Browsing by Author "Oden, Maria"

Now showing 1 - 13 of 13
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    Adjustable-volume liquid dispensing pump
    (2012-09-11) Oden, Maria; Schutze, Gordon E.; Bennett, Kimberly A.; Schwab, Brian D.; Ginnings, Charles A.; Jeans, Megan E.; Ambrose, Catherine G.; Rice University; Baylor College of Medicine; Board of Regents of the University of Texas System; United States Patent and Trademark Office
    An adjustable-volume liquid dispenser is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adjustable-volume liquid dispenser includes a spout and a plunger secured to the spout. The dispenser further includes a plunger lock moveable lengthwise along the plunger. The plunger lock is securable to the plunger at a plurality of positions on the plunger to adjust a volume of liquid to be dispensed. The dispenser also includes a spring in contact with the plunger. In addition, the dispenser includes a chamber comprising an interior for containing liquid. The plunger is slidably arranged with the chamber. A portion of the plunger is disposed within the chamber. Moreover, the dispenser includes a chamber cap secured to the chamber, and a valve disposed within the chamber. The dispenser also includes a shaft secured to the chamber.
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    Compact solar autoclave based on steam generation using broadband light-harvesting nanoparticles
    (National Academy of Sciences, 2013) Neumann, Oara; Feronti, Curtis; Neumann, Albert D.; Dong, Anjie; Schell, Kevin; Lu, Benjamin; Kim, Eric; Quinn, Mary; Thompson, Shea; Grady, Nathaniel; Nordlander, Peter; Oden, Maria; Halas, Naomi J.; Laboratory for Nanophotonics; Rice Quantum Institute; Bioengineering; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Physics and Astronomy
    The lack of readily available sterilization processes for medicine and dentistry practices in the developing world is a major risk factor for the propagation of disease. Modern medical facilities in the developed world often use autoclave systems to sterilize medical instruments and equipment and process waste that could contain harmful contagions. Here, we show the use of broadband light-absorbing nanoparticles as solar photothermal heaters, which generate high-temperature steam for a standalone, efficient solar autoclave useful for sanitation of instruments or materials in resource-limited, remote locations. Sterilization was verified using a standard Geobacillus stearothermophilus-based biological indicator.
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    COVID-19 pandemic effects on neonatal inpatient admissions and mortality: interrupted time series analysis of facilities implementing NEST360 in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania
    (Springer Nature, 2024) Malla, Lucas; Ohuma, Eric O.; Shabani, Josephine; Ngwala, Samuel; Dosunmu, Olabisi; Wainaina, John; Aluvaala, Jalemba; Kassim, Irabi; Cross, James H.; Salim, Nahya; Zimba, Evelyn; Ezeaka, Chinyere; Penzias, Rebecca E.; Gathara, David; Tillya, Robert; Chiume, Msandeni; Odedere, Opeyemi; Lufesi, Norman; Kawaza, Kondwani; Irimu, Grace; Tongo, Olukemi; Murless-Collins, Sarah; Bohne, Christine; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Oden, Maria; Lawn, Joy E.; Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies; Bioengineering; Rice 360 Institute for Global Health
    The emergence of COVID-19 precipitated containment policies (e.g., lockdowns, school closures, etc.). These policies disrupted healthcare, potentially eroding gains for Sustainable Development Goals including for neonatal mortality. Our analysis aimed to evaluate indirect effects of COVID-19 containment policies on neonatal admissions and mortality in 67 neonatal units across Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania between January 2019 and December 2021.
