Neuromodulation Research
Dr. Ahlam Salameh (Assistant Professor in the Division of Preclinical Sciences) is an expert in motor control systems with a specialized focus on neurophysiology and neurorehabilitation. Her research explores non-invasive brain and spinal cord stimulation as a means to restore motor function in individuals affected by stroke and diabetic neuropathy. She investigates the mechanisms underlying motor impairments in both the upper and lower limbs, leveraging advanced neurophysiological techniques such as EEG, EMG, TMS, fNIRS, and DTI to assess neural plasticity and recovery. Her work aims to optimize neuromodulation-based therapies, including the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and myoelectric orthoses, to enhance functional recovery and rehabilitation outcomes.
Currently Dr. Salameh has two VA-funded research projects that further her work in motor rehabilitation and neurophysiology:
- The first project, "Exoskeleton Research: Myoelectric Orthosis for Rehabilitation of Severe Chronic Arm Motor Deficits" (total cost $1,190,712), investigates the efficacy of using the Myopro myoelectrically controlled orthotic device in motor learning therapy for individuals with chronic severe motor deficits following a stroke. This study aims to assess both the neuroplastic mechanisms underlying motor recovery and the cost-effectiveness of this assistive technology in rehabilitation.
- The second project, "Brain Connectivity Changes with Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Resting-State NIRS/EEG Study" (total cost $228,439), focuses on identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of pain relief in individuals undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS). By evaluating changes in brain connectivity using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and EEG, the study seeks to understand how SCS modulates neural activity in both chronic and first-time users, laying the groundwork for more targeted pain management strategies.
Through her collaborations with multidisciplinary teams, Dr. Salameh is dedicated to developing targeted, patient-specific interventions that improve movement coordination, motor learning, and gait rehabilitation. Her research is driven by the goal of bridging the gap between neuroscience and clinical rehabilitation, ensuring that non-invasive neuromodulation techniques can be effectively translated into therapeutic applications for individuals with motor impairments and chronic pain.
Microbiology and Genetics Research at KSUCPM
Dr. Mark Dalman, an Associate Professor in the college’s Division of Preclinical Sciences, is actively conducting microbiology/immunology and genetics research at KSUCPM! His PhD is in Integrative Bioscience, where he explores questions at the intersection of molecular biology and computational biology. His postdoctoral research further refined this focus, examining the microbiome outside of hospital settings. Since joining KSUCPM, Dr. Dalman’s research has further expanded to include Staphylococcus aureus contamination on fomite surfaces, leveraging 16S sequencing to study the microbiome in twins, investigating host characteristics of fungal onychomycoses, and analyzing genetic factors influencing analgesic responses in brunettes and redheads, to name a few of his recent publications.
Expanding upon his molecular biology background and epidemiological techniques, Drs. Dalman, Helen Piontkivska (KSU-Biology), and Deric Kenne (KSU-Public Health) were recently awarded a $400,000 grant over the next two years from the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention to assess the feasibility of a blood test for suicide risk. The research team will analyze blood samples from patients who have reported suicidal ideation to determine whether RNA editing patterns can serve as biomarkers for suicide risk prediction.
Dr. Dalman’s future research is focused on the immunological, microbial, and antibiotic susceptibility signatures of bacteria in patients suffering from chronic fungal infections.
Weight-Bearing CT Research
Larry Osher, DPM (Professor in the Division of Clinical Medicine and Surgery) and Jill Kawalec, PhD (Professor and Division Head, Preclinical Sciences; Director of Research) have developed a research collaboration that centers around weight-bearing CT scanning of the foot and its ability to solve some of the more complex imaging problems encountered with conventional radiography. Currently their emphasis is on the biomechanics of the foot in patients with hallux valgus deformities, and how this may impact therapy. Three different studies in this area have been completed and published with KSUCPM students as authors:
Kawalec JS, Ehredt Jr DJ, Bakhaj K, Fleck J, Nutter K, Osher L. Inaccuracy of forefoot axial radiographs in determining the coronal plane angle of sesamoid rotation in adult hallux valgus deformity: a study using weightbearing computed tomography. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2021;111(2):1-10
Kawalec JS, Dort P, Leo T, Osher LS, Petrozzi RA. The distal metatarsal articular angle in hallux valgus deformities. Comparisons of radiographic and weightbearing CT scan measurements with variations in hindfoot position. The Foot. 2023;56:102030
Kawalec JS, Chambers SP, Ali R, Osher LS. Multiple factors contributing to the metatarsal head eversion in hallux valgus deformity. A prospective study using weight-bearing CT. The Foot. 2023;57:1-6
Drs. Osher and Kawalec have subsequently joined forces with Drs. Doug Richie and Daryl Phillips, two renowned podiatric researchers in the field of biomechanics, to continue this important work. The collaboration has resulted in a recently completed study that focused on the motion of the joints of the medial column of the foot in hallux valgus. another manuscript that has been submitted for publication. This research focused on the motion of the joints of the medial column of the foot in hallux valgus. Exciting topics for future studies include evaluation of rearfoot mechanics, planal dominance and serendipitous discoveries that we have already encountered.
