Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons^™

Dna Extraction Method Development For Solid Tissues, Ryan Powers, Noah R. Schultz, Brandon J. Burger, John Dougherty Jr., Ezenna Obilor, Alexander Ruiz, Corwin Frey, Nathaniel Hill, Lara Laughrey, Patrick Tanner Brain, Sara Mcmahon, Parker Feltner, Steven Tung, Daoud Sajady, Elden Jenkins, Julian Jarquin, Serin Baker, Aaron Andrews, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

Although germline variation testing is traditionally performed using DNA obtained from blood or other liquid samples, determining somatic variation in cancer samples requires DNA extraction directly from tissues. Additionally, epigenetic markers, such as 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) are tissue-specific and change in selected disease states. However, several substances present in tissues are known to inhibit downstream reactions, including polymerase chain reaction PCR). For this project, we are assessing the quantity and quality of DNA obtained from extractions of various vital organs using 30 different commercially available DNA extraction kits to determine optimal kits for each tissue.

Investigating The Genetics Of Chronic Intractable Migraine With Reactive Hypoglycemia, C Yvonne Russell, Jacob Warner, Brandon J. Burger, Jordan Cutshall, Naeel Uddin, Patrick Tanner Brain, Alessandra Maisie Rivera, Braden Cunningham, Kailee Edwards, Katie Beechay, Luke Sanders, Zachary Ta, John A. Kriak, David W. Sant, Kyle B. Bills

Annual Research Symposium

Migraines affect roughly 1-in-6 males and 1-in-5 females in the United States. Of these, approximately 5-30% experience intractable migraines, or migraines resistant to abortive treatments. Despite this large population, relatively little is known about intractable migraines compared to other types of migraines. Our recent work indicates that reactive hypoglycemia is common among these individuals. Additionally, empirical evidence suggests that individuals in families with chronic intractable migraines are more likely to have the same condition than people of the general population, suggesting a possible genetic link between both migraines and metabolic abnormalities. Previous Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have found several …

Investigating The Role Of Chaos In Minimizing Tumor Growth, Maxwell Geiger

Annual Research Symposium

Chaos is a type of motion found in mathematical systems that is highly sensitive to initial conditions. While many biological systems described in literature have been analyzed for the presence of chaotic dynamics, there are still many that are yet to be discovered. The goal of this project is to reassess Itik and Banks’ discovery of chaotic behavior in their population dynamics model of cancer growth. Once chaotic behavior is confirmed, we want to investigate how chaos could possibly be controlled to minimize tumor growth and discover novel treatments for cancer patients.

Teaching And Learning Visual And Arts-Based Inquiry: Collaborative Visions And Possibilities In Graduate Education, Lucy E. Bailey, Stacie Warner, Erin E. Davis, Lindsay Myers, Joshua K. Taylor, Andreya Williams

The Qualitative Report

This paper describes a doctoral seminar in visual and arts-based inquiry (V/ABR) to champion the generativity of such approaches for advancing doctoral research. We first describe the social and institutional context of the course and its design to situate the projects and the need for creating institutional spaces to amplify creative inquiry approaches in doctoral education. Then, five researchers reflect on their research approaches, including comics, collaging, critical visual analysis, a virtual walkography, and photo-elicitation. The projects focused on contemporary issues including researcher identity, racial justice, mothering crises, and Christian summer camps, collectively underscoring the productivity of V/ABR inquiry for …

Ligaplant: Recreating Natural From Artificial, Disha Kamavisdar

Annual Research Symposium

Missing teeth can be substituted by the use of the dental implants. The most widely used implants in the current scenario are the osseointegrated implants with various shortcomings and the most prominent one is the lack of the periodontal ligament. To overcome this, implants with periodontal ligaments can be procured and this can be possible by the application of the tissue engineering concept along with suitable implant material.

Application Of In-Silico Computational Biology Strategies To Demonstrate Mechanism Of Oral Cancer Cell Death By Natural Peptide, Dr Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

This research work is designed to identify biomolecules from Earthworm Coelomic Fluid (ECF) of Eudrilus Eugeniae (EE) that can inhibit oral cancer cells from proliferating. The study aims to construct a homology model of the 18 kDa protein from ECF of EE (18-ECFP) with molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) to enable its molecular docking with pro-apoptotic caspase receptors with determination of binding energy scores. The study also evaluates the anti-cancer potential of 18-ECFP on SCC-9 cells in vitro by wet lab techniques.