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    Development and validation of a simple algorithm for initiation of CPAP in neonates with respiratory distress in Malawi
    (BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2015) Hundalani, Shilpa G.; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Oden, Maria; Kawaza, Kondwani; Gest, Alfred; Molyneux, Elizabeth; Bioengineering
    Background:Low-cost bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) systems have been shown to improve survival in neonates with respiratory distress, in developing countries including Malawi. District hospitals in Malawi implementing CPAP requested simple and reliable guidelines to enable healthcare workers with basic skills and minimal training to determine when treatment with CPAP is necessary. We developed and validated TRY (T: Tone is good, R: Respiratory Distress and Y=Yes) CPAP, a simple algorithm to identify neonates with respiratory distress who would benefit from CPAP. Objective:To validate the TRY CPAP algorithm for neonates with respiratory distress in a low-resource setting. Methods: We constructed an algorithm using a combination of vital signs, tone and birth weight to determine the need for CPAP in neonates with respiratory distress. Neonates admitted to the neonatal ward of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, in Blantyre, Malawi, were assessed in a prospective, cross-sectional study. Nurses and paediatricians-in-training assessed neonates to determine whether they required CPAP using the TRY CPAP algorithm. To establish the accuracy of the TRY CPAP algorithm in evaluating the need for CPAP, their assessment was compared with the decision of a neonatologist blinded to the TRY CPAP algorithm findings. Results: 325 neonates were evaluated over a 2-month period; 13% were deemed to require CPAP by the neonatologist. The inter-rater reliability with the algorithm was 0.90 for nurses and 0.97 for paediatricians-in-training using the neonatologist's assessment as the reference standard. Conclusions:The TRY CPAP algorithm has the potential to be a simple and reliable tool to assist nurses and clinicians in identifying neonates who require treatment with CPAP in low-resource settings.
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    Efficacy of a Low-Cost Bubble CPAP System in Treatment of Respiratory Distress in a Neonatal Ward in Malawi
    (Public Library of Science, 2014) Kawaza, Kondwani; Machen, Heather E.; Brown, Jocelyn; Mwanza, Zondiwe; Iniguez, Suzanne; Al, Gest; Smith, E. O'Brian; Oden, Maria; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R.; Molyneux, Elizabeth; Bioengineering
    Respiratory failure is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in the developing world. Bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) is a safe, effective intervention for infants with respiratory distress and is widely used in developed countries. Because of its high cost, bCPAP is not widely utilized in low-resource settings. We evaluated the performance of a new bCPAP system to treat severe respiratory distress in a low resource setting, comparing it to nasal oxygen therapy, the current standard of care. We conducted a non-randomized convenience sample study to test the efficacy of a low-cost bCPAP system treating newborns with severe respiratory distress in the neonatal ward of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, in Blantyre,Malawi. Neonates weighing .1,000 g and presenting with severe respiratory distress who fulfilled inclusion criteria received nasal bCPAP if a device was available; if not, they received standard care. Clinical assessments were made during treatment and outcomes compared for the two groups. 87 neonates (62 bCPAP, 25 controls) were recruited. Survival rate for neonates receiving bCPAP was 71.0% (44/62)compared with 44.0% (11/25) for controls. 65.5% (19/29) of very low birth weight neonates receiving bCPAP survived to discharge compared to 15.4% (1/13) of controls. 64.6% (31/48) of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)receiving bCPAP survived to discharge, compared to 23.5% (4/17) of controls. 61.5% (16/26) of neonates with sepsis receiving bCPAP survived to discharge, while none of the seven neonates with sepsis in the control group survived. Use of a low-cost bCPAP system to treat neonatal respiratory distress resulted in 27% absolute improvement in survival. The beneficial effect was greater for neonates with very low birth weight, RDS, or sepsis. Implementing appropriate bCPAP devices could reduce neonatal mortality in developing countries.
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    A High-Value, Low-Cost Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure System for Low-Resource Settings: Technical Assessment and Initial Case Reports
    (Public Library of Science, 2013) Brown, Jocelyn; Machen, Heather; Kawaza, Kondwani; Mwanza, Zondiwe; Iniguez, Suzanne; Lang, Hans; Gest, Alfred; Kennedy, Neil; Miros, Robert; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Molyneux, Elizabeth; Oden, Maria; Bioengineering
    Acute respiratory infections are the leading cause of global child mortality. In the developing world, nasal oxygen therapy is often the only treatment option for babies who are suffering from respiratory distress. Without the added pressure of bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bCPAP) which helps maintain alveoli open, babies struggle to breathe and can suffer serious complications, and frequently death. A stand-alone bCPAP device can cost $6,000, too expensive for most developing world hospitals. Here, we describe the design and technical evaluation of a new, rugged bCPAP system that can be made in small volume for a cost-of-goods of approximately $350. Moreover, because of its simple designﾗconsumergrade pumps, medical tubing, and regulators—it requires only the simple replacement of a ,$1 diaphragm approximately every 2 years for maintenance. The low-cost bCPAP device delivers pressure and flow equivalent to those of a reference bCPAP system used in the developed world. We describe the initial clinical cases of a child with bronchiolitis and a neonate with respiratory distress who were treated successfully with the new bCPAP device.
