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Is secondhand smoke from vapes less toxic than from traditional … – Missouri S&T News and Research
Posted by Peter Ehrhard On October 23, 2023
Dr. Yue-Wern Huangs graduate student, Ta-Chun Lin, (pictured) coded the respiratory system using AI prompts, and the team is applying for a patent for the device. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T
According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey in 2020, 33.8% of U.S. middle and high school students report that they have been exposed to secondhand e-cigarette aerosols in indoor spaces. But little is known about how inhaling the heated metals, flavorings and other chemicals in the electronic cigarettes affect health.
So what is the adverse health effect in the secondhand smoke from electronic cigarettes? A Missouri S&T toxicologist is working to categorize the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of secondhand smoke created by electronic nicotine delivery systems when indoors.
Dr. Yue-Wern Huang, a professor of biological sciences at Missouri S&T, and his collaborator Dr. Yang Wang, an assistant professor at the University of Miami, have invented a simulated respiratory system, similar to an artificial lung, that inhales and exhales the same way people take in smoke. His graduate student, Ta-Chun Lin, coded the respiratory system using AI prompts to automate the system to simulate human smoke behavior, and the team is applying for a patent for the device.
Despite extensive studies on primary aerosols generated from e-cigarettes, Huang says that the properties of secondhand smoke are insufficiently understood because the aerosols need to be generated by human subjects using devices.
Usually, to look at this sort of health problem you need to conduct human-to-human research, in this case one person smoking the e-cigarette and one person having the smoke blown at them and inhaling it, says Huang. But we can limit the variables by using the simulated respiratory system to mimic human behavior, since every individual has different health backgrounds and statuses. Our simulated respiratory system is coded to inhale and exhale smoke in four seconds, then pause 30 seconds, to enjoy the smoke, similar to how a smoker would take a puff on a cigarette.
Huang says that the projects original idea comes from testing fabrics for COVID-19 facial protection with Wang. The two noticed that filters would block some types of aerosols much better than others.
I thought it was a crazy idea at first to apply that research to smoking, but he ran with it, says Huang. We are now collaborating on the project, with Yang characterize the aerosols themselves and I am investigating the biological aspects of the organic compounds in things like the liquid flavors and nicotine.
Huang hopes to answer questions such as how does secondhand smoke evolve in controlled environments, will secondhand aerosols induce oxidative stress and cytotoxicity, and what are the roles of metals and flavorings in the secondhand smoke contributing the chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases?
Secondhand smoke still contributes to cardiovascular diseases, reduced cell survival, elevated oxidative stress, and alteration of epigenetic events all can be related to lung disease like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, says Huang. This work has the potential to produce a transformative understanding of the behavior and control of indoor secondhand aerosols and help the public form informed opinions on e-cigarette usage.
About Missouri University of Science and Technology
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nations top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit http://www.mst.edu.
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Is secondhand smoke from vapes less toxic than from traditional ... - Missouri S&T News and Research
BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY FOR IPS-DERIVED CELL THERAPIES TURNED INTO GMP PLATFORM BY TREEFROG THERAPEUTICS & INVETECH – BioSpace
Bordeaux, France /October 11th, 2022TreeFrog Therapeutics,a biotechnology company developing stem cell-derived therapies in regenerative medicine and immuno-oncology based on the biomimetic C-Stem technology platform, and Invetech, a global leader in the development and production ofautomated manufacturing solutionsfor cell and advanced therapies, today announced the delivery of a GMP-grade cell encapsulation device using theC-Stem technology. The machine will be transferred in 2023 to a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) to produce TreeFrogs cell therapy candidate for Parkinsons disease, with the aim of a first-in-human trial in 2024. Over 2023, Invetech will deliver three additional GMP encapsulation devices to support TreeFrogs in-house and partnered cell therapy programs in regenerative medicine and immuno-oncology.
Blending microfluidics and stem cell biology, TreeFrogs C-Stem technology generates alginate capsules seeded with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) at very high speed. Engineered to mimic the in vivo stem cell niche, the capsules allow iPSCs to grow exponentially in 3D, and to differentiate into ready-to-transplant functional microtissues. And because alginate is both porous and highly resistant, encapsulated iPSCs can be expanded and differentiated in large-scale bioreactors without suffering from impeller-induced shear stress.
