Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Protocol For Safe, Affordable, And Reproducible 1 Isolation And Quantitation 2 Of Sars-Cov-2 Rna From Wastewater, Monica Trujillo, Kristen Cheung, Anna Gao, Irene Hoxie, Sherin Kannoly, Nanami Kubota, Kaung Myat San, Davida S. Smyth, John J. Dennehy

Publications and Research

The following protocol describes our workflow for processing wastewater with the goal of detecting the genetic signal of SARS-CoV-2. The steps include pasteurization, virus concentration, RNA extraction, and quantification by RT-qPCR. We include auxiliary steps that provide new users with tools and strategies that will help troubleshoot key steps in the process. This protocol is one of the safest, cheapest, and most reproducible approaches for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. Furthermore, the RNA obtained using this protocol, minus the pasteurization step, can be sequenced both using a targeted approach sequencing specific regions or the whole genome. The protocol …

High Rates Of Misdiagnosis Of Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome And How To Reduce Them, Aliya Centner

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a clinical diagnosis characterized by sudden onset of obsessive compulsive disorder and is considered a type of Autoimmune Encephalitis. Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS) is a subset of PANS characterized by a similar presentation but specifically results from infection by Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, as PANS can become a chronic condition. PANS and PANDAS are frequently misdiagnosed. There are a variety of differential diagnoses. The intent of this thesis is to evaluate differences in symptoms between PANDAS patients and those with a differential diagnosis …

Brain Interhemispheric Alterations In Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Using Structural Neuroimaging Features, Cintya Dutta

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This dissertation examines brain lateralization and interhemispheric asymmetry patterns found in youths with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Prior research groups have found mixed findings with respect to left and right hemisphere alterations from ADHD subjects using structural magnetic resonance imaging. In these investigations, we propose the use of Asymmetry Index (AI), a subject-specific metric that quantifies the extent of brain asymmetry and allows each subject to serve as their own control, thus reducing variability when pooling across different sites. We compare AI metric with laterality across volumetric, surface area, thickness, morphology, and white matter measures in order to characterize …

Reducing Turnaround Time From Pathology Collection To Patient Awareness In Gastroenterology Practice, Adrianna Hyams

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Means of improving the turnaround time from specimen completion to the patient being notified of results are not well known or researched. The aim of this study is to decrease the turnaround time (TAT) from when the specimen is collected to the time the patient is notified from 4 weeks to 2 weeks. This quality improvement project took place in a privately owned gastroenterology office in southern Indiana.

Methods: An exhaustive literature review was completed to determine the best means of improving pathology TAT. The Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) method of quality improvement was used for this project. …

Challenges During Colonoscopy In Women With A Prior Hysterectomy, Lubna Kamani, Nazish Butt, Hanisha Khemani

Section of Gastroenterology

No abstract provided.

Development And Characterization Of An Adaptable Aerosolized Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate Generation System, Simon Aubin, Loïc Wingert, Sébastien Gagné, Livain Breau, Jacques Lesage

Études primaires

Reactive semivolatile contaminants, such as isocyanates, can be particularly difficult to assess in occupational environments. While standard methods exist for isocyanates, there are still significant differences between the results they provide for various occupational environments or processes. This study presents the validation of a laboratory system for the generation of controlled atmospheres of isocyanates. A system consisting of different modules generated airborne methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) by nebulizing a solution into mixing and exposure chambers with control of flow rate, temperature, and relative humidity. Sampling was performed through an eight-port flow splitter that allowed only very slight within-test variability. MDI …

Cost Outcomes Of Physical Therapist Providers Compared To Primary Care Providers In The Treatment Of Musculoskeletal Patients In A Military Treatment Facility: A Retrospective Chart Review”, Troy E. Mcgill, Debra F. Stern, Morey J. Kolber, John Mcgee

