Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

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 …

Characterization Of Differentiation And Prognostic Biomarkers On Cd8+ Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes In Metastatic Melanoma, Richard C. Wu

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

CD8⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) frequently infiltrate tumors, yet most melanoma patients fail to undergo tumor regression. We studied the differentiation of the CD8⁺ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from 44 metastatic melanoma patients using known T-cell differentiation markers. We also compared CD8⁺ TIL against the T cells from matched melanoma patients’ peripheral blood. We discovered a novel subset of CD8⁺ TIL co-expressing early-differentiation markers, CD27, CD28, and a late/senescent CTL differentiation marker, CD57. This CD8⁺CD57⁺ TIL expressed a cytolytic enzyme, granzyme B (GB), yet did not express another cytolytic pore-forming molecule, perforin (Perf). In …

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. …

Feasibility Of Tomotherapy-Based Image-Guided Radiotherapy To Reduce Aspiration Risk In Patients With Non-Laryngeal And Non-Pharyngeal Head And Neck Cancer, Nam P. Nguyen, Lexie Smith-Raymond, Vincent Vinh-Hung, Paul Vos, Rick Davis, Anand Desai, Thomas Sroka

Dartmouth Scholarship

Purpose: The study aims to assess the feasibility of Tomotherapy-based image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) to reduce the aspiration risk in patients with non-laryngeal and non-hypopharyngeal cancer. A retrospective review of 48 patients undergoing radiation for non-laryngeal and non-hypopharyngeal head and neck cancers was conducted. All patients had a modified barium swallow (MBS) prior to treatment, which was repeated one month following radiotherapy. Mean middle and inferior pharyngeal dose was recorded and correlated with the MBS results to determine aspiration risk.

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.

Current Standards For Treatment Of Stroke: Management Of Acute Ischemic Stroke, John E. Castaldo 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.

Treatment Options For Seizures: Practical Points In Epilepsy Management, Soraya E. Jiménez 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.

Special Populations And Considerations In Migraine Therapy, Gary Clauser 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.

Defining The Need For Specific Neurological Studies, John E. Castaldo Md

Neurology Update for the Non-Neurologist

No abstract provided.

Data Mining The Functional Characterizations Of Proteins To Predict Their Cancer-Relatedness, Peter Revesz, Christopher Assi

School of Computing: Faculty Publications

This paper considers two types of protein data. First, data about protein function described in a number of ways, such as, GO terms and PFAM families. Second, data about whether individual proteins are experimentally associated with cancer by an anomalous elevation or lowering of their expressions within cancerous cells. We combine these two types of protein data and test whether the first type of data, that is, the functional descriptors, can predict the second type of data, that is, cancer-relatedness. By using data mining and machine learning, we derive a classifier algorithm that using only GO term and PFAM family …

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 …

Scanning In Situ Spectroscopy Pplatform For Imaging Surgical Breast Tissue Specimens, Venkataramanan Krishnaswamy, Ashley M. Laughney, Wendy A. Wells, Keith D. Paulsen, Brian W. Pogue

Dartmouth Scholarship

A non-contact localized spectroscopic imaging platform has been developed and optimized to scan 1 x 1 cm² square regions of surgically resected breast tissue specimens with ~150-micron resolution. A color corrected, image-space telecentric scanning design maintained a consistent sampling geometry and uniform spot size across the entire imaging field. Theoretical modeling in ZEMAX allowed estimation of the spot size, which is equal at both the center and extreme positions of the field with ~5% variation across the designed waveband, indicating excellent color correction. The spot sizes at the center and an extreme field position were also measured experimentally using the …

Generation And Characterization Of Peptide Fusion Proteins, Brianna L. Probasco

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations

Pathogenic Th17 cells drive progression of many autoimmune diseases. Th17 cells develop from naïve T cells in the immune system after antigen-driven stimulation in a specific cytokine environment. Normally, T cells act to fight off infection, but when not properly controlled, they can cause disease. The cytokine interleukin-23 (IL-23) plays an essential role in the expansion of pathogenic Th17 cells. IL-23 is a heterodimeric protein, composed of a p19 alpha chain and a p40 beta chain. The p40 is also part of IL-12 and binds to the IL-12 receptor beta 1 (IL-12Rβ1) subunit. Thus, it follows that the IL-23 receptor …

Can Healthy Transplanted Tissue Be Used To Restore Motor Function In Patients With Parkinson's Disease?, Aliza Erlbaum

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Parkinson’s Disease is a condition that disrupts the lives the many people. The disease is characterized by a loss of dopamine producing neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra of the ventral midbrain, and symptoms include a lack of motor control and rigidity in motion. Currently, there are many treatments available to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, each treatment involves many adverse side effects that most wish to avoid. Science is discovering possible innovative, alternative options to treat Parkinson’s disease such as the transplantation of healthy dopaminergic neurons directly into the striatum of the patient. Methods include …

Are Oncolytic Viruses A Cure For Cancer? A Look At Reovirus, Adenovirus, And Hsv-1 In Cancer Treatment, Yehuda Rosenberg

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This paper aims to evaluate the option of utilizing Oncolytic Viruses as a viable treatment in fighting cancer. However, due to the broad nature of the subject, a more limited purview is necessary. With that in mind, the focus will be on a few of the more researched ones: Reovirus, Adenovirus, and HSV-1. In each case, we will examine what makes each of these potential options. This will include an examination of each one's tumor-specificity. Cancer and viral physiology will be discussed as necessary to examine the distinct protein expressions in tumor cells, so that the virus's method of battling …

