Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Pre-Operative Antiplatelet Therapy Is Associated With Increased Risk Of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, Muhammad Hamza Ilyas, Mohammad Daher, Viraj Deshpande, Adam Lindsay, Joseph A. Abboud, Hafiz F. Kassam

Rothman Institute Papers

Background Antiplatelet therapy is widely prescribed for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease and for mitigation of thromboembolic risk. However, its impact on post-operative periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) remains poorly defined.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX US Research Network. Propensity score matching was performed to balance demographics, body mass index, and Charlson Comorbidity Index variables. The primary outcome was the incidence of PJI at 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year. Secondary outcomes included post-operative medical and surgical complications. Comparative risk was quantified using risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup …

Automated Abdominal Aortic Calcification And Trabecular Bone Score Independently Predict Incident Fracture During Routine Osteoporosis Screening, Abadi K. Gebre, Marc Sim, Syed Zulqarnain Gilani, Afsah Saleem, Cassandra Smith, Didier Hans, Siobhan Reid, Barret A. Monchka, Douglas Kimelman, Mohammad Jafari Jozani, John T. Schousboe, Joshua R. Lewis, William D. Leslie, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease, has previously shown to be associated with low BMD and fracture. However, it remains unclear whether AAC is associated with trabecular bone score (TBS), a gray-level textural measure, or whether it predicts fracture risk independent of this measure. Here, we examined the cross-sectional association of AAC scored using a validated machine learning algorithm (ML-AAC24) with TBS, and their simultaneous associations with incident fractures in 7691 individuals (93.4% women) through the Manitoba BMD Registry (mean age 75.3 yr). The association between ML-AAC24 and TBS was tested using generalized linear regression. Cox …

Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Cardiac Point-Of-Care Ultrasound: A Prospective Single-Arm Study, Lior Fisher, Michael Fiman, Yuval Yarkoni, Ella Segal, Boris Fishman, Kobi Faierstein, Noa Rubin, Adiel Am-Shalom, Howard Amital, Qiong Zhao, Smadar Kort, Praveen Mehrotra, Ehud Schwammenthal, Robert Klempfner, Eyal Zimlichman, Ehud Raanani, Elad Maor

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical utility of combining artificial intelligence (AI) with handheld focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) performed by noncardiologist physicians in clinical care settings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, single-arm study conducted from July 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05455541), 660 adult patients presenting to the emergency department or internal medicine wards were assessed with handheld ultrasound devices enhanced by AI algorithms. These algorithms provided automated analysis of ventricular function, valvular disease, pericardial effusion, and inferior vena cava size. Participating physicians received focused training and performed examinations either in response to clinical suspicion or as part …

Nano Zinc Oxide Against Bacteria Isolated From Burn Infection, Mohammed Jaafar Al-Anssari, Mohammed Sahib Al-Hamami, Hayder Razzaq Al-Ameedee, Rabab Abdul Razzaq Kasema, Hawraa Majid Mahdi

Al-Bahir

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that is found commonly in the environment, like in soil and in water. This bacteria can cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), or other parts of the body after surgery. These bacteria are constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause. Zinc oxide nanoparticles' (ZnO-NPs') or Nano zinc oxide antibacterial properties have drawn a lot of attention from around the world, especially since nanotechnology has been used to create particles in the nanometer range. Because of their larger specific surface area and …

Increasing Utilization Trends Of Robotic Assistance In Orthopaedic Surgery, Anish K. Ponna, Alec Giakas, Anthony A. Khoudary, Spencer N. Uggla, Sina Ramtin, Yousef A. Soliman, Asif M. Ilyas

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Robotic-assisted surgeries in orthopaedics have increased, particularly in hip and knee arthroplasty and spine surgeries. This study evaluates national utilization trends of robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgeries and demographic and geographic distribution of patients undergoing these surgeries.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty, total and partial knee arthroplasty, or spine arthrodesis from 2017 to 2023 using the TriNetX database. Relevant International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology codes identified patients who underwent a primary surgery with a corresponding robot-assisted code on the same day. Temporal trends in procedural volume were …

Interview With Orca Award Winner David Hage, Unl Chemistry; Drug-Protein Interactions, Mark Griep, David Hage

UNL ORCA Interview Series

Prof. David Hage was awarded the ORCA in 2018. He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and earned a bachelor’s in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse. Next, he earned a doctorate from Iowa State University and did postdoctoral work at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In 1989, he joined UNL as an assistant professor of chemistry and quickly rose through the ranks. He has won many awards and, for the past 13 years, has been the James Hewet University Professor of Chemistry. Allow me to share some remarkable facts about Dave before we get into …

Design Of Experiments Based Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method For Estimation Of Metformin And Glimepiride In Combined Dosage Forms, Neela Manish Bhatia, Rachana Patil, Harinath More, Rutuja Dattatray Chougale

