Digital Commons Network^™

Combining Lumipulse P-Tau217 And Aβ42/40 As Confirmatory Tests For Aβ Positivity Prior To Disease-Modifying Therapy, James D. Doecke, Ahmed Chenna, Mintzu Lo, Youssouf Badal, Brandon Yee, Robert Martone, Christos Petropoulos, Christopher J. Fowler, Simon Laws, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Ralph N. Martins, Christopher C. Rowe, Colin L. Masters, John Winslow

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: For a blood-based biomarker to be considered a confirmatory test for the detection of abnormal amyloid beta (Aβ) levels, the sensitivity and specificity must be equivalent to that of current cerebrospinal fluid tests. Methods: In the current study we assessed the ability of phosphorylated tau (p-tau)217 and Aβ42/40 from the Lumipulse G p-tau217 and β-amyloid ratio (1-42/1-40) tests, individually and combined, to predict Aβ positron emission tomography status in two sub-cohorts from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle Study of Ageing. Results: Testing an Alzheimer's disease continuum cohort, the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for …

Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Project Management (Pm): Multi-Expert Perspectives On Advancing Knowledge And Driving Innovation Toward Pm2030, Laurie Hughes, Reza Kiani Mavi, Masoud Aghajani, Keith Fitzpatrick, Senali Madugoda Gunaratnege, Seyed Ashkan Hosseini Shekarabi, Richard Hughes, Ahmad Khanfar, Ahdieh Khatavakhotan, Neda Kiani Mavi, Keyao Li, Moataz Mahmoud, Tegwen Malik, Sashah Mutasa, Farzaneh Nafar, Ross Yates, Rasha Alahmad, Il Jeon, Yogesh K. Dwivedi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The project management profession is undergoing transformative change with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), redefining core methodologies and decision-making processes. As societal expectations rise and technological complexity intensifies, project managers face unprecedented challenges. By 2030, AI-driven predictive insights and modelling capabilities are expected to significantly enhance efficiency, raising critical questions about the evolving role of human project managers. Will AI take the lead in key decisions, or will human attributes such as creativity, ethical judgment, and emotional intelligence remain essential? Framed as PM2030, this study explores future scenarios through expert insights from academia and industry. Using an opinion-based approach, …

Muscle Creatine Levels And Sprint Performance In Young Adult Vegans And Vegetarians After 7 Days Of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation, Thomas Christian Bonne, Valentina Arthemalle, Colin Stephen Doherty, Andreas Breenfeldt Andersen, Jacob Bejder, Thomas Ehlers, Henrik Holm-Sørensen, Nikolai Baastrup Nordsborg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Athletes use creatine monohydrate (CM) to enhance high-intensity exercise performance by increasing creatine phosphate availability. While CM supplementation is known to raise muscle creatine levels in vegans and vegetarians, its impact on exercise performance remains uncertain. We examined the effects of CM supplementation on muscle creatine content and exercise performance in vegans and vegetarians. In a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled design, 15 healthy vegans and vegetarians consumed CM (0.3 g/kg/day, n = 7) or placebo (PLA, 0.3 g maltodextrin/kg/day, n = 8) four times a day for 7 days. Before and after supplementation, repeated sprint capacity was determined. Body mass and …

Antimicrobial Resistance Of Clostridioides (Clostridium) Difficile In Cambodia, Lengsea Eng, Papanin Putsathit, Su Chen Lim, Jessica M. Chisholm, Deirdre A. Collins, Archie C.A. Clements, Kefyalew Addis Alene, Thomas V. Riley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major topic of interest in infectious disease management. We studied AMR in Clostridioides difficile isolated in Cambodia. Methods: Agar dilution susceptibility testing was performed according to the CLSI guidelines to determine minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 10 antimicrobials for 192 isolates of C. difficile from four populations in Cambodia: hospitalised adults, hospitalised children, children from an outpatient department (OPD), and healthy adolescents in the community. Results: Using the CLSI MIC breakpoints for anaerobes and EUCAST breakpoints for C. difficile, all isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, metronidazole, fidaxomicin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and none were resistant …

