Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Zodwa Dlamini
Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa
Keynote: RBBP6 is a multifunctional gene in human cancers: role in mitosis and carcinogenesis
Time : 10:20 - 10:50
Biography:
Abstract:
Keynote Forum
Petr Sifta
Charles University in Praque, Czech Republic
Keynote: Comparison of Effects of various methods of Recovery of Muscle after applied Exercise
Time : 10:50-11:20
Biography:
Abstract:
- Biochemical Engineering
Session Introduction
Eric T Holt
University of Michigan,USA
Title: Application of Elevated Pressures to Cultures of the Hydrogen-Oxidizing Bacteria, Cupriavidus necator
Time : 12:00-12:30
Biography:
Eric Holt is a PhD student in the Gulari lab at the University of Michigan. He received his Master’s from the University of Michigan and Bachelor’s from the Univeristy of Louisville. Prior to pursuing an engineering degree, Eric served in the United States Marine Corps. His interests are in the development of clean and sustainable processes by utilizing the capabilites of microorganisms.
Abstract:
The use of pressure as a parameter to manipulate the growth and production of cell cultures has recently begun to be thoroughly investigated. The variability of effects on different cell types and species indicates that there is much more to learn about the use of elevated pressures (up to 10 bar) within bioreactors and how to best utilize this asset. During this talk we will explore the current state of research on the applications of elevated pressures to bacterial cultures with specific consideration to its use in the culturing of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria.
Maytham Abdala Ali Al-Shanawa
Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Basra, Basra, Iraq
Title: Optical and Electrical properties of Bacteria were Based Bio-detector for Heavy Metals (CdCl2 and NiCl2) Pollutants
Time : 12:30-13:00
Biography:
I completed my PhD at 2014 in Sheffield Hallam University (UK), under supervision Prf. Alexie Nabok in MERI, I was published more than seven papers, also I was attended about Nine global conferences in (UK, France, Croatia, Jordan and Iraq).
Abstract:
Environmental pollution can be defined as any discharge of material or energy into water, land and air, that causes adverse changes to the earth's ecological balance, or that lowers the quality of life. One of the most dangers contaminations are the heavy metals, which are commonly referred to as trace metals; many trace metals are highly toxic to humans (e.g. Hg, Pb, Cd, Ni, As, Sn) and other living organisms in the environment. There are many techniques used for detection of heavy metals, for example; AAS, ICP-MS and Chromatography. In this project the bio-cell sensor that included the microorganisms bacteria ( E. Coli and D. Radiodurans) was employed for detection of heavy metals, which is considered to be a cheap (cost effective), simple (easy to use), powerless (portable) and sensitive technique. Characterisation of bacteria samples were carried out using a variety of experimental techniques, i.e. optical methods including optical density measurements, UV-vis spectrophotometer, fluorescent microscopy and spectroscopy for studying light scattering in bacteria samples, and electrical methods both DC and AC are used. The results of the optical methods appeared to be completely different of bacteria response and did not correlate with the (Live/Dead) bacteria ratio, which are due to the effect of (Cd2+, Ni2+) ions on light scattering. The electrical technique was used to study the effect of heavy metals (CaCl2 and CaCl2) on bacteria. The effect of metal salt appeared to be comparable on both E. coli and D. radiodurans bacteria. AC and DC properties of electrochemical solutions that contained E. coli and D. radiodurans bacteria were studied, and the results were compared to and normalised to the results of samples not mixed with metals. Comparative Figures can be used to estimate metal concentration and the effect of metal on bacteria.
- Biomechanics of the Human Neuromusculoskeletal System
Session Introduction
Petr Sifta
Charles University in Praque, Czech Republic
Title: Tendo-deformational characteristic of soft tissue (muscle tissue) measured by myotonometer
Time : 13:00-13:30
Biography:
Petr Sifta completed PhD from Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University in Prague and Post-graduate in Biomechanics during 2002-2005 and working in External cooperation with Technical University in Liberec, Faculty of mechanical engineering from 2008. He is a member of Czech Society of Kinesiology from 2008
Abstract:
The purpose of the research described in this work is to answer how to measure the rheologic (viscoelastic) properties and tendo–
deformational characteristics of soft tissue. The method would also deals with the resemblance of muscle palpation examination
as it is known in clinical practice. For this purpose, an instrument with the working name “myotonometer” has been used. The
Myotonometer measures constrain dislodging attributes of muscle and different tissues situated underneath the measuring test. At
present, there is lack of objective methods for assessing the muscle tone by viscous and elastic properties of soft tissue. That is why we
decided to focus on creating or finding quantitative and qualitative methodology capable to specify muscle tone.