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the cost of physical therapist (PT) management of patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders to management by traditional primary care managers (PCMs); medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), and physician assistants (PAs). Methods: This is a retrospective study of electronic medical records using an exploratory, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and quantitative design method. The records of patients with MSK disorders were assessed at an Air Force military medical clinic for 18 months from January 2016 through June 2017. Results: PT management of MSK patients resulted in a …

The Presentation Of Adhesive Capsulitis Of The Hip: A Case Study, Patrick E. Jurewicz, Ryan C. Berlinrut, Frank K. Noojin Iii, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

A 47-year-old female patient employed as a nurse in a mental health facility working 10-hour shifts reported to the sports medicine clinic for an initial orthopaedic examination after she twisted and fell out of bed causing direct compressive forces on her right hip. She has a history of an underdeveloped right hip, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) allergy, and low back pain (Oswestry score: 41/50, NPRS: 8/10) and is classified as a heavy smoker for 30 years. After initial onset, the patient’s pain increased with all motions. The patient also described a ‘catching sensation’ in her hip. The patient used …

Community Opioid Overdose Prevention And Naloxone Distribution Programs: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Madison M. Hauge, Kathryn C. Downs, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 100 people die of drug overdose in the United States every day. This frighteningly high mortality rate has created the need for community-based opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs). Currently, there are more than 188 community-run programs operating in the United States. These programs teach individuals how to distribute naloxone and respond properly to a drug overdose situation. This guiding systematic review depicts the current literature available on OOPPs and their effectiveness. The authors performed an article search to discover the most relevant and recent articles, which were graded using a quality …

The Role And Value Of The Athletic Trainer In The Chiropractic Medicine Setting, Nicholas Spangler

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

In the United States, back pain is the most common cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years, the second most frequent reason for visits to the physician, the third most common cause of surgical procedure, and the most frequently reported subcategory of musculoskeletal impairment in the United States of people aged up to 65 years (51.7%).1 Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who are trained in the evaluation and treatment of this patient population and utilize a variety of skills like spinal manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, modalities, and therapeutic exercise. Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals whose educational and clinical …

Evaluation And Treatment Of The Water-Polo Player With Anterior Glenohumeral Instability, M Zimmerman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: Glenohumeral (GH) instability is a common shoulder condition with a range of characteristics from laxity within the GH joint to complete dislocation of the humerus. The GH joint is held in place by static and dynamic stabilizers that need to be functioning appropriately to center the humerus in the glenoid fossa. Acquired shoulder instability is defined as chronic stress of the humerus in an externally rotated and abducted position on the shoulder joint from repetitive overhead (OH) sports causing anterior instability of the shoulder. Diagnosing shoulder instability is reliant on the patient’s history and physical examination findings during testing. …

Cervical Kyphosis In A Collegiate Baseball Player, L E. Trail, B J. Warner, D M. Gallegos

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: A 21-year-old collegiate baseball player reported to the athletic training staff complaining of pain along the superior angle of the scapula, decreased shoulder range of motion, and transient numbness and tingling in the 4th and 5th digits of his right hand. Physical evaluation revealed substantial spasm and rigidity of the upper trapezius and scapular stabilizer musculature, along with myofascial adhesions in the rhomboids and levator scapulae, in addition to weakness with shoulder abduction and external rotation. All thoracic outlet syndrome testing yielded no positive tests. Thorough patient history revealed a history of shoulder arthroscopy the previous summer to address …

An Exploratory Analysis Of A Treatment Based Classification Algorithm To Treat Patellar Tendinopathy, Monica Matocha, Patti Syvertson, Janet Mcmurray, Emily R. Dietz, Russell T. Baker, Alan Nasypany, Don Reordan, Darcy Downey

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The general and athletic populations commonly experience patellar tendon pain, which is frequently treated with a gold standard 12-week eccentric exercise protocol. The present research study was designed to determine the effects of a treatment based classification (TBC) algorithm utilizing indirect treatment techniques in patellar tendinopathy participants. Ten participants (seven females, three males, mean age = 19.6 ± 1.07, mean symptom duration = 2.14 years with a range of one week to six years) with patellar tendinopathy were evaluated and included in this study. Each participant underwent a thorough evaluation process to aid in determining inclusion: participant medical history, range …

