STAR Scholars Abstract

Title: Sex-Dependent Effects of Cannabinoid Combinations on Mechanical Allodynia in a Chronic Neuropathic Pain Model 

Abstract: Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and treatments are limited by side effects and addiction risk. Studies have shown that cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) have potential in treating CNP by acting on the brain regions that regulate pain. However, it is currently unclear whether the effects of the cannabinoids on pain behavior and brain activity differ based upon sex or when used in combination. We used the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of CNP in mice to induce mechanical hypersensitivity. The mice were given doses of either vehicle, CBD (10mg/kg), or CBD + CBG (10mg/kg + 10mg/kg) before using von Frey and dynamic weight bearing assays to test mechanical hypersensitivity and weight bearing behavior. We found that CBD reduced pain behavior in females but not males, while the combination of CBD+CBG was effective in both groups. This suggests that cannabinoids could be used as an alternative treatment for CNP. Ongoing work is investigating the effect of cannabinoids on activity in brain circuits that regulate pain to provide insight into mechanisms of cannabinoid analgesia.  

Title: A preliminary look into Primary Care Clinicians’ Ability to Accurately and Confidently Identify Autism Spectrum Disorder in Toddlers

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Parents typically notice ASD symptoms prior to 2 years, however the average age of diagnosis is 4 years old and females are often diagnosed at later ages than males. These findings indicate delayed access to ASD-specific early intervention. For these reasons, the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is conducting research to improve early diagnosis. I worked as part of an ongoing study to develop preliminary analyses to evaluate how confident and accurate the clinical impressions of ASD in young children made by primary care clinicians (PCCs) are compared to expert clinicians after an evaluation. I also am examining whether sex differences relate to PCC impressions. To collect this data, PCCs and expert clinicians fill out a survey to report their impressions of whether or not the child has ASD, their confidence in this impression, and what led to their impression. If the PCCs are confident and accurate in identifying ASD in young children, this research may lead to earlier diagnosis and better prognosis for children diagnosed with ASD, as this would allow them earlier access to care.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neuropathic pain disorder occurring in an extremity after trauma. CRPS currently lacks an FDA-approved treatment. Circulating microRNA (miRNA) is a promising avenue to better understand disease mechanisms. miRNAs are short RNAs that negatively regulate the translation of genes into proteins. Dysregulation in miRNA expression has downstream effects in cellular function that can contribute to disease. Our previous work identified miRNAs dysregulated in CRPS patients, including miR-106b, miR-93, and miR-25, which comprise the miR-106b-25 cluster. This study investigates how expression of this cluster in T cells and monocytes is affected by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), a proinflammatory chemokine that is upregulated in CRPS patients. Expression changes in miR-106b, -93, and -25 after MCP-1-treatment will be determined by quantitative PCR. The data from this study will inform future studies verifying target genes of these miRNAs and shifting to an in vivo model for increased clinical relevance.

The Disability Rights Movement established the United States’ first civil rights guidelines for people of various abilities in public spaces and education. However, since then, limited progress has occurred in creating socially equitable environments for all to experience. Inclusive design considers the age, identity, race, abilities, location, and economic demographics of the people in a space. By investigating how to make these spaces inclusive, designers can create more diverse and accessible learning tools for children and communities. Therefore, what if inclusive design could be incorporated into playful learning practices to alleviate this problem? Playful learning is a design concept meant to create educational opportunities for children that allow self-exploration and expand social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and academic skills. Reviewing existing literature on inclusive design and playful learning spaces, I have developed guidelines and learning tools to educate designers and community members on what these environments consider. These learning tools will inspire awareness of designing for inclusivity while encouraging learning through play.

STAR year of participation: 2023

STAR Project Title: Exploring the effects of urbanization on functional trait variation within Pieris rapae and Erigeron strigosus throughout Philadelphia

• Abstract: As land becomes increasingly urbanized, flora and fauna that provide important ecosystem services are directly affected, including pollinators and flowering plants. Urban habitats are generally marked by higher temperatures, increased habitat fragmentation, and exposure to toxins and pollutants. Functional trait variation may reflect responses to such urban stressors. We present pilot data on the impact of urbanization on two local species common to urban and rural habitats– the Pieris rapae butterfly and Erigeron strigosus, an herbaceous flowering plant. We collected specimens from six urban and five rural sites in and surrounding Philadelphia, gathering data on traits such as body length, wingspan, and plant height. Preliminary results suggest trait variation between the areas, motivating continued efforts. Ultimately, we plan to collaborate to expand the project globally, focusing on areas typically underrepresented in scientific research. With further development, we can build a database to facilitate studies of urbanization’s impact on plant and pollinator communities and support conservation goals in urban spaces.

