Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa): Molecular Detection And Dna Fingerprinting, Leslie Cotter

Theses

Throughout the 1990s, the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has increased in many health care areas including acute and chronic care facilities, outpatient clinics and in the community. Once introduced into a health care environment, this nosocomial pathogen can spread rapidly and as MRSA are resistant to multiple antibiotics, treatment is often difficult. Therefore effective infection control measures are required to prevent cross-infection and further spread of endemic strains.

In this study, a sensitive and specific triplex-PCR assay was designed for MRSA detection, wherein three genes, the methicillin resistance gene (mecA). femA and the extracellular thermonuclease gene (rmc) were simultaneously …

Development Of An Atomic Force Microscopic Immunosensor For The Ferritin Antigen, Brendan O'Connell

Theses

The adsorption conditions for a range of different immunoreactants to both polystyrene and ultrasmooth silanised silicon surfaces are optimised. The conditions studied were concentration of protein, time and temperature of incubation, pH, molarity and ionic strength of the buffer. The anti-ferritin surface was selected as our model system. This immunosensor was used to develop and evaluate a millispot ELISA for ferritin. The millispot ferritin ELISA developed utilises a sample volume of 6pl and a sample incubation time of 10 minutes. Precision and accuracy studies show the assay to have a dynamic assay range of 7.8-lOOng/ml ferritin. The millispot ELISA detected …

Development Of A Differential Assay To Selectively Measure Α-Amylase Isoenzymes., Miriam O'Connor

Theses

α-Amylase is a heterogeneous polypeptide, primarily found in the Salivary and Pancreatic glands, giving rise to two isoenzymes, namely Salivary- and Pancreatic-type Amylases. Total α-Amylase activity measurements are routinely carried out in hospital laboratories to aid in the diagnosis of diseases of the pancreas and in the investigation of pancreatic function in patients with severe abdominal pains. With the development and wide availability of modem chromogenic oligosaccharide substrates specific for Amylase, assays have become more sensitive, rapid and easier to use.

Differential Amylase Isoenzyme assays ware developed to distinguish isoenzyme levels. Several methods were developed for isoenzyme determination. Of these. …

Development Of An Elisa Method For The Measurement Of Cd44 Expression In Human Serum, Ciara Hurley

Theses

CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein (mol. wt. =85-95 kDa) which has been implicated in lymphocyte-HEV interactions and the process of lymphocyte homing. CD44 is a complex glycoprotein which undergoes extensive alternative splicing to generate various CD44 isoforms. CD44 functions include the delivery of an activation signal to T-cells, binding to hyaluronate, mediation of lymphocyte homing, and the spread of metastatic cells. CD44 has been particularly implicated in the dissemination of non- Hodgkin's lymphoma and as such may serve as a useful prognostic marker of disease progression. CD44 measurement in serum may provide a rapid, inexpensive and relatively non-invasive prognostic …

Development And Validation Of An Improved Ultrasensitive Assay For Cardiac Troponin I (Ctni), William G. Blake

Theses

Cardiac troponin I (cTnl) has been reported to be a highly specific marker for myocardial injury. In patients suffering from acute coronary syndromes, a sensitive serum marker which is closely related to the extent of myocardial damage which provides prognostic data and which can be measured rapidly is desirable. In this thesis a “sandwich” enzyme immunoassay was developed to measure cTnI. The developed assay was reproducible with the inter assay precision ranging from 4.8-14% and the intra assay precision ranging from 3.1-9.5%. The limit of detection of the assay was calculated as 0.385 ng/ml. The upper reference range (non-parametric 95% …

Factors Which Influence Women's Decisions For Choice Of Primary Surgery For Stage I And Stage Ii Breast Cancer, Barbara Mastaglia

Theses : Honours

A descriptive correlational study was conducted to describe the factors that Western Australian women with either Stage I or Stage II Breast Cancer, perceived to be important considerations when deciding upon either Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) or Breast Conserving Treatment (BCT) for surgical treatment. The Conflict Theory of Decision Making (Janis & Mann, 1977) was used as the theoretical framework to guide this study. Ward, Heidrich and Wolberg's (1989) Factor List, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale (Wallston, Wallston & De Vellis, 1978) and a demographic questionnaire were used to measure variables. Questionnaires were mailed to a consecutive …

Development And Validation Of Flow-Injection (Continuous-Flow) Elisa Techniques., Declan Gerard Spillane

