Digital Commons Network^™

Islamic Prayer (Salah) And Stress Regulation: A Structured Review Of Biomarkers And Psychological Outcomes, Qiraat Shaikh, Nadean Shehadeh, Tulip Ghazi, Zaynaa Syed

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

The relationship between Islamic prayer (Salah) and stress regulation has been extensively examined in Muslim populations because of its relevance to mental health. However, findings are dispersed across studies using varied methodologies. This structured literature review synthesizes existing research on Salah and stress reduction, focusing on outcomes such as changes in stress related biomarkers and self reported well being among Muslim populations. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, NIH, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 that focused on solely adult populations within Asia were selected. Studies that examine populations in both a clinical and non …

How Has Western Biomedical Framing Of Type 2 Diabetes Shaped Prevention And Treatment In South Asian Populations?, Amrita Nayak, Sreehitha Sajja

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

This paper examines how Western biomedical framing of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has shaped prevention and treatment strategies in South Asian populations, often with limited effectiveness. The dominant Western model emphasizes individual responsibility, standardized dietary guidelines, and generalized treatment protocols. While these approaches have proven useful in broader populations, they frequently fail to address the distinct biological, cultural, and structural realities that influence T2D risk among South Asians. A key limitation lies in the underrecognition of earlier metabolic risk. South Asian individuals tend to develop T2D at younger ages and lower body mass index (BMI) levels compared to European populations, …

Retrospective Analysis Of Fda Adverse Event Reporting System (Faers) For Herbal Supplements, Luke Junck, Jennifer Lin, Nikolas Reyes, Teba Albahely, Sreehitha Sajja

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

FAERS is the national database maintained by the FDA in order to monitor the safety of drugs after they reach the market. FAERS supports post-marketing surveillance by helping regulators to detect emerging risks and guide decisions on product labeling changes or further investigations. A systematic review of 21 research articles was conducted, focusing on the population and reasonings behind adverse reports for herbal supplements. Articles were gathered from multiple databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, SpringerNature, and government affiliated websites. This research explored the question, “How do adverse event reports for herbal supplements in FAERS differ across age, race, and geographic …

Telemedicine Vs. In-Person Oncology Care During Covid-19, Sarah C. Widlak, Genelle Leo, Moksh Patel, Hailey Menias, Ariadna Coa, Serena Bhaskar

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare rapidly shifted towards telemedicine, raising questions about its efficacy. Although there is limited research, it is critical to understand how telemedicine affected oncology patients during the pandemic to improve patient care and experiences post-pandemic. This review addresses this gap by evaluating how telemedicine use among adult oncology patients during the pandemic compares with in-person visits regarding quality of care and patient satisfaction. A comprehensive search was performed across multiple databases, mainly PubMed, using keywords related to telemedicine, cancer, and COVID-19. The search yielded 106 unique articles, of which 41 met the inclusion criteria. Two rounds …

Cbt-Based Psychotherapy Apps Vs. No Intervention For Insomnia: A Systematic Review Of Symptom Differences In Dsm-5 Adults, Soham C. Dihenia, Mary Hanna, Melissa Fede, Aashna Patel, Pierre Mosad, Semené Clement, Amanda Janner

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Insomnia is a prevalent health issue impacting many adults alongside other mental disorders. One common treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) which is now increasingly delivered through smartphone apps. With an upward trend in adults, these applications offer a potential accessible and scalable solution. This study evaluated the efficacy of internationally available mental health apps utilizing CBT principles for adults diagnosed with insomnia under the DSM-5 which were compared to the control group with no psychotherapy app exposure.

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Eligible studies were published within the last 5 years, …

The Effect Of Distraction On Emotion-Based Communication Behaviors, Twisha Nadella

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

As technology becomes increasingly integrated in daily activities, there are growing concerns for the effects of multi-tasking within the workplace. It is important to consider how communication efficiency may be impacted by dual-task situations. Therefore, understanding the potential outcomes that distraction may have on language production is valuable in determining optimal working conditions for effective use of emotional communication. This dual-task study was designed to understand the effects of distraction on emotion-based communication behavior. A driving task was utilized as the means of distraction in this experiment, while the concurrent negotiation task was analyzed to understand how emotional language was …

Localization And Function Of Tgsfa2 During Tachyzoite Division In Toxoplasma Gondii, Tom Goro

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite infecting 30% of the global population. During host cell invasion, new parasites are formed through a budding process that partitions nuclei and organelles into daughters through a specialized form of division is known as endodyogeny. It involves closed mitosis, a single round of DNA replication, and coordinated organelle assembly within the mother cell. In cell division, centrosomes duplicate and serve as a central point for the reorganization of cytoskeletal structures known as microtubule organizing centers (MTOC). In typical eukaryotic cell division, centrosomes duplicate and migrate to opposite poles forming bipolar mitotic spindles required …