Design Of Robust Adaptive Nonlinear Backstepping Controller Enhanced By Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient Algorithm For Efficient Power Converter Regulation, Seyyed Morteza Ghamari, Asma Aziz, Mehrdad Ghahramani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Power converters play an important role in incorporating renewable energy sources into power systems. Among different converter designs, Buck and Boost converters are popular, as they use fewer components and deliver cost savings and high efficiency. However, Boost converters are known as non–minimum phase systems, imposing harder constraints for designing a robust converter. Developing an efficient controller for these topologies can be difficult since they exhibit nonlinearity and distortion in high frequency modes. The Lyapunov-based Adaptive Backstepping Control (ABSC) technology is used to regulate suitable outputs for these structures. This approach is an updated version of the technique that uses …

Evaluation Of A Theoretical And Experiential Training Programme For Allied Healthcare Providers To Prescribe Exercise Among Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: A Co-Designed Effectiveness-Implementation Study, Yvonne C. Learmonth, Georgios Mavropalias, Kym Wansbrough

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent neurological disorder in young adults, characterised by physical, psychological and cognitive dysfunction. Exercise training is a safe management strategy. Healthcare providers (HCPs) acknowledge deficiencies in awareness, counselling strategies, and resources that prevent them from promoting and prescribing this effective treatment. We implemented an online evidence-based educational programme and evaluated the effect, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the programme in improving HCP confidence, knowledge, and attitudes towards remote exercise prescription to persons with MS. Methods: Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists were recruited and received the educational programme (online theory and 16-week experience of prescribing …

Lower Limb Muscle Strength Matters: Effect Of Relative Isometric Strength On Countermovement And Rebound Jump Performance In Elite Youth Female Soccer Players, Jack Fahey, Paul Comfort, Nicholas Joel Ripley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Expression of maximal and rapid force in the hip, knee, and plantar flexors is important for athletic performance in female soccer. This study was designed to determine the effect of relative isometric strength in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) on countermovement jump (CMJ) and rebound jump (CMJ-R) performance in female youth soccer players. Methods: Ninety-six female soccer players (age: 14.1 ± 2.3 years, height: 160.5 ± 9.7 cm, mass: 55.0 ± 10.3 kg) completed three trials of the IMTP, CMJ, and CMJ-R using force plates. Players were categorized as stronger (top quartile, n = 19) and weaker players (bottom …

Renewable-Based Isolated Power Systems: A Review Of Scalability, Reliability, And Uncertainty Modeling, Mehrdad Ghahramani, Daryoush Habibi, Seyyedmorteza Ghamari, Hamid Soleimani, Asma Aziz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Electric power systems are increasingly becoming more decentralized. Many communities depend on isolated power systems that operate independently of the main grid. Remote, islanded, and isolated systems face challenges due to the intermittency and unpredictability of renewable energy sources. This paper reviews the current status of renewable integration and control in stand-alone power systems. It examines techniques to enhance system reliability through energy storage, hybrid systems, and advanced predictive models. Additionally, the issues related to connecting stand-alone systems, focusing on reliability and renewable penetration, are discussed. The scalability of stand-alone power systems is analyzed based on classifications of small-, medium-, …

The Luminos Project: Co-Designing A Short-Stay Suicide Support Model For Young People, Aims Hansen, Samantha Speirs, Kirsten Panton, Jacinta Freeman, Zrinka Highfield, Kieren Marshall, Eleanor Tighe, Laura Hemming, Bep Uink, Francis Mitrou, Vu Vuong, Ashleigh Lin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Suicide was the leading cause of death among young Australians aged 15–24 years old in 2023, with 392 lives lost. The continued high numbers of youth suicide demand urgent exploration of alternative approaches to suicide intervention in this population. The United Kingdom-based suicide service Maytree offers an innovative short-term stay for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Grounded by the Maytree model-of-care, the aim of the current study was to co-design a short-stay service responsive to the specific needs of suicidal young people. Methods: Semi-structured and focus group interviews with young people (n = 38), caregivers (n = 11) and key …

Deep Learning For Land Use Classification: A Systematic Review Of Hs-Lidar Imagery, Muhammad Zia Ur Rehman, Syed Mohammed Shamsul Islam, David Blake, Anwaar Ulhaq, Naeem Janjua

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Remote sensing (RS) technologies have significantly advanced Earth observation capabilities, enhancing the characterization and identification of surface materials through both spaceborne and airborne systems. These advancements are crucial for improving environmental monitoring and urban planning. As RS datasets have become more accessible, their increased complexity has necessitated a shift from traditional machine learning techniques to more robust deep learning approaches, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformer-based models known for their superior feature extraction capabilities. This systematic review focuses on the application of these deep learning techniques in land use classification, emphasizing the fusion of hyperspectral (HS) and LiDAR data. …

Mitigating The Supply Chain Uncertainties And Risks In The Construction Projects: Case Studies Of Australian Construction Projects, Ming Juan Ding, Ferry Jie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mitigating the supply chain uncertainties and risks has become increasingly crucial for project managers to enhance construction project performance. This paper investigates how companies develop risk mitigation frameworks to address the challenges such as disruptive risks, project delays, cost overrun within construction supply chains. The risk mitigation framework developed is more significant compared with other frameworks as it considers further the unique characteristics of a temporary configuration of construction supply chains and the network is particularly vulnerable to some adverse events. Through multiple case studies, this research examines how various stakeholders in construction supply chains manage the risks during and …

A Comprehensive Review On The Recovery Of Lithium From Lithium-Ion Batteries And Spodumene, Asad Ali, Sadia Afrin, Abdul Hannan Asif, Yasir Arafat, Muhammad Rizwan Azhar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The growing demand for Lithium-Ion batteries (LIBs) for use within varied electronics and electric vehicles (EVs) has raised concerns about the sustainability of lithium extraction from natural deposits. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of lithium recovery through mining of spodumene deposits, and the recovery of lithium from used batteries via recycling, in terms of technological, economic and environmental impacts. Lithium recovered through mining and refining operations prompt significant land disruption and soil contamination and possess large ecological, water and carbon footprints. Contrastingly, lithium recovered through battery recycling undergoes successive heat and chemical treatments, leading to waste minimisation and a …

A Large-Scale Multi-Centre Study Characterising Atrophy Heterogeneity In Alzheimer's Disease, Vikram Venkatraghavan, Damiano Archetti, Pierrick Bourgeat, Chenyang Jiang, Mara Ten Kate, Anna C. Van Loenhoud, Rik Ossenkoppele, Charlotte E. Teunissen, Elsmarieke Van De Giessen, Yolande A.L. Pijnenburg, Giovanni B. Frisoni, Béla Weiss, Zoltán Vidnyánszky, Tibor Auer, Stanley Durrleman, Alberto Redolfi, Simon M. Laws, Paul Maruff, Neil P. Oxtoby, Andre Altmann, Daniel C. Alexander, Wiesje M. Van Der Flier, Frederik Barkhof, Betty M. Tijms

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Previous studies identified atrophy-based Alzheimer's disease(AD) subtypes linked to distinct clinical symptoms, but their consistency across subtyping approaches remains unclear. This large-scale study evaluates subtype concordance using two data-driven approaches. In this work, we analyzed data from n=10,011 patients across 10 AD cohorts spanning Europe, the US, and Australia, extracting regional volumes using Freesurfer. To characterize atrophy heterogeneity in the AD continuum, we developed a two-step approach, Snowphlake (Staging NeurOdegeneration With PHenotype informed progression timeLine of biomarKErs), to identify subtypes and atrophy-event sequences within each subtype. Results were compared with SuStaIn (Subtype and Stage Inference), which jointly estimates subtypes and …

