Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Introducing And Evaluating 3d Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, Marie Hrinkonich, Susan Steigerwalt

Department of Radiology & Diagnostic Medical Imaging

No abstract provided.

Molecular Pap Biomarkers For Cervical Cancer Risk Assessment In Thinprep® Clinical Specimens, Jennifer Taylor

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 500,000 patients are diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide each year, thus making it the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infections induce cervical dysplasia by increasing the expression of two viral oncogenes, E6 and E7. Utilization of the Papanicolaous smear test (Pap test) has contributed to a decrease in morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer; however, subjective analysis of cell morphology with a limited amount of cells has led to a substantial rate of false positive and false negative diagnoses. A more objective and sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of …

Radiation Exposure Of Patients By Cone Beam Ct During Endobronchial Navigation - A Phantom Study, Wolfgang Hohenforst-Schmidt, Rosemarie Banckwitz, Paul Zarogoulidis, Thomas Vogl, Kaid Darwiche, Eugene Goldberg, Haidong Huang, Michael Simoff, Qiang Li, Robert Browning, Lutz Freitag, J. Francis Turner, Patrick Le Pivert, Lonny Yarmus, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis, Johannes Brachmann

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Rationale: Cone Beam Computed Tomography imaging has become increasingly important in many fields of interventional therapies. Objective: Lung navigation study which is an uncommon soft tissue approach. Methods: As no effective organ radiation dose levels were available for this kind of Cone Beam Computed Tomography application we simulated in our DynaCT (Siemens AG, Forchheim, Germany) suite 2 measurements including 3D acquisition and again for 3D acquisition and 4 endobronchial navigation maneuvers under fluoroscopy towards a nodule after the 8th segmentation in the right upper lobe over a total period of 20 minutes (min). These figures reflect the average complexity and …

Detection Of Homocysteine With Bridged Viologen Chemical Probes, Davin Rautiola

Dissertations and Theses

Increased blood plasma concentrations of the aminothiol homocysteine (Hcy) are associated with a variety of disease states including those which cause impaired renal function, many forms of cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Therefore, Hcy has the potential to be a significant diagnostic biomarker. Routine monitoring of Hcy plasma concentration is encumbered by the time and resources required to quantify Hcy using currently accepted instrumental analysis methods. As part of the continuing effort to develop a quick, reliable, inexpensive, and user-friendly test to quantify Hcy at the point of care, we have designed a series of novel colorimetric …

Vibrational Spectroscopy: Disease Diagnostics And Beyond, Hugh Byrne, Kamila Ostrowska, Haq Nawaz, Jennifer Dorney, Aidan Meade, Franck Bonnier, Fiona Lyng

Books/Book Chapters

Summary

This chapter outlines some developments in the applications of vibrational spectroscopy for disease diagnostics and demonstrates how the applications of the spectroscopic techniques can be extended to the analysis and evaluation of disease aetiology and the mechanisms of interaction and the cellular and subcellular responses to, for example chemotherapeutic agents and nanoparticles. The primary emphasis is on Raman spectroscopy, although some examples are based on infrared absorption spectroscopy. The studies presented are chosen to illustrate how a range of multivariate analytical techniques can be employed to maximize the potential benefits of the complex spectral information obtained from tissue or …

Comparison Of Semi-Automated And Manual Measurements Of Carotid Intima-Media Thickening, Oscar Mac Ananey, G Mellotte, V Maher

Articles

Carotid intima-media thickening (CIMT) is a marker of both arteriosclerotic and atherosclerotic risks. Technological advances have semiautomated CIMT image acquisition and quantification. Studies comparing manual and automated methods have yielded conflicting results possibly due to plaque inclusion in measurements. Low atherosclerotic risk subjects (n = 126) were recruited to minimise the effect of focal atherosclerotic lesions on CIMT variability. CIMT was assessed by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound (Philips HDX7E, Phillips, UK) images of the common carotid artery using both manual and semiautomated methods (QLAB, Phillips, UK). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the mean differences of paired measurements (Bland-Altman method) were used …

Disposable Platform Provides Visual And Color-Based Point-Of-Care Anemia Self-Testing, Erika A. Tyburski, Scott E. Gillespie, William A. Stoy, Robert G. Mannino, Alexander J. Weiss, Alexa F. Siu, Rayford H. Bulloch, Karthik Thota, Anyela Cardenas, Wilena Session, Hanna J. Khoury, Siobhán O'Connor, Silvia T. Bunting, Jeanne Boudreaux, Craig R. Forest, Manila Gaddh, Traci Leong, L. Andrew Lyon, Wilbur A. Lam

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Anemia, or low blood hemoglobin (Hgb) levels, afflicts 2 billion people worldwide. Currently, Hgb levels are typically measured from blood samples using hematology analyzers, which are housed in hospitals, clinics, or commercial laboratories and require skilled technicians to operate. A reliable, inexpensive point-of-care (POC) Hgb test would enable cost-effective anemia screening and chronically anemic patients to self-monitor their disease. We present a rapid, standalone, and disposable POC anemia test that, via a single drop of blood, outputs color-based visual results that correlate with Hgb levels.