Factors Leading To White Blood Cell Misidentification, Kirsten A. Van Dam, Ryan Cordner

Annual Research Symposium

A study done to understand what factors lead to the correct identification of white blood cells (WBCs), and what factors are misleading. Research was conducted through an online survey where respondents who are trained to read peripheral blood smears were shown pictures of white blood cells, asked to identify them, and provide their reasoning.

Pathogenic Implications Of Candidal Species In Both Oral Cancer And Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders - A Review, Dr Dominic Augustine, Sowmya Sv, Kuntala Mondal

Annual Research Symposium

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the 6th most common cancer in worldwide. Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing are its major risk factors other factors that can lead to OSCC include excessive sun exposure, viral or fungal infection, poor nutrition, and poor oral hygiene. The carcinogenesis of OSCC occurs gradually and oral epithelial dysplasia is considered a potential histologic precursor of OSCC. Most OSCC cases are preceded by clinically evident oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). The aim of this review is to correlate the association between Candida species and oral potentially malignant disorders and its possible mechanisms …

Immunohistochemical Expression Of Cyclin D1 In Dentigerous Cyst, Odontogenic Keratocyst And Unicystic Ameloblastoma- An In-Vitro Study, Kuntala Mondal, Sv Sowmya, Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

Cyclin D1, a G1 cyclin member, regulates the transition of the cell cycle from the G1 phase to the S phase. The uncontrolled and elevated expression of cyclin D1 has been associated with rapid growth, heightened proliferative activity and increased histologic aggressiveness. Unicystic ameloblastoma pertains to cystic lesions that present clinical, radiographic, or gross features akin to jaw cysts. Nevertheless, upon histological scrutiny, these lesions display a distinctive ameloblastomatous epithelium lining the cystic cavity, with or without luminal or mural proliferation. This cystic variant of tumor bears substantial resemblances to dentigerous cysts, and occasionally, both entities can become indistinguishable upon …

An Immunohistochemical Panel For The Accurate Differentiation Between Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma And Pleomorphic Adenoma, Kuntala Mondal, Sv Sowmya, Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

Salivary Gland Tumors (SGTs) are a diverse group of neoplasms, with a wide range of histological subtypes, some of which can exhibit overlapping features. Amongst this group of tumors, Pleomorphic Adenoma (PA) and Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) stand out as prevalent entities originating from the salivary glands. The accurate differentiation between these two entities is crucial for treatment planning, as it influences decisions regarding the extent of surgical resection. Because of the overlapping histopathological features, it is difficult to differentiate these two lesions with the help of conventional Hematoxylin & Eosin (H& E). The evaluation of Immunohistochemical (IHC) markers holds pivotal …

Cheiloscopic Characteristics Detection And Pattern Classification By Machine Learning Technique, Dr Dominic Augustine, Sowmya Sv

Annual Research Symposium

Machine Learning (ML) is a field enhancing the rapid growth of technology. Though use of digital softwares for cheiloscopic investigations have been attempted with limited success, the use of ML based techniques are scarce and seldom have been employed in forensic odontology. The present study aimed to identify cheiloscopic patterns through machine learning based methods and to correlate the segmented patterns with age and gender of individuals.

Association Between Abo Blood Grouping And Odontometry: An Unexplored Evidence In Forensics, Dr Dominic Augustine, Sowmya Sv

Annual Research Symposium

Recent research has exhibited a strong association between ABO blood groups and susceptibility to diseases. Extraoral and intraoral hard tissue landmarks provide a stable and reliable record for odontological and anthropological analysis, forensic investigations and identification. The association between anthropometric indices and ABO blood grouping have been reported in the past, however, the association between ABO blood groups and odontometric indices is yet to be comprehensively explored. This study aimed to establish the correlation of ABO blood groups with odontometric indices and extraoral hard tissue landmarks for personnel identification.

