Sara Aliabadi looked at depletion in energy levels and a reduction in heart relaxation efficiency that occurs during open-heart surgery. Sara’s research involved simulating this condition in mongrel dogs, in order to explore the effects of ribose infusion on the dogs’ recovery. Sara worked to establish controls for the experiment, in part by monitoring adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and diastolic compliance during the procedures. Her research was conducted in the cardiovascular labs of Dr. Herbert Ward at the Veterans’ Administration Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Douglas Baldwin and Ms. Diane Jaimes.
Bryce Gillespie conducted his research under the guidance of Dr. John Stark at IZEX Technologies, Inc. Bryce studied primary cilia, a cellular formation found singularly in most types of cells. He worked with scientists worldwide. Despite the depth of his research, the precise function of primary cells remains unknown. Based on his research, Bryce was able to hypothesize: Primary cilia could have a regulatory function to help maintain a balance of fluids inside and outside cartilage cells.
Preeya Kshettry studied the process of rejection and the methods of delaying it in the University of Minnesota’s Cardiovascular Laboratories under the supervision of Dr. Chris Salerno. The shortage of human organ donors for transplantation has created a demand for an alternate source of organs. The use of porcine organs in human transplantation is one possible solution to this problem. However, an immunological barrier makes xenotransplantation difficult. The pig-to-primate model, to date, is the most commonly used model.
Michael Maier and Thomas Vose worked
under the direction of Dr. John Broadhurs on a team research project at
the University of Minnesota’s Tate Laboratory of Physics. They designed
a mirror system to facilitate the collection of data, which will lead
to values concerning the Sun’s internal properties. This system
included a remote servo-operated heliostat and a focusing devise. The
heliostat continually changes position to track the Sun through the sky
and operates with minimal friction to obtain a constant and accurate image.
They designed the focusing device so that a flat mirror could be bent
into a parabolic shape to produce the desired focal length. Mike and Tom’s
system creates an image that will be analyzed using a Hadamard spectrometer.
Ryan Muldowney worked with Dr. Mark Migliori to research the effectiveness of the inferior pedicle technique of breast reduction. The advantages of this tricky procedure are that vascular and nerve supplies are preserved in the lower pole of the breast. Ryan surveyed recent patients of breast reduction to determine the effectiveness of this recently-developed technique. The results proved to be quite positive. Additional research must now be conducted in the form of a prospective study on this operation.
Brian Nadreau worked as a research intern in the cardiosurgery division of the Minntech Corporation in Plymouth, Minnesota. Under the direction of Mr. Paul Hess and Mr. Rich Goldhaber, Brian participated in studies involving the Biocor 200 Oxygenator. As part of these studies, he focused his efforts on the design, functions and concerns regarding the clinical use of hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators.
David Regelmann studied fibrosis (CF) which is a genetic disorder resulting in chronic infection of the airways in the upper and lower thorax. The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa complicate CF by strongly adhering to the mucus in the airways, thus obstructing the patient’s breathing. David’s research in Dr. Beula Gray’s University of Minnesota lab focused on testing antibacterial agents in vitro, and observing how efficiently they worked, thereby coming closer to ridding CF patients of this complication.
J. Gregory Robinson worked on a project under the supervision of Dr. John Stark at IZEX Technologies, Inc. Greg’s project consisted of two sections. The first was to collect statistical data on the annual number of medial collateral knee injuries in the U.S. This research was done at the University of Minnesota’s Biomedical Library. This second part of Greg’s project was to compile a patient record journal, which will be used to assist the company in conducting future clinical studies.
Anya Schiess worked at IZEX Technologies, Inc. in Golden Valley. The purpose of her project was to determine the effects of the loss of proprioception in the knees. As part of her research, Anya completed a Small Business Innovation Research grant proposal under the direction of Dr. John Stark. The results of Anya’s research show that the loss of proprioception is extremely detrimental both long and short term. Proprioception must be retrained. As a result, IZEX Technologies may eventually incorporate proprioception retraining into their mechanized, rehabilitative exercise brace, which promotes active rehabilitation immediately following surgery.
Thomas Vose and Michael Maier worked under the direction of Dr. John Broadhurs on a team research project at the University of Minnesota’s Tate Laboratory of Physics. They designed a mirror system to facilitate the collection of data, which will lead to values concerning the Sun’s internal properties. This system included a remote servo-operated heliostat and a focusing devise. The heliostat continually changes position to track the Sun through the sky and operates with minimal friction to obtain a constant and accurate image. They designed the focusing device so that a flat mirror could be bent into a parabolic shape to produce the desired focal length. Mike and Tom’s system creates an image that will be analyzed using a Hadamard spectrometer.
FeiYu Wang worked with Dr. James Wang in HCMC’s Orthopedics Department. His primary project was to test how metals (specifically titanium, cobalt and chromium) affect the murine bone marrow cells following total joint prostheses. The results showed that the metals stimulated the formation of osteoclasts, which were responsible for bone resorption. Ultimately, the increased osteoclast level may result in significant bone loss. Elevated enzyme levels that can stimulate the osteoclast formation were also found in the presence of metals, thereby implicating a conceivable mechanism of bone loss in joint prosthesis.
