red Queen’s race, which symbolizes maintaining equilibrium under constant demand, this study examines how cytoskeletal dynamics influence mitophagy across two distinct stress platforms: burn serum and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced conditions.
In this cross-platform investigation, we utilized C2C12 myocyte cell lines expressing mRuby-tubulin, GFP-EB1 (a marker of MT plus ends), and mito-Keima or mitoKaede. These tools enabled live-cell monitoring of MT synthesis speed, network formation, and mitophagy flux. Stress models were created using rat-derived burn serum (30% body surface area) and LPS (1 μg/mL) to mimic critical illness conditions. MT synthesis rates were tracked via EB1 motion, basal and stress-induced MT network formation were analyzed, and mitophagosome maturation was assessed through ratiometric imaging of mitophagy reporters.
Under both burn serum and LPS-induced stress conditions, MT synthesis rates decreased significantly compared to controls. Basal MT network formation showed no differences between stressed and control groups; however, MT deficiencies became evident following CCCP-induced mitophagy. Mito-Keima and mitoKaede analyses revealed impaired vesicle trafficking, characterized by defective autophagosome/mitophagosome/lysosome interactions and diminished mitophagosome maturation. These findings indicate that MT network abnormalities manifest primarily under conditions of increased mitophagy flux demand, where robust cytoskeletal dynamics are critical for maintaining functionality. This study introduces the concept of the “Red Queen’s race” as a framework for understanding the interplay between cytoskeletal dynamics and mitophagy regulation. The analogy underscores the need for continuous, vigorous MT synthesis to sustain equilibrium, particularly under stress. The observed cytoskeletal dysfunction in both burn and LPS stress models highlights a shared mechanism linking stress-induced MT defects to inadequate mitophagy responses. By bridging these two distinct platforms, this work reveals that stress-induced cytoskeletal defects disrupt mitophagy flux through impaired vesicle trafficking and maturation, offering a unifying perspective on the impact of MT network dysfunction in critical illness. These insights provide a novel understanding of how cytoskeletal dynamics govern mitochondrial quality control, emphasizing the potential for targeting mitophagy maturation as a therapeutic strategy across diverse pathological conditions.

Authors List :

Shingo Yasuhara, Hiroki Ogata, Sora Kikuchi, Hiroyuki Morinaga, Jingyuan Chen, Yoh Sugawara, Maryam Khan, Asiya Karim, Erica Yasuhara, Alyssa Yasuhara, Asahi Adachi, Yurika Sakai, Mohammed Khan

Presenting Author :

Shingo Yasuhara

Affiliations :

Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children

Email :

shingoyasuhara136@gmail.com

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

autophagy, mitophagy, mitochondria, cytoskeleton, sarcopenia

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Global Trends and Risk Factors on Obesity

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 04:56:33 +0000

The prevalence of obesity has surged globally, becoming a significant public health challenge. According to recent findings from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) studies and World Health Organization (WHO) reports, obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975. The latest global obesity statistics shows that in 2023, over 1 billion people worldwide were classified as obese, including: 650 million adults (≥18 years old); 340 million adolescents (5–19 years old) and 39 million children (<5 years old). The prevalence in countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia exceeds 40%.. Rapid urbanization and dietary shifts have escalated obesity rates in nations like India, China, and Brazil. Obesity is emerging as a problem in urban areas due to increased access to processed foods and sedentary lifestyles. Obesity is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic, behavioral, environmental, and physiological factors. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies. Below are the primary risk factors for obesity: (i) Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), (ii) Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), (iii) Hypertension, (iv) Osteoarthritis, (v) Certain cancers (e.g., breast, colon) (vi) Dietary Habits: (most important parameter), (vii) Endocrine and Metabolic Factors (Hormonal Imbalances: conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can slow metabolism and promote fat accumulation), (viii) Insulin Resistance (Hyperinsulinemia can lead to increased fat storage and weight gain, creating a vicious cycle of obesity and metabolic dysfunction), (ix) Biological Factors (Gut Microbiota: an imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can influence energy metabolism and fat storage, increasing obesity risk), (x) Epigenetics (Environmental exposures during critical developmental periods can alter gene expression and predispose individuals to obesity). Obesity arises from an interplay of genetic susceptibility, unhealthy behaviors, and environmental factors. Targeting these risk factors through lifestyle modifications, policy changes, and individualized healthcare interventions is essential for prevention and management.

