Investigative Techniques Commons^™

Is Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Effective At Controlling Hypertension In African American Patients? A Clin-Iq, Rebecca Nye, Wilhelm Lehmann, Deborah Simpson

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

African Americans are disproportionately affected by hypertension, a modifiable contributor to multiple chronic diseases and premature death. Primary care physicians play an important role in hypertension control. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is an evidence-based method for confirming diagnosis and monitoring hypertension over time. Some studies have found that HBPM may lead to clinically relevant reductions in blood pressure when combined with additional interventions, but few studies have focused specifically on African American populations. Evidence of effectiveness could increase clinical recommendation of HBPM. This clinical inquiry examined whether HBPM improves blood pressure control in African Americans with uncontrolled hypertension. Reviewed …

Utility Of Av Nodal Characteristics In Identification Of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia And Risk Of Recurrence, Kimberly M. Decarr

Longitudinal Scholar's Project

Background: Catheter ablation of the slow atrioventricular (AV) nodal pathway is a safe and effective treatment for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). While AVNRT occurs frequently in both children and adults, pediatric patients experience higher rates of AVNRT recurrence.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize changes in AV nodal conduction properties following catheter ablation and correlate these properties with AVNRT recurrence in pediatric patients.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients aged(AVRT) at a single tertiary care center between January 01, 2010 and September 01, 2021. Demographics, pre- and post-ablation ECG intervals, and AV nodal conduction …

A Review Of The Pathogenesis, Clinical Features And Diagnostic Indicators Of The Novel Condition Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia, Ada Fleming

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

The introduction of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection was a welcome and significant event in the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccine administration was for the most part successful, it did come with the emergence of a novel condition, Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT). This condition presents after the administration of adenoviral vector-based vaccines against COVID-19, causing thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in affected individuals. There have been 10 suspected cases of VITT in Ireland. While its mechanism is not fully understood, the condition is characterised by the presence of Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) antibodies. There are several laboratory indicators which may suggest that a patient …

Thromboelastography Profiles Of Hemophilia A Patients On Emicizumab, Daniel J. Vanzweden, Meera Chitlur, Charity J. Stadler

Medical Student Research Symposium

Emicizumab is a new monoclonal antibody developed to dtreat people with Hemophilia A, especially those with antibodies. However, breakthrough bleeding can still occur in patients taking Emicizumab. TEG is a global coagulation assay which measures coagulability through viscosity. This study describes the use of tissue factor activated TEG in measuring bleeding profiles in patients taking Emicizumab. The goal of this prospective study is to determine if TEG can be used, which variables of TEG might be useful, and how much more useful it is than the current standard, aPtt. Findings include a 25% increased R time and 24% increased K …

Feasibility And Effectiveness Of A Prehabilitation Program Prior To Breast Cancer Surgery: A Critically Appraised Topic, Emma Choi, Alissa Lee, Kayla Woods, Morgan Mills, Carol Houston

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our project is to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a prehabilitation (prehab) program for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery as compared to only receiving post-surgical rehabilitation. Our clinical mentor has recently obtained certification as a lymphedema specialist and is assisting with the opening of an outpatient mastectomy clinic through the Methodist University systems. Through our research process, we critically appraised two Level II articles, two Level III articles, and one Level IV article. Positive outcomes related to the feasibility were identified, however there is limited significant evidence supporting the effectiveness of the intervention. We recommend using …

Effect Of Botox And Therapy On Spasticity In Cerebral Palsy: A Critically Appraised Topic, Rachel Bray Mot/S, Tatum Cabot Mot/S, Peyton Clark Mot/S, Cameron Goodman Mot/S, Tarason Moore Mot/S, Claire Napier Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy often experience upper limb spasticity. Research has shown Botox injections in combination with occupational therapy can reduce the effects of spasticity in the upper limb. This literature review aims to determine how long is the appropriate duration of occupational therapy to administer after Botox injections to see decreased spasticity in the upper limbs.

