Bacteriophage Therapy as a Means of Resolving Biofilm Formation On Vascular Prostheses

Veronica Stuckey Background:  Vascular graft infections (VGIs) present an uncommon (1-3%) but potentially deadly (mortality 20-30%) post-surgical adverse effect. VGIs are biofilm associated infections resistant to antibiotic treatment due to difficulty penetrating the biofilm microenvironment[1]. Patients within the first 4 months post-operatively are at the highest risk of infections from…
Cardiology Engineering Medicine Featured Abstracts Microbiology

A Current Understanding of Myocardial Recovery in the Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Q. Smith Background: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) significantly reduces life expectancy and quality of life, with 1-year and 5-year survival rates of 70%-75% and 50%, respectively[1]. Remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) is central to DCM, driven by cardiomyocyte breakdown and pro-inflammatory pathways[2]. Treatment can slow or reverse tissue remodeling[3, 4,…
Cardiology Engineering Medicine Featured Abstracts

Cardiac Repair and Regeneration through Cell-Based Therapy to Improve Right Ventricle Function in the Palliative Treatment of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Kristina Montez Background: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is characterized by the underdevelopment of the left side of the heart.1–3 The incidence of HLHS is estimated to be 16-36 cases per 100,000 live births.1,2. If left untreated, HLHS is 100% fatal within the first week of life.4 Patients undergo a…
Cardiology Engineering Medicine Featured Abstracts

Treatment and Prevention of TIAs to Prevent Further Attacks and Ischemia

Claudia Kramer Background: Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are a serious medical condition with a significant risk of subsequent stroke. Despite their importance, TIAs are often underrecognized due to their transient nature and similarity to other conditions. Various screening methods have been explored to improve TIA recognition. This project reviews the…
Cardiology Engineering Medicine Featured Abstracts

The role of P2Y12 Inhibitors in Minimizing Adverse Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction

Arnob Haque      Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with over 800,000 cases occurring annually in the United States [1]. Despite advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), MI remains a significant burden due to the risk of ischemia/reperfusion injury, microvascular damage, and cardiac remodeling…
Cardiology Engineering Medicine Featured Abstracts

Effects of Exercise in the Promotion of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression Through MicroRNA-126 Signaling in Peripheral Artery Disease

Micah Thomas Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the manifestation of atherosclerosis with narrowed arterial blood vessels and reduced limb blood flow. This usually affects the lower extremities1 and leads to a decrease in capillary density and microvascular perfusion.2 About 12-20% of people 60+ years old are affected. This increases…
Cardiology Featured Abstracts

Targeting Mineralocorticoid Signaling in the Treatment of Obesity and Diabetes-Associated Coronary Microvascular Disease in Women

Abigail Singer Background: Coronary Microvascular Disease (CMD) is a non-obstructive coronary artery disease characterized by vasospasms, endothelial damage, and ischemia1. There is a higher incidence in women, with time of onset usually coinciding with menopause, suggesting a sex-specific pathology2,3,4. It is known that CMD is associated with impairment of estrogen-mediated…
Cardiology Diabetes Featured Abstracts