Authors List :

Kaiser Jamil

Presenting Author :

Kaiser Jamil

Affiliations :

Professor, Head of Genetics Department Bhagwan Mahavir Medical Research Centre Mahavir Marg, A.C. Guards, Hyderabad- 500004, TS India

Email :

kj.bmmrc@gmail.com

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

Obesity, risk factors , insulin resistance, diet, metabolic disorders

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The Journey of Vaccine Development: From History to Modern Innovations

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 01:45:21 +0000

Vaccines are one of the most significant medical breakthroughs, saving millions of lives by preventing infectious diseases. Their origins date back to 1796 when Edward Jenner developed the first vaccine against smallpox. Jenner’s pioneering method involved using material from cowpox lesions to stimulate immunity, marking the birth of immunology. The advent of germ theory in the 19th century, championed by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, provided a scientific basis for understanding diseases and designing targeted vaccines. This revolutionary idea eventually led to the eradication of smallpox and inspired the development of vaccines for many other diseases.
The 20th century ushered in a golden age for vaccine development. Key milestones included vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio. Jonas Salk’s development of the inactivated polio vaccine in the 1950s was particularly impactful, demonstrating the power of vaccination to control and nearly eliminate an epidemic. These successes were followed by vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and other infectious diseases, leading to dramatic reductions in childhood mortality worldwide.
Modern vaccine development has advanced significantly with the integration of biotechnology and molecular biology. The most striking example is the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which enabled the rapid creation of vaccines against COVID-19. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines teach human cells to produce a harmless piece of the virus, prompting an immune response. These vaccines proved highly effective and showcased the potential for rapid responses to future pandemics.
Despite remarkable progress, challenges remain. Diseases like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis have proven difficult to combat with vaccines due to the complex nature of their pathogens. Researchers are now exploring new approaches, such as nanoparticle-based vaccines, vector-based vaccines, and personalized immunotherapies, to address these challenges.
In addition to scientific challenges, vaccine hesitancy poses a significant barrier to public health. Fueled by misinformation, mistrust, and cultural factors, hesitancy threatens to undermine decades of progress. Global initiatives aim to close this gap, as universal vaccination is essential to achieving global health security.
In conclusion, vaccines have transformed public health, since from Jenner’s smallpox vaccine to today’s cutting-edge mRNA vaccines, their development showcases the power of science, innovation, and collaboration.

Authors List :

Saleem Shaik

Presenting Author :

Saleem Shaik

Affiliations :

Osmania University Hyderabad, India

Email :

saleemgc@gmail.com

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

Immunology, Vaccine Technology, Public Health Global Health Equity

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Alcohol-Drinking Modulation of Glioma in People Living with HIV

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:26:33 +0000

Gliomas encompass a large variety of tumors that originate within the glial cell population present in the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are the most common primary brain tumors of the central nervous system, yet their invasive nature presents difficulty in treatment. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a single-stranded member of the Lentivirus genus that progresses to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated. 39.9 million individuals were estimated to be living with HIV by the end of the year 2023, with a mortality of 680,000. The “antiglioma effect” of HIV reflects a decreasing rate of comorbidities of HIV and brain gliomas, with a significant decrease in glioma occurrence in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative patients. In this study, it is hypothesized that alcohol-drinking may dissipate the impact of HIV’s antiglioma effect through the microglial polarization pathway induced by CSF2:CSF1 imbalance. Utilizing QIAGEN’s Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), microglial activation was identified as a statistically significant, top-ten canonical pathway. Through both an IPA in-silico analysis and in-vivo rat study, it was discovered that, in gliomas, an imbalance in the ratio of colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) to colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) stimulates microglia polarization. CSF2 steers microglial polarization towards a pro-glioma state, in which the ratio of M2 microglia to M1 microglia is increased. HIV dissipates the effects of CSF2-mediated pro-glioma microglial polarization, but alcohol-drinking was discovered to re-introduce pro-glioma polarization, suggesting a dissipation of the antiglioma effect of HIV in glioma patients.

Authors List :

Mehwish Mirza, Dr. Sulie L. Chang

Presenting Author :

Mehwish Mirza

Affiliations :

Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology (INIP), Seton Hall University

Email :

mehwish.mirza05@gmail.com

Key Words (5 Words Maximum) :

Glioma, HIV, Alcohol-Drinking

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