There is no standardized method for culture of intervertebral disc (IVD) cells when monitoring metabolic processes. We hypothesize that the metabolic rates of cells that are crucial to experiment designs depend on the cell culture method used. The glycolytic pathway and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle are the pathways through...
The majority of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the leading cause of disability globally, ahead of 290 other conditions1. Over one million people in the United States receive spine surgery annually2. This thesis looked at five standard surgical procedures performed on...
This work describes a method for incorporating patient data into a nutrient transport model of the intervertebral disc.This data was collected using MRI diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and was converted into an apparent diffusion coefficient map (ADC map). This map was used to define the diffusion behavior of water within...
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is a phenomenon that has yet to be adequately addressed. Treatment options remain limited and incomplete. The ability to effectively cryopreserve IVDs would allow for better allograft transplantations and storage of samples for research purposes. This study aimed to assess how cryopreservation with different...
As access to potable water grows scarce, there is an increasing reliance on alternative drinking water sources, namely groundwater (WHO, 2018). Chlorinated solvents, such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) and 1,2-cis-Dichloroethene (cisDCE) are some of the most ubiquitous groundwater contaminants spread throughout the US. 1,4-dioxane (1,4D) was used primarily in the late...
Widespread mercury contamination threatens aquatic ecosystem functions due to its capacity to bioaccumulate, biomagnify, and induce toxicity in food webs. Methylmercury (MeHg), the organic form of mercury, bioaccumulates more efficiently and tends to be more toxic than the inorganic form. One important impact of mercury exposure is inhibition of effective...
Tendinopathy is characterized by injured or inflamed tendons and can be caused by long durations of strain or excessive tension being applied. Current treatments for tendinopathy may include physical therapy and pain management. However, these methods may not heal the tendon or restore it to its original healthy state. New...
Objectively quantifying workload is challenging due to a variety of factors. One way to measure workload is by training impulse (TRIMP). TRIMP uses time in physiologically significant heart rate zones to quantify a workload for a given bout of physical activity. Tracking average workload over time can then be used...
During the first surgery I witnessed, I was struck by an immense sense of wonder at the human body. This research effort determines if this awe is shared by physicians currently practicing medicine, if this wonder will fade as part of an everyday landscape, and delves into the different forms...