Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Interactive Cause And Effect Comic-Book Storytelling For Improving Nutrition Outcomes In Children, Ashish Amresh, Madhumita Sinha, Rebecca Birr, Rahul Salla

Publications

Obesity among children and adolescents is increasingly becoming a major public health problem. Poverty and lower socio-economic status as well as lack of parental awareness regarding a balanced diet and adequate exercise all contribute towards childhood obesity. Unfortunately minority children have been especially vulnerable, among them inner-city Latino children continue to have the highest incidence rates of overweight and obesity; hence targeted intervention for this population group is of paramount importance. Access and affordability of smartphones and mobile internet devices provide an opportunity to create nutrition education interventions that can significantly impact and change attitude and knowledge regarding healthy diet …

Design And Development Of Two Component Hydrogel Ejector For Three-Dimensional Cell Growth, Thomas Dunkle, Jessica Deschamps, Connie Dam

Honors Scholar Theses

Hydrogels are useful in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications, but the available methods of injecting them quickly and noninvasively are limited. The medical industry does not yet have access to an all-purpose device that can quickly synthesize hydrogels of different shapes and sizes. Many synthesis procedures that have been developed result in the formation of amorphous hydrogels. While generally useful, amorphous hydrogels exhibit limited capability in tissue engineering applications, especially due to their viscous properties. This endeavor aims to modulate the appropriate gelation parameters, optimize the injection process, and create a prototype that allows for the extrusion …

Oral Wellness: Using Occupational Therapy To Enhance Oral Hygiene Delivery In Long-Term Care, Lauryn J. Banovitz, Liberty Bellah, Rosemarie Lion

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Based on current literature, oral health in long-term care (LTC) facilities is frequently of low priority and does not follow evidence-based best practices. Poor oral health reduces the quality of life of older adult residents and patients and can lead to systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pneumonia, the leading cause of death in LTC. Occupational therapists can play an instrumental role as oral care consultants, and educators, and can act as resource guides to raise the standards of oral care in LTC facilities.

This capstone project explored ways in which occupational therapy, a profession traditionally designated for …

Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing 5’-Inositol Phosphatase-2 (Ship2) Is An Effector Of Lymphatic Dysfunction, Germaine D. Agollah

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The lymphatic system is essential for the transport of excess fluid, protein, and foreign materials from interstitial tissues to lymph nodes; for immune surveillance, and to maintain fluid homeostasis. Dysregulated lymphatics can be attributed to pathological conditions including tumor metastasis, inflammation, chronic wounds, obesity, blood vascular disorders, and lymphedema. Of these, lymphedema is the most extreme of lymphatic disorders and is represented by a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild, subtle presentation to severe, disfiguring, overt presentation. Lymphedema is more manageable in the early stages of disease but severely reduces quality of life with progression. Due to lack of molecular …

Correlation Matrix Analysis Identifies Gene Signatures Of Immune Cell Subsets And Their Interactions In Follicular Lymphoma, Jason R. Westin

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

There are important but ill-defined interactions between benign immune cell subsets and neoplastic B cells within follicular lymphoma (FL). Using the novel technique of correlation matrix analysis (CMA) of publicly available FL whole-tumor gene expression profiling (GEP) data, we have identified signatures of immune cell subsets. Overall survival correlated most highly with a model using signatures of macrophages, T cells, and stroma, which was able to add significantly to existing clinical prognostic tools. From our own data of a cohort of 43 FL tumors sorted into B-cell and non-B cell (NB) fractions for GEP, CMA of the tumor infiltrating NB …

Optimization Of Fluorescent Detection Of Rotavirus Protein Nsp4 And A Cellular Receptor In Two Cell Lines, Katelyn D. Defrates, Rebecca Walker, Ron Havenar, Rebecca D. Parr

Bright Ideas Conference

Rotavirus (RV) infections are the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. The two licensed vaccines for RV protect children from common strains of RV, but they are less effective against new emerging RV strains. Therefore, new therapeutics to treat RV infections need to be developed. Recently, we have shown stilbenoids, trans-arachidin-1 (t-A1) and trans-arachidin-3 (t-A3), decrease progeny virus particles by one hundred fold. Likewise, western blot assays show a decrease in the amount of the viral protein NSP4 with the addition of the stilbenoids during a RV infection. This indicates an effect on viral …

Site-Specific Immunomodulator: A Novel Treatment For Crohn's Disease, Brian Bressler, Kevin P. Bethel, Ralf Kleef, Sophie L. Reynolds, Simon Sutcliffe, David W. Mullins, Hal Gunn