Theses

A flow-through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed based on affinity chromatography using the determination of ferritin in serum as a model system. In this method, samples and standards are introduced to separate columns containing immobilised anti-ferritin antibody, and antigen bound by solid-phase antibody is subsequently detected using an anti-ferritin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate. To detect immobilised label, p-nitrophenyl phosphate is added and product is developed in the column at room temperature. Following elution of product from the column, the absorbance is measured and the columns are regenerated using a low pH elution. The final developed system requires approximately 1.5 h for the …

The Optimal Fontan Connection: A Growing Extracardiac Lateral Tunnel With Pedicled Pericardium., S R. Gundry, A J. Razzouk, M J. Del Rio, Girish S. Shirali, L L. Bailey

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE: The concept of a lateral tunnel for the Fontan operation is now widely accepted. Most lateral tunnels are constructed intraatrially with the use of aortic crossclamping. Construction of extracardiac lateral tunnels with the use of homografts or other nonviable tubes eliminates aortic crossclamping but lacks growth potential in length or width. The native pericardium, which is "sealed" posteriorly along the pulmonary artery, atrium, and inferior vena cava, could be turned down onto the right atrium to form a viable extracardiac lateral tunnel.

METHODS: We designed and successfully constructed extracardiac lateral tunnels using viable autologous pericardium, pedicled on its lateral …

The Clastogenic Effects Of Cyclophosphamide And A Sixty Hertz Electromagnetic Field On Bone Marrow Cells Of Cd-1 Mice, Kevin K. Block

Dissertations

Extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been correlated with the induction of cancer in a number of epidemiological studies (Feychting and Ahlbom, 1993; T,m and Lee, 1994; London e t al. 1991; Lovely et al., 1994; Tomenius, 1986; Wertheimer and Leeper, 1979, 1982). Two hypothesis were tested in the present study. The first hypothesis tested was that exposure to a 7.3 G magnetic field for 24 hours would increase the frequency of clastogenic and/or mutagenic events in bone m arrow cells of mice. The second hypothesis tested was that exposure to a 7.3 G magnetic field for 24 …

A Cephalometric Study Of The Class Ii Correction Effects Of The Eureka Spring, Ernest L. Stromeyer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The effect of the Eureka Spring appliance, was investigated on 37 consecutively treated, non compliant, bilateral Class II malocclusions, requiring at least 3 mm or more of additional molar correction. The mean pretreatment age of this sample was 13.9 years. All patients were treated by a single clinician utilizing the Eureka Spring. Lateral cephalographs were taken at start of orthodontic treatment (T1), at insertion of Eureka Springs (T2), and at removal of the Eureka Springs (T3). The average treatment interval between T2 and T3 was 4 months. Class II correction occurred almost entirely by dentoalveolar movement, 33% in the maxilla …

A Pilot Study On The Short Term Effects Of The Herbst Appliance On The Glenoid Fossa, David A. Bennion

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the initial effects of the Herbst appliance and determine through the use of common cephalometric radiographs that were optically enhanced and then digitally reproduced, if fossa migration is taking place. Fourteen, (6 male, 8 female), growing patients were treated by the same clinician for the correction of a Class II malocclusion using a modified Herbst appliance. Pretreatment (T₁) standard lateral cephalometric radiographs and post Herbst treatment (T_H) optically enhanced lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken. All radiographs were digitally captured and reproduced so 6 linear and 1 area …

Update - July 1997, Loma Linda University Center For Christian Bioethics

Update

In this issue:

-- Practicing on Newly Dead Bodies
-- Life versus Death: The Ethical Imperative to Practice and Teach Using the Newly Dead
-- You Can't Always Get What You Want
-- MA in Clinical Ethics
-- MA in Clinical Ministry

Electromyography (Emg) Signal Classification By Artificial Neural Networks, Behnam Dashtipour

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

EMG signal processing is one of the active fields of biomedical signal processing. One unanswered question is how to determine whether a muscle is fatigued by analyzing the EMG signal. Fatigue detection could be useful in several different practical situations. There are several studies which show there are differences between EMG signal features before fatigue and after fatigue. Generally studies are based on an analytical analysis of the EMG signal instead of a quantitative analysis. In all previous studies in EMG signal processing for fatigue/nonfatigue detection, the result is that there exist some differences between the EMG signal before muscle …

Oral Cancer Screening, Damon Omar Watson

Honors Theses

Cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx have increased throughout the decades. Since oral cancer represents a small percentage of the total cancers in the United States, it is often overlooked. Though this is the case, the results of this cancer can be devastating. To address this issue, an Oral Cancer Screening was organized on August 14, 1996 at the West Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo. This was a joint collaboration between the author, the West Michigan Cancer Center, and the Kalamazoo Valley Dental Society. This event allowed research to take place concerning the data obtained. Confidential results and information …