Addressing Fire Safety Among Families with CYSHCN via a Home Assessment Study

Background: Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) are at higher risk than typically developing children during emergencies, such as house fires.

Methods: Families of CYSHCN with medical homes in PA participated in an emergency planning virtual home assessment receiving (1) targeted pre/post interviews; (2) materials to improve preparedness in emergencies, and (3) referrals to medical providers/community partners for as-needed support related to preparedness, the CYSHCN’s medical conditions, or social determinants of health. We analyzed the fire safety domain of this study before and after the intervention by repeated measures analysis of 14 items in the interview.

Results: 170 families completed initial and 148 completed follow-up interviews. Fire safety preparedness levels at baseline were relatively high. After the intervention, the preparedness levels improved, with metrics of having fire extinguishers and clearing walking paths of obstructions showing statistical significance comparing pre/post measures.

Conclusion: In this study of CYSHCN, a preparedness assessment/intervention improved metrics of fire safety. Specific resources for CYSHCN during fire safety/planning are warranted given their risk of harm. 

I participated in STAR during the summer of 2023, working with Fashion Design Professor Kathi Martins as my mentor. During this time, I researched sustainable and technology-based solutions that can transform the fashion industry for the better. The end result was an 180-page paper outlining these solutions as well as experimentations I did along the way on topics including smart textiles, wearable technology, biofabrication, regenerative materials, web 3.0, digital fashion, design for disassembly, and biomaterial electronics.  The title of this paper was If You Wear Clothes Open this Book: The Future of Fashion. Link to book: https://digitaldesign53.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/starspread.pdf

Title : Fast Gelation of MXene Induced by Metal Ions

Abstract: 

Hydrogels based on 2D transitional metal carbides and nitrides (also known as MXenes) are biphasic materials made of porous, permeable, and robust solids as well as water, showing a wide range of applications, spanning from electronics, electromagnetic interference shielding, and energy storage, to catalysis, sensing, and biomedicine. This project focuses on an innovative synthetic route to attain MXene hydrogels via a metal ion-induced gelation process. Materials processing was done through diverse deposition techniques (e.g., spray coating, vacuum filtration, blade coating). Moreover, the study also covers the production of aerogels, obtained by the freeze-drying approach starting from the corresponding hydrogels. We explored the effects of different metal ions on MXenes hydrogels and aerogels and investigated their enhanced/innovative properties and performance. In this regard, we capitalized on a long list of multiscale characterization techniques, such as rheological measurement, scanning electron microscopy, and conductivity. The focus was also laid on the potential applications of MXene hydrogels and aerogels in different fields, such as air filtration, bioelectronics, and sensing.

Title: Examining the Role of Weight-Self Stigma and Social Comparison in Excessive Eating

            With the presence of weight self-stigma and social comparison, overweight/obese individuals are more susceptible to engaging in maladaptive eating behaviors, such as loss of control eating and/or excessive eating. A heinous cycle of loss of control eating and/or excessive eating, as a means to cope with experiences of weight self-stigma and social comparison, causes overweight/obese individuals to face both physical and mental health issues. Previous research explores the impact of weight self-stigma and social comparison with regards to overweight/obese individuals’ likelihood of engaging in loss of control eating and/or excessive eating; however, few studies evaluate differing levels of weight self-stigma and social comparison, and its impact on loss of control eating determination and/or excessive eating determination. Understanding specific ranges of weight self-stigma and social comparison can provide early prevention to loss of control eating and/or excessive eating, as well as a direction towards more effective treatments. This study is a secondary data analysis from Project Fitlink, an ongoing study by Dr. Meghan Butryn, that investigates the benefits of data sharing in weight loss maintenance for obese/overweight individuals.