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: The present study aimed to systematically develop and validate a robust, rapid, and stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of metformin and glimepiride in fixeddose combination tablets. Method development was guided by a design of experiments (DoE) approach using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) to ensure optimal analytical performance.
Materials and Methods: Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Cosmosil C18 column using an optimized mobile phase of acetonitrile and water (80:20, v/v) adjusted to pH 3.5. The flow rate was 1 mL/min, and detection was performed at 221 nm. The BBD approach systematically evaluated the …

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation As An Adjuvant For Nonfluent Aphasia: A Proof-Of-Concept Study, Lynsey M. Keator, Lisa Johnson, Roger Newman-Norlund, Kyler Spell, Samaneh Nemati, Leigh Ann Spell, Dirk B. Den Ouden, Christopher Rorden, Julius Fridriksson

Department of Speech-Language Pathology Faculty Papers

Effective rehabilitation tools are essential for improving language outcomes in chronic aphasia. Speech entrainment is a behavioral treatment that has shown promise in enhancing speech output in nonfluent aphasia, potentially by acting as an external mechanism to synchronize anterior and posterior language regions in the left hemisphere. Transcranial alternating current stimulation has been hypothesized to enhance functional connectivity between brain regions by amplifying endogenous oscillations. This proof-of-concept study explored whether high-definition tACS (HD-tACS) could improve speech fluency in nonfluent aphasia when paired with speech entrainment. In a double-blind, pseudorandomized study, 1 mA of HD-tACS at 7 Hz was applied to …

Assessment Of Early Breast Cancer Response To Chemotherapy With Ultrasound Radiomics, Swapnil Dolui, Basak Dogan, Corinne Wessner, Jessica Porembka, Priscilla Machado, Bersu Ozcan, Nisha Unni, Maysa Abu-Khalaf, Flemming Forsberg, Kibo Nam, Kenneth Hoyt

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Objective: This prospective study investigated the use of H-scan ultrasound (US) imaging as a novel component of a multiparametric radiomic analysis framework for characterizing human breast cancer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) before and early after treatment initiation. Methods: Thirty breast cancer patients scheduled for NAC were scanned using a clinical US system (Logiq E9, GE HealthCare) equipped with a 9L-D linear array transducer. Radiofrequency (RF) data was obtained at baseline (pre-NAC) and after 10% and 30% of the complete dose of chemotherapy. The RF data was analyzed by a bank of 256 frequency-shifted bandpass filters to form H-scan US …

Henri Nouwen: Theologian, Caregiver - How Do His Writings Support Informal Caregivers?, Dr. Julie Yonker

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

•Analyze the Impact and Visibility of Informal Caregivers   •Evaluate Henri Nouwen’s Theological Framework for Caregiving   •Develop Practical Support Strategies for Faith Communities

Whole-Blood, Concentrated, And Micro–Dose Del Nido Cardioplegia In Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Scoping Review, Christian Iulianelli

Student Works

1. A.     Background/Introduction: Del Nido cardioplegia was originally developed for pediatric cardiac surgery to provide prolonged myocardial protection with a single-dose strategy. Its adoption in adult cardiac surgery has led to multiple modified formulations, including whole-blood, concentrated, and bloodless strategies. Given expanding clinical use and variation in technique, a structured mapping of the adult evidence base is warranted.
2. B.     Methodology: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidance. PubMed and CINAHL were searched, yielding 88 records. After duplicate removal and screening, 18 studies met inclusion criteria. Data were charted on study design, cardioplegia formulation, patient population, myocardial biomarkers, arrhythmias, renal outcomes, transfusion requirements, …

Evolving Solutions For Red Blood Cell Preservation, Ali Alkafaji, Charles A. Elder, Mohammad Zaidi, Kavin Parthiv, Michael A. Menze

The Cardinal Edge

In emergencies such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, or during outer space missions, the availability of transfusable blood can mean the difference between life and death. Red blood cells (RBCs) must be stored at +4 ± 2 °C and have a shelf life of just 42 days, which makes maintaining a stable blood supply during adverse conditions extraordinarily challenging. This challenge was especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic when hospitals faced severe blood shortages. Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, offers a promising avenue to extend the shelf life of RBCs for transfusion during crises. However, a significant hurdle in dry preservation is …

Sound, Speech, And Synapses: Rebuilding The Brain Through Neuroplasticity, Sireen Khader

The Cardinal Edge

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Assistive Technology-Mediated Hepatitis B Education On At-Risk Behaviours Among In-School Adolescents With Hearing Impairment In Oyo State, Nigeria, Suen. E. Olalekanmi, J. O. Odelola, O. O. Isaiah

The 2026 Assistive Technology for Persons with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities Conference

Background: Adolescents with hearing impairment experience heightened vulnerability to health risks, largely due to limited access to accurate, accessible, and comprehensible health information. Communication barriers often restrict their understanding of disease prevention, resulting in inadequate health literacy and increased engagement in behaviours that may expose them to preventable infections such as HB. Despite the availability of effective vaccines and preventive measures, HB remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria. This situation underscores the urgent need for researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals to develop and prioritise inclusive health education strategies that address the unique communication needs of adolescents with hearing …