Advanced Techniques For Tooth Pulp Rna Extraction In Forensic Investigations-A Systematic Review, Kuntala Mondal, Sv Sowmya, Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

Teeth are fundamental structures in a forensic context due to their high strength and specificity. It is challenging to obtain high quality RNA from pulpal tissues. It has been described that pulp RNA degradation could be an indicator of post-mortem interval. Researchers have been in the quest to develop optimal techniques for tooth RNA extraction. The systematic review aimed to determine the most reliable method of RNA extraction from dental tooth pulp for forensic investigations.

Assessment Of Micrometastasis In Lymph Nodes Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma –Attaining Excellence Through Immunohistochemistry, Dr Dominic Augustine, Sowmya Sv, Kuntala Mondal

Annual Research Symposium

Cervical lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck (SCCHN). Lymph node prognostic determinants hold immense significance in influencing both patient’s survival outcomes and the propensity for recurrence. The current study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Cyclin D1 and Pan-CK for the detection of lymph node micrometastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue sections and re-evaluate the tumor staging.

Detection Of Cervical Lymph Node Micrometastasis - A Machine Learning Based Approach, Dr. Sowmya Sv, Dominic Augustine, Kuntala Mondal

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Abutments Surface (Machined Vs. Laser-Microgrooved) In Soft-Tissue Response During One Year Of Function: Clinical And Biochemical Outcomes Of A Rct With Split-Mouth Design, Elisa Maccari

Annual Research Symposium

To evaluate peri-implant soft tissue behaviour around machined vs laser-microgrooved implants/healing/prosthetic abutments during 1 year of function by assessing IL-6, IL-1b and MMP-8 levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF).

Matlab Based Phenotypic Evaluation And Gene Expression Of Cd44 And Cd133 Biomarkers In The Prediction Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastasis, Dr. Sowmya Sv

Annual Research Symposium

Oral cancer accounts to 20–30% of all cancers in India. The major difficulty in managing carcinomas is due to failure in the control and detection of metastases (>90% deaths). Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor-initiating cells that survive even after extensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recently, the use of computer-assisted quantification methods employing image processing is drawing attention wherein information can be automatically extracted from the immunostained digitized images. The aim of the study was to assess the metastatic risk of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) by the phenotypic evaluation and gene expression of CD44 and CD133 biomarkers with clinical …

Determination Of The Correlation Between Age And Gender With Canine Index, Intermolar Width And Palatal Rugae Patterns, Dr. Sowmya Sv, Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

Dental records are of paramount importance in human identification considering the distinct traits of every individual. Although DNA and finger print analysis are techniques employed for faster and secure identification, in mass disasters, odontometric analysis can play a vital role in identification. Studies in the past have used parameters like arch perimeters, lip prints and palatal rugae pattern to determine age and gender of an individual. However, these studies correlated one parameter at a time and concluded that there was no significant correlation of the parameters to age and gender. The present study aimed to assess the canine index, intermolar …

Confidence Of Clark County Medical Students In Identifying Dermatologic Conditions On Different Fitzpatrick Skin Types, Ramaditya Srinivasmurthy

Annual Research Symposium

Racial health disparities are apparent in the field of dermatology across the United States. Certain dermatologic conditions are more likely to go undiagnosed in people with skin of color (SOC), leading to increased morbidity/mortality. Underrepresentation of darker skin tones in medical education may be a contributing factor. This study explores the ability and confidence of TUNCOM students to recognize dermatological conditions on various skin tones.

A 23 question survey was given to 173 second year students to examine their ability and confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions on non-SOC (Fitzpatrick I-III) and SOC (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). Images of common skin disorders on …

Influence Of Sleep Pattern And Oral Hydration On Academic Performance Among Undergraduate Dental Students-A Pilot Study, Bassam Alibrahim

Annual Research Symposium

Sound sleep is important for preserving good physical, mental, and emotional health. An association with learning skills, critical decision making and thinking is also observed [1]. Poor hydration is associated with several health outcomes including poor oral health and academic performance. Timely assessment of oral hydration of students holds a potential to improve their oral health and academic performance [1, 2]. This study is designed to investigate the influence of oral hydration status and sleep deprivation on academic achievements of dental college undergraduates