Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Feasibility Of Conducting A Randomized Controlled Trial To Explore The Muscular Influence Of Post-Operative Intravenous Iron Treatment For Anaemia After Major Abdominal Surgery, Beth Maclean, Robert U. Newton, Jayne Lim, Toby Richards

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and Objectives: Iron deficiency anaemia is common in patients recovering from major surgery and is associated with poorer post-operative outcomes. We designed a randomized controlled trial treating post-operative anaemia with iron therapy to observe the influence on post-operative recovery. Materials and Methods: Anaemic patients (haemoglobin [Hb] < 120 g/L for women, Hb < 130 g/L for men) recovering from major abdominal surgery at Fiona Stanley Hospital were recruited. Patients were double-blind randomized 1:1 to ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) or saline administered 4 weeks post-discharge and included in a 12-week exercise programme. Iron indices, quality of life (QoL) questionnaires and muscle function tests were conducted at 4 weeks (baseline), 8-, 12- and 16-weeks post-discharge. This pilot study primarily aimed to assess the feasibility of recruiting 20 patients per intervention arm. Trial registration: ACTRN12622001447741. Results: Of 205 eligible patients screened between 5 May 2023 and 31 August 2023, only four patients were recruited, of which one completed the study. After randomization to FCM, results obtained from the sole participant that completed the trial suggested a trend towards improvement in QoL outcomes, Hb and muscle function. Conclusion: Recruitment to a randomized controlled trial exploring the influence of iron therapy on muscle function after major abdominal surgery was not feasible.

Validation Status Of Digital Blood Pressure Monitors In Peru: A Comprehensive Assessment With A Validation-Process Algorithm Proposal, Fabian A. Chavez-Ecos, Sandra S. Chavez-Malpartida, Alexander M. Parra-Huaroto, Rodrigo Chavez-Ecos, Kiara Camacho-Caballero, Marcelo Chavez-Ecos, Miguel A. Chavez-Gutarra, Henry Anchante-Hernandez, Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), hypertension is the leading cause of death and disability. Accurate diagnosis requires validated blood pressure measurement devices (BPMD). This study aimed to assess the characteristics and validation status of blood pressure measuring devices available for online purchase within Peru. Methods Between September and November 2023, we performed an electronic search of major retailers and online pharmacies. Devices were classified as validated if they were listed in databases recommended by the 2023 European Society of Hypertension (ESH) Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension or deemed equivalent by the manufacturer. Validation status was …

Rapid Diagnosis Of Bacterial Vaginosis Using Machine-Learning-Assisted Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Of Human Vaginal Fluids, Xin Ru Wen, Jia Wei Tang, Jie Chen, Hui Min Chen, Muhammad Usman, Quan Yuan, Yu Rong Tang, Yu Dong Zhang, Hui Jin Chen, Liang Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an abnormal gynecological condition caused by the overgrowth of specific bacteria in the vagina. This study aims to develop a novel method for BV detection by integrating surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with machine learning (ML) algorithms. Vaginal fluid samples were classified as BV positive or BV negative using the BVBlue Test and clinical microscopy, followed by SERS spectral acquisition to construct the data set. Preliminary SERS spectral analysis revealed notable disparities in characteristic peak features. Multiple ML models were constructed and optimized, with the convolutional neural network (CNN) model achieving the highest prediction accuracy at 99%. …

Can Quantitative Sensory Testing Predict Treatment Outcomes In Hip And Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Individual Participant Data, Myles C. Murphy, Andrea Mosler, Ebonie K. Rio, Molly Coventry, Isaac Selva Raj, Paola T. Chivers, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Fabio Marcon Alfieri, Martin F. Bjurström, Dennis Boye Larsen, Wei Ju Chang, Anne Estrup Olesen, Emma Hertel, Paetur Mikal Holm, Thomas Graven-Nielsen, Cid André Fidelis De Paula Gomes, Marius Henriksen, N. Jennifer Klinedinst, Jerin Mathew, Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, Guilherme S. Nunes, Helen O'Leary, Håvard Østerås, Ozgul Ozturk, Miklos Pozsgai, Érika Patrcia Rampazo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

An individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis can assess the predictive value of data on outcomes at the individual level, offering a potential tool for developing personalized pain management. Pretreatment quantitative sensory testing (QST) may stratify patient groups, which are then linked to treatment outcomes. Our objective was to determine if measures of QST at baseline are related to treatment outcomes (at any time point) for pain and disability in lower-limb osteoarthritis. We performed a systematic review with an IPD meta-analysis. Searches were conducted in 9 databases until May 5, 2023 for intervention studies that measured baseline QST and longitudinal measures …

Using Visual Prompts To Analyze Ejection Fraction In Echocardiograms, Kevin Reisch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a critical biomarker for heart failure, but manual estimation from echocardiograms is time-consuming. Artificial intelligence can be used to accelerate this process, allowing clinicians to focus on other critical tasks. Current methods typically train models from scratch on echocardiogram datasets; however, this approach is limited by the scarcity of large medical imaging datasets, which are expensive and difficult to acquire. We present a transfer learning approach that leverages pretrained models from massive datasets, enabling continuous improvement as foundation models advance. Our method employs visual prompting to generate trainable masks for echocardiogram videos, transforming the …

Effects Of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation On Impulse Control Disorders In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease On Dopamine Replacement Therapy, Katherine Muksuris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that causes motor deficits, cognitive impairment, and depression. The mainstay treatment for motor symptoms is dopamine replacement therapy (DRT). DRT takes the form of levodopa or dopamine receptor agonists (DAs) and can be associated with impulse control disorders (ICDs). Currently, the approach to mitigating these side effects is to decrease or stop DRT, which may cause motor symptoms to return, making the management of the disorder more difficult. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation treatment for multiple disorders, including its approved use for smoking cessation. It has also shown …

Cyanine-Based Dual-Emission Sensor For Ratiometric Nad(P)H Imaging In Cells, Renal Tissues, And Entire Organisms, Peter Agyemang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Monitoring the dynamic fluctuations of NADH and NADPH, key coenzymes in Intracellular redox homeostasis and bioenergetics, are essential for understanding both normal physiology and disease pathology. However, precise, real-time imaging of NAD(P)H levels in complex biological systems remains a major challenge due to interference from endogenous fluorescence and the limitations of intensity-based sensors. We present a newly engineered dual-emission fluorescent sensor, sensor A, which overcomes these obstacles by offering ratiometric detection with high specificity and sensitivity. The sensor features a 3-quinolinium moiety conjugated to a cyanine dye scaffold via an amine linker, enabling selective reactivity toward NAD(P)H. Upon reduction, …

Advanced Nanocomposite-Based Electrochemical Sensor For Ultra-Sensitive Dopamine Detection In Physiological Fluids, Megha Shinde, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

This study presents a novel point-of-care electrochemical sensor for dopamine (DA) detection, featuring a flexible laser-induced graphene (LIG) modified with a unique nanocomposite comprising Nb₄C₃T_x MXene, polypyrrole (PPy), and iron nanoparticles (FeNPs). The LIG-Nb₄C₃T_x MXene-PPy-FeNPs is characterized by scanning electron microscopy to confirm the successful surface modification. The electrochemical performance of the fabricated sensor via cyclic voltammetry showed significant electrochemical activity upon Nb₄C₃T_x MXene-PPy-FeNPs nanocomposite modification of the LIG surface with an increased peak anodic current (Ipa) from 43 μA to 104 μA. The sensor …

Electrochemical Detection Of Prostate Cancer—Associated Mirna-141 Using A Low-Cost Disposable Biosensor, Alexander Hunt, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. The early detection of aggressive forms is critical. Current diagnostic methods, including PSA testing and biopsies, are invasive and often yield false results. MicroRNA-141 (miRNA-141) has emerged as a promising non-invasive biomarker due to its elevated levels in the urine of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Here, a low-cost, paper-based electrochemical biosensor for the sensitive detection of miRNA-141 in synthetic urine is reported. The device employs inkjet-printed gold electrodes on photopaper, functionalized with thiolated single-stranded DNA-141 capture probes for specific target recognition. The biosensor …

Gold Nanoparticle-Enhanced Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Electrode For Non-Enzymatic Lactate Sensing, Christopher Animashaun, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