Bronchospasm/Desaturation Under Anaesthesia: Are They Signs Of Pneumothorax?, N A. Zubair, A Zaidi, R S. Kamal

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

Monitoring Of Oxygen Saturation During And After Endoscopy, George Paul Van Lawick

Theses : Honours

Fibreoptic endoscopy is a common and relatively safe diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to examine the gastrointestinal tract. Previous research has established that oxygen desaturation is common among patients undergoing endoscopy and is one of the few complications which may arise during, and after the procedure. Oxygen saturation (Sa0₂) is a measurement of the percentage of oxygen carried by the haemoglobin and can be measured noninvasively and accurately using a pulse oximeter. Oxygen desaturation is generally described as Sa0₂ levels at or below 90%. Currently there are no clear guidelines for the duration of Sa0₂ monitoring …

A Patient Management Program: The Evaluation Of A Combined Pre-Admission And Early Discharge Program, Lorna Rogers

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe the evaluation of a 'Patient Management Program'. This managed care type of program combined a Pre-Admission Clinic and an Early Discharge Program. It was established as a twelve month pilot program at a major Western Australian public teaching hospital in January 1995. It aimed to provide a more efficient health service by replacing part of elective surgical patients' inpatient care with outpatient services. The first component of the Program was the Pre-Admission Clinic, which allowed patients to undergo pre-operative assessment and testing prior to admission to hospital, thus facilitating same day …

Update - December 1996, Loma Linda University Center For Christian Bioethics

Update

In this issue:

-- Bioehtics Endowment Honors Jack and Margaret Provonsha
-- Partial Birth Abortion: Ethical Issues
-- Partial Birth Abortion: Mandates, Methods, and Morality
-- Partial Birth Abortion Dialogue

Pain Levels And Rating Of Perceived Exertion Of People With Herniated Lumbar Disc While Walking In Two Environments, Brenda L. Cunningham-Boerger

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate if walking in water is an effective substitute for walking on land as an aerobic exercise for people with herniated lumbar disc. The study involved the dependent variables o f perceived pain levels (PPL) and ratings o f perceived exertion (RPE). Independent variables were walking condition and work intensity. Land walking was performed on a treadmill; water walking was performed in an indoor pool 4.5 ft deep and 90*F. Work was set at four different intensities, based on the formula for predicting maximum heart rate (MHR), 220 minus age. The graded work …

Clustered Microcalcification Detection Using Optimized Difference Of Gaussians, Edward M. Ochoa

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to design an automated microcalcification detection system to be used as an aid in radiologic mammogram interpretation. This research proposes the following methodology for clustered microcalcification detection. First, preprocess the digitized film mammogram to reduce digitization noise. Second, spatially filter the image with a difference of Gaussians (DoG) kernel. To detect potential microcalcifications, segment the filtered image using global and local thresholding. Next, cluster and index these detections into regions of interest (ROIs). Identify ROIs on the digitized image (or hardcopy printout) for final radiologic diagnosis.

Experience With Larangeal Mask Airway In Pakistani Patients, F A. Khan, M A. Afzal, R S. Kamal

Department of Anaesthesia

One hundred and thirty seven adult patients undergoing peripheral surgery were studied regarding ease of larangeal mask airway (LMA) insertion, airway maintenance during surgery and complication encountered during insertion, maintenance and in the postoperative period. In a majority (84%) of patients, the airway was positioned correctly at the first attempt, 3% patients had mild laryngospasm at insertion and in 85% a good airway was obtained. No airway related problems were encountered intraoperatively. Two percent patients had laryngospasm on removal of LMA. Postoperatively, the complaint of sore throat and uvular trauma was seen in 4% cases.

Update - October 1996, Loma Linda University Center For Christian Bioethics

Update

In this issue:

-- Is Organ Reanimation a Better Mousetrap?
-- Reanimation of Dead Hearts
-- Reanimation Dialogue
-- James W. Walters publishes second book on ethics and aging

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension--Anaesthetic Considerations, N A. Zubair

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

An Animal Model For Development Of Pulpal Inflammation, John W. Masters

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Several animal models have been proposed to develop pulpal inflammation. Procedures recommended in these models have many variables and have not produced consistent results. The purpose of this study was to create pulpal inflammation using the Nd:YAG laser.