METHODS. We tested blood from 238 pediatric and adult patients with anemia of varying …

Concussions: Education For Coaches And Safe Return To Play For Athletes, Catherine Fettkether

Honors Program Theses

Head injuries can occur due to a variety of reasons, including falls, auto accidents, and contact sports. In 2010 the Center for Disease Control reported that 2.5 million traumatic brain injuries occurred in the United States. Any injury the body sustains requires that a person take the appropriate steps to have the most successful outcome. Appropriate action with an injury is not just limited to recovery, but being aware of the potential injury and acting accordingly. This is even more important when the injury is sustained by the brain. A situation in which brain injuries are becoming a larger issue …

Investigation Of The Structure And Dynamics Of Regioisomeric Eu³⁺ And Gd³⁺ Chelates Of Nb-Dotma: Implications For Mri Contrast Agent Design, Benjamin Charles Webber

Dissertations and Theses

The detection of disease and abnormal pathology by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been aided significantly by the use of gadolinium (Gd³⁺)-based contrast agents (CAs) over the past three decades. MRI and MRI CAs play a critical role in diagnosing tumors and diseases of the central nervous system. The agents used clinically have been shown to safely increase MRI contrast despite the toxicity of Gd³⁺, owing to the high kinetic and thermodynamic stability of these chelates. However, current CAs enhance contrast at a small fraction of what is theoretically possible. This leads to the necessity of …

Application Of Flexible Bronchoscopy In Inhalation Lung Injury, Chong Bai, Haidong Huang, Xiaopeng Yao, Shihui Zhu, Bing Li, Jingqing Hang, Wei Zhang, Paul Zarogoulidis, Andreas Gschwendtner, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis, Qiang Li, Michael Simoff

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: As acute inhalational injury is an uncommon presentation to most institutions, a standard approach to its assessment and management, especially using flexible bronchoscopy, has not received significant attention. Methods: The objective of this study is to evaluate the value of using flexible bronchoscopy as part of the evaluation and management of patients with inhalational lung injury. Twenty-three cases of inhalational lung injury were treated in our three hospitals after a fire in a residential building. The twenty cases that underwent bronchoscopy as part of their management are included in this analysis. After admission, the first bronchoscopy was conducted within …

Spectral Discrimination Of Breast Pathologies In Situ Using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging, Ashley M. Laughney, Venkataramanan Krishnaswamy, Elizabeth J. Rizzo, Mary C. Schwab, Richard J. Barth, David J. Cuccia, Bruce J. Tromberg, Keith D. Paulsen, Brian W. Pogue, Wendy A. Wells

Dartmouth Scholarship

Introduction: Nationally, 25% to 50% of patients undergoing lumpectomy for local management of breast cancer require a secondary excision because of the persistence of residual tumor. Intraoperative assessment of specimen margins by frozen-section analysis is not widely adopted in breast-conserving surgery. Here, a new approach to wide-field optical imaging of breast pathology in situ was tested to determine whether the system could accurately discriminate cancer from benign tissues before routine pathological processing.

Fluorescence Characterization Of Quantum Dots For Use As Biomarkers, Logan M. Grimes

Materials Engineering

Fluorescence profiles of quantum dots (QDs) were characterized to select the ideal QDs for encapsulation in phospholipids for use as biomarkers to selectively adhere to cancer cells. QDs were synthesized and extracted 0, 30, 60, and 90 seconds after precursor compounds were mixed. These extractions were isolated by extraction time. Portions from each vial were coated in a zinc sulfide shelling procedure, leaving at least half of the QD solution unshelled. These samples were characterized over four days to monitor fluctuations in fluorescence. This was done utilizing an Ocean Optics spectrometer in conjunction with Spectra Suite software. The central wavelength, …

Necrotizing Sarcoid Granulomatosis With Hemoptysis: A Case Report And Literature Review, Haidong Huang, Chen Li, Chong Bai, Qiang Li, Weiqiang Zheng, Zhi Zhu, Paul Zarogoulidis, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis, Andreas Gschwendtner, Wolfgang Hohenforst-Schmidt, Michael Simoff

