Article Database

Hemocompatibility evaluation of poly(diol citrate) in vitro for vascular tissue engineering

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One of the ongoing challenges in tissue engi-neering is the synthesis of a hemocompatible vasculargraft. Specifically, the material used in the constructshould have antithrombogenic properties and support thegrowth of vascular cells. Our laboratory has designed anovel biodegradable, elastomeric copolymer, poly(1,8-octa-nediol citrate) (POC), with mechanical and degradationproperties suitable for vascular tissue engineering. Thehemocompatibility of POCin vitroand its ability to sup-port the attachment and differentiation of human aorticendothelial cell (HAEC) was assessed. The thrombogenic-ity and inflammatory potential of POC were assessed rela-tive to poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) and expanded poly(tet-rafluoroethylene), as they have been used in FDA-approved devices for blood contact. Specifically, plateletaggregation and activation, protein adsorption, plasmaclotting, and hemolysis were investigated. To assess theinflammatory potential of POC, the release of IL-1bandTNF-afrom THP-1 cells was measured. The cell compati-bility of POC was assessed by confirming HAEC differen-tiation and attachment under flow conditions. POC exhib-ited decreased platelet adhesion and clotting relative tocontrol materials. Hemolysis was negligible and proteinadsorption was comparable to reference materials. IL-1band TNF-arelease from THP-1 cells was comparableamong all materials tested, suggesting minimal inflamma-tory potential. POC supported HAEC differentiation andattachment without any premodification of the surface.The results described herein are encouraging and suggestthat POC is hemocompatible and an adequate candidatebiomaterial forin vivovascular tissue engineering.

Fund black scientists

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Our nationwide network of BME women faculty collectively argue that racial funding disparity by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) remains the most insidious barrier to success of Black faculty in our profession. We thus refocus attention on this critical barrier and suggest solutions on how it can be dismantled.

Fabrication of a free radical scavenging nanocomposite scaffold for bone tissue regeneration

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Oxidative stresses have become a large influence on bone tissue regeneration. Increased by trauma and fracture, reactive oxygen species (ROS) negatively impact the remodeling function of osteoblasts by damaging DNA and cellular structures while triggering apoptosis. This greatly hinders the efficacy of bone grafts to facilitate bone remodeling. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) have been utilized to reduce ROS and have made an impact in biological applications. In this study, we fabricated bioactive, nanocomposite scaffolds incorporating cerium oxide nanoparticles. The architectural, chemical, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were characterized using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and compression testing. Biological assessments were completed to gauge the pro-osteogenic nature of the scaffolds through the attachment, viability, and mineralization of a pre-osteoblast cell line. Finally, free radical scavenging (FRS) function of the scaffolds was tested by measuring the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide over time and quantifying the cytotoxicity of cells on scaffolds after inducing oxidative stress. Through these assessments, it was determined that the nanocomposites contained the desired porous architectural and chemical properties. Scaffolds exhibited biocompatibility by supporting cell attachment, viability, and initiation of mineralization in the absence of supplemental mineralization-promoting factors. FRS behavior was displayed via a statistically significant reduction in scaffold-mediated hydrogen peroxide concentration and functional protection of cells from induced oxidative stress. In this work, we show that the successful incorporation of CNPs into nanocomposite scaffolds was able to decrease free radical damage to cells while providing a suitable environment for pre-osteoblast cells.

Fabrication of a bilayer scaffold for small diameter vascular applications

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One of the greatest challenges plaguing cardiovascular tissue engineering has been the development of a compliant vascular graft. In this work, we report the development of a synthetic vascular graft with compliance similar to native arteries at physiological pressures. A bilayer scaffold was fabricated from a solid polymeric lumen made from poly(1,8 octanediol‐co‐citrate) (POC) and a microfibrous medial layer composed of type I collagen, elastin, and POC. Mechanical analysis revealed dynamic compliance, ~6.9% within 1% of native vessels, 5.9%. The burst pressure was an order of magnitude lower than native vessels (~400 mmHg vs. ~3000 mmHg) but was above physiological pressure ranges. Biocompatibility studies indicated the scaffold posed no acute cytotoxic risk to relevant cell types and supported the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, upon exposure of the scaffold to whole blood, there was no statistically significant hemolysis, <2%. Overall this is a promising material system and scaffold to develop a biodegradable tissue‐engineered vascular graft.

