Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Reducing Sharps Disposal In The Operating Room, Kasey Brooks, Brandon Layton

Research Days

Used an education program to reduce the amount of sharps waste in the operating room within the anesthesia department.

Delirium On Admission To The Cicu, Spencer Wittmeyer, Jaime Silva-Gburek, Kelly S. Tieves

Research Days

Background: Delirium is increasingly recognized in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) with an incidence up to 67% and is associated with worse outcomes including increased mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and increased rates of intubation and mechanical circulatory support. The Cornell Assessment for Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) is the only validated tool for the diagnosis of delirium in the pediatric population. The CAPD may be limited in children with developmental disabilities as it does not account for baseline ability in scoring. Prior work has identified low specificity for the CAPD in children with developmental disabilities and those requiring mechanical ventilation. This …

Differential Equations For Modeling Pathways Leading To Diabetes Onset, Viktoria Savatorova, Aleksei Talonov

CODEE Journal

This paper presents a mathematical model that explains potential pathways leading to diabetes onset. By utilizing a system of nonlinear differential equations to describe the dynamics of the glucose regulatory system, the model can serve as a pedagogical tool for teaching and learning differential equations, dynamical systems, mathematical modeling, and introduction to biomathematics. Within this framework, students can analyze equilibrium solutions, investigate stability, assess parameter sensitivity, and explore the potential for bifurcations. Theoretical analysis is complemented by illustrative numerical examples. Instructors have the flexibility to adapt and incorporate suggested activities according to their teaching preferences and objectives.

The Impact Of Childhood Opportunity Index On Treatment Outcomes Of Osteochondritis Dissecans Of The Knee, Colton Schwarz, Kennedy J. Morey, Brian R. Lee, Angie Vanderpool, Kevin Latz, Natalie C. Stork, Donna Pacicca, Brian Harvey

Research Days

This study aims to explore the relationship that Childhood Opportunity Index (COI), a validated measure of socioeconomic status, has on the outcomes of treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) of the knee in pediatric patients age 0-18 years.

Thyroid Dysfunction In Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Emily Metzinger, Jennifer Boyd, Julia Broussard, Christopher Klockau

Research Days

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is increasing in the treatment of different cancers. This study investigates ICI and thyroid dysfunction in pediatric patients at Children's Mercy Kansas City. This is a retrospective chart review that looked at development of thyroid disorders in patients who received PD-1 inhibitors, PD-L1 inhibitors, or CTLA-4 inhibitors in 19 pediatric patients. Results showed that hypothyroidism developed in 3 patients who received any of these medications. Additionally, 2 patients had thyroid dysfunction prior to starting ICI therapy, and 1 of these patients developed hyperthyroidism shortly after beginning ICI therapy. Thyroid dysfunction can be seen …

Simultaneous Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy And Deceased Donor Liver Transplant In A Pediatric Patient With Cirrhosis And Class 3 Obesity, Lakshmi Kunam, Voytek Slowik, Brooke Sweeney, Ryan T. Fischer, Jason D. Fraser, Bhargava Mullapudi, Richard J. Hendrickson

Research Days

Background: Liver transplantation is a life saving procedure for children with end-stage liver disease with the goal of returning to a normal healthy life. Obesity and weight gain can lead to post-transplant steatosis and contribute to patient morbidity and mortality. In patients with obesity, simultaneous bariatric surgery can lead to reduced body mass index (BMI) and decrease allograft steatosis and patient metabolic syndrome.

Methods: After obtaining patient and family assent/consent, patient records were reviewed and analyzed.

Results: The patient was initially evaluated at 8 years of age for right upper quadrant pain. Imaging consistent with cirrhosis and portal hypertension prompted …

Characteristics And Clinical Outcomes Of Iud Insertion Under Conscious Sedation In Pediatric And Adolescent Patients, Alleana Corpin, Madeline Ross, Anne-Marie Priebe, Ashli A. Lawson

Research Days

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a favorable option for adolescents for contraception and menstrual suppression. However, few choose this option citing anxiety and concern for pain related to insertion procedure. Our institution proposes utilizing conscious sedation techniques for anxiolysis and analgesia during IUD insertion. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics of teens choosing conscious sedation for this procedure and likelihood of successful insertion.

Key Words: Intrauterine device (IUD), adolescent, conscious sedation

An Increased Failure Rate Of Asparaginase Desensitization With Calaspargase Pegol, Jillian Fry, Erin Guest, Keith August

Research Days

BACKGROUND: Pegaspargase (SS-PEG) became unavailable to younger patients in 2022, leaving calaspargase pegol (SC-PEG) as the only available long-acting asparaginase formulation. SC-PEG has been compared to SS-PEG and found to have similar rates of adverse events and event-free survival. Our institution uses a desensitization protocol for those with asparaginase hypersensitivity reactions. Here we review our experience with desensitization since the transition to SC-PEG. OBJECTIVES: To compare the rate of hypersensitivity reactions, success of desensitization, and need for alternative asparaginase preparations between patients receiving SC-PEG and SS-PEG. METHOD: This is a retrospective, single center study of pediatric patients who received >2 …

Effects Of Drug Delivery On Ppi-Responsive Esophageal Eosinophilia, Alex Biller, Rachel Chevalier, Amornluck Krasaelap, Janelle R. Noel-Macdonnell

Research Days

Determine if formulation of proton pump inhibitory (pill/capsule vs liquid) affects eosinophilic infiltration of esophagus in patients with PPI-Responsive Esophageal Eosinophilia.