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

We present a case of 39-year-old male with the symptoms of fever, cough, chest pain and bloody phlegm, whose chest CT showed multiple subpleural nodules and inflammatory infiltration. Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery ( VATS ) for right subplural nodule was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis. Prednisolone was administered and the symptoms were under control untill the occurrence of intermittent hemoptysis after 10 months. Chest CT and bronchoscope revealed the right lower lobe nodule with intraluminal necrotic tissue in the right lower lobe posterior basal segment respectively. Fatal hemoptysis happened during endobronchial biopsy by flexible bronchoscope forcep. Based …

Biomedical Photoacoustic Imaging Using Gas-Coupled Laser Acoustic Detection, Jami Johnson

Student Research Initiative

Several detection methods have been explored for photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging of biological tissues. Piezoelectric transducers are commonly used, which require contact with the sample to be imaged and have limiting bandwidth characteristics. Interferometry detection exhibits improved bandwidth characteristics and resolution, yet generally require complicated optics and the incorporation of a contacting reflective medium. In this paper, we report the use of a noncontact photoacoustic imaging system that does not require the use of a reflective layer. A simple, robust technique known as gas-coupled laser acoustic detection is used, which has previously been applied to evaluation of composite materials. This …

A Knowledge-Based Clinical Toxicology Consultant For Diagnosing Multiple Exposures, Joel D. Schipper, Douglas D. Dankel Ii, A. Antonio Arroyo, Jay L. Schauben

Publications

Objective: This paper presents continued research toward the development of a knowledge-based system for the diagnosis of human toxic exposures. In particular, this research focuses on the challenging task of diagnosing exposures to multiple toxins. Although only 10% of toxic exposures in the United States involve multiple toxins, multiple exposures account for more than half of all toxin-related fatalities. Using simple medical mathematics, we seek to produce a practical decision support system capable of supplying useful information to aid in the diagnosis of complex cases involving multiple unknown substances.

Methods: The system is automatically trained using data mining …

The Relationship Between Vitamin D Status Of Adult Women And Diet, Sun Exposure, Skin Reflectance, Body Composition, And Insulin Sensitivity, Marisa M. Mcadler

Master's Theses

As the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency continues to grow, mounting evidence supporting its link with chronic disease strengthens suggesting vitamin D’s candidacy in the prevention and treatment of multiple disease states and their complications. Dietary guidelines, however, do not take sun exposure into account. The present study sought to explore the impact of sun exposure on vitamin D status (serum 25(OH)D), and identify other significant determinants of serum levels which may have the greatest effects on overall health. Participants (n = 34) were pre-menopausal women aged 18 to 50 years (mean age 39 ± 6 years), who had their …

Design, Synthesis And Development Of Transporter Targeting Agents For Image-Guided Therapy And Drug Delivery, Ning Tsao

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The purpose of this study was to design, synthesize and develop novel transporter targeting agents for image-guided therapy and drug delivery. Two novel agents, N4-guanine (N4amG) and glycopeptide (GP) were synthesized for tumor cell proliferation assessment and cancer theranostic platform, respectively. N4amG and GP were synthesized and radiolabeled with ^99mTc and ⁶⁸Ga. The chemical and radiochemical purities as well as radiochemical stabilities of radiolabeled N4amG and GP were tested. In vitro stability assessment showed both ^99mTc-N4amG and ^99mTc-GP were stable up to 6 hours, whereas ⁶⁸Ga-GP was stable up to 2 hours. Cell culture studies …

Reliability And Validity Of The Ne1 Wound Assessment Tool (Wat), Stephanie Coon, Faustina Tran, Melinda Vicencio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Current literature indicates a lack of reliability and validity of existing pressure ulcer (PrU) staging systems. This prompted the development of the N.E. One Can Stage (NEOCS). Recently this tool was modified and renamed, the NE1 Wound Assessment Tool (NE1 WAT). The purpose of this study is to test the reliability and validity of the NE1 WAT.

Subjects:

A sample of convenience of nine physical therapists (PTs) and 11 nurses (RNs) with PrU staging as part of their routine work duties were included in this study.