Leveraging Infection Control Practices To Maximize Quality Patient Outcomes, Sydney Busch, Lauren Rielly Mcconnell, Lauren Rae Selent

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Health care associated infections (HAI) remain a significant challenge for hospitals and may negatively affect patient outcomes if infection control practices are not consistently followed. A very important indicator of the safety and quality of health care is hand washing as it demonstrates the link between good hygiene practices and low health care related infection rates 1,2. This study examined how infection control practices differed across clinical units. A quantitative, causal- comparative design was used to identify differences across groups. The independent variable was the unit the patient was assigned to. Student researchers paired with faculty and infection control practitioners …

Cyclobenzaprine: Psychiatric Side Effects In Patients With Mood Disorders, Shelby R. Mcgrew, Michael Pestova-Habera

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Cyclobenzaprine, also known under the brand name Flexeril, is one of the most widely prescribed skeletal muscle relaxants globally. While treatment is typically limited to post-injury pain relief, long-term use has increased due to evidence of pain reduction in patients with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and temporomandibular joint disorder. Recently, cyclobenzaprine was found to be contraindicated for patients with bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. This is thought to result from its structural similarity to amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant. As a result, some patients utilizing cyclobenzaprine for pain management may experience acute manic episodes following administration. This study reviews …

Leveraging Cauti & Evidence-Based Best Practices, Jacob G. Slipak, Lauren Rae Selent, Lauren Reilly Mcconnell

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

An estimated 44% of urinary tract infections are classified as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). In 2020, stated United States CAUTI infection rates were estimated at 0.754 per 1000 catheter days1 (with higher rates in ICUs). CAUTI is associated with an adjusted incremental total hospital cost of $9,807 (p<0.0001) and increased length of stay of 3.01 days2 (p<0.0001). This study examines staff compliance with known CAUTI best practices. A quantitative, causal- comparative approach was utilized. All patients (n=119) had an indwelling foley catheter. The independent variables were the individual clinical units each patient was assigned to. The dependent variable was adherence to the CAUTI Prevention Bundle best practices. Best practices included proper removal protocol and catheter maintenance (ensuring an unobstructed flow). Initially, a MANOVA was used to compare differences across groups. For a statistically significant criteria one way ANOVA contrasts were conducted. There were statistically significant findings as evidenced by Wilk’s Λ (36, 472) = 0.53, p<0.0005. One-way ANOVA contrasts identified two statistically significant differences: 1) Less than half of employees (48%) were adhering to best practice guidelines for catheter removal protocol (p< 0.02); and 2) Employees (71%) were compliant with best practices for catheter care (p< 0.005). It was chilling to note that less than half of employees (48%) complied with the catheter removal process. This information is the first of its kind in CAUTI and may assist policymakers and other key stakeholders in Florida—and nationally—in identifying, designing and implementing strategies to promote best practices.

Teens And Technology Leverage Health Information Technology, Joshua Gerges, Emily Gerges, Lauren Rielly Mcconnell, Lauren Rae Selent

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Adolescents seeking health information have multiple sources including physicians, families, schools, organized activities outside of school, “the street” and the Internet. Teens struggle to decide which sources provide them with information that is understandable, particularly related to potentially risky health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to better understand how high-school students use electronic tools. A quantitative, causal comparative approach as used to identify differences across groups. The independent variables were the student grade level. The dependent variables were the students’ response to the following questions, Students who utilized: 1) a computer at home 2) the Internet at home; …

Students And Obesity Awareness Shape Health Behaviors, Joshua Gerges, Emily Gerges, Lauren Rielly Mcconnell, Lauren Rae Selent

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Per the World Health Organization, obesity refers to an excessive fat accumulation posing a risk to one’s health. A body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 identifies individuals as overweight. BMI’s greater than 30 denotes obesity and associated with heightened mortality risk.1,2 A causal comparative design was used to identify difference across groups. The independent variable was the students grade level. The dependent variables were the students’ response to the following questions. Students who: 1) consider obesity a national health problem; 2) have been on a weight loss diet in the last year; 3) exercise 3X a week; 4) consume …

Reducing Expenses Through Digital Innovation Among Medicare Advantage Plans, Stanley Y. Huang, Jada N. Faircloth, Lauren R. Selent, Lauren R. Mcconnell