Effects Of Sensory Intervention On Neurological Development In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paulina Bullard Mot/S, Emma Gadberry Mot/S, Siham Sherif Mot/S, Virginia Strawn Mot/S, Courtney Travis Mot/S, Delaney Weller Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The final portfolio contains four research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs include a randomized clinical trial, a randomized control trial, a systematic review and meta-analysis, and an integrative review. All studies relate directly to components of the evidence-based practice question and will be used to recommend sensory intervention for neurological development of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). One of the articles describes statistically significant effects. One of the articles describes both statistically significant and non-statistically significant effects of sensory intervention on neurological development of premature infants in the NICU. The other two …

Group Therapy For Adults With Hip Replacements, Riley Burford Mot/S, Hillary Talley Mot/S, Elizabeth Seals Mot/S, Alishah Pirwani Mot/S, Tylan Wakefield Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the best current evidence regarding the feasibility of group occupational therapy and outcomes related to ADL performance. The final portfolio contains a total of four research articles. Study designs include two randomized control trials, one cohort design, and one systematic review. All studies related directly to the PICO question and were used to determine best evidence for the feasibility of group therapy of the older adult population who have hip replacements in a rehabilitation setting.

The Effects Of Air-Cell Based Cushions On Pressure Relief For Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic, Audrey Carr Mot/S, Olivia Hamby Mot/S, Hailey Hanson Mot/S, Olivia Kincaid Mot/S, Molly Mcwilliams Mot/S, Anna Pollan Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Most acute care level patients with a SCI are dependent in performing pressure relief. Research was appraised and synthesized to answer the question: Are air-filled cushions effective for reducing pressure and development of pressure ulcers among adults with a spinal cord injury who are unable to independently perform pressure relief?

Effect Of Early Mobilization On Length Of Hospital Stay In Covid-19 Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic, Ashlee Hodges, Anna Claire Briscoe, Anna Beth Willoughby, Carlton Hubbard, Nathan Smith

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

For this project, we created a critically appraised topic to study the effects of early mobilization on length of hospital stay in COVID-19 patients in the ICU.

Updates In The Pharmacologic Prophylaxis And Treatment Of Invasive Candidiasis In The Pediatric And Neonatal Intensive Care Units, James Hunter Fly, Seerat Kapoor, Kelly Bobo, Jeremy S. Stultz

Faculty Publications

Purpose of review The goal of this review was to provide an update on the prevention and treatment options for invasive candidiasis (IC) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Recent findings Studies have further validated the use of fluconazole for IC prophylaxis among high-risk patients in the NICU. It remains unclear if prophylaxis leads to resistance development and the ideal dosage regimen is still not clear. Recent studies have been published comparing caspofungin and micafungin to amphotericin B and illustrated similar efficacy outcomes in the NICU. Micafungin now has approval from the United …

Survival Percentage And Outgrowth Collection Kit (Spock) Development And Usage To Analyze Targets Of The Transcription Factor Gcn4 For Their Impact On Chronological Lifespan In The Model Organism S. Cerevisiae, Daniel Paul Felker

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Plate reader-based methods for high-throughput measurement of growth rate, cellular survival, and chronological lifespan are a compelling addition to the already powerful toolbox of budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae genetics. These methods have overcome many of the limits of traditional yeast biology techniques, but also present a new bottleneck at the point of data-analysis. Herein, we describe SPOCK (Survival Percentage and Outgrowth Collection Kit), an R-based package for the analysis of data created by high-throughput plate reader based methods. This package allows for the determination of chronological lifespan, cellular growth rate, and survival in an efficient, robust, and reproducible fashion. To …

Rates And Perceptions Of Covid-19 Vaccination From University Of Mississippi Students, Josie Parham