Petr Sifta
Charles University, Praque
Title: Tendo deformational characteristic of Soft Tissue (Muscle Tissue) measured by Myotonometer
Time : 13:00-13:30
Biography:
Petr Sifta is working as a faculty in physical education. His area of research includes Rheology of soft tissue,Kinesiology of human body, study of muscle tone and functional anatomy. He his having teaching experience of more then 10 yrs.
Abstract:
The purpose of the research described in this work is to answer how to measure the rheologic (viscoelastic) properties tendo–deformational characteristics of soft tissue. The method would also resemble muscle palpation examination as it is known in clinical practice. For this purpose, an instrument with the working name “myotonometer” has been used.
At present, there is lack of objective methods for assessing the muscle tone by viscous and elastic properties of soft tissue. That is why we decided to focus on creating or finding quantitative and qualitative methodology capable to specify muscle tone.
Zenon Pawlak
Tribochemistry Consulting, USA
Title: Biomechanics of lamellar-repulsive lubrication of natural joints
Biography:
Zenon Pawlak has completed his PhD at the age of 31 from the Gdansk University, Poland, and DSc five years later from the Wroclaw University, Poland, and 2 years of postdoctoral studies from the Florida University, Gainesvile, FL, US. He became professor in physical chemistry at the age of 39. He is a US citizen. He was the visiting profesor in Austin University, TX; BYU, UT, Utah University, UT, Leicester Polytechnic, GB; Munchen University, Germany; Manipal University, India and QUT, Brisbane, Australia. He published more than 200 papers in reputable journals. He is an author of the book: Tribochemistry of Lubricating Oils, 2003, Elsevier, and soon will be published another book: Lamellar lubrication of natural articular joints, by CRC Press.
Abstract:
The chemical and physical nature of biological surfaces is seen in an entirely different light than that of engineering surfaces immersed in water. The lubrication mechanisms in an animal body, where the the surfaces are coated with phospholipid (PLs) bilayers, with (PLs) lamellar phases and charged biomacromolecules in synovial fluid, have been referred to as a “lamellar-repulsive” mechanism [1, 2]. Amphoteric (PLs) are the main solid-phase lubricant on the surface of an articular cartilage (AC). The lubricant is chemically attached to the surface, and is responsible for the biological lamellar-repulsive lubrication mechanism. It has been well established that the PLs bilayers mechanism, which essentially consists of a surface amorphous layer (SAL) surrounded by a 0.155 M electrolyte synovial fluid (SF) of pH ~7.4 with high-molecular-weight charged biomacromolecules, supports low friction. Both the friction and wettability show very similar behavior as the SAL thickness is varied. The SAL, phospholipidic lamellar phases and biomacromolecules in SF, are expected to cover cartilage surfaces and support hydrophilic lubrication. Hydration repulsion dominates the interaction between charged cartilage surfaces at nanometer separations and ultimately prevents sticking together of cartilage surfaces, even at as high pressures as 100 MPa. In this presentation, we demonstrate experimentally that the pH sensitivity of cartilage to friction provides a novel concept in joint lubrication on charged surfaces. [1] Pawlak Z. et al. Lamellar slippage of bilayers—A hypothesis on low friction of natural joints. Biointerphases, (2014) 9. DOI:10.1116/1.4902805 (2014). [2] Pawlak Z. et al. The probable explanation for the low friction of natural joints. Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics. (2015) 71, 1615-1621.
- Audiology: Medicine and Instrumentation
Session Introduction
Jason Tait Sanchez
Northwestern University, USA
Title: Ion channels regulate biophysical specializations in the auditory brainstem
Time : 14:30-15:00
Biography:
Jason Tait Sanchez has earned a PhD in Auditory Neuroscience from Kent State, Master’s degree in Audiology from Michigan State and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northern Colorado. He is clinically trained in Audiology from the Cleveland Clinic and has completed Post-doctoral Training in Developmental Auditory Neurobiology from the University of Washington. As the Director of the Central Auditory Physiology Laboratory at Northwestern, his research investigates developmental mechanisms underlying ion channel and synaptic receptor function. Such biophysical properties may guide requirements for cochlear implant and hearing aid design and potentially provide pharmacological targets to improve disorders of the auditory system.
