When behaving in a goal-directed manner, the ability to suppress specific inappropriate actions is crucial to human motor function. Motor inhibition, or the repression of specific actions prior to and during onset of a motor command, allows humans to quickly respond and adapt their decisions to unexpected changes within an environment. Research investigating the faciliatory effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive stimulation technique that can potentially modulate the activity of target regions of the brain, on inhibition have been well-documented in the use of conventional or 1x1 tDCS devices. However, the the advent of High-Definition tDCS (HD-tDCS), which is claimed to enhance spatial precision through the usage of multiple smaller electrodes, has led to increased interest in its effects on motor inhibition and related cognitive processes. HD-tDCS may offer a more targeted approach to modulating neural circuits involved in motor planning and inhibitory control, such as the pre-Supplementary Motor Area (pre-SMA) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This study aims to investigate the effects of anodal HD-tDCS over the pre-SMA on motor inhibition using the stop-signal task. By examining response times, error rates, and Stop Signal Reaction Time (SSRT), we seek to understand the potential advantages of HD-tDCS in modulating motor-related cognitive processes. These findings have implications for refining brain stimulation techniques and developing targeted interventions for conditions involving impaired inhibitory control.

The current research extensively explores approaches for the treatment of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), yielding evidence of both complementary and contradictory methods. The purpose of this paper is to review and consolidate the current literature into comprehensive recommendations for treatment interventions and patient assessment. An optimal approach involves the interlacement of non-pharmacological care, pharmacological therapy, and the proper evaluation of progress. Though these topics differ greatly in implementation regimens and a facility’s ability to comply, each aspect of care can heavily impact recovery, and all must be discussed. Following the literary discussion, a new assessment instrument and multiple streamlined recommendations for the aforementioned topics will be introduced. The proposed instrument synthesizes information from 18 scoring methods to find a balance between neonatal comfort and clinical efficacy. It is the hope of this research that there will be improvements in individualized NOWS care based on the findings in regards to both comfort control and holistic, representative symptom observation.

Chronic wounds affect many people worldwide and significantly impact their quality of life. Hydrogel wound dressings are a promising option for chronic wounds due to their properties, including mild fabrication conditions, high water content, biodegradability, and bioactive molecule delivery capabilities. This thesis will explore the mechanisms that contribute to the wound healing properties of a bovine type I collagen-based hydrogel that incorporates platelet-rich plasma and describe how this hydrogel will be capable of effectively healing chronic wounds.