Honors Theses

The trials, tribulations and triumphs of the global COVID-19 pandemic are impacted by and are a product of behaviors that occur at the level of nations, states, cities and, ultimately, communities. In the wake of the development of safe and effective vaccines against SARS-CoV2, the virus responsible for the pandemic, the significance of the vaccine is closely linked to the number of individuals that receive the vaccine. To date, surveys have measured sizable variations in vaccination rates between nations, states, cities, and communities. Focusing on events that have transpired in one such local community, the present study (i) measured the …

Dexmedetomidine To Reduce Ponv, Amanda Johnson Srna, Joshua Lawrence Srna, Staci Martinez Srna, Taylor Mayberry Srna, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) contribute to patient dissatisfaction, discomfort, adverse outcomes, and increased healthcare costs. Despite current protocols that aim to reduce PONV by prevention/antiemetic administration, PONV continues to be a common manifestation in many postoperative patients (Elvir-Lazo et al., 2020). This scoping review aimed to analyze available research on the efficacy of dexmedetomidine to reduce perioperative opioid requirements and PONV.

Methods Synthesis of this scoping review began with a systematic approach to search databases and identify eligibility criteria articles. Of the 21 articles that met criteria, a synthesis table was formed to visualize the qualitative (smoking status, …

Lead Poisoning, Education, And Advocacy For Prevention (L.E.A.P.) Study, Stephen Acheampong, Britney Aderinto, Zander Turcich, Ali Harb

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Lead poisoning has been regarded as a major threat due to its irreversible and harmful effects. This includes severe cognitive and developmental impairments, especially in children.

Over the years, the CDC has reduced the benchmark for acceptable blood lead levels (BLL) from 10 μg/ml to 3.5 μg/ml to allow for earlier intervention and prevention.

Despite increased awareness and government programs that lead to a decline in mean blood levels across the country, testing for elevated BLLs, especially in low-income households, continues to be disproportionately lower.

The Role Of Corticothalamic Projections (Prelimbic Cortex To Nucleus Reuniens) In Working Memory, Phillip Kumpf, Paul C. Kumpf, S. D. Dunn, Evan Ciacciarelli, T. Gohar, Timothy Sloand, Mark Niedringhaus, Elizabeth West

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Working memory (WM) is the ability to store information for short periods of time and is used to execute tasks

WM has been understood to work via the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), but they do not directly project to each other

The nucleus reuniens of the thalamus (Re) is a “middle man” between the mPFC and dHPC

There are projections between the prelimbic cortex (PrL) and Re that may be used during WM

To test the connection of the PrL to Re, a delayed nonmatch to position (DNMTP) task was performed

Association Between Leg Adiposity & Hypertension Subtypes In Young & Middle-Aged American Adults, David Lo, Aayush Visaria, Pranay Maniar

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Our research aim was to determine the association between appendicular adiposity and hypertension to better elucidate the role of body fat distribution on blood pressure (BP).

Many studies have provided evidence for the inverse association between leg adiposity and metabolic syndrome criteria.

Hypertension (HT) subtypes have unique age distributions and associated risk factors. BMI ± triglycerides are major risk factors for isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH).

Understanding Changes In Mortality With Implementation Of Safe Injection Sites, Shubh Bhambri

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The purpose of this study is to analyze mortality due to overdose in areas that have implemented supervised injection sites and understand what factors these facilities affect that can lead to a change in outcomes.

Association Of Perceived Early Adequate Analgesia And Chronic Pain Severity, Sean Coulson, Sameer Akhtar, Brian Thomas, Aleesa Mobley

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: Establish if early adequate pain control is protective in the development of chronic pain syndromes.

Data collected via survey to patients being treated for chronic pain at the Neuromuscular Institute at RowanSOM

Data (small n) suggests patients with chronic pain have poorly controlled pain levels at the time of the acute event.

Anticipate with increased sample size will see a correlation between chronic pain prevalence and severity and perceived early adequate analgesia following the acute event.