Dartmouth Scholarship

We investigated the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of the Site-Specific Immunomodulator (SSI) QBECO, a novel immunotherapy for Crohn’s disease (CD). Using human monocytic THP-1 cells, we demonstrate that SSI QBECO (derived from the common colon bacteria E. coli) activates macrophages to an M1 phenotype (associated with enhanced capacity to eliminate bacteria and activate innate immune responses). We assessed SSI QBECO in a compassionate use protocol of ten adult patients with active CD. Patients with moderate to severe clinical symptoms receiving conventional CD treatments and/or complementary therapies were included, except patients receiving anti-TNF medications. SSI QBECO was self-administered subcutaneously …

The Historical Evolution Of Endoscopy, Sarah Ellison

Honors Theses

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery is on the rise and is becoming more common. Its advantage over traditional open surgery is a quicker recovery time and minimized risk of infection along with an aesthetically more pleasing smaller scar. Although many different scopes and instruments perform minimally invasive techniques, all minimally invasive instruments evolved from endoscopy. It wasn’t until the 20^th century that they began to diverge to separate studies. Therefore endoscopy is considered in regards to instrument evolution. History is full of twists and turns as different pieces of the scope progressed so its advancement has been separated into the …

Evidence Based Design In Healthcare: An Applied Study On The Impacts Of Interior Design For Cerebral Palsy, Katie D. Phillips

Honors College Theses

Evidence Based Design (EBD) is an informed approach to design where designers base their decisions on quantitative and qualitative research. The design of the Universal Access Center for United Cerebral Palsy, discussed in this paper, encapsulates this approach to design. The five stages of EBD and how they were achieved within this project is defined. In the first phase, programming, current trends in healthcare as well as issues surrounding design for adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are discussed. In schematic design, initial issues of the project are resolved, and creative ideas are explored leading to the design development stage. In …

A Qualitative Examination Of Optimal Professional Traits Of Physical Therapists. – An Exploratory Investigation, Nicholas G. Wood

Honors College Theses

Physical therapists are constantly searching for aspects of their professional practice to improve, in order to enhance interactions with patients, eventually leading to a more successful practice (Resnek & Jensen, 2003). Although this is the case, limited research has been found which has examined optimal qualities of physical therapists from neither a qualitative perspective, nor based upon their location. Thus, the purpose of this study is to use a qualitative approach to describe optimal qualities necessary for a successful physical therapy practice. In addition, this study aims to determine if therapists practicing in a rural community describe different qualities than …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Prevention Of Infant Torticollis & Plagiocephaly, Anne H. Zachry

Faculty Presentations

AOTA includes health promotion as an Intervention approach in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process. As health care professionals, occupational therapy practitioners are responsible for promoting public health and wellness. Occupational therapists need to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of varying infant positions, providing tummy time, and limiting infant time spent in baby gear.

The Effects Of Horseback Riding On The Gait Of Adolescents, Sarah L. Hayes

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to investigate the changes that occur in the gait of a set of subjects after they ride a horse. Eleven riders with a developmental disability were selected and included in an experimental group and nineteen “typical” subjects or those without a developmental disability were included as a second comparison group. The length of time the subjects were able to remain standing in a tandem stance and in a one-legged stance without becoming unbalanced was measured and recorded. The stride length of the subject’s second and third step from heel to heel was also …

Live Imaging Of The Ependymal Cilia In The Lateral Ventricles Of The Mouse Brain, Alzahra J. Al Omran, Hannah C. Saternos, Tongyu Liu, Surya M. Nauli, Wissam A. Aboualaiwi

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Multiciliated ependymal cells line the ventricles in the adult brain. Abnormal function or structure of ependymal cilia is associated with various neurological deficits. The current ex vivo live imaging of motile ependymal cilia technique allows for a detailed study of ciliary dynamics following several steps. These steps include: mice euthanasia with carbon dioxide according to protocols of The University of Toledo’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC); craniectomy followed by brain removal and sagittal brain dissection with a vibratome or sharp blade to obtain very thin sections through the brain lateral ventricles, where the ependymal cilia can be visualized. …

Ua10/1 Cec Newsletter, Mary Lloyd Moore Executive Director, Wku Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex

CEC Publications

No abstract provided.

Physical Therapy Management For A Female Student Athlete Post- Concussion: A Case Report, Matthew Johnson

All Capstone Projects

Background and purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe vestibular, oculomotor, and cervical interventions that were theorized to improve the function and decrease symptoms typically seen in the post-concussion population.

