Co-Investigators Charles Sfeir
Title Treatments for Periodontitis that Restore Immunological Homeostasis
Co-Investigators Charles Sfeir
Title Treatments for Periodontitis that Restore Immunological Homeostasis Read More
Description 1. “Rational Synthesis of Triggerably-Dissolvable Materials for Minimally Invasive Removal of WoundCAP Delivery Devices”
Mentors: Steven Little, Ph.D. and William Wagner, Ph.D.
Objective: The ultimate objective is to develop a robust, hollow fiber-based system (WoundCAP) to deliver regenerative growth factors to a wound site while including the means for minimally invasive removal/dissolution of the delivery system. We hypothesize that the resulting hollow fibers wound cap will have robust mechanical properties to maintain stable structures, but will dissolve rapidly upon application of a trigger, either a temperature change or enzyme solution injection. Read More
Title A Multi-Center Group to Study Acute Liver Failure in Children
Co-Investigators Yoram Vodovotz
Description Our goal is to improve short- and long-term outcomes for pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) through a better understanding of patient phenotypes, reassessment of risk classifications, and associating early events to outcome at one year. We will integrate two research efforts (Vodovotz-3UO1DK-072146-05S1 and Roberts-1R21DK084201-01) currently collaborating with the PALF Study Group (NIH/NIDDK UO1 DK072146-05) which are (1) modeling PALF as a complex biological system using physiological and inflammatory biomarkers and (2) developing models to represent the liver transplant (LT) decisions in PALF. To examine our hypotheses that clinical, biochemical, genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, immunologic, and cytokine analyses in PALF can be used to accurately define phenotypes that respond favorably to directed therapy (e.g., immunomodulation) as well as predict disease progression, including potential for spontaneous recovery or risk of death, all of which will provide a platform on which computer/informatics-based (e.g., in silico) studies can inform the design and conduct of clinical trials, and evaluate the impact of therapeutic decisions, including LT; we propose these Aims: Aim 1: To comprehensively characterize PALF phenotypes utilizing traditional clinical, biochemical, diagnostic, and management profiles supplemented by immune, inflammatory and liver regeneration markers to identify factors that explain variations in outcomes for PALF phenotypes. Outcomes include survival, LT, neurocognitive function, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 6 months and 1 year after enrollment. Aim 2: To model the dynamics of PALF within and between distinct phenotypes using serially collected clinical, physiological, and biomarker data. Statistical modeling techniques will be augmented with models used to represent complex biological systems to more accurately reflect the dynamic nature of PALF. The data and models will be utilized to create a computer-based or “in silico” analog of PALF to simulate interventional studies and to assess treatment, including LT decision processes and to estimate the impact of improved decision-making on organ allocation. Read More
An experienced interdisciplinary team consisting of biomechanical engineers, tissue engineers, physicians, and pathologists has been assembled to conduct these studies. A timeline for completion of these studies and quantitative criteria for success are provided. Read More
Source The National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Term 09/01/2010 – 08/31/2013 Read More
Title Biologic Scaffold Development
Description This collaborative research and development effort involves the characterization of various forms of extracellular matrix, especially porcine dermal derived extracellular matrix, for development and use as a biologic scaffold for pelvic floor reconstruction and general surgical use. The effort characterizes and identifies novel biomaterials for general surgical applications; particularly pelvic floor reconstruction and hernia repair. We will apply principles of regenerative medicine to principles of general surgery. Read More
Title Cancer Stem Cells from HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Co-Investigators Stephen Strom, David Geller Read More
Title Limb Salvage and Regenerative Medicine Initiative
Co-Investigators Thomas Gilbert
Description This program will advance technologies that return wounded personnel to active duty, restore their limb, muscular, and skin form or function, and assist them in reclaiming independence, dignity, and self-confidence in the tasks of daily living. The program will fund rapid research, development and validation of innovative technologies to improve the clinical outcome of burn and blast injured personnel. Technology refers to integrated systems based on combinations of hardware, software, pharmaceuticals, biologics, and surgical methods. This initiative will advance medical technologies from their existing levels of maturation, through FDA trials and approval, to significantly improve upon current standard treatments for use by the Department of Defense, Veteran’s Administration, public health, and commercial health systems. Read More
Title Multi-scale model of thrombosis in artificial circulation
Co-Investigators William Wagner, James Antaki Read More
Title Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine
Co-Investigators Thomas Gilbert
Description Regenerative medicine approaches for the reconstitution of missing or injured tissues and organs involves the use of scaffolds, cells, and bioactive molecules. The use of biologic scaffolds seeded with cells is a common approach and several applications have been successfully translated to clinical medicine including lower urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, musculotendinous, and dermal skin regeneration. The principles that guide tissue remodeling and regeneration are only partially understood but the influence of biomechanical loading upon the remodeling process is accepted as an important variable. However, there is an almost complete absence of systematic, quantitative studies to determine the effect of this controllable factor upon tissue remodeling, especially tissues with a smooth muscle wall component. Read More
Title Pumps for Kids, Infants and Neonates (PumpKIN) Preclinical
Program: The PediaFlow™ Pediatric VAD Read More
Title Anaerobically stored red blood cells with extended shelf-life
Description As part of the overall project, the University of Pittsburgh, McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine under the leadership of Dr. William Federspiel, will develop the conceptual design for the Oxygen Depletion Device (ODD) for NHSi’s Hemanext Anaerobic Storage Platform (HASP) red blood storage system. Read More