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

The United States healthcare system is approaching unsustainable cost levels. Within the next ten years Medicare Advantage plans face potential insolvency. Medicare Advantage plans are expanding, and many receive priority over patient care and physician payments yet operating without meaningful accountability. Many of these rising costs affect quality and lead to increased overhead expenses. 1, 2 The purpose of this project was to examine whether replacing traditional methods with safe, timely, and HIPAA-compliant digital innovation would lower cost and maximize outcomes. A quantitative, causal- comparative design was used to identify differences across groups. The independent variable was fiscal year, and …

Leveraging Patient Satisfaction In The Hospital Admission & Parking Processes, Leila Joyce Babb, Manasa Jaishankar, Lauren Rae Selent, Lauren Reilly Mcconnell

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of healthcare quality. Patient expectations and experiences during healthcare encounters, such as the admission process, strongly influence perceived quality of care and overall satisfaction with hospital services.[^1  ]Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of healthcare quality. Limited healthcare resources require efficient and effective process improvement efforts. The purpose of this study is to examine patient satisfaction with the hospital admission and parking processes at a multi-hospital system in Tampa-Bay. A quantitative, causal-comparative design was used to identify differences across groups. The independent variable was the floor the patient was assigned to. The dependent variables …

Emerging Technology In Leptospirosis Testing: Comparison And Future Directions, Ashley Kassay, Mallory Caldwell

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Leptospirosis is an under-recognized zoonotic bacterial infection that is responsible for 1 million cases and 60,000 deaths globally every year. With vague symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose in early stages, and if left undiagnosed, it is highly fatal. To prevent late diagnosis, there must be research into improving testing methods, especially with respect to countries with limited resources. The following will compare emerging technologies in leptospirosis testing, such as CRISPR, LAMP, microfluidic-based paper device, and photothermal immunosensing, with traditional testing methods such as MAT and PCR. Comparing biomarkers, sample type and amount, time, sensitivity, point-of-care ability, this research determined …

Leveraging Healthcare Providers Responsiveness To Patient Needs, Kevin R. Garcia, Lauren R. Mcconnell, Lauren R. Selent

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Patient satisfaction is viewed as a vital key driver that holds significant importance for healthcare leaders. The healthcare arena is continually evolving and marked by advancements in medical technologies with emphasis on patient-centered care. The patient experience is recognized as the drivers of healthcare quality.1 The purpose of this study was to examine patients’ perceptions of ‘timeliness’ by clinical unit. A quantitative, causal-comparative design was used to identify differences across groups. The independent variable was the clinical unit to which the patient was assigned. The dependent variables were the patients responses to survey questions including: 1) Pain medication administered timely; …

Crossing The Quality Chasm With Accommodations Among Hospitalized Patients, Sarieli Lakshmi Sribhashyam, Erica Mainenti Lima, Lauren Rae Selent, Lauren Reilly Mcconnell

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

The healthcare landscape has evolved significantly over time, placing greater emphasis on patient-centered care as a fundamental component of effective healthcare delivery. High levels of patient satisfaction contribute to improved perceptions of care, stronger trust in physicians, better treatment compliance, reduced errors, greater staff satisfaction, and ultimately improved clinical outcomes and provider profitability. While factors such as hospital environment and sanitation remain essential in shaping these outcomes.¹ The purpose of this study is to examine patient satisfaction regarding ‘accommodations’ in their hospital room. A quantitative, causal-comparative design was used to identify differences across groups. A Multi Variate Analysis of …

Investigating The Role Of The Gut Microbiome In Modulating Immune Responses To Infections, Abhinav Muthiraparambath, Matthew Guzie, Matthew Lim, Aryan Sharma, Julia Mendez, Irelis Orlando, Archi Patel

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Increasing evidence links the gut microbiome to immune regulation, homeostasis, and infectious outcomes. Although gut dysbiosis is associated with impaired immune responses, the mechanisms linking microbial imbalance to immune dysfunction and diseases remain under-investigated. This study aims to investigate how changes in the gut microbiome contribute to immune dysfunction and disease progression, and whether biomarkers can improve the prediction of disease outcomes and therapeutic responses. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies explaining the relationship between gut microbiome dysbiosis and immune dysfunction. This was conducted by searching select words such as ‘Gut microbiome’, ‘Gut dysbiosis’, and ‘microbial …

The Invasive Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura Similis): Insights From Diet, Parasites, And Genetics, Spence Gerber, Andre Aquino, Valentin Basarevskij, Abigail Pal

