Beyond the frame rate: Measuring high-frequency fluctuations with light intensity modulation

Power spectral density measurements of any sampled signal are typically restricted by both acquisition rate and frequency response limitations of instruments, which can be particularly prohibitive for video-based measurements. We have developed a new method called Intensity Modulation Spectral Analysis (IMSA) that circumvents these limitations, dramatically extending the effective detection bandwidth. We demonstrate this by video-tracking an optically-trapped microsphere while oscillating an LED illumination source. This approach allows us to quantify fluctuations of the microsphere at frequencies over 10 times higher than the Nyquist frequency, mimicking a significantly higher frame rate.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma in a nonagenarian

Retroperitoneal liposarcomas are rare tumors arising from the soft tissue of the retroperitoneum and are of mesenchymal cell origin. They can reach a large size prior to causing symptoms and generally have a poor prognosis. We present the case of a 93-year-old lady presenting with a large retroperitoneal liposarcoma at the site of a previous colonic anastomosis for the adenocarcinoma treatment. It caused minimal symptoms initially, but surgical resection was undertaken when the tumor was found to be growing significantly in size. However, due to the tumor’s location and its invasion into surrounding structures, the resection was not feasible and subsequently abandoned. A retroperitoneal liposarcoma arising from the site of a previous colonic resection has not been previously described. A review of the diagnosis and current management of these lesions is also given

Using Developmental Frameworks to Implement Focus Groups in School-Aged Children

This poster describes the use of virtual focus groups with school-aged children in the development of a pediatric wellbeing picture scale to screen for mental health and wellbeing. Children\u27s opinions, creative ideas, and insights allow acquisition of new data and knowledge, but unfortunately, are frequently overlooked. When using developmentally-based principles, focus groups have been shown to be a successful and reliable method for collecting data from this age group and a novel way to better understand the child’s interactions and experiences. Focus groups have a number of advantages, allowing for in-depth exploration of discussion by the participants. Students in Nursing 499 conducted developmentally-based focus groups with children grades 3-5 to develop the Pediatric Well Being Picture Scale. Basing focus groups on theoretical frameworks of Piaget, Erikson, and Kohlberg creates an environment conducive to open discussion and expression of children’s ideas. These focus groups give children the opportunity to connect to one another and feel more comfortable in talking about items about emotional wellbeing. This allowed the researcher to gain an understanding of the children’s perspective for the items on the wellbeing scale. Limitations noted due to the virtual environment included maintaining the child’s attention, adequacy of technology, and assuring that each child had the opportunity to equally participate. Benefits include more openness and candor due a sense of anonymity from not being in the same location.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2022/1066/thumbnail.jp

Examining the Potential of Vitamin C Supplementation in Tissue-Engineered Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Constructs

Because equine tendinopathies are slow to heal and often recur, therapeutic strategies are being considered that aid tendon repair. Given the success of utilizing vitamin C to promote tenogenesis in other species, we hypothesized that vitamin C supplementation would produce dose-dependent improvements in the tenogenic properties of tendon proper (TP) and peritenon (PERI) cells of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Equine TP- and PERI-progenitor-cell-seeded fibrin three-dimensional constructs were supplemented with four concentrations of vitamin C. The gene expression profiles of the constructs were assessed with 3\u27-Tag-Seq and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); collagen content and fibril ultrastructure were also analyzed. Moreover, cells were challenged with dexamethasone to determine the levels of cytoprotection afforded by vitamin C. Expression profiling demonstrated that vitamin C had an anti-inflammatory effect on TP and PERI cell constructs. Moreover, vitamin C supplementation mitigated the degenerative pathways seen in tendinopathy and increased collagen content in tendon constructs. When challenged with dexamethasone in two-dimensional culture, vitamin C had a cytoprotective effect for TP cells but not necessarily for PERI cells. Future studies will explore the effects of vitamin C on these cells during inflammation and within the tendon niche in vivo

Assessing a Temporary Isolation Room From an Infection Control Perspective: A Discussion Paper

Introduction Assessing the functionality and infection control implications of new technologies presents significant challenges. In this discussion paper, we present our approach to assessing infection control aspects of a new isolation room, the RediRoom™ (prototype). We report how we evaluated this room, lessons learnt and suggestions for future evaluations in this area. Methods There is no documented method for evaluating a novel temporary isolation room. We combined a range of existing tools to undertake a technical assessment. Three approaches were used, an assessment against standards or guidelines; professional assessment; and a cleaning assessment. Results To assess compliance against existing recommendations related to the built environment and isolation rooms, elements contained within Australasian and United Kingdom guidelines were used. We were able to identify which elements in these guidelines were of the most value and relevance. An ultraviolet (UV) solution with fluorescent light assessment was used to assess the ability to clean surfaces. This approach was a useful objective measure. A professional assessment is potentially subjective, but provides an opportunity to identify other potential issues and benefits. In this study, the RediRoom™ performed well against all three approaches. We identified limitations in using existing guidelines for a temporary isolation room. Conclusion In our study, the use of video and video reflexive ethnography for the professional assessment would have been useful. We propose a revised list of assessment against which new isolation solutions or technologies could be assessed, with the view of others continuing to build on this