Digital Commons Network^™

Advancing Oral Cancer Screening Through Deep Learning Models: A Systematic Review, Austin D. Miner, Kamran Awan

Annual Research Symposium

Objectives: This review aims to critically evaluate current evidence on the application of deep learning in oral cancer screening, with a focus on its effectiveness in early detection, diagnostic accuracy, and potential to improve patient outcomes.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and National Institute of Health (NIH). The reviewers used various MeSH terms identifying titles and abstracts relevant to the study. Screening criteria included: peer-reviewed original articles, literature written in English, human-based studies, and publications of literature from 2020 to 2025. Full text articles of the selected literature were evaluated …

Relationships Between Clinical Symptom Scales And Eeg Biomarkers In Oud Patients, Jess Delange, Benjamin M. Latey, John Glinski, Braden Ashcraft, Jasmine Pannu, Cassidy Beatty, Lauren Knudson, Benjamin Chafetz, Bryan Fugal, Patrick Tanner Brain, N P. Griffin, Christopher Gowans, Amanda Brandaris, Amanda Page, Blake D. Harris, Sophia Delgado, Lorissa Thorpe, Kyle Bills, Andrew Payne

Annual Research Symposium

This poster examines the relationship between clinical symptom scales and electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers in patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Participants from inpatient substance use treatment facilities completed validated mental health and withdrawal assessments, including the COWS, PHQ-9, HAM-A, and ASRS followed by cognitive testing while undergoing 19-lead EEG recording.

Preliminary findings indicate that synthetic opioid use is associated with prolonged P300 response latency across brain regions, suggesting measurable neurophysiologic differences tied to substance type and addiction severity. The study explores how EEG metrics may complement subjective symptom reporting to provide more objective markers of addiction status, co-morbid psychiatric burden, …

The A1 Segment Of The Anterior Cerebral Artery: A Systematic Review Of Cadaveric Morphometry Studies, Marlena Muszynska, Emily Awdish, Afua Osei-Wusu, Parker Ballard

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The P1 Segment Of The Posterior Cerebral Artery: A Systematic Review Of Cadaveric Morphometry Studies, Marlena Muszynska, Afua Osei-Wusu, Emily Awdish, Parker Ballard

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Review Of Methodological Practices In Cadaveric Cerebral Arterial Morphometry: Variability In Contemporary Protocols (2015-2025), Marlena Muszynska, Emily Awdish, Afua Osei-Wusu, Parker Ballard

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Nicotine's Influence On The Oral Microbiome: Harm Reduction Or Hidden Risk?, Trevor Ward, Kamran Awan

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Orthodontic Trial Transparency Audit: Automated Registry To Publication Linkage And Outcome-Switching Signals In Registered Rcts, Stephen P. Osman, Frank Licari, Shankargouda Patil, Shilpa Bhandi

Annual Research Symposium

Objective: To quantify transparency gaps in orthodontic randomized controlled trials by linking trial registry records to publications and characterizing timing of registration, publication delay, and selective outcome reporting signals using automated text-based methods.
Methods: A retrospective computational audit was designed around trial registries (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov and other major registries used in orthodontics) and bibliographic records. Registry entries marked completed were programmatically screened for publication linkage using identifier matching (e.g., registration IDs) and document-similarity approaches aligned with prior registry-publication linkage research. Trial-level transparency indicators included (i) prospective vs retrospective registration, (ii) completion to publication lag, (iii) presence/absence of posted results in …

Efficacy Of The Ai-Powered Research Platform Elicit In Generating Systematic Literature Reviews, Jasmine K. Pannu, Alfred Amendolara, Andrew Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Ai Applications In Assessing Risk For Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review, Grant O. Korte, Claudia M. Tellez Freitas

Annual Research Symposium

Objectives:

The goal of this systematic review is to examine the impact of using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict a patient’s risk level for periodontal disease by analyzing proven systemic health diseases linked to periodontitis. This is being done by primarily focusing on prevention and early diagnosis using machine learning programs that have been proven effective in other fields of periodontitis research.

Methods:

To conduct this study, a comprehensive literature review of journals published after 2020 was performed through four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Dentistry and Oral Science Source. The search was completed in adherence …

Mapping The Unexpected: Aberrant Celiac Trunk Origination With Atypical Splenic Artery Bifurcation, David A. Delano, Fernando D. Gonzalez, Franco R. Ramos, Parker J. Ballard

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Imaging In Acute Neurovascular Emergencies: Optimizing Outcomes In Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke, Chandu Goli, Rohit Patel, Elliott Beard, Anna Liles, Saeed Saleh, Aleeza Namit, Alissa Ongaco, Kevin Steed Ph.D.

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose:

Large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and patient outcomes are strongly influenced by rapid identification and timely reperfusion. Advances in acute neurovascular imaging have transformed stroke care by enabling precise patient selection, extending treatment windows, and accelerating clinical workflows. The purpose of this project is to evaluate how modern neurovascular imaging strategies influence treatment selection, workflow efficiency, and clinical outcomes in patients with acute LVO stroke.