TreeFrog Therapeutics introduces a breakthrough technology for cell therapy, which impacts scale, quality, as well as the efficacy and safety potential of cellular products. Automating this disruptive technology and turning it into a robust GMP-grade instrument is a tremendous achievement for our team. This deliverable is the result of a very fruitful and demanding collaboration with TreeFrogs engineers in biophysics and bioproduction over the past four years. Were now eager to learn how the neural microtissues produced with C-Stem will perform in the clinic. Anthony Annibale, Global VP Commercial at Invetech.
Started in 2019, the collaboration between TreeFrog and Invetech led to the delivery of a prototype in October 2020. With this research-grade machine, TreeFrog demonstrated the scalability of C-Stem, moving within six months from milliliter-scale to 10-liter bioreactors. In June 2021, the company announced the production of two single-batches of 15 billion iPSCs in 10L bioreactors with an unprecedented 275-fold amplification per week, striking reproducibility and best-in-class cell quality. The new GMP-grade device delivered by Invetech features the same technical specifications. The machine generates over 1,000 capsules per second, allowing to seed bioreactors from 200mL to 10L. However, the device was entirely redesigned to fit bioproduction standards.
With the GMP device, our main challenge was to minimize the learning curve for operators, so as to facilitate tech transfer. Invetech and our team did an outstanding job in terms of automation and industrial design to make the device both robust and easy to use. As an inventor, I am so proud of the journey of the C-Stem technology. Many elements have been changed and improved on the way, and now comes the time to put the platform in the hands of real-world users to make real products. Kevin Alessandri, Ph.D., co-founder and chief technology officer, TreeFrog Therapeutics
In October 2020, we announced that we were planning for the delivery of a GMP encapsulation device by the end of 2022. Exactly two years after, were right on time. I guess this machine testifies to the outstanding execution capacity of TreeFrog and Invetech. But more importantly, this machine constitutes a key milestone. Our platform can now be used to manufacture clinical-grade cell therapy products. Our plan is to accelerate the translation of our in-house and partnered programs to the clinic, with a focus on immuno-oncology and regenerative medicine applications. Frederic Desdouits, Ph.D., chief executive officer, TreeFrog Therapeutics
About Invetech
For pathfinders in cell and gene therapy striving to accelerate next-generation care, Invetech delivers robust, scalable and cost-effectivemanufacturing systemsfor clinical through to high-volume commercial production. Since 2003, Invetechs Cell Therapy Group has provided Assured Pathways to the commercial manufacturing of cell, gene and tissue therapies, including peripheral and precursor materials such as viral vector and media. Invetech configures manufacturing systems to address client process demands, building from portfolio of proven modules and platform technology. Invetech is a globally recognized leader in life science automation, and a member of the Fortive (NYSE: FTV) group of companies.invetechgroup.com
About TreeFrog Therapeutics
TreeFrog Therapeutics is a French-based biotech company aiming to unlock access to cell therapies for millions of patients. Bringing together over 100 biophysicists, cell biologists and bioproduction engineers, TreeFrog Therapeutics raised $82M over the past 3 years to advance a pipeline of stem cell-based therapies in immuno-oncology and regenerative medicine. In 2022, the company opened technological hubs in Boston, USA, and Kobe, Japan, with the aim of driving the adoption of the C-StemTM platform and establish strategic alliances with leading academic, biotech and industry players in the field of cell therapy.
Media Contact
Pierre-Emmanuel Gaultier
TreeFrog Therapeutics+ 33 6 45 77 42 58
What to Expect in Neuroscience, Genetics, Longevity, Biotech, and Psychedelics in 2022 – NEO.LIFE
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What to Expect in Neuroscience, Genetics, Longevity, Biotech, and Psychedelics in 2022 - NEO.LIFE
Anatomy of an Android Auto Bug That’s Pushing Users to CarPlay – autoevolution
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Genetics, History, and the Mystery of Jewish Resilience Mosaic – Mosaic
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Cornell study indicates hemp goes hot due to genetics, not weather or environment – Hemp Industry Daily
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Kentucky Neuroscience Institute Leading the Way in New Treatment Improving Quality of Life for Complex Epilepsy Patients – UKNow
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov.4, 2020) In America,3.5 million people have epilepsy. Approximately onein 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. In Kentucky, more than 2% of the population is living with this neurologic condition characterized by unpredictable seizures.