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

The Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis), native to Mexico and Central America, is invasive to Florida following its introduction in the 1980s. Research on C. similis integrates anatomical examination, parasite identification, genetic characterization, and gut content analysis to better understand its ecological impact. Specimens culled by authorized agencies were utilized as a source of otherwise unused biological samples. To date, nearly 30 carcasses have been dissected, yielding data on diet and endoparasite fauna as well as providing insight into the species’ potential effects on native ecosystems through resource competition and predation. Although their identification has been problematic, a …

Type 2 Diabetes As A Predictor Of Fibrosis And Mortality In Mafld: A Literature Review, Abrahim Khan, Guna Krita Ranjith Kumar, Lara Santa Cruz, Ahmed Kandil, Muhamed Jaber, Ryan Singh

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a leading driver of progressive liver fibrosis and premature mortality. However, MAFLD is clinically heterogeneous, comprising three distinct metabolic sub-phenotypes: obesity- driven, diabetes-driven, and metabolically dysregulated. Whether specific sub-phenotypes confer differential risk of fibrosis progression and mortality remains unclear. To identify which MAFLD sub-phenotype is associated with the greatest risk of advanced liver fibrosis and all-cause mortality through review of existing literature. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed with search terms “liver fibrosis,” “metabolic dysfunction,” “cardiovascular,” “diabetes,” and “obesity,” yielding 151 papers screened. Articles not explicitly addressing MAFLD or published more …

Benefits Of Art Therapy On Quality Of Life In Middle Aged Women With Gynecological And/Or Breast Cancer, Rylee N. Diehl, Iman Ahmed, Piper S. Bell, Lamya Moore, Giada Anastasi, Constanza Bravo Rodriguez, Taylor Edmondson

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Art therapy involves the use of art representations in clinical and mental health care. Art mediums such as painting, dance, and movement can be interventions for diagnoses such as gynecological or breast cancer (GBC). GBC incidence is highest among women 45-65, and art therapy has shown potential to improve their quality of life (QoL). Art therapy’s impact on QoL is often assessed by measuring physical and mental health, coping and adjustment capabilities, healthcare relationships, and social life. Using the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted with an initial 181 articles extracted from multiple journals of psychology. A final selection …

Gender Differences In The Diagnosis Of Narcissistic Personality Disorder: The Role Of Vulnerable Narcissism And Clinical Judgment, Shreya Patel, Marvel Abdelmalak, Madison Dumerlin, Deeley Nice, Forat Waleed, Arjun Tummala

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition categorized into grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Current guidelines used to evaluate NPD include the ICD-11 and DSM, however, the accuracy of their results is arguable. NPD presents differently in males vs. females which may lead to misdiagnosis. This study reviews how clinician judgements are influenced by the gender-based differences in the presentation of narcissistic traits while using current diagnostic guidelines, aiming to understand the misdiagnosis of NPD when the traits are less grandiose. A literature review was conducted through PubMed using the search terms: (“Narcissistic Personality Disorder” OR narcissism) AND (“gender differences” …

Circadian Regulation Of Viral Replication And Immune Responses: Implications For Covid-19 And Other Viral Infections, Carolina Santa Cruz, Saanvi Dhala, Raneen Daoud, Arianna Skevington-Olivera, Ruhani Dashmesh, Arjun Tummala

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Circadian rhythms are 24-hour biological cycles regulating sleep, metabolism, and immune activity. Recent research shows circadian clock genes can influence immune responses. Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and influenza show clock genes regulate viral entry, replication, and immune signaling. However, their role in infection risk, immune defense, replication dynamics, and disease outcomes remains undefined. This study evaluates how circadian rhythms regulate viral replication and immune responses in COVID-19 and other viral infections. This review utilized PubMed to identify articles from the past five years using the terms “(immunity) AND (circadian) AND (viruses OR virus OR viral).”After reviewing 149 abstracts, 44 peer-reviewed articles …

The (P)Ppgpp Conundrum: Bacterial Gamblers And Bet-Hedgers Cash Out On Antibiotic Resistance, Jacob M. Hard, Oscar Colin-Castruita

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, contributing to an estimated 4.95 million deaths associated with bacterial AMR in 2019. A key regulator of bacteria’s stringent stress response is the alarmone phosphorylated guanosines (p)ppGpp which shuts down most cell processes preserving survival. Firstly, bacteria exposed to DNA-damaging antibiotics undergo SOS (Save Our Soul) response promoting the formation of a “gambler” sub-population. Recent work suggests that (p)ppGpp binding to RNA polymerase influences SOS signaling in these gambler cells which initiate error-prone DNA repair to promote mutations to evolve and survive DNA damaging stress. Secondly, upon exposure to lethal doses …

Effectiveness Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions In Treating Behavioral Addictions, Arjun Tummala, Eshal Farhan, Tina Zhang, Ayesha Menon, Harshini Janapaty