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    Impact of hypothermia on implementation of CPAP for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in a low-resource setting
    (Public Library of Science, 2018) Carns, Jennifer; Kawaza, Kondwani; Quinn, M.K.; Miao, Yinsen; Guerra, Rudy; Molyneux, Elizabeth; Oden, Maria; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Bioengineering; Statistics
    Background: Neonatal hypothermia is widely associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality, but remains a pervasive global problem. No studies have examined the impact of hypothermia on outcomes for preterm infants treated with CPAP for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods: This retrospective analysis assessed the impact of hypothermia on outcomes of 65 neonates diagnosed with RDS and treated with either nasal oxygen (N = 17) or CPAP (N = 48) in a low-resource setting. A classification tree approach was used to develop a model predicting survival for subjects diagnosed with RDS. Findings: Survival to discharge was accurately predicted based on three variables: mean temperature, treatment modality, and mean respiratory rate. None of the 23 neonates with a mean temperature during treatment below 35.8°C survived to discharge, regardless of treatment modality. Among neonates with a mean temperature exceeding 35.8°C, the survival rate was 100% for the 31 neonates treated with CPAP and 36.4% for the 11 neonates treated with nasal oxygen (p<0.001). For neonates treated with CPAP, outcomes were poor if more than 50% of measured temperatures indicated hypothermia (5.6% survival). In contrast, all 30 neonates treated with CPAP and with more than 50% of temperature measurements above 35.8°C survived to discharge, regardless of initial temperature. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that successful implementation of CPAP to treat RDS in low-resource settings will require aggressive action to prevent persistent hypothermia. However, our results show that even babies who are initially cold can do well on CPAP with proper management of hypothermia.
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    Low-Cost Instructional Apparatus to Improve Training for Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2019) Parra, Sonia; Oden, Maria; Schmeler, Kathleen; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Rice360 Student Team; Bioengineering
    BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer for women in medically underserved areas. This is in part due to a lack of trained clinicians to provide the necessary diagnosis and treatment of precancerous lesions to prevent cervical cancer. Increasing medical provider knowledge and skills is important for the early detection and prevention of cervical precancer and cancer in medically underserved areas of the United States and globally. METHOD: LUCIA is a low-cost, universal cervical cancer instructional apparatus that can be used to teach and practice a variety of essential skills for cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, including: visual inspection with acetic acid, Pap and human papillomavirus DNA specimen collection, colposcopy, endocervical curettage, cervical biopsy, cryotherapy, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure. EXPERIENCE: LUCIA was used to provide hands-on training in six courses held in Texas (n=3), El Salvador (n=1), and Mozambique, Africa (n=2). Standardized provider evaluations were administered at three of these courses and resulted in mean scores of 4.12/5 for usefulness, 4.46/5 for skill improvement, and 4.43/5 for ease of skill evaluation. CONCLUSION: LUCIA provides dynamic, real-time feedback that allows trainees to learn and practice important skills related to cervical cancer prevention while simulating a patient exam.
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    Method and apparatus for dose measurement
    (2013-09-17) Oden, Maria; Lukomnik, Julia Ellen Davidson; Dinh, Cindy M.; Guiterrez, Amanda Michelle; Amaro, Carlos; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R.; Rice University; United States Patent and Trademark Office
    The present disclosure relates to devices for use in conjunction with a syringe in measuring a dose using the syringe. In certain embodiments, a clip is provided that includes an elongated portion for insertion into a barrel of a syringe and a locking portion that locks onto a feature of the syringe. Once inserted, the clip physically prevents retraction of a plunger of the syringe past a certain point corresponding to a desired dose.