Management Of Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation With Double Sequential Defibrillation, Kaitlyn A. Brown

Capstone Showcase

Patients experiencing cardiac arrest are treated according to ACLS protocols, however current protocols lack recommendations for the treatment of refractory Ventricular Fibrillation which persists after more than 3 cycles of CPR and defibrillation. One potential intervention for these cases that is being researched is the use of simultaneous or sequential activation of two defibrillators. This literature review analyzed the results of several studies to determine if double sequential defibrillation (DSD) is a viable treatment to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and improved patient survival. The results of the studies were mixed with some showing positive outcomes, and others showing …

Effectiveness Of Take-Home Naloxone Programs In Athletic Training: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Michael J. Palm, Amanda N. Flanscha, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The number of opioid overdoses (ODs) has risen in recent years and has become more complex due to the co-involvement of both prescription and illicit opioid drug use. Provisional programs for take-home naloxone (a medication designed to rapidly reverse opiate OD symptoms) kits have been distributed to combat this potentially fatal epidemic. Although there is strong evidence to support the efficacy of naloxone in the reversal of opiate OD, there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of take-home naloxone (THN) kits. The purpose of this evidence-to-practice review was to summarize a systematic review on the efficacy of THN programs. …

Harnessing Acoustic Streaming For Bioanalysis In Microfluidics, Xiaojun Li

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the past few decades, microfluidic technology has been developed rapidly in both fabrication methods and multifunctionality integrations, making it a powerful tool for a wider variety of biological applications. The device fabrication method has expanded from conventional polymer-based micro devices to 3D-printed micro devices, and allows multiple functions such as electric, optic, magnetic and acoustic to be integrated on a single platform. This dissertation focuses on method development of acoustic streaming-based microfluidics in bioanalysis such as immunoassay, enzyme kinetics and DNA fragmentation analysis. In this dissertation, a micromixer was developed based on acoustic streaming generated from sharp-edge structure vibration …

A Deblurring/Denoising Corrected Scintigraphic Planar Image Reconstruction Model For Targeted Alpha Theory, Charles Ross Schmidtlein, Matthew Maroun, Andrzej Krol, Howard Gifford, Lisa Bodei, Joseph O'Donoghue, Ida Häggström, Yuesheng Xu, Si Li

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

Scintigraphy is a common nuclear medicine method to image molecular target’s bio-distribution and pharmacokinetics through the use of radiotracers and gamma cameras. The patient’s images are obtained by using a pair of opposing large flat gamma ray detectors equipped with parallel-hole lead or tungsten collimators that preferentially detect gamma-rays that are emitted perpendicular to the plane of the detector. The resulting images form an anterior/posterior (A/P) planar image pairs. The obtained images are contaminated by noise and contain artifacts caused by gamma-ray attenuation, collimator penetration, scatter and other detrimental factors. Post-filtering of the images can reduce the noise, but at …

Efficacy Of Platelet-Rich Plasma (Prp) Injections Vs Topical Minoxidil In Adults With Androgenetic Alopecia, Yuan-Jane Qiu

Capstone Showcase

Androgenetic alopecia is a condition mediated by androgen (specifically DHT) and genetic factors that causes hair loss and thinning of the scalp in men and women. The hairs’ anagen phase is shortened and terminal hairs transition into vellus hairs. Although this condition is considered cosmetic in nature, it has psychologically detrimental effects. There are medical treatments available to prevent further hair loss but there is currently no cure. Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) is the most commonly used medication for androgenetic alopecia that stops hair loss and, in some cases, helps hair regrowth. However, it can cause an allergic contact dermatitis, local …

Opioid Use Disorder: The Timeline For Medication Assisted Therapy, Alexander Cristofori