Interaction Of Fluorescent Probes With Sirtuin Proteins, James Fusco, Brian P Weiser

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Sirtuins are a class of proteins belonging to the Sir2 (Silencing information regulator 2) family of NAD+ dependent protein lysine deacylases. Different Isoforms (SIRT1-SIRT7) differ in their specific deacylase activity and cellular location. They have roles in DNA repair, glucose metabolism, and cellular proliferation which make them highly desirable targets for carcinoma therapeutics. We previously used 1-aminoanthracene’s (AMA) fluorescent properties when bound with SIRT2 (Kd of 37 μM) to develop a high-throughput screen to identify novel ligands that inhibit SIRT2’s enzymatic activities. We hope to reveal other potential probes for future high-throughput screening with all the sirtuin isotopes. 1-AMA’s fluorescence …

Trial-Based Measurements As An Index Of Response Strength, Vasily Belichenko

Thesis Projects

Identifying and evaluating dependent variables within functional analyses are essential steps that affect the assessment's overall acceptability. Although most of the studies on functional analyses suggest that measuring repeated occurrences of behavior with rate measurements generates the most accurate data, several researchers suggest using alternative measurement methods to avoid the heavy burden of the procedure. In the present study, I partially replicated a study by Thomason-Sassi and colleagues (2011) that evaluated the correspondence between latency measures of responding and rate. Additionally, trial-based measurements, such as the occurrence of the behavior, represented in the percentage of trials, were compared with rate …

Transferring Patients To A Higher Level Of Care, Chiquita Rockiemore Rn, Msn, Olubunmi Osinloye Bsn, Rn, Angela Uta Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Ag-Acnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the transfer of critically ill patients, who require a higher level of care, to another facility impacts morbidity and mortality within 24-72 hours post transfer

Esmolol Compared To Fentanyl On Hemodynamic Effects: A Scoping Review, Anna Mccleskey Bsn, Rn, Srna, Landon Mcdonald Msn, Rn, Cnl, Tim Moore Bsn, Rn, Srna, Jamie Pitcock Bsn, Rn, Srna, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose The purpose of this DNP project is to compare the efficacy of esmolol to fentanyl in attenuation the hemodynamic response associated with direct laryngoscopy.

Specific Aims Compare the effects of esmolol to fentanyl on patient heart rate during laryngoscopy. Compare the effects of esmolol to fentanyl on patient mean arterial pressure during laryngoscopy.

Spectroscopic Measurements Of Meibum Compositional, Structural, And Functional Relationships To Elucidate The Role Of Meibum In Dry Eye., Anthony Chigozie Ewurum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The major aim of my dissertation was to investigate the etiology of dry eye disease which affects about 7 million people in the United States, causing symptoms that can lead to visual disturbance. Correlation between dry eye and an abnormal lipid layer of the tear film has been found. Tear film lipids originate mostly from the meibomian glands. Cholesteryl ester (CE) and Wax ester (WE) lipids make up most of the human meibum lipidome and the CE/WE ratio has been shown to decrease in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. Model studies using synthetic CE and WE, although providing some insight, …

Dexmedetomidine Vs. Propofol In Postoperative Delirium Prevention, Jaclyn Burnett Rn, Srna, Montana Betts Rn, Srna, Christhian De Ochoa Rn, Srna, Maciej Chec Rn, Srna, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Postoperative delirium (POD) is an acute neurological condition affecting large numbers of surgical patients in various practice settings. Patients suffering from this condition face postoperative complications, increased lengths of stay, and tremendous financial burden. Understanding the contributing factors for POD, and how adjustments in intraoperative agents can prevent or reduce the incidence, is a crucial aspect of anesthesia practice. This scoping review will examine associations between POD and the intraoperative use of propofol versus dexmedetomidine with general anesthesia.