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    Neonatal CPAP for Respiratory Distress Across Malawi and Mortality
    (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019) Carns, Jennifer; Kawaza, Kondwani; Liaghati-Mobarhan, Sara; Asibon, Aba; Quinn, Mary K.; Chalira, Alfred; Lufesi, Norman; Molyneux, Elizabeth; Oden, Maria; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Bioengineering
    OBJECTIVES: Our aim in this observational study was to monitor continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) usage and outcomes in newborn wards at 26 government hospitals in Malawi after the introduction of CPAP as part of a quality-improvement initiative. CPAP was implemented in 3 phases from 2013 through 2015. METHODS: Survival to discharge was analyzed for neonates treated with nasal oxygen and/or CPAP with admission weights of 1 to 2.49 kg at 24 government hospitals with transfer rates <15%. This analysis includes neonates admitted with respiratory illness for 5.5 months before (621 neonates) and 15 months immediately after CPAP implementation (1836 neonates). A follow-up data analysis was completed for neonates treated with CPAP at all hospitals during an additional 11 months (194 neonates). RESULTS: On implementation of CPAP, survival to discharge improved for all neonates admitted with respiratory distress (48.6% vs 54.5%; P = .012) and for those diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (39.8% vs 48.3%; P = .042). There were no significant differences in outcomes for neonates treated with CPAP during the implementation and follow-up periods. Hypothermia on admission was pervasive and associated with poor outcomes. Neonates with normal mean temperatures during CPAP treatment experienced the highest survival rates (65.7% for all neonates treated with CPAP and 60.0% for those diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome). CONCLUSIONS: A nurse-led CPAP service can improve outcomes for neonates in respiratory distress in low-resource settings. However, the results show that real-world improvements in survival may be limited without access to comprehensive newborn care, especially for small and sick infants.
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    Neonatal inpatient dataset for small and sick newborn care in low- and middle-income countries: systematic development and multi-country operationalisation with NEST360
    (Springer Nature, 2023) Cross, James H.; Bohne, Christine; Ngwala, Samuel K.; Shabani, Josephine; Wainaina, John; Dosunmu, Olabisi; Kassim, Irabi; Penzias, Rebecca E.; Tillya, Robert; Gathara, David; Zimba, Evelyn; Ezeaka, Veronica Chinyere; Odedere, Opeyemi; Chiume, Msandeni; Salim, Nahya; Kawaza, Kondwani; Lufesi, Norman; Irimu, Grace; Tongo, Olukemi O.; Malla, Lucas; Paton, Chris; Day, Louise T.; Oden, Maria; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Molyneux, Elizabeth M.; Ohuma, Eric O.; Lawn, Joy E.; Asibon, Aba; Adudans, Steve; Otiangala, Dickson; Mchoma, Christina; Yosefe, Simeon; Balogun, Adeleke; Omoke, Sylvia; Rashid, Ekran; Masanja, Honorati; English, Mike; Hagel, Christiane; with NEST360 Neonatal Inpatient Dataset Learning Group; Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
    Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) coverage target 4 necessitates national scale-up of Level-2 Small and Sick Newborn Care (SSNC) (with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)) in 80% of districts by 2025. Routine neonatal inpatient data is important for improving quality of care, targeting equity gaps, and enabling data-driven decision-making at individual, district, and national-levels. Existing neonatal inpatient datasets vary in purpose, size, definitions, and collection processes. We describe the co-design and operationalisation of a core inpatient dataset for use to track outcomes and improve quality of care for small and sick newborns in high-mortality settings.