Methods:

A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published within the past decade was conducted. The review focused on CT-based imaging (non-contrast CT, CT angiography, CT …

Use Of Kcc2 Dna Plasmid Transfection To Modulate Chloride Homeostasis In Cultured Dopamine-Neuron Like Cells, Jacqueline N. Farolan Ms., Ashlee Szwedko, Mason Terry, Andrew Payne Phd., Dario Mizrachi Phd.

Annual Research Symposium

Potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) works in opposition to Na-K-Cl cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) to maintain low intracellular chloride concentrations in neurons. In immature neurons, there are high levels of NKCC1 and low levels of KCC2, which creates a high intracellular chloride concentration. Increased KCC2, therefore decreased chloride concentration, creates a GABA switch, switching immature neurons to mature neurons. This changes the activity of GABA from excitatory to inhibitory. Decreased KCC2 has been found to be correlated with reward seeking behaviors in the dopaminergic circuitry. Our study aims to artificially upregulate KCC2 and therefore decrease chloride concentrations in neurons. In the future, …

Epimedin A Prevents Glioblastoma Growth And Invasion, Michael B. Mildner, Erick A. Zecena

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Lessons From A Scoping, Librarian-Assisted Literature Review: How Lgbtq+ People Experience Institutions Of Health, Samuel S. N. Theesfeld, Erica Schorr

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Those that identify as a sexual and gender minority, that is, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other appropriate term (LGBTQ+), experience life, health, and healthcare that is rich in multiplicity. As nurses and health professionals, the narratives of our patients are indeed paramount. Whether it’s the political marginalization of gay people, the increase in U.S. domestic hate crimes, or the fragility and minority stress in which sexual minority men in Tajikistan receive healthcare, our call to understand this population remains consistent.^1-5 This call was explored by the primary author in a scoping literature review that was conducted …

The Impact Of E-Cigarettes: A Review Of Risks And Emerging Evidence, Alexander Girgis, Kamran H. Awan Dr

Annual Research Symposium

Abstract Body:

Objectives: This review aims to examine the overall effects of e-cigarettes on oral health, including its associations with xerostomia, dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, NIH, and MDPI, analyzing many studies published between 2010-2025. Inclusion criteria consisted of peer-reviewed human and in-vitro studies that evaluated the oral effects of e-cigarettes. Studies were screened for correlation to caries formation, salivary changes, mucosal alterations, microbiome disruptions, and carcinogenic potential.

Results: A total of fifteen studies were included. Findings across studies showed that e-cigarettes reduce salivary flow rates and …

Resilience In Young People Living With Hiv In Low To Middle-Income Countries: A Critical Review, Lily R. Bastian

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS, 2023), 39 million people globally were living with HIV, and 1.3 million people became infected in 2022. Of those, 27% were young people (ages 15-24), including 210,000 young women and 140,000 young men. HIV is an expanding epidemic despite an overall reduction in the annual incidence percentage and the significant strides that have been made towards prevention of transmission and treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Low to middle-income countries (LMICs) are especially vulnerable to the HIV/AIDs epidemic. The identification and promotion of resilience factors could play a crucial role …

Autoimmune Encephalitis: The Psychological Impact Of Brain Inflammation, Ophelia Hyde

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE) is a disease in which the cells of the immune system attack the brain, causing inflammation also known as encephalitis. Brain Inflammation diminishes its proper functioning and can severely impact basic processing skills. The presentation of AE is difficult to identify, because it varies depending on the antibodies involved and the location of inflammation. Autoimmune encephalitis can gradually worsen over time, and can even be fatal. The disease is rare, but as diagnosis methods improve, more and more cases are being discovered. Autoimmune Encephalitis has been found to be more common in women than men. There …

Stress Management And Resiliency Program For Accelerated Bsn Students In A Dedicated Education Unit, Marcela Alvarez-Lazo

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: About 12-25% of newly graduated nurses will leave nursing within the first-year post-graduation. These statistics surrounding nursing retention are alarming and are not expected to improve, as 900,000 nurses are projected to depart from nursing by the year 2027. Addressing the underlying issues are critical in making a real impact to increase retention.

Aim: This quality improvement project aims to integrate a Stress Management and Resiliency. Program for accelerated BSN nursing students. The project aims to apply a CBT-based program to increase the knowledge of principles of stress and resilience for nursing students and preceptors, decrease stress, increase resilience, …

Caregiving Experiences Of Latino And Caucasian Dementia Caregivers Amid Pandemic, Alexis Ross

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

More than 6.7 million American older adults are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementias (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023). Caregivers for community dwelling persons living with dementia (PWD) are usually family members such as a spouse or offspring. Resources such as adult day care centers, in-home supportive services, and family support groups were widely used before the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the California ‘Stay-At-Home’ administrative order during the early pandemic, such necessary support services were forced to close.

