Cleveland Va Medical Research and Education Foundation

Dr. katarina greer, dod award nonendoscopic screening to impact esophageal cancer in veterans esophageal adenocarcinoma (eac) has increased more than 6-fold in the past four decades. The incorporation of a non-endoscopic detection method in primary care practice will increase the positive predictive value of egd and increase the detection of barrett's esophagus (be). This study will aim to determine sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of esocheck sampling device esoguard (dna marker panel laboratory diagnostic test) performed in routine practice for detecting be in an at-risk population. The second aim of the study is to compare the yield of detected be using an esocheck/esoguard strategy versus standard egd alone strategy in routine practice in at-risk populations at the Cleveland Va. The expected outcome of the proposed work is the gathering of detailed information about the test performance characteristics, i.e., sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value. Should the screening test perform well, esocheck/esoguard test would be produced on a larger scale, its molecular diagnostics process would be automated, driving costs of the screening device down. Test indication could be expanded to all obese patients older than 50 without a history of chronic gerd, exploring the prevalence of be/eca in asymptomatic individuals.

Dr. ron triolo, paralyzed veterans of america award, adapted virtual reality games to improve engagement during stimulation- driven exercise the overall goal of this project is to develop effective immersive vr games tailored to the abilities of veterans with paralysis to improve stimulation-induced exercise experience and performance. This will be divided into two objectives and anticipated outcomes: objective 1: develop immersive vr games that increase user engagement and active input during stimulation-induced cycling and rowing exercises. Objective 2: assess the efficacy of the developed vr games in terms of physiological response, functional exercise output, and participant ratings of engagement

Dr. elias veizi, nih subaward a sequenced-strategy for improving outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis pain" skoap study. Skoap is a national study funded by the helping addiction long-term initiative or nih heal initiative. The purpose of the skoap study is to compare different treatment options for people living with knee osteoarthritis pain. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function using conservative treatment and if needed, non-surgical procedural treatments. There is an urgent public health need to find clinically proven treatments to improve quality of life and reduce reliance on opioids, for long-term pain management for patients suffering from knee oa. This effectiveness trial will compare available treatments for pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The results can lead to improved patient selection and inform evidence-based guidance by offering well-tested, effective, non-opioid alternatives.

Other Research and service activities.