Capstone Showcase

Opioid Use Disorder is patterns of opioid use leading to withdrawal, giving up important life events in order to use opioids, and excessive time spent using opioids, to name a few diagnostic criteria. The clinical progression of the disorder involves periods of acute exacerbation and remission that are cyclic in nature. Treatment is most effective when it includes both pharmacological and psychosocial modalities, referred to as medication assisted therapy (MAT). Three drugs used commonly in MAT-based treatment for OUD from oldest to newest include Methadone, Buprenorphine-naloxone, and Naltrexone. Treatment program models that prioritize total abstinence from the addictive substance attached …

The Efficacy Of Mirnas As A Diagnostic Tool For Endometriosis, Maura Franey

Capstone Showcase

Abstract

Introduction: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological condition. Laparoscopic abdominopelvic exploration is the gold standard of diagnosis, but is not performed until patients experience severe symptoms. This review analyzes the levels of circulating micro-RNAs (miRNAs) (I) for diagnosis of endometriosis (O) in women diagnosed with endometriosis (P) compared to laparoscopic exploration (C).

Methods: A literature search was conducted through PubMed and Cochrane Library in November 2019. A total of nine articles consisting of case-control or systematic reviews were selected based on publication date, main outcome, and the use of miRNAs or laparoscopy for diagnosis of endometriosis.

Results: The eight …

Identifying Molecular Pathways Underlying Noise-Induced Tinnitus, Mckenzie Rice

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Tinnitus is a serious neurological condition effecting 10-15% of adults, and can lead to other symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and sleeping, anxiety, and depression. Currently there are no FDA approved drugs to prevent or treat tinnitus, mainly due to a lack of understanding of its cellular and molecular pathways. T- and L- type calcium channels have been implicated in the modulation of tinnitus, as well as the dysfunction of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons. This study used the sound-based avoidance detection (SBAD) method in order to detect tinnitus and determine whether pharmacological treatments had an effect in mediating tinnitus. T-type …

Potential Perioperative Complications Due To Difference In Timing Of Systemic Heparinization During Ruptured Aneurysm Coiling, Rouzbeh Kotaki, Ameer E. Hassan, Wondwossen G. Tekle

MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years

Potential Perioperative Complications Due To Differences in Timing Of Systemic Heparin Distribution During Ruptured Aneurysm Coiling

Introduction:

In general, systematic heparin anticoagulation is standard in regards to neurovascular intervention. When coiling ruptured aneurysms, many neurointerventionalists have their own protocol as to timing of systemic heparinization. There is ample research and literature reviewing the frequency of perioperative events, predictors and outcomes, as well as the efficacy in the use of anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets before, during, and after neurovascular procedures to prevent adverse outcomes. However, there currently exists a dearth of research in regards to timing of distribution of heparin intraoperatively and …

Ecg Monitoring In Athletes, Jalal Jwayyed, Kelly Purgason, Joseph Linder, Annamarie Alfery, Silvia Furman

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Athletes and medical personnel need reliable methods to monitor vital signs and detect potentially life-threatening issues before they occur. Electrocardiograph (ECG) monitors are currently the best method of detecting heart-related health issues. Current ECG monitors worn by athletes are difficult to use and lack the ability to track ECGs in real time. Through research and interviews with various clinicians, further problems have been identified that include poor electrode adhesion, and a lack of compatibility with the equipment worn by athletes. Our team proposes to develop solutions that will improve performance and comfort associated with ECG monitors for athletic applications. This …

Role Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Pathway Due To Preeclampsia: A Review, Firdous Ali

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that is characterized mainly by hypertension in the mother. The exact pathogenesis of preeclampsia is unknown, although the disease is attributed to a number of factors such as angiogenic factor levels and endothelial dysfunction. Presently, the control program for the disease involves the delivery of the fetus and the placenta. There is a need to develop novel therapies that would control preeclampsia from the moment it is diagnosed to minimize the effects on the mother and child. VEGF is a protein involved in the pathogenesis of the condition. The defect in one of its receptors, …