Methods:

A written exam was administered and consisted of assessment questions …

Effects Of Clostridium Difficile On The Human Immune Response, Mike Mcgovern

Honors Projects in Science and Technology

Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that is rapidly becoming a large issue in the medical community due to its tendency to infect hospital patients and its resistance to antibiotics. By studying the way in which the pathogen interacts with the human immune system, it is possible to better understand how the body naturally fights off the disease. This knowledge can allow medical professionals to develop treatments that can help curtail the infection before serious symptoms occur. Working under a grant program alongside Professors Kirsten Hokeness and Chris Reid, I was able to research the effects that exposure to the C. …

Detecting Point-Like Sources Of Unknown Frequency Spectra, Raffaele Solimene, Giuseppe Ruvio, Angela Dell’Aversano, Antonio Cuccaro, Max Ammann, Rocco Pierri

Articles

The problem of detecting point-like sources whose frequency spectrum is unknown is addressed. Limitations of single-frequency approaches are identified by analytical as well as numerical arguments. To overcome these limits, different multifrequency approaches which combine frequency data incoherently are compared. In particular, a novel multifrequency MUSIC-like algorithm based on interferometric concepts is proposed. Results show that the algorithm outperforms other methods under comparison.

Diagnosis And Evaluation Of Peripheral Neuropathies, Jay D. Varrato Do

Neurology Update for the Non-Neurologist

No abstract provided.

Diagnosis And Treatment Options For Multiple Sclerosis, Gary Clauser Md

Neurology Update for the Non-Neurologist

No abstract provided.

Diagnosis, Evaluation And Treatments For Dementia, John W. Margraf Md

Neurology Update for the Non-Neurologist

No abstract provided.

Diagnosis, Assessment And Evaluation For Seizures, John W. Margraf Md

Neurology Update for the Non-Neurologist

No abstract provided.

Migraine Diagnosis And Treatment, Vitaliy Koss Md

Neurology Update for the Non-Neurologist

No abstract provided.

Automated Point-Of-Care Image Processing Methodology For The Diagnosis Of Malaria, Michael B. Jorgensen

Master's Theses

Malaria has profoundly influenced human history for over four thousand years and despite numerous attempts at eradication, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria have been largely ineffective. More than five hundred million people are affected by malaria every year resulting in over one million deaths. Drug resistance development by the parasite has diminished the effectiveness of numerous treatment options due, in part, to overtreatment of negative patients based on insufficient clinical algorithms and diagnostic methods. The goal of this research was to develop an image analysis algorithm to diagnose malaria with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in …

A Machine Learning Approach To Diagnosis Of Parkinson’S Disease, Sumaiya F. Hashmi

CMC Senior Theses

I will investigate applications of machine learning algorithms to medical data, adaptations of differences in data collection, and the use of ensemble techniques.

Focusing on the binary classification problem of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) diagnosis, I will apply machine learning algorithms to a primary dataset consisting of voice recordings from healthy and PD subjects. Specifically, I will use Artificial Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, and an Ensemble Learning algorithm to reproduce results from [MS12] and [GM09].

Next, I will adapt a secondary regression dataset of PD recordings and combine it with the primary binary classification dataset, testing various techniques to consolidate …

Erosive Hand Osteoarthritis Is Associated With Subclinical Atherosclerosis And Endothelial Dysfunction, Athanasios Koutroumpas, Athanasios Giannoukas, Elias Zintzaras, Ekaterini Exarchou, Aris Baliakos, Konstantinos Makaritsis, Lazaros I. Sakkas

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Chronic inflammatory disorders have been associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. Recent evidence suggests that erosive hand osteoarthritis (EOA) has considerable inflammation; therefore, we examined the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in EOA. Twenty-four patients with EOA and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals without clinical OA were included in the study. No subject had a history of CV disease. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and atheromatous plaques in the common carotid and common femoral arteries were measured by Doppler ultrasonography. The endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and endothelium-independent, sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (NTG)-induced dilatation (NMD) of the brachial …

Is Modafinil (Provigil®) Effective In Improving Cognitive Function In Adults With Narcolepsy?, Stephanie V. Bui

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not modafinil (Provigil®) is effective in improving cognitive function in adults with narcolepsy.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of all English language primary randomized controlled trials from 1996 to 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Double-blind, randomized controlled trials that compared modafinil (Provigil®) to a visually matched placebo were found using OVID, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Databases.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed the effect of modafinil on cognitive and executive function by Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA), and the following assessment tools: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Multiple Sleep …

A Dna Computer For Glioblastoma Multiforme Diagnosis And Drug Delivery, Sumaiya F. Hashmi

CMC Senior Theses

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a debilitating malignant brain tumor with expected patient survival of less than a year and limited responsiveness to most treatments, often requiring biopsy for diagnosis and invasive surgery for treatment. We propose a DNA computer system, consisting of input, computation, and output components, for diagnosis and treatment. The input component will detect the presence of three GBM biomarkers: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), caveolin-1α (CAV), and B2 receptors. The computation component will include indicator segments for each of these genes, and ensure that output is only released if all the biomarkers are present. The output component …