Case Description: The patient was a 16 year old female who was status post concussion due to head trauma during gymnastics routine. Symptoms included short term memory loss, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, headaches, visual disturbances, and neck pain.

Outcomes: Patient was seen for 7 treatments over the course of 6 weeks which mainly focused on oculomotor training, vestibular training, and cervicogenic relief. Outcomes were consistent with …

Comparative Literature Analysis Of Peripheral Vestibular Function Assessment Tools, Riddhi Chinoy

All Capstone Projects

Objective Purpose: One main function of the peripheral vestibular system's semicircular canals is to stabilize images on a target during head movements through the important vestibula-ocular reflex (VOR) in order to maintain clear vision. Abnormal VOR response results in fast, compensatory, catch­ up saccadic eye movements suggesting dysfunction in the semicircular canals. Several functional assessment tools have been developed since the twentieth century to measure the VOR response and saccadic eye movement, and some are still widely used currently, such as the caloric test, rotary chair test, bedside head impulse test (bHIT), scleral search coil technique, and video head impulse …

Image Enhancement Of Cancerous Tissue In Mammography Images, Richard Thomas Richardson

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

This research presents a framework for enhancing and analyzing time-sequenced mammographic images for detection of cancerous tissue, specifically designed to assist radiologists and physicians with the detection of breast cancer. By using computer aided diagnosis (CAD) systems as a tool to help in the detection of breast cancer in computed tomography (CT) mammography images, previous CT mammography images will enhance the interpretation of the next series of images. The first stage of this dissertation applies image subtraction to images from the same patient over time. Image types are defined as temporal subtraction, dual-energy subtraction, and Digital Database for Screening Mammography …

Use Of Functional Manual Therapy And A Strengthening Program In The Treatment Of A 41-Year-Old Female With Low Back And Sciatica Pain: A Case Report, Justin Jones

All Capstone Projects

Background and Purpose: Although low back pain is a common diagnosis treated in physical therapy clinics, there is disagreement in the literature as to the preferred interventions for this patient population. The purpose of this case report is to describe the outcome of a patient with acute onset of low back and sciatica pain with a treatment directed towards Functional Manual Therapy and a strengthening program based on initial examination findings.

Case Description: The patient was a 41 year-old female secretary with four day history of low back and sciatica pain that initiated after straining during a bowel movement. The …

Hydatid Cyst Of Thoracic Spine: A Rare Cause Of Paraplegia, Rahul Soangra, Mool Chand Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Primary spinal hydatid cysts are uncommon and extradural involvement is rare. We report an unusual case of Paraplegia due to hydatid disease of primary site of infection extra spinal muscles in thoracic region from T5 to T8 level extending into a daughter cyst at T9 level, is main cause of acute Paraplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an extradural round cystic lesion in the spinal canal filling the posterior and left postero-lateral expect at T9 level, markedly compressing the cord. The cyst was removed after laminectomy and opening of the dural sac, with excision of extraspinal mass in left paravertebral …

Piecing The Puzzle Together With The Use Of Physical Therapy, Mikayla Pruitt

Honors Projects

For my Honors Project I decided to create a set of exercise cards for children with autism. The front of each card had a picture symbolizing the exercise/activity, and on the back included directions, supplies and tips to complete the activity. The following is a selection of a few exercise cards from each of the four exercise sections, as well as the title card, table of contents cards, information cards, and source cards.

The Preparatory Set: A Novel Approach To Understanding Stress, Trauma, And The Bodymind Therapies, Peter Payne, Mardi A. Crane-Godreau

Dartmouth Scholarship

Basic to all motile life is a differential approach/avoid response to perceived features of environment. The stages of response are initial reflexive noticing and orienting to the stimulus, preparation, and execution of response. Preparation involves a coordination of many aspects of the organism: muscle tone, posture, breathing, autonomic functions, motivational/emotional state, attentional orientation, and expectations. The organism organizes itself in relation to the challenge. We propose to call this the "preparatory set" (PS). We suggest that the concept of the PS can offer a more nuanced and flexible perspective on the stress response than do current theories. We also hypothesize …

Anaesthetic Consideration In A Cannabis Addict, Karima Karam, Shemila Abbasi, Fauzia Anis Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

This case report describes the anaesthetic management of a patient addicted to Bhang(cannabis) for 20 years. Cannabis use has implication in the anaesthetic management of a patient because of its effects on the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and central nervous system and its interaction with anaesthetic drugs.