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    Quantifying health facility service readiness for small and sick newborn care: comparing standards-based and WHO level-2 + scoring for 64 hospitals implementing with NEST360 in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania
    (Springer Nature, 2024) Penzias, Rebecca E.; Bohne, Christine; Gicheha, Edith; Molyneux, Elizabeth M.; Gathara, David; Ngwala, Samuel K.; Zimba, Evelyn; Rashid, Ekran; Odedere, Opeyemi; Dosunmu, Olabisi; Tillya, Robert; Shabani, Josephine; Cross, James H.; Ochieng, Christian; Webster, Harriet H.; Chiume, Msandeni; Dube, Queen; Wainaina, John; Kassim, Irabi; Irimu, Grace; Adudans, Steve; James, Femi; Tongo, Olukemi; Ezeaka, Veronica Chinyere; Salim, Nahya; Masanja, Honorati; Oden, Maria; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Hailegabriel, Tedbabe; Gupta, Gagan; Cousens, Simon; Lawn, Joy E.; Ohuma, Eric O.; Mchoma, Christina; Bilitinyu, Joseph; Chalamanda, Pius; Dzinkambani, Mirriam; Mhango, Ruth; Stevens, Fanny; Mulungu, Joseph; Makhumula, Blessings; Banda, Loveness; Banda, Charles; Chumbi, Brian; Banda, Chifundo; Chimombo, Evelyn; Nyasulu, Nicodemus; Ndau, Innocent; Kumwembe, Pilirani; Kerubo, Edna; Ambuso, Nyphry; Koech, Kevin; Waithaka, Noel; Wakhungu, Calet; Otieno, Steven; Bahati, Felix; Ayaga, Josphine; Obure, Jedida; Nderitu, Nellius; Mtambo, Violet; Mkude, George; Miraji, Mustapha; Shayo, Caroline; Nambombi, Camilius; Cyrilo, Christopher; Aderounmu, Temilade; Wale, Akingbehin Wakeel; Yemisi, Odeleye Victoria; Dupe, Akinola Amudalat; Awolowo, Samuel; A., Ojelabi Oluwaseun; Ovuoraye, John Ajiwohwodoma; Mujaid, Balogun Adeleke; Fetuga, Adedoyin; Okanlawon, Juilana; Awosika, Flora; Michael, Awotayo Olasupo; Abiodun, Omotayo Adegboyega; with the Health Facility Assessment Data Collection Learning Collaborative Group; Bioengineering; Rice 360 Institute for Global Health
    Service readiness tools are important for assessing hospital capacity to provide quality small and sick newborn care (SSNC). Lack of summary scoring approaches for SSNC service readiness means we are unable to track national targets such as the Every Newborn Action Plan targets.
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    Using interprofessional education to build dynamic teams to help drive collaborative, coordinated and effective newborn care
    (Springer Nature, 2023) Langton, Josephine; Liaghati-Mobarhan, Sara; Gicheha, Edith; Werdenberg-Hall, Jennifer; Madete, June; Banda, George; Molyneux, Elizabeth M.; Manjonda, Ahazi; Okolo, Angela; Noxon, Caroline; Paul, Catherine; Osuagwu, Charles; Ezeaka, Chinyere; Samuel, Christina; Kumara, Danica; Flowers, Daphne; Mochache, Dolphine; Rashid, Ekran; Mbale, Emmie; Andrade-Guerrero, Esalee; Zimba, Evelyn; Okello, George; Msemo, Georgina; Irimu, Grace; Soko, Grace; Chimphepo, Harold; Mutakyamilwa, Josephat; Manji, Karim; Kawaza, Kondwani; Oden, Maria; Majamanda, Maureen; Bello, Mustapha; Salim, Nahya; Odosunmu, Olabisi; Tongo, Olukemi; Odedere, Opeyemi; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca; Tillya, Robert; Desai, Sara; Adudans, Steve; Ochieng, Vincent; Macharia, William; the NEST360 Education Team; Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
    As countries strive to achieve sustainable development goal 3.2, high-quality medical education is crucial for high-quality neonatal care. Women are encouraged to deliver in health units attended by a skilled team. Traditionally, the team is doctors and nurses, but they are members of a large group of interdependent experts from other disciplines. Each discipline trains separately, yet the goal of good neonatal care is common to all. The use of interprofessional education breaks down these professional silos improving collaborative practice and promoting excellent clinical care. Introduction of new educational materials and training requires a rigorous approach to ensure sustainability.