The purpose of this study was to identify similarities and differences in caregiving experiences between Latino caregivers and non-Hispanic White caregivers of community dwelling persons …

The Effects Of Patient Care In Relation To Toxic Workplace Environments, Kayla Fitzgerald

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: Bullying in the workplace setting is a significant issue that can severely impact one’s career. Bullying can be demonstrated in several forms- such as verbal abuse, isolation, intimidation, and physical harm. Specific to nursing practice, workplace bullying is shown to have negative effects on mental health, patient care, and overall job satisfaction. While there are no definite means that organizations will take complete action towards this ongoing issue, several implementations can be instilled to reduce the incidence of workplace bullying.

Methods: In this project, studies of negative work environments, specifically workplace bullying, and patient care were critiqued and synthesized. …

Exploring The Impact Of Intersectional Identity On Maternal Morbidity/Birth Outcomes Among Afro-Latinas In Florida, Alexa Parra, Cynthia Lebron, Michaela Larson, Yue Pan, Jonell Potter, Hudson Santos

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: The “Hispanic/Latina Paradox" is a phenomenon where Latina women and their infants have perinatal and birth outcomes similar to those of White women. This is often seen as a protective mechanism that helps reduce maternal health inequities. However, this paradox overlooks the fact that there are different subgroups of Latina women, including Afro-Latinas, who are often neglected when addressing racial disparities related to perinatal birth outcomes in the US. The intersectionality of multiple minority identities may put Afro-Latinas at a disadvantage in terms of perinatal health outcomes.

Objective: Determine differences in maternal morbidity, including pregnancy-related hypertension and diabetes, and …

Screening For Postpartum Depression At A Suburban Chiropractic Clinic, Emma Stedronsky, Mary Degrote Goering

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: The pregnancy and postpartum period are crucial times to evaluate for mental health conditions. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that providers screen for perinatal and postpartum depression (PPD) at least once during pregnancy and once during the postpartum period using a validated screening tool. A chiropractic clinic in the upper Midwestern United States identified an anecdotal increase in mental health concerns in their pregnant and postpartum patient population since the COVID-19 pandemic. This project utilized interprofessional collaboration by implementing PPD screening at a chiropractic office according to the recommended guidelines using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression …

Prediction Of Methane Gas By Using Hyperspectral Imageries And Remote Sensing Techniques, Aysha Ali Alharmasi Alhajeri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Greenhouse gases is important for sustaining life on earth as well as in mitigating climate change. Methane (CH4) is considered as one of the most important critical gases for the global climate change and have significant influences on our life. Accordingly, the prediction of this greenhouse gas emissions is very important for avoiding the climate change effects and to maintain environmental sustainability. The objective of this study is to explore the potential applications for remote sensing to predict methane levels in the Earth’s atmosphere with a combination of local ground data and data from hyperspectral satellite imagery. By using hyperspectral …

Periocular Photodamage: Dermatologic Conditions With Ocular Implications, Anna Liles, Sara Mcmahon, Bon Jae Koo

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Periocular Cutaneous Changes In Chronic Topical Glaucoma Therapy, Anna Liles, Lauren Pineda, Alex Niemann, Sara Mcmahon

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Off-Label Use Of Tirzepatide To Reduce Alcohol And Nicotine Consumption: A Randomized Control Trial, Yvannia Gray, Benjamin Latey, Hayden Mcaffee, Karissa Mccown, Leon Boyles, Sanjana Pothuraju, Andrew Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Physical Activity And Diet On The Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 2 In The Central Nervous System: A Literature Review, Benjamin M. Latey, Dustin Bowers, Andrew J. Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Accuracy Of Salivary Mmp-8 Testing For Periodontitis In Patients With Type Ii Diabetes, Piper Collins, Claudia Freitas

Annual Research Symposium

This paper investigates the accuracy of salivary biomarker testing in patients with type II diabetes

Regulatory Signal Mining Of Orthodontic Device Adverse Events: A Maude-Derived Taxonomy And Severity Triage For Clear Aligners And Fixed Appliances, Nazmi Duka, Dana Faghih, Shankargouda Patil, Shilpa Bhandi, Frank Licari

Annual Research Symposium

Objective: To build and validate a practical, orthodontics-specific adverse event taxonomy and severity triage framework using publicly available regulatory narratives, enabling rapid surveillance of high-risk event patterns across clear aligners and common orthodontic appliances.
Methods: A retrospective computational audit was conducted using U.S. FDA MAUDE medical device report narratives related to orthodontic appliances, with a focus on clear aligners (including Invisalign and direct-to-consumer sequential aligners). Narrative reports were normalized and grouped into clinically interpretable event families (airway compromise, hypersensitivity/allergic reactions, ingestion/aspiration, soft-tissue injury, periodontal/tooth injury, and occlusal/bite changes). A lightweight natural-language processing pipeline (keyword+pattern rules with clinician-informed adjudication) was used …

Txa In Dentistry, Valeria Coronilla, Jaime Cabrera-Pardo

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.