Experimental Investigation On The Relationship Between Lead Exposure And Thyroids In Diabetes, Salah Sumar Ali Al-Zadjali

Dissertations

Lead exposure can cause multiple systemic toxicities, particularly affecting the hematopoietic, nervous and renal systems. However, its effects on the thyroid functions are not well elucidated and the published studies are controversial. In addition, although there are several experimental thyroid models, each one of them has its own limitations. Accordingly, in this dissertation, we investigated the possible relationship between lead exposure, thyroid functions and short-term systemic toxicity in two animal models, namely normal (non-diabetic) and diabetic animals. We also investigated the possibility of developing a hormonal thyroid model. In the non-diabetic model, Wistar rats were divided into five groups and …

Spectropathology For The Next Generation: Quo Vadis?, Hugh Byrne, Malgorzata Baranska, Gerwin J. Pupples, Nick Stone, Bayden Wood, Kathleen M. Gough, Peter Lasch, Phil Heraud, Josep Sulé-Suso, Ganesh Sockalingum

Articles

Although the potential of vibrational spectroscopy for biomedical applications has been well demonstrated, translation into clinical practice has been relatively slow. This Editorial assesses the challenges facing the field and the potential way forward. While many technological challenges have been addressed to date, considerable effort is still required to gain acceptance of the techniques among the medical community, standardise protocols, extend to a clinically relevant scale, and ultimately assess the health economics underlying clinical deployment. National and international research networks can contribute much to technology development and standardisation. Ultimately, large-scale funding is required to engage in clinical trials and instrument …

Optical Diagnostics – Spectropathology For The Next Generation, Malgorzata Baranska, Hugh Byrne

Articles

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Photography: The Silent Savior Of Breast Cancer Patients, Sarah M. Schroeder

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

This paper explores the role of digital mammography in diagnosing breast cancer.

Facile Methods For The Analysis Of Lysophosphatidic Acids In Human Plasma, Jialu Wang

Dissertations and Theses

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) influences many physiological processes, such as brain and vascular development. It is associated with several diseases including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, multiple myeloma atherosclerotic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary inflammatory diseases and renal diseases. LPA plasma and serum levels have been reported to be important values in diagnosing ovarian cancer and other diseases. However, the extraction and quantification of LPA in plasma are very challenging because of the low physiological concentration and similar structures of LPA to other phospholipids. Many previous studies have not described the separation of LPA from other phospholipids, …

The Association Between Critical Thinking And Scholastic Aptitude On First-Time Pass Rate Of The National Physical Therapy Examination, Daniel W. Suckow, C. Jayne Brahler, Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore, Mary Insana Fisher, Philip A. Anloague

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objectives: 1) To investigate the relationships among critical thinking (CT) abilities, overall academic performance in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program as measured by cumulative grade point average (GPA), and National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) licensure scores, and 2) To determine if NPTE scores were significantly different between groups of students who were classified as having low, moderate or high CT abilities.

Background: It is well-established that physical therapy practice requires good clinical reasoning skills. Passage of the NPTE is required for licensure. Research to date has been mixed as to whether CT abilities or GPA can predict success …

Utilization Of An Electronic Best Practice Advisory Decreases Brain Computed Tomography In An Academic Emergency Department Setting, Donald Szlosek

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

More than 1.3 million people seek emergency care following a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) each year. While most MTBI patients are safely discharged, a small proportion experience serious intracranial processes. The wide availability of computed tomography (CT) has generated a dramatic increase in the number of CTs performed to identify those patients with clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI), generating expense and radiation exposure risks for patients. To address unwarranted variation in practice, we implemented an electronic best practice advisory (eBPA) based upon a validated clinical prediction rule that appears when emergency department (ED) clinicians order CT following MTBI.

Vibrational Microspectroscopy For Cancer Screening, Fiona Lyng, Ines Ramos, Ola Ibrahim, Hugh Byrne

Articles

Vibrational spectroscopy analyses vibrations within a molecule and can be used to characterise a molecular structure. Raman spectroscopy is one of the vibrational spectroscopic techniques, in which incident radiation is used to induce vibrations in the molecules of a sample, and the scattered radiation may be used to characterise the sample in a rapid and non-destructive manner. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a complementary vibrational spectroscopic technique based on the absorption of IR radiation by the sample. Molecules absorb specific frequencies of the incident light which are characteristic of their structure. IR and Raman spectroscopy are sensitive to subtle biochemical changes …