We are reporting the development of a high-performance, non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor for selective lactate detection, integrating laser-induced graphene (LIG), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) synthesized from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The LIG electrode offers a highly porous, conductive scaffold, while electrodeposited AuNPs enhance catalytic activity and signal amplification. The PEDOT-based MIP layer, electropolymerized via cyclic voltammetry, imparts molecular specificity by creating lactate-specific binding sites. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed successful molecular imprinting and enhanced interfacial electron transfer. The resulting LIG/AuNPs/MIP biosensor demonstrated a wide linear detection range from 0.1 µM to 2500 µM, with a sensitivity of 22.42 µA/log(µM) and …

Electrochemical And Nanomaterial Based Strategies For Nonenzymatic Glucose Detection: A Review, Reagan Aviha, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Electrochemical glucose sensing technologies have undergone significant evolution, with continual advancements aimed at improving sensitivity, selectivity, and user convenience. This review systematically explores the development of emerging nonenzymatic glucose sensor designs. Nonenzymatic sensors are critically evaluated for their ability to overcome enzymatic limitations, leveraging novel materials and catalytic mechanisms. Additionally, the emergence of smartphone-integrated glucose monitoring systems is highlighted as the fifth generation, representing a paradigm shift toward personalized, real-time healthcare management. Emphasis is placed on the strategies employed to reduce the working electrode potential and enhance analytical performance. Key analytical metrics and real-sample applicability are evaluated, and persistent challenges …

Molecular Imprinting And Nanomaterial Synergy For Lactate Detection, Christopher Animashaun, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based electrochemical sensors have emerged as promising non-enzymatic platforms for the selective and stable detection of clinically and environmentally relevant biomarkers. This review provides a critical, comprehensive analysis of recent advances in MIP-based lactate sensing, with particular emphasis on hybrid systems that integrate conductive nanomaterials including gold and silver nanoparticles, laser-induced graphene, and reduced graphene oxide. These synergistic combinations leverage enhanced surface area, electrical conductivity, and molecular recognition to improve sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and long-term operational stability. Key fabrication strategies, such as electropolymerization, green nanomaterial synthesis, and surface imprinting, are critically examined for their roles in optimizing …

The Association Of Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) With Cancer Risk: An Updated Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Case-Control Studies (2013-2024), Hajar Heidari

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Abstract:

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. Among these, the metabolism of homocysteine (HCY), a sulfur-containing amino acid derived from dietary methionine, has attracted growing attention due to its involvement in one-carbon metabolism and its potential link to cancer. Elevated HCY levels, a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY), have been shown to disrupt crucial cellular processes such as DNA methylation and promote oxidative stress (OS)—both of which contribute to genomic instability and cancer progression. Disruptions in the folate and methionine cycles, …

Ribosome Hibernation In Mycobacterium Abscessus And Its Effect On Antibiotic Resistance, Ryan Treen

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) represent a diverse repertoire of species, most of which are ubiquitous in the environment. Some NTM species, such as Mycobacterium abscessus, can cause life-threatening infections in people with underlying medical conditions. The clinical incidence of such infections is on the rise, posing an emerging threat to public health. M. abscessus is characterized by intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment strategies. Most chemotherapeutic approaches for M. abscessus infection target the bacterial ribosome, necessitating a better understanding of the physiological processes which confer this resistance. Multiple mycobacterial species respond to zinc-limiting conditions by inducing remodeling and hibernation …

Investigating The Production Challenges Of The P100.1 Phage Endolysin, Jonah O. Frago

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases globally. One key aspect of acne pathogenesis is the disturbance of healthy strain diversity of the skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes. Many acne treatments are antimicrobial; however, these treatments are generally nonspecific and carry a variety of side effects in addition to contributing to rising antibiotic resistance. Lytic bacteriophages (or phages) are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. Their lytic lifestyle is facilitated by enzymes called endolysins. Phages have been studied as an alternative to traditional antimicrobials in acne treatment and have shown reduced C. acnes load in acne lesions and …