Methods Studies in this review were limited to peer-reviewed literature, published in medical and nursing journals within the last five years. …

The Use Of Spectral Imaging To Reveal Inorganics And Organics Identity In The Biological Samples, Qamar Alshammari

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

The wavelength is used to identify the exact location and quantify the number of molecules in the spectral imaging system. It aids in identifying materials and studying their quantities by examining how they interact with light. A traditional spectrometer provides spectrum information of chemical compounds, while standard imaging provides the intensity at each pixel of the image. Spectral imaging (SI) combines these two aspects by equipping intensity and spectral data for each pixel. In biomedical research, it is important to assess the inorganics/organics molecules to understand drug activity, cellular toxicity, and distribution. Using the microscopy technique, we found for the …

A Neurophysiological Investigation Of Listening Effort In Normal Hearing Adults Using Fnirs And Pupillometry, Jessica Defenderfer

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Real-world conversations are often accompanied by some sort of interference that challenges the clarity of the speaker’s message, causing listeners to exert more effort to understand speech. Previous research has demonstrated that when listening to speech becomes difficult, various regions of the brain are recruited beyond those which engage during optimal listening conditions. However, the neural correlates that underly listening effort are not fully understood. Importantly, the pupillary response can be used to index listening effort, such that pupil size increases with increasing cognitive demand. I proposed that pupillometry can be used to characterize the cortical response, such that changes …

Using A Food Insecurity Screening Tool In The Nicu, Emily Coffman Bsn, Rn, Fatina Caldwell Bs, Bsn, Rn, Cpn, Cpen, Mackenzie Box Bsn, Rn, Uche Anani Md, Faap, Christin Fritz Md, Mph, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faanp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background: Infants admitted to the NICU are disproportionately born to low-income families. This, combined with unique financial challenges of their long-term stay, may predispose caregivers to food insecurity (FI). FI among caregivers has far reaching implications for the health of infants who are already vulnerable related to comorbidities from their NICU stay.

Methods: Using the Iowa model to successfully engage key stake holders and begin a small pilot study, a randomized preintervention chart audit was performed (n=30) to evaluate if FI was identified by NICU Social Worker (SW). The FI screening tool was administered by nursing to a separate group …

Advantages Of Early Utilization Of Palliative Care In The Pediatric Icu: A Scoping Review, Shelby Noel Cain Bsn, Rn, Cpn, Dana Pabalate Zimmerman Msn, Rn, Charis Elizabeth Oji Msn, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc/Ac, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Cpnp-Ac

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract Purpose/Background Despite the increased use of palliative care in adults, only a tiny percentage of children with life-limiting illnesses or life-threatening conditions receive palliative care before dying. Palliative care has low utilization, and consults are often made late in a child’s hospitalization or diagnosis. Palliative care remains underutilized among hospitalized pediatric patients resulting in unnecessary treatments, costly and lengthy hospitalizations, and deaths occurring in the intensive care unit (ICU) rather than at home. The purpose of this scoping review is to evaluate current literature to determine the use and effect of pediatric palliative care, specifically, whether consultation of palliative …

Long-Acting Antipsychotic Injectables Vs. Oral Antipsychotics: Comparing Compliance, Relapse, And Re-Hospitalization Rates, Latoria Boyland Bsn, Rn, Kara Darretta Bsn, Rn, Ansley Geno Bsn, Rn, Keevia Porter Dnp, Np-C, Rn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Psychosis is a psychiatric disorder characterized by hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms not only negatively impact a patient’s quality of life but can also make treatment compliance difficult. This lack of treatment compliance ultimately leads to higher relapse and re-hospitalization rates among this population. Thus, it is imperative that effective treatments are developed, utilized, and made readily available for patients. Antipsychotics are medications that block dopamine D2 receptors. These medications are used for psychosis to help to improve patient outcomes. Currently, two routes of antipsychotic administration are available, oral antipsychotics or long-acting antipsychotic injections (LAIs). Oral antipsychotic administration requires …