Burnout With Caregiving Of Autism And The Covid19 Pandemic, Erin Babcock, Leah Recker

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

I am working with Leah Recker and we are doing research on parent/caregiver burnout of those with children that have autism, especially during COVID. We are creating a survey on Qualtrics, using stem questions followed by Likert scale items, which we will then send to the Director of Programs, Lisa Thompson, at Autism Society of Greater Akron. She will then pass it along to the parents and caregivers within their community, via Facebook or their weekly newsletter. Parents/caregivers will have the opportunity to complete the survey and we will receive the results when done so. We will then analyze the …

Comparison Of Range Of Motion After Aquatic Vs Land Exercises On Young Adult Men, Miranda Gibel, Samantha Lawler

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Range of motion is the degree to which joints in the body can extend or flex. This is essential to performing actions such as bending over, reaching, and other daily activities. This study investigated the effects of aquatic versus land exercises on range of motion. It was hypothesized that the participant completing the aquatic exercises would have a greater increase of range of motion. Three male participants were recruited to participate in the study. Each participant was placed into a different group- control, aquatic, or land. The control participant measured their range of motion at the beginning and end of …

The Influence Of The Psychophysical Assessment Paradigm On Pitch Discrimination For Adults (And A Pilot Sample Of Children), Ashley G. Flagge, Lucile Puranen, Madhuri S. Mulekar

Ashley Flagge Publications

Pitch discrimination ability has been of research interest due to its potential relationship to language and literacy. However, assessment protocols for pitch discrimination have varied widely. Prior studies with both children and adults have produced conflicting performance findings across different pitch discrimination research paradigms, though they have consistently shown that discrimination accuracy is based on the psychophysical assessment method applied. In the present study, we examined pitch discrimination performance among convenience samples of 19 adult women and ten female children across six different adaptive psychophysical measurement conditions. We found pitch discrimination performance in both groups to be impacted by the …

Effectiveness Of Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Education For Advanced Practice Providers, Nicole Brumfield

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Provider shortages and demands for inpatient providers have led to an increase in the utilization of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). The increased use and specialization of APPs has brought attention to education and skills that have been instituted for other provider types but remains missing from the APP curricula. One such example is point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education. This technology and skill set have been shown to enhance clinical skills, confidence levels, and provide useful information for the provider to enhance clinical decision making for the patient.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of …

A Crisis Of Erasure: Transgender And Gender-Nonconforming Populations Navigating Breast Cancer Health Information, Curtis Shane Tenney, Karl J. Surkan, Lynette Hammond Gerido, Dawn Betts-Green

STEMPS Faculty Publications

In this paper, we use the topic of breast cancer as an example of health crisis erasure in both informational and institutional contexts, particularly within the transgender and gender-nonconforming population. Breast cancer health information conforms and defaults to conventional cultural associations with femininity, as is the case with pregnancy and other “single-sex” conditions (Surkan, 2015). Many health information and research practices normalize sexualities, pathologize non-normative gender (Drescher et al., 2012; Fish, 2008; Müller, 2018), and fail to recognize gender-nonconforming categories (Frohard‐Dourlent et al., 2017). Because breast cancer health information is sexually normalized, an information boundary exists for the LGBTQ+ community, …

Simultaneous Wound Border Segmentation And Tissue Classification Using A Conditional Generative Adversarial Network, Salih Sarp, Murat Kuzlu, Manisa Pipattanasomporn, Ozgur Guler

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Generative adversarial network (GAN) applications on medical image synthesis have the potential to assist caregivers in deciding a proper chronic wound treatment plan by understanding the border segmentation and the wound tissue classification visually. This study proposes a hybrid wound border segmentation and tissue classification method utilising conditional GAN, which can mimic real data without expert knowledge. We trained the network on chronic wound datasets with different sizes. The performance of the GAN algorithm is evaluated through the mean squared error, Dice coefficient metrics and visual inspection of generated images. This study also analyses the optimum number of training images …