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Behavioral addictions are non-substance compulsive disorders creating urges to engage with actions such as gambling and internet gaming disorder (IGD). Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) use conscious awareness of the present to improve both mental and physical health. However, their long-term effectiveness remains unclear compared to other therapies. This literature review explores how the use of MBIs, compared to other therapeutic techniques, help adults and adolescents struggling with behavioral addictions. A systematic screening of peer-reviewed articles was conducted using PubMed. Of 135 articles published from 2021-2026, “mindfulness”/“meditation”, “behavioral addiction”/”gambling”/“gaming disorder”/“internet”, and “long-term”/“relapse”, only studies that explored MBIs for behavioral addiction with experimental …

Gender Differences In The Diagnosis Of Narcissistic Personality Disorder: The Role Of Vulnerable Narcissism And Clinical Judgment, Shreya Patel, Marvel Abdelmalak, Madison Dumerlin, Deeley Nice, Forat Waleed, Arjun Tummala, Amanda Janner

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition categorized into grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Current guidelines used to evaluate NPD include the ICD-11 and DSM, however, the accuracy of their results is arguable. NPD presents differently in males vs. females which may lead to misdiagnosis. This study reviews how clinician judgements are influenced by the gender-based differences in the presentation of narcissistic traits while using current diagnostic guidelines, aiming to understand the misdiagnosis of NPD when the traits are less grandiose. A literature review was conducted through PubMed using the search terms: (“Narcissistic Personality Disorder” OR narcissism) AND (“gender differences” …

Examining The Effects Of Music Rhythm And Harmony On Emotional Arousal, Rebecca Nieves, Ioana Vasilescu, Srigopika Vibhavari Adiraju, Jakab Kabai, Chandler Castillon

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Music has long been acknowledged for its influence on the mind, most notably in its capacity to elicit measurable changes in emotional arousal. A stimulus will induce emotional arousal, or activation, that can be assessed through physiological measures (e.g., heart rate and brain activity) or self-reported emotional levels. While music’s emotional effects are established, the roles of features such as rhythm and harmony remain unclear. Harmony is created when sounds are united together, and rhythm is the pattern of music over time. This review examines how these influence emotional arousal, which may have relevance in music therapy development. The study …

Adherence To Mediterranean Diet Vs. Western Diet And Its Effects On Gut Microbiota And Inflammatory Bowel Disease Outcomes, Sarah K. Ziegler, James T. Oh, Lukas Farley, Dawid Boc, Marolina Binyamen

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition resulting from genetics, gut microbiome, and environment. Diet plays a key role in IBD with research linking the Western Diet (WD), high in saturated fats and refined sugars, to rising IBD cases, and the Mediterranean Diet (MD), rich in fiber and antioxidants, to reduced patient symptoms. This review compares the WD and MD to assess how dietary patterns affect the gut microbiota and IBD patients. An organized literature search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Web of Science to determine the effects each diet has on the gut microbiota and IBD …

Benefits Of Community Paramedicine In Reducing Health Disparities In Underserved Populations, Ahmi Z. Santiago-Turner, Rhod'ann Belizaire, Mirjam Almasi, Dorothy Estrada, Inioluwa Fatimilehin, Lucrecia Sanchez-Perez, Tinashe Sandy, Tracy Chen, Savannah Woods

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

The implementation of EMS in the U.S. has improved access to healthcare, but led to an increasing reliance on emergency services. To combat this, Community Paramedicine has been implemented to expand the capabilities of paramedics and to improve care for underserved populations.

A systematic review examined the potential benefits of Community Paramedicine Programs on underserved communities with the hypothesis that it would lead to a reduction in EMS utilization. Using Rayyan’s software, 698 articles were screened. 5 articles were selected using search strings, and 5 were found through related article links.

Despite heterogeneous study designs, Community Paramedicine showed mixed but …

Ai-Enabled Food As Medicine In Hospitality: Children’S Wellness Menus, Guest Perceptions, And Service Design, Isabella Fonte

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Dietary management plays a crucial role in alleviating symptoms of chronic health conditions, yet accessible, credible resources remain underutilized. This project focuses on collecting and standardizing online recipes designed to support individuals managing ailments through nutrition, emphasizing that these recipes provide foundational dietary guidance rather than curative solutions. For instance, recipes targeting heart disease consistently prioritize whole grains, low-fat proteins, and vegetables, offering structured starting points for those navigating dietary changes. Our methodology involves identifying credible sources that meet specific criteria: nutrition information, dietary tags, serving sizes, preparation and cooking times, and detailed instructions to name a few. Selected recipes …