Community Of Inquiry And Cognitive Load In Online Stem: Transferability Plan, Emily Faulconer, Darryl Chamberlain, Beverly Wood

Publications

This document presents evidence in support of the Community of Inquiry and Cognitive Load Framework (Supported by NSF #204430), with Guidance on translating this framework to additional contexts within the studied institution and beyond.

Teaching Stem For Social Justice: An Exploration And Analysis Of Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Zachary Minken

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

Research Problem

Reforms in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education over the past several decades have resulted in a somewhat steady pressure to infuse personal, social, and cultural relevance into STEM education (DeBoer, 1991; Gallagher, 1971; Hekimoglu & Sloan, 2005; ITEEA, 1996, 2020; NCTM, 2000; NRC, 1989, 2009, 2010, 2012). This emphasis on relevance eventually resulted in a push for social justice in education as a means to both engage learners and to develop students’ moral and ethical reasoning abilities in hopes that this would lead to a more just world (Dos Santos, 2009; Zeidler, 2016). Amidst rising concerns for …

Variation In Systemic Corticosteroid Prescribing During Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Across Children's Hospitals, Sian Best, Kathryn Kyler, Matt Hall, Jessica L. Bettenhausen, Shelby Chesbro, Nicholas Clark, Adrienne Deporre, Jonathan Ermer, Leah Jones, Jessica Markham, Maria Newmaster, Laura Plencner, Henry T. Puls, Smit Shah, Bridgette Jones, Megan Collins, Elisha Mccoy

Research Days

This abstract describes the variability and trends in inpatient systemic corticosteroid prescribing practices for acute asthma exacerbations in children's hospitals, and aims to determine associations between the prescribed steroid and hospitalization outcomes.

Therapeutic Efficacy Of B7-H3 Car T Cell Therapy In Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas With H3g34r/V Mutation., Monika Yadav, Siddharth Subham, John Szarejko, Douglas Myers, David Akhavan, Viveka Nand Yadav

Research Days

Background: Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are aggressive brain tumors responsible for significant childhood mortality. These tumors often carry mutations in the H3F3A gene, which encodes histone H3.3 proteins. However, current treatment options are limited, underscoring the need for innovative approaches. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy, which was successful in treating certain childhood cancers, holds promise for pHGGs with H3G34R/V mutations. This study aims to assess the potential of anti-B7-H3 CAR T cell therapy in treating the challenging pHGG tumors.

Method and Results: Here, we examined the expression of B7-H3 in various pHGG cell lines, encompassing those with H3G34V/R and H3K27M …

Central Venous Catheter-Associated Complications In Pediatric Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia, J Allyson Hays, Maggie Ziegler

Research Days

Background

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a mainstay of pediatric cancer treatment for but have risks. CVCs can cause local site infections and systemic infections, known as central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Analyzing rates of complications associated with different CVCs may inform future decisions about CVC choice. Hypotheses We hypothesized that tunneled cuffed (tunneled) catheters will have higher rates of CLABSIs compared to implanted ports (port) and ports will have higher rates of local site infections compared to tunneled.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at Children’s Mercy Hospital (CMH) identified patients treated from 2010 to …

Increasing Feedback From Endocrinology Faculty To Fellows: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Emily Metzinger, Emily Griffing, Michelle Knoll

Research Days

Feedback is essential in medical training. Our aim is to increase the frequency of feedback that CMH endocrinology fellows receive in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. We noted initial success of increasing feedback in the inpatient setting however later decreased to below goal. Frequency of feedback in the outpatient setting has remained below goal. Tracking feedback has been challenging, but a recent survey showed that fellows perceive that they receive more feedback.

Exploring The Curriculum And Institutional Contexts Of Stem Future Faculty Programs, Amy Mae Forester

Dissertations and Theses

While there are a multitude of contributing factors, under-represented student success in STEM appears to be critically interdependent with teaching and learning practices that are responsive to diverse epistemologies and inclusive pedagogies. However, the professional literature has yet to identify a set of faculty development best practices that might guide the field. Furthermore, the institutional supports required to drive the success of STEM-oriented future faculty programs remain unknown. This inquiry proposal intended to address these concerns through a critical comparative qualitative study in seeking evidence-based practices and institutional elements of STEM faculty professional development programs that support diverse graduate and …

To Bpd Or Not To Bpd: A Comparison Of The 2022 Versus 2011 Nichd Web-Based Risk Estimator For Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Mitch Kinkor, Jake Schneider, Farhath Sulthana, Janelle R. Noel-Macdonnell Phd, Alain Cuna

Research Days

This study compares the performance of the 2022 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Outcome Estimator and its original 2011 version in identifying high-risk infants.

Oscillometry In Term Neonates Without Respiratory Disease, Anna Nelson, Cheri Gauldin, Brooke Smith, Venkatesh Sampath, Winston Manimtim

Research Days

This feasibility study aims to determine normative values of oscillometry for neonates without respiratory disease.

Increasing The Rate Of Infants Rooming In With Their Mothers With Low-Acuity Congenital Heart Disease, Anna Nelson, Amy Marks, Ekta Patel

Research Days

This quality improvement study aimed to increase the number of infants with low-acuity congenital heart disease that could room-in with their mothers in a high-risk delivery center.

Automate Isolation Infection-Prevention Precautions (Aid-Ip): Improving The Efficiency Of Hospital Isolation With Viral Respiratory Infections, Timothy Burchard, Michael Platt, La'sonya Buford

Research Days

The AID-IP project is a QI study working to improve the process of isolation and de-isolation regarding respiratory viruses at Children's Mercy Hospital. Specifically, we aim to improve adherence to proper isolation precautions, minimize cognitive workload regarding the maintenance of isolation for staff, and improve family satisfaction with isolation practice.