Epilepsy has numerous physical and emotional costs. Patients can experience problems keeping up in school or at work, depression and/or social isolation, physical injury during a seizure, and can even die from a seizure. They may not be allowed to drive, play sports, or have other restrictions that impact their professional or personal lives.
Despite the development of several new anti-seizure medications or anti-epileptic drugs over the past couple of decades, approximately 30-40% of epilepsy patients remain refractory or resistant to medical treatment.
Vivian Albrektsen falls into that category. The 42-year-old, who is legally blind, was having up to 25 seizures in one day and had taken more than 10 different medications. Her seizure focus could not be clearly localized and she was not amenable to resective epilepsy surgery. Vivian would experience brief honeymoon periods after trying a new medication.
What happens with me is Ill get a good seizure medication," she said."It will work for maybe six months and then my brain talks to itself and says you know this has been working we need to try something else.
Vivian has been seeing Dr. Meriem Bensalem-Owen, director of UK HealthCares Epilepsy Program, for almost a decade after receiving her epilepsy diagnosis. In 2018, Bensalem-Owen and her team were thrilled when the Food and Drug Administration approved the utilization of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) devices as a treatment for epilepsy giving them a new option to provide some hope for patients like Vivian.
DBS has been a treatment option for other neurological disorders for several years. UK HealthCare neurosurgeon Dr. Craig van Horne has been a leader in using DBS treatment for Parkinsons disease. Bensalem-Owen says the principle of DBS for movement disorders like Parkinsons disease and epilepsy is the same however the targets are different.
DBS implantation requires two surgeries:one to implant the generatorand a secondto implant leadsthat go from the chest and neck into the brain. The location of where the leadsare implanted is how Bensalem-Owen says DBS for epilepsy differs from DBS used for other disorders. The goal of DBS for epilepsy is to disrupt certain electrical activity in the brain to control seizures. Over time,neuromodulation can be achieved. This meansDBS therapy is designed to change (modulate) how brain cells work by giving electrical stimulation to brain areas involved in the patients seizures.
Brain cells are all the time misfiring and firing. When the firing becomes synchronized it can cause seizures. This device disrupts that synchrony or harmony, saidBensalem-Owen. When telling patients about the treatment she uses, she compares it to theconductor of an orchestra. We disrupt the conductor with small electrical impulses so the right directions cannot be given to the whole orchestra.
Dr. van Horne successfully implanted one of Dr. Bensalem-Owens patients with the first DBS device in Kentucky shortly after getting FDA approval. Since then six others have received a DBS implant at UK HealthCare, including Vivian. This represents the highest number of epilepsy patients implanted with this device in Kentucky.
The combination of medication and DBS allowed Vivian to go several months seizure-free.
Before the DBS it was like a revolving door every several months of changing medications. I was getting tired of it, said Vivian. She credits Dr. Bensalem-Owen and UK HealthCare with saving her life.
Bensalem-Owen says seeing a patient go several months without a seizure is not consistently observed with DBS. She says those that qualify for this type of treatment are the most difficult to get seizures under control with medications and who cannot have removal of the part of the brain that causes seizures to happen.
Sometimes we dont achieve seizure freedom despite our best efforts," she said. "The goal then is to really attempt to improve the quality of life and the seizure burden.
Working with patients like Vivian - who have endured years of changes in medications, surgeries, and side effects - to find the right treatment plan isnt always easy, but it is a job that Bensalem-Owen and her team take great pride in.
We are here to support our patients, some of them are very complex," she said."Some of them are difficult not just for the type of their epilepsy but because of co-existing medical conditions and difficult social situations. They dont get to choose how they are. My colleagues and I like the challenge and we are here to help everyone with difficult to control epilepsy.