Forty-five cuspids of 12-18 month old beagle dogs were lased at 5, 7.5, and 10 watts (W) for 20 seconds with a 600 micron contact probe. Five cuspids were not lased but were used as controls. Following laser application, the teeth were extracted at intervals of 3, 7, and 30 days. They were then fixed in 10% formalin, decalcified, sectioned, and stained …

Update - July 1996, Loma Linda University Center For Christian Bioethics

Update

In this issue:

-- Stress and Distress in Pediatric Nurses: The Hidden Tragedy of Baby K
-- Ethics Grand Rounds: The Year in Review
-- CEJA Reverses Its Stance on Using Anencephalic Neonates as Live Organ Donors
-- AMA Council's Ethics Overwhelmed by Public Sentiment

Anion Induced Blue To Purple Transition In Bacteriorhodopsin, Mrunalini Pattarkine, Anil K. Singh

Faculty Works

Purple membrane (PM, λ" role="presentation">λmax" role="presentation">max 570 nm) of H. halobium on treatment with sulphuric acid changes its colour to blue (λ" role="presentation">λmax" role="presentation">max 608 nm). The purple chromophore can be regenerated from the blue chromophore by exogeneous addition of anions such as CI−" role="presentation">− and HPO42−" role="presentation">2−4. Chloride ion is found to be more effective than the dibasic phosphate ion in regenerating the purple chromophore. Nevertheless, one thing common to the anion regeneration is that both CI−" role="presentation">− and HPO42−" role="presentation">2−4 show marked pH effect. At pH 1.0 the efficiency of …

Treatment Effects Of The Edgewise Bioprogressive Herbst Appliance, Bernard C. Chang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The effect of the Edgewise Bioprogressive Herbst appliance, as described by Dr. Terry Dischinger, was investigated on 24 Class II, Division 1 malocclusions. Mean pretreatment age of this sample was 11.2 months. All patients were treated by Dischinger with a Bioprogressive Herbst appliance. Lateral cephalographs taken before, after Herbst appliance therapy, and after edgewise treatment were traced, then digitized into Quick Ceph™. Measurements were computed by the computer software. The following results were found: 1) Average treatment time was 9 months. 2) An overcorrected Class I relationship was achieved. 3) Class II malocclusion was corrected by 4.5 mm skeletal alteration …

The Accuracy Of Computer Video Imaging Prediction : Just Prior To Surgical Mandibular Advancement/Genioplasty Orthognathic Cases, Jason T. Chiakowsky

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The accuracy of the computer video imaging treatment prediction was investigated using Quick Ceph Image.™ Thirty one surgical mandibular advancement/genioplasty orthognathic cases were examined to determine if the soft tissue profile prediction was representative of the actual result. All patients were over the age of 18. Lateral cephalographs and slides were taken immediately pre-surgically, and six months post-surgically. The slides were duplicated into 4X6 photographs. The cephalographs were digitized and the photographs captured by video on the Quick Ceph Image software program. A line drawing and computer video image treatment prediction were generated using the actual surgical change that had …

Mutagenecity Of Formocresol, Glutaraldehyde, Ferric Sulfate And Aluminum Chloride : Materials Used In Therapeutic Pulpotomies, Adolfo Barrera

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ferric sulfate (Astringedent) and aluminum chloride (Hemodent) have been proposed as possible medicaments for use in primary teeth for therapeutic pulpotomies.

There is little information in the literature about the biologic properties of these medicaments.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mutagenic response of the ferric sulfate and aluminum chloride and compare them with glutaraldehyde (1.5%, 1% and 0.5% concentration) and formocresol (2%, 0.75%, 0.01% and 0.005% concentration). TA98 and TA1535 strain were used in the Ames test to assess mutagenecity. Neither ferric sulfate nor aluminum chloride exhibited mutagenic potential, in comparison with glutaraldehyde and formocresol, which …

Ultrasound Three- Dimensional Velocity Measurements By Feature Tracking, Gregory R. Bashford, Olaf T. Von Ramm

Biomedical Imaging and Biosignal Analysis Laboratory

This article describes a new angle-independent method suitable for three-dimensional (3-D) blood flow velocity measurement that tracks features of the ultrasonic speckle produced by a pulse echo system. In this method, a feature is identified and followed over time to detect motion. Other blood flow velocity measurement methods typically estimate velocity using one- (1-D) or two-dimensional (2-D) spatial and time information. Speckle decorrelation due to motion in the elevation dimension may hinder this estimate of the true 3-D blood flow velocity vector. Feature tracking is a 3-D method with the ability to measure the true blood velocity vector rather than …