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Changes in the Tendon after Injury with micro Computed Tomography and Histological Assessments
keywords NANOMEDICINE, NANOTECHNOLOGY
Reference persons DANILO DEMARCHI
External reference persons Carly Filgueira (csfilgueira@houstonmethodist.org)
Research Groups MiNES (Micro&Nano Electronic Systems)
Thesis type EXPERIMENTAL
Description We are seeking a highly motivated biomedical engineering student to join our team at Houston Methodist Hospital and work on a project focused on accelerating the healing of tendon injuries. Of the 33 million annual musculoskeletal injuries in the United States, approximately 50% involve tendon and ligament injuries. Unfortunately, existing medical and surgical treatments often fail to restore full tendon function. One technique used to accelerate the healing rate of tendon tear/strain as well as enhance regeneration is increasing blood circulation, so that more oxygen and nutrients can reach the injured area and clear excess fluid buildup. To repair and rebuild a tendon, relaxing the blood vessels within an injured area through vasodilation offers a means to aid in the healing of this sparsely vascularized tissue. For the reason, we are investigating the use of a small molecule FDA-approved drug to improve blood flow to the tendon and accelerate regeneration. The student will work closely with Dr. Filgueira as a Principal Investigator and supervisor and with a great team of the Houston Methodist Research Institute that includes a practicing orthopedic surgeon, a musculoskeletal radiologist, Filgueira lab staff, vet technicians, and MRI technicians.
The student will perform histologic sample preparation and examination by fixing samples in formalin and performing a decalcification procedure. The student will image the knee slides stained with Safranin O-Fast Green to evaluate distribution of proteoglycans in the cartilage and to perform histological grading scoring following literature sources. The student will perform μCT images of ex vivo femur, tibia, and patella bones to assess for the presence of osteophytes. 3D renderings of the bones will be performed using Slicer3D and image registration performed to quantify osteophyte volumes. Ideally the student should have knowledge of Matlab, Slicer3D, knowledge and/or willingness to expand their knowledge on use of a microscope, working around large animals, effective communication across multiple departments and individuals with various backgrounds.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled biomedical engineering student to work on a cutting-edge project with world-class clinicians and researchers at Houston Methodist Hospital. For those who are willing to travel, a minimum period of 6 months in the USA is required. Our institute is highly diverse and collaborative, with a strong Italian community, making it an ideal environment for learning and growth.
Required skills This project requires experimental work to be performed at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston (TX), US. A period of at least 9 months is required. For Master’s students, analysis performed remotely is possible. This project would involve collection and processing of rodent and porcine blood and tissue; therefore, the student would need to be comfortable working with animal blood and tissue samples. The student will assist with performing analyses and data collection. The student will be trained on wet chemistry techniques such as ultracentrifugation and thin layer chromatography. The student will work in a team that includes Dr. Filgueira as PI, Dr. Hafner as Co-I (a Physics Professor and collaborator from Rice University), Filgueira lab staff, and students from the Hafner lab. Good knowledge of basic physics and chemistry is required; familiarity with MATLAB programming, modeling, CAD, are a plus. Excellent English level is required (oral and written) and positive attitude to work in a diverse and heterogeneous environment.
Deadline 14/12/2024
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA