Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Model For Ertapenem, Whitney Forbes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ertapenem is a carbapenem used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. What sets ertapenem apart from other carbapenems is its longer half-life which implies it need only be administered once daily. We developed a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model for the distribution of ertapenem within the body. In the model, parameters such as human body weight and height, age, organ volumes, blood flow rates, and partition coefficients of particular tissues are used to examine the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of ertapenem. The total and free blood concentrations found were then compared to experimental data. We then examined the sensitivity …

The Association Between The Il-1 Pathway, Isaac C. Wun

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is a potentially lethal malignancy that warrants attention and further research, as it is known to that there is an increasing rate of incidence in theUnited States, and it is also known that exposure to UV light is its most crucial risk factor, and family history of melanoma is also an important risk factor. Melanoma is an aggressive and lethal cancer in humans. There are an estimated new 132,000 melanoma cases annually worldwide, and the trend has doubled in the past 20 years. However, attempts to treat melanoma have encountered considerable resistance and remained ineffective. The …

Use Of Positron Emission To Mography For Proton Therapy Verification, Jongmin Cho

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Positron emission tomography (PET), a tool commonly used for cancer staging and response monitoring, has recently been used for proton therapy verification. By imaging tissue activation following proton treatment, attempts have been made to verify proton dose and range. In this dissertation, two novel approaches were developed and tested for the purpose of help improve the proton dose and range estimation as well as verification.

Although there are still some challenges, attempts for proton dose verification using PET has been made by comparing Monte Carlo dose and PET simulations with treatment planned dose and measured PET. In this approach, …

Forecasting Longitudinal Changes In Oropharyngeal Tumor Volume, Position, And Morphology During Image-Guided Radiation Therapy, Adam D. Yock

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The purpose of this work was to generate, evaluate, and compare models that predict longitudinal changes in oropharyngeal tumor volume, position, and morphology during radiation therapy.

One volume, one position, and two morphology (size, shape, and position) feature vectors were used to describe 35 oropharyngeal gross tumor volumes (GTVs) during radiation therapy. The two morphology feature vectors comprised the coordinates of the GTV centroids and one of two shape descriptors. One shape descriptor was based on radial distances between the GTV centroid and 614 surface landmarks. The other was based on a spherical harmonic decomposition of these distances. For a …

Image-Guided Proton Therapy For Online Dose-Evaluation And Adaptive Planning, Joey P. Cheung

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The main advantage for using protons in radiotherapy is their finite range in patients, allowing for potential improved sparing of normal tissues. However, this comes at a cost of increased sensitivity to range uncertainties. Density changes along the beam path will affect the proton range and the resultant dose distribution, making it difficult to estimate the impact of visible anatomic changes to the patient dose distribution. In order to better understand the effect of anatomy change on proton dose, some form of treatment-time verification is required and methods to correct for observed changes would be beneficial. Therefore, this project aims …

Performance Evaluation Of Material Decomposition Using Rapid Kvp-Switching Dual-Energy Ct For Assessing Bone Mineral Density, John M. Wait

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Osteoporosis is diagnosed by assessing the bone mineral density (BMD) of the trabecular bone, and has previously been characterized with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or single-energy computed tomography (SECT). Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is able to create two three-dimensional sets of images representing the densities of two materials in a given basis pair. DECT is theoretically capable of providing a true density measurement of trabecular bone material with the proper material basis pair.

Using the rapid kVp-switching GE HD750 scanner, the concentrations of various solutes were assessed in two-material syringe-phantoms in different experimental conditions with DECT material density images, SECT …

Effects Of Creosote-Contaminated Sediment Extracts On Mouse Macrophage Physiology And Function, Rayna Silva

All Theses

The southern branch of the Elizabeth River, at Portsmouth Virginia is one of the most polluted systems in North America. This harbor estuary system is also home to the Atlantic Wood Superfund site, which is heavily contaminated with creosote from the Atlantic Wood (AW) preservative company that ceased production in the later 1990s. Creosote is a mixture of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, and numerous aliphatic hydrocarbons, and well known to be carcinogenic. The toxicity of sediments and pore waters from the AW site has been studied extensively using Fundulus heteroclitus, also known as the mummichog, or Atlantic killifish. Most adult …

Development Of A Molecular Method For Detecting The Causative Agent Of Swimmer's Itch (Trichobilharzia) In Freshwater Ecosystems, Heidi Mcmaster

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Cercarial dermatitis, commonly known as swimmer's itch, is caused by penetration of larvae of the schistosome,Trichobilharzia, into the dermis and epidermis layers of the skin. Symptoms are characterized by painful swelling and itching at the site of penetration. The normal hosts for the life cycle of the schistosome are aquatic birds and aquatic snails. The most frequently used method of detection forTrichobilharziais microscopy. With increases in the occurrence of cercarial dermatitis outbreaks in freshwater in the Southwestern United States, it is becoming increasingly important to develop and standardize a molecular method for rapid detection that can assist health professionals and …

Assessing The Impacts Of Unrestricted Pesticide Use In Small-Scale Agriculture On Water Quality And Associated Human Health And Ecological Implications In An Indigenous Village In Rural Panam[Aacute], Sarah Louise Watson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In 2014, the global pesticide industry's projected worth is $52 billion and by 2020, the developing world will make up one-third of the world's chemical production and consumption. Pesticides can have unintended negative consequences for human health and the environment, especially in the developing world where regulations are loose or nonexistent. One country with unrestricted use of pesticides is Panam[aacute], especially in Santa Rosa de Cucunatí. In this indigenous village, small-scale farmers and ranchers spray paraquat, glyphosate, picloram, and 2,4-D at higher elevations than the spring water source of a gravity-fed water system, the river, and the village. The objective …

Drinking Water In The Developing World: Sources Of Fecal Contamination In Pitcher Pump Systems And Measurement Alternatives, Meghan Wahlstrom

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

It has been reported that globally we have achieved Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Target 7C, to halve the proportion of the population without access to safe drinking water; however, there is a major flaw with this statement. While Target 7C calls for access to `safe' drinking water, what is actually being measured and reported is access to an `improved' water source. The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that they must use this proxy measure because the methods for water quality testing are too expensive and logistically complicated, but by doing so, they may be over reporting safe water coverage.

This …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Home-~Based Childhood Asthma Intervention Program In Clark County, Nevada, Mackenzie Suzanne Burns

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Asthma is a chronic, incurable, costly, and potentially life–threatening disease that affects an estimated 7 million children in the United States; further, more than 56,000 Nevada children are currently living with asthma. The literature suggests that a number of factors that contribute to either the development of asthma or the exacerbation of asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals can be traced to the home environment. Given that the majority of Americans spend over 90% of their time indoors, of which two–thirds are spent at home, a home–based childhood asthma intervention program represents a unique primary prevention opportunity. This pre–experimental study evaluated …

Health Hazards In Rental Housing: An Overview Of Clark County, Nevada, Amanda Nicole Sokolowsky

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A wide range of health conditions are associated with housing conditions, including asthma, respiratory infections, injuries, mental health issues, and lead poisoning. People in modern societies spend more than 90% of their time indoors, the vast majority of which is spent at home. Therefore, any new information on housing related health hazards in a population provides an opportunity for a new prevention program. Reports have shown that rental properties have more health related hazards than owner occupied housing, and rental properties are frequently occupied by low-income and minority individuals. This descriptive study intended to provide an overview of housing related …

Mri Characterization Of Cobalt Dichloride-N-Acetyl Cysteine (C4) Contrast Agent Marker For Prostate Brachytherapy, Tze Yee Lim, R. Jason Stafford, Rajat J. Kudchadker, Madhuri Sankaranarayanapillai, Geoffrey Ibbott, Arvind Rao, Karen S. Martirosyan, Steven J. Frank

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Brachytherapy, a radiotherapy technique for treating prostate cancer, involves the implantation of numerous radioactive seeds into the prostate. While the implanted seeds can be easily identified on a CT image, distinguishing the prostate and surrounding soft tissues is not as straightforward. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers superior anatomical delineation, but the seeds appear as dark voids and are difficult to identify, thus creating a conundrum. Cobalt dichloride-N-acetylcysteine (C4) has previously been shown to be promising as an encapsulated contrast agent marker. We performed spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) and spin-spin relaxation time (T2) measurements of C4 solutions with varying cobalt dichloride …

Medical Imaging Specialists And 3d: A Domain Perspective On Mobile 3d Interactions, Teddy Seyed, Frank Maurer, Francisco Marinho Rodrigues, Anthony Tang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

3D volumetric medical images, such as MRIs, are commonly explored and interacted with by medical imaging experts using systems that require keyboard and mouse-based techniques. These techniques have presented challenges for medical imaging specialists: 3D spatial navigation is difficult, in addition to the detailed selection and analysis of 3D medical images being difficult due to depth perception and occlusion issues. In this work, we explore a potential solution to these challenges by using tangible interaction techniques with a mobile device to simplify 3D interactions for medical imaging specialists. We discuss preliminary observations from our design sessions with medical imaging specialists …

Haptics In Remote Collaborative Exercise Systems For Seniors, Hesam Alizadeh, Richard Tang, Ehud Sharlin, Anthony Tang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Group exercise provides motivation to follow and maintain a healthy daily exercise schedule while enjoying beneficial encouragement and social support from friends and exercise partners. However, mobility and transportation issues frequently prevent seniors from engaging in group activities. To address this problem, we investigated the exercise needs of seniors and developed a prototype remote exercise system. Our system uses haptic feedback to simulate assistive pushing and pulling of limbs when exercising with a partner. We developed three distinct vibration metaphors -- constant push/pull, corrective feedback, and notification -- to convey engagement and connection between exercise partners. We conducted a preliminary …

Physio@Home: Design Explorations To Support Movement Guidance, Richard Tang, Hesam Alizadeh, Anthony Tang, Scott Bateman, Joaquim A.P. Jorge

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Patients typically undergo physiotherapy with the help of a physiotherapist who teaches, guides, and corrects the patients as they perform exercises. It would be nice if people could repeat these exercises at home, potentially improving their recovery rate. However, without guidance and/or corrective feedback from a physiotherapist, the patient will not know whether they are doing their exercises correctly. To address this problem, we implemented a prototype that guides patients through pre-recorded exercise movements using visual guides overlaid atop a mirror-view of the patient on a wall-mounted display. We conducted informal evaluations and pilot studies to assess our prototype and …

Assessing The Impact Of Misclassification When Comparing Prevalence Data: A Novel Sensitivity Analysis Approach, Ninet Sinaii, Sean D. Cleary, Pamela Stratton

Epidemiology Faculty Publications

Background: A simple sensitivity analysis technique was developed to assess the impact of misclassification and verify observed prevalence differences between distinct populations.

Methods: The prevalence of self-reported comorbid diseases in 4,331 women with surgically-diagnosed endometriosis was compared to published clinical and population-based prevalence estimates. Disease prevalence misclassification was assessed by assuming over-reporting in the study sample and under-reporting in the general (comparison) population. Over- and under-reporting by 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% was used to create a 5×5 table for each disease. The new prevalences represented by each table cell were compared by p-values, prevalence odds ratios, and 95% …

The Effect Of Commercial Tests For Aneuploidy Screening Using Cell-Free Fetal Dna On Rates Of Invasive Testing In Clinical Practice, Adetola Louis-Jacques Md, Courtney R. Burans Ms, Cgc, Sarah Robinson, Elizabeth A. Schofield, Joanne Quiñones Md, Msce, John C. Smulian Md, Mph, Meredith Rochon Md

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

No abstract provided.

Use Of Commercial Tests For Aneuploidy Screening Using Cell-Free Fetal Dna In Clinical Practice (Poster), Adetola Louis-Jacques Md, Courtney R. Burans Ms, Cgc, Sarah Robinson, Elizabeth A. Schofield, Joanne Quiñones Md, Msce, John C. Smulian Md, Mph, Meredith Rochon Md

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

No abstract provided.

Amniotic Fluid Index Or Deepest Vertical Pocket?, Joanne Quiñones Md, Msce, R Melody Reynolds Md, Daniel G. Kiefer Md, Meredith Rochon Md, Katie Karabasz-Brown, John C. Smulian Md, Mph

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

No abstract provided.

Does Cervical Ripening Via Intracervical Balloon Placement Increase The Risk Of Chorioamnionitis In Patients With Premature Rupture Of Membranes At Term?, Irena B. Cabrera Md, Joanne Quiñones Md, Msce, Danielle E. Durie Md, Jacob Rust, John C. Smulian Md, Mph, William E. Scorza Md

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

No abstract provided.

Rct Evaluating Safety & Efficacy Of Sodium Hyaluronate/Carboxymethylcellulose At Cesarean Delivery, Daniel G. Kiefer Md, Jolene C. Muscat Md, Jarrett Santorelli Bs, Martin R. Chavez Md, Cande V. Ananth Phd, Mph, John C. Smulian Md, Mph, Anthony M. Vintzileos Md

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

No abstract provided.

Polyethylene Glycol Containing Rompolymers For The Modification Of Neuro-Protective Hemoglobin, Andrea L. Mccollum

Honors College Theses

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has shown the ability to improve compatibility when used in combination with cell-free hemoglobin in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries. It has been demonstrated that the covalently bonded PEG increases the hydrodynamic radius of the hemoglobin and hence generates a physical barrier while slowing down the oxygen delivery of the strongly oxidative hemoglobin. In this context, I have been working on the development of synthetic pathways to incorporate PEG into monomers and polymers through both direct modification of (7-oxa)norbornene derivatives and post polymerization modification. Starting from the (7-oxa)norbornene anhydride derivatives, we have developed pathways to cationic …

The Santa Clara, 2014-04-24, Santa Clara University

The Santa Clara

No abstract provided.

Bryant University Research And Engagement Day Program

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

No abstract provided.

The Fenzian Unit: Applications To Physical Therapy And Beyond, Jeshua Paul Spadino Mr.

Senior Honors Theses

The field of physical therapy includes many different treatment options in the form of exercises and modalities. The development of a low electrical stimulation signal through the Fenzian unit has provided a new outlook on healing. This device gives information to and receives information from the central nervous system (CNS) through electro-biofeedback and is separated into its own category of modalities. The device can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, all with no adverse effects. This makes it a promising tool in the medical field. It is currently being validated as an authentic medical device through clinical …

A Comparison Of Clustering And Missing Data Methods For Health Sciences, Ran Zhao, Deanna Needell, Christopher Johansen, Jerry L. Grenard

CMC Faculty Publications and Research

In this paper, we compare and analyze clustering methods with missing data in health behavior research. In particular, we propose and analyze the use of compressive sensing's matrix completion along with spectral clustering to cluster health related data. The empirical tests and real data results show that these methods can outperform standard methods like LPA and FIML, in terms of lower misclassification rates in clustering and better matrix completion performance in missing data problems. According to our examination, a possible explanation of these improvements is that spectral clustering takes advantage of high data dimension and compressive sensing methods utilize the …

Developing Transmissible Vaccines For Animal Infections: Intrinsically Safe Designs And A Staged Transparent Development Process Will Be Essential, Daniel G. Streiker, Megan E. Griffiths, Rustom Antia, Laura Bergner, Peter Bowman, Maria Vitoria Dos Santos De Moraes, Kevin Esvelt, Mike Famulare, Amy T. Gilbert, Biao He, Michael A. Jarvis, David A. Kennedy, Jennifer Kuzma, Carolyne Nasi,Iyu Wanyonyi, Christopher Remien, Tonie Rocke, Kyle Rosenke, Courtney Schreiner, Justin Sheen, David Simons, Ivet A. Yordanova, James J. Bull, Scott L. Nuismer

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Developing Transmissible Vaccines for Animal Infections: Intrinsically Safe Designs and a Staged Transparent Development Process Will Be Essential

Intrinsically safe, biologically compelling vaccine designs

Pahsed development must incorporate checkpoints and engagement

Staged development with established checkpoints

Wquitable partnerships with international governance

Toward deployment

Workshop organization

Seven proposed commitm ents for the responsible development of transmissible vaccines for infectious disease control in animals

Evolutionary outcomes of vaccine transmission depend on the viral vector and the genetic modifications introduced

The Santa Clara, 2014-04-17, Santa Clara University

The Santa Clara

No abstract provided.

2014 - The Nineteenth Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the Nineteenth Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 17, 2014. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.