Integrative Supportive Care Trial To Enhance Physical Activity In Malignant Pleural Effusion—Protocol For The Isc-Team/Ample-5 Randomised Controlled Trial, Bianca M. Iacopetta, Chloe Charlesworth, Emily Jeffery, Lauren J. Breen, Ai Ling Tan, Joanne Mcveigh, Kevin Murray, Rob U. Newton, Y. C. Gary Lee, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) heralds advanced cancer with poor patient outcomes. High symptom burden of weight loss, fatigue, breathlessness, distress, and anxiety leaves many patients unable to participate in desired activities of daily life and is associated with poor outcomes. Freedom from symptoms and maintaining daily activities are the key wishes of patients and carers. For the best outcome, accessible services aimed at prevention and management of malnutrition, care of psychological well-being, and support for increasing physical activity are required. Methods: The Integrative Supportive Care Trial to Enhance physical Activity in Malignant pleural effusion (ISC-TEAM) study is a two-armed, …

Management Of Atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome With Triggers: Diagnostic And Treatment Algorithms From An Asia-Pacific Perspective, Hee Gyung Kang, Danny Hsu, Noritoshi Kato, Jin Seok Kim, Masayoshi Okumi, Min Hua Tseng, Kun Hua Tu, Desmond Yat Hin Yap, Wai H. Lim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Complement-amplifying events/conditions associated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) include pregnancy/postpartum period, severe hypertension, autoimmune diseases, drug exposures, infections and organ transplantation. Some of these ‘triggers’ may exist comorbidly with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS; a complement-mediated form of TMA), unmask previously undiagnosed aHUS, or occur secondary to aHUS, thus creating a considerable diagnostic challenge. A major goal in patients presenting with TMA is to differentiate complement-mediated aHUS from other causes of TMA such that appropriate targeted treatment with complement 5 (C5) inhibitors can be initiated rapidly to avoid irreversible end-organ damage. To this end, nephrologists and haematologists from Australia, Hong Kong, …

Neurologists' Perspectives On Sudep Communication: A Comparative Study Across Five European Countries, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

Objectives: The leading cause of epilepsy mortality is Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). National and international guidelines recommend that people with epilepsy are counseled on SUDEP risk at the point of diagnosis or at the earliest opportunity. This study compares neurologist views from five European countries on attitudes and relevance of SUDEP communication. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of 17 Likert questions using validated themes was circulated via different ILAE and/or equivalent organizations using a non-discriminatory exponential snowballing technique, leading to a non-probability sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. Significance was accepted …

Early Phase Testing Of Functional Imagery Training As An Intervention For Anxiety, Jackie Andrade, D. J. Kavanagh, Carly Bowditch, Emily Mackriel, Emily Ravenshill, Amy Sime, Eleanor Trumfield, Jessica Watts, Jon May

School of Psychology

Cognitive models hypothesize a role for motivated behaviour in anxiety disorders, with safety behaviours leading to exaggerated threat appraisals and increased anticipatory anxiety. Based on the Affective Imagery Theory of Motivation, we propose that increasing motivation for engagement behaviours will reduce motivation for safety behaviours through competition for limited capacity cognitive resources supporting motivational imagery. We hypothesise that imagining successful engagement will reduce anxiety directly, and through promoting subsequent engagement. We present preliminary evidence that functional imagery training (FIT), an intervention that develops and teaches motivational imagery, reduces anxiety. FIT was delivered to undergraduates with anxiety in one session lasting …

Challenging Dyads As Defaults In Research On Childhood Social Cognition, Roman Stengelin, Patricia Kanngiesser

School of Psychology

Early in life, children develop the socio-cognitive tools to benefit and learn from interactions with others, allowing them to thrive in the diverse social and cultural niches of their respective communities. Over the past decades, developmental science has critically deepened our understanding of childhood social cognition and its ontogenetic foundations.