DNA aptamer assembly as a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor agonist

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Controlling receptor-mediated processes in cells is paramount in many research areas. The activity of small molecules and growth factors is difficult to control and can lead to off-target effects through the activation of nonspecific receptors as well as binding affinity to nonspecific cell types. In this study, we report the development of a molecular trigger in the form of a divalent nucleic acid aptamer assembly toward vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2). The assembly binds to VEGFR2 and functions as a receptor agonist with targeted receptor binding, promoting receptor phosphorylation, activation of the downstream Akt pathway, upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and endothelial cell capillary tube formation. The agonist action we report makes this aptamer construct a promising strategy to control VEGFR2-mediated cell signaling.

Learning Service or Service Learning: Enabling the Civic

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Presently, service learning is utilized as a tool for learning about something other than service, such as: gaining civic dispositions, learning subject matter, practicing inquiry techniques, or questioning inequality. What might happen if, instead, an exploration of service itself grounded classroom studies and field work, fostering explicit consideration and critique of ethics, standards, and distinctive forms of learning through work with others? In this paper, the idea of service learning is turned on its head and “learning service” is considered as a means of enabling the civic, particularly in regard to higher education.

Nathan Bond (2010-2012): Journey Toward the Centennial Celebration

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Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society in Education founded in 1911. This book chronicles the leadership of Kappa Delta Pi across the past century through a collection of short life stories about the 32 individuals who were elected by members to lead the Society. Through their work with their fellow officers, they helped keep alive the flame that called attention to the importance of highly qualified teachers in American schools, in the main, teachers whose academic credentials were very strong. These life stories attend to KDP presidents’ contributions to education, particularly with emphasis a) on high academic scholarship for educational professionals, e.g., teacher candidates, teachers at all levels, school administrators, college and university faculty members in education and in fields related to educational practice and knowledge; b) toward teacher candidates’ mindful learning in and the integration of liberal arts, education, and other fields of study; c) and in the support and fostering of scholarly endeavors, especially substantive research and creative developments in the educational processes of schooling – all or many related to the individual’s involvement in Kappa Delta Pi. A number of elements of Kappa Delta Pi’s purposes and practices during its first century are illuminated in this book. Many others remain obscured, neglected, or unknown. Readers reasonably may discover keys to increased understanding and wonderment as they read and think about the lives of these former presidents, particularly about their contributions to the continuance and strengthening of the Society. One impressive key surely is evident. Their presidencies not only helped Kappa Delta Pi to continue to exist. They also fostered the fruitful creation of this honor society in education. And so also will those members and leaders who, succeeding these former presidents, enter confidently into Kappa Delta Pi’s second century.

From receivers of service to givers of service: Promoting civic engagement in youth from disadvantaged circumstances

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Youth civic engagement has been an important topic for educators, policy makers, community leaders, and parents with many voicing concerns over a growing decrease in youth civic engagement. Youth civic engagement is often defined by engagement with politics and or the local community through volunteering or service-learning. Youth from disadvantaged circumstances tend to be less civically engaged then their advantaged counterparts and often find themselves as receivers of service with fewer opportunities to give. Disadvantaged circumstances refer to the circumstances youth were born into that put them at a disadvantage for academic achievement such as poverty and race. Opportunities for these youth to reverse the relationship from receiver of service to giver of service will likely lead to increases in youth civic engagement. Service-learning is often used to increase civic engagement by helping youth gain knowledge of their community and opportunities to be of service to others. This case study utilized youth participatory action research and service-learning to understand how opportunities to serve can promote youth civic engagement. The findings suggest that when given opportunities to serve that go beyond simple acts of charity to justice oriented service-learning projects; youth from disadvantaged circumstances will seek out additional opportunities to serve thereby increasing their civic engagement level and spurring the development of their civic identity.

From Theorizing in the Ivory Tower to Creating Change with the People: Activist Research as a Framework for Collaborative Action

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This article provides an overview of activist research and how it is used in various field including anthropology, social movements, and education. It discusses the impetus for incorporating activism into theoretical frameworks and research methodologies and the distinct aspects of activist research. Youth participatory action research is examined to identify how activist research can be situated into the methods and outcomes.

Teacher-Advocates Respond to ESSA:“Support the Good Parts—Resist the Bad Parts”

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