Bensalem-Owen says so far what they are seeing in the seven DBS device recipients at UK is promising.
Overall, we see an improvement in frequency, severityand recovery from the seizures,she said, noting thatbeing the first in the state to successfully implant an epilepsy patient and also a leader in Kentucky is a great honor. We had these patients just waiting for something to happen with new medication options, or we tried epilepsy surgery and it failed or they werent eligible. So, then it was like what do we do now? We would just wait for the next thing to come up. For us, this is an addition to our toolbox. We are thrilled to have it because we want to do all we can to help our patients have a better quality of life, and to not live in fear of injuries or death from seizures.
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DBS treatment can only be done in an accredited National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC)Level 4 epilepsy centers. UK HealthCare Kentucky Neuroscience Institute is proud to maintain a Level 4 NAEC Accreditation the highest rating by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. UK HealthCare is the only Level 4 epilepsy center in the greater Lexington area.
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Kentucky Neuroscience Institute Leading the Way in New Treatment Improving Quality of Life for Complex Epilepsy Patients - UKNow
Column: The Social Solution | Columnists | thesheridanpress.com – The Sheridan Press
If you havent watched "The Social Dilemma" yet, you should.
Essentially, its a bunch of Silicon Valley brainiacs sharing their opinions on how social media and artificial intelligence technology started as a fun, creative tool tweaked by innovators into a beast that now controls them instead of them controlling it.
While most documentaries have a biased slant and portray information to show the topic at hand as either evil or amazing, this one brings in former employees of Google, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the like alongside journalists, scientists and psychoanalysts to help drive home the point.
The point being that people worldwide are increasingly becoming addicted to technology subliminally through AI and manipulation.
As I watched, I discovered one thing I didnt agree with the experts on all people are uncontrollably controlled by AI technology.
Sure, there are really smart people and technologies smarter than those people that anticipate our next move before we make it. But I believe there are ways we can avoid addiction and maintain control of the things incentivized to control us through financial gain.
Find out what sucks you in the most.
What keeps you connected to your phone or other device when you should probably be doing something more productive work, chores, human connection? Does that pull to your device border on addiction?
Addicted: Physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.
For me, that was Instagram. Not for the likes and validation like "The Social Dilemma" points out and I observe with youth today. It was constantly feeling like I needed connection or to be entertained.
Flush it out.
Figure out a way to lessen your dependence on one or more particular app on which you spend too much time. For me, I simply removed the Instagram application from my smartphone and signed out of all accounts. For those who also struggle to remember passwords, this is an effective method for decreasing dependence.
I eventually wanted to see pictures of my adorable niece and nephew each day, so I eased back in slowly. I purged all the people I didnt need to follow and remained extremely choosy when picking those I followed family and close friends I remain in contact with outside of social media. Everyone else just encouraged wasted time and unnecessary, inauthentic connection with people with whom I no longer associated.
The crazy part about this and I dont know if other social media sites would do the same was Instagram did not allow me to unfollow more than 50 people within a 12- to 24-hour period. Over a few days, though, I eventually purged acquaintances and famous accounts from my feed.
Utilize tools to affect behavioral change.
Apple developers helped create tools to avoid overuse, essentially lessening the ability to control human behavior by keeping people sucked into their product for financial gain. Apple allows for dissociation with the color recognition of your favorite social media app icons by transforming all apps to black, white and greys.
Screen time as recognized in "The Social Dilemma" limits are a great first step to provide a check before heading back into the app in which you find yourself too often.
Seek external help.
If you find you cannot purge yourself or are struggling to tear technology away from your children, seek additional help. Start with friends and family you trust to help keep you in check. If thats not enough, find a counselor or support group specific to your addiction. Technological addiction is as real as excessive gambling or drinking, and its OK and acceptable to admit you need help and seek people out.
Ashleigh Snoozy joined The Sheridan Press in October 2016 as a reporter before moving into the managing editor position in November 2018. She is a native of Colorado and graduated from Biola University in Los Angeles.
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A Remarkable Run: Rothschild Reflects on 50 Years of Genetics – Pork Magazine
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A Remarkable Run: Rothschild Reflects on 50 Years of Genetics - Pork Magazine