Perceived School Climate Norms Of Equality, Perspective-Taking And Youth Collective And Civic Actions, Shelley Mckeown, Cd Schaefer, Jaysan Charlesford, Thia Sagherian-Dickey, Gian Antonio Di Bernardo, Loris Vezzali

School of Psychology

Schools can play a crucial role in encouraging young people to make constructive societalcontributions that transcend group lines and that benefit communities more generally.Recognising this potential, the present research examined the relationship between perceivedschool climate norms of equality, and in turn perspective-taking on two forms of constructivecontributions amongst youth in England: civic engagement and collective action intentions insupport of refugees. A total of 696 youth (aged 11 to 12) were asked to complete a survey inschool as part of a larger study on youth interaction experiences. Bootstrapped mediationanalysis conducted in Mplus found that perspective-taking mediated the link between perceivedschool climate …

Transformational Leadership Disparities Within Nonprofit Organizations, Hillman Evans Iv

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Leadership development is a primary organizational development function. It provides an opportunity for professional growth and is essential to assisting personal evolution for individuals in any capacity. This qualitative case study explored incorporating the transformational leadership style in a multilocation nonprofit organization. Eight participants participated in semistructured interviews. Each interview lasted approximately 30–45 minutes. The interview format consisted of asking open-ended semistructured questions and allowing participants to respond based on their organizational experiences. The researcher employed three coding passes in the data analysis (open, axial, and selective) and identified eight themes. The findings suggested that managers desired a leader who …

Nursing Education For Type 2 Diabetes And Nutrition Using Individual 1:1 Sessions In Rural Health Care, Meagan F. Wheat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

What if proper nutrition were a nonpharmacological treatment for health problems? Nutrition is an important key to overall wellness. When patients receive the right education, they not only get the proper nutrition in their diet but also can manage their diabetes and live a better quality of life. In rural U.S. health areas, lack of access to nutrition is a barrier to patient care. Rural areas are at an even higher risk due to a lack of resources for good nutrition. One-to-one nutrition education with a nurse specialized in diabetes helps teach patients at a learning level they will comprehend. …

Career Advising Utilization: A Quantitative Archival Analysis Of Student Engagement Across Academic Levels And Colleges At A Southeast University, Edward Raimundi Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative ex-post facto study examined patterns of career advising utilization at a large, R1 public university in the southeastern region of the United States. Institutional advising data from the 2023–24 advising year was utilized to identify usage patterns across different demographics such as college affiliation and academic level. The descriptive stats from the archival data were used to measure topic distributions, undergraduate–graduate usage by college, and contact engagement. The sample size included over 35,000 students with 10 different college affiliation labels. Significant differences across advising usage in the different colleges were found during the study. Undergraduate students had higher …

Differences In Peer Social Connections Between Traditional And Online Nurse Residency Programs, Tatum Leonard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The anticipated retirement of baby boomer nurses by 2030 will intensify the global nursing shortage, a crisis that demands innovative strategies for onboarding and retaining new graduate nurses. Nurse residency programs (NRPs) are designed to ease the transition from student to practicing nurse, reduce turnover, and foster professional resilience. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many NRPs rapidly transitioned from traditional, in-person seminars to synchronous, online formats. This study explored differences in peer social connections between traditional and online NRPs, focusing on three constructs: sense of community, collaborative learning, and peer social support. Using a quasi-experimental, mixed methods approach, this secondary data …

Racial Moderation Of Infant Mortality Risk And Protective Factors In The United States, Temitope Oluwaseun Akinsola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rate of infant mortality is a pressing health issue in the United States, as ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected. This study addressed how race controls the predictive power of demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors on infant mortality. Using a quantitative correlational design, secondary data from 181 individuals listed in the CDC-National Vital Statistics System database were used, which contains nationally aggregated data related to infant mortality rates. Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological model guided the study, and multiple regression and moderation models were used to examine socioeconomic status and access to healthcare on infant mortality outcomes. Results indicated that race significantly …