Abstract:
Ultrafast and temporally precise action potentials are biophysical specializations of auditory brainstem neurons; properties
necessary for encoding sound localization and communication cues. Fundamental to this, are voltage dependent potassium
and sodium ion channels. In this presentation, I will report our recent findings on how these ion channels shape action potential
properties in the developing auditory brainstem. Using patchclamp recordings from individual cochlear nucleus neurons, our results
indicate that the refinement of active ion channel properties operate differentially in order to develop action potential specializations.
Such differential regulation promotes the firing of fast, reliable and phased-locked action potentials at relatively high rates of afferent
stimulation, a biophysical property required for normal auditory information processing. Developmental changes in ion channel
subunit content were the largest contributor to this process and blockade of specific ion channel function resulted in aberrant neuronal
excitability and action potential control. The idea that the regulation of ion channel properties is a critical mechanism underlying
auditory pathophysiological conditions will also be discussed.
Zaid Jawad Abu Rajab Altamimi
Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
Title: Innovation in otology: Stability of ossicular reconstruction
Time : 15:00-15:30
Biography:
Zaid Jawad Abu Rajab Altamimi graduated from MU’TAH University Medical College, Jordan in 2010 with honors. He had research and observership experience at University of Toledo,Ohio for 10 months after finshing his internship. Currently, he is pursuing Postgraduate Residency training accredited by ACGMEi (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education international) in Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar where he has also developed a keen interest in both basic and clinical research. He has several presentations in international conferences.
Abstract:
Objectives: To describe a modified technique of titanium prosthesis stabilization in ossicular chain reconstruction during ear surgery,
and to evaluate the outcome of this technique.
Methods: A retrospective study done at a tertiary referral institute Included 133 cases of all ossiculoplasties performed between
August 2013 and August 2015. We are suggesting a new technique for ossiculoplasties mechanical stability using Vario Kurz titanium
prostheses by: Partial Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis (PORP) is crimped on the head of stapes and Total Ossicular Replacement
Prosthesis (TORP) is coupled to the footplate by cartilage shoe. Both prostheses were coupled to the drum by embedding a pin on the
headplate of prosthesis in a full thickness broad cartilage palisades graft. After packing of the ear canal, the stability of reconstruction
was checked using 30 degree scope placed in the mastoid. Preoperative and postoperative audiometric evaluation using air-bone gap
were assessed. Results are compared with historical control groups.
Results: The study included 133 patients, of which 88 underwent PORP reconstruction and 45 underwent TORP reconstruction.
Mean follow-up was 14 months. A postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) ≤ 20 dB was obtained in 75.9% of the patients (79.5% for PORP,
and 68.8% for TORP).
Conclusions: A robust prosthesis stability leads to a better ossicular coupling and more satisfactory hearing outcome compared to
conventional techniques
Stephen Newton
Childrens Hospital of Colorado, USA
Title: Pediatric conductive hearing loss, it’s not all fluid
Biography:
Stephen Newton has completed his MD from Howard University. He has completed his Residency in Otolaryngology from the University of Iowa and has performed a two year Research Post-doctoral Fellowship looking at microRNAs and their role in hearing loss. He has done a Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology from Boston Children’s Hospital. Currently, he is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Colorado. He heads the Cochlear Implant Program at Children’s Hospital of Colorado’s extension in Colorado Springs.
Abstract:
The most common cause for conductive hearing loss in children is a middle ear effusion. However, there could be other causes, both congenital and acquired, that may require intervention beyond observation or pressure equalization tubes. Further evaluation is often required to define these types of hearing loss but an auditory history and audiogram may be the first clue. Congenital
abnormalities of the ossicles and middle ear space may be suggested based on the level of hearing loss and tympanogram. These may be amenable to surgical procedure that may obviate the need for hearing aids. On the other hand, acquired and congenital cholesteatomas, can present in a multitude of ways and if not identified can lead to destruction of the ossicles and the potential for
permanent hearing loss. Lastly, previous surgical intervention may alter the appearance of audiometric testing. The goal of the talk is
to review the various types of conductive hearing loss in children and how they might present to the audiologist and on an audiogram.