When The Machine Lets Go: Designing Drug Delivery Devices Patients Can Rely On, Katie Stubits, Liam Brennan

Student Research Symposium (SRS)

Semi-automated drug delivery systems, such as closed-loop insulin pumps, smart infusion devices, and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) tools, are transforming healthcare by improving dosing precision and empowering patients with greater autonomy. However, their safety and efficacy depend critically on trust calibration—the dynamic alignment between patient trust in automation and actual system reliability (Hoff & Bashir, 2015; Lee & See, 2004). Miscalibrated trust can lead to misuse or disuse, jeopardizing patient safety in high-stakes contexts (Fallon et al., 2010). Grounded in theories of human–automation interaction (Lee & See, 2004) and recent empirical research findings (Zheng et al., 2022), this work conceptualizes trust …

Breaking Into Hiv-1'S Epigenetic Vault: Cure Strategies To Eliminate The Viral Reservoir, Joanna Jones, Chelsea Gunderson, Brian Wigdahl, Michael Nonnemacher

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus that integrates into the host cell's DNA as a provirus. Transcription from the provirus is regulated in large part by cellular proteins and epigenetic factors. These may be repressive or permissive to productive infection. The host factors that regulate this balance are therefore attractive targets for HIV-1 therapeutics. Indeed, proviral chromatin is the focus of two of the current HIV-1 cure strategies. "Shock and Kill" uses latency reversal agents to open the provirus's chromatin, promoting high levels of gene expression that induce the killing of infected cells. "Block and Lock" uses …

Defining A Multi-Omic, Ai-Enabled Stool Screening Paradigm For Colorectal Cancer: A Consensus Framework For Clinical Translation, Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, Yan Leyfman, Viviana Cortiana, Rhys Crawford, Shivani Modi

Einstein Health Papers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops through both conventional adenoma-carcinoma and serrated neoplasia pathways, yet noninvasive screening still under-detects the advanced precursor lesions that enable true cancer prevention. Stool-based screening reduces CRC mortality, but its preventive impact remains constrained by limited detection of advanced precancerous lesions (APLs), including advanced adenomas and sessile serrated lesions. Next-generation multitarget stool DNA assays (mt-sDNA; e.g., Cologuard Plus) have established high sensitivity for CRC and specificity approaching 94%, leaving improved APL detection as the principal opportunity for innovation. This review presents a consensus framework for a multi-omic stool screening paradigm that integrates host epigenetic markers (DNA methylation) …

Virtual Reality For The Management Of Postoperative Pain And Anxiety In Children And Adolescents Undergoing Nuss Repair Of Pectus Excavatum: Randomized Controlled Trial, Charlotte M. Walter, Dillon Froass, Nora Bell, Lauren Haack, Chloe Boehmer, Claudia Bruguera Torres, Rachel Spivak, Max Chou, Kristie Geisler, Keith O'Conor, Sara E. Williams, Lili Ding, Christopher D. King, Vanessa A. Olbrecht

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) is a novel technology with implications for pain and sensory processing. VR may serve as a novel, scalable method to deliver clinically validated therapy for pain management as an alternative or adjunct to opioids for acute pain. Given that psychological factors and pain perception are both components of postoperative pain, it may also be beneficial to incorporate modalities that decrease anxiety, such as active relaxation and guided meditation with VR. Unfortunately, these therapies are not widely available due to multiple barriers. VR has the potential to deliver pain-reducing, psychologically based therapy to children, thereby enhancing multimodal …

Endometriosis Knowledge Among Emergency Medicine Providers: Diagnostic Skills And Symptom Recognition, Caidon Iwuagwu, Laurel X. Chen, Ellen Slattery, Pranjal Srivastava, Hamsitha Karra, Sheyenne Tung, Adrienne Burton, Camila Bomtempo, Jamie Aranda

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Objective: Endometriosis is associated with significant diagnostic delays, averaging 6.7 years, largely due to nonspecific symptoms and inadequate diagnostic approaches. Over 15,000 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States annually involve patients with endometriosis, highlighting the need for knowledge of endometriosis. This study surveys emergency medicine (EM) attendings, residents, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and fellows to assess knowledge and practice in managing endometriosis-related ED complaints. Methods: A questionnaire from a prior endometriosis survey was modified for EM providers and administered anonymously via email (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) in monthly newsletters to providers at an academic and six associated community EDs. …

Sacroiliac Dysfunction In A Middle-Aged Female Runner: A Case Study, Blair Bradshaw

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Research has indicated an increased prevalence of low back pain (LBP) due to SIJ dysfunction, with some reports suggesting it is the main source of pain in 15- 30% of cases. Women are more prone to incidence of SIJ pain due to a wider, more uneven, less curved, and posteriorly rotated sacrum. Additionally, women have increased mobility at the SIJ which increases stress and shear loading. Repetitive loading such as running can further contribute to SIJ dysfunction. Research suggests that female runners with SIJ pain had common biomechanical patterns putting them at more risk for injury including decreased knee …