Exploring The Contextual Antecedents Of Nonfamilial Aggression In Women Arrested For Aggressive Behavior, Tatiana Pouncy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The prevalence of physical aggression among women has increased, challenging traditional gender norms that portray women as nurturing and nonviolent. While most research on aggression has focused on men, children, or intimate partner violence, research is sparse concerning female aggression outside familial contexts. In this qualitative multiple-case study, the contextual antecedents of nonfamilial aggression in women arrested for aggressive behavior were explored using the general aggression model as the theoretical framework. Data were obtained from 20 publicly documented cases using archival sources such as media stories, court documents, and video recordings. According to thematic and document analysis, aggressive behavior was …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Former Lagos State Male Public High School Teachers About Their Onboarding Process., Agboola Clement Ikuyinminu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Lagos State, Nigeria, faces male teacher retention challenges in public high schools, including destabilizing the educational environment, reducing the availability of experienced mentors, and negatively impacting student performance and outcomes. School leaders need to understand the challenges leading to male teacher turnover. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Lagos State male public high school teachers who left the profession, focusing particularly on their perceptions of onboarding and reasons for leaving the profession. This study was grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, Bauer and Erdogan’s onboarding theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and Bandura’s social …

Clinical Staff Education Initiative Designed To Improve Communication And Collaboration Among Interdisciplinary Clinical Staff, Youlen Duffus

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

N/A

A Multi-Institutional Multi-Methods Analysis Of Jeopardy Systems In Academic Hospital Medicine, Kirsten N Kangelaris, Angela Keniston, Andrew D Auerbach, Gregory Bowling, Marisha Burden, Shradha A Kulkarni, Luci K Leykum, Anne S Linker, Matthew Sakumoto, Jeffrey Schnipper, Gopi Astik

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Hospital medicine programs use backup ("jeopardy") systems to cover unexpected staffing gaps, but little is known about their structures or optimal practices.

Objectives: To describe jeopardy structures, assess clinician perceptions, and identify potential approaches across a broad sample of hospital medicine groups.

Methods: This multi-methods study, conducted within a national hospitalist consortium, used virtual focus groups and an email survey to (1) describe the presence and structure of jeopardy systems and (2) explore features perceived as fair, equitable, and tolerable. Rapid qualitative analysis identified major themes, while descriptive methods analyzed survey data.

Results: Twenty-five individuals participated in focus groups, …

Patient-Centered Management Of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding While On Anticoagulation: A Survey Study, Benjamin Barnett, Rushad Patell, Dana Angelini, Leben Tefera, Jordan K Schaefer, Ang Li, Alejandra Gutierrez Bernal, Shruti Chaturvedi, Anjlee Mahajan, Leslie Lake, Jori May, Anna L Parks

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Nearly three-quarters of women experience heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) during anticoagulation treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE). HMB can lead to medical interventions, impact school or work and diminish quality of life (QOL). While there are several management options for HMB in patients with VTE, we lack information on how patients approach HMB treatment decisions.

Objectives: We examined patients' experience with, perceptions of, and preferences for treatment of HMB while on anticoagulation.

Methods: Clinicians and patient advocates developed a web-based survey that was distributed via patient advocacy organizations and social media between May and June 2024, targeting participants 18 years …

Optical Coherence Tomography Enables The Depth-Resolved Measurement Of Cilia Beat Frequency In Ex Vivo Human Fallopian Tubes, Dilara J Long, Tian Xia, Photini F Rice, Deirdre M Scully, Makayla Johnson, Ryan Mistifer, Andrea Aguirre, John M Heusinkveld, Irina V Larina, Jennifer K Barton

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: The movement of cilia in the fallopian tubes (FTs) facilitates important processes involved in fertility, and abnormalities in cilia function are linked with diseases including endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. For the first time, we demonstrate the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to create depth-resolved mapping of motile cilia locations and quantify cilia beat frequency (CBF) in human FT samples ex vivo.

Methods: Segments of the FT ampulla were acquired from five patients following salpingectomy under an IRB approved protocol. The samples were longitudinally opened to expose the luminal surface for imaging. A sequence of at least 500 …