Bimanual Haptic-VR Podiatric Surgery Simulation
Drs. Bryan Caldwell (Senior Associate Dean), Mark Hardy (Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and Research) and Jill Kawalec (Professor and Division Head, Preclinical Sciences; Director of Research) are conducting research to develop a simulation of the removal of ingrown toenails using virtual reality combined with bimanual haptic feedback. In collaboration with principal investigator Dr. Kwangtaek Kim, an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science, and his graduate PhD student Jason Abounader, an initial prototype was developed that uses two stylus-based devices which can sense movement and force and respond with motor resistance. Individuals wear a virtual reality headset and use the two styluses to perform an ingrown toenail removal that includes injecting anesthesia, as well as elevating, cutting, and removing the nail.
An initial study was conducted to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the initial prototype. Non-medical participants performed three different tasks (anesthesia, elevation and cutting) five times in a row. The amount of force exerted by the participant during each task and time to complete the task was recorded and participants completed a satisfaction survey at the end of the simulation. A paper presented by Jason, titled “An Initial Study of Ingrown Toenail Removal Simulation in Virtual Reality with Bimanual Haptic Feedback for Podiatric Surgical Training”, won first place in the Choose Ohio poster competition at Youngstown State University. Based on this data, improvements are being made to the program. Funding from the Podiatry Foundation has been received to further develop the system and to conduct a research study with medical students to evaluate the efficacy of the system and assess the retention of skills associated with ingrown nail removal over time.
Exploring Innovations in Wound Care: Insights from KSUCPM
Wound care represents a crucial aspect of healthcare. Although it may appear to be a straightforward process, the intricacies of wound healing involve multiple biological mechanisms, thereby constituting a significant domain for research. Conditions such as diabetes, venous disease, and other comorbidities can contribute to non-healing wounds, which pose considerable challenges for at-risk patients.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, there is an increasing urgency for innovative and effective wound care solutions. Research in wound care transcends the notion of a specialized area of study; it serves as an essential component of contemporary healthcare with extensive implications for patient care and public health at large. At KSUCPM, Dr. Windy Cole (adjunct professor) takes pride in her team’s contributions to this field and anticipate the new discoveries that lie ahead.
Current research endeavors by Dr. Cole include the following studies:
- A randomized controlled multicenter trial examining the effect of Derm-Maxx ADM on the healing rate of chronic diabetic foot ulcers
- A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled modified platform trial assessing the efficacy of a purified native Type 1 collagen extracellular matrix with polyhexamethylene biguanide antimicrobial compared to standard care alone in the management of nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers
- An evaluation of the microcirculatory response in the feet of patients with diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy following Qutenza therapy, utilizing near-infrared imaging in an exploratory single-arm, single-site prospective pilot study
- The calculation of the Area Deprivation Index for patients enrolled in diabetic foot ulcer clinical trials conducted at an inner-city research clinic
- A prospective single-site case-controlled study comparing the microcirculatory stress response between diabetic and non-diabetic feet using near-infrared imaging
- An initiative to enhance diabetic foot health among an inner-city patient population through a novel botanically charged cream
- An update on skin pigmentation scales to inform outcomes in wound care and podiatric surgery
These ongoing research initiatives in wound care at KSUCPM reflect the college’s commitment to enhancing wound healing practices through innovative solutions and rigorous studies. By addressing the complexities of wound care, Dr. Cole and her team aim to improve patient outcomes and contribute meaningfully to public health. To learn more about wound care research at KSUCPM or if you have a patient that could benefit from participation in one of our trials please contact Windy Cole, DPM (wcole4@kent.edu) or Nina Kovolyan, CRC (nkovolya@kent.edu).