Optimal Bag Valve Mask Ventilation Efficacy Of Smart Bag Ventilation Compared To Traditional Adult And Paediatric Bag Valve Ventilation During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Ian Dawson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background: Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is one of the world’s leading causes of mortality. Survival rates are low, ranging from 3.1–20.4% internationally. The most effective oxygenation method for patients during pre-hospital cardiac arrest is ventilating using a self- inflating Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM). Yet, extensive research has identified a lack of compliance with ventilator guidelines during OHCA cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). As a result, clinicians often ventilate patients too aggressively using the BVM, delivering breaths excessively higher than the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recommended rate of 10 breaths per minute (BPM). Hyperventilation can lead to complications such as aspiration, barotrauma, and …

A Non-Toxic Analgesic Elicits Cell-Specific Genomic And Epigenomic Modulation By Targeting The Pag Brain Region, Hernan A. Bazan, Brian L. Giles, Surjyadipta Bhattacharjee, Scott Edwards, Nicolas G. Bazan

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Acetaminophen (ApAP) is widely used for pain management, but overuse or overdose leads to hepatotoxicity, making it the leading cause of acute liver failure globally. There is an urgent need for safer pain medications, as other non-opioid analgesics like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are nephrotoxic. We have identified SRP-001 as a safer, non-hepatotoxic, novel analgesic that overcomes ApAP's limitations by avoiding NAPQI formation and preserving hepatic tight junctions. Using coupled RNA and ATAC sequencing, from the periaqueductal gray (PAG) midbrain region, we compared the genetic and epigenetic signatures of SRP-001 and ApAP treatments following complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain …

Multi-Modal Neo-Adjuvant Anti-Obesity Medications May Be More Effective Than Medically Supervised Weight Loss Or Glp-1 Therapy Alone In Preparing Bmi ≥ 70 Patients For Metabolic Surgery, Michael Kachmar, Florina Corpodean, Iryna Popiv, Kyle B. Lapenna, Denise M. Danos, Michael W. Cook, Brian A. Saunders, Jean J. Domercant, Vance L. Albaugh, Philip R. Schauer

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background/objectives: Optimizing patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 70 kg/m² for metabolic surgery (MS) is challenging. However, pre-operative weight loss may be important for improving the safety of MS for these high-risk patients. Multi-modal anti-obesity medications (mmAOM) may enhance preoperative weight loss compared to non-pharmacologic medically supervised weight loss (NP-MSWL) or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist monotherapy (Mono-GLP-1) alone. Subjects/methods: This retrospective study analyzed 113 patients with BMI ≥ 70 kg/m² at a single metabolic disease treatment institute. Interventions/methods: Patients were categorized into NP-MSWL (n = 13), Mono-GLP-1 (n = 54), and mmAOM (n = 46) groups. The primary …

Evaluation Of The Dnazyme Gr5 For The Determination Of Lead Speciation In Natural Waters, Gaganprit Gill

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis explores the development and application of a DNAzyme-based biosensor designed to detect labile metal species in environmental samples. Real time and on-site monitoring of labile metal fractions would make a valuable contribution to environmental management, as these fractions are the most bioavailable and pose significant toxicity risks to aquatic organisms. Conventional methods for detecting labile metals, while effective, are often burdened by high costs, complexity, and lengthy processing times, making them less ideal for rapid and widespread environmental assessments.

The first manuscript of this thesis (chapter 2) establishes the fundamental capabilities of the Pb²⁺-specific DNAzyme GR5 …

Pengetahuan Dan Persepsi Keluarga Penderita Penyakit Ginjal Tahap Akhir (Pgta) Terhadap Transplantasi Ginjal Di Rs Hasan Sadikin Bandung, Rizqa Adinda Syakira, Helni Mariani, Rizky Andhika

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Kidney transplantation is the best kidney replacement therapy for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients. The gap between the number of donors and recipients remains a problem contributing to the low rate of kidney transplantation in Indonesia. The families of ESRD patients are the most recommended donor candidates. Knowledge and perception have a crucial role in the decision to donate organs, making it important to know the knowledge and perception of ESRD patients’ families towards kidney transplantation. This study aimed to describe the knowledge and perception of families of ESRD patients undergoing dialysis at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General …