Efficacy Of Probiotics Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Gg And Saccharomyces Boulardii In The Treatment Of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea And Clostridium Diffiicile-Associated Disease, Estie Klugmann

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Antibiotic therapy may cause serious side effects. Two disturbing effects of antibiotic administration are antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated disorder. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs as a direct result of the normal flora destruction due to the antibiotics - which do not discriminate against pathogens or healthy forms of bacteria. C. diff disorder also occurs as an indirect result of antibiotic administration, because the destruction of the normal flora prevents people from having healthy bacteria to prevent disease. There have been studies conducted to determine if replacing the destroyed normal flora with probiotics, or beneficial microorganisms will prevent or treat these conditions. …

What Is The Role Of Incretin Mimetics In The Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes?, Isaac Silberstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is an intricate disorder defined by insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, hyperglycemia, and both microvascular and macrovascular complications. Standard antidiabetic agents like metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones are often insufficient at glucoregulation and do not address the decline in beta cell function that characterizes type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the adverse effects of some of these pharmaceuticals, such as hypoglycemia and weight gain, are disappointing and further limit their clinical utility. Research demonstrates that the actions of two potent incretins. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), address these concerns as they stimulate beta …

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 …

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 …

Is Local Infiltration Analgesia (Lia) A Safe And Effective Method For Post-Operative Pain Management After A Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty (Tka)?, Brooke A. Bonnette

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is a safe and effective method for post-operative pain management after a unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published in 2010 and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing local infiltration analgesia to three separate controls: epidural analgesia, placebo infiltration and femoral nerve block found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Clinical outcome was measured by total morphine use postoperatively and average knee pain intensity at rest and upon movement postoperatively. Total morphine use …

What Is The Effectiveness Of Onabotulinumtoxina (Botox®) In Reducing The Number Of Chronic Migraines (Cm) In Patients 18-65 Years Old?, Kristin A. Beddingfield

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®) is effective in reducing the number of chronic migraines (CM) in patients 18-65 years old? Study Design: Review of three published, double blind randomized controlled trials were used for this review, which were found on PubMed; were selected based on their relevance to the clinical question and if they included patient oriented outcomes.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured were headache/migraine free days measured by >50% responder rate analysis, the Treatment Responder Rate based on Physician Global Assessment, and total adverse events reported by …

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 …

Practitioners' Use Of Clinical Practice Guidelines: An Evidence-Based Approach, Sondra Michelle Phipps Santana

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Pre-diabetes is a serious health problem in the United States. Distinguished by plasma glucose levels that are above the normal threshold, patients with pre-diabetes are 10 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Patients with pre-diabetes suffer the same complications as patients with diabetes including diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and microalbuminuria.

There is considerable evidence to support the idea that early identification and aggressive treatment of pre-diabetes has the potential to delay disease progression. The American Diabetes Association’s clinical practice guideline recommends management of with lifestyle modification and metformin for patients who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. …

Pharmacokinetics And Brain Uptake In The Rhesus Monkey Of A Fusion Protein Of Arylsulfatase A And A Monoclonal Antibody Against The Human Insulin Receptor, Ruben J. Boado, Jeff Zhiqiang Lu, Eric Ka-Wai Hui, Rachita K. Sumbria, William M. Pardridge

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disorder of the brain caused by mutations in the gene encoding the lysosomal sulfatase, arylsulfatase A (ASA). It is not possible to treat the brain in MLD with recombinant ASA, because the enzyme does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the present investigation, a BBB-penetrating IgG-ASA fusion protein is engineered and expressed, where the ASA monomer is fused to the carboxyl terminus of each heavy chain of an engineered monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR). The HIRMAb crosses the BBB via receptor-mediated transport on the endogenous BBB insulin receptor, …

We Are… Bridging Medicine And Science Vol. 1, Issue 2, Fall 2012, Marshall University Biomedical Sciences

We Are... Bridging Medicine Science

No abstract provided.

Variation In Perioperative Care Across Centers For Infants Undergoing The Norwood Procedure., Sara K. Pasquali, Richard G. Ohye, Minmin Lu, Jonathan Kaltman, Christopher A. Caldarone, Christian Pizarro, Carolyn Dunbar-Masterson, J William Gaynor, Jeffrey P. Jacobs, Aditya K. Kaza, Jane Newburger, John F. Rhodes, Mark Scheurer, Eric Silver, Lynn A. Sleeper, Sarah Tabbutt, James Tweddell, Karen Uzark, Winfield Wells, William T. Mahle, Gail D. Pearson, Pediatric Heart Network Investigators, Girish S. Shirali

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVES: In the Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial, infants undergoing the Norwood procedure were randomly allocated to undergo a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt or a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. Apart from shunt type, subjects received the local standard of care. We evaluated variation in perioperative care during the Norwood hospitalization across 14 trial sites.

METHODS: Data on preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables for 546 enrolled subjects who underwent the Norwood procedure were collected prospectively on standardized case report forms, and variation across the centers was described.

RESULTS: Gestational age, birth weight, and proportion with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were similar across sites. …