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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pharmacy
Full text linkArtificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the pharmaceutical field by enabling computer software systems to learn and perform human behavior. Specifically, AI has revolutionized chronic diabetes management through continuous glucose monitoring, showcasing its immense potential in healthcare. However, alongside its transformative impact, AI’s increasing role in healthcare has prompted concerns over privacy and its premature integration. Despite these challenges, AI offers limitless opportunities to improve medication management and treatment regimens, driving advancements across various domains. From improving CT imaging to enhancing adenoma detection in colonoscopies and facilitating medication adherence, AI’s impact on healthcare is profound. Furthermore, AI plays a pivotal role in patient education and safety through the use of mobile application devices and predictive analysis systems to improve outcomes. Under polypharmacy conditions, AI-based computational methods can be used to detect potential drug-drug interactions. Therefore, for pharmacists, AI represents a paradigm shift, allowing them to prioritize patient-centered care amidst the challenges of modern healthcare
Development of Novel Inhibitors of α-2 adrenergic receptors: Therapeutic Leads for Safer Reversal of α-2 adulterated opioid overdoses
No full textThe increasing prevalence of opioid adulteration with alpha-2 adrenergic receptor (α2AR) agonists, such as xylazine and medetomidine, has introduced new challenges in overdose management. These α2AR agonists exacerbate opioid-induced respiratory depression and complicate emergency medical interventions due to the absence of clinically approved reversing agents. Our current research sought to identify and characterize potential α2AR antagonists or modulators for human use, addressing this critical gap in medical research. Particularly, our work focused on finding ligands that display selectivity for the α2AAR and α2CAR, the α2AR subtypes found predominantly in the brain and implicated in the sedative effects.
We identified lead compounds through structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, with 2- methoxyphenyl-piperazine derivatives showing high to moderate binding affinity for α2AR subtypes. Iterative synthesis and optimization were conducted using multiparametric drug design strategies, followed by receptor binding and functional assays to a panel of α2ARs.
The identified ligands demonstrate competitive binding to the α 2A AR and α 2C AR subtypes, with 1-(4-methoxy-3-(4-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazin-1-yl) butoxy) phenyl) ethan-1-one displaying the best affinity (Ki \u3c 100 nM at all α2AR subtypes) among the compounds synthesized.
This research identifies promising α2AR-modulating compounds with potential as reversing agents for xylazine and related sedatives in opioid-polysubstance overdoses. The findings provide a foundation for further preclinical development and could inform future clinical strategies for overdose treatment representing a significant advancement in addressing the emerging public health crisis of opioid-adulterant toxicity
Human Centered Optimization Lab Pymoo Dashboard
No full textThe Human Centered Optimization Lab Pymoo Dashboard is an initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility to the Python-based multi-objective optimization library, Pymoo. While Pymoo offers extensive flexibility for optimizations, its command-line interface poses a challenge to users unfamiliar with such environments. To address this gap, we developed a web-based user interface designed for ease of use and simplicity.
My role in this project involved creating the main dashboard by decomposing it into manageable components and designing an intuitive way to integrate more complex features. Key contributions include revamping the backend processes that handle data communication between the frontend and backend systems, improving overall efficiency. The frontend was enhanced through componentization and performance optimization using Nuxt and websocket connections. Additionally, socket.io ensures compatibility for environments where websockets might not be supported.
This project aims to democratize access to advanced machine learning tasks by making Pymoo more user-friendly. By leveraging modern web technologies, we\u27ve created a platform that lowers the barrier of entry for users without technical backgrounds in command-line operations, thus broadening the reach and impact of multi-objective optimization tools
Use of Visual Cues in PACU PCA Pumps on Increasing Patient Satisfaction of Pain Management
Full text linkAbstract
Problem: Effective pain management in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is crucial for patient recovery and satisfaction. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps are commonly used to manage post-surgical pain, allowing patients to self-administer analgesics within prescribed limits. However, confusion about dosing intervals and uncertainty about when the next dose can be administered may lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction among patients. Previous research suggests visual cues can enhance user experience and confidence in medical device use.
Aim: This study aims to investigate whether the addition of visual cues on PCA pumps improves patient satisfaction with pain management compared to standard PCA pumps without such cues.
Methods: This study will employ a randomized controlled design. Patients in the PACU who meet inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) a PCA pump with a visual cue for dosing, and (2) a PCA pump without a visual cue. Pain levels will be recorded at 15-minute intervals while patients remain in the PACU. Before hospital discharge, all participants will complete a satisfaction survey evaluating their pain management experience.
Conclusion: Although research on PCA pumps in patient satisfaction is prominent, there is limited research surrounding the addition of visual cues in PCA pumps. This study will potentially improve post-surgical pain management practices by identifying whether visual cues enhance patient satisfaction with PCA pump use. If successful, this intervention may lead to better patient experiences and potentially improved adherence to pain management protocols
Survey of Habitat and Soil Types to Assist with Long-term Prairie Management
No full textSurvey of Habitat and Soil Types at the Ohio Northern University Tidd-Oakes Farm to Assist with Long-term Prairie Management R.W. Verb, A.M. Buzdon, K.M. Offenbaker, V.R. Williams, L.A. Riley, K.L. Krynak, and R.G. Verb Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio
Before the European settlement of Ohio, the western portion of the state contained a patchwork network of prairie habitats. While the majority of the original prairie habitats have been destroyed or degraded, there are several prairie remnants and restored prairie sites scattered throughout the state. The management of these habitats often utilizes controlled fire to mimic historical natural fire regimes. Controlled burns promote the health, reproduction, and diversity of native prairie species by suppressing invasive plants and controlling woody encroachment. The Ohio Northern University Tidd-Oakes Farm (TOF) is a 350-acre property located on the periphery of the ancient Scioto Lake/Marsh habitat in Hardin County, Ohio. The TOF was enrolled in the NRCS conservation reserve and wetland reserve programs to assist with the planning and restoration of a myriad of habitats. In 2001 a sizeable portion of the property was originally planted as a restored tallgrass prairie habitat (switchgrass, Panicum virgatum dominated). After establishment, rotating controlled burns were used to manage these habitats until 2008, when this management practice was unable to continue due to local concerns about fire and organic soils on the property. Portions of the property are situated where the ancient peatland, the Scioto Marsh, was located. These sites are now characterized by high organic soils belonging to the Carlisle (Series) Muck. The objectives of this study were to 1) characterize the habitat types present at the TOF along with the major soil series, 2) determine the distribution of soil types, specifically Carlisle Muck, across the property, and 3) look for restored prairie habitats that are not associated with Carlisle Muck so that we might begin implementing a prescribed burn plan to better manage these habitats
2-1-1 Awareness Campaign
No full textThose in rural areas often struggle to access essential resources and are likely to be unaware of existing resources available to them. The 2-1-1 program aims to solve this problem as a helpline working to connect people with the resources such as food banks, housing, transportation, various health related services and much more. Previous research in Hardin County, Ohio has shown that poverty levels in Kenton and Ada are estimated to be 16.9% while roughly 31% of the population is reported having low access to food. The importance of increasing access to these basic needs and other resources is crucial in improving the health of the community. To further increase awareness of these resources, we have launched a promotional campaign. This ongoing campaign makes use of media such as billboards, flyers, and radio announcements to increase the awareness of the 2-1-1 program. Data collection is currently in progress and will consist of the number of calls to 2-1-1 along with the type of resources provided. After completion of the campaign, the data will be compared to the number of calls prior to the promotional intervention allowing for assessment of the impact on the community. Findings hope to provide insight into the effectiveness of the campaign along with the resources most in need in the area
Survey Of ONU Eastern Woodlot Woody Species
No full textEastern deciduous forests face many disturbances, ranging from invasive species to anthropogenic impacts to climate change. These disturbances can impact biomass, diversity, and successional pathways. Short and long-term studies are one way to track shifts in floristic changes. On the campus of Ohio Northern University, in Ada, Ohio there is a small 5-acre woodlot. This woodlot has been fragmented into an east and west block by a road. This project lays the foundation for tracking long-term changes in the woody vegetation within the eastern portion of this woodlot. Eleven west-to-east linear transects were used to survey and quantify the woody species within this section of the woodlot. A GPS unit was used to record the coordinates of the individual woody species encountered. For each tree/shrub, the diameter at breast height was measured and the tree was identified to the species level. This project found that many of the woody species were less than an inch in diameter, the majority of which were Green Ash, (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). By observation, the older woody species composition was made up of basswoods (Tilia americana), red oaks (Quercus rubra) and white oaks (Quercus alba), sugar maples (Acer saccharum), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) trees. Further analyses will examine if there are differences in species diversity, biomass, and community composition between the transects on the edge of the woodlot versus those in the interior
Automated Dispensing Cabinet Vs. Traditional Stock Storage System
No full textProblem - Medication errors are a significant concern in healthcare settings, contributing to adverse patient outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and compromised patient safety. Traditional manual medication dispensing systems are prone to human error, leading to incorrect dosages, wrong medications, or missed doses. In response, many hospitals have adopted automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) which are designed to streamline the medication dispensing process, reduce human error, and enhance medication safety. However, the effectiveness of ADCs in reducing medication errors compared to traditional stock storage systems (TFSS) remains unclear.
Aim - This study aims to address this gap by comparing medication error rates between hospitals using ADCs and those relying on TFSS, with the goal of evaluating whether the use of ADCs improves medication safety and reduces the frequency of errors in hospitalized patients.
Methods - This project is a retrospective hospital data review with the use of mixed methods. This project involves a comparative analysis of two hospitals: one using ADCs across all floors and the other primarily utilizing TFSS. Hospital records from both institutions will be reviewed to identify medication error rates, and surveys will be distributed to nursing staff at each hospital. The surveys will assess nurses\u27 perceptions of ADCs in terms of medication pass efficiency, safety, and confidence, as well as their experiences with medication errors. Sophomore nursing students were also presented information related to ADCs in their Fundamentals class.
Conclusion - The use of ADCs decreases the incidence of medication errors compared to TFSS. By improving the accuracy and speed of medication dispensing, ADCs contribute to enhanced patient safety and provide healthcare professionals with greater confidence in medication administration
Impact of Visual and Auditory Distractors on Spot-the-Difference Task Performance
Full text linkIn everyday life, individuals are faced with tasks that require sustained, visual attention. However, distractions are also a part of everyday life, and with the increase in technology use came an increase in distractions that may affect concentration and performance on these visual tasks. Previous research has examined how task-unrelated visual and auditory stimuli, presented at different intensities, impact functions of learning and memory. However, it has yet to determine their impact on ongoing, attention-demanding, visual tasks. The present study used a 2x2 between-subjects design to test the impact of both visual and auditory distractors, presented at either a high or low intensity, on performance during a spot-the-difference task. 110 college students, aged 18-23 with a mean age of around 19, were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions. The number of correct differences participants identified out of 24 on a spot-the-difference task was recorded. A significant effect of distractor type was found (p \u3c .05), with visual distractors leading to significantly fewer differences identified during the spot-the-difference task than auditory distractors. This suggests that task-unrelated visual material is more distracting during an ongoing visual task than auditory material. Removing visual distractions during a visual